Joshua 1:8 NLT Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
I gotta admit that I have been challenged in keeping in the Word while we've been on vacation. I've tried to allow myself to relax and sleep in a little here and there, but there have been a few days where I have not gotten my daily allotment of being in the Word. While things have been ok, I'm not maintaining the flow like I have in the past.
Joshua 1:8 includes the word conitnually. I'm not sure that continually in any way has room for a break. When you are in the Word you are Kingdom minded and you are focused on His work for you, not on your circumstances. When you get your eyes on the circumstances or on your needs or what somebody said about you or how they responded to you that's when you you will find yourself dropping down to a lower existence.
Stay in Word. Stay in the Flow. Stay full to Overflow so that you can do the ministry that God has called you to.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Love Your Children
Proverbs 13:24 NLT Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Proverbs 22:15 KJV Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
I had an interesting interaction last night with my oldest son in which he was standing on his grandparents good living room furniture like it was our basement playroom furniture. I gave him a swift warning that he was to get down and that behavior wasn't acceptable. After waiting for a response of him obeying that command there was no movement to follow that word, so I told him yet again in the same firm but low tone of voice that he was to get down.
Then after that was not followed, I said a third time in a more raised voice with a sharper tone to get down off of the furniture, to which he quickly complied and then got upset at the way that I spoke to him and said that he didn't like it when I talked to him that way. I told him that I didn't like having to talk to him that way, but that it was necessary because he didn't follow the direction the previous two times I gave it. After he left, I told his grandpa that I truly don't like having to do that, but it does say in Proverbs that a man who spares the rod, hates his child.
I think that one of the most difficult tasks in parenting is disciplining your children. I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, so if I sound like a rookie or a novice, please forgive me. My wife and I have struggled in this area and haven't always seen eye to eye on methods and thresholds of what behavior to discipline. We are learning as we walk through this and believe that a child has security in a home where the boundaries are very clear.
Beyond the notes on disciplining of children falls into the child of God's discipline in being a doer of the Word of God. As the Bible give instruction in parenting, we are to follow the instructions given. How willing are you to do the Word in your daily life. A child's willingness to follow directions usually falls in line with what they see and hear in the home as a parent models submission to authority themselves. I've heard pastor says several times that if a child hears a parent talk about the unfairness of a boss and how they do things behind their bosses back, the children will think that kind of behavior is what needs to get done when they don't feel like following the rules.
We parents set the example. The best example we can set is our willingness to submit to authorities and especially the Word of God. We do well to do this so as not to set roadblocks in our children's lives. This is good as I've needed a reminder in this area.
Proverbs 22:15 KJV Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
I had an interesting interaction last night with my oldest son in which he was standing on his grandparents good living room furniture like it was our basement playroom furniture. I gave him a swift warning that he was to get down and that behavior wasn't acceptable. After waiting for a response of him obeying that command there was no movement to follow that word, so I told him yet again in the same firm but low tone of voice that he was to get down.
Then after that was not followed, I said a third time in a more raised voice with a sharper tone to get down off of the furniture, to which he quickly complied and then got upset at the way that I spoke to him and said that he didn't like it when I talked to him that way. I told him that I didn't like having to talk to him that way, but that it was necessary because he didn't follow the direction the previous two times I gave it. After he left, I told his grandpa that I truly don't like having to do that, but it does say in Proverbs that a man who spares the rod, hates his child.
I think that one of the most difficult tasks in parenting is disciplining your children. I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, so if I sound like a rookie or a novice, please forgive me. My wife and I have struggled in this area and haven't always seen eye to eye on methods and thresholds of what behavior to discipline. We are learning as we walk through this and believe that a child has security in a home where the boundaries are very clear.
Beyond the notes on disciplining of children falls into the child of God's discipline in being a doer of the Word of God. As the Bible give instruction in parenting, we are to follow the instructions given. How willing are you to do the Word in your daily life. A child's willingness to follow directions usually falls in line with what they see and hear in the home as a parent models submission to authority themselves. I've heard pastor says several times that if a child hears a parent talk about the unfairness of a boss and how they do things behind their bosses back, the children will think that kind of behavior is what needs to get done when they don't feel like following the rules.
We parents set the example. The best example we can set is our willingness to submit to authorities and especially the Word of God. We do well to do this so as not to set roadblocks in our children's lives. This is good as I've needed a reminder in this area.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Simple Gifts
2 Corinthians 1:12 NKJV For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
Expounding on the contrast of Jesus the mighty King versus Jesus the baby born in humble circumstances, I've been considering simple gifts. When I was a freshman in college we sang an arrangement by the King's Singers (ironically enough) of Simple Gifts - I'm not really speaking to the text of that song at all, but more so to the power of a simple gift given under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
When I consider giving a gift to someone for a birthday or Christmas or just as inspired, I consider that person and my relationship with them. I consider their interests, goals, dreams, hobbies, etc that I have discussed with them in the time that I have spent with them. As I do this and spend some time with that, inspiration invariably comes to me about something fun and interesting and hopefully useful that would be encouraging and uplifting to the recipient.
Sometimes (not all of the time) it is the most insignificant item that can carry substantial meaning. To someone not in that relationship between friends or family a particular item doesn't seem to have much value. Say for instance a music CD. Itself has very little value, but perhaps two friends several years ago went to concert together and had a most memorable time together and then for whatever reason these friends lose contact. As one friend is going through their day, they remember that that day is the other friend's birthday and gets to thinking about their relationship and remembers the concert. This friend then purchases a CD of the group that they saw and sends it to the other friend with a warm note. The value of this gift goes well beyond the simple value of the CD itself to it being a key that opens up something much bigger and more valuable. Potentially lifting up the other person when they are having a particularly down day, week, month or year.
The gist of what I'm trying to get to is that it doesn't take an expensive and grand gesture to get a grand response or return. If we can listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we walk out our days, a relatively simple act, can absolutely change someone's world. Perhaps you'll be in line at the coffee shop tomorrow and get a nudge to buy a stranger their coffee. You may not know it but you kick starting their day like that might put them in a mood to not want to fire that employee that day at work when something happens.
The empowerment of the grace of God allows you and I to be used to mighty things in the Kingdom of God. These mighty things take place when enabled by the simple, seemingly most insignificant things taking place in our every day lives. Practice tomorrow by carrying around in the your pocket blessing seeds of encouraging words that in various situations you bless folks all along your path. Keep doing that and your life will be lived in the fruit of the blessing seeds that you have cast and come to harvest.
Expounding on the contrast of Jesus the mighty King versus Jesus the baby born in humble circumstances, I've been considering simple gifts. When I was a freshman in college we sang an arrangement by the King's Singers (ironically enough) of Simple Gifts - I'm not really speaking to the text of that song at all, but more so to the power of a simple gift given under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
When I consider giving a gift to someone for a birthday or Christmas or just as inspired, I consider that person and my relationship with them. I consider their interests, goals, dreams, hobbies, etc that I have discussed with them in the time that I have spent with them. As I do this and spend some time with that, inspiration invariably comes to me about something fun and interesting and hopefully useful that would be encouraging and uplifting to the recipient.
Sometimes (not all of the time) it is the most insignificant item that can carry substantial meaning. To someone not in that relationship between friends or family a particular item doesn't seem to have much value. Say for instance a music CD. Itself has very little value, but perhaps two friends several years ago went to concert together and had a most memorable time together and then for whatever reason these friends lose contact. As one friend is going through their day, they remember that that day is the other friend's birthday and gets to thinking about their relationship and remembers the concert. This friend then purchases a CD of the group that they saw and sends it to the other friend with a warm note. The value of this gift goes well beyond the simple value of the CD itself to it being a key that opens up something much bigger and more valuable. Potentially lifting up the other person when they are having a particularly down day, week, month or year.
The gist of what I'm trying to get to is that it doesn't take an expensive and grand gesture to get a grand response or return. If we can listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we walk out our days, a relatively simple act, can absolutely change someone's world. Perhaps you'll be in line at the coffee shop tomorrow and get a nudge to buy a stranger their coffee. You may not know it but you kick starting their day like that might put them in a mood to not want to fire that employee that day at work when something happens.
The empowerment of the grace of God allows you and I to be used to mighty things in the Kingdom of God. These mighty things take place when enabled by the simple, seemingly most insignificant things taking place in our every day lives. Practice tomorrow by carrying around in the your pocket blessing seeds of encouraging words that in various situations you bless folks all along your path. Keep doing that and your life will be lived in the fruit of the blessing seeds that you have cast and come to harvest.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Under the Radar
Luke 2:15-16 KJV And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
I mentioned a couple of days ago that I was curious as to the contrast between the mighty king that is prophesied in Isaiah and the "babe lying in a manger" that is portrayed in modern depictions of the nativity. As I have been focusing on being a kingdom citizen and getting to know my King better, this depiction of such seemingly humble, modest beginnings doesn't balance. But perhaps that is what is so good about it.
As I considered this contract, 1 Corinthians 1:27 popped up in me about how God chooses the foolish to confound the wise. As you go on in the verse it says he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
If we were discussing the prophesies of Isaiah and talking about the government being on his shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Might God....and of His reign will be no end to a Hollywood director how would that screenplay be written? Clearly with a mighty warrior played by Brad Pitt or perhaps The Rock. This king would wield a sword and ride a white stallion across the sands leading an army to battle to establish a new kingdom. How am I doing here? Sound about right? Is this how this actually worked? Not hardly. Instead the King of kings and Lord of lords comes into this word born in a stable and rested comfortably in a feeding trough for livestock filled with hay. If Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar hadn't stopped by, Herod would have had no clue that the one that threatened his reign most was a tiny baby in Bethlehem.
I've got a couple of thoughts to tack onto this in the coming days as I begin to unpack this concept a bit more for myself. It seems that we make such a big deal about how diminutive we make Jesus' beginnings on the earth in our depictions. Consider that this humble beginning was just what was necessary to come in "under the radar" so to speak.
Merry Christmas.
1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
I mentioned a couple of days ago that I was curious as to the contrast between the mighty king that is prophesied in Isaiah and the "babe lying in a manger" that is portrayed in modern depictions of the nativity. As I have been focusing on being a kingdom citizen and getting to know my King better, this depiction of such seemingly humble, modest beginnings doesn't balance. But perhaps that is what is so good about it.
As I considered this contract, 1 Corinthians 1:27 popped up in me about how God chooses the foolish to confound the wise. As you go on in the verse it says he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
If we were discussing the prophesies of Isaiah and talking about the government being on his shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Might God....and of His reign will be no end to a Hollywood director how would that screenplay be written? Clearly with a mighty warrior played by Brad Pitt or perhaps The Rock. This king would wield a sword and ride a white stallion across the sands leading an army to battle to establish a new kingdom. How am I doing here? Sound about right? Is this how this actually worked? Not hardly. Instead the King of kings and Lord of lords comes into this word born in a stable and rested comfortably in a feeding trough for livestock filled with hay. If Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar hadn't stopped by, Herod would have had no clue that the one that threatened his reign most was a tiny baby in Bethlehem.
I've got a couple of thoughts to tack onto this in the coming days as I begin to unpack this concept a bit more for myself. It seems that we make such a big deal about how diminutive we make Jesus' beginnings on the earth in our depictions. Consider that this humble beginning was just what was necessary to come in "under the radar" so to speak.
Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 23, 2011
For Unto Us a Child is Born
Isaiah 9:6 KJV For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 The Message For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
It is the Eve of Christmas Eve - or Christmas Adam as Maddie Newstrom says - because, well of course Adam came before Eve. :)
The hustle and bustle of the season was in full swing this year in our world, but for some reason seems a bit more controlled than previous years. We appear to be in good shape for the next week and half of Christmas and New Year's celebrations with family. There will be much of our favorite foods, opening gifts, children's happy faces, hugs, football (had to throw that in), and time spent with family just being around them and enjoying each other's company.
The scripture that pops up when sitting down tonight is Isaiah 9:6 - particularly the part that says that the government shall be upon his shoulders. This is one of those times where it seems like I don't even have the foggiest idea of what this means. At the most basic level it shows me the sheer strength of this one who would come - almost an Atlas like image - might, authority, rulership seem to be the themes that go with this.
This image seems to be at odds with imagery we have at Christmas of the Christ Child. Sweet, beautiful songs like Away in a Manger and Silent Night lull us into the tenderness of the moment. When you look at the last phrase of the third verse of Silent Night it says "Jesus, Lord at Thy birth". There in that humble stable, a sweet baby boy is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
I'm going into the next couple of days with eyes wide open to the reality of this baby born as my King. I am expectant for the fresh revelation that will come and a newness of the celebration of Christmas.
Isaiah 9:6 The Message For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
It is the Eve of Christmas Eve - or Christmas Adam as Maddie Newstrom says - because, well of course Adam came before Eve. :)
The hustle and bustle of the season was in full swing this year in our world, but for some reason seems a bit more controlled than previous years. We appear to be in good shape for the next week and half of Christmas and New Year's celebrations with family. There will be much of our favorite foods, opening gifts, children's happy faces, hugs, football (had to throw that in), and time spent with family just being around them and enjoying each other's company.
The scripture that pops up when sitting down tonight is Isaiah 9:6 - particularly the part that says that the government shall be upon his shoulders. This is one of those times where it seems like I don't even have the foggiest idea of what this means. At the most basic level it shows me the sheer strength of this one who would come - almost an Atlas like image - might, authority, rulership seem to be the themes that go with this.
This image seems to be at odds with imagery we have at Christmas of the Christ Child. Sweet, beautiful songs like Away in a Manger and Silent Night lull us into the tenderness of the moment. When you look at the last phrase of the third verse of Silent Night it says "Jesus, Lord at Thy birth". There in that humble stable, a sweet baby boy is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
I'm going into the next couple of days with eyes wide open to the reality of this baby born as my King. I am expectant for the fresh revelation that will come and a newness of the celebration of Christmas.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Following Directions
Romans 8:14 KJV For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Allowing your life to spirit led rather than doing your own thing. Humbling yourself before the Lord and seeking direction for your day. Allowing the Lord to guide your steps. His ways are perfect and will lead you into life and peace.
It sounds kinda "out there" to live life in this manner. So how is it done - simply spend time with God in His Word and in prayer on a consistent basis. Build some discipline into your schedule around time with the Lord. After a time you will begin to know Him and you will find yourself having an inclination in a direction here or there or doing this thing or that.
The fruit of this kind of life is that the simplest steps, when God directed, can have a profound impact in the lives of those around you. It will be a significant testimony to the goodness of God and of His love.
Allow yourself to be led - it's a great life.
Allowing your life to spirit led rather than doing your own thing. Humbling yourself before the Lord and seeking direction for your day. Allowing the Lord to guide your steps. His ways are perfect and will lead you into life and peace.
It sounds kinda "out there" to live life in this manner. So how is it done - simply spend time with God in His Word and in prayer on a consistent basis. Build some discipline into your schedule around time with the Lord. After a time you will begin to know Him and you will find yourself having an inclination in a direction here or there or doing this thing or that.
The fruit of this kind of life is that the simplest steps, when God directed, can have a profound impact in the lives of those around you. It will be a significant testimony to the goodness of God and of His love.
Allow yourself to be led - it's a great life.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Importance of Kingdom Mindedness
Romans 8:6 NKJV For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Again and Again being kingdom minded is where it is at. Stay focused on the kingdom. Stay focused on what God's Word says about your situation. Renewing your mind by feeding on the Word of God. Hearing it again and again and letting it roll around in. Life and peace - yes sir - that's the good stuff.
I really like Romans 12:1-2 out of the The Message Bible:
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Be counter-cultural. What does this world want from you?? - to eat you up, chew you up and spit you out when it is done with you. What does God want?? - He has a plan for you. The Word says it is a plan to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a future and a hope (expected end).
It's funny, as I type this I'm reminded of something a co-worker said when referring to what to consider when choosing your allegiance to a particular upper level manager. He said that I should choose carefully who I "hook my wagon to" because as that person goes so do you. I gotta tell you, "hooking your wagon" to God - REALLY GOOD IDEA!! He is definitely going places, oh yeah.
But, Eric, what will people say or think or do when they find out that I am being counter-cultural. You know, at first, your choice might make them pretty uncomfortable with you. You don't have to be deceived into compromising to make them feel better. As God continues to promote and prosper you, you will become a lifeline in your world. You will find doors opening all along your path to share the good news about what is happening in your life. You will be hope to others and someone that can share with your friends and family, etc. What a blessing to be a blessing. OK, so what is today's/tomorrow's kingdom assignment? Let's get after it!
Again and Again being kingdom minded is where it is at. Stay focused on the kingdom. Stay focused on what God's Word says about your situation. Renewing your mind by feeding on the Word of God. Hearing it again and again and letting it roll around in. Life and peace - yes sir - that's the good stuff.
I really like Romans 12:1-2 out of the The Message Bible:
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Be counter-cultural. What does this world want from you?? - to eat you up, chew you up and spit you out when it is done with you. What does God want?? - He has a plan for you. The Word says it is a plan to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a future and a hope (expected end).
It's funny, as I type this I'm reminded of something a co-worker said when referring to what to consider when choosing your allegiance to a particular upper level manager. He said that I should choose carefully who I "hook my wagon to" because as that person goes so do you. I gotta tell you, "hooking your wagon" to God - REALLY GOOD IDEA!! He is definitely going places, oh yeah.
But, Eric, what will people say or think or do when they find out that I am being counter-cultural. You know, at first, your choice might make them pretty uncomfortable with you. You don't have to be deceived into compromising to make them feel better. As God continues to promote and prosper you, you will become a lifeline in your world. You will find doors opening all along your path to share the good news about what is happening in your life. You will be hope to others and someone that can share with your friends and family, etc. What a blessing to be a blessing. OK, so what is today's/tomorrow's kingdom assignment? Let's get after it!
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