Unstoppable Mission-Part 1

This past Sunday, we started a new series entitled "Unstoppable" as we work through the first five chapters of the book of Acts this summer. For many, Acts is considered to be the Acts of the Apostles, but I think it would be more accuately described as the Acts of the Holy Spirit.

Written by Luke, we can view this as a sort of Luke Part 2 in a way. The gospel of Luke tells the life an ministry of Jesus while Acts tells us about the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth and propagation of the church.

Instead of opening with an adrenaline rush like most action movies today, the book of Acts opens slowly telling us about how Jesus appeared to the first believers over a period of 40 days.

After His suffering, He presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 NIV

Knowing the heart of man, Jesus knew the disciples would doubt His resurrection. So over a period of 40 days, Jesus gave the early followers "many convincing proofs" that He was alive. They must have believed that He had risen from the dead because I am sitting here today writing this blog. These men and women were willing to go to their deaths for the cause of Christ...and it all started with the 40 days He spent with them after His resurrection.

Today, many doubt the truth of the Bible or the importance of the church. Do you think it would make a difference if Jesus came and spent 40 days with them? If He ate with them, lived with them, and taught them the truth about themselves?

What about you? Do you have doubts about Jesus? About the Bible? about everything?

Don't let that shake your faith because even the first followers had doubts...but they didn't have the Bible or the Holy Spirit...which we all have today.

How much time do we spend in Bible study and prayer each day? What would happen in your life if you committed to spending 40 days reading the Bible and praying every morning?

Let's find out!! I will be unveiling our "40 Days to Defeat Doubt" Plan this coming Sunday!!

Prayer emphasis: Ask God to revral Himself to you today in His wor and through the power of the Holy Spirit!! Ask Him to truly help you believe!!!

Remembering the heroes of D-Day

Read 2 Kings 3:1-5:27

On June 6, 1944, in the largest military land invasion during World War 2 and in the history of the world for that matter, the Allied forces breached Nazi Europe in what signaled the beginning of the end for the  Nazi forces. This invasion, known as Operation Overlord, involved 150,000 men, 5000 ships, and 11,000 airplanes. 

Years of planning, training, and preparation went into this day, now known as D-Day. With so many moving parts invloved, how did everything work so well together?

Simple obedience to the mission.

Each man had specific orders that were a crucial part of the operation. The commitment of the Allied servicemen to be faithful to their role in the mission won the day. No one demanded a bigger or more important role than their rank would give. Running on Normandy beach that morning one single man could not have been able to see the big picture. But with tens of thousans of men staying true to the plan, the Allied Forces were on their way victory inover the Nazis.

Learning to know and understand one's place and to be obedient to the authorities God has placed in a person's life is an important part of growing up.  "Yes Ma'am" and "No Ma'am" and "Yes sir"  and "No Sir" are some of the most important words a child ever learns to say. 

In this passage, a man named Naaman seems that he hasn't learned any of these lessons. Naaman was an important commander who had been struck with leprosy. Through a servant girl, he learns that there is a prophet of God in Israel who can cure him of his leposy. He comes to see Elisha, but Elisha doesn't personally come out to see him, he sends a servant with specific instructions.

Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy." I Kings 5:10-11 NIV

The commander came seeking healing but refused to follow orders and be obedient to the mission Elisha gave him. Thinking that he was mnore important than he was, Naaman first went away angry because he felt like he had been disrespected by Elisha.

God created you for a special purpose and mission. The Bible is your manual for this life mission. Each and every new day, you must make a decision to be obedient to God's word and stay true to your mission or to disregard your calling and live for yourself. This may be fun for a season, but ultimately you will fail the mission God has given you.

What is the mission God has given you for your life? What is your specific calling?

If the Bible is you mission manual, how obedient are you to the intructions God has given you?

Prayer Emphasis: Ask God today to reveal more of His plan for your life to you. Surrender to this plan and commit to be faithful to the instructions God has given you in the Bible.

The Patience of God

Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

I am blessed to be the father of seven  children, five boys and two girls ranging in age from 15 years old to 2 years old. Each day my life is filled with so much wonder and excitement as my children are discovering their way in this world. Unfortunately, some of this “discovery” includes my children making very poor choices in how they deal with us as parents and how they deal with each other. Especially after a long day, I have a tendency to grow impatient with their arguing and stretching of our house rules.

But once the house is quiet, God has a way of reminding me how much I am like my own children. I think of how I constantly push the limits of what He wants for me, and how I too am in desperate need of mercy. I am humbled by His “unlimited patience” with me, and this humility creates a genuine desire in my heart to have the same kind of patience with those I love the most. God gently reminds me that I am an example of His love towards everyone I spend time with, especially my children.

God, today I am reminded of Your merciful and patient heart towards me. Help me to extend Your love and mercy towards those I love most today. In Jesus’ name, ame

God's Private Office

Read Romans 1:18-24

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- His eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Grand Canyon one weekend while speaking at a retreat in Arizona. As we made the drive up from Prescott, I pictured in my mind what the “big hole” would look like. I had seen pictures and heard stories, and I was excited to finally see for myself.   My wife and I caught our first glimpse as we rounded a corner while approaching the south rim of the canyon. We were speechless. After parking and walking up to the rim of the canyon, we stood in silence as we took it all in.

Later that day, as the sun set over the canyon and the painted desert stretched out in the distance, my heart was filled with praise for God, the Creator of unspeakable beauty. I could not help thinking that it would be hard to deny the existence of God standing at the edge of such a breathtaking view. I reluctantly drove away that day feeling as if I had just met with God in His private office.

God, remind me each day of Your unfailing love through the simple beauty of Your creation. In each sunrise and sunset, river and stream, songbird and sonnet, let me find You in all of Your glory! In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Face of God

Read Numbers 6:24-26

Mothers seem to know how to speak with their facial expressions just as well as they do with real words. Their eyes, the mouths, and their furrowed brows communicate what their hearts and minds are feeling. With just by one look from Mom, children instantly know if they are in trouble or if they have done something really well. 

This well-known passage contains a blessing that the High Priest was to speak over the people of Israel. It makes mention of God’s face two different times.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Part of this blessing is that God will make his face “shine on you” and that God will “turn his face toward you”, both powerful images of God’s love and acceptance of us.

Like children, we should be constantly looking to our Heaven Father’s face to catch a glimpse of His love for us and to experience the peace He has promised.

Who in your family speaks the most with their facial expressions? What do they say?

How does it make your feel to think about God turning His face towards you because He loves you?

Prayer Emphasis: Ask God to let His face shine upon you today!

Too Many Rules!

Read Numbers 19:13-19

Ever since the tragedy of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, airport security has tightened around the country. All of the rules regulations can be frustrating and have made travel more time-consuming, however, without these regulations, where would we be? The rules and regulations are designed for our protection so that days like 9/11 never happen again.

The Bible is also filled with rules and regulations designed for our protection. Consider..

“…when anyone dies in a tent: Anyone who enters the tent and anyone who is in it will be unclean for seven days, and every open container without a lid fastened on it will be unclean.” (Numbers 19:14-15)

This unusual law is designed to prevent the spread of disease and to keep the community safe. The Old and New Testaments are filled with specific guidelines for living so that we can enjoy a full life and avoid the pain of sin and its consequences.

Often we don’t understand that God has reasons for these guidelines and feel that God is trying to spoil our fun. We can’t see God’s protection and love for us in the words of the Bible.

Do you feel that the Bible is a list of unfair rules designed to ruin your fun?

Can you see God’s love for you in the rules and regulations of the Bible?

Prayer Emphasis: Ask God to give you the desire to be obedient to Him today.

God, Me, and Hurricane Charley...and Francis...and Jeanne

Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:18)

In 2003, when I lived in Florida, three major hurricanes passed over our small town in just under 6 weeks. Houses were damaged, trees were down, and the power was out for almost two weeks. The worst part of those weeks was the waiting and watching. As each storm approached, our community would rush to the gas pumps and grocery stores to stock up for the days after the storm. Then we would watch the weather forecast and wait(sometimes for days) for the storm to finally come ashore. As we focused on the coming storms, it was easy to lose perspective and begin to imagine the worst and lose heart.

The same is true in our daily lives. If we chose to focus or “fix our eyes” on our present troubles and problems, we will surely feel a sense of despair and “lose heart”. It is during these times that we need to fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to carry us through the storms of our life. As we cast our cares on Him, we can be assured that our spirit will be renewed by the love of our eternal Savior.

Jesus, help me today to fix my eyes on You instead of the momentary troubles of my life. When the storms of this life seem to overwhelm me, renew my heart with Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Come Home Running

Read Ezekiel 47:1-5

Mowing a lawn around a backyard swimming pool is a wonderful combination on a hot summer Saturday afternoon. However, it might take you a little longer to get the lawn mowed. As you push that mower up and down, the sweat starts to run down your face and soaks through your clothing. From the corner of your eye, the water of the pool glistens in the sunlight, calling you to come. Finally, you take off running, kicking off your shoes, you dive right into the pool. Such sweet relief!!

Life is a lot like this. As we live our lives, we get spiritually dirty and smelly from the “stuff” in our lives that displeases God. Yet from God’s throne flows a river of forgiveness that calls us to wash and be clean from our sin.

“The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming from under the threshold of the temple toward the east…” (Ezekiel 47:1)

As forgiveness calls out to us, our hearts are drawn to God even as we are mired in our own sin. The blood of Jesus covers all of our sins and makes us new in God’s eyes.

Are you caught in a lifestyle of sin right now? Can you sense God calling you to forgiveness right now?

Will you come running to the water?

Dear God, thank you for the healing power of Your forgiveness. Call me to come running to You each day to be washed in the watEr of Your mercy. In Jesus' Name, amen. 

Can you see?

Read Mark 8:22-25

Just one touch. That is all the people wanted. They were either certain or hopeful that is all it would take. They believed that if Jesus simply touched this blind man, he would be healed. So, they…begged. No sense of pride or appropriate behavior, just a burning desire to see a life changed.

The blind man simply trusted his friends. I wonder if he got his hopes up, or if he had been through this type of thing before only to be disappointed. False hopes, false healers, blind eyes. Yet, this healer was different. He led him gently by the hand out of the crowds, out of the limelight. Then…Jesus touched him and his blindness slowly dissolved before his eyes. He could see.

When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" Mark 8:23 (NIV)

How amazing would it be for Jesus to take our hand and lead us out to a private place where he could touch our brokenness and heal our pain! To have years of shame and foolishness washed away from our hearts would bring new life to us. We could embrace a new vision for our lives! The invitation is there each day to experience the healing touch of Jesus, but we are often too busy to take that walk with Him. May we find time each day to bring our burdens to Jesus. As He heals us, may we hear His voice asking, “Can you see?”

What area of your life do you need Jesus to touch and bring healing?

Dear Jesus, come and touch my brokenness and pain. Heal my blindness and help me see all that you have for me today. Amen.

$3 to Spare

When a young Christian couple gets married, one of the first difficult decisions a they face together is to make the decision to be faithful to tithe. Usually they don't have much money, and choosing to tithe means sacrificing other activities or purchases. The can be a very difficult struggle for some couples.

This is why my wife and I decided to make our tithe check the very first check that we wrote each month. In the Bible, this practice is called giving the first fruits of your earnings rather than giving your leftovers. It took no time at all for our faith to be challenged when our bills amounted to more than our money in the first few months of our marriage. If we chose not to tithe that month, we could pay our bills. Instead, we decided to trust that God would somehow provide and tithed according to our hopeful faith.

Moses was challenged in a similar way when the Israelites clamored for meat in the desert. Moses explained to God that there was simply more people than animals and no way to provide meat for that many people.

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23 NIV

As God blew quail in from the sea, Moses learned once again not to underestimate the power of God's provision. For us, the little church where I served unexpectedly took up an offering that same evening that covered all of our bills with $3 to spare! 

God, help me believe that You can meet all of my needs in every way. With this belief, give me the faith to be faithful in my giving to you. In Jesus name, amen.

No Pain, No Gain

Read John 1:24-28

When I was dating my wife, my future father-in-law thought it would be funny to take me water skiing. He thought this because he knew I had never been water skiing. He was very protective of his daughter and thought he would teach me a lesson by making the experience as miserable as possible. He drove the boat far too fast and caused me to wipe out countless times. The next day I was so sore I could hardly walk. He walked by smiling and said, "Hey, no pain, no gain."

Even though John the Baptist was fully committed to preparing the way for Jesus, he must have had a sense that this arrival of God to earth would not go unnoticed and unchallenged. He was wise enough to know that powerful people like power and have little interest in giving it up. 

Now the Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John 1:24-25 NIV

John also had strong knowledge of the scriptures and knew that it was prophecied that the Messiah would suffer for the sins of all mankind. He was also aware of the promises...that pain in his mission would ultimately bring the gain of salvation for all mankind.

What have we retreated from because the task was too difficult? The risk of pain too great? Let us believe that the call of God in our lives is far greater than any scheme of our enemy. The power that rose Christ from the grave most certainly empower our ministry for Jesus!

Dear God, help me to understand that while the power of the enemy is great, Your power is greater still. Empower me with boldness and courage to live out my purpose according to Your will for me. In Jesus name, ame

The Midnight Ride

Read John 1:19-23 

On April 18,1775, Paul Revere was sent by horseback to warn those in the areas surrounding Boston of the advance of the British army. His "midnight" ride most likely saved the rebel armies certain defeat and was a key moment in birth of our wonderful country. Revere was entrusted with a message and a mission that changed the course of history.

We can never understand the burden that John carried as the predecessor to the Messiah. He was entrusted the message of repentance preparing the way for the earthly ministry of Jesus. One must imagine that Jesus and John, being cousins, we're very close. Maybe as teenagers, they laid out under a cloudless sky dreaming of the day when it would be time to announce the arrival of the Messiah. 

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord." John 1:23 NIV

How exhilarating it must have been for John that first day out in the wilderness when he began calling sinners in the wilderness! His heart must have raced as he lived out his God-given mission. Each of us, like John, also have a God-given purpose entrusted to us to bring glory to God with our lives.

What is the God-given purpose and calling God has placed on your life?

What does it feel like when you are able to live out the mission God has given you?

Dear God, thank you for entrusting me with your special purpose for my life. May everything I do and say bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name, amen.

Forgiveness Wins

Read Luke 23:13-34

Corrie Ten Boom was a young Dutch woman who was imprisoned with her sisiter Betsie in the Ravensbruck concentration camp during World War II. Her crime had been hiding Jews in her house during the Nazi occupation. During her time in the camp, she and her sisiter experienced horrible brutality, humilation, starvation, and so much more. Although Corrie survived to tell her story, Betsie died in that hellish camp.

After the war, Corrie traveled to defeated Germany to share of Christ's love to a broken and shamed people. After sharing her story one night in 1947, one of her tormentors, a guard from Ravensbruck made his way down the aisle. Though he did not recognize her, she recognized him immediately and dread and fear clutched her heart. He shared how after the war he had given his life to Christ and had experienced incredible forgiveness from God for all of the terrible things he had done. Then he asked Corrie if she would forgive him as well. As all of the horrible images flashed through her mind and as she thought of Betsie, she was reminded of the forgiveness that Christ had offered her. Reluctantly, she took his hand and offered him forgiveness. She later wrote that, in that moment, she had never experienced God's love so intensely.

Followers of Jesus are called to forgive others, regardless of the offense because Jesus made forgiveness possible by His death on the cross. In fact, He demonstrated the power of forgiveness while hanging on the cross.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Luke 23:33-34 NIV

Jesus' own attitude is the perfect example for His disciples to follow. This life is hard and people make mistakes, but Jesus own life teaches that forgiveness is more important than who is right or taking revenge. How can you accept God's forgiveness for yourself but not give it away to others? 

Who is someone that you need to forgive?

What is keeping you from offering this forgiveness?

Dear Jesus, thank You for forgiving me of all of my sins with Your death on the cross. Give me the courage to forgive others as You have forgiven me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bold Predictions

Read Luke 22:13-34

In the 1948 persidential election, incumbant president Harry S. Truman ran against Gov. Thomas Dewey. With the democratic party sharply divided, many pundits predicted a landslide victory for Dewey. On Election Day, November 2, 1948, early results showed that the experts were right. Throughout the day, Dewey enjoyed a huge lead and victory seemed all but assured. One newpaper was so confident in Dewey's victory they printed an early headline with the bold prediction "Dewey Defeats Truman".

However, as the night wore on and the results from the midwesternand western states started coming in, the race suddenly got much tighter. By the next morning, Truman had won the presidency and would be headed back to the White House. (The Chicago Daily Tribune never released the paper with this headline to the public but someone grabbed one of these "early editions" and showed it to Truman a few days after the electin. We know about this because Truman posed for this picture because he had an adversarial relationship with The Chicago Daily Tribune. Otherwise, no one would have ever known about the headline.)

In the gospels, the disciple Simon Peter is one of most passionate disciples of Jesus. He was an eager and ethusiastic follower of Jesus who often spoke before thinking. Toward to thend of Jesus' life, he made a bold prediction as well.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:31-34 NIV

Unfortunately, just like that Chicago newpaper, Peter's prediction turned out to be false. Even though he had good intentions, he failed to keep his promise to Jesus. When later challenged in the courtyard, Peter denied Jesus three times just as Jesus had warned. 

What promises have you made to Jesus that you haven't kept?

What changes in your life do you need to make make to be more faithful to Him?

Dear Jesus, forgive me for when I make promises that I do not keep. Help me to be faithful to You and to be obedient to Your word. In Jesus' name, amen.

The Darkest Night

Read Luke 22:39-62

The phrase "Dark Night of the Soul" has become synonymous with the idea of going through a particularly difficult season in life. This phrase derives from a 16th century poem entitled "The Dark Night of the Soul" written by a Roman Catholic mystic named St. John of the Cross. The poem was written in either 1578 or 1579 while St. John was imprisoned for demanding reform within his Catholic order. For John, darkness represented the hardships and suffering a soul experienced in striving to grow to maturity in Christ.

Arguably, the darkest night in human history was the night that Jesus was arrested an tried at the hands of the Roman authorities. Knowing what lay ahead for Him, the Scriptures tell of Jesus' agony as He prayed in the garden...

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:41-44 NIV

Clearly, this was the darkest night of Jesus' earthly ministry here on earth. Facing the torture of the cross, Jesus experienced the "dark night of the soul" praying there in the garden. In His anguish, an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him.

Going through hard times is a common experience for everyone, but for the believer in Jesus, the journey through these dark nights is not a solitary one. Just as the angel ministrered to Jesus in the garden, te Holy Spirit is there to minister to His followers in times of need. Even though you may walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23), you can be encouraged because Jesus is walking with you. You are never alone.

Why do you think God allows us to experience hard times?

How does it make you feel that Jesus experienced hard times as well?

Dear God, I know that everyone goes through difficult times, even You. Help me to trust You to walk with me and encourage me in the hard times of my life. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Going All Out!

Read 2 Kings 13:14-20

Michael Phelps is the most decorated American Olympic swimmer in history.  In fact, Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in any sport in world olympic history. Competing in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 games, Phelps won a remarkable 22 medals, 18 of which are gold medals. The second highest gold meal total in history is 9 by four others which is half of Phelps' total. He is now talking about competing in the 2016 Olympic Games where he could add to his already astounding career.

But how did has Phelps been so successful over such a long career? 

Partly, he is genetically perfectly designed for the water. He stands 6'4" tall but has a wing span of 6'7". He has double-jointed feet which which move like flippers in the water. God has blessed him physically. But many have been gifted physically but not had the success Phelps has enjoyed.

The primary reason he has won at such an amazing level is his total all-out commitment to triaining each and every day. Phelps never does anything half-heartedly when it comes to preparing for competition. From his daily swimming, to his weight training, to his diet, to his schedule, and to his sleep, Phelps' entire life is completely committed to reaching his goals.

Applying this to walking with Jesus, the same principle applies. If a person truly wants to become everything God has created them to be, he or she must have a complete and total commitment to following Christ and being faithful to God's word. Half-hearted devotion to God's word and to following His lead will only lead to a weak life with little victory in Christ.

In this passage, Jehoash king of Israel seeks counsel from an aged Elisha about fighting the king of Aram. Elisha commands Jehoash king of Israel to do some unusual things with a bow and arrows...

Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.” Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”  2 Kings 13:15-19 NIV

Jehoash was obedient but only half-heartedly, which was seemingly the running theme for the kings of Israel  in those days. Because he only half-heartedly followed instructions, Elisha declared that he should only expect half-hearted results.

How would you describe your obedience to God's word and calling in your life? Could you be described as half-hearted?

What are some of the things that distract you from being fully committed to Christ?

Dear God, forgive me for being half-hearted in my faith for You. Give me the strength and courage to live for You with everything I have! In Jesus' name, amen.

The Bigger Picture

Read 2 Kings 6:1-9:37

There a certain pictures that if a person stares at these pictures long enough, another hidden picture can be seen within the original picture. These pictures are called autostereograms. Autostereograms are multi-dimensional, computer generated, graphic images that contain hidden images and text. The hidden 3 dimensional image can only be seen when the 2 dimensional picture is viewed from a particular perspective. Not everyone can easily see these hidden images while others can see them almost immediately.

These unusual pictures are a good example of how God works according to a bigger spritual picture in the life of His followers. While some things that God is doing in a person's life are obvious, there are some other, more powerful things, that are hidden from sight unless God chooses to reveal His work.

In this passage, the Aramite army had surrounded the city of Dothan overnight.  Elisha asked God to allow his servant to see what is really happening in the spiritual realm around them.

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

It is so easy to become overly focused on what can be easily seen with your own eyes and forget that God is always at work in ways that cannot be seen with human eyes. Even though the Aramites appeared to have the advantage of surprise, the spiritual army of God was protecting the city. In the same way, God is watching over your life in ways you will never be aware of.

How does it make you feel to know that God is working in your life in ways that you cannot see?

How do you think you would react if God opened your eyes to see like He opened the eyes of Elish's servant?

Dear God, open my eyes to see how You are working in powerful ways in my life. Open my heart to trust that You know what's best and to have the courage to follow where you lead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Learning Obedience

Read 2 Kings 3:1-5:27

On June 6, 1944, in the largest military land invasion during World War 2 and in the history of the world for that matter, the Allied forces breached Nazi Europe in what signaled the beginning of the end for the  Nazi forces. This invasion, known as Operation Overlord, involved 150,000 men, 5000 ships, and 11,000 airplanes. 

Years of planning, training, and preparation went into this day, now known as D-Day. With so many moving parts invloved, how did everything work so well together?

Simple obedience to the mission.

Each man had specific orders that were a crucial part of the operation. The commitment of the Allied servicemen to be faithful to their role in the mission won the day. No one demanded a bigger or more important role than their rank would give. Running on Normandy beach that morning one single man could not have been able to see the big picture. But with tens of thousans of men staying true to the plan, the Allied Forces were on their way victory inover the Nazis.

Learning to know and understand one's place and to be obedient to the authorities God has placed in a person's life is an important part of growing up.  "Yes Ma'am" and "No Ma'am" and "Yes sir"  and "No Sir" are some of the most important words a child ever learns to say. 

In this passage, a man named Naaman seems that he hasn't learned any of these lessons. Naaman was an important commander who had been struck with leprosy. Through a servant girl, he learns that there is a prophet of God in Israel who can cure him of his leposy. He comes to see Elisha, but Elisha doesn't personally come out to see him, he sends a servant with specific instructions.

Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy." I Kings 5:10-11 NIV

The commander came seeking healing but refused to follow orders and be obedient to the mission Elisha gave him. Thinking that he was mnore important than he was, Naaman first went away angry because he felt like he had been disrespected by Elisha.

God created you for a special purpose and mission. The Bible is your manual for this life mission. Each and every new day, you must make a decision to be obedient to God's word and stay true to your mission or to disregard your calling and live for yourself. This may be fun for a season, but ultimately you will fail the mission God has given you.

What is the mission God has given you for your life? What is your specific calling?

If the Bible is you mission manual, how obedient are you to the intructions God has given you?

Prayer Emphasis: Ask God today to reveal more of His plan for your life to you. Surrender to this plan and commit to be faithful to the instructions God has given you in the Bible.

Practice Makes Perfect

Read Luke 21:1-24

"Pistol Pete" Maravich is widely considered to be one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game of basketball. In college at LSU, Maravich scored an astounding 3,667 points in just three years without the benefit of the 3 point shot. This still stands as the the record for the most points scored in college basketball history. He went on to have an amazing professional career with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Jazz of the NBA.

How did he get to be such a great shooter? Those who knew him well called him a "gym rat", someone who spent countless hours perfecting his game in the school gym. Maravich, a spectacular showman with equal ballhandling and passing skills, practiced and practiced and practiced and practiced until everything simply became second nature to him. In the past 40 years, there has been no one like him in the college or pro ranks.

There is much to be learned from the example of Maravich from a spiritual perspective. Maravich was second to none because he invested so much time into his game. Spiritually, for the believer, the gym is the prayer closet. Time spent in Bible study and prayer prepares the follower of Christ to be bold in the faith even during times of persecution. Jesus spoke about this in this passage...

But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:14-15 NIV

In order for Jesus to give His followers words of wisdom, they first have to be walking with Him each day, connecting with Jesus through prayer and meditation on the word. Only then can Jesus empower His followers in the face of opposition and persecution.

How are your spiritual practice habits? How much time do you spend in the "gym" in prayer and meditation?

What changes do you need to make in your daily habits to make more time to spend with Jesus?

Dear Jesus, give me a passion for Your word and for spending time in prayer today. When the time comes, give me words of wisdom to speak to those who do not know about the hope I have in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Real Thing

Read 1 Kings 21-22

In 1886, Atlanta Pharmacist John Pemberton invented an unusual concoction in a three-legged kettle in his backyard. This new drink was called Coca-Cola because the original formula containeda mixture of traces of Cocaine and kola nuts. First offered to the public at Jacob's Pharmacy on May 8, 1886, Coke (as the drink came to be called) became one of the most popular soft drinks in the United States by 1900. Today, Coke, is the standard by which all other soft drinks are measured. Dubbed the "Real Thing" in 1969, there is no substitute for an ice cold bottle of Coca-Cola. Today, there are dozens of spin-off colas, most of which taste nothing like the satisfying taste of coke...cheap imitations of the "Real Thing."

In this passage, Ahab king of Israel and Jehosaphat King of Judah make an alliance to attack the King of Aram over a region of land called Ramoth Gilead. Johosaphat agrees to attack one condition: that they ask God what He thinks of their plan.

Ahab gathers around 400 prophets who serve false Gods. They are afraid of the king so they simply tell him what he wants to hear. Johoshaphat asks if there were any prophets of the LORD left in Israel..any real prophets to ask. Ahab states it plainly...

"There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah." 1 Kings 22:8 NIV

Amazingly, the King of Israel would rather listen to flattering lies from cheap imitations of men of God than to listen to a true prophet of the one true God. Not surprisingly, ignoring the words of the true prophet of God ultimately cost Ahab his life.

In our world, there are many cheap substitutes for the real important things in life, especially when it comes to the truth about God and His word. It is always easier to settle for the things that will make us feel good, but only the real truth of God can truly satisfy our souls.

Why do you think people settle for cheap imitations for the most important things in life?

What have you substituted for something real in your life? What would it take for you to commit to the real things of life?

Prayer Emphasis: Dear Jesus, You are truly the real thing in a world of falsehood. Help me commit to living by Your word each and every day. In Jesus' name, amen.

Broken or Crushed?

Read Luke 20:9-20

Children's nursery rhymes are well-loved but some are just plain weird. Babies in treetops, old ladies in shoes, and bridges falling down are just a few unusual subjects in these old nursery rhymes. One of the most well-known rhymes is Humpty Dumpty. Apparently Humpty was fragile and, through an unfortunate fall, was broken to pieces. He must have been important because the king called for his men to try to put him back together, to no avail.

For the most part, most of these rhymes seem to make no sense, but occasionally they seem to teach an important life lesson. In case of Humpty Dumpty, Humpty teaches that people are fragile both physically and emotionally. While Humpty fell from a wall and was broken physically, many people fall and are hurt in much deeper ways. Looking at this from a spiritual perspective, the choices and decisions that people make can literally make or break them for eternity.

In this passage, Jesus refers to Himself as the chief cornerstone....He is the one on whom the universe rests. Jesus makes this powerful statement...

‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Luke 20:17-18 NIV

There seems to be two paths to choose spiritually. One is to surrender your life completely to Jesus  and allow Him to break you and reshape you into His design for you. The other is reject Jesus, to be eternally separated by God, and to be eternally broken beyond repair. When that happens no one and nothing can but you back together again.

Why does Jesus only give two choices? 

If you have chosen Him, in what ways is He reshaping you to be more and more like Him each day?

Prayer Emphasis:  Dear Jesus, I know that choosing to follow You is the most important decision I will ever make. Give me the courage to surrender my will to You and let You shape me as You will. In Jesus' name, amen.

Small Packages

Read 1 Kings 18:16-40

"Dymanite comes in small packages." 

Though no one quite knows where this saying comes from, it's meaning is clear: just because something may be small, it doesn't mean that it isn't important or significant. In fact, it may be something of great value or power, like a diamond or a pill of antibiotic.

Much is made of big things...like the big fish caught on vacation or the Empire State Building or Shaquille O'Neal...but sometimes looks can be deceiving.

This principle can easily be seen in this passage. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal and Ashteroth to a showdown on Mt. Carmel to show whose God is the real deal. The challenge is simple: prepare an offering and pray for fire from heaven...whosever God answers is truly God.

The  hugh group of prophets of Baal and Ashteroth decide to go big. This passage says they prayed and danced for hours...with no response.

So they took the bull given them and prepared it.Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.  1 Kings 18:26 NIV

Elijah on the other hand kept things short and simple, praying just a 58 word prayer asking God to show Himself to be the one true God. Instantly, God answered by fire from heaven.

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.  1 Kings 18:38 NIV

The fire was so hot it even consumed to stones from the altar!!! The short prayer from a man of great faith brought about a huge response from both God and the people watching that day who declared that the God of Elijah was the one true God.

Maybe you feel small and insignificant in the bigness of this world. Maybe you feel like you could never truly make a difference. The power of one man's prayer speaks a different truth.

Why do you think we are so impressed with big things and sometimes overlook small things?

If Elijah can defeat hundreds of prophets with short prayer of great faith, what do you think you could do with just a little faith? What would you like to do?

Prayer Emphasis: Dear God, teach me that sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. Help me to commit my little to testify of Your great love. In Jesus' name, amen.

A Rock Concert...

Read Luke 19:20-40

Sometimes on a rainy day like today, children are forced to play inside. As they get more and more rowdy, their parents may ask them to use their "inside voices" or to play the quiet game in order to keep them from getting too loud and out of control. (Does this sound familiar?) This may work for a while, but children are children and it doesn't take long for the noise level to rise once again. That's the thing about children, they can't help being loud and boisterous when they are having fun.

The same should be able to be said about followers of Jesus. Not about being noisy and rowdy, but about boldly testifying of the wonderful things Jesus has done to transform lives. Jesus, the Savior of the world, died on the cross so that those who believe on Him and who follow Him could have life, real abundant life. The joy that comes from this life should be impossible to hold inside...praise and worship should be spontaneous...Christians should never play the quiet game when it comes to their faith in Christ.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem in what is called His triumphal entry, many of His followers and disciples lined the roads shouting and praising God for the coming of their conquering king. Fearing puinishment from the Romans who were occupying the city, the religious leaders urged Jesus to quiet his disciples and the crowd lest there be a confrontation. Jesus understood that the joy that comes from His transforming love is not easy to contain. He replied to the leaders in Luke 19:40...

“I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 

Today, far to many Christians play the quiet game when it comes to sharing the hope they have in Jesus with others. Fear of rejection and the unknown paralyze many from being able to be bold in living out their faith. But the love of Jesus is not a secret to be kept!!!

What would it look like for you to be bold and share your faith with your friends and family?

What is the main thing that holds you back from telling other about the hope you have in Jesus?

Prayer Emphasis: Ask God to give you the courage to be bold in telling others about the amazing life you have in Jesus!!

Thoughts on Easter-God is faithful!!!

Downtown Devotions returns today after a short break for Holy Week and some much needed Easter recovery. And, my oh my, what an amazing Easter weekend it was!!!! All through the Lenten season we had been praying that God would come among us and work miracles that we could never take credit for. These prayers were answered in so many different ways!!

First, we asked God bless our attendance for Easter Sunday...not just with numbers but with names, names of friends, coworkers, loved ones, and neighbors who needed to hear the message of hope we have in Jesus.  Well, not only did we have the largest overall attendance in many years, both services were full with many guests who had been invited to come by those who regularly attend our church. What we saw Sunday morning was something that God clearly was blessing.

Secondly, we asked God to speak into our hearts in deep and powerful ways. Each week, God faithfully spoke through our Snapshots of a Savior series messages that would shape and mold us more into the people that God created us to be. For our Easter Sunay message, I sensed that God wanted me to preach the scandal of the Gospel message with full impact. In the days preceding Easter, one person from our leadership team saw my outline and commented that I wasn't planning on "holding back" for Easter...I honestly never considered that the message might be a bold one...it just seemed to be what God was laying on my heart.

So as we turned to the last page of our Snapshots album, we found Jesus walking those final steps to His death on the cross. In order to fullfill His mission, Jesus had to overcome...overcome His human frailty and fear, overcome the torture of the cross, overcome the evil schemes of Satan, overcome the power of sin and death, and finally overcome the grave. Walking through this with Jesus, was certainly a powerful message, but God saved the best for last as we looked at Revelation 12:10-11...

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 

Even though Satan thought he had won the battle as Jesus hung on the cross, Jesus had won the battle before time began. From the very beginning of time, it was Jesus' mission to invade His world and redeem His people. Yet, when he came to earth as a human, 100% God and 100% man, He would face the final steps with the power to overcome both death and the grave.

So since Jesus has overcome, Revelation says that we also can overcome by the blood of the Jesus and the word of our testimony. God led 13 amazing people from our congregation to share their testimony of how they have overcome different struggles through Jesus.

And then we celebrated that through Jesus, we have and can continue to overcome!!!

Honestly, I had no clue how this would speak into the hearts of our people, but I was trusting God that He would be faithful to speak deeply into our hearts. Again, when we learn to trust God, He will work miracles that we could never take credit for. We will never know the true impact that these testimonies had in the lives of both those who shared and those who were there in attendance that morning...but may we all learn that Jesus died on the cross so that we could have life, real abundant life!!

What an awesome Easter weekend !!!!!(Good Friay Tannenbrae service was amazing as well!) As your pastor at Downtown Fellowship, I am both very humbled and very grateful for what God is doing among us...may we continue to ask Him to come among us and work miracles we could never take credit for!!!!

Face to Face

Another curious thing about the Transfiguaration is the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus here on the mountain. Why did they appear here with Jesus?

When we look closely at the Old Testament accounts of both Moses and Elijah, we find that both had direct meetings with God, but neither were allowed to actually “see” God’s face. Something they obviously desparately wanted to do.

 

First let’s look at Exodus 33:

 

“Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.'  13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."  14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"  17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."  18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."  19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."  21 Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.  22When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.  23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."    Exodus 33:12 – 23 NIV

 

God would often talk to Moses face to face, but Moses was never allowed to see God face to face.

 

Let’s look at Elijah in I Kings

 

9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"  10 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."  11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"   1 Kings 19:9-13 NIV

 

Neither of these men who so desperately sought after God were allowed to see God face to face. Yet, here at the tranfiguaration, we see Moses and Elijah standing and talking with Jesus, talking with him face to face.

I believe that Jesus was teaching His disciples that a new age was being ushered in and that with Him, a close intimate personal relationship would now be possible. Moses and Elijah longed to know God and here they are talking to Him face to face. If the disciples are really hungry to know God (remember we think that these were the hungriest disciples), long no further than Jesus Himself. This was all part of the redemption plan.

How much do you desire to know God? Do you long to grow deeper in your faith? Do you want God to "show you His glory"?

Dear Jesus, by invading Your world, we know you made it possible for us to know You on a close personal level. Give me the desire that Moses and Elijah had to truly know you, to see Your face. In Jesus' Name, amen.

 

Coming down from the mountain...

Mountaintop moments are always cherished memories. We all remember when we stood on a mountaintop where we experienced a view that took our breath away...it's a moment we

never forget.

Peter, James, and John had one of these moments when Jesus took them up the mountain and transfigured Himself before them. Their lives were forever changed when Jesus revealed His true nature to them that day.

Peter got very excited and wanted to stay and build monuments for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. He wanted to make that mountaintop moment last as long as possible.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4 NIV

Aren't we the same way? We wish we could make our mountain top experiences last more than just an afternoon or a night or a weekend. Yet eventually we have to return to the real world and back to the daily grind of our lives.

Even though I am sure that Peter was sincere in his desire to stay on the mountaintop, Jesus made these disciples come back down the mountain because real life and ministry awaited them back down in the real world.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:9 NIV

When I worked as a youth pastor, I used to take our teenagers to summer camp each year. Summer camp is a week that is all about the teenagers. The whole week is designed to engage the students at the deepest level. It's basically a week long party of great food, great games, great bands, great drama, great preaching, and great fun. (Student Life provides the best camps I ever attended in my 20 years working with youth...and I have been to a bunch!) It's no wonder then that for most of these kids it became a powerful mountaintop experience. By the third or fouth night, these kids were on fire for God and were confessing their sins and talking about how things were going to be different when we got home. As we came back down the "mountain", we would passionately sing worships songs on the bus all the way home.

This passion would last for a few week until school started and then most of our students would fall back into the same patterns of sin and unfaithfulness to their faith. Yet, every year, there would be a few students who were clearly changed by their mountaintop experiences and they began to live out their faith with passion and abandon. They were wrecked beyond repair.

Since I am sitting here writing this today, I am going to believe that Peter, James, and John were wrecked beyond repair by what they experienced on the mountain that day. Through their leadership, the church became the most beautiful force of God this side of heaven...and we are here to testify of that power.

Think back in your own life...what have ben your "mountaintop" experiences with God? How did these experiences change the way you view God? How did they help you grow in your faith?

We all need mountaintop experiences in our marriages, our families, in our careers, and especially in our walk with God. It's what Makes life worth living down here at the foot of the mountain.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the times I have experienced Your presence most deeply in my life. Thank you for the way you have changed me through these experiences. Help me to use these experiences to become a whole lot more like You. In Your name, Amen.