1/29/10 - Life Journal - Just a Little Patience

I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land
Exodus 23:29,30

God will lead the Israelites to the promise land......and He'll do it according to His perfect plan. Not too fast, not to slow. If he wiped out their enemies to soon no one would be there to tend to the land and it would be a wild animal filled wasteland when they arrived. If He waited too long, well, they'd have a serious fight on there hands.

It's hard waiting for things to happen in His time and I fail miserably when it comes to patience. Another class in my education, growing my faith in Him thus increasing my patience and hopefully then carrying that patience over to everyday life. It would blow us away if we saw what events had to take place for us to be where we are now. My case, some seriously evil dudes had to invent VX, Saron and Mustard Gas for it to eventually be stored in the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky. Then the people had to rise up and say, No More! We don't want that stuff here anymore. Then some science geek had to invent the process to neutralize this stuff. Then someone had to convince the Department of Defense to put up the cash to build the plant. Then I had to see an add looking for designers. THEN FINALLY I could get off my butt after 7 months of unemployment (which by the way went extremely well since He also provided for us during that time). That all took place over a hundred year period if you count WWI when some of these nerve agents were first used. So I got the job, just in time. Not too soon, not too late (in His Timing)

1/27/10 - Life Journal - We All Need Somebody to...yeah, that...

When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
Exodus 17:12

Whenever Moses held the staff of God up Joshua was unstoppable as he fought the Amalekites. Yet his human strength couldn't keep it going all by himself. Fortunately he had Aaron and Hur ready to jump in and do their part.

WOW, timely verse to get me kick-started! While it's possible to do this thing called life (thanks Prince) with just the strength of God and my faith in that strength it's so much easier if I surround myself with my own Aaron's and Hur's. We left an amazing group of people back home but I can't wallow around in my suburban cave. We've found a church, that's the first step. Now to get involved again....deep breath.....ok. I think we're ready.

Father, I need a community like I had back home. I don't know how long you'll have me here but best to plan for the long haul (please not 40 years). I know I have to do my part but I also know you'll lead the right people to us.

3/5/08 - Life Journal - Father God (yes I skipped a day...oops)

...and for a pretense make long prayers.

Mark 12:40

Jesus was calling out the people that put on a wonderful show of holiness, seemingly trying to prove how much better they are than everyone else.

I laughed at this part and I almost laugh out loud when someone gets into one of those prayers that's all, "Lord Jesus, I love you, and Lord Jesus, thank You for everything You, Lord Jesus, have given me, and Lord Jesus, did I say I love you Lord Jesus". It's almost as comical as someone you're with all the time busting out in King James english whenever they pray. Come ON! God knows who we are, he knows how we talk, he even knows what we're gonna pray about. Just spit it out.

Father, I'm not the best at prayer so I hope I'm not being too hypocritical, Father God, but I really do love You!

3/6/08 - Life Journal - Eyes to the Sky

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Mark 13:26

Doesn't sound like a quiet rapture of His church, but we won't get into the eschatological debate here. Jesus was warning us of the suddenness of His arrival and the hidden timing of His coming.

What an awesome sight if I'm still on this earth when He comes back. He's telling me to keep my guard, not to get lax in my quest for righteousness and also to warn others. With the up and down fluctuations of my faith and discipline it would be a safer bet to die now of natural causes, with time to solidify my faith in my heart than to get caught with my pants down (hopefully not literally) when His time comes.

Father, place the seriousness of these passages on my heart.

3/4/08 - Life Journal - Can't Put God in a Box

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!"

Mark 11:9,10

The people of Jerusalem greeted Jesus with cries of "Hosanna", a word to praise God. It means 'we want God to save us'. Seems like, for now at least, they recognize Him as their Savior, cheering Him on, laying palms before Him. Quite a different tune they'd sing when in the presence of the priests when they condemn Him to crucifixion.

We all, I, do the same thing all the time. Sunday mornings, hands in the air, the church is full of praise and worship. Then we leave, and we forget. We're not even out of the parking lot when we're yelling at our kids, honking at others, arguing with our wives, remembering work the next morning, etc, and He is forgotten. Jesus? Come on, it's Monday morning, who's got time for Him. He'll be waiting for us at church when we get there next week.

Hosanna. We want God to save us. Are we worth it? Thankfully He and His Son think so...

Lord, why do I compartmentalize my life. I put You in this box labeled "Sunday" and pack You away the rest of the week. And You let me do it! You're just waitin for me to come to You and say, "I need You always". I need You always.

3/3/08 - Life Journal - The Eye of a Needle

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Mark 10:21,22

Jesus wasn't necessarily telling all of us to give everything away, well not necessarily. Here He has pinpointed the one thing that this man values over all else. It didn't have to be wealth but in this instance money was this mans idol and proved to be the undoing of his salvation.

What am I holding onto that's keeping my relationship from being what He wants it to be. What's my camel I'm trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle? We all have one thing above all else. What would He confront You with?

Father, search me and convict me. I'm not where I should be, what's holding me back?

3/2/08 - Life Journal - A Light Yoke

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.

Mark 9:28,29

The disciples couldn't cast out this demon and had no idea why. They asked for help and Jesus went about healing the child. "Why couldn't we do it?" They didn't go to the Father. They didn't pray...

...they thought they could do it themselves. I think I can do it all by myself and I'm worn out. Why can't I cast my life before Him. I'm walking my Christian walk with a severe limp because I haven't given myself totally to Him. He wants to help. He wants to carry the load. He wants the pressure off of my back. Just give it to Him and follow. It's a light yoke.

Lord, help me, I can't do it alone anymore.

3/1/08 - Life Journal - More Brains than Faith

And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."

Mark 8:12

The Pharisee's were like "Prove it, Mr. Big Stuff". All he could do was shake it head, I mean look at the situation. Jesus was THERE WITH THEM and they were still blinded, hearts were still hardened. More signs weren't gonna change a thing.

Where's the proof? That's the cry of the atheist. I can't see it so I don't believe it. I guess they've never read Hebrews, "...the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.", and all that. Like the Pharisee's, I believe the non-believer could be hit over the head with the most, well, miraculous miracle and still not believe. It comes from the heart and soul. The mind just gets in the way.

Father, let my little bit of love be a light for those who are too smart for their own good. I used to be one of them.

2/28/08 - Life Journal - Simple Man

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Paul knew his knowledge was limited to his earthly mind. He didn't have all the answers, but eventually, when he met Jesus face to face he would be perfected and everything will be known.

I know nothing. Really. Compared to the vastness of God's wonder I know nothing. I can make a quasi-educated guess based on my study with help from above but it's just a fraction of what I'll know then. I think this was tacked on to the "Love Chapter" to emphasize how we need to go about our mission. I need to be humbled enough in the understanding of my limited knowledge to let love take the lead. Bashing people over the head with doctrine and man-made rules that I don't even fully comprehend when they are just infants in Him will severely retard their growth. There will be a time for all of that but first I must let them know the love of the Father and Son.

Father, of everything I've thought I've figured out and put into words how much of it is correct? I'm just a simple man with a fraction of Your wisdom. I pray that I'd never lead anyone astray or give false impressions. All I'm doing, out of love for my brother and for You, is the best I can.

2/27/08 - Life Journal - Hometown Zero?

And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.

Mark 6:5,6

Homecoming! Victor's parade, proud family, banners proclaiming, "Nazareth's got our Savior, what's your town got?"

...wait...back up the truck...let's start again...

Homecoming! Who does this kid think he is? Savior? Yeah, right. Just the son of a carpenter. Brother? No idea who he is. Healer? I'm not so sure, I think I was already getting over this leprosy before he got here.

They didn't believe. How could they not believe? He was right there, they'd heard the stories and seen the proof. I'm only a bit better. Yes, I believe. But do I live out that belief? Do I live my life by faith stemming from that belief? Not hardly. Always trying to do it on my own. Not living the example of a joyous life in my freedom in Him. Not thankful for all His blessings. Not sacrificial in my giving to help expand His kingdom and lukewarm in sharing my faith. My faith is dead.

Father, stir up in me a revival. Remind me of the fire I had when You first rescued me. Kill me so that I can live.

2/26/08 - Life Journal - Glory Be to God

Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them."

Numbers 20:10-12

Moses veered from God's directions a little here with dire consequences. First, listen to his words, "shall WE bring water....", like Aaron and Moses could draw water from a rock. Second, what's with the theatrics of striking the rock twice? More showmanship, implying to the people that he, not God, was the source of their good fortune. Just a little bit of pride slipping into Moses cost him plenty, "...therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them."

Might look a little silly but in reality every breath we take is reason enough to get on our knees and point to the heavens like a pro football player after a touchdown. Everything I have is from Him. Everything I have that I am able to bless someone else with is from Him. Whenever I hear, "Hey, check Chris out, he's done alright for himself" (happens at least once a.........never, but if it did) I should shout back, "I've done nothing except receive gifts from Him!" Great family, glory be to God. Nice house, glory be to God. Awesome playing today, glory be to God.

Father, you are awesome. Help me not receive praise to myself but reflect it back to You.

2/25/08 - Life Journal - Guide Me in Truth

They may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.

Mark 4:12

The parable's were for His disciples. Jesus was there to explain them to them. The meanings were lost on those that hadn't made the commitment to Him.

I read the bible before I was saved. Great story but the depth and truth it contained escaped me. It wasn't until I accepted Him by faith that I began grasping the message. I had to receive the Holy Spirit to guide me through His word. Still, if I read now with my thoughts elsewhere I'm right back where I started.

Father, I come to You with a mind empty of me. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me in truth.

2/24/08 - Life Journal - No Fear

Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.

Numbers 14:9

Caleb's pleading with his people, telling them that God is with them, reminding them of His promises. The land is ours to take! It doesn't matter the size of our enemies. God has dominion over all and if He says we're to take the land then we take the land. He has lifted His protection from them.

If we find ourselves called by Him, whatever that calling might be, if we're assured of it's validity through prayer and study of scripture, positive that it's His will then we're bound to go for it! What do we have to fear? (yeah I know fear itself) Death? Jesus has already conquered death. Sustenance? He has promised to take care of our daily needs. Ridicule? The "world" hates us already. Ignoring His call only delays the blessings waiting us. All I know is I don't want to wander in the desert for 40 more years.......

Speak to me Lord, show me my calling. If I'm in the right place for now, well, Your will be done, not mine.

2/23/08 - Life Journal - With Arms Wide Open

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.
But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us."

Numbers 13:30,31

The chiefs from the tribes had returned from scouting the land promised to them. Although it was everything the Lord said it would be only Caleb had the faith in God's word and the confidence to go on. The rest (excluding Joshua) proved to be unfaithful cowards spreading fear throughout the camp.

Unfortunately I would have been in that group. I've often let opportunities given me by God pass by, lacking confidence and a false comfort, living out my "change is bad" philosophy. Believe me, my life is awesome but who knows where I'd be if I was more receptive to the chances I've been given. My biggest fear is passing off my "squatter" mentality to my children. Borrowing some wisdom from Scott Stapp of Creed, I hope they're not like me, I hope they understand, that they can greet the world with arms wide open.

Father, thank you for not giving up on me and instilling enough wisdom in my stubborn brain to act on the most important opportunity you ever gave me, a new life in You.

2/22/08 - Life Journal - Where's the Beef

For they weep before me and say, "Give us meat, that we may eat".

Numbers 11:13

The Israelites, like ungrateful children, weren't satisfied with the blessings God put before them. It was always more, more, more! They had actually grown lazy in their captivity where all their daily needs were taken care of and they didn't have a drop of self sufficiency in them, let alone thankfulness.

I had grown lazy at my last church. I would complain about not being fed. "Where's the beef", I would whine. I expected to sit back and have all of the answers given to me. That's a lot of pressure I was putting on the pastor, who was in fact a mere mortal just like me. I don't know when it happened but one day it clicked. I have everything I need to feed myself and I was elevated to a new level of growth, understanding and maturity. I can listen to all the sermon's I want but nothing brings me closer or has greater rewards than personal time with Him.

Lord, thank you for Your Son, Your Word, and Your Spirit. They're all I need.

2/21/08 - Life Journal - Y'all Come Back Now, Y'hear?

"And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel, to do the service for the people of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement for the people of Israel, that there may be no plague among the people of Israel when the people of Israel come near the sanctuary."

Numbers 8:19

After this section on conscrating the Levites God throws this little warning in his blessing, "...that there may be no plague among the people of Israel when the people of Israel come near the sanctuary."

We're so far from His sanctuary in this country it's amazing we haven't been taken over by frogs. If we've learned anything from the OT is that God will let us sit in our own mistakes for a time until we come to our senses and turn back to Him. He's not gonna beg. We have to do the seeking, only we can repair our relationships with Him.

Father, Your patience is amazing, please forgive us even though we DO know what we do.

2/20/08 - Life Journal - The Lord is My Shepherd

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Imagery of God as our shepherd is awesome, especially here. The sheep are being led through a valley, the staff their guide, as His rod protects them from the wolves.

We are living in a world filled with evil. Sin, temptation and death are all around. Thank you Lord that we have you as our shepherd. Your staff, in the form of Your word and the Spirit that lives within me, is my guide. Your rod, used not only for protection but for discipline, leads me to righteousness and not into temptation. Your Son's life gave me the victory over sin and death. I am comforted, I will fear no evil.

Father, I pray that my life can help lead people to your green pastures and still waters with a restored soul.

2/19/08 - Life Journal - Aaron's Prayer

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

God's blessing for Israel. That's some awesome encouragement, assurance and comfort. They had to know (at least for the moment, you know those crazy Israelites) that they would succeed.

That prayer is for all His people, including me! I'm claiming it. 2 Timothy says "All scripture..." not some scripture, that old stuff's just for the Jews. It's ours. He blesses us, shines upon us, gives us what we need and we can find rest in His arms. Doesn't get any better...

Father, thank you.

2/18/08 - Life Journal - Stand with Confidence

If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them.

Acts 25:11

There goes Paul, showing off his integrity again. He's done nothing against the Jews, the Temple or Caesar and he knows it. He can confidently stand before his accusers and proclaim his innocence.

Could I stand at the final judgement with the same confidence of innocence? Could anybody? Unfortunately the bible tells me no, all men fall short of the Glory of God. Fortunately I can stand with the confidence that my discretions have been forgotten, my guilt will not be counted against me ONLY because of my faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning death.

Father I give my life to You for there would be no life if it wasn't for the gift of Your Son. I pray that I use this new life in You to it's max and am a fruitful servant.

2/17/08 - Life Journal - Man of Integrity

In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.

Acts 24:16

Paul, for one, knew He couldn't hide anything from God. That's where the "do my best" comes in play. The importance as a missionary comes with being blameless before men.

Staying blameless for me isn't only important, but freeing. If I can do this I don't need a good memory. What did I say to them? What did I do yesterday? What excuse did I use last time? I must stay clean, honest and open. A man of integrity.

Lord, You know my faults. Help me overcome them and be blameless before men.