Daily Reflections on Lk. 10:1-17 (Wolves)

Watch out for the wolves! They can be devastating. Right now I feel them nipping at my heels. In 2004 I answered God’s call to plant a new church. God had been after me for a long time. When we answered the call as a family, we knew it would be a challenge but dreamed of hundreds of lives coming to Christ over the next 10 years.

That was the dream. But the warfare was only beginning. I had faced spiritual battles and satanic attack before but I had no idea what would befall our new church, staff and families. We had a great and talented young couple join us to help us with worship and discipleship. But before our first year was out, some external circumstances caused them to resign. Body blow. The scheduled day of our Grand Opening saw 2-4 inches of snow fall on our community for the first time in 2 years. Ice covered our parking lot. Body blow.

Three weeks after our Grand Opening, the school in which were meeting, forced us to change locations for a week. Body blow. Six weeks after our Grand Opening, the city/county closed the roads for construction that led to our meeting place. Since we already had signed a lease, we had no where to go. Body blow. Within two months of our Grand Opening, they decided to tear out the existing roads around the school (within nearly two miles) and just widen the roads. Right hook. Instead of the 3 months they announced, it turned out to be eight months with no road, just dirt and gravel. Upper cut. Finally, one year later they opened the roads again to through traffic. Jab.

Despite the set backs, we continued to press forward in various outreach attempts, many of them thwarted. Some of our core were disillusioned and abandoned us because of the hardship. I understand how Paul felt about John Mark. Shot to the chin.

Not only has the church faced difficulties, so has my family. Shortly after we launched, my dad began exhibiting acute signs of Alzheimer’s. My parents were forced to close their ministry in debt and move out of their house. This past year my dad has had several serious health issues and surgeries that have brought him near death. It’s difficult when you’re ten hours away to help. Combination jab and hook.

More recently my youngest daughter developed some suspicious lymph nodes in her neck. For the last several weeks we’ve been testing and praying we’re not facing lymphoma. Talk about lambs among wolves. Right now I feel like a boxer who’s been pummeled into submission. I’m wobbling around the ring trying to stay on my feet and not get knocked down again. Did I mention the over $1,500 in vehicle repairs that few weeks?

Jesus warned us we’d face some spiritual warfare. What I’ve learned through all this is that facing the wolves can only be done through Christ’s power, not mine. Verse 17, the disciple returned in joy noting that even the demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name, not their power.

God, I confess to you I’m staggering; flesh is hanging off from the attacks of the ravenous wolves. But I’m still resting in you, relying on your power. I’m defenseless without you. Empower me. Demonstrate your power to others around me. The dream you gave me still burns within me. I’m getting up off the canvas.

Daily Reflections on Acts 5:17-20, 41-42 (Pain)

Nobody likes pain. We all try to avoid it all costs. Why would anyone purposely put themselves in a position to suffer for their action? Yet it happens more often than you might think. Every Friday night, teenagers across this country suit up to go hit somebody and be hit by somebody in order to push a football over a goal line. It happens every Saturday afternoon on college campuses and on Sunday afternoons at the professional level.

Recently I was watching a preview special about Ken Burns' "American Experience" on "The War." In this special, Burns interviews participants and surviving family members of WWII. It was interesting to hear the stories from soldiers some 60 years removed from the fighting. They described the horrors and atrocities of war with a solemness and even emotional quiver in their voices. The memories of their pain and suffering were as fresh today as it was when they came home from the war.

Their cause was just and necessary. They endured the pain, suffering and horrendous conditions of ensure a victory over tyrannical rule. These soldiers knew that any day could be their last. They willingly laid down their life for the cause of freedom. Some came home to embrace their loved ones and friends. Others fell on the field of battle.

As great a cause WWII was, that of the early Christians was of greater significance. They stood for the cause of spiritual freedom and eternal life. Jesus died to pay the penalty of yours and my sin; for all people for all time. His disciples, commissioned with the message and promise of the Good News, threw themselves whole heartedly into the cause of Christ. Even the threat of prison and potential execution did not deter them. In fact, they counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ's sake.

Other than a little ribbing, I've never really suffered for Christ. Sure, I've foregone the opportunities to pursue financial success in business. But that's not a cause I could die for anyway. I have taken a variety of stands for Christ, but never had to pay much of a consequence. I've had my share of hate mail through the years, but that has come from disgruntled Christians. I would like to think that I would stand fast if threatened for my faith. But since I've never faced it, I can't honestly predict my response. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. So the question is, what kind of statement does your life and behavior proclaim about the message and promise of Christ?

Lord, I say that my life is in your hands, but you know that I've never really been tested. I do want my life to be a proclamation of your Good News.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 5:13-16 (Hide and Seek)

My girls, like most kids, used to like to play Hide and Seek when they were little. I'd close my eyes while they went and hid some place in the house. I would holler, "Are you ready?" From under a bed or behind a door I would hear their little voices, "We're ready." Although I knew exactly where they were, I would pretend to look for them behind the couch or under a table announcing where I was looking. Of course I would hear them giggling as if they we're fooling me. But, if I stalled too long in finding them, they would run out from where they were hiding and proclaim, "Here I am."

Seems like a lot of followers of Christ play Hide and Seek. I don't mean by not showing up for church services or Bible studies. (Although some play that game too.) I'm talking about demonstrating their faith, actively living their faith. Many Christians hide by getting lost in the crowd. They hide their "faith" by going along with the crowd, fitting in, participating in various activities with their peers and coworkers and classmates that are not appropriate for true believers.

When we embraced the world and the world's standards, instead of finding the acceptance we are looking for, we end up getting trampled by the world. When we hide our faith by living just as the world lives, we get overrun by the world. True, living by God's standards sets you apart. You don't get invited to all the parties. Some people will reject you. However, if you're living as a light, demonstrating God's love, acceptance and grace, people will be drawn to you in their times of darkness like a June bug to a porch lamp.

If we hide ourselves in the world, we will fall victim to the pain and pitfalls of the world. The trampling. But if we live as salt and light, we bring refreshment and hope and guidance to those around us. People will seek us out.

God, help me to be the salt that drives people to drink from your living water. Help me be the light that causes others to be drawn to you.

Daily Reflections on Ps. 101 (Ethics)

It was my 1^st “real” job out of college. I had concluded my 1^st ministry and was heading back to school to work on my Master’s Degree. I wasn’t looking for a responsible position, just a job to pay my way through school. When the mangers found out I was college educated, they promoted me to head over four departments.

I had no retail or business experience prior. I had always taken grunt jobs so that I could concentrate on my schooling and bigger ambitions. And I was green. At 22 you don’t have a lot of life experience. What an education!

All four of my departments were a mess when I took them over. Not only were the books messed up and things in shambles, every department had been operating in the red for a long time. I set out to get our house in order.

I had discovered we had tons of damaged and unsellable merchandise just sitting in our stock rooms. We had a line of inexpensive guitars in our inventory that hadn’t moved from day one. I found a store in our chain that were moving them like hotcakes and were desperate to get their hands on more. I sent them about 15 guitars only to get one of them back as damaged merchandise. Only problem, it was a different brand than what I sent. They had unloaded their damaged merchandise on me. I quickly discovered that my ethics were not their ethics.

Integrity, ethics, and morality stem from the individual. Companies, governments, and organizations, even religious ones, become corrupt when the people become corrupt. It’s easy to be squeezed into the world’s mold, to fall into the “worldly” norm. I have to make a concerted effort to maintain my godly ethics, morality and purity. In order to do that, it begins with who I am, especially at home. My day to day practices in the little things of life become the conforming factors of my character. That’s why Jesus said, if you’re faithful with a few things, He’ll put you in charge of greater things.

God, help me root out the inconsistencies in my life. Help me to daily put into practice the upright principles of your Word. I want to model your ways at home, at work, in public, on the golf course, wherever I am. Give me wisdom in dispelling practices, habits, attitudes, behavior that are not above reproach, both for me and those I lead.

Daily Reflections on Mk. 6:30-32 (Solitude)

Sometimes I feel sorry for actors, actresses and music stars. The more popular they are, the less privacy they really have. I can't imaging not being able to run to Wal-Mart without having to face a hoard of paparazzi and requests for autographs. I can't imagine having to have a body guard go with me wherever I went or to have security posted outside my house. You'd feel like a prisoner in your own home.

Not only that, think about how it would affect your kids and family. You couldn't take your kids to the park or beach or Chuckie Cheese without people pressing you or camera flashes going off in your face. You couldn't go on a date to your favorite restaurant without a scene. You wouldn't even be able to walk your dog without someone hounding you. (Pun intended.) No wonder many of these celebrities run through countless relationships or end up in rehab centers. That life would be tough on anyone.

I'm sure that's what it must have been like for Jesus. Perhaps actually worse. People weren't looking for Jesus' autograph. They were looking for a miracle, a healing, or a handout. Sure they were amazed by His teaching, but they also came to see the show. Some people came to Jesus with legitimate needs. My guess is it looked like an emergency room waiting room around Jesus. Others no doubt came simply to get in on the action.

Wherever Jesus went there was a crowd. He had a hard time escaping. Yet even Jesus knew the importance of refreshing Himself. There are plenty of times we note in scripture of Jesus getting alone with God. Here in this passage, the disciples are just returning from their own ministry tour without Jesus. They were amazed at what God did through them. The "Follow Jesus" movement among the masses was hitting its peak. Everyone was excited and the crowds had never been bigger.

It was in that moment that Jesus drew the disciples away to a quieter place, out of the excitement, to gain perspective and reflect and renew. It's hard to really think and learn and grow in the excitement of all the action. Sure there's a lot of energy and highs in the exuberance of those moments. But it's always unsustainable. We need the solitude with God for refreshment and understanding and guidance.

God, Bill Hybels was right when he said that we're too busy not to pray. I need time with you. I need the wisdom and perspective and guidance that only comes from spending time with you alone. I want to be like Adam and Eve before the fall who walked with you in the cool of the evening. I long to experience your presence. Lord, I love the exciting active ministry time and the thrill of changed lives. But I also long for a quiet, personal time with you.

Daily Reflections on Mk. 8:27-33 (A Perfect World)

I don't get it. If God really is in complete control and has all power, why doesn't He just create a society under His rule where everyone is forced to live by His standards. You know, "Comply or die." Wouldn't the world be a better place? If everyone lived the "Golden Rule," if everyone loved their neighbor as themselves, wouldn't that eliminate all the world's problems and disputes and conflicts?

Doesn't Peter have a point in these verses? Jesus, dude, you're the Messiah, the Deliverer. Lead the revolt. Take your lawful place as king. You don't even need an army to defeat the Romans or anybody else who might oppose you. You could wipe 'em all out. You don't even have to take it from those self-righteous Pharisees or Sadducees.

The only problem with that is that it's a huge problem for everybody but Jesus. It doesn't solve the sin problem, it only exacerbates it. How's that, you say. Think about it. If Jesus established an earthly kingdom and we were all forced to follow even just 2 simple commands, "Do unto to others as you would have them do to you," and "love your neighbor as yourself," what would happen the first time we got upset with our spouse or brother or neighbor and said something cruel or in anger or just hastily? Punishment! Comply or die. It wouldn't be long before there wasn't be any kingdom over which to be king.

Jesus' sacrificial death is the only way. If God forced us to comply with His perfect standard, we'd be nothing more than robots. But God created us in His image, a little lower than angels, complete with emotions and passions and vibrancy and choice. In Jesus' death, the penalty for our sin is atoned. Thus, in His resurrection, we have life.

Let's ask ourselves the key question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" Just a teacher? Just another prophet? Just a good person? Just a guy we visit or pay tribute to once a week? A guy after whom we try to model our life? Or do we see Him truly as the Messiah? Truly as our Lord and Savior? If He's truly your Lord and Savior, has your life changed to reflect your belief? Are you relishing His forgiveness and living under the power of His Holy Spirit?

God, I want to reflect you in my life. I want my life to proclaim you as my king, my lord, my savior and friend. Thanks for your sacrificial death. Thanks for solving both my sin and guilt problems. I'm living today for you.

Daily Reflections on Gen. 12:1-4 (Leaving the Nest)

Seems like Abraham was pretty old to finally be leaving the nest. Most people fledge, emerge to face life on their own, somewhere between 18 and 25. But 75, come on. Doesn't that seem a little old to be striking it out for the first time? That just sounds odd to me.

Actually, you could look at it just the opposite. Abraham is having a mid-life crisis at 75 and wants to make the rest of his life count for something. I say mid-life because his father passed away at a whopping 205 and I don't mean lbs. Maybe Abe's looking around at all he's accomplished, achieved, acquired and said to himself, "I want to try my hand at something new." Or maybe he was thinking, "I want to travel and see the world."

75 seems like it's a little old to be starting anything new. At 75 people are generally slowing down these days, not thinking about some new career or accomplishing something as grandiose as starting a new nation. But that's what God called him to do, start a new nation in a new land that was already occupied. And I thought starting a new church in a new community at my age was a daunting task. A new nation? It just blows me away that Abraham leaves his security, his retirement and heads out on some unknown quest.

But God called and at age 75 Abraham pulled up stakes and headed off to God knows where. Some would call that stupidity. The Bible calls it faith. Not faith in himself, faith in God. What if ol' Abe would have said no or started out and then later headed back home? Would there have been an Isaac or Jacob or 12 tribes of Israel? How would history be different, how would our world look today if this ONE man would have said no to God?

When God calls, who is to say the ultimate impact of our response. We can't gaze into a crystal ball and know the full impact of our faithful response. God told Abraham he'd make him in a great nation, in fact that's what his name means. Yet God gave Abraham only one son, Isaac. And He gave Isaac two sons, Jacob and Esau. One son and two grandsons, so much for a great nation. But to Jacob God gave 12 sons. And the 12 sons became known as the 12 tribes of Israel. And the 12 tribes of Israel became the nation of Israel. And through the nation of Israel came Jesus. And through Jesus came the Family of God.

No call of God is insignificant. And God can call you at any age, from the small boy who offered his measly lunch to Jesus which fed thousands to Caleb conquering the land of Canaan at 85. What's God calling you to do right now? Your response could change the world or at least impact thousands. But that means taking a risk, stepping out on faith.

God, when you called me to start a new church, I was scared to death. It sounded really exciting but really scary. Now that I'm here, I'm even more scared and the terrain is rougher than I expected. But I'm staying with it. I'm following your lead. I'm trusting you to supply, to protect, to guide. I'm leaving the ultimate impact in your hands. I'm just trying to be faithful to your call.

Daily Reflections on Rom. 8:5-11 (Getting an Edge)

I tried my first ice coffee from McDonalds the other day. Not bad. So I challenged James at "my office," Cassils Coffee Cafe, to beat it. I was impressed. He did.

Seems like everyone is looking for an edge these days. It used to be mega dosing vitamins. But in more recent days we've seen the onset of caffine laced drinks from espresso to energy drinks to soda to Bud. When I was in college, "No Doze" was the drug of choice to pull an allnighter. Today it's Ritalin or crack or meth. It's no wonder steroids or HGH are so popular among aspiring athletes. We sense we need something extra to get us through life, to get us on top, to crank us up.

Here's a news flash: God agrees. Throughout the book of Romans, Paul explains that we need something extra, a boost to really live life. He talks about our inadequacies and ineptness and deficiencies that we all know we have. He gives a full description of the human condition and even confesses his own helplessness, hopelessness and need for something bigger than himself.

He opens the book of Romans with the theme of optimism, that he's found the lasting power source for life; giving us the ability to stay at the top of our game, to achieve, to be successesful at life and relationships. That power is the Good News of God. No pills. No snorting. No buzz drinks. The power is a person.

Here's how it works. Jesus, who never sinned, paid the penalty of our sin by dying on the cross, a sacrificial death. When He rose from the grave He conquered death. So, when we come to Him and accept Him as Lord and Saviour and are baptized into His death, we are raised with Him to a new life in Christ. But that's not all. With this new life comes the power source, God's energy drink, the Holy Spirit.

You want a real buzz? Learn to live under the power of the Holy Spirit. We're talking about the same Spirit who empowered the creation of the universe, who brought life to everything. As quick as we are to grab a cappuccino or latte with an extra shot to get a boost, why wouldn't we reach for something who's effect never wears off? That's the Holy Spirit.

God, I need your energy, your empowerment. I'm looking to your Spirit to get me through, to guide me, to strengthen me. Take control of me. Flow in me. Coarse through my veins, my being.

Daily Reflections on Mk. 10:28-31 (Leaving It All Behind)

I don't have a lot of memories of doing things with my father when I was a kid. I don't remember very many times when we played ball or he came to my little league games. I don't remember him taking me fishing very often or going exploring or on some adventure. I don't remember him reading stories to me at night.

I do remember one afternoon he taught me to hit a ball. I do remember him one afternoon teaching me to ride a bike which ended in me violently crashing into a tree and lots of cuts and scrapes on my body. I remember him helping me set up my Lionel train set on the dining room table. I can remember our annual camping excursion when we were a little older. I can remember him telling stories to us about Alexander the Great in the car on our long Christmas trips to my grandparents. I can also remember hanging around church A LOT. But as a whole, I don't have a whole lot of childhood memories with my dad.

When I was in high school, I went along on one of my dad's speaking trips at my parents persistence. On the 3 hour ride to his engagement we barely spoke to each other. Not out of anger or disagreement. We just didn't have anything to say to each other. We didn't have a whole lot of conversation on the way home either. But I do remember asking him about why he invested so much time in ministry at the expense of his family. His response left me unsatisfied. He told me basically that he had to fulfill his calling, that his commitment to Christ had come first and that he trusted God to care for the needs of his family.

As a teen, I didn't really understand that. However, my dad never walked away from us or really neglected us. But he was willing to sacrifice time with us to a greater Godly end. Hundreds, probably thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of lives are in the Kingdom of God today because of his willingness to answer God's call and obey His will. All four of us kids are currently involved in fulltime local ministries, as are some of the grandchildren. Today my dad is closing in on his eternal reward in heaven which I know will be richer than mine because of his life ministry. But he has seen a glimmer of his reward here in this life through the transformed lives he personally effected and those whom were transformed through the influence of his ministry.

God, I can't help but think of Abraham who left everything, his home and family, to follow you and your call. You gave him an eternal family because of his willingness to leave it all and follow you. You gave him a spiritual heritage that has lasted for over 4,000 years and a family that continues to grow bigger and bigger each day as people all over the world come to faith in Christ. God, I want to be like my dad who was willing to leave it all behind and follow you with everything he had.

Daily Reflections on Heb. 12:1-3 (Entanglements)

I'm a sprinter. Well, I was a sprinter. Those days are long past. Our high school track uniforms consisted of a sleeveless muscle/under type shirts, skimpy, extra short, silky running shorts, and track shoes with no socks. Our warm ups were a heavy, shiny, nylon material with a long sleeve zipper top and an elastic, draw string bottom with a zipper at the ankle. We'd always warm up in the sweats before a race with a multitude of stretching exercises, calesthentics and some easy jogging. We were instructed to leave our sweats on until right before we ran our event, even if the temps were in the 80's or above.

One of my teamates and I were preparing for a race. We set our starting blocks. Tried a couple starts. Those heavy sweats were always cumbersome and must have added 10-20 lbs. When you took them off, you felt so light and free, like stepping out of a shower. To be honest, you felt like you were wearing nothing but your track shoes.

As my teamate and I returned to the starting line, we took off our warm ups. I looked over at him and he was standing in front of his starting blocks in shirt, shoes and athletic supporter. No shorts! He was totally unaware that when he had removed those heavy, bulky sweats, that his thin, silky running shorts had gone with them. It reminded me of the first olympics when contestents competed in the buff. Now thats getting rid of entanglements.

A lot of us are carrying a lot of extra weight. I don't mean just lbs. I mean entanglements, things that hold us back, that keep us from running the race of life light o'foot. It might be a relationship gone awry or one that's inappropriate. It might be a hurt or a grudge or even a health issue. It might be an obsession or some worldly goal. Many things hold us back, including sin.

As a sprinter, I was taught to give everything I've got from the starting gun; to run with my eyes focused on the finishing tape. If I looked to the side at a competitor or even at the ground to watch my lane markers, I would lose time and speed and probably the race. That's why the Hebrew writer says to fix your eyes on Jesus. He's standing in your lane at the finish line. The stands are filled with all the saints gone by rooting you on to victory.

You're stumbling down the track. Isn't time to take off your entanglements? Take off the heavy sweats. The feeling of freedom is exhilirating. You experience a freshness that comes from the breeze of God's Holy Spirit. Your burden is lifted. Now you can run with the lightness of a feather, with speed you've never experienced before.

God, a lot of things create entanglements in my life. The daily routines and responsibilities, the pressures, my poor decisions and wrong pursuits are heavy and tripping and distracting. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus as I run my race. Keep me mindful of the saints in the stands who are watching me and chearing for me. Help me disrobe those entanglements, get rid of the bulky sweats so I can really run.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 5:1-11 (Amazed)

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wondered how He could love me, a sinner declared 'unclean.'" Peter could have penned those lines as he fell to his knees before Jesus in this passage. Amazed and astonished by the power and presence of Jesus.

I'm sure Peter's heart was already stirred by Jesus' teaching, otherwise he wouldn't have gone fishing after having been out all night doing it with nothing to show for his efforts. We don't really know what Jesus taught, but at the end of His teaching on the Sermon on the Mount the people's response was amazement and that He taught as one having authority.

Apparently Jesus didn't do any fancy mumbo jumbo. He simply said, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." They did and were overrun with no doubt the biggest catch of their lives. So big it almost sunk their boat. Now, that's a lot of fish. The sight, the experience, the presence of Jesus issued a humbled response from the rugged fisherman.

Without a hell, fire and brimstone message from Jesus, Peter came to a quick realization of his own character and nature. He confessed he was a sinner and not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus. But you don't see condemnation by Jesus. You see an invitation to be with Him. Not only just to hang around with Him, but actually be a part of a world changing team. No way! Way!

Peter, James, and John put their boats into shore, left their nets, their boats, their business, their fish, their homes, their families and followed Jesus on the spot. It doesn't say that they took their fish to market, washed up their nets, put their boats in dry dock and then followed Jesus. It doesn't even say that they packed an overnight bag. The text says they left everything and followed Jesus. They now had new careers and a new calling and a new life.

Have you ever really had an encounter with Jesus? I don't mean observed Him from a distance. I mean a personal, face to face experience with Jesus. If you did, you'd be singing the same tune. How marvelous! How wonderful is my savior's love for me.

God, you don't have to wow me with some miracle or fancy hocus pocus. You wow me simply by your presence. I'm overwhelmed by your love and grace and mercy and strength and nature alone. Your words stir my heart and mind and challenge my thoughts and actions. I'm drawn to you! I want to know you more.

Daily Reflections on 1 Thes. 1:4-10 (Reputation)

I've played it. You've played it. Everyone's played it. Kids especially like to play it. Some people make thousands or maybe millions doing it. Mimicking. Sometimes it's done as a taunt. Sometimes it's done in jest. Sometimes it's done in anger or manipulation or to hurt. Sometimes it's done to make others laugh or to entertain.

Mimicking has long been a practice in business, sports, family heritage. Copy right laws were enacted to restrict various forms of mimicry. Parents want their children to follow in their family footsteps. Developing athletes often chose a professional athlete to mimic. Young basketball players all over the globe have worn 23 on their jersey and stuck out their tongue going to the hoop. Aspiring graduates often choose business magnates or other heroes after which to pattern their careers. Most of us have someone we look to as a model or inspiration.

When I was a kid living in Cincinnati, my dad often urged me to mimic Pete Rose's "Charlie Hustle" style and mentality. Running out every hit. Running to first base on a walk. Sliding head first into second base. Going hard after every ball. Hustle, Hustle, Hustle. 110% kind of thing. Determined. Gritty. Throw caution to the wind and go for it. I did and probably still do pursue things in life with that mentality. What I lacked in talent, I made up for in hustle. I confess, Rose's gambling and imprisonment for income tax evasion broke my heart.

Reputation is significant. Now instead of being known as the all-time hit leader, Charlie Hustle, Rose is known for impropriety and being banned from baseball. His on field achievements have been erased by his off field behavior. No one wants to be Charlie Hustle anymore.

Looking at Paul's description of the Thessalonian church in this opening chapter sounds like something I want said about my church. These people were eager to learn and follow after Jesus. Their transformed lives were contagious. and they openly and joyously shared with others the Good News of the Gospel. They appeared to be passionate about their relationship with God through Christ. They whole heartedly switched their allegiance from worldly worship to serving God, anticipating Christ's return and ultimate redemption. What a model to mimic.

God, I want to be infectious, contagious like Paul and like this church. I want my church to be like this. I want people to talk about us, not for the cool stuff we do, but for the transformation to us through Your Spirit. I want people to be drawn to through us.

Daily Reflections on Mk. 3:13-19 (Name Calling)

What is a "Son of Thunder" anyway? Does it mean that James and John had loud booming voices? Does it mean that they showed up after the lightening strike? Does it mean that they were always rumbling or maybe they found themselves always surrounded by some storm? Maybe they had short fuses or were prone to excitement. I'm not really sure.

What I do know is Jesus picked them to be a part of The Twelve. I do know that Jesus changed their names. And when God changes a name there is always a reason and purpose. God changed Simon's name to Peter and Jacob's name to Israel and Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah and Saul's name to Paul.

Whenever God calls us for a specific mission it usually involves a life change. God called Abram away from his home and family to give him a new land and make him the father of many nations. With that call came a new identity. So God gave him a name to match that identity. Perhaps that's why he changed James' and John's names to Sons of Thunder, to change their identity and image of themselves. The were fishermen by trade and now God was calling them to catch men, to proclaim the message of the Good News which would echo across the seas of time.

It's a basic principle. When you come and spend time with Jesus, He changes you. When you become a disciple of Jesus, your past character becomes irrelevant. It doesn't matter where you've been or what you've done, good or bad (ie. Paul with all his religious and personal credentials/achievements and or Rahab, the prostitute), God is able to transform and give you a new character and calling, a new life (2 Cor. 5:17).

When Jesus picked The Twelve, it doesn't look like an all-star list of the top CEO's of His day. In fact, it makes you wonder how Christianity got out of the first century and changed the world. But that's God's transforming power. If you're bummed out with your life right now, don't like where it's going, then try spending some time hanging out with Jesus. Study Him. Watch Him. Experience Him. Talk with Him. Listen to Him. Get alone with Him. Take Him to work with you or at least on your commute. I guarantee, you'll be changed. Who knows, He might even change your name.

God, I'm spending my day with you today. I just want to hang out with you. I want to experience your presence today. Thanks for inviting me to dine with you and walk with you and learn from you.

Daily Reflections on Acts 11:19-26 (Hand of God)

It was church planting in its simplest form. People moving to a new community telling new friends and acquaintances about the Good News of Jesus with passion and enthusiasm. They didn’t just tell their “own kind.” They told everyone. Perhaps it was the change of environment that caused them to change their “normal” practice. Perhaps they’d been so transformed by Jesus they couldn’t keep their mouths shut.

But the amazing response of the people of Antioch coming to Jesus in Acts 11 seems to have been the results of a few things. First, God had turned up the pressure on the followers of Christ in Jerusalem through persecution. It forced them from their comfort zones. They were so uncomfortable that they left fled their homes, businesses and families to find a safer place to live. Not exactly a picture of boldness.

Second, when those early disciples arrived in their new locale, they poured out the Good News of Jesus to everyone who’d listen. They didn’t sit on their hope and faith; they expressed it openly without regard to the class, race, background, or position of their listener.

Third, the text says that the “hand of the Lord” was with them. God was working through them. He was actively involved with them, moving among them. This wasn’t just an experience. It was the hand of God at work. When Barnabas, the representative from the Jerusalem church, arrived on the scene to check things out, he noted the grace of God at work in people’s lives. He went and found his buddy, Saul (Paul), and together they held out and up the Word of God, preaching and teaching Jesus. It’s interesting that they didn’t do programs, concerts, events, or build fancy buildings. They simply told the Good News of Jesus. Wow! Would that actually work today?

The thing that catches my eye as I peruse these verses is the presence of God in the lives of His followers. Barnabas, the displaced disciples and even the former Christian persecutor, Saul (Paul), demonstrated the life changing power of Christ in their hearts and told of their experience. The results were obvious. A GREAT number of people, from all walks of lives, came to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

It causes me to pause and ask the question, “is the hand of the Lord on me and my church?” Do people experience the power and presence of Christ in my midst, among my church? Is God’s Spirit evident in me and my church? Are lives really being transformed by Jesus? Do I, do we, have the passion, enthusiasm, exuberance about Jesus and His Good News? Am I relying too much on programs, buildings, services, advertising instead of just telling people about Jesus? Would the name, “Christian” been ascribed to my church for the first time in history?

God, more than anything else I want to see people coming to Jesus. I want to see lives transformed by Christ. I want your hand on me and my church. Move me, move us out of my/our comfort zone. Allow your Spirit to flow out of me with the message of your Good News.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 28:16-20 (Who's in Charge Here?)

It's normally not my style. Yesterday I read a bulletin on MySpace about Brother Wood being elected as the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. The last phrase said, "pray for our fellowship." It suddenly just struck me funny, "OUR" fellowship. Without meaning any malice, I responded to the poster, "Is that 'our' fellowship or 'God's' fellowship?" I got a response back something to the affect of me being as technical as I want, but it was a reference to "our" fellowship with God.

I confess, I'm really struggling with the "our" fellowship mentality. I hear people talking about "my" church all the time. I know what they mean. I guess I'm just concerned that people really do think that their church is "their" church. As I go back and look at the Great Commission, the marching orders of the church, Jesus clearly states that all authority is His, not just on earth but also in heaven.

Attitudes that proclaim "my" church as mine, "our" fellowship or brotherhood as ours, just seems to go against the whole idea of the Lordship of Jesus. Power struggles, church splits, even denominationalism hints at the usurping of Jesus' authority over HIS church. I could have sworn that accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior meant the surrendering of my will to His. I give Him complete authority over my life, my will, my desires, my agenda, my everything. If Jesus ceases to be the head, is it really His church and are we really Christians?

Pastors, elders, deacons, bishops, leaders, family groups, individuals who attempt to seize the sole authority of the church appear to be operating in contempt of Christ. I recognize that evey church, Sunday School class, small group has to have leaders. However, the example of leadership Jesus demonstrated and demanded was about servanthood, not exercising authority.

Our Bible Study group just started into 1 Corinthians. The first thing Paul addresses is division. I can almost see him slapping himself on the forehead as he talks about those who were separating themselves off into Apolloists, Paulists, Cephasarians and Christians. His argument, "Is Christ divided? Weren't you baptized into Christ?" In fact, he virtually repeats the comission of Jesus in Matthew 28 to go into all the world and preach the Good News of JESUS, making disciples of JESUS, baptizing them in the name of FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT. Salvation is from the Lord, not me or my church. Eternal life, forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, healing, restoration, meaning, purpose, hope, grace all come from God, not me or my church. Truth is His, not mine. The church is His not mine. My fellowship is with Him, but it's still His fellowship not mine. We are His "kononia," called out ones. We are ALL assemblies of God, of Christ. He is Lord of Lords.

God, I never want to be guilty of claiming the church I serve as mine. I never want to usurp your authority. I simply want to be your servant, your messenger, your ambassador. I pray especially for Brother Wood as he assumes this leadership position. I pray also for all spiritual leaders everywhere to submit completely to you and your will, to empty themselves as Christ did in Philippians 2.

Daily Reflections on Ps. 90:1-12 (Wasting Time, Wasting Life)

Truthfully, I waste a lot of time. Down time is important, but periodically I find I've really not done too much. If I'm not careful I could spend hours a day surfing the web, watching TV, playing video games or just piddling around. I really enjoy hanging out with friends, but even then most of our conversation has little to do about anything. Sure I've often solved the world's problems over coffee or pizza or brats, etc. But unfortunately my brainstorming and philosophical ramblings have accomplished nothing.

Talk is cheap. I guess I do a lot of it and very little about it. A friend of mine once said, "If you're wasting time, you're wasting your life. If you're killing time, you're committing suicide." I can blabber all I want about needs, issues, injustices, even accomplishing something, but if all I do is sit on my butt, it's all just a bunch of hot air. I'm sure quick to criticize politicians for making big promises and doing little to nothing. Taking a good look in the mirror, I'm just a pot calling the kettle, "Black."

The older I get, the more I realize life is really short. Years fly by faster and faster. You'd think that'd make me feel greater urgency. Instead I feel more fatigued. I've discovered aging has that affect. Your mind slows down and so does your body. The Psalmist aptly notes that the average life span is only 70-80 years. Some of us may make 100, but how many 90 year olds do you know making a huge impact on the world?

Every moment of life is a gift. It's precious. The breath you just took was a once in a lifetime experience. Wandering aimlessly through life with no purpose, direction, meaning, goals leads to an unfulfilled, wasted life. God created each of us with unique gifts, talents, abilities. He gives us all different passions and dreams and aspirations. He wants each of us to take what we have and head full steam into the maelstrom we call life. He wants us to fulfill our purpose with gusto, seizing each moment and opportunity. Paul says in Ephesians that we should make the most of our time. The Psalmist in these verses asks God to teach us to number our days aright so that we can gain a heart of wisdom. Start by asking God to show you how you can make a difference to someone close to you today.

God, I want my life to count, to make a difference. I don't' expect to be an international hero, but I do want my life to impact my world. Use my gifts, resources, God, however you can. I want the wisdom to know what makes a difference and what is pointless. Give me the energy and strength to accomplish your plan for me.

Daily Reflections on Heb. 13:5-8, 20-21(Is There Anyone Worth Following?)

It seems more than at anytime in recent history, there is a leadership void. Corporations, politics, social organizations, and even churches/religious denominations. Daily we hear on the news of the latest executive/pastor going down in flames. Some because of scandals. Some because of mismanagement. Some over political fallout or some major faux pas. The debate about the next US President has been going on for quite some time with no end in sight. But even among the top candidates there has yet to emerge a person who has captured the public and issued the call to follow them.

Why the void? Where'd all the leaders go? There's more stuff written about effective leadership right now and yet where are they? Perhaps the leadership void is actually a character void. Leader have to be conscious of the little things, the daily things. There has to be a selflessness and a consistency of purpose, a lifestyle that is above reproach and worth imitating.

Leaders don't focus on building their own careers, their own nest eggs, their own reputation, their own position. True leaders focus on a vision or call that they know is bigger than themselves. Everything, then, about their life is focused on accomplishing or achieving that calling.

When God calls you or places His vision in you, there is nothing more important and probably more challenging. But with that calling comes the equipping and the empowerment. God gives us everything necessary. But the choice to do the work and use God's resources are up to us.

Spiritual leadership demands a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. No one is perfect. Even God doesn't expect that. That's why He gave us His Holy Spirit. No pressure spiritual leaders, but people around you are supposed to imitate your life. Okay, that's a little scary.

But that doesn't excuse the rest of us. God instructs us to seek out Godly leaders who proclaim God's Word and model Godly character. And then we're to pursue that in our lives. Leader or no leader, God still says to pursue our individual calling and be willing to use our gifts and talents and resources to do His will.

God, help me to be a model to others of a life lived for you!

Daily Reflections on Isa. 35:5-10 (I Need Refreshment!)

It was always a crazy day. The last day of school. Kids went wild. Teachers went wild. Everybody was excited. Summer was here. "Schools out. Schools out. Teachers let the monkeys out." Yahoooooo! No more rules. No more classes. No more homework. We're free. As the clock ticked down to the final bell, the anticipation only heightened. RING! Boom! Everyone ran out of the room, down the hall and through the doors. The cry of Martin Luther King was heard echoing across the playground, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God, we're free at last."

As a kid, there was nothing like the exhilaration of being out of school for the summer. Now we could ride our bikes, play in the creek, explore the woods, catch crawdads, build a tree house and wear shorts. (Had to wear dress clothes to school back then.) Nothing could be more fulfilling than a summer's day. What a joyous, carefree time.

That's the scene Isaiah paints in today's verses. He talks about what it is like when God gets involved in your life. The Israelites had forsaken God and experienced life without God. He describes the renewal that happens when people return to God. Restoring a relationship with God or beginning a relationship with God changes one's perspective. It gives one a new leash on life. There's an inner joy that happens when you truly know Him and experience His grace and forgiveness.

I've met a lot of people who experience the drudgery of life. There's no joy, no inner peace, constant stress. Some self medicate with alcohol, drugs, work, sex or a variety of other means. Some fight chronic medical or health issues. Some bounce from relationship to relationship, usually unhealthy ones. Some live in depression or bitterness or just hate the world. Others just try to muddle through.

Not everyday in Christ is joyful bliss. But everyday in Christ is hope and promise and assurance and inner joy. As you experience the presence and grace of God, life emerges with a new view. There is nothing like being right with God. Tired of the drudgery, fatigue, depression? It's time to seek God's renewal, refreshment and restoration. Let the time of rejoicing begin.

God, thanks for turning my mourning into gladness. Thanks for the springs of refreshing waters that flow in the desert times. Thanks for being an oasis in life.

Daily Reflections on Isa. 1:2-9 (Am I Nuts?)

I've watched it again and again. People with messed up lives choosing to continue to live messed up lives. They have life preserver in hand and purposely choose to toss it aside and continue to flail. To be honest, it doesn't make any sense to me. I've seen people addicted to alcohol and drugs, living in desperate situations, jump right back in fulll throttle even when given a sweet set up to escape, complete with plenty of friends and support.

Okay, I realize the addictive power of drugs and alcohol. But they aren't the only ones I've seen exhibit that kind of behavior. I've watched ladies being physically abused go back to live with their abuse. Surely you're not saying she's addicted to being beat up. I've seen people who spend themselves into financial ruin. They get help to get out and before you know it they're in over their head again; they've tossed the budget out the window.

It amazes me the number of people I see involved in various forms of self destructive behavior who choose to continue to wallow in their squaller. Why do people live like that? You have a way out. You know what to do. You've tasted of life above the fracas. So why in the world do you continue to purposely choose to bring calamity, hardship, pain, suffering, frustration on yourself? Does this make sense to anyone?

But to be honest, the thing that gets me the most is why would people refuse the love of God? Why do people refuse to accept God's grace and forgiveness? Why would anyone choose to reject Jesus, His truths and abundant life? Why would anyone purposely choose to live in darkness when they could live in the light? Why would anyone deny the power of God in their life or quench His Holy Spirit? Why would anyone kick aside eternal life for eternal punishment?

I must be nuts! God gives us a plan and a promise to really live, to experience the fullness of life, to avoid the pit falls and pain and we just ignore it. Doesn't that seem a little strange?

God, help me to hold out and up the Word of Life. Not only for others, but for myself. I don't know why I ignore your truths or fail to heed your warnings. I don't know why I sometimes bring pain on myself. Let your spirit flow in me. I want your guidance and your direction. Help me listen to your spirit today and tomorrow and the next day, all day.

Daily Reflections on Isa. 1:18-19 (Really Clean)

It was an unusually cold stretch for the Space Coast of central Florida. Temperatures were in the 40's. I was changing the spark plugs on my dad's 1962 Olds Dynamic 88. Since that's the car he let me drive most of the time, I got the opportunity to keep up the maintenance on it. Turned out to be a great education for me in the future.

When the temperature drops, metal is not only just colder, it's also seems harder and without question bolts grip more snuggly. I was have a little trouble getting some of the old plugs out, which meant they required more leverage or the bigger hammer rule. Being the epitome of a Mr. Universe body type at 17, I simply used my brute strength and determination to loosen each plug. However, one of the plugs was extremely resistant. It was bound and determined to stay in place. I was bound and determined it was coming out!

I repositioned myself for greater leverage, gritted my teeth, put a firm grip on the wrench and exerted full force. She broke loose. And when she did, I couldn't stop the momentum of my hand moving forward into a sharp piece of cold hard steel. My blackened, greasy hands were now covered in blood from the nasty cut on my finger. I was bleeding everywhere.

When I went inside to tend my wound, my mother took me to the bathroom sink. But instead of immediately cleaning my dirty, black, greasy hands with soap and water, she used the blood oozing from my cut to wipe away all the filthy grime. All the darkened grease disappeared. My finger and hand were perfectly clean. I was totally stunned. She explained to me that blood was a cleansing agent. Then I remembered these words from Isaiah, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow."

What can wash away your sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. The book of Romans, chapter 3 tells us that we are justified by the grace of God, through the atoning blood of Jesus. Even though my life has been blackened by sin, God takes Jesus' blood and He washes the grimy filth that covers my life when I come to Him in faith, asking for His cleansing power to be applied to my life.

God, thanks for your cleansing power. Thanks for Christ's sacrifice. I want to be white as snow.

Daily Reflections on Ezek. 10:18-19 (When God Walks Out)

If God is everywhere all the time, how come I don't always know it or sense it? Why does God seem so far away sometimes? I come to Him and I can't find Him? I call out and God doesn't answer? It's like He just disappeared from my life.

Could be. But if He has disappeared, we're the ones who squeezed Him out. That's what the Israelites did according to Ezekiel. Solomon had built this great temple to the Lord. Chronicles tells us how that once the temple was completed and dedicated to the Lord, God filled it with His "shekinah" glory. It was so overwhelming that the priest had to leave the temple. Everyone was in awe of the presence of God that filled their temple.

But in Ezekiel's day, the Israelites decided to bring other forms of worship into the temple. They erected idols to Asherah and Tamnuz (fertility gods of the non-Israelis living in the land). They apparently also had their own form of Mother Earth worship going on in the temple too. The magnificent temple, built and dedicated to God, had become a center for pagan worship. The people had brought all sorts of false gods and worldly practices into God's house.

So God, in response to the people's actions, left His own house. He withdrew His presence. Why wouldn't God stay and fight? Because He doesn't have to. He won't stay where He's not wanted. But when God leaves so does His protection and provision. God doesn't have to punish us when we reject Him or hook up with other "gods." All He has to do is withdraw His hand and leave us to our own devices. We have to face the consequences of our own choices.

The Bible says God is a jealous God. There is no room for bringing other gods, idols or items of worship into our lives. When job, kids, sports, career, cleaning house, partying, sex, marriage take His place as priority in our life, we force God into the back seat. God won't sit in the back seat. In fact, He wants to drive.

Has God's glory departed from your life? Has His presence evaporated? Then maybe it's time for a temple cleansing and rededication. That starts with a heart examine. What or who has become the central object of your worship?

God, my prayer, like King David's, is that you not remove your spirit from me. Search me and create in me a clean heart. Forgive me for defiling my temple, my body, my life. I want your presence. I want to experience your shekinah glory in my life.

Daily Reflections on Eph. 4:11-16 (On God's Will for Me)

How do you know God is calling you? A few years ago a friend of mine played a prank on another friend of mine for a special birthday. My friend, who had the upcoming birthday, had done some time in the service and reserves, but was now retired from all active duty. My other friend went to elaborate ends to pull off this prank. He created an official looking letter from the military, complete with an embossed seal, and sent it to my birthday friend.

The letter stated that because of the shortage of volunteer troops, they were rescinding his inactive status and he was to report to a certain facility on a particular date to meet with a reinstatement officer. He received the letter several weeks in advance of the date. Ironically, he showed the letter in genuine concern to my friend who had concocted the scheme.

On the date, just as ordered, my retired military friend showed up at the military site. My prankster friend had rented a room at the facility and conned the military guard into directing my birthday friend to the proper room. When he arrived with letter in hand, he nervously opened the door. At that moment all his friends shouted, "Surprise! Happy Birthday."

Wouldn't it be great if God just sent you a letter in the mail with implicit instructions on what He wanted you to do and where He wanted you to go and when He want you to do it? Wouldn't you like to have the proverbial neon sign, handwriting on the wall, message in the sky? Detailed instructions, a text message, email, or phone call would be nice. But God doesn't generally use that kind of overt communication. Or does He?

God's basic plan and will for us is to reach people with the Good News of the saving grace of Jesus, encourage each other to grow in our faith, and to minister to others using the resources at our disposal. When we're simply and faithfully doing His will, He supplies all necessary means. He gifts His people with different abilities to accomplish what He wants done. But the key is us using our gifts, time, resources, abilities, and opportunities. The text message you got, the email, the phone call, the challenge, the need, the question, the hurting person are all calls from God. They are the neon lights, the message in the sky. So the real question isn't, "What is God calling me to do?" The real question is, "What are you going to do about the call?" Who knows, when you answer the call, open the door, you just might find an unexpected, pleasant surprise.

God, forgive me for being resistant to your call. I guess I'm always looking for the "big" thing, the "big" call and not paying attention to the things around me. Help me realize the little things make a difference and no task you call me to is insignificant. Thanks for teaching me that small things add up to big things. Thanks for supplying all the necessary means to accomplish your will.

Daily Reflections on Jn. 4:7-26 (Thirsty)

After a vigorous workout session, I'm always drenched with sweat. Okay, that's not a pretty picture, but the truth is the more I exert myself, the greater my perspiration. The harder I work, the harder my body has to work to cool me down and keep me from overheating. (Sounds a lot like life.) And by the time I'm done with my workout, I'm REALLY thirsty! I'm grabbing the water bottle and sucking it down. Oh man, that tastes good. I gotta replenish those lost fluids.

What I've found is that all of us are thirsty for something in life. The scene in today's passage centers around a well. And not just any well, Jacob's well. You know, the guy who God changed his name to Israel, one of the big three forefathers. There's really a lot going on here is this text. Jesus overcomes the traditional sexism and racism of His day. He also is investing in an obvious outcast, that's why she's there in the middle of the day and not in the morning with the rest of the respectable women.

This woman's thirst is obvious. She's had 5 husbands and was living with her latest boyfriend. Not a great relational track record. Why all the men in her life? Who knows? Maybe her father abandoned her as a child or sexually abused her. Maybe she struggled with self esteem. Maybe she just made some really bad choices. Maybe she was trying to cover some hidden pain. Maybe she was thirsting to be loved, by anyone. The Bible doesn't give us the reason, just the facts of her situation; 5 husbands, living with a guy, at the well in the middle of the day, alone, thirsty.

Jesus offers to quench her thirst. Not her physical thirst, but her real thirst. He offers to meet the thirst of her heart. It wasn't long until the converstation turned to spiritual issues. And ultimately Jesus went right to the heart of the matter. Traditions and religion don't heal deep wounds. Only God can do that. Rituals and programs don't cut it. When you're thirsty, I mean really thirsty, buildings, temples, monuments, and shrines aren't enough. You have to know the Messiah, the source of living water, the one who can quench the deepest of thirsts.

What's your deepest thirst? Love? Value? Appreciation? Meaning? Security? Emotional healing? Forgiveness? Purpose? Like the song says, most of us are like the woman at the well, we're looking for love in all the wrong places. WE use substitutes in an attempt to mask or satisfy our needs. Sex, drugs, alcohol, success, achievements, prestige, material things, popularity, power, work, people, the list of substitutes is endless. Jesus says in v. 14 that whoever comes to Him will get not just a drink, but a perpetual spring of living water that satisfies and wells up into eternal life with God.

Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up to you. I'm tired of trying all the substitutes. They don't satisfy. I'm losing a lot of me just in the exertion it takes to do life. I need that spring of living water. Flow in me. Well up in me. I'm REALLY thirsty.

Daily Reflections on Jn. 3:5-8; Acts 2:1-4 (Winds of Change)

"Rushing wind blow through this temple, blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe your breath upon me, I've been born again." The lyrics of Keith Green's song has been my cry on a regular basis. At times, my life has resembled anything but a temple, especially one that represents God. I need God's Holy Spirit to get out the industrial strength leaf blower and go to work. My heart and my mind could use a good cleaning now and then.

I've seen the power of wind in action. I've enjoyed the constant breeze as I sailed across a lake. I've pulled 2 clubs more than I normally use to clear the water and hit the green into the wind. I've been amazed at the rows of energy producing windmills spinning in tandem. I've experienced the cooling refreshment of the wind as it gently blows across my face on a hot summer's day. I've also run for cover as a threatening tornado approaches and then witnessed the aftermath of its destructive path.

Wind, breath, spirit, they are all virtually the same word. It surrounds us, flows through us, filling up our lungs, bringing the necessary oxygen that gives life to our body. When God created man, the Bible says that He formed man out of the dust of the earth, breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and man became a living soul. Before Jesus ascended into the heaven, the Gospels say that Jesus breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit. It's God's breath that gives life, physical life and spiritual life. Without that breath, we're dead.

I've noted that I find myself sometimes gasping for breath. My chest feels heavy. My mind is fuzzy. I'm winded. It's those times I've realized that I'm doing life on my own, that I've neglected God's truth or God, Himself. When I come back or come to my senses and trust Him, I rediscover the breath of God's spirit. How essential it is to breathe into my lungs the rich oxygen of God. My life is renewed. My heart rate slows to a relaxed beat. My mind clears. My demeanor/mood cools.

God, I want to breath in your spirit. I want to feel your presence filling my lungs with each breath. I need your cleansing, refreshing power to blow into my life. God, I want to wake each morning and draw in your spirit and exhale my tension, frustration, dilemmas and stress. Fill my lungs, mind, soul, being each day, each moment, each breath.