Daily Reflections on Lk. 2:8-14 (Where's the Peace?)

At the end of my tour of the Holy Land in 2000, the man who ran the tour company climbed onto our bus and shared a few words to us. He gave us all replica medallions of an early century cross. Then before departing our bus he asked us to pray for peace in the middle east. He lamented the strife and turmoil of his land. And told us the only hope for true peace was not a cessation of hostilities through governmental agreements. He said the only hope for true peace was through Jesus. I learned later that he was an Arab Christian living in Jerusalem. He had come to know Christ as His personal Lord and Savior.

I've been thinking a lot about the message the angel brought to the shepherds in light of all the conflict continuing in the middle east. There isn't a lot of joy. There isn't a lot of good news. And there certainly isn't a lot of peace. Efforts throughout the region to quell the fighting have only been temporary. Before long the hatred spills over into killing and it escalates all over again. I think my friend is right. Unless there is an inner change that only comes through Christ, the warring will continue.

The middle east could use some good news. I mean real good news. Jesus needs to return to the region. Despite all the relics and places and history of that sacred land that points to God, His presence seems so far away. Just like Jesus wept over Jerusalem while He was on earth, I'm sure His tears are uncontrollable today. God's heart has to be breaking.

As much as the middle east needs some good news that will bring true peace, I'm afraid we need it in our lives too. Everywhere I look around me I see strife and conflict and assassinations (of character) and warring. Relationships are struggling. Marriages are failing. Parents and children, siblings war with one another. We need Christ to come.

God, send the angel(s) with the good news. Send your messengers with the hope of Good News in Jesus. May hearts be open to His true message of peace.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 1:26-38 (Troubling News)

Troubled. That was Mary's initial response when the angel told her that she was highly favored among women. The angel comes to Mary and tells her that she's got God's personal attention, He's with her and she's troubled. I suppose that could be a natural response. After all Moses said, "God, I think you got the wrong guy. I can't speak," when God called him. Jonah went on cruise in the opposite direction when God called him and then ultimately went for a swim. Gideon said, "Lord, I'm a farmer not a military man, check out my new fleece."

So when God shows up out of nowhere and tells you you're favored, "troubled" just might be a natural reaction. When God put His finger on someone in the past to be His person, it wasn't always for an easy task. After all, a lot of the prophets in the past had a pretty rough go. Mary knew that at the least her life was about to change forever. Her plans for her own cozy life were headed for a major overall.

I'm sure that Mary had a ton more questions than are listed in Luke 1. No doubt all the ramifications of what the angel spelled out began to race through her mind, not the least of which was how am I gonna explain this one. Apparently, there aren't any witnesses to this angelic encounter and revolutionary message. Oh sure, everyone was expecting a Messiah, but not in the same way Mary was expecting.

As startling and potentially disturbing as this news was to Mary, she submitted to God. What if Mary would have said, "I don't think so." Who would have been on God's "B" list. Joseph and Francine just sounds odd to me. Ave Henrietta really throws off the meter. She consented. She conceived. She delivered.

For Mary to become the mother of Jesus, she had to surrender and be willing to sacrifice her own agenda. Mothering God couldn't have been easy. Talk about pressure. All of history is bearing down upon you. No one would be under greater scrutiny as a parent, a mother than Mary. Yet she agreed.

Throughout my years of ministry I've discovered that God picks all sorts of people for all sorts of jobs. Sometimes people say "yes" and sometimes they say "no." I can't imagine what would happen in our world, community, neighborhood, family if we all had the same attitude as Mary, "I'm the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

God, I am your servant. Use me how you wish.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 19:1-10 (Can a Person Really Change?)

Transformation is an amazing thing, especially when it happens to a person. It's often been said that people don't change, that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. It's probably true to some extent, yet I tend to be an optimist. People can change, well sort of. I don't mean a Jekyll and Hyde sort of change. I mean really change.

Obviously, people change their minds all the time. Politicians change their views from one stump to the next. I've always heard that changing your mind is a ladies prerogative. But that's not exactly what I was thinking. Changing your thinking, yes. Changing your mind, not really.

My observation is that people can't change by themselves. They need help. Self determination and accountability can help, but the moment we let go of the wheel or lose our accountability we have a tendency to steer out of control and fall back into the same old patterns.

Yet, I firmly believe that people can change. I read the story of Zacchaeus, and I see obvious transformation. What made the difference? How was he able to change. Not through self will, but through the power of Jesus. Jesus is able to create change in us by helping us change thought process. Not doubt little, tax collector Zac was a mess. Not a lot of real friends. People thought of him as a "sinner." We might think "crook." Yet through his encounter with Christ, he was changed.

It's really a great phrase, one of my favorite in the Bible. "He (Jesus) has gone to be a guest of a 'sinner.'" That's one of the most encouraging passages. It tells me that Jesus wants to connect with people like me and you and even those with a not so hot reputation. It tells me that there is hope for me. It tells me change is possible for me. When I see Zac's transformation, I'm excited about the possibilities for me and others.

Jesus' response to the life change of Zac, "Today salvation has come to this house." If it can come to that crook's, Zacchaeus, it certainly can come to mine. It reminds me that Jesus loves me so much that He's willing to come looking for me in my plight. When He finds me, He loves me for who I am. Yet, He loves me so deeply that He won't let me stay there.

Change is possible through Jesus. I don't have to stay the way I am. Even thought Jesus invited Himself to Zac's house, He prefers that we invite Him to our house.

Jesus, come hang out at my house. I need you. Change me. Change my heart. Change my thinking to your way of thinking.

Daily Reflections on Rev. 2:1-7 (Beware of Cheap Substitutes)

A friend of mine called me this morning talking about how people have taken Christ out of Christmas. My response, "Christmas? People have taken Christ out of everything." As I continued our brief discussion, I couldn't help but think of how much we substitute things, traditions, people, staff, church, programs, doctrine, job, family, education, accomplishments, football, houses, cars, clothes, prominence, popularity, electronics, fitness over Christ. It's not just Santa and elves and reindeer and gift giving (or getting) that gets in our way. That's only a sign that we've made the substitution.

Last night, I was watching the Christmas special "Shrek the Halls." Cute little story. Shrek, the ogre, has never celebrated Christmas and doesn't know anything about it. He wants to make their first Christmas special for his new bride and babies, but since he knows nothing of Christmas he gets a book on how to do Christmas. He follows it like a recipe book, doing all the steps. On Christmas eve he gathers his children around the fireplace to read them the Christmas story. The Christmas story he began to read was not the one I was expecting. He read, "Twas the night before Christmas..."

"Wait. That's not the Christmas story," I thought to myself. "Hang on just a minute. That's a substitute. The story of Christmas is Jesus coming to earth as a baby, being born in a stable. Where are the angels and shepherds and wisemen? Shrek, you got the wrong book."

I shouldn't be surprised. The substitution practice has been going on for quite sometime. Just read John's writing in Rev. 2. The church at Ephesus seems to be an active, Bible believing church. They stand up for strict doctrine. Work hard. Endured oppression. Exposed false teachers. Hated evil. Yet, they seem to have lost something along the way. They made hard work and doctrine the center of their worship. Substitution. John says they had forsaken their first love.

How the easy the substitution practice takes over. We get so side tracked on everything in life that we forsake what should be our first love. It's like a sports team that gets lulled into a certain aspect of play and forgets the fundamentals. John encourages us to get our thinking straight and go back to the things we did at first. When it comes down to it, it's about Lordship, putting Christ back at the center.

God, I'm probably just as guilt as the next person of substituting. You certainly deserve the center of my life. It's so easy to start putting other things first, including the urgency of the day. Reclaim your throne in my heart. I don't want to lose my lampstand.

Daily Reflections on Prov. 30:7-9 (Dear Santa, I Mean, God)

It happens at Christmas every year. Parents encourage their youngsters to make out their Christmas List. Sometimes kids are encouraged to write a letter to Santa enumerating the items they wish for Santa to bring them. I've been tickled through the years reading the fanciful yearnings of children's letters to Santa published in the local newspaper. Proclamation is often made of how good a person they had been in the past. Occasionally a child reports on the behavior of their siblings, good and bad. Of course there are always promises to do better next year and the inevitable bribe.

As children grow to adulthood, it seems to me that our approach to God is similar to our approach to Santa. We make a wish list that we present before God of things we want, need or desire. We make all sorts of promises about how we'll change if God comes through. And there's always the bribe technique, as if God could be bribed or manipulated.

I'm sure to God, many of our prayers are just as amusing to Him as letters to Santa are to me. I wonder if He records them and puts them on AngelTube for the residents of heaven to enjoy. Yet, there is one prayer that I'm sure God was glad to hear. It's found here in Proverbs 30. It's an honest, realistic, humble prayer. It has two basic components: 1) Keep lies and falsehoods away from me; and 2) Don't make me poor or rich.

Deception kills relationships. Since relationships are based on trust, when that trust is violated through lying, the relationship is undermined. Truth, honesty, and integrity are keys to a solid foundation in any relationship. That includes our relationship with God. If I'm trying to deceive God, it damages my relationship with Him.

I remember sitting in a class discussing Joseph Fletcher's proposal of "Situation Ethics." The question posed, "is it right to steal food or money for food when your family is starving?" The debate was intense. I don't remember the resolution the class came to, just the intensity of the debate. Solomon knew his nature. He asks God not to make him poor because he knew he'd steal to feed himself and his family and thus dishonor God.

Ironically, he also asked God not to make him rich so that he could maintain his dependency upon God. Yet, we know that Solomon did become the richest man who'd ever lived and that his riches led him away from God at the end of his life. He embraced other gods celebrated by his many wives. Evidently, Solomon relied so much on his own wisdom and wealth that he ended up, just as he predicted, walking away from God.

As I look at my own heart, it's probably no different than Solomon's. I need to pray the same prayer. I certainly don't have the wisdom of Solomon, but I know I have the same propensities.

God, I can't imagine disowning owning you. I definitely don't want to dishonor you. I'm making Solomon's prayer here my own. I want to live a life of integrity before you. All I ask is that you meet my needs. I know living in dependency upon you is actually living fully.

Daily Reflections on James 1:12-18 (Catching Stuff)

It is very similar to catching a cold. Put yourself in the wrong environment and within a couple of days you've got the sniffles or worse. I say environment but weather itself doesn't cause illness. Diseases, colds and flu in particular, are passed onto us by those with whom we associate. Family, friends, co-workers, etc. are the culprits. Hang out with them when they're sickly and before you know it you've got it too.

Those pesky little germs sometimes stays dormant for a while, but then they get you. They've multiplying unseen and unchecked for days. When they've gained enough strength to attack your body, your in for it. The battle is on. Viruses are the worst, since all you can do is relief symptoms. They just have to run their course.

Sin works the same way. We get infected hanging out in the wrong environments. More often than not the affects of others influence in our life allows the seed of sin to be planted, cultivated and developed. It's not others fault. Sin is always our choice. But the process that James describes in chapter 1 is enhanced by the environment with which we surround ourselves. Environment includes our surroundings, situations, and of course people.

In the same way all of us are vulnerable to sickness, colds, and flu, none of us are immune to the temptation of sin. No one is perfect. Only one was sinless, that's Jesus. Hanging out with Him gives us a fighting chance. He came to give us the ability to fight off sin that can destroy our lives or that makes us feel miserable. It's through the power of the cross and the resurrection that we can be healed. Paul says that it was by Jesus' stripes that we are healed.

The message of Christmas is a message of reprieve and relief and renewal. Jesus isn't Vitamin C or Zinc or Echinacea or even antibiotics. He's not some magic pill we take to help our body/mind heal ourselves. He is the cleansing agent. He is the antidote. He's the healing power.

God, I know I need my daily exposure to you to stay healthy personally, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Cleanse me. Eradicate the seeds of sin that begin to grow in me. Foster the growth of your Word in me.

Daily Reflections on Ezek. 3:1-9 (Hardheaded People)

I've been accused of being hardheaded ever since I was a kid. While sometimes others throw ugly sounding words my direction like "stubborn" or "arrogant," I prefer to think of my self as confident and determined. Pigheaded just doesn't sound very nice to me.

Surely all of us at times have be accused of something similar. It may not be our normal behavior, but on occasion, well let's just say we resemble that remark. Like me, during those moments, you think of yourself more as determined than stubborn. And even though nasty comments flow from the mouths of others, you remain steadfast.

Sometimes stubbornness isn't all bad. Sometimes one has to maintain a determined spirit to get something accomplished. We often use phrases like "hardheaded" or "pigheaded" in a negative tone, and probably rightfully so. However, there are times when it's essential to stand your ground or keep up the pursuit.

Here in this passage, God tells Ezekiel that He wants Zeke to be hardheaded. In fact, God says He's going to make Zeke hardheaded. Why? Somehow I didn't think obstinacy was one of the character traits of the Fruit of the Spirit. Doesn't seem like it goes along with love, peace, patience, etc.

But that depends on how you look at it. If a parent goes to no end to save their child, we consider that admirable, even necessary. They are bound and determined to do whatever it takes. In another situation we might call that hardheaded. But in this situation we would call that love.

The fact that God wants His children, really all people to hear and respond to His words of truth and hope, means that sometimes He and His prophets/messengers have to have a determined spirit. They have to be hardheaded at times. It's really an act of love. If you truly love someone, you won't let them destroy themselves.

It's interesting that God sends Ezekiel to people he knows really well. He speaks their language. He knows their culture and their ways. He's one of them. Maybe that's why hardheadedness is required. Going to people you you're not connected with, makes it easier to let them go. People you love, you never give up on. You may have to display some tough love, but you don't give up on them.

God, I know that I'm hardheaded about some things. But I want to be hardheaded about the right things, things of your Kingdom. Help me continue to proclaim your message, uphold your truth, hold out your grace, even when it seems like all ears are deaf. Give me the determination without the obstinacy that repels.

Daily Reflections on Ezek. 2:6-10 (Lions, Tigers and Scorpions at Work)

I've seen it happen thousands of times. People get really pumped up spiritually at a retreat or event or small group, or even a church service only to be deflated the moment the walked through the doors at work. It's like someone stuck a pin in their inflated balloon. High on life in Jesus on Sunday. Just trying to keep from drowning on Monday.

I've heard the drone again and again, "I hate my job. It's so depressing. It's impossible to be a Christian in that environment." Complaints abound. Factory workers used to expound upon the notorious vile atmosphere they experienced. But I've discovered, factories aren't the only place where sordid behavior resides. Virtually every form of employment is beleaguered with inappropriate expressions, sexual innuendos and contemptible practices.

When the drone begins, I know what's coming next. People always ask me to pray that they could get a job in a "Christian" environment. My response usually surprises them. I tell them I won't pray that. I tell them I'll pray for them to be a light. I'll pray for their protection. I'll pray for their testimony. I'll pray for strength, wisdom, insights and openings, but I won't pray for them to get a job in a "Christian" environment. God put you where you are to be witness, a light, an influence, His messenger. No matter how vile the environment, God needs you there to proclaim His Good News, to offer hope.

Throughout the Old Testament, prophet after prophet are sent to dangerous, rebellious, vile arenas to challenge, to speak truth, to show the way back to God. Some of them took a real beating. A lot of them felt really alone. Some of them saw results to their call or message. Some of them were imprisoned, ignored, or persecuted.

Here in this passage, God is really honest with Ezekiel. He tells him straight up what to expect from the people to whom he's directed to go. He said to expect briers, thorns, scorpions, and rebellion. Would that be good description of your workplace? He's saying expect to be cut up, stuck, stung, criticized and ostracized if you're speaking God's message. He's not suggesting you take an adversarial role. He's talking about what to expect when you humbly but confidently proclaim God's message.

It's pretty easy for most believers after they get batted around a bit by their coworkers to go into hiding, to drop their message, to try to blend in with crowd. Who wants to live in constant controversy or aggravation or even rejection? But God says, "Open up and feed on me, my words, my promises, my truth." Don't back down. Don't give in. Allow His Spirit to flow in you. God knows perfectly well what you're experiencing. His Son went through the same thing.

God, sometimes I feel all alone as your messenger. I sometimes just want to runaway and hide like Elijah. Just get me out of this situation. Put me in one that is easy. I like preaching to choir. Yet, Lord, I know that you came into a rebellious world that rejected you. I'm not alone. I have your message of hope. Without it, the world around me will only get darker. Help me crank up my little flashlight. Refresh my batteries. I want to shine for you.

Daily Reflections on Ezek. 2:1-5 (Is Anyone Coming to the Party?)

Have you ever thrown a party and no one came? Maybe a close friend or two showed up or some relatives, but everyone else stayed away. I wonder if God feels that way sometimes. He goes all out. The cost is no object. He pays it all willingly. Everything is free. Yet, you gotta ask, "where is everybody?"

Good question! What more could He do? Forgiveness of sins. Guilt free living. Tools for great relationships. Hope. Joy. Eternal life. Eternal rewards. Security. Protection. Insight. Assurance. Support. Encouragement. Power. Endless opportunity. Challenge. Significance. Value. Unconditional love. All free. Surprises me that people are standing in line around the block to get in on that action.

So what's the deal? What's wrong with us? Why aren't we clamoring for just a taste of what God has for us? Why aren't we like seagulls on the beach hovering, crowding, fighting over a french fry someone tossed into the air? Beats me. And those of us who have it and enjoy the blessings of God, why are we keeping it all to ourselves? There's plenty of God's blessings to go around. There's always room for one more.

Actually, I don't know what puzzles me more; the people who know about God but reject Him; the people that are so deaf to God they can't hear him; the people/churches that are more concerned about keeping things the way they like it; or the people/churches that are more concerned about making people feel comfortable with their internal programs. Hello, everyone.

As we continue down this road blatantly ignoring God, the world around continues to spiral downward. More chaos. More neglect. More abuse. More frustration. More emptiness. More hurt.

God is still speaking. He's not yelling trying to be heard above the fracas. He's just holding out His truth, His hope, His grace, His love, while others go whizzing by trying to knock it from His hand. I'm just glad that God, according to 2 Peter, is patient with us, longing for us to come to our senses and embrace Him.

God, it's pretty easy for us to ignore you. Yet at the same time it's pretty hard to deny your presence. We know you are there. Somehow we just know. No matter how hard we try to put you aside, we can't. Thanks for your patience with us, with me. As I grow to allow you to be the center of everything in my life, help me to be that prophet to others as described here in Ezek. 2.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 12:13-21 (Why Do We Act This Way?)

It was a strange phone call from one of the "spiritually mature" ladies of our church. Her mother had recently died. It would have seemed normal if she had called me to talk to me about her grief since her mother had died unexpectantly in her sleep at the first of the week and wasn't discovered until later in the week. Several calls had gone unanswered by friends and family. Finally her small group leader and his wife decided to go over and see how she was doing. When she didn't answer the door, they broke in and found her.

But the call wasn't about grief or embarrassment about her mother's death. It was similar to verse 13 of Luke 12. She wanted me to tell her brother, who was also a "mature believer" in our church, to give her part of the antique furniture. Apparently, he'd gone into his mother's house after mom had passed and taken several valuable items for himself and his kids without consulting his only sister. Now she was calling me to arbitrate the division her deceased mother's estate.

I thought it extremely odd that these two outstanding families were fussing over stuff within days of their saintly mother's death. As calmly as I could I listened to this lady's complaining, frustrations and arguments. After she vented for a while, I, as gently as I could, challenged her thinking and suggested that she get everyone together and sort it out as the believers in Christ that they were. She paused for a moment and realized the greed that had overtaken she and her brother's hearts. Later the family did as I suggested and worked everything out.

To be honest, I felt like I was in the midst of two children fighting over a toy. "Mine." "No it's mine." "I had it first." "No I had it first. Give it back." As my kids got older, it was who was going to sit in the front seat. Me first. My needs. My wants. "She got this. How come I can't have one too?" Sound familiar? It must be ingrained in us. That spirit of selfishness. It's more than self protection. It's greed. Ever fought over the last piece of cake or pie or even a chicken leg. Why do we act that way?

Just like the man in the story, this older woman had passed away leaving a lifetime of accumulated goods behind. It happened suddenly. That morning she was joking with me at church. That evening she was in the very presence of God. Her children were left to fight over her estate, something they would have never done in her presence. My guess, if she knew that were going to happen, she would have given it all away to someone in need.

This Christmas many will max out the credit cards to buy stuff. Oh sure it has material value now, but what about lasting value. No doubt some will spend hundreds maybe thousands on new clothes and electronic gadgetry, while others go hungry, wear worn out shoes and shiver in the cold because they can't afford the electric bill. Sadly, their needs aren't just at Christmas.

Another family in that same church I served decided one Christmas that instead of spending the doe they spent on each other, they would invest in a struggling homeless shelter. They were able to replace the worn out kitchen appliances and provided enough funds to expand the facility and put on a new roof. The hundreds (probably more like a few thousand) they could have spent on each other went to minister to several lives in desperate need. Now that's being rich toward God.

God, your Son set the example. He gave His life away so that we could have life. I want to follow your example. I don't have a lot in terms of material possessions, but what I have I want to give to you. Like Peter and John at the temple, I don't have silver and gold, but I'm willing to give myself, my time, my talents for you in ministry to people.

Daily Reflections on Ps. 82:1-4 (The New Deal, Bad Deal, and Real Deal)

I think I agree with the late Larry Burkett when he said that Franklin Roosevelt's, "New Deal" was actually a bad deal for America. Not that helping the disadvantaged is a bad idea, quite the contrary. The path of entitlement programs have overtaxed our country's resources. Now solubility of government programs like Social Security and Medicare are in doubt. Why? The Baby Boom followed by The Pill has created a kink in the pyramid cash flow principle. The shear numbers game is falling apart because the number of younger working adults isn't growing to meet the number of rapidly aging older adults. Add to that the mentality of entitlement programs and before long we'll see universal health care next. At the rate we're going, Americans will have 50-60% (or more) of their income taken out in taxes.

I think the "New Deal" was a bad deal for another reason. I think it has actually taken away our sense of responsibility to our friends, neighbors and others in general. It's created an "I'm entitled" mentality. It's also created a "let the government handle it" mentality. Don't we have programs to handle the poor and needy and down on your luck kind of people? I don't have to worry about feeding the poor because I pay taxes so that they can have food stamps.

Those who call themselves followers of Christ, the church, has been seriously affected by this cultural trend. In most of the churches that I have either served or attended, very little funds or energy was devoted to ministry to the poor, the hungry, the needy, the down and outers. We spent huge amounts on various internal programs and building payments.

I read passages like this in Ps. 82 and think, "have we as Christians missed a key element in our calling?" At the risk of being accused of preaching social gospel, isn't the church, God's people, supposed to be the advocates for the poor, the weak, the fatherless, the needy, the oppressed? Are we the ones who should be giving a cup of cold water, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, visiting in prison, caring for needs?

As we close in on Christmas, it's easy for us to toss a couple coins in the bell ringer bucket or take a toy to a kid who isn't going to get Christmas. But what about the ongoing daily needs of people? Jesus obviously cared about the needs of people. Look at His life on earth. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, gave sight to the blind, challenged the unjust practices, released the oppressed, unfettered those held captive by demonic control and sin, gave hope to the hopeless, and proclaimed the Good News.

God, give me your eyes to see. Give me your heart and passion. Show me how to minister to those in need around me. I want to follow your path of sharing the Good News of God's love in practical meaningful ways. And not just at Christmas, Lord, but year round. I don't want to promote "New Deals." I want to proclaim the REAL Deal.

Daily Reflections on Haggai 1:1-15 (Life Is Consuming)

Life sure is consuming. We are so caught up in the day to day that's it's hard to see anything else. It amazes me that we live in a society that has more convenience than at any other time in history yet we seem to have less time for people, needs and relationships. We hurry here and hurry there and get nowhere. We zip home from work, either pick up fast food on the way home or microwave it when we get there so we can spend the evening watching Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor, Heroes, House, or Entourage. We spend hours playing video games or chatting online or checking out all our friends on MySpace or Facebook.

What's funny is all I hear is about how tired everyone is. Of course in the next breath I hear about how late they were online or about the late show/movie they watched or something to that effect. We don't have time. We're too tired. Why?

Did I mention how caught up we are in just ordinary day to day stuff? We're not doing anything really significant with our life, yet we're consumed with our life. Weird. Is it just me? Am I just imagining it? Are people so caught up with themselves that they are consumed with themselves?

Not a new issue. Seems like that's what Haggai is addressing in this passage? People so consumed with their own life that can't see the bigger picture. When people, leadership first, finally opened their eyes and ears to God's message through Haggai their hearts were changed. The Lord stirred up their spirits. They got a fire to do something about their community and their efforts made a difference.

God's message in many places, homes and hearts is going unheard. There's an uneasiness that's rolling across our land. We're on our little merry-go-round, wrapped up in our little world as real needs go unmet, relationships crash and burn as our society slips into decay.

God, stir my heart. Light a fire in me and the folks at LifeSpring. Awaken us to your words and message of hope and healing and renewal and restoration and victory. Help up see what's really important in life. Unite us in purpose. Ignite us with your Spirit. Allow us to be an incendiary fellowship.

Daily Reflections on Zeph. 3:14-20 (Thanksgiving Promises and Black Friday Nightmares)

Okay, Thanksgiving is over. Now we can get back to our ungrateful selves. Black Friday ushered in the competitive, frantic, rushing of the wonderful Christmas season. You know the pushing and shoving of crowded malls and shopping centers. The vying for parking places. (Take the old dented, beat up vehicle to the mall. The guy in the shiny newu Lexus will yield to you for that parking space every time). Sure we love the Christmas season, but somehow it's just not as relaxing as Thanksgiving.

Christmas is great, but maybe Thanksgiving is the more appropriate seasonal attitude. Don't get me wrong. I know a lot of benevolence happens at Christmas. Food banks get filled up. Toys, coats, clothing is bought for needy children and families. Salvation Army gets 80 percent of their revenue for their next year's operating budget through the bell ringers (estimated educated guess not necessarily fact). We all have a giving heart through the Christmas season.

It's just that seems to me that if we truly developed a Thanksgiving heart year round, the giving of Christmas would be unnecessary. A year round Thanksgiving heart would produce year round benevolent giving. More needs could be met throughout the year. It sounds strange, but somehow I think we turn our hearts toward God more at Thanksgiving than we do at Christmas. At Christmas we focus on giving and getting. At Thanksgiving we focus on God and family.

As I was reading this passages in Zephaniah, I've decided I didn't want to let go of Thanksgiving just yet. I started thinking more and more about the promises made here and the joy it brings through Christ. When I look at life with all it's challenges and miseries and difficulties, and I look at the relief, support, care, and provision of God, I want to stay at Thanksgiving.

Did you catch those phrases in these verses: Don't fear; Don't let your arms hang limp; God is with you; He is mighty to save; He takes great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you in singing. Hey, I want some of that action. That's something to rejoice over. God's in my corner! Talk about debt relief. He's promised forgiveness for my sin through Jesus, empowerment through His Spirit, eternity with Him. Thanksgiving teaches me dependence on Him and to turn my heart to Him.

God, when I come to you, you promise to take care of my oppressors, to rescue you me from my own plights, to restore me, to remove my shame, to grant me honor, to bring me into your presence. I don't want to lose sight of that. I want to grab hold of your guarantee. My heart overflows with joy when I simply reflect on you, your greatness and majesty, your heart and passion, your unending love. It makes me want to offer grace to others.

Daily Reflections on Nahum 1:1-8 (I'm Thankful God Is Jealous)

I'm thankful that God is jealous. I know that sounds a little strange but I like it. Reading through these verses in Nahum causes me to feel closer to God as it talks about His jealousy and anger and vengeance. God is jealous for me. He's jealous for you. What's more, He doesn't want anything interfering with our quality of life. Those who violate His principles bring consequences of pain and suffering and brokenness and evil into the world around us.

There's a lot of injustice in the world. Recently I mentioned the news that broke a couple weeks ago about a nine year girl who was taken from her bed while she slept. They found her body. She had been raped and strangled with a goat lead. The perpetrators turned out to be her step father and a friend of his. The sentiment toward these vile men throughout the region is disgust, anger, and hatred. I've heard countless of citizens offering ideas for punishment (or torture in some cases) for these two. Somehow, jail seems to be too good for them.

Sadly, cases such as Rowan Ford's are all too common in our society. A lot of attention right now is being drawn to Darfur and the genocide that's going on there. But it isn't the only place in Africa where such evil is taking place. Senseless racial/ethnic killings have also in recent years been witnessed in Bosnia and Serbia and Iraq and Indonesia and the Philippines. Oppression and slavery still exists in multiple places around the world.

I'm thankful that God won't let the guilty people off the hook. He'll make them suffer the consequences of their actions. He'll settle the score. He'll inflict the appropriate punishment. I'd like to give God a little advice or a few suggestions on how to deal with those who commit such violent, cruel acts but I don't think He needs it.

We don't like to think of God as a vengeful God. Like Will Ferrell/Ricky Bobby, in Talladega Nights, we like the idea of the sweet little baby Jesus the best. We like God all cuddly and warm and lovable, non-threatening. Yet take a quick look at Jesus in the temple turning over tables and driving the cheating swindlers out with a whip and you might get a different picture.

What we often don't realize is that God is a jealous God toward us. He loves us and He wants our love. He wants a relationship with us. He created us for a relationship with Himself. He doesn't want anything interfering with that relationship. Those who disobey, who work against Him must be dealt with severely because of His just and righteous nature.

The good news is that the enemy of sin has been defeated. That which ultimately separates us will be destroyed at Christ's second coming. In the meantime He's passionately pursuing us to live in eternity with Him.

God, I'm thankful you're a jealous God. I'm thankful you want the best for me. I'm thankful you want me. I'm thankful that one day you're going to settle the score. I'm thankful you are just and loving at the same time. You've already taken care of my sin problem and guilt problem through your Son, Jesus. Thanks for making things right.

Daily Reflections on Obadiah 1:1-4, 15-18 (Political Confusion and Every Day Life)

At an interview for the pastorate at a church I once served I was asked an unusual question. It was one that I'd never been asked before. I was asked who I voted for in the last election. I'd been asked a lot of seemingly out of nowhere types of questions in these type of interviews before, but nothing like that. I realized that I was dealing with a group of politically conscious Christians.

Interestingly enough, many of the high profile members of that church were active in local politics within the both the city and county. In fact we had the mayor, the presiding county commissioner, another county commissioner, several school board members, a county roads commission board member, library board member, parks and recreation board member, various community action groups, and more. We had people in the police dept., the sheriff's dept., community feasibility study groups, etc. It was quite an active group.

We also had a lot of people into the national political scene in those days. Rush Limbaugh was extremely popular. Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority was big. Many were avid listeners of James Dobson and his political opinions and efforts. We even had people line the streets with abortion protest signs.

My concern was that as a congregation we were more concerned about political issues than we were about people issues. I often told them in those early years of my ministry there that the most politically active thing they could do was to lead someone to Jesus Christ. If they really wanted to change the world or our country or even our community, lead their friends, neighbors, political opponents to Christ. It's the most effective way to change a person's value system. When they are changed by Christ, life takes on a new perspective.

As we made the switch from fighting politics to ministering to people in real need, our church began to grow. We still had plenty of people involved in politics, but our energies as church begin to shift to making a difference through ministering and trusting God, not our government.

When I left the congregation, our influence in the community had actually increased. Whenever there was a need or issue in our community, they looked to our church for leadership, ideas and answers. We hosted health fairs, business expo's, business leadership meetings, art fairs, school events, club gatherings, kids athletics sign ups, conventions, conferences. And when the community faced a tragedy whether 9/11 or the death of significant person or teen in our community, they gathered at our facility.

Governments and governmental programs all have their place in society. They are God ordained. But trusting in and investing all our time in them causes us to lose sight of God, His truths, His standards, His ability, His calling. We get off base when we think our political ideology is the answer. Sorry to break it to you, but it's not. God is the answer and the truths found in His Word.

God, forgive my arrogance. I never want to lose sight of my calling as a believer in Jesus. Help me make a difference in the lives around me. Help me to see your bigger picture. Help me to remember that you're the one sets up and takes down governments. Help realize you're always in control.

Daily Reflections on Amos 8:11-12 (Famine Destroys)

Famine is something not new to us. We hear about it all the time. We see pictures of starving children in regions all over the globe. It's a sad sight and often causes us to reach for our wallet and throw some small change that direction. As Christmas approaches I expect to find a few more of those appeals in my mail box and possibly a few more adds on TV. Hunger and famine is a serious issue in our world.

I suppose the closest thing to famine that we've faced in the US in relatively recent years was the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years. If anything, the US is faced with another tragic disease, gluttony, or as we prefer to call it, obesity. Jay Leno cracks me up with his "How fat are we getting in this country?" lines. We've gone from overweight to obese to morbidly obese. Today's kids growing up think that the 4 food groups are McDonalds, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins (or Dairy Queen). We live by the slogan, "The more (of me) the merrier." I confess in the last few years my scale says, "One at a time please," when I get on it. Before long it's gonna start saying, "Would you just get off me you fat oaf."

To say that in the US we're a land of plenty would be an understatement. We have plenty of food, especially fast food. No one in the world would look at the US and accuse it of being in a famine. Food famine that is. We could be accused, however, of being in, as God describes in Amos 8, a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Seeking out and pursuing the truths of God's Word has been abandoned by much of society. The Bible is not relevant to many today. It's been set aside. Men and women, young and old, have turned a deaf ear to God's wisdom, guidance, instruction, and truth.

We've seen the devastation that a food famine can cause on country or society. The diseases fostered by malnutrition run rampant, destroying lives and families and communities. People are brought to their knees, become apathetic, hopeless, depressed. The land becomes desolate. Life is a burden.

Spiritual famine can be just as devastating to a country, a society, a people. Social diseases and calamities begin ravaging our cities, towns, communities, schools and even homes. Decline, decay, destruction prevail as the pattern for life. Relationships ruined. Lives destroyed. Ambition crushed. Pessimism the order of the day.

God, I'm concerned that we're in spiritual famine in our country. People have closed their eyes and their ears to your words. I know that when people shut you off, you simply quit speaking and leave us to our devices. The deterioration of our society has become obvious. My heart breaks for the broken lives, diseased lives all around me. God, I want to shout your truths, your promises of hope. I want be a light. Please don't shut my lips.

Daily Reflections on Joel 2:12-17 (Family Reunions)

Over the next few weeks families will gather together for the holidays. I always looked forward to these family events as a kid. It was often the only time I saw my aunts, uncles, cousins, extended relatives during the year. Lots of hugs, lots of kisses, lots of craziness, lots of celebration, lots of eating always accompanied these gatherings. Stories are swapped. Kids run through the house. Laughter fills the rooms. What great fun. I miss those family reunions.

Joel describes a family reunion of sorts in Chapter 2. He's calling His people to return to Him. The invitations go out calling people from the various aspects of life to join the reunion celebration. There's going to be feasting, laughter, tears, renewal, and release.

Family reunions are fun in part because we get away from our daily routines, pressures, grind, etc. Most of us are so caught up in the details of life that we kind of forget our family relationships. We lose our communication and connection with our loved ones. Sure we talk on the phone, email, message them, but we lose the personal connection of face to face interaction. The train is bustling along, the scenery passing by in almost a blur and life is going a hundred miles an hour. The train never slows down. The only way off? Jump.

I think that happens to us in our relationship with God. We're zipping along on the train of life and we can't seem to get off. It's easy to lose track of Him. The more we lose track the farther we get from God and our ties with Him. Pretty soon, we forget He's a part of our life. We show up at church for Christmas or Easter for a quick stop and then it's back on the train. It feels good when we do stop, but that feeling is fleeting. There's no real connection with God because we've got our eye on the train getting ready to leave the station.

God invites us to His family reunion. Pull the stop cord. Jump if you have too. Just get off the train. Some have translated the concept of repentance as "come to your senses." I like God's call here in Joel, "return to me." Experience His grace and forgiveness and compassion and love and protection and presence.

The Holiday season is upon us. It can be frantic and stressful in and of itself. The good news is that when we return to God's family reunion we don't have to get a lot of stuff together first. We just come. The only gift He really wants is you. Show up. Drop everything else and join Him.

Daily Reflections on Hosea 3:1-5 (It's Still Adultery)

Affairs, unfaithfulness, infidelity, adultery is all too common in today's culture. Having an affair or a fling just sounds more like an adventure or possibly a vacation than the latter words. Call it what you will, it doesn't mask the abandonment and betrayal of a spouse. Having sex with a person other than your marital partner breaks the oneness and intimacy of that marriage. Even excuses like, "We didn't mean for it to happen" or "It was only a one time thing," doesn't dismiss or minimize the severing of trust. First of all, neither excuse holds water. It's not like you spilled a cup of coffee. Jumping into bed with someone who's not your spouse means that there's been a build up to that point. A "one time thing" stops at the flirtation stage and even that shouldn't have happened.

Let's be honest about it. Having an affair is being unfaithful to your husband or wife to whom you promised to be faithful. Having an affair is breaking your commitment. Let's call it what it is, having an affair is adultery. Committing adultery is sin. You sin against your husband or wife. You sin against their husband or wife or future husband or wife. You sin against your children. You sin against their children. You sin against God. And the Bible says that you sin against your own body. Sexual sin is different from any other sin.

Interestingly, God compares adultery to our abandonment of Him. Here in Hosea, He uses the adultery of Gomer to portray Israel's behavior with God. He calls Israel an adulteress. He tells Hosea to go get her, buy her back, bring her back and love her. He says be everything to her. Don't let her prostitute herself or hook up with another man. It's supposed to be a demonstration of how God loves and pursues us even when we've betrayed Him, abandoned Him, and embraced someone or something else.

Several time Hosea has to go fetch and redeem his wife. It's a picture of God's persistence with us. Yet at some point, God divorces Himself from Israel because of her unfaithfulness, her adultery.

Why would Gomer leave a husband who passionately loved her, cared for her, coddled her, protected her, gave her a secure home? Why did she keep going after other men who only wanted to use her for what they could get? Why did she want to sell herself to who knows what? Why walk away from her kids and family? Weird, isn't it?

So why do we walk away from God? Why do we betray Him? Why do we prostitute ourselves, sell ourselves out? Why do we give up life, love, security, protection, empowerment, eternity with Him? Weird, isn't it?

God, thanks for passionately loving me. Thanks for bringing me back and reminding me of your grace and mercy and genuine love. Thanks for forgiving me. Thanks for looking past my faults.

Daily Reflections on Ps. 139:14-18 (I'm Not a Jerk, I Am Somebody)

There are a couple lines by Steve Martin from "The Jerk" that I really love. "I was born a poor black child," cracks me up since Steve Martin is white. It sets the scene of the movie, a white orphan taken in by a poor black family. Martin never seems to fit in so he moves on to make it on his own. He finally gets a job in a full service gas station and is allowed to live in a back room of the station. Shot in the days before cell phones, Martin gets his own hard line phone. He is excited when the new phone book comes out. He flips through the pages and finds his name. At that point he shouts with glee (my other favorite line in the movie), "I am somebody, I am somebody."

When you read these verses from Ps. 139, you ought to shout with the same enthusiasm, "I am somebody." Listen again to the phrases: Created by God; knit together by God; fearfully and wonderfully made by God. God's eyes watched with interest the formation of your body. He looked into the future and saw your life laid out before Him. He celebrated in advance your victories and joys and achievements. He mourned in your losses and defeats and set backs. He wiped your tears that had not yet trickled down your face. He held your hand before you took the leap of faith yet to happen. He knows your ups and downs before they happen.

If God is that interested in me, why do I forget about Him so often? Why do I ignore Him. Why do I sometimes try to hide from Him? It's kind of weird if you think about it. If God already knows everything about me and knows what I'm gonna face, why wouldn't I want to hang pretty close to Him? Why wouldn't I want to get inside His mind? Why wouldn't I establish such a relationship that I was in tune with Him so I could at least maneuver life's challenges with a little more ease and security?

God thinks I'm somebody special. God thinks I have what it takes. God thinks I'm worth something. God wants to hang out with me. If that's true who cares what anyone else thinks? It's irrelevant. My creator, designer, guide, friend, savior believes in me and thinks I'm worth it. He knows me, loves me, longs for me. Now who can resist that?

God, the more I know about you, the more I want to know you. The more I know you, the more I want to hang out with you. The more I hang out with you, the more I want to hear your wisdom, guidance, advice, truths. The more I hear your truths, the more I want to be in your presence emotionally, spiritually, mentally and ultimately physically.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 15:1-14 (I Didn't Know It Was There)

It was amazing. One week I could see and the week I turned 40 my eyes failed me. I couldn't see to read. It was embarrassing asking my kids to read menus or phone numbers or labels to me. The most common line in my vocab was, "What's that say?" How could you read so clearly and then it's gone.

It probably happened slower than I expected, but it felt like I just went blind. My eye doctor, Tami, explained the "maturing" process to me and ordered me a pair of glasses. Even with glasses my eyesight has deteriorated with each maturing year.

Jesus seems to be talking about what happens to a lot of religious people. The older they get, the blinder they become. Traditions gets confused with truth. Practices/methods get confused with doctrine. Church gets confused with Christianity. It becomes harder to offer grace and easier to embrace rules and rituals. A form of spiritual blindness sets in. Music styles, dress, evangelistic approaches, translations of the Bible, even church names become tests of fellowship. Unfortunately I've encountered the people described in verses 8-9 of our text all too often in the church.

Recently my hard drive died in my laptop and had to be replaced. After describing the problem to several tech/computer gurus, the nearly unanimous opinion was that a nasty virus had corrupted my files and killed my hard drive. The only solution, buy a new laptop or put in new hard drive. Some how or another, even with my virus protection, something got into my computer and killed it. Once it was inside, the problem grew, unnoticed, until my whole operating system was infected.

Eyes, blindness, computer viruses they can sneak up on you, even if you're trying to be vigilant. Sometimes they grow and eat away at your vitality without you ever noticing. That's what Jesus is pointing out to us spiritually? What's developing in your heart, in your attitude, in your behavior? What's taking over and spilling out? Are you more concerned about worship styles and what people are wearing to church than you are about those who don't yet know Christ as Lord and Savior? Are you more concerned about having pews instead of chairs than you are about people suffering through divorce or physical abuse or single moms struggling to make ends meet. Are you more concerned about your church programs than you are about the aged, the homeless, the broken, the helpless in your community?

God, help me to see you clearly. Help me to see my own heart and attitude clearly.

Daily Reflections on Num. 13:26-33 (When Things Look Bad, Small Things Make a Difference)

A halfling, a hobbit destroyed the ring and brought defeat to Mordor. If only the Israelites had seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then they might have gone into the Promised Land right away. Instead, the sight of the walled cities and giants kept them from seeing victory by the hand of God. Seems like that God likes to take small things up against big things to show His power.

There was Gideon and his 300 men up against tens of thousands seasoned soldiers with only trumpets, lanterns and lips. There was David, the ruddy shepherd boy, with only his sling and five stones up against the giant Philistine warrior, Goliath. There was only one measly prophet, Elijah, against 400 prophets of Baal, oh and well maybe one nasty queen, Jezebel and whole kingdom complete with army at her disposal. Nothing for Elijah to worry about. Right! Just because she hated his guts and wanted him dead. And then there was this one small boy who had a Long Johns' Fish and More special and 5,000 people wanting lunch.

Why do we minimize the power of God in our life? I get really tired of naysayers who tell me it can't be done. I need to hang out with a few more Calebs. 38 years later, wearing the same clothes and shoes, the Children of Israel had to face the same scenario of walled cities and giants in the land, but this time they trusted God and watched His hand at work in their behalf. Gideon and his men never raised a sword. Elijah watched God display his power on the altar and then watched the death of the 400 prophets of a false, non-existent God. It only took one stone guided by God to slay Goliath. And the five loaves and two fishes were more than enough to feed the hungry mass. They even had leftovers for the next day.

The Apostle Paul said that God is able to do immeasurable more abundantly than whatever I can think or imagine. Jesus said with faith the size of a mustard seed I could move mountains. So why can't I believe God wants to do some incredible things through our church, His church? Why should I listen to people who say, "It can't be done?" If God can make the sun stand still and even back up and if Jesus can calm winds, waves and seas, heal the sick and raise the dead, why couldn't He handle a few small issues of money, building, resources? I was always taught that He owned the cattle on a thousand hills, in fact they made me sing the song. Why shouldn't I believe that God can do great things in my life, through my life, and through my/His church?

Okay, so the odds don't look good. Things don't look possible. But I don't serve a God who worries about odds. I have a God who laughs at stuff people think is impossible. I don't want to be like those Israelites who cowered in the desert and failed to receive their promise. I don't want to sit around and bemoan or lament the formidability of the challenge. I don't want to get caught up in my inabilities or inadequacies. I'm following the Jesus who's riding the white horse to victory. I getting out of the way and letting the Holy Spirit do His empowering thing. I'm jumping in like Caleb. Just tell what to do God. Point me in the right direction. Give me your vision.

God, I wish I always had the faith and fire of Caleb. I sure can talk big, but sometimes I'm a faithless coward. Show me your power again. Strengthen me. Help me with my resolve to follow you. Pick me up. Dust me off. Invigorate me. Remind me again that something as small as an atom splitting can create a nuclear explosion.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 14:28-33 (Why Is Everything So Expensive?)

Why does everything cost so much and getting more expensive? I don't know what $100 a barrel of oil means, but I know what $3 a gallon means. Ouch! I fully expect $3.50 by Christmas. I don't know how people are doing it? Can anyone say credit card debt? How about second mortgages? I seriously look for mortgage or quick cash lenders to start showing up at or next door to convenient stations. Several grocery stores and Wal-mart already have them in their buildings in my area.

After several years in ministry, my observation is that most people can't spell budget. It's simply not in their vocabulary. Now spending, that's a whole new subject. People buy, go, spend with little thought about income. A lot of people I know are like the freshman girl a former college administrator and friend told me about, who wrote checks all over town thinking that the bank would just fill up her checking account when it ran dry. Wouldn't that be great? Talk about bounce protection.

My observation is that most people end up in financial trouble when they fail to develop and work a financial plan. We call that accounting and be accountable. Can't outspend your income. It's just that simple. But you can carefully budget and plan so that your bases are covered. Driving an Escalade or Lexus would be nice, but my 92 Ford Areostar Van gets me there and hauls stuff around for our church plant just fine. Insurance is less. Property tax is less. Tags are less. No car payments. And nobody wants to steal a 92 Ford Areostar Van. In other words, it fits a church planter's personal budget. It's what I can afford. Right now I couldn't handle payments on a new vehicle.

Counting the cost is hard. But here's what else I've learned; people who don't count the cost financially, rarely count the cost in various other areas of their life. They don't count the cost in their relationships. They don't count the cost in their behavior. They don't count the cost of their time. And if we don't count the cost, more often than not we get caught short. Some people live life believing they can do whatever they want and they won't get caught or have to pay any consequences.

I have a little saying that goes like this, "You can choose to do whatever you want. But you can't choose the consequences." There are always consequences for our actions, good or bad. Jesus says in this passage that anyone with any smarts will sit down and do the accounting. If you don't figure the costs, you're gonna pay the price. It's true in all areas of life, including your spiritual life. Jesus says that if you're not willing to give your life over to Him you can't be His disciple. If you're not His disciple, you're on your own with God. Question: Who do you want to be representing you before God on Judgment Day, Jesus or you? Just a thought.

God, I know it's all or nothing with you. You want all of me or none of me. My problem is that I want you but I want things of this world too. Sometimes I just don't count the cost. I want to fudge the numbers. Help me count the cost daily in areas of my life.

Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 2:6-16 (I Don't Get It, God!)

God, I don't always understand you. There are some things I just don't get. Today they announced on the news that the body of a nine year old who had been missing for a week was found just ten miles from her home. She'd been taken from her room. I confess, God, I'm a little bothered by it. And I still haven't gotten over Charles suffering death. A godly man, great teacher dead at 45 because of cancer. To be honest, the guy that did this to this little girl deserves the suffering cancer. Slime ball.

I don't get a lot of things. But who am I really? Like Job, I wasn't there when you created the earth. I didn't separate light from darkness or set the moon, sun and stars in place. I didn't develop the order of things in the universe. Gravity was your idea. Okay, Okay. I know that I'm not God, even though I play one now and then.

There are lots of things about life I don't get. I get a lot of advice but I'm not sure I get a lot of wisdom. People share their thoughts and ideas with me all the time, but that's just it, it's their thoughts and ideas. Making the right choices, knowing what to do sometimes is really hard. Half the time people tell me stuff, I think they just want to hear themselves talk. It's no skin off their nose if I make the wrong decision.

God, sometimes I feel life is kind of like a game show. I pick the right numbers or box or whatever and I win. I pick the wrong one and I lose. I spin the wheel and hope for a winner. I flip a coin. I draw a straw. Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Mo ... I choose ....

As confusing as life is, I need a guide. I need some sort of spiritual Mapquest. I need wisdom. I need someone to help me with decisions and relationships and finances and career and family and kids. I need solid direction to get through the maze.

Paul says, that wisdom is available from God. His wisdom is not our wisdom or any human wisdom. His ways are not our ways or any human ways. No matter how brilliant or studied or experienced someone is on this planet, it doesn't even compare to God.

God, I need your wisdom.

Daily Reflections on Rom. 12:1-2 (Bed, Bath and Body Works)

Body, mind and spirit all work together. Paul's admonition to present our bodies as a living sacrifice is tied to the renewing of our mind. Last night at our Bible study we were discussing the fact that our bodies are temples of God's Holy Spirit from 1 Corinthians 6. There Paul urges us to glorify God with our bodies but he has been talking areas of personal discipline and holy living. I liked what my friend, Donna said, "Every time I go to put something in my mouth, I'm gonna asked myself, 'Would Jesus want that in there?'"

Where have you been taking your body? What have you been doing with your body? What have you been exposing your body to? What are you ingesting through the eyes, ears, mouth? Are you taking care of your body physically? Are you giving it enough sleep? What you do to and with your body, you are doing to and with Jesus. Your body isn't your own. It belongs to Christ.

What I do with my body is under direction from my mind. By renewing my mind, aligning it with God's Spirit, my body becomes truly His. I can prove God's will through my connection with God. If I'm truly pursuing Him mentally, emotionally, spiritually, with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, my body will come along for the ride.

God, here's my body and my soul and my mind. I offer it to you. It's yours anyway. You bought and paid for it.

Daily Reflections on 2 Pet. 3:9-14 (Is It Worth It?)

It's amazing the things people kill themself over. With Christmas coming soon, I can already picture the lines. In just a couple weeks after the turkey dinner settles, people will head to the stores to get in line to get their bargains. Some will stand in line all night long to be ready for the early bird specials. The have to have the latest electronic gadget or outfit or whatever. What's funny is the very thing that they just had to have last Thanksgiving is worthless, worn out, or out of style this year.

That's only the half of it. Things that we think are so critical in our business will mean nothing as life comes to an end. When cancer strikes a family, position, power, money, your house, your Escalade or iphone or laptop doesn't really seem all that important. As you stand over the casket, all the things that once seemed pressing are irrelevant.

In this passage, Peter simply says, "Folks, it's all gonna burn some day." No matter how hard you try, you can't take it with you and all the things of this life will become meaningless. So what's worth living for anyway? Peter says your relationship with God is the most important thing, because it's the only thing that lasts. It's the only thing that will carry over to the next life.

The end of life will come like a lightening strike. A few years ago a friend of mine was on a mission trip to Guatemala with his wife. They had gone to minister to people in a remote area where Drs rarely visited. They cared for the sick, fed the hungry, shared God's Good News. But a nasty hurricane struck and the flooding began. They had only hours to get all the missionaries out.

They had tried to get out by trucks but the roads were washed out and the flood waters too high. The only plane they had could carry a handful at a time. Dale sent his wife on one of the early flights out. He had stayed until the last flight. But conditions worsened and they were unable to land at their designated airport. Their attempt to fly through the hurricane to an airport forty miles away ended in disaster. Their plane crashed into a mountain side killing everyone aboard.

But they weren't the only ones killed that day. The Day of Lord came like a thief in the night for 11,000 others who drowned due to the flooding that day. One day alive. The next day, dead. But we have a hope, a living hope Peter tells us in the book of 1 Peter. We look forward to the new heavens and new earth. For Dale and the people they led to Christ, they were ushered into the very presence of the King of Kings and got to see God face to face. His farm, his business, his gorgeous house all meaningless to him.

Less than two months before his untimely death, Dale and I had ridden together on a bus to DC and back for a Promise Keepers gathering on the mall. On our journey Dale shared with me how he was coming to realize that pursuing the things of God were the most important things of his life. That's why he decided to go on the missions trip to Guatemala. His only desire was that his sons would see the change in life and come to pursue Christ in the same way he was.

God, I want to found spotless and blameless when you come for me. I want to found diligent in your work. All else is going to burn. Lord, help me remember that today and tomorrow and the next day.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 16:13-20 (Sticks and Stones)

Jesus liked to use common scenes, items, experiences of people in His day. One of the items very prevalent in Jesus' earthly days were rocks. Rocks are everywhere in Israel. I thought Missouri had a lot of rocks, but it was nothing compared to the Holy Land. At the end of the movie, Schindler's List, people are seen putting rocks on a grave. I thought that was weird until I got to Jerusalem and saw all the rocks stacked on graves around the city in honor of loved ones.

Rocks, stones were a common building block in the period that Jesus walked the earth. The Wailing Wall, in the Jewish sector of the Temple Mount, is constructed with huge stones perfectly hewn and fitted in place. Rock is placed upon rock is placed upon rock in a similar pattern to brick laying today. The foundational stones on the bottom, smaller stones make up the structure.

If Jesus is building the church, why are so many people running from it or staying away from it or leaving it? People think the church is unnecessary, irrelevant, a waste of time, archaic, etc. I don't how many times I've heard people tell me that they don't need the church to have a relationship with God. That's like saying I don't need a family to be birthed and grow up. Okay, now that I've been born just dump me on the street, I can take care of myself.

Here's the issue. The church isn't built or based on doctrine or rituals or traditions. Some have tried to make it built on those things. But the church is built on Jesus. The problem for many, including leaders, is that they have lost sight of that principle. The foundation stones are Jesus, The Christ, The Messiah, The Deliverer, Him crucified and resurrected. But the church is also people like Peter, James, John, Paul, Barnabas, Billy Graham, you and me. In fact Peter refers to us as living stones. Jesus is the foundation, but he stacks carefully hewn rock upon rock to build His church.

Who needs the church? I do. You do. The world does. It's not irrelevant. It's not inconsequential. It's not archaic. It's necessary. It's foundational. The church is vital not because of its doctrines, rituals, traditions, etc., but because it is the embodiment of Jesus gathered and scattered, pulsing and breathing, reaching and caring, serving and sharing, inviting and glorifying, experiencing and watching lives changed, sustaining and pursuing, growing and seeking, salting and lighting, extending and influencing. The church is alive and vibrant.

To hate the church is to hate Jesus. To ignore the church is to ignore Jesus. To dismiss the church is to dismiss Jesus. To abandon the church is to abandon Jesus. To force rules on the church is to force rules on Jesus. To restrict the church is to restrict Jesus. To re-engineer the church your own image is usurping Jesus.

God, I'm glad the church, your church is based on Jesus and not me or my will or my agenda. That would be a disaster. I love you, Lord. I love Jesus. I love His church. Help me keep my hands off your church. I just want to be your servant. I want others to experience you, recognize you, see you, hear you, be drawn to you as they join our celebration of you each Lord's Day. I want people to have the same experience as they encounter your saints, your church scattered throughout the community.

Daily Reflections on Jas. 4:4-6 (Two Timing)

Is it really possible to date multiple people at the same time? Is it possible to have a real "dating" relationship with more than one person at a time? Is it possible to be engaged to two or more people at the same time? It is possible to have a solid marriage relationship and be seeing someone else on the side? My guess is some people would think it is? But then again, we would probably define "solid relationship" or "solid marriage" differently. Generally we call this "two-timing." And although, some guys might fantasize about pulling it off, it's a practice of disgust among the masses.

James simply says in this passage, that you can't two-time God. It just doesn't work. You can't be in love with God and pursue Him and in love with the world and pursue it at the same time. The two are going in opposite directions. The Bible says that God is a jealous God. He wants our sole allegiance, heart, and mind. To enter a relationship with God and then to have an affair with the world is virtually grounds for divorce in God's eyes.

To become a friend of the world is to become an enemy of God. To become involved with the world places you in opposition to God. When we embrace the world the world as a friend or love interest, we dismiss God as significant to us. We are saying we don't really need Him in our life. We take on a form of arrogance, which in turn creates the opposition with God.

But those who humble themselves, who reach out for God, who pursue Him, He embraces. He pours His grace upon them and draws them close to Him.

The irony is that according to John 3:16 God loves the world. He's sees the death and destruction and pain and heartache and deception that's in the world and He reaches out with hope through His son Jesus. He invites people from the world to take His hand, experience His love and grace and freedom.

Too often people read this passage in James 4 and think they have to distance themselves from the world. They isolate themselves from the world instead of extending Christ to the world. James is saying don't flirt with the world, don't have an affair the with world, but he's not saying to go live in a monastery either. Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach His Good News to everyone. To do that you have to relate to it, but you don't have to get in bed with it.

Bottom line: As a follower of Christ, I have to be in the world, but I don't have to embrace its practices or fall to its enticements. I must pursue my love relationship with God. If I pursue my love relationship with God I should develop His passion. As I develop His passion, I'm gonna want to share His Good News to others around me.

God, thanks for wanting a relationship with me. Forgive my flirtatious encounters with the world. I know that you alone have the words of eternal life. I'm pursuing you.

Daily Reflections on Gen. 21:9-21 (Cleaning Up Messes)

What a mess for Abraham in this passage because he didn't trust God. What a mess for Hagar and Ishmael because of Abraham. Sometimes, more often than we care to admit, we create crises for ourselves. When we fail to obey or trust God's way. But in this case, Abraham's lack of faith and decision to take matters into his own hands affected the lives of at least two other people, possibly four other people and maybe his whole community. You have to think at least his servants/employees were affected. In fact, we're all feeling it today. Who said you can live however you want without affecting others? No man is an island. Our actions, behavior always affects someone else.

I like Stuart Briscoe's insights on these verses. He writes, "After Hagar had left Ishmael under a tree so she would not have to watch him die, she sat down a little way off. Both mother and son were crying, alone with their own agonies. But apparently there was a difference! Hagar cried uncontrollably, while Ishmael managed to turn his tearstained face Godward. 'God heard the boy crying.' Tears talk, but we also should try to talk to God through our tears. God responded to Ishmael's prayer.

"By now Ishmael was far too weak to help himself. His life was nearly spent, but God had heard his prayer and suggested that Hagar quit crying and open her eyes to the possibilities around her. She dried her tears then and saw that there was a well right under her very nose. She had not seen it before because she had been crying so hard.

"Does Hagar remind you of us? We get so self-absorbed when we are in the depths of despair that sometimes we miss God's marvelous provision. Prayer is a weapon we seldom use enough in our fight to survive. It is too often replaced by tears of trauma and terror which dim our sight so we cannot see God's answer to our dilemmas."

God, I confess I'm good creating my own messes. I'm not so good at cleaning them up. Anytime I fail to trust you, trouble is almost always sure to follow. Not only am I affected but the people around me also feel it. My messes sometimes spill over on to them and now they too have a mess to deal with. Thanks God for keeping an eye on us and for being there we need to call upon you. Help me get over myself, even when someone else's mess is dumped on me and now I have a mess. Help to quit wallowing in self pity and look to you.

Daily Reflections on Gen. 16:1-16 (Playing Mr. Fix-It)

How many times have we tried to fix something that can't be fixed. We come up with our own solutions only to create a greater problem. I've done it a hundred times trying to save money on my own car repairs. It usually ends up costing me more in the long run. If I'd just taken it to the expert in the first place, I would have saved myself and others a lot of grief, frustration and even time. You'd think I'd learn but I don't. Furthermore, I end up transferring the practice to other areas of life, including personal issues, relationships, church issues, etc. Instead of placing my trust in God's hands and letting Him deal with my issues, I take matters into my own hands. The results are inferior at best and more often than not, disastrous. Waiting on the Lord isn't easy, but the only way to live.

I wonder if God delayed giving Sarah and Abraham their son, Isaac, because of their actions or lack of faith. Could it be that God waits until we demonstrate faith before He fulfills His promise or takes action in our behalf?

God, I can stop myself from trying to fix things myself. I know I usually make things worse. Lord I give you my problems and my church and ask you to handle things your way and in your timing.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 7:13-14 (Finding the Landings Lights)

A few years ago in a neighboring community to where I lived at the time, we heard the news of a tragic airplane crash. It seems a family from a distant state had a loved one, a child at my recollection, who was critically injured on a trip to our community. The family all flew in on a private plane. The small airport they had chosen to land at was virtually shut down late at night. The lights to the runway would come on automatically as a plane approached and sent the signal, otherwise the runway was dark.

Unfamiliar with the airport, the pilot was flying in late night/early morning trying to find the landing strip. He circled the area that he thought was the airport. He lined himself up with what he thought were the lights to the runway and proceeded to land his plane in a housing development a few miles from the airport. He took out several houses while people slept and killed everyone on the plane.

There was only one place to land safely. It was a narrow strip of runway. The child in the hospital recovered, but his family all perished because the pilot didn't get on the right path. Sincerity is not enough. You have to be on the right path.

It seems like God's way is always narrow. He says, "This way." The choice He leaves to us. Many choose not follow God's way seeking an alternative path. Any way but God's way leads to destruction. There is no easy way around the path to which God calls us.

God, please lead me down your narrow path to life. Activate your lights to show me the way. Forgive me when I choose to take the wrong path and guide me back to the path that leads to you.

Daily Reflections on Isa. 43:1-7 (I'm Drowning)

It occurred to me as I read this passage that for the people of this day, Isaiah's day, crossing rivers must have been a scary thing at times. They didn't have bridges like we do. Crossing any river was an adventure. They had to worry about current, depth, wild critters in the water, kids, livestock, the possibility of washing down stream, etc. God says, "I'll be with you. I won't let you be overflowed." What a reassuring promise.

Seems like we live in harried society. There's so much in our life that we feel overflowed, or that we're gonna drown just trying to keep up. The pressures build and build and build. The river is out of its bank and running wild. We've all seen pictures or video of houses washing away as floods rage out of control. All of the stresses and busyness of life threatens our homes and lives much the same way.

That's why its so important to hang onto God for stability, hope, protection, guidance and HELP. When things are out of control, He's still in control.

God, thank you for paying the price for us and for looking out for us. You truly are an awesome God.

Daily Reflections on Phil. 2:12-13 (Practicing His Presence)

In school, my classmates and I always looked forward to the days we had a substitute teacher. There was no organized plan, but everyone knew just what to do. It was an in school vacation day. Since our sub never knew our class rules, we’d make them up as we went along. We knew that we couldn’t be too outlandish or the sub would catch on and batten down the hatches. But, if we worked it right, we could get away with a lot of stuff that normally would be prohibited. We weren’t destructive or cruel, just looking to make life a little easier.

How does that saying go, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play?” When the authority isn’t looking, we take a lot of license. It’s amazing the difference of our speed on the same stretch of road when we notice the speed trap versus when no cops are in sight. I’ve played golf with guys whose best wood in their bag was a pencil. When you keep your own score, you can write down anything you want. You might call this a “scratch” golfer because they scratch out one score and write in a better one.

Many professed followers of Christ do the same thing in their spiritual walk. When they’re at church or Bible Study or a spiritual retreat of some sort, they are so focused on learning, listening and doing what God wants. But away from those environs their behavior changes. Focus is lost. Godliness or holiness slips from view and thought and behavior. They find themselves blending into their surroundings.

Without accountability by others, many believers in Christ lose sight of their faith and the principles by which God calls us to live. It’s really a matter of personal discipline. The “Out of sight, out of mind” mentality is deadly for a Christian. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to be vigilant in our faith. He urges us to practice our faith more diligently when we’re away from our Bible studies and church gatherings. He says open yourself to God’s leading and teaching throughout your day. Rely on His Holy Spirit to live to His glory.

God, if I could only learn to practice your presence day by day, moment by moment I know you’d be able to form me after your will. I’m trying, Lord. Sometimes I get so preoccupied by life’s circumstances and stresses that I forget about you. I act as if you’re not there or not watching. I want to grow in this area.

Daily Reflections on Rev. 2:18-25 (Sexual Revolution or Sexual Malaise)

They called it the Sexual Revolution in the late 60's and early 70's. "Make love, not war," was a common phrase. Communes developed around the country. "It's time to be from your sexual inhibitions." Today the sexual revolution has turned into the sexual malaise. We are bombarded daily by sexual overtones and innuendos wherever we go.

We hear that sex sells. My question, what does sex have to do with car insurance? I've heard of some strange fetishes, but car insurance? Ads, TV, movies, magazines promote their product with sex. It's hard to find a TV show that doesn't incorporate sex as a major component.

Casual sex, free sex, friends with benefits have become a normal part of today's culture. Pornography has taken over the internet. Even with my spam filters set on high, my email inbox fills up with offers for Viagra or Cialis on a daily basis. It's almost impossible to get away fro the sexual onslaught. CBS photoshopped promo shots of Katie Couric to make her look thinner and more shapely in her run up to taking the evening anchor desk. And would somebody please buy Brittany Spears some underwear.

The message is, "If you're not having sex, you're not normal." What saddens me is that we, as followers of Christ, have accepted that message and allowed this infectious preoccupation with sex to flow into the church as something normal. It's like we expect our teens and young adults to be sexually active. Abortions, STDs, pornography addictions, divorces, child sexual abuse cases are at an all time high in the US. Teachers having sex with students are weekly stories on the news. Birth control is being handed out in some schools to 11 year olds.

Where's the the church in this? The misuse of sex is destroying our society. The might Roman Empire was brought down in part by their sexual immorality and sexual addiction. The US is quickly headed in that direction without a voice that heralds the warning. Unfortunately, the church of America draws a striking resemblance to the church of Thyatira in Revelation, chapter 2. Our culture needs to hear teaching about healthy sex, healthy relationships and healthy marriages. The bed of suffering is quickly coming. The time for changing our thinking to God's way of thinking is now. Since God invented sex, He might have a thing or two to say that would be worth listening and adhering.

God, the sexual inundation of our culture affects me. I know I'm being desensitized. My barriers are lowered to what I allow myself to watch and accept. Help me to resist in this area of spiritual attack. Help me have the wisdom and courage to hold up your truths in this area of life. Protect me, my wife, my daughters, my church from this destructive assailant.

Daily Reflections on Gal. 6:9-10 (Brighten the Corner)

Some days I've just had it with people. Rudeness abounds. There are days in which people drive me absolutely, certifiably crazy with their attitudes and behaviors. I can get up in the morning cheery as usual and have so many run ins with rude, mean, arrogant people that I'm ready to kick my dog when I get home or anyone else for that matter.

Having worked in retail while I was pursing grad school, I feel sorry for store clerks at Christmastime, especially the last few days before Christmas. The griping, the complaining, the arguing, the pressing, the rudeness of customers take their toll. It's hard to smile and say, "Have a nice day." What you really want to say is .... So I've decided I'm going to treat the cashier as a person and engage them in personal conversation about themselves and their duress. I try to relate to the pressure of their job and circumstance. Their response is usually amazing. Some people actually take a deep breath as if to relax.

Doing good come in a variety of forms. I try to make it a habit of thanking people for doing their jobs that are particularly monotonous or stressful or unpleasant or those who have to work weird hours or holidays. I just simply say, "Thanks for being here." "Thanks for doing what you're doing." I've found that by doing that even if I've been inconvenienced or treated discourteously not only does it brighten their day and ease our tension, it helps me maintain a positive spirit.

Here's the rub. It's hard for me to have a "doing good to others" attitude all the time. I can be demanding, critical, or arrogant myself. Something doesn't meet my standards or go my way, well let's just say I can be very expressive or demonstrative. There are times when I know that I'm being played, taken advantage of, or used. I don't feel like being, I mean, doing good at those moments. I can be very vociferous in defending an idea or a principle.

Yet, here's what I know as a sufferer of hypertension, the more I engage in negative or antagonistic behavior, the higher my blood pressure rises. Doing good to others actually lowers my bp and benefits me. I'm not in a knot all the time and life is better for me.

God, I don't feel like doing good to others sometimes. I get frustrated and angry and agitated. Give me strength to not be weary in well doing.

Daily Reflections on Rom. 14:1-8 (Fussing)

What's all the fuss about? I really get tired of all the petty bickering among church people. I mean, come on! I was just thinking about all the things that unnecessarily caused a ruckus in churches where I've served or simply attended. It's really stupid if you ask me.

You decide, are the following worth fighting about, arguing over, or getting bent out of shape? Let's start with the preacher's looks; the length of hair, style of hair, a tie or no tie in the pulpit (especially at Easter), daily attire, must be in the office for regular working hours or must be out making calls all day, teacher or evangelist, pastor or administrator?

How about worship stuff? What time should worship be? Chairs or pews? Traditional, contemporary, or blended worship (music) style? What type of communion bread? How should communion be served? Who gets to partake of the Lord's Supper? Can guitars and/or drums be used in "Morning Worship?" Do we use hymn books, overheads, slides or video projection? Can we eat or bring coffee to morning worship (in the auditorium/sanctuary) or Sunday School?

What about teaching material? Which translation should be used? Who can teach? Who can serve? Who can baptize? What's proper church attire? What or who is spiritual? Are speaking in tongues allowed? Graded worship or kids in church services?

I haven't begun to scratch the surface of issues I've had to deal with which caused great consternation, broken relationships, severed ties, and sleepless nights. To be honest, most of the divisiveness I've dealt with through the years has been over incidental issues. For the most part, they aren't even really biblical issues. My guess is God is just slapping Himself on the forehead saying to Himself, "You've got to be kidding?"

God, gave us all the ability to choose. With choice comes opinions. With opinions comes differences. With differences comes disagreements. With disagreements comes arguments With arguments comes conflict. With conflict comes division. With division comes a negative picture of the church. With the negative picture of the church comes lost lives that will never come to know Christ as Lord and Savior.

My oldest daughter painted her room pink. My youngest daughter painted her room purple. My wife would like to paint our room country blue. I prefer off-white. We all have different tastes, but we all live harmoniously in the same house, under the same roof.

God, I just want to honor you with my life. I want others to honor you with their lives. I want our church to honor you. Help me quell any negative or critical spirit within my own heart or my church's hearts.

Daily Reflectons on Col. 3:12-17 (Why All the Negativity?)

Why does the universal church have a "take it or leave it" kind of reputation today in the world? Why is there so much skepticism from believers and non-believers alike? Why the intolerance tag? Why do people like Rosie O'Donnell make statements like, "9.11 is the Christians fault. The Christians are the terrorists (not the Muslims who attacked the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon)?" Why has the church lost its influence in the US, Great Britain, Europe, the Middle East (where it all began)?

Okay, you could point to a few scandals in the US in recent years like the Catholic priests' molestation of young boys (and girls). Or you could bring up Ted Haggard, Jim and Tammy Baker, Jimmy Swaggert, Gordon McDonald among others' sexual and financial indiscretions. It could be Oral Roberts' 900 foot tall Jesus. There are plenty of other illustrations, including the dogmatism in the religious right movement and the militant actions of a few that bombed abortion clinics or murdered doctors who performed abortions.

There's no doubt that's bad press for the church. But perhaps the loss of favoritism and contagion lies someplace else. Maybe the church has ceased to be the church as described here in Colossians 3. What would happen if just a church, one single church would recapture the heart and image of the church portrayed by the Apostle Paul? What would the impact of such a church have on their neighborhood, community, region?

Did you catch the adjectives or character traits of such a church? Look again, clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; forgiveness and encouragement the order of the day; love and harmony enveloping the culture; thankfulness reigning in each heart. And if that weren't enough, this church would allow God's Word to dwell in, flow from, permeate their hearts, minds, attitudes, actions and speech. Songs of praise, adoration, encouragement and exhortation would resonate from their midst. As one would come into contact with the individuals from this church on a daily basis, one would experience the hands, the arms, the embrace, the very presence and compassion of Jesus. Now that church would really make an impact!

God, I long for that church. I want my church to be that church. I want people to experience Christ and His Word dwelling in us. God, I know that starts with me. I know you and your Word has to dwell in me. Your compassion, love and mercy has to consume me and exude from my pores. God, I need your spirit to come alive in me. Help me be a catalyst for my church to be this church.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 18:9-14 (Comeuppance)

Judgments! We make them all the time. We peruse the food court at the mall before selecting a restaurant to suit our liking. We glance over the menu searching for the delectables to satisfy our taste buds. We gaze into our closet in anticipation of our day or activity before carefully choosing the perfect attire for our occasion. We size up the best cell phone, car, apartment or house to meet our need or budget or more likely, our eye. We flip through the playlist on our ipod, itunes, or cds pausing only when the right song fits our mood.

We live in a menu driven society. We like variety and choice. We push, pick, touch, grab, click our selection. When it no longer meets our needs or becomes boring, we select something else. Our judgments are based on what is appealing or satisfying to us, more specifically, to me. And our judgments aren’t limited to cloths, songs, movies, food or other “stuff.” We extend our judgment making into the realm of people, persons, classes, races, etc.

Since we’re good at making judgments based upon our tastes, likes, whims and standards, it’s easy to cast aspersions onto people. We, in effect, begin to place value and esteem upon others based on our opinion, method of expectation, or appearance. This week my youngest daughter is doing an experiment for her psychology class. She’s dressing as an older woman to determine how people treat her and to gain perspective as an elderly person. My guess is she’ll learn a lot about others and herself.

The hardest judgments to make are about ourselves. Sometimes we’re overly critical of ourselves and sometimes we’re totally blind to ourselves. Sometimes we pass off certain behaviors, thought processes, traits (good or bad) as just who we are. It’s tough to be impartial about us.

The only judgment that really counts is God’s judgment. It doesn’t really matter what or how I think of others or myself. What matters is what God thinks. He looks into our hearts and minds and casts His judgment. It’s easy for many of us to take the attitude of the first man in the parable Jesus tells in this text. We make our own judgment about ourselves in light of ourselves; to which God says, “Get ready for your comeuppance.” God is looking for hearts like the second man in the story who recognizes his (or her) own need for God’s grace and cries out to Him.

God, forgive me for my arrogance. I do make judgments of others’ value based on appearance, status, talents, wealth and giftedness. Help me to see myself through your eyes and help me to see others also through your eyes.

Daily Reflections on Gal. 5:13-21 (Friends and Choices)

At fourteen you think you've got it pretty much together, especially if you're a respected and recognized athlete at your high school. As a standout in football, track and wrestling, I had easy access to the popular crowd. Since I ran in prominent circles among my fellow students, it was only natural to be invited to various social gatherings thrown by my peers. The perks of such a position became quickly obvious.

As the parties intensified, my spirit became troubled. These were my friends, but I wasn't comfortable with the direction they were headed. I remember it coming to a head for me one night. I talked my mother into letting me leave early from church one Sunday evening to attend a gathering of my peers. Under protest she dropped me off and went back to church.

The party was well underway by the time I arrived. Parents upstairs. All the action downstairs in the basement. Not once did the parents make an appearance. There had been a few individuals who had brought alcohol to previous parties, but most abstained. But this one was different. The alcohol was already there and available to anyone.

My discomfort really grew. Since I was late in arriving, most of the partiers were well absorbed. The dancing gave way quickly to more personal interaction. Before long, couples lined the floor engaging in extra curricular activities. The majority were so intoxicated they had no idea who they were with or what they were doing. That evening I sat at a table with Liz Guichard, a friend, sipping cokes. We had a great conversation. She and I were the only ones refraining from imbibing.

Throughout that evening my mind kept reflecting back on my church friends I'd left. My heart mourned. I had left the joy of my Christian friends for the darkness and aloneness of a stupid party. The pictures were clearly framed for me between the world and the kingdom of God. I vowed that evening never to attend another party. If I were to be a light to my popular friends, I had to set myself apart and live by the spirit of God. I didn't abandon my friends nor they me, but no more parties. At my ten year high school reunion it was great to be able to share with and encourage my old classmates. God's light had become a brightness to those who were eager to hear of God's message of hope.

God, there is such a huge difference between your light and living in your spirit than the darkness and emptiness of the world. I love your light. It's refreshing and satisfying. Help me, through your spirit, stay out of the darkness and yet shine your light so others may find their way to you.