“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy”
Power is one of the biggest idols in our world today. If you’re honest with yourself, deep down most of us crave power.
Power is one of those things that we can easily be consumed with, and when we are, we do all sorts of terrible things to gain power and keep it. We step on people. We cheat, we lie, we steal, and we turn our backs on God.
Funny thing is, God wants to give us power. Let me put it another way. God wants to exercise power through us. He doesn’t want some egotistical alpha-dog brat running around abusing power. He wants a humble servant that allows God to do amazing things through him and then turns around and gives God all the credit.
Paul prays that the Colossians are strengthened with all power. Think about that. Paul wants the Colossians to experience strength based on all of God’s power. That’s a lot of strength, and it’s available to those that will accept it for the glory of God rather than for their own empire-building.
Notice something else really cool here. Most people assume that power is used to overcome, to win, to destroy, and to lead. Paul is praying power for a different reason: endurance and patience.
Weird, right? Paul wants the Colossians to have power so they can be patient and endure what they are going through. Not to overcome it, not to destroy evil, not even to defend themselves, but to endure the hardship at hand and to be patient for God’s working.
The Christian leader does not crave power. They rely on God’s power, which He gives us freely in the Holy Spirit. We use this power not for our gain, but to strengthen us in godliness.
Christian Leadership Principle: Power is not something that we should want or use in our discretion. God exercises His power through us as He sees fit, and we are to glorify Him in it’s use.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer: Father, help me not to crave power. Help me to recognize Your power and to glorify You for it. Give me your power to strengthen me for patience and endurance. In Christ’s name, amen.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Day 69: 2 Thessalonians 3:2
“and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.”
Not all have faith. We should know this, but the way we act betrays us. Why are we shocked when people do evil, wicked things? Why are we surprised when people hurt us, or mock us, or do anything bad?
Why are we even surprised when believers do dumb things?
Paul says it very clearly: “For not all have faith.”
If you’re going to be a Christian leader, one thing you will have to do is get used to the fact that unbelievers act like unbelievers. They don’t hold the same values as you and me, and they don’t think the same way as you and me. They don’t have the Holy Spirit to guide them, and they haven’t given their lives to Christ. In effect, they are still playing for the other team.
Getting mad or being shocked by the behaviors of an unbeliever isn’t something you want to do. You’ll be mad and shocked all the time. Instead, understand why people act the way they do, and remember that sin is real, and the hold of sin over people’s lives is real. Pray for people. Work with them. Love on them.
Look at the first part of this prayer. Paul is praying that we be delivered from wicked and evil people. This is the other thing about people who don’t have faith. Many times they will try to bring the faithful down. Throughout history, Christians have been the target of persecution all over the world. Sometimes the persecution is light, and sometimes it leads to death.
A Christian leader has to deal with those that don’t believe in Christ. It’s our job. We are to love and share the gospel with them. We are to heal the sick, care for the poor, and help those that are helpless. We don’t always get thanked for our efforts. Sometimes we get spit on. Sometimes we get killed.
Christian Leadership Principle: A Christian leader understands that unbelievers don’t act like believers. They understand that people who under bondage to sin will act like it. We love them anyway. We also pray to be delivered from those who seek to hurt us, all the while loving those very people and sharing the gospel with them.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 12:9-21
Prayer: Father, give me understanding. Help me to see people as You see them. Help me to understand when people do bad and harmful things, and save us from evil and wicked people. In Christ’s name, amen.
Not all have faith. We should know this, but the way we act betrays us. Why are we shocked when people do evil, wicked things? Why are we surprised when people hurt us, or mock us, or do anything bad?
Why are we even surprised when believers do dumb things?
Paul says it very clearly: “For not all have faith.”
If you’re going to be a Christian leader, one thing you will have to do is get used to the fact that unbelievers act like unbelievers. They don’t hold the same values as you and me, and they don’t think the same way as you and me. They don’t have the Holy Spirit to guide them, and they haven’t given their lives to Christ. In effect, they are still playing for the other team.
Getting mad or being shocked by the behaviors of an unbeliever isn’t something you want to do. You’ll be mad and shocked all the time. Instead, understand why people act the way they do, and remember that sin is real, and the hold of sin over people’s lives is real. Pray for people. Work with them. Love on them.
Look at the first part of this prayer. Paul is praying that we be delivered from wicked and evil people. This is the other thing about people who don’t have faith. Many times they will try to bring the faithful down. Throughout history, Christians have been the target of persecution all over the world. Sometimes the persecution is light, and sometimes it leads to death.
A Christian leader has to deal with those that don’t believe in Christ. It’s our job. We are to love and share the gospel with them. We are to heal the sick, care for the poor, and help those that are helpless. We don’t always get thanked for our efforts. Sometimes we get spit on. Sometimes we get killed.
Christian Leadership Principle: A Christian leader understands that unbelievers don’t act like believers. They understand that people who under bondage to sin will act like it. We love them anyway. We also pray to be delivered from those who seek to hurt us, all the while loving those very people and sharing the gospel with them.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 12:9-21
Prayer: Father, give me understanding. Help me to see people as You see them. Help me to understand when people do bad and harmful things, and save us from evil and wicked people. In Christ’s name, amen.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 68: Titus 1:7b
“He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,”
A while back we looked at the first part of this verse. Remember what this is; this is Paul telling Titus what makes a good elder, a leader in the church. If we were smart, and I’m hoping you are, then we would do well to look at this verse and measure ourselves by it.
Without trying to sound like a broken record, this whole verse is about a leader’s character. If you wanted to boil it down, we would probably hearken back to Luke 10 and say: “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Character is the backbone of a leader. It is the first part of a two part definition of leadership. Your leadership is dependent on your influence, and your influence is dependent on your character.
Notice the things that Paul lists here. Each of these bad character examples hurt other people to make life easier for you. Arrogance and quick-temperedness keep your feelings from getting hurt without understanding the point of view of others. You can’t think straight or minister when you’re haughty or angry.
Being a drunk may make your day easier to handle, but you tend not to do anything other than drink. No ministry gets done, and the people suffer.
Violence hurts other people for your own pleasure. A minister cannot be violent. It just doesn’t work.
Finally, a leader cannot be greedy for gain. Gain becomes your god, and you quickly concentrate on gain, rather than your Lord and Savior. Your relationships with people become a vehicle for your own gain, rather than you giving yourself away for them. Greed is the antithesis of Christ’s love.
Character matters. More than you know, it can sink you or sustain you. Paul warns us that a person with bad character cannot be allowed to lead in the church.
How is your character? Do you fit the mold that Paul sets forth in Titus as a leader? Character takes a lifetime to develop, but it is easily set back. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of Paul’s list.
Christian Leadership Principle: Godly Character is essential to leadership. Character turns into influence, which you have to have to lead.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 4:10-19
Prayer: Father, guide my character. Mold me into a greater likeness of Your Son. Guard my ways, Lord, and help me to develop my character to better serve You. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
A while back we looked at the first part of this verse. Remember what this is; this is Paul telling Titus what makes a good elder, a leader in the church. If we were smart, and I’m hoping you are, then we would do well to look at this verse and measure ourselves by it.
Without trying to sound like a broken record, this whole verse is about a leader’s character. If you wanted to boil it down, we would probably hearken back to Luke 10 and say: “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Character is the backbone of a leader. It is the first part of a two part definition of leadership. Your leadership is dependent on your influence, and your influence is dependent on your character.
Notice the things that Paul lists here. Each of these bad character examples hurt other people to make life easier for you. Arrogance and quick-temperedness keep your feelings from getting hurt without understanding the point of view of others. You can’t think straight or minister when you’re haughty or angry.
Being a drunk may make your day easier to handle, but you tend not to do anything other than drink. No ministry gets done, and the people suffer.
Violence hurts other people for your own pleasure. A minister cannot be violent. It just doesn’t work.
Finally, a leader cannot be greedy for gain. Gain becomes your god, and you quickly concentrate on gain, rather than your Lord and Savior. Your relationships with people become a vehicle for your own gain, rather than you giving yourself away for them. Greed is the antithesis of Christ’s love.
Character matters. More than you know, it can sink you or sustain you. Paul warns us that a person with bad character cannot be allowed to lead in the church.
How is your character? Do you fit the mold that Paul sets forth in Titus as a leader? Character takes a lifetime to develop, but it is easily set back. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of Paul’s list.
Christian Leadership Principle: Godly Character is essential to leadership. Character turns into influence, which you have to have to lead.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 4:10-19
Prayer: Father, guide my character. Mold me into a greater likeness of Your Son. Guard my ways, Lord, and help me to develop my character to better serve You. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 67: Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Have you ever heard words on a page described in such a way? How can words that are up to 6,000 years old be so powerful?
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, working through each author in every word. That’s what makes it so powerful. You may read another old book and be moved by the words and emotions, but only in the Bible do you have the author living inside you to teach you, convict you, and show you the ways of God.
That makes the Word of God a very powerful weapon indeed.
And why is it so powerful? Because it has power. Real power. The kind of power that can change your life and the lives of others.
So here comes the big question: Are you using this very powerful weapon?
A Christian leader should be steeped in the word. The Word of God should just ooze out of them no matter what they’re doing. Our whole life should be a testimony to the Word of God and be an example of living it’s message.
So here’s the thing: you can’t be a testimony to the word or an example of its message if you’re not reading it. You can’t just sit at church, hear a sermon, and soak this stuff up. You have to be in the word all the time.
Having a daily Bible time is a smart idea, and I’m going to bet that you find yourself bored throughout the course of the day, so use that extra time to pick up your Bible and read. Carry one with you. I prefer a pocket New Testament when I’m on the go, and they serve as a handy evangelism tool when you’re talking to somebody about Jesus.
These are the words of life that we’re talking about here, and the way that the writer of Hebrews talks about it, we shouldn’t be taking it so lightly.
Christian Leadership Principle: The Word of God is very powerful, and has real power. A Christian leader should be in the word as much as possible, learning and living it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Prayer: Father, help me to fall in love with Your word. Help me to love it and live it, soaking it up. Teach me from it. Help me to teach others. Thank You for Your Word and the power it has in my life. In Christ’s name, amen.
Have you ever heard words on a page described in such a way? How can words that are up to 6,000 years old be so powerful?
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, working through each author in every word. That’s what makes it so powerful. You may read another old book and be moved by the words and emotions, but only in the Bible do you have the author living inside you to teach you, convict you, and show you the ways of God.
That makes the Word of God a very powerful weapon indeed.
And why is it so powerful? Because it has power. Real power. The kind of power that can change your life and the lives of others.
So here comes the big question: Are you using this very powerful weapon?
A Christian leader should be steeped in the word. The Word of God should just ooze out of them no matter what they’re doing. Our whole life should be a testimony to the Word of God and be an example of living it’s message.
So here’s the thing: you can’t be a testimony to the word or an example of its message if you’re not reading it. You can’t just sit at church, hear a sermon, and soak this stuff up. You have to be in the word all the time.
Having a daily Bible time is a smart idea, and I’m going to bet that you find yourself bored throughout the course of the day, so use that extra time to pick up your Bible and read. Carry one with you. I prefer a pocket New Testament when I’m on the go, and they serve as a handy evangelism tool when you’re talking to somebody about Jesus.
These are the words of life that we’re talking about here, and the way that the writer of Hebrews talks about it, we shouldn’t be taking it so lightly.
Christian Leadership Principle: The Word of God is very powerful, and has real power. A Christian leader should be in the word as much as possible, learning and living it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Prayer: Father, help me to fall in love with Your word. Help me to love it and live it, soaking it up. Teach me from it. Help me to teach others. Thank You for Your Word and the power it has in my life. In Christ’s name, amen.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 66: 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”
Judgement is a very serious thing. Several times throughout the scripture, especially in the New Testament, that we will be judged by the same measure that we judge. A lot of people don’t understand that correctly.
What that basically means is that if we judge by a certain standard then people will hold us to that same standard. In other words, ‘what goes around comes around.’ Seems right, doesn’t it.
What Paul is saying here is something completely different. Paul is saying that if someone judges him he doesn’t take it too personally. Why? And How can we come to that same place? It seems like a good deal to me. A lot of times we spend way too much time wondering what other people think of us, our performance, our clothing, etc. Paul says “eh. I don’t care all that much.”
Paul understands that real judgment comes only from God. Someone on earth may call you a loser. So what. You’re only a loser if God says you’re a loser. Paul says he doesn’t even judge himself. That’s smart stuff. We’re nowhere close to smart enough to even pass judgment on ourselves.
This verse brings us great freedom. We can’t be truly judged by other people, or ourselves. God alone judges us. You realize what that means, right? The next time you’re down on yourself remember that God may see things different. In fact, it’s not even our place to think about it.
When someone else gets judgmental, think nothing of it, you stand or fall to God alone.
God is the ultimate judge, and He judges righteously. Neither other people or ourselves are remotely capable of that, so leave it to God.
Christian Leadership Principle: God alone judges us. We aren’t capable, and neither are other people. Don’t let them define the reality; let God do that.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 14:10-12
Prayer: Father, help me not to judge myself. Give me the wisdom to see that you alone judge righteously, and help me not to give weight to the judgment of myself or others. In Christ’s name, amen.
Judgement is a very serious thing. Several times throughout the scripture, especially in the New Testament, that we will be judged by the same measure that we judge. A lot of people don’t understand that correctly.
What that basically means is that if we judge by a certain standard then people will hold us to that same standard. In other words, ‘what goes around comes around.’ Seems right, doesn’t it.
What Paul is saying here is something completely different. Paul is saying that if someone judges him he doesn’t take it too personally. Why? And How can we come to that same place? It seems like a good deal to me. A lot of times we spend way too much time wondering what other people think of us, our performance, our clothing, etc. Paul says “eh. I don’t care all that much.”
Paul understands that real judgment comes only from God. Someone on earth may call you a loser. So what. You’re only a loser if God says you’re a loser. Paul says he doesn’t even judge himself. That’s smart stuff. We’re nowhere close to smart enough to even pass judgment on ourselves.
This verse brings us great freedom. We can’t be truly judged by other people, or ourselves. God alone judges us. You realize what that means, right? The next time you’re down on yourself remember that God may see things different. In fact, it’s not even our place to think about it.
When someone else gets judgmental, think nothing of it, you stand or fall to God alone.
God is the ultimate judge, and He judges righteously. Neither other people or ourselves are remotely capable of that, so leave it to God.
Christian Leadership Principle: God alone judges us. We aren’t capable, and neither are other people. Don’t let them define the reality; let God do that.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 14:10-12
Prayer: Father, help me not to judge myself. Give me the wisdom to see that you alone judge righteously, and help me not to give weight to the judgment of myself or others. In Christ’s name, amen.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 65: James 1:14
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
Remember last week when we were talking about temptation, and how you shouldn’t go around shaking your fist at the sky and blaming God? Well, here’s part two.
In today’s verse James explains how temptation is connected to none other than you know who. That’s right: you.
James says that temptation is a direct result of our own desires, and how we are lured and enticed by them into sinning against God.
So…what does this mean? What it means is that we can’t blame God because in the end we let ourselves be lured by our own evil, selfish desires. We can’t blame anyone but ourselves in the end, because we allow it to happen.
So how do you stop it? Well, that’s the hard part. You can’t. Not completely, and not this side of heaven. We won’t be perfect, but through God’s grace, we can sure slow temptation up. Here’s how.
Ask God to show you where your evil desires tempt you. He’ll do it. It might be painful to face, but He’ll do it.
After that, it’s a simple matter of staying away from those things that entice and tempt you to sin. Easy, right? No; easier said than done.
Pray for strength to stay away from those things that tempt you to sin. Flee from them. Don’t be surprised when you are tempted to drink when you’re standing around at a party with tons of alcohol. Don’t be surprised when you’re tempted to look at that porn site when it’s favorite on your browser.
Staying away from the things that tempt us is just smart. And as a Christian leader, you should know to stay away from the hot stove…because it will burn you.
Christian Leadership Principle: Temptation comes because we allow ourselves to be enticed by our own greed and evil desires. Stay away from those things that tempt you.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 26:11
Prayer: Father, show me where I am week in character, and where I would be tempted to disobey you. Give me strength to flee from those things and situations. In Christ’s name, amen.
Remember last week when we were talking about temptation, and how you shouldn’t go around shaking your fist at the sky and blaming God? Well, here’s part two.
In today’s verse James explains how temptation is connected to none other than you know who. That’s right: you.
James says that temptation is a direct result of our own desires, and how we are lured and enticed by them into sinning against God.
So…what does this mean? What it means is that we can’t blame God because in the end we let ourselves be lured by our own evil, selfish desires. We can’t blame anyone but ourselves in the end, because we allow it to happen.
So how do you stop it? Well, that’s the hard part. You can’t. Not completely, and not this side of heaven. We won’t be perfect, but through God’s grace, we can sure slow temptation up. Here’s how.
Ask God to show you where your evil desires tempt you. He’ll do it. It might be painful to face, but He’ll do it.
After that, it’s a simple matter of staying away from those things that entice and tempt you to sin. Easy, right? No; easier said than done.
Pray for strength to stay away from those things that tempt you to sin. Flee from them. Don’t be surprised when you are tempted to drink when you’re standing around at a party with tons of alcohol. Don’t be surprised when you’re tempted to look at that porn site when it’s favorite on your browser.
Staying away from the things that tempt us is just smart. And as a Christian leader, you should know to stay away from the hot stove…because it will burn you.
Christian Leadership Principle: Temptation comes because we allow ourselves to be enticed by our own greed and evil desires. Stay away from those things that tempt you.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 26:11
Prayer: Father, show me where I am week in character, and where I would be tempted to disobey you. Give me strength to flee from those things and situations. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 64: Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
The fact that Jesus was a carpenter is kind of amusing when you look at this scripture. In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses a lot of building metaphors to show his readers what God is doing with the church and each of us individually.
This, coupled with the fact that Jesus wielded a hammer to build, and then built His church with His blood, is amazing. Jesus has always been in the building business.
This set of verses from Ephesians 2 is one of my favorites. We, meaning you and me, are part of God’s workmanship. He is building us. This has enormous implications for every Christian, and especially you Christian leaders. God is putting you together, piece by piece, making you into what He wants you to be: Like Jesus.
If you can’t do everything you want to right now, or everything you think you should be able to do, don’t fret, and don’t get frustrated. God is building you, and he’s using everyday life to do it.
Now, if all that wasn’t enough, there’s more: We were created in Jesus for good works. We were created for good works (advancing the Kingdom of God) and are being built up by God. Notice that all this is God’s doing, and not ours? You should probably take note of that, just in case your pride has told you that you are somehow responsible for any of this.
All right, one last note on this verse, because I know we’re everywhere with this today: God prepared all of this beforehand, so that we can do them now. This is amazing. God isn’t just making this up as He goes, and He doesn’t have some recipe that He’s just following, hoping everything turns out okay.
God put all of this into motion before you were even created, and it’s just for you. He knows every hair on your head, and God has a personalized growth and good works plan just for you. He prepared it especially for you.
If that’s not encouraging, than I don’t know what is.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God is in charge of our growth as Christians and as Christian leaders. He prepared all of this before we were created and tailored it just to us.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Psalms 139
Prayer: Father, thank you for wonderfully and fearfully creating me. Thank you that you didn’t leave me on my own, but are growing me and building me into what You want me to be. In Christ’s name, amen.
The fact that Jesus was a carpenter is kind of amusing when you look at this scripture. In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses a lot of building metaphors to show his readers what God is doing with the church and each of us individually.
This, coupled with the fact that Jesus wielded a hammer to build, and then built His church with His blood, is amazing. Jesus has always been in the building business.
This set of verses from Ephesians 2 is one of my favorites. We, meaning you and me, are part of God’s workmanship. He is building us. This has enormous implications for every Christian, and especially you Christian leaders. God is putting you together, piece by piece, making you into what He wants you to be: Like Jesus.
If you can’t do everything you want to right now, or everything you think you should be able to do, don’t fret, and don’t get frustrated. God is building you, and he’s using everyday life to do it.
Now, if all that wasn’t enough, there’s more: We were created in Jesus for good works. We were created for good works (advancing the Kingdom of God) and are being built up by God. Notice that all this is God’s doing, and not ours? You should probably take note of that, just in case your pride has told you that you are somehow responsible for any of this.
All right, one last note on this verse, because I know we’re everywhere with this today: God prepared all of this beforehand, so that we can do them now. This is amazing. God isn’t just making this up as He goes, and He doesn’t have some recipe that He’s just following, hoping everything turns out okay.
God put all of this into motion before you were even created, and it’s just for you. He knows every hair on your head, and God has a personalized growth and good works plan just for you. He prepared it especially for you.
If that’s not encouraging, than I don’t know what is.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God is in charge of our growth as Christians and as Christian leaders. He prepared all of this before we were created and tailored it just to us.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Psalms 139
Prayer: Father, thank you for wonderfully and fearfully creating me. Thank you that you didn’t leave me on my own, but are growing me and building me into what You want me to be. In Christ’s name, amen.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 63: 1 Peter 1:14
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,”
Are you obedient? I didn’t think so. We might obey in some things, but if you’re anything like me, our obedience isn’t real reliable or complete. This is sin.
Remember the verse “children, obey your parents?” It’s touched on in the ten commandments, and it’s repeated throughout the old and new testaments. Being mentioned so often, you might get the idea that it’s important, wouldn’t you?
It is. And here’s why. First, God put your parents over you to teach you and model a godly relationship for you.
Secondly, your parents represent your relationship to God. We are to obey our earthly parents just as we are to obey our heavenly father, loving and honoring them with our actions, words, and lives.
So, now that we’ve got the obedience thing out of the way, let’s look at the rest of what Peter wants to tell us today.
Peter is doing two things here. He wants to keep us on the path of obedience and he wants to remind us what disobedience looks like. He isn’t just talking here about a single incidence of disobedience, but an attitude of disobedience.
Before we had a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we were disobedient. Not just doing things wrong, but not even playing for the right team. We couldn’t be obedient to God, because sin was a part of who we were. Jesus took care of that on the cross. He died and took our wraith for us.
As Paul puts it, the old man died, and we were brought from the kingdom of sin and death to the kingdom of life and righteousness.
Peter is reminding us to be obedient, because when we aren’t obedient, we look just like we did before we came to know Christ. Remember what that was like? We were headed to hell. Our obedience to Christ further reinforces the message of the gospel for all to see: Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is the power over death and into life.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Before we were obedient to God, we were slaves to our passions and to sin. Jesus freed us from the domain of darkness. Our obedience to Him shows that and reinforces the gospel as we speak it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 5
Prayer: Father, thank you from rescuing me from the kingdom of sin and death. Help me to be obedient to you that I may be a witness for your Son’s death, burial, and resurrection. In Christ’s name, amen.
Are you obedient? I didn’t think so. We might obey in some things, but if you’re anything like me, our obedience isn’t real reliable or complete. This is sin.
Remember the verse “children, obey your parents?” It’s touched on in the ten commandments, and it’s repeated throughout the old and new testaments. Being mentioned so often, you might get the idea that it’s important, wouldn’t you?
It is. And here’s why. First, God put your parents over you to teach you and model a godly relationship for you.
Secondly, your parents represent your relationship to God. We are to obey our earthly parents just as we are to obey our heavenly father, loving and honoring them with our actions, words, and lives.
So, now that we’ve got the obedience thing out of the way, let’s look at the rest of what Peter wants to tell us today.
Peter is doing two things here. He wants to keep us on the path of obedience and he wants to remind us what disobedience looks like. He isn’t just talking here about a single incidence of disobedience, but an attitude of disobedience.
Before we had a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we were disobedient. Not just doing things wrong, but not even playing for the right team. We couldn’t be obedient to God, because sin was a part of who we were. Jesus took care of that on the cross. He died and took our wraith for us.
As Paul puts it, the old man died, and we were brought from the kingdom of sin and death to the kingdom of life and righteousness.
Peter is reminding us to be obedient, because when we aren’t obedient, we look just like we did before we came to know Christ. Remember what that was like? We were headed to hell. Our obedience to Christ further reinforces the message of the gospel for all to see: Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is the power over death and into life.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Before we were obedient to God, we were slaves to our passions and to sin. Jesus freed us from the domain of darkness. Our obedience to Him shows that and reinforces the gospel as we speak it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 5
Prayer: Father, thank you from rescuing me from the kingdom of sin and death. Help me to be obedient to you that I may be a witness for your Son’s death, burial, and resurrection. In Christ’s name, amen.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Day 62: James 1:13
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.”
You ever blame someone else for something you did? Me too. In fact, I’m pretty good at it. It’s always someone else’s fault, as far as I’m concerned, right?
It’s very easy to pass the blame to someone else, but a Christian leader never blames other people. They take the blame for whatever they have done. They are personally responsible.
This extends to every facet of their life, including the one James is talking about in today’s passage.
Sometimes, when we are tempted to sin, we are also tempted to look up at the sky, shake our fist, and ask why?
Have you ever found yourself doing this? We get so caught up in the frustration and fight of temptation that we look at God and know it must be His fault. Hold up.
We have to remember what temptation is and where it comes from.
First, temptation happens when we are presented with an opportunity to rebel against God. We consider it because it might be fun, or easier than God’s way, or whatever. This is temptation. God does not provide us with opportunities to rebel against Him. He knows too often we do it, and we certainly don’t need His help screwing up. Blaming God for temptation is passing the buck when it comes to screwing up. It’s all on us.
Second, temptation comes from Satan and demonic forces. When we are saved, our sins are blotted out in God’s eyes. Past, present, and future. Satan just likes to keep us out of fellowship with God and down and out on ourselves so we become useless for the kingdom. Remember that when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness it was Satan doing the tempting, not God (God tempting God?!).
When we are tempted, remember, it’s not God, because as James puts it so well, God cannot be tempted, and tempts no one.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Resist when you want to blame God for temptation. Temptation is Satan’s gig, and you act or don’t act on it accordingly.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 4:1-11
Prayer: Father, help me to see truth. Your word is truth. Help me to see the devil for who he is and what he does. Remind me that blame for screwing up is mine and mine alone, and blame for temptation is from Satan and his minions. Amen.
You ever blame someone else for something you did? Me too. In fact, I’m pretty good at it. It’s always someone else’s fault, as far as I’m concerned, right?
It’s very easy to pass the blame to someone else, but a Christian leader never blames other people. They take the blame for whatever they have done. They are personally responsible.
This extends to every facet of their life, including the one James is talking about in today’s passage.
Sometimes, when we are tempted to sin, we are also tempted to look up at the sky, shake our fist, and ask why?
Have you ever found yourself doing this? We get so caught up in the frustration and fight of temptation that we look at God and know it must be His fault. Hold up.
We have to remember what temptation is and where it comes from.
First, temptation happens when we are presented with an opportunity to rebel against God. We consider it because it might be fun, or easier than God’s way, or whatever. This is temptation. God does not provide us with opportunities to rebel against Him. He knows too often we do it, and we certainly don’t need His help screwing up. Blaming God for temptation is passing the buck when it comes to screwing up. It’s all on us.
Second, temptation comes from Satan and demonic forces. When we are saved, our sins are blotted out in God’s eyes. Past, present, and future. Satan just likes to keep us out of fellowship with God and down and out on ourselves so we become useless for the kingdom. Remember that when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness it was Satan doing the tempting, not God (God tempting God?!).
When we are tempted, remember, it’s not God, because as James puts it so well, God cannot be tempted, and tempts no one.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Resist when you want to blame God for temptation. Temptation is Satan’s gig, and you act or don’t act on it accordingly.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 4:1-11
Prayer: Father, help me to see truth. Your word is truth. Help me to see the devil for who he is and what he does. Remind me that blame for screwing up is mine and mine alone, and blame for temptation is from Satan and his minions. Amen.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Day 61: 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6
“For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.”
Motivations is a very important thing. God doesn’t only judge us for our actions, but for our motivations as well. Unfortunately for us this means that we can do good things for the wrong reasons, thus sinning, and also have good things we try to do go completely bad. Kind of a bummer.
Here’s three motivations that you don’t want to get caught with as you spend your time as Christian leaders: flattery, greed, or glory. These are three killer motivations. Notice they have nothing to do with bringing glory to God, but rather to yourself. Notice they don’t benefit the Kindgom of God, either. They benefit the kingdom of you.
This world is full of salesmen. If you’ve ever been on the wrong end of a sales pitch, you know what it’s like, and usually, you can tell what the salesman’s motivation is. Usually they want to sell you something so they get paid. It’s their job. Sometimes they are trying to sell you an idea, and they tell you how smart you’ll be or good looking you’ll be if you will only use their product or adopt their idea. Commercials are good at this. Other times, they are selling themselves. They want you to know how good they are.
Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not beating up salespeople; I’m just saying a Christian leader doesn’t employ the motivations of greed, glory, or flattery when we tell others about Jesus Christ, or lead in our businesses or ministries.
Our motivations must be pure, love for God, which leads us to share the gospel because God wants us to, and love of others, which will lead us to take care of others and do things for them, not us.
A Christian leader has to live of course, and we’re all prideful enough that sooner or later we’ll attempt to bring glory to ourselves, but remember: God knows what we need, and He will not leave us to ourselves. If we obey and honor God, He’ll take care of the rest. We don’t need to help Him out. He’s got it covered.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Beware of motivations other than love of God and love of others. They give way to greed, flattery, and glory.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 6:31-33
Prayer: Master, keep my motivations pure. Help me to remember that You will take care of me, and that You are enough for me. Keep me from greed, glory, and flattery. In Christ’s name, amen.
Motivations is a very important thing. God doesn’t only judge us for our actions, but for our motivations as well. Unfortunately for us this means that we can do good things for the wrong reasons, thus sinning, and also have good things we try to do go completely bad. Kind of a bummer.
Here’s three motivations that you don’t want to get caught with as you spend your time as Christian leaders: flattery, greed, or glory. These are three killer motivations. Notice they have nothing to do with bringing glory to God, but rather to yourself. Notice they don’t benefit the Kindgom of God, either. They benefit the kingdom of you.
This world is full of salesmen. If you’ve ever been on the wrong end of a sales pitch, you know what it’s like, and usually, you can tell what the salesman’s motivation is. Usually they want to sell you something so they get paid. It’s their job. Sometimes they are trying to sell you an idea, and they tell you how smart you’ll be or good looking you’ll be if you will only use their product or adopt their idea. Commercials are good at this. Other times, they are selling themselves. They want you to know how good they are.
Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not beating up salespeople; I’m just saying a Christian leader doesn’t employ the motivations of greed, glory, or flattery when we tell others about Jesus Christ, or lead in our businesses or ministries.
Our motivations must be pure, love for God, which leads us to share the gospel because God wants us to, and love of others, which will lead us to take care of others and do things for them, not us.
A Christian leader has to live of course, and we’re all prideful enough that sooner or later we’ll attempt to bring glory to ourselves, but remember: God knows what we need, and He will not leave us to ourselves. If we obey and honor God, He’ll take care of the rest. We don’t need to help Him out. He’s got it covered.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Beware of motivations other than love of God and love of others. They give way to greed, flattery, and glory.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 6:31-33
Prayer: Master, keep my motivations pure. Help me to remember that You will take care of me, and that You are enough for me. Keep me from greed, glory, and flattery. In Christ’s name, amen.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Day 60: 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”
Have you ever thought of yourself as a steward?
What is a steward, anyway?
Well, a steward is someone who is given responsibility for something that really belongs to someone else. They are given charge of the thing (whatever it might be) and are in charge of it temporarily.
Paul here says that we are stewards of the mysteries of God. That means that we are temporarily responsible for the gospel. He also says we should be trustworthy. What does he mean by that? Is Paul asking us to tell the truth? Well, not here. What he’s saying is that a steward should use his stewardship responsibly. When it comes to the gospel, that basically means that we should be telling everyone that will listen.
We should also remember that all leadership is as stewardship. God has granted us leadership in His place, and He has granted it to us for a limited amount of time. It is our responsibility to be trustworthy with the stewardship. That basically means being the best leader that we can be with what God has given us.
This applies whether we are the head of a multi-national corporation, or are asked to babysit a big pile of rock and shovel it when necessary. All stewardships come from God, and we need to be found trustworthy.
Are you being a trustworthy steward with what God has given to you? Are you doing everything you can to be the best you can be at what God has given you to do? These are important questions for a Christian leader, because God isn’t going to trust us with more when we can’t steward what He has given us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: All of leadership is a stewardship, and the Christian leader must be trustworthy with what has been given to them. Being found trustworthy may be an avenue for being entrusted with more.
Here’s a set of verses you should meditate on today: Luke 12:41-48
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me stewardship over your mysteries and the leadership you have given me. Help me to be trustworthy with it. Father, also help me view all of life as a stewardship from you, and please give me the strength to be trustworthy.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a steward?
What is a steward, anyway?
Well, a steward is someone who is given responsibility for something that really belongs to someone else. They are given charge of the thing (whatever it might be) and are in charge of it temporarily.
Paul here says that we are stewards of the mysteries of God. That means that we are temporarily responsible for the gospel. He also says we should be trustworthy. What does he mean by that? Is Paul asking us to tell the truth? Well, not here. What he’s saying is that a steward should use his stewardship responsibly. When it comes to the gospel, that basically means that we should be telling everyone that will listen.
We should also remember that all leadership is as stewardship. God has granted us leadership in His place, and He has granted it to us for a limited amount of time. It is our responsibility to be trustworthy with the stewardship. That basically means being the best leader that we can be with what God has given us.
This applies whether we are the head of a multi-national corporation, or are asked to babysit a big pile of rock and shovel it when necessary. All stewardships come from God, and we need to be found trustworthy.
Are you being a trustworthy steward with what God has given to you? Are you doing everything you can to be the best you can be at what God has given you to do? These are important questions for a Christian leader, because God isn’t going to trust us with more when we can’t steward what He has given us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: All of leadership is a stewardship, and the Christian leader must be trustworthy with what has been given to them. Being found trustworthy may be an avenue for being entrusted with more.
Here’s a set of verses you should meditate on today: Luke 12:41-48
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me stewardship over your mysteries and the leadership you have given me. Help me to be trustworthy with it. Father, also help me view all of life as a stewardship from you, and please give me the strength to be trustworthy.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Day 59: 1 John 5:21
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
There’s a reason that this is the first commandment. It is so important, so crucial, and so often, the commandment that we break the most.
When many of us think of idols, we usually think of other gods. Most Christian leaders can say without doubt that they aren’t worshipping any other gods. Marduk, Ishtar, Budda, and the rest of them probably aren’t on the list.
The insidiousness of idolatry is that we can make anything like god, and worse, anything that we put first in our life becomes our god. In this way we can go to church and worship the one true God, while at the same time prostituting ourselves out to money, power, sex, and all sorts of debauchery that we have made more important than God.
The danger to the Christian leader is even more present. So many times we put our jobs, our ministries, and our leadership ahead of God. Nothing is more dangerous than making our ministries or jobs first in our life and relegating the God of those ministries and jobs to second place.
It’s easy to do, and before you know it, you’ve stopped reading your bible. You disengage from your church family. Your prayer life falters. You think you’re so busy doing God’s work, forgetting the God of that work.
Remember that we can’t give out what we don’t possess ourselves. If you aren’t filling yourself with the Word, your life with prayer, and practicing the presence of God, then your work and ministry for Him will falter and in the end implode.
Keep yourselves from idols. That means intentionally put God first in your life. Make sure that you’re in the word, and not just as part of your job, or to answer the questions of someone at work.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader is in constant danger of making their work and ministry their god. God’s work must never replace the God of the work.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Luke 18:18-30
Prayer: Father, help me to not replace you with anything. Give me the strength to recognize when something is taking over my life. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
There’s a reason that this is the first commandment. It is so important, so crucial, and so often, the commandment that we break the most.
When many of us think of idols, we usually think of other gods. Most Christian leaders can say without doubt that they aren’t worshipping any other gods. Marduk, Ishtar, Budda, and the rest of them probably aren’t on the list.
The insidiousness of idolatry is that we can make anything like god, and worse, anything that we put first in our life becomes our god. In this way we can go to church and worship the one true God, while at the same time prostituting ourselves out to money, power, sex, and all sorts of debauchery that we have made more important than God.
The danger to the Christian leader is even more present. So many times we put our jobs, our ministries, and our leadership ahead of God. Nothing is more dangerous than making our ministries or jobs first in our life and relegating the God of those ministries and jobs to second place.
It’s easy to do, and before you know it, you’ve stopped reading your bible. You disengage from your church family. Your prayer life falters. You think you’re so busy doing God’s work, forgetting the God of that work.
Remember that we can’t give out what we don’t possess ourselves. If you aren’t filling yourself with the Word, your life with prayer, and practicing the presence of God, then your work and ministry for Him will falter and in the end implode.
Keep yourselves from idols. That means intentionally put God first in your life. Make sure that you’re in the word, and not just as part of your job, or to answer the questions of someone at work.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader is in constant danger of making their work and ministry their god. God’s work must never replace the God of the work.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Luke 18:18-30
Prayer: Father, help me to not replace you with anything. Give me the strength to recognize when something is taking over my life. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Day 58: Philippians 1:20
“as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
The Christian’s task is simple. We honor and serve Christ with every breath.
As Paul wrote this passage, he was lingering in a Roman jail. He wrote about the idea that by either his life or his death he would serve Christ.
As Christian leaders, we need to hear what he’s saying. Not that we want to die, but we have to put ourselves in a place that either way, we are serving Christ. Paul’s death, which would probably be at the hands of the Roman government, would be while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life, on the other hand, would be lived out serving churches and sharing the gospel among the nations.
Either way, his life advanced the Kingdom of God.
It’s because Paul’s footing in life that he can say that his expectation and hope are that he will not be ashamed. Either way he goes, Christ is honored and served.
Paul learned something that we need to learn: There are things worse than death. Lots of them. Paul’s next words were “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Christian leaders have to learn this principle.
Many of us live so comfortably that I’m afraid at the end we will be ashamed for not having taken any chances and not advancing the Kingdom of God when we could have, even at the expense of our lives.
How is your footing in life? Can you honestly say that today, no matter if you lived or died, you would be serving Christ?
Most of us probably can’t. But we should be able to.
Take a careful look at your life. Can you approach it like Paul did: with the expectation and hope that after your last breath, you won’t be ashamed of your conduct while you did breath?
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Our entire life should be honoring to Christ. We should serve Him in both our life and with our death.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: Acts: 7:54-60
Prayer: Father, guide me and show me your ways. Show me where I don’t honor or serve you, and forgive me. Show me how my life and death can honor and serve you. In Christ’s name, amen.
The Christian’s task is simple. We honor and serve Christ with every breath.
As Paul wrote this passage, he was lingering in a Roman jail. He wrote about the idea that by either his life or his death he would serve Christ.
As Christian leaders, we need to hear what he’s saying. Not that we want to die, but we have to put ourselves in a place that either way, we are serving Christ. Paul’s death, which would probably be at the hands of the Roman government, would be while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life, on the other hand, would be lived out serving churches and sharing the gospel among the nations.
Either way, his life advanced the Kingdom of God.
It’s because Paul’s footing in life that he can say that his expectation and hope are that he will not be ashamed. Either way he goes, Christ is honored and served.
Paul learned something that we need to learn: There are things worse than death. Lots of them. Paul’s next words were “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Christian leaders have to learn this principle.
Many of us live so comfortably that I’m afraid at the end we will be ashamed for not having taken any chances and not advancing the Kingdom of God when we could have, even at the expense of our lives.
How is your footing in life? Can you honestly say that today, no matter if you lived or died, you would be serving Christ?
Most of us probably can’t. But we should be able to.
Take a careful look at your life. Can you approach it like Paul did: with the expectation and hope that after your last breath, you won’t be ashamed of your conduct while you did breath?
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Our entire life should be honoring to Christ. We should serve Him in both our life and with our death.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: Acts: 7:54-60
Prayer: Father, guide me and show me your ways. Show me where I don’t honor or serve you, and forgive me. Show me how my life and death can honor and serve you. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Day 57: Ephesians 2:3
Ephesians 2:3
“among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
So, you think you’re better than everyone else, do you? You think because Jesus saved you, that you can just pooh-pooh on everybody else, huh? Well think again.
One thing about Christians throughout the ages, especially wherever Christianity has become accepted and therefore stagnant, is that it develops a sort of pride that rankles not only most human beings, but God as well.
God dealt with pride throughout the New Testament, as believers treated other groups, especially Jews, with contempt because they would not accept Christ as savior.
Do not become that person. You know who they are. They are always pointing out everybody’s sins-while denying any of their own. They wear their Christianity like some kind of a superman outfit, almost lording it over others because they are saved and the other is not.
This is not Christianity. We are to be loving, and we are to be humble, and once again, Paul is explaining why in today’s passage. We need to remember where we came from.
Do you remember a time before you were saved? Do you? I do. It wasn’t pretty. I used people. I was a terrible person. I hated other people, stepping on their heads to get further in my own life. I bet you have a similar story, don’t you?
It helps to remember what God saved us out of. It gives us a fresh perspective.
What perspective is that? It’s this: God saved me; I didn’t save myself. I have no room to be prideful about my position with God. In fact, because of His gracious love for me, I am indebted to tell everyone I can about what God did in my life: He took a complete loser and turned him into a son of God. What’s better, that’s available for everyone.
Do not think more highly of yourself than you should. It’s not becoming a leader. No one will ever follow a Christian that thinks they’re better than them. Who’d want to do that?
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader remembers what God saved them out of, and loves other people. They don’t look down on them.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 12
Prayer: Father, destroy pride in me. Kill it. Help me remember what I came from, what You saved me out of, and destroy any thought that I am better than anyone else. In Christ’s name, amen.
“among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
So, you think you’re better than everyone else, do you? You think because Jesus saved you, that you can just pooh-pooh on everybody else, huh? Well think again.
One thing about Christians throughout the ages, especially wherever Christianity has become accepted and therefore stagnant, is that it develops a sort of pride that rankles not only most human beings, but God as well.
God dealt with pride throughout the New Testament, as believers treated other groups, especially Jews, with contempt because they would not accept Christ as savior.
Do not become that person. You know who they are. They are always pointing out everybody’s sins-while denying any of their own. They wear their Christianity like some kind of a superman outfit, almost lording it over others because they are saved and the other is not.
This is not Christianity. We are to be loving, and we are to be humble, and once again, Paul is explaining why in today’s passage. We need to remember where we came from.
Do you remember a time before you were saved? Do you? I do. It wasn’t pretty. I used people. I was a terrible person. I hated other people, stepping on their heads to get further in my own life. I bet you have a similar story, don’t you?
It helps to remember what God saved us out of. It gives us a fresh perspective.
What perspective is that? It’s this: God saved me; I didn’t save myself. I have no room to be prideful about my position with God. In fact, because of His gracious love for me, I am indebted to tell everyone I can about what God did in my life: He took a complete loser and turned him into a son of God. What’s better, that’s available for everyone.
Do not think more highly of yourself than you should. It’s not becoming a leader. No one will ever follow a Christian that thinks they’re better than them. Who’d want to do that?
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader remembers what God saved them out of, and loves other people. They don’t look down on them.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 12
Prayer: Father, destroy pride in me. Kill it. Help me remember what I came from, what You saved me out of, and destroy any thought that I am better than anyone else. In Christ’s name, amen.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Day 56: Acts 4:29-31
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”
Why would anybody want to hurt people that are trying to save them from hell? I don’t know, but they do. In many countries, it’s a crime to be a Christian. It’ll get you killed, tortured, or worse (and there is worse).
It’s been the same since the very beginning. Those that called God’s people away from their sins and back to their God were hated, despised, hunted, and killed. Jesus was no different, neither were the disciples, and we can’t expect anything different.
As we read today’s passage, we find the disciples at a turning point: the Holy Spirit has come, and they have begun to proclaim the message of Jesus, much to the dislike of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin has dealt with them the same way they dealt with Jesus. They beat the disciples. They imprisoned them.
Look at the disciples response. Their response should be the response of every Christian, especially a Christian leader. Basically, they asked God to give them strength in the face of the threats and to continue to work through them with healings, signs, and wonders. Amazing. Even more amazing is what happened next: They were answered and empowered for exactly what they asked for.
Do not miss the point here. Persecution will happen, and it will do one of two things: it will drive you away or it will drive you to your knees. The Christian leader will let God handle the persecution as they continue to speak the word of God in boldness. Jesus didn’t let His crucifiction stop Him from boldness, and we can’t let a little (or a lot) of persecution stop us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Persecution will happen to every Christian. Go to God in prayer when it happens and pray for boldness despite the persecution.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 13:1-23
Prayer: Father, when persecution comes, give me strength to stand. Help me come to you instead of shrinking away. Thank you for giving me strength. In Christ’s name, amen.
Why would anybody want to hurt people that are trying to save them from hell? I don’t know, but they do. In many countries, it’s a crime to be a Christian. It’ll get you killed, tortured, or worse (and there is worse).
It’s been the same since the very beginning. Those that called God’s people away from their sins and back to their God were hated, despised, hunted, and killed. Jesus was no different, neither were the disciples, and we can’t expect anything different.
As we read today’s passage, we find the disciples at a turning point: the Holy Spirit has come, and they have begun to proclaim the message of Jesus, much to the dislike of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin has dealt with them the same way they dealt with Jesus. They beat the disciples. They imprisoned them.
Look at the disciples response. Their response should be the response of every Christian, especially a Christian leader. Basically, they asked God to give them strength in the face of the threats and to continue to work through them with healings, signs, and wonders. Amazing. Even more amazing is what happened next: They were answered and empowered for exactly what they asked for.
Do not miss the point here. Persecution will happen, and it will do one of two things: it will drive you away or it will drive you to your knees. The Christian leader will let God handle the persecution as they continue to speak the word of God in boldness. Jesus didn’t let His crucifiction stop Him from boldness, and we can’t let a little (or a lot) of persecution stop us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Persecution will happen to every Christian. Go to God in prayer when it happens and pray for boldness despite the persecution.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 13:1-23
Prayer: Father, when persecution comes, give me strength to stand. Help me come to you instead of shrinking away. Thank you for giving me strength. In Christ’s name, amen.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Day 55: Colossians 1:10
“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
So many of us try so hard to please God. Many of us have been trying from the beginning, not understanding that apart from Christ, we can’t be pleasing to Him. It’s not that just our sins are bad, but even our goodness is like “filthy rags” in front of God.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise. We have nothing to offer God that can put us in His good graces. Only by believing in the death, burial and resurrection of His Son can we be made right with God. Once we are right with God, we can begin to please Him.
This is where today’s passage comes in. Once we are Christians, our life can begin to mean something for the Kingdom of God. Until we believed, we were still fighting for the other side, even if we didn’t know it. Scary, huh?
Once we are believers, our lives can begin to advance the Kingdom of God. What pleases God in these circumstances? Paul says there are two things, and we need to be very careful about both of them, because at the core of who and what we are, they show us what we are to be doing with our time and resources.
First, we are to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. In other words, do what you know is right according to the way God commands it. Walk in a way that Jesus would have. Do the things that Jesus would have. When you do this you will be fully pleasing to God and bear fruit in all of your good works.
Stay there for a minute. Bearing fruit in your good works is what happens when you walk in a manner worthy of Jesus. It is a direct result. God brings about those results.
Here’s the second thing. God wants us to increase in the knowledge of God. Knowledge of God comes from two places. Learning about Him through His word, and Learning about Him through experiencing Him in your life. And that leads back to walking in a manner worthy of the Lord.
So, if you want to please God, walk like Jesus walked, and learn soak up the experience of God like a sponge.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader will seek to please God by living like Jesus and learning about God all they can.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 1
Prayer: Father, help me to walk in a way that is pleasing to you. Make me more like Jesus, and help me to stay in Your word. In Christ’s name, amen.
So many of us try so hard to please God. Many of us have been trying from the beginning, not understanding that apart from Christ, we can’t be pleasing to Him. It’s not that just our sins are bad, but even our goodness is like “filthy rags” in front of God.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise. We have nothing to offer God that can put us in His good graces. Only by believing in the death, burial and resurrection of His Son can we be made right with God. Once we are right with God, we can begin to please Him.
This is where today’s passage comes in. Once we are Christians, our life can begin to mean something for the Kingdom of God. Until we believed, we were still fighting for the other side, even if we didn’t know it. Scary, huh?
Once we are believers, our lives can begin to advance the Kingdom of God. What pleases God in these circumstances? Paul says there are two things, and we need to be very careful about both of them, because at the core of who and what we are, they show us what we are to be doing with our time and resources.
First, we are to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. In other words, do what you know is right according to the way God commands it. Walk in a way that Jesus would have. Do the things that Jesus would have. When you do this you will be fully pleasing to God and bear fruit in all of your good works.
Stay there for a minute. Bearing fruit in your good works is what happens when you walk in a manner worthy of Jesus. It is a direct result. God brings about those results.
Here’s the second thing. God wants us to increase in the knowledge of God. Knowledge of God comes from two places. Learning about Him through His word, and Learning about Him through experiencing Him in your life. And that leads back to walking in a manner worthy of the Lord.
So, if you want to please God, walk like Jesus walked, and learn soak up the experience of God like a sponge.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader will seek to please God by living like Jesus and learning about God all they can.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 1
Prayer: Father, help me to walk in a way that is pleasing to you. Make me more like Jesus, and help me to stay in Your word. In Christ’s name, amen.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Day 54: 1 John 3:14
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”
I write a lot about love. I’m not mushy, sentimental, romantic, or soft. But I do believe that love is the key to everything.
John is big on love. In fact, the whole of 1 John is based around love. One of the things that John uses love to do is to test out our salvation.
How many of you have stayed up at night wondering if you were really saved? How many of you have ever wondered where you would go if you died? Be honest, of course you have.
John is looking to encourage the people that he was writing to, just as I want to encourage you today. John says that if we have truly passed from death to life, then we love the brothers. As in, those people in the church pews next to you. It’s easy to get all altruistic about people halfway around the world that you’ve never met, but how about the person you know all about, and I mean all about?
That’s pretty cold, but think about it. We are called to love everybody. Loving the person we don’t like, or know everything about is much harder and is a real test of the love of God that resides within us.
A Christian leader has to love supremely, and it has to start with their brothers and sisters in Christ. If you can’t love them, than you can’t love anybody correctly.
More importantly, if you don’t love your brothers and sisters, the chances are that your salvation is in question. If you find yourself in a place today where you don’t love other believers, then it’s time to do a real inventory. Ask God to show you why you don’t love them, and ask for forgiveness and a new heart; God will give it to you.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is the mark of a true believer. If we don’t have this love, we need to ask God for forgiveness and a new heart.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: John 13:34-35
Prayer: Father, give me a love for your people. I am the same as them, redeemed by Your mercy and Your grace. Show me where I do not love Your people, and give me the love I need to do so. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
I write a lot about love. I’m not mushy, sentimental, romantic, or soft. But I do believe that love is the key to everything.
John is big on love. In fact, the whole of 1 John is based around love. One of the things that John uses love to do is to test out our salvation.
How many of you have stayed up at night wondering if you were really saved? How many of you have ever wondered where you would go if you died? Be honest, of course you have.
John is looking to encourage the people that he was writing to, just as I want to encourage you today. John says that if we have truly passed from death to life, then we love the brothers. As in, those people in the church pews next to you. It’s easy to get all altruistic about people halfway around the world that you’ve never met, but how about the person you know all about, and I mean all about?
That’s pretty cold, but think about it. We are called to love everybody. Loving the person we don’t like, or know everything about is much harder and is a real test of the love of God that resides within us.
A Christian leader has to love supremely, and it has to start with their brothers and sisters in Christ. If you can’t love them, than you can’t love anybody correctly.
More importantly, if you don’t love your brothers and sisters, the chances are that your salvation is in question. If you find yourself in a place today where you don’t love other believers, then it’s time to do a real inventory. Ask God to show you why you don’t love them, and ask for forgiveness and a new heart; God will give it to you.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is the mark of a true believer. If we don’t have this love, we need to ask God for forgiveness and a new heart.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: John 13:34-35
Prayer: Father, give me a love for your people. I am the same as them, redeemed by Your mercy and Your grace. Show me where I do not love Your people, and give me the love I need to do so. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 53: 1 Timothy 1:15
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
Will the real Jesus stand up please?
As a Christian leader, you’re going to come across a lot of…confusion about Jesus. Maybe you’re confused about Jesus. I hope not, but so many people are.
there’s so many different opinions and options it seems when it comes to Jesus. Some people see Him as a wise teacher. Others see him as a revolutionary. Others see him as some sort of a mystic. Others see Him as the savior of the world.
Where do you stand?
I ask you this because you are going to have to choose.
Remember when Jesus asked His disciples about who other people thought that He was? YYou got answers all over the board, most of them whack. What was His next question? “Who do You say that I am?”
This is the most important question that we can ever ask, and the most important that we’ll ever answer. To be a Christian leader means that you not only know the answer to this question, but that you are secure enough in the answer that you can show others the right answer.
You are going to run into a lot of different opinions about Jesus. Just the other day I read the back of a book that stated that Jesus travelled to India and was an intrigal part of Hindu teaching. So is He? Did He?
You had better be prepared to give the right answer, and Paul supplies it right here. Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
This is who and what Jesus is. That was His main purpose. Many people have a lot of other theories, but if they don’t line up with what Paul is saying here, than in truth and love, we need to set them right.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader needs to know who Jesus is and why He came. We need to be able to discern the good from the bad when it comes to different opinions about Jesus.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on Today: Matthew 16:13-20
Prayer: Father, help me to know Your Son, Jesus. Help me to know Your word so well that I can answer questions about Jesus. Thank You, Father. In Christ’s name, amen.
Will the real Jesus stand up please?
As a Christian leader, you’re going to come across a lot of…confusion about Jesus. Maybe you’re confused about Jesus. I hope not, but so many people are.
there’s so many different opinions and options it seems when it comes to Jesus. Some people see Him as a wise teacher. Others see him as a revolutionary. Others see him as some sort of a mystic. Others see Him as the savior of the world.
Where do you stand?
I ask you this because you are going to have to choose.
Remember when Jesus asked His disciples about who other people thought that He was? YYou got answers all over the board, most of them whack. What was His next question? “Who do You say that I am?”
This is the most important question that we can ever ask, and the most important that we’ll ever answer. To be a Christian leader means that you not only know the answer to this question, but that you are secure enough in the answer that you can show others the right answer.
You are going to run into a lot of different opinions about Jesus. Just the other day I read the back of a book that stated that Jesus travelled to India and was an intrigal part of Hindu teaching. So is He? Did He?
You had better be prepared to give the right answer, and Paul supplies it right here. Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
This is who and what Jesus is. That was His main purpose. Many people have a lot of other theories, but if they don’t line up with what Paul is saying here, than in truth and love, we need to set them right.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader needs to know who Jesus is and why He came. We need to be able to discern the good from the bad when it comes to different opinions about Jesus.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on Today: Matthew 16:13-20
Prayer: Father, help me to know Your Son, Jesus. Help me to know Your word so well that I can answer questions about Jesus. Thank You, Father. In Christ’s name, amen.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 52: Ephesians 1:19
“and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might”
Think for a minute about the power and might of God.
Think about who and what He is:
Creator, sustainer, savior.
Think about how God has shown His power: Think about the flood; Think about Sodom and Gommorah; Think about the cross.
God has shown tremendous power and might. Just the act of creation is enough to overawe me. The thought of speaking the universe into creation is amazing.
Now imagine this power toward us. Think about your salvation.
What power God has.
Now when Paul says that God wants us to know and experience that power, that should bring you out of your seat and drive you to your knees. The fact that God’s power is given to us in the Holy Spirit, and that God would choose to use it through us is amazing. It drives me to worship, and it should drive you to worship too.
Leaders, and all Christians: God wants us to experience His great and amazing power. Not just be a recipient of it, but to actually experience it. What a great God we have.
The next time that you think of a task that seems impossible, or a situation that seems that it can’t resolve itself, look up at the sky, or around you, and remember the power that created everything. Remember the power that saved you.
That power can do whatever it needs to do, and God wants you to experience that power.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God wants you to realize that the amazing power behind creation and salvation is also at work in you every day.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 2:11-22
Prayer: Father, help me to remember the amazing power you have displayed in all things. Lord, when I worry, help me to remember that You want me to experience that power. Amen.
Think for a minute about the power and might of God.
Think about who and what He is:
Creator, sustainer, savior.
Think about how God has shown His power: Think about the flood; Think about Sodom and Gommorah; Think about the cross.
God has shown tremendous power and might. Just the act of creation is enough to overawe me. The thought of speaking the universe into creation is amazing.
Now imagine this power toward us. Think about your salvation.
What power God has.
Now when Paul says that God wants us to know and experience that power, that should bring you out of your seat and drive you to your knees. The fact that God’s power is given to us in the Holy Spirit, and that God would choose to use it through us is amazing. It drives me to worship, and it should drive you to worship too.
Leaders, and all Christians: God wants us to experience His great and amazing power. Not just be a recipient of it, but to actually experience it. What a great God we have.
The next time that you think of a task that seems impossible, or a situation that seems that it can’t resolve itself, look up at the sky, or around you, and remember the power that created everything. Remember the power that saved you.
That power can do whatever it needs to do, and God wants you to experience that power.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God wants you to realize that the amazing power behind creation and salvation is also at work in you every day.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 2:11-22
Prayer: Father, help me to remember the amazing power you have displayed in all things. Lord, when I worry, help me to remember that You want me to experience that power. Amen.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 51: Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Let me tell you this: The Christian leader is not ashamed of the gospel. In fact, their whole life revolves around it.
Paul wants to tell us something in this verse. He wants to tell us something very important. The gospel is the most important thing that we know. To be ashamed of it is unthinkable. To do anything with it other than share it with every person we meet is unthinkable.
What do you think of the gospel? How do you treat it?
The answer to that question will tell you a lot about yourself and what you do. No matter what kind of leader you turn out to be, the Christian leader is always about the work of the gospel. We cannot be ashamed of it.
Why would we be ashamed of it? How could we possibly turn our backs on it? I don’t know. But I do know that we often do. Often we tiptoe around it, sometimes we water it down so it’s more palatable. Many times we just ignore it. Paul believed he owed everyone he met the gospel. Do you?
Why is the gospel even so important? Paul lays it out for us right here: it is the power of God for salvation. If that doesn’t strike you as being important read it again. If it still doesn’t strike you as being important, then you need to step back and examine yourself and your priorities.
It stands to be said that the reason we exist is to share the gospel with everyone we meet. The story of the bible is the reconciliation of all things back to God. The gospel is the means by which God has chosen to accomplish that. Therefore, we cannot be ashamed of the gospel.
Whatever we choose to do in life, and wherever God has put us to lead, His main concern is still the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Our main function is still to share it with those around us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The gospel is the main focus of every Christian leader. No matter where we end up serving, sharing the gospel is our mission and our joy.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Prayer: Father, make sharing the gospel important to me. Help me, God, to not be ashamed of it. In Christ’s name, amen.
Let me tell you this: The Christian leader is not ashamed of the gospel. In fact, their whole life revolves around it.
Paul wants to tell us something in this verse. He wants to tell us something very important. The gospel is the most important thing that we know. To be ashamed of it is unthinkable. To do anything with it other than share it with every person we meet is unthinkable.
What do you think of the gospel? How do you treat it?
The answer to that question will tell you a lot about yourself and what you do. No matter what kind of leader you turn out to be, the Christian leader is always about the work of the gospel. We cannot be ashamed of it.
Why would we be ashamed of it? How could we possibly turn our backs on it? I don’t know. But I do know that we often do. Often we tiptoe around it, sometimes we water it down so it’s more palatable. Many times we just ignore it. Paul believed he owed everyone he met the gospel. Do you?
Why is the gospel even so important? Paul lays it out for us right here: it is the power of God for salvation. If that doesn’t strike you as being important read it again. If it still doesn’t strike you as being important, then you need to step back and examine yourself and your priorities.
It stands to be said that the reason we exist is to share the gospel with everyone we meet. The story of the bible is the reconciliation of all things back to God. The gospel is the means by which God has chosen to accomplish that. Therefore, we cannot be ashamed of the gospel.
Whatever we choose to do in life, and wherever God has put us to lead, His main concern is still the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Our main function is still to share it with those around us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The gospel is the main focus of every Christian leader. No matter where we end up serving, sharing the gospel is our mission and our joy.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Prayer: Father, make sharing the gospel important to me. Help me, God, to not be ashamed of it. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 50: 2 Timothy 1:9
“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…”
Has it ever occurred to you to ask God “why me?” It has me. I wonder all the time. I don’t deserve anything God has given me, and I deserve even less to be used by Him to bring fame to His holy name throughout the earth.
So why did He save me and call me? Why did He save and call you? Paul gives us the answer right here: because of His own purpose and grace. Further, and to really cap it off, God did it before there was even time. Before we were even born, our salvation and purpose were just as sure as they are right now.
That’s incredible, and worthy of worship, love, and adoration.
God doesn’t need us, and He didn’t have to save us; but for His glory and purpose He did, and then gave us a purpose and a job even after that.
Your task, your purpose, was set for you before you were even born. That’s gotta give you some confidence. That means that God’s plan for you and everyone you come into contact with was in place too. We have a big God.
We didn’t do anything that deserved this, or drew God to us. We have nothing that we can offer him. Our good is filthy before God.
That’s a real miracle. That God can take me and make me into something that honors Him. And He’s done the same thing with you.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God doesn’t need us but gives us the honor of serving Him and bringing Him Glory in this life.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Isaiah 64:6
Prayer: God, thank you for choosing me and for giving me purpose. In Christ’s name, amen.
Has it ever occurred to you to ask God “why me?” It has me. I wonder all the time. I don’t deserve anything God has given me, and I deserve even less to be used by Him to bring fame to His holy name throughout the earth.
So why did He save me and call me? Why did He save and call you? Paul gives us the answer right here: because of His own purpose and grace. Further, and to really cap it off, God did it before there was even time. Before we were even born, our salvation and purpose were just as sure as they are right now.
That’s incredible, and worthy of worship, love, and adoration.
God doesn’t need us, and He didn’t have to save us; but for His glory and purpose He did, and then gave us a purpose and a job even after that.
Your task, your purpose, was set for you before you were even born. That’s gotta give you some confidence. That means that God’s plan for you and everyone you come into contact with was in place too. We have a big God.
We didn’t do anything that deserved this, or drew God to us. We have nothing that we can offer him. Our good is filthy before God.
That’s a real miracle. That God can take me and make me into something that honors Him. And He’s done the same thing with you.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God doesn’t need us but gives us the honor of serving Him and bringing Him Glory in this life.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Isaiah 64:6
Prayer: God, thank you for choosing me and for giving me purpose. In Christ’s name, amen.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 49: Hebrews 3:13
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Sin is a seriously slippery slope. Unless we watch ourselves, we can begin to harden our hearts to it, so that soon sin becomes habitual.
Why is it like that? We sin to please ourselves. We do things we shouldn’t but that feel good, we lie to sidestep the consequences of our actions, we are selfish because it’s gratifying to ourselves and easier than loving others.
And it’s habit forming. We may sin once and think we got away with it, promising ourselves that we’ll never do that again. The next time that temptation rears its ugly little head, it’s that much easier because last time we didn’t get caught.
Sin is deceitful. Is promises us something in the moment, without thought to short-term, long-term, or eternal consequences.
The author of Hebrews tells us here that we need to be exhorting one another daily to keep from this. What is exhorting? Basically, it’s encouraging other people with words and pleading with them not to sin, or to come clean from their sin.
This is one of the benefits of being in community, or a church. We have people around us that care enough about us to be worried about our life and if sin has crept in.
We need to have the love and courage to do this for the people around us, and not get offended when they do the same for us.
Christianity today calls this accountability. It’s a good idea to find someone that doesn’t mind asking you the hard questions about your life, and who has the courage to say the right thing to you when you step out of line. The flip side of this is that you do the same for them. If you are in the right accountability relationship, this can be one of the most gratifying friendships that you have.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Sin can harden our heart, but God puts us into community so that we can encourage and exhort one another to come clean of our sin.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Galatians 6:1-10
Prayer: Father, don’t let sin harden my heart. Put people into my life that care enough to hold me accountable, and help me be that person to someone else. In Christ’s name, amen.
Sin is a seriously slippery slope. Unless we watch ourselves, we can begin to harden our hearts to it, so that soon sin becomes habitual.
Why is it like that? We sin to please ourselves. We do things we shouldn’t but that feel good, we lie to sidestep the consequences of our actions, we are selfish because it’s gratifying to ourselves and easier than loving others.
And it’s habit forming. We may sin once and think we got away with it, promising ourselves that we’ll never do that again. The next time that temptation rears its ugly little head, it’s that much easier because last time we didn’t get caught.
Sin is deceitful. Is promises us something in the moment, without thought to short-term, long-term, or eternal consequences.
The author of Hebrews tells us here that we need to be exhorting one another daily to keep from this. What is exhorting? Basically, it’s encouraging other people with words and pleading with them not to sin, or to come clean from their sin.
This is one of the benefits of being in community, or a church. We have people around us that care enough about us to be worried about our life and if sin has crept in.
We need to have the love and courage to do this for the people around us, and not get offended when they do the same for us.
Christianity today calls this accountability. It’s a good idea to find someone that doesn’t mind asking you the hard questions about your life, and who has the courage to say the right thing to you when you step out of line. The flip side of this is that you do the same for them. If you are in the right accountability relationship, this can be one of the most gratifying friendships that you have.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Sin can harden our heart, but God puts us into community so that we can encourage and exhort one another to come clean of our sin.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Galatians 6:1-10
Prayer: Father, don’t let sin harden my heart. Put people into my life that care enough to hold me accountable, and help me be that person to someone else. In Christ’s name, amen.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Day 48: 1 John 4:10-11
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Have you ever received something you didn’t deserve? How did it make you feel? It always makes me feel bad. I know I don’t deserve it, but I get it anyway. It’s just not right. It makes me want to go out and give it to someone else. Maybe they deserve it more than me.
How do you feel about Jesus’ gift to you? We didn’t love God, but He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. That is undeserved. It makes me feel bad. It also makes me feel free.
Because of God’s amazing love, I am free to love others in the same way. I’m commanded to love others in the same way.
Loving those that we don’t think deserve it can be very hard. It can almost be impossible. But with God, the impossible becomes possible. It’s possible because God did the same thing for us. Actually, He did so much more for us.
So why can’t we do the same thing for others?
When we love others as Jesus loved us, we give them just a shadow of the love of Jesus. We’re being image-bearers for our Lord and Savior.
Make it a point to show love to everyone, no matter what the circumstances. No matter how unlovely they are to you, Jesus died for them, too. They deserve to see real love in action, and it might help to point them to Jesus.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian loves others no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Christ did the same for us, and we show His love when we do this.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Hosea 1
Prayer: Father, help me to love out of the depths of Your love. I pray that you help me to see people as You see them, and that I can love them as You love them. In Christ’s name, amen.
Have you ever received something you didn’t deserve? How did it make you feel? It always makes me feel bad. I know I don’t deserve it, but I get it anyway. It’s just not right. It makes me want to go out and give it to someone else. Maybe they deserve it more than me.
How do you feel about Jesus’ gift to you? We didn’t love God, but He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. That is undeserved. It makes me feel bad. It also makes me feel free.
Because of God’s amazing love, I am free to love others in the same way. I’m commanded to love others in the same way.
Loving those that we don’t think deserve it can be very hard. It can almost be impossible. But with God, the impossible becomes possible. It’s possible because God did the same thing for us. Actually, He did so much more for us.
So why can’t we do the same thing for others?
When we love others as Jesus loved us, we give them just a shadow of the love of Jesus. We’re being image-bearers for our Lord and Savior.
Make it a point to show love to everyone, no matter what the circumstances. No matter how unlovely they are to you, Jesus died for them, too. They deserve to see real love in action, and it might help to point them to Jesus.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian loves others no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Christ did the same for us, and we show His love when we do this.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Hosea 1
Prayer: Father, help me to love out of the depths of Your love. I pray that you help me to see people as You see them, and that I can love them as You love them. In Christ’s name, amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Day 47: 2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…”
Are you looking for something new from God? So many of us spend so much time running through life looking to God for something new when we already have this promise.
We already have everything we need to live life and be godly. When you think about it, that’s pretty deep. God has given us, through his “divine power,” everything we need to live in a godly manner.
When did He do that? What are these things? What does this even mean?
First, as a believer, you have the Holy Spirit. That alone is enough to live in a godly manner. We have God within us. That’s amazing. Second, He has given us His word, which instructs us in God’s ways and His paths. Thirdly, He’s given us the church, of which we are a part, to give us community where we can help and be helped in turn. Last, but definitely not least, He has given us salvation. In this there is truly life.
This is all we need to live and to be godly. Really.
Usually, our issue with looking for something new from God is a matter of contentment or pride. We don’t think what we’ve been given is glamorous enough, or exciting enough. We aren’t content, or worse, we aren’t grateful for what we do have.
Take a look at the second part of this verse. These things that God has given us are for His glory and excellence. That means a lot to me. God’s not giving us these things for us, but rather for Him to be glorified in the world and amongst His creation.
Remember, the next time you go looking for something new from God, He’s already given us everything we need for life and godliness.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God has given us everything that we need, and He has given it to us for His glory and excellence.
Here are some verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 2:1-10
Prayer: Father, help me to be content with what You have given me. Help me to remember you’ve given me everything I need. In Christ’s name, amen.
Are you looking for something new from God? So many of us spend so much time running through life looking to God for something new when we already have this promise.
We already have everything we need to live life and be godly. When you think about it, that’s pretty deep. God has given us, through his “divine power,” everything we need to live in a godly manner.
When did He do that? What are these things? What does this even mean?
First, as a believer, you have the Holy Spirit. That alone is enough to live in a godly manner. We have God within us. That’s amazing. Second, He has given us His word, which instructs us in God’s ways and His paths. Thirdly, He’s given us the church, of which we are a part, to give us community where we can help and be helped in turn. Last, but definitely not least, He has given us salvation. In this there is truly life.
This is all we need to live and to be godly. Really.
Usually, our issue with looking for something new from God is a matter of contentment or pride. We don’t think what we’ve been given is glamorous enough, or exciting enough. We aren’t content, or worse, we aren’t grateful for what we do have.
Take a look at the second part of this verse. These things that God has given us are for His glory and excellence. That means a lot to me. God’s not giving us these things for us, but rather for Him to be glorified in the world and amongst His creation.
Remember, the next time you go looking for something new from God, He’s already given us everything we need for life and godliness.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God has given us everything that we need, and He has given it to us for His glory and excellence.
Here are some verses to meditate on today: Ephesians 2:1-10
Prayer: Father, help me to be content with what You have given me. Help me to remember you’ve given me everything I need. In Christ’s name, amen.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Day 46: Philippians 1:9-11
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
We don’t think much about the word “love,” probably because we use it in so many ways. You love cheeseburgers, you love this movie, you love (fill in the blank). We’ve kind of lost the meaning of love in all the usage of it. At the very least, we have perverted it’s meaning and lost the real power behind the term.
Look closely at this passage from Philippians and see the power behind God’s love: through love, when coupled with knowledge and discernment, you can see what is excellent, and bear fruit for the kingdom of God. Now that’s a powerful love.
So what does one have to do with the other? What does love have to do with approving what is excellent? Our answer is best illustrated by the opposite of love: selfishness.
When we are selfish, we approve of the things that benefit us. We don’t bear fruit for the Kingdom of God when we are concerned with ourselves, nor can we be pure and blameless when we are thinking only of ourselves.
Love, the kind of love that we learn from Christ’s love for us, is so powerful that it overcomes our selfishness. True love puts self last, and thinks of everyone else first. With that attitude, it’s easy to see what’s right, instead of easy; beneficial to others, rather than beneficial to us; and what advances God’s kingdom, rather than our kingdom.
Love has this power, and it’s a tremendous power. It’s a world-changing power. It’s a power that only comes from God.
By this power we can see what is best, and take the right path that God has laid in front of us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader loves supremely. They love God and others in such a way that self is lost, and they can see what God approves and the path they should take.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Acts 26
Prayer: Father, consume me with Your love. Rid me of myself, and replace me with You. Amen.
We don’t think much about the word “love,” probably because we use it in so many ways. You love cheeseburgers, you love this movie, you love (fill in the blank). We’ve kind of lost the meaning of love in all the usage of it. At the very least, we have perverted it’s meaning and lost the real power behind the term.
Look closely at this passage from Philippians and see the power behind God’s love: through love, when coupled with knowledge and discernment, you can see what is excellent, and bear fruit for the kingdom of God. Now that’s a powerful love.
So what does one have to do with the other? What does love have to do with approving what is excellent? Our answer is best illustrated by the opposite of love: selfishness.
When we are selfish, we approve of the things that benefit us. We don’t bear fruit for the Kingdom of God when we are concerned with ourselves, nor can we be pure and blameless when we are thinking only of ourselves.
Love, the kind of love that we learn from Christ’s love for us, is so powerful that it overcomes our selfishness. True love puts self last, and thinks of everyone else first. With that attitude, it’s easy to see what’s right, instead of easy; beneficial to others, rather than beneficial to us; and what advances God’s kingdom, rather than our kingdom.
Love has this power, and it’s a tremendous power. It’s a world-changing power. It’s a power that only comes from God.
By this power we can see what is best, and take the right path that God has laid in front of us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian leader loves supremely. They love God and others in such a way that self is lost, and they can see what God approves and the path they should take.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Acts 26
Prayer: Father, consume me with Your love. Rid me of myself, and replace me with You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 45: Acts 4:19-20
“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
There are a lot of people who talk. Talk is cheap. There will be many people who will tell you things that are contrary to God. Get used to it; you live in the world. Unfortunately, there will also be many times when you will be asked to do something that is contrary to your belief. Worse, when this happens, there are usually bad consequences for you if you do the godly thing.
It is easier to do things the way of the world. It is more accepted, the rewards of the world are plentiful, and no one will usually think the worse of you.
God does not call us into the easy way. He calls us into His way. His way is not the world’s way, and often the two clash.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish ruling counsel to stop talking about Jesus, they had a choice to make. This was the same council that had crucified Jesus. They were more than capable of killing Peter and John.
Peter and John, rather than carrying on their obedience to God in secret, let the Sanhedrin know right away what kind of behavior they could expect.
Many times you are going to be in a tight spot where there is a clear choice between God and the world. It is in these times that the world is watching you the closest. They are waiting to see what you decide, because they will deduce how much you truly believe God by your decision.
In these tough times, we have to take our stand and declare our allegiance. It is to none but God. Any other allegiance fails us; any other path leads us astray.
Tough times will come, and you will be forced to choose. Will you choose to speak of what you have “see n and heard?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Christian Leaders take their stand on Christ. When faced with obeying the world or following Christ, they follow Christ.
Here are some verses to meditate on Today: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer: Father, help me to choose Your way at all times. Help me to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. In Christ’s name, amen.
There are a lot of people who talk. Talk is cheap. There will be many people who will tell you things that are contrary to God. Get used to it; you live in the world. Unfortunately, there will also be many times when you will be asked to do something that is contrary to your belief. Worse, when this happens, there are usually bad consequences for you if you do the godly thing.
It is easier to do things the way of the world. It is more accepted, the rewards of the world are plentiful, and no one will usually think the worse of you.
God does not call us into the easy way. He calls us into His way. His way is not the world’s way, and often the two clash.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish ruling counsel to stop talking about Jesus, they had a choice to make. This was the same council that had crucified Jesus. They were more than capable of killing Peter and John.
Peter and John, rather than carrying on their obedience to God in secret, let the Sanhedrin know right away what kind of behavior they could expect.
Many times you are going to be in a tight spot where there is a clear choice between God and the world. It is in these times that the world is watching you the closest. They are waiting to see what you decide, because they will deduce how much you truly believe God by your decision.
In these tough times, we have to take our stand and declare our allegiance. It is to none but God. Any other allegiance fails us; any other path leads us astray.
Tough times will come, and you will be forced to choose. Will you choose to speak of what you have “see n and heard?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Christian Leaders take their stand on Christ. When faced with obeying the world or following Christ, they follow Christ.
Here are some verses to meditate on Today: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer: Father, help me to choose Your way at all times. Help me to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 44: James 1:6
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
Do you believe that God wants to give you good things? Do you believe the Bible when it says that God will answer prayers? Then why do we doubt?
Doubt is born of unbelief. It is a sure sign that there is still unbelief in us.
Remember the man who brought his son before Jesus for healing. Remember the man’s plea: “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
James is specifically referring here to asking for wisdom in prayer. He says that you should ask in complete confidence that it will be given to you. When we ask for things that are in God’s will, He will be faithful in giving them to us.
And always remember, God always answers our prayers. We may not get the answer we like, but there is always an answer. “No” is an answer. So is “not now.” We may not want those answers, but we often get them. When God seems silent to your prayer, have faith; He has answered.
James goes on to say that anyone who asks in doubt will not be answered. Why is this? Because God deals with us when we treat Him for who He is: God. The Creator of the universe. Doubting Him or His answer shows how much faith we have in Him. He answers the faithful.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When we pray, we should do so with complete faith. Pray knowing that God will answer.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: Matthew 7:7-11
Prayer: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Increase my faith, Lord. In Christ’s name, amen
Do you believe that God wants to give you good things? Do you believe the Bible when it says that God will answer prayers? Then why do we doubt?
Doubt is born of unbelief. It is a sure sign that there is still unbelief in us.
Remember the man who brought his son before Jesus for healing. Remember the man’s plea: “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
James is specifically referring here to asking for wisdom in prayer. He says that you should ask in complete confidence that it will be given to you. When we ask for things that are in God’s will, He will be faithful in giving them to us.
And always remember, God always answers our prayers. We may not get the answer we like, but there is always an answer. “No” is an answer. So is “not now.” We may not want those answers, but we often get them. When God seems silent to your prayer, have faith; He has answered.
James goes on to say that anyone who asks in doubt will not be answered. Why is this? Because God deals with us when we treat Him for who He is: God. The Creator of the universe. Doubting Him or His answer shows how much faith we have in Him. He answers the faithful.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When we pray, we should do so with complete faith. Pray knowing that God will answer.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on Today: Matthew 7:7-11
Prayer: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Increase my faith, Lord. In Christ’s name, amen
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 43: 1 Corinthians 3:18
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.”
In Paul’s day, the big thing was wisdom. The Greeks had elevated philosophy above everything else. Their sophists were regarded as the smartest teachers around, and all who sat at their feet were considered to be wise. This wisdom conflicted greatly with the wisdom of God. As we know, God has ordered the universe and His kingdom to fly in the face of the world’s wisdom.
In this environment, these two very different kinds of wisdom were clashing. The Greeks, considering themselves wise, could not see the wisdom of God.
Paul says here that those who consider themselves wise in the world won’t be able to get the wisdom of God, so the worldy wise need to become what they would consider a fool, so that God may give them wisdom.
We are no different today than the Greeks in Paul’s day. We believe that we are the best educated, most ethically and morally advanced people in the world. We believe that we are at the pinnacle of civilization. And still, just as back then, God is calling us to be considered fools by the world’s standards so that God may give us His wisdom.
So many times we let things like science, logic, ethics, and religion get in the way of the wisdom of God. Because it is more accepted to do so, we try to reconcile the two (many people did that in Paul’s day, as well). The result is predictable, and sad. We miss the mark. Sometimes we miss the mark so far that we miss salvation.
The wisdom of God is not found in the world, it’s teachers, it’s schools, or it’s media. The wisdom of God is found in the gospel, and in the Bible. Learning this wisdom may make you seem like a fool to many, but in God and His people, you have found family.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom are not the same thing. In order to follow God’s wisdom, we will have to look like fools to the rest of the world.
Here is a set of Verses to meditate on today: Acts 27
Prayer: Father, help me to discern what is the world’s wisdom and what is yours. I denounce the wisdom of the world, no matter the consequences. I want your wisdom. Thank you for being faithful and giving it to me. In Christ’s name, amen.
In Paul’s day, the big thing was wisdom. The Greeks had elevated philosophy above everything else. Their sophists were regarded as the smartest teachers around, and all who sat at their feet were considered to be wise. This wisdom conflicted greatly with the wisdom of God. As we know, God has ordered the universe and His kingdom to fly in the face of the world’s wisdom.
In this environment, these two very different kinds of wisdom were clashing. The Greeks, considering themselves wise, could not see the wisdom of God.
Paul says here that those who consider themselves wise in the world won’t be able to get the wisdom of God, so the worldy wise need to become what they would consider a fool, so that God may give them wisdom.
We are no different today than the Greeks in Paul’s day. We believe that we are the best educated, most ethically and morally advanced people in the world. We believe that we are at the pinnacle of civilization. And still, just as back then, God is calling us to be considered fools by the world’s standards so that God may give us His wisdom.
So many times we let things like science, logic, ethics, and religion get in the way of the wisdom of God. Because it is more accepted to do so, we try to reconcile the two (many people did that in Paul’s day, as well). The result is predictable, and sad. We miss the mark. Sometimes we miss the mark so far that we miss salvation.
The wisdom of God is not found in the world, it’s teachers, it’s schools, or it’s media. The wisdom of God is found in the gospel, and in the Bible. Learning this wisdom may make you seem like a fool to many, but in God and His people, you have found family.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom are not the same thing. In order to follow God’s wisdom, we will have to look like fools to the rest of the world.
Here is a set of Verses to meditate on today: Acts 27
Prayer: Father, help me to discern what is the world’s wisdom and what is yours. I denounce the wisdom of the world, no matter the consequences. I want your wisdom. Thank you for being faithful and giving it to me. In Christ’s name, amen.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 42: James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”
We all lack wisdom; every one of us. There are a lot of things that we don’t understand, let alone know how to use in our daily life.
This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just the truth. So many of us, especially in leadership, think that we have to have all of the answers. We think that if we don’t, we have somehow failed ourselves, our education, and those people we serve. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Here’s the deal: God wants to give us wisdom. He spends a lot of time throughout the Bible talking about wisdom. It’s clear that with God it’s not enough just to know something, but to apply what you know in your life. Paul says as much in Romans 6.
James gives those of us who walk with Christ good news. James says “if you don’t have it, ask for it.” That’s pretty amazing, if you think about it. God wants to give us wisdom so much, that he’s just waiting for us to ask.
In fact, James says that God not only gives wisdom, but He gives it generously. That means God gives it. A lot of it. And he does so without belittling you for not having enough wisdom already. That’s cool.
He’s not like those people in your life who, when you ask for something, wonder out loud why you don’t already have it, or haven’t already sought it. God isn’t like that. He wants you to ask for wisdom, and when you do, He gives it in abundance.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: We do lack wisdom, so we should ask God for it.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on today: 1 Kings 3
Prayer: Father, thank you that I can come to you for things I don’t have. Please give me wisdom that I might walk in Your ways and lead Your people in righteousness and justice. In Christ’s name, amen.
We all lack wisdom; every one of us. There are a lot of things that we don’t understand, let alone know how to use in our daily life.
This isn’t a bad thing, it’s just the truth. So many of us, especially in leadership, think that we have to have all of the answers. We think that if we don’t, we have somehow failed ourselves, our education, and those people we serve. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Here’s the deal: God wants to give us wisdom. He spends a lot of time throughout the Bible talking about wisdom. It’s clear that with God it’s not enough just to know something, but to apply what you know in your life. Paul says as much in Romans 6.
James gives those of us who walk with Christ good news. James says “if you don’t have it, ask for it.” That’s pretty amazing, if you think about it. God wants to give us wisdom so much, that he’s just waiting for us to ask.
In fact, James says that God not only gives wisdom, but He gives it generously. That means God gives it. A lot of it. And he does so without belittling you for not having enough wisdom already. That’s cool.
He’s not like those people in your life who, when you ask for something, wonder out loud why you don’t already have it, or haven’t already sought it. God isn’t like that. He wants you to ask for wisdom, and when you do, He gives it in abundance.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: We do lack wisdom, so we should ask God for it.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on today: 1 Kings 3
Prayer: Father, thank you that I can come to you for things I don’t have. Please give me wisdom that I might walk in Your ways and lead Your people in righteousness and justice. In Christ’s name, amen.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 41: Colossians 1:9b
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”
Many of us go through life wanting to know God’s will for us. I have known people who will read books, go to conferences, and join groups in the hope that somehow God will speak some new revelation to them.
Maybe you are that person today. Maybe you are just completely tied up trying to figure out what God wants for you. If you are, then I have good news.
In this verse, Paul is telling the Colossians that he is praying for them constantly that they would have knowledge of God’s will. Then, with uncanny precision, Paul lays out what part of God’s will for them he wants for them: spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Here’s the good news for those of you who are searching for God’s will: God isn’t a God of secrets. He wants you to know His will for you. In fact, He wrote it down for you. That’s right. His word, the Bible, is a detailed plan of His will for you. Now, God may get even more detailed with you, and in that case, I promise you that He will let you know. He is not playing games with you, or keeping things from you. This is the God that set a bush on fire and then spoke out of it to get Moses attention. He can do the same thing for you.
Now, let’s get to this particular bit of God’s will for your life: God wants us to have spiritual wisdom and understanding. Remember way back when we started this devotion what we decided wisdom was: knowledge plus application. God is giving us both sides of this equation right here. This is what Paul is saying. He is praying that the Colossians are given spiritual understanding and wisdom. Remember that they have to have spiritual understanding before they can have wisdom. Paul is praying that God would give the Colossians knowledge plus application.
God wants you to have the same thing. Part of God’s will for your life is that you would understand spiritual things, and then apply them to your life. How do you do that? Read the Bible, and then go and do it.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader knows God’s word and applies it to their life. They understand that God’s Will is found in the Bible, not hidden from anybody.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Exodus Chapter 3 and 4
Prayer: Father, make me content to know Your word and apply it to my life. Give me spiritual knowledge and wisdom to live my life according to Your ways. In Christ’s name, amen.
Many of us go through life wanting to know God’s will for us. I have known people who will read books, go to conferences, and join groups in the hope that somehow God will speak some new revelation to them.
Maybe you are that person today. Maybe you are just completely tied up trying to figure out what God wants for you. If you are, then I have good news.
In this verse, Paul is telling the Colossians that he is praying for them constantly that they would have knowledge of God’s will. Then, with uncanny precision, Paul lays out what part of God’s will for them he wants for them: spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Here’s the good news for those of you who are searching for God’s will: God isn’t a God of secrets. He wants you to know His will for you. In fact, He wrote it down for you. That’s right. His word, the Bible, is a detailed plan of His will for you. Now, God may get even more detailed with you, and in that case, I promise you that He will let you know. He is not playing games with you, or keeping things from you. This is the God that set a bush on fire and then spoke out of it to get Moses attention. He can do the same thing for you.
Now, let’s get to this particular bit of God’s will for your life: God wants us to have spiritual wisdom and understanding. Remember way back when we started this devotion what we decided wisdom was: knowledge plus application. God is giving us both sides of this equation right here. This is what Paul is saying. He is praying that the Colossians are given spiritual understanding and wisdom. Remember that they have to have spiritual understanding before they can have wisdom. Paul is praying that God would give the Colossians knowledge plus application.
God wants you to have the same thing. Part of God’s will for your life is that you would understand spiritual things, and then apply them to your life. How do you do that? Read the Bible, and then go and do it.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: The Christian leader knows God’s word and applies it to their life. They understand that God’s Will is found in the Bible, not hidden from anybody.
Here’s a set of verses for you to meditate on today: Exodus Chapter 3 and 4
Prayer: Father, make me content to know Your word and apply it to my life. Give me spiritual knowledge and wisdom to live my life according to Your ways. In Christ’s name, amen.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 40: Acts 18:9-11
“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
Paul never seemed to get much time in any city. The cross of Christ was so revolutionary, so scandalous that the gospel stirred up trouble wherever Paul went. Paul was kicked out of more towns than we’ll ever know, being beaten, stoned, and generally treated badly as he went.
It’s no wonder then, that he was probably afraid for his life once again as he was in Corinth. There were many that opposed him and the teaching of Christ. A funny thing happened then. It just wasn’t in God’s plan for Paul to be run out of town like he had been before. God appears to Paul in a dream and tells him to stay put. God also tells Paul not to be afraid, and that no one will harm him. You can see the result: Corinth, being the heart of Greece, became a base for the gospel for a year and a half.
There will be many times in your walk with God that you are afraid. He may call you to things that you don’t even think are possible to do, or seem to take so much time and work that it seems impossible to complete. There will be times in your walk with God that you feel like you can’t go on, and there will be times in you walk when it seems like God isn’t there, almost as if you are all alone.
In these times, we have to remember that God is with us, and no matter what, he will complete what He has called us to do. Remember that it’s not incumbent upon us to get anything done: God does it. Remember that it’s not for us to save anyone: God alone saves.
If God is in something, it will get done to His satisfaction, regardless. If God is for you, no one can stand against you. If God is protecting you, there is no harm that can fall on you. He’s the God of the universe. All power is His. He can do that.
Sometimes when faced with problems and perils, we forget who God is and what He has called us to do. We should take God’s advice: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” There’s no one else I would want on my side.
As a Christian leader, there are many times God calls us to things that are scary or seem impossible to do. There are many times when even our very life will be threatened by those around us.
Remember, His plans are from before creation. What He has ordained will be accomplished; and God will use you to do it. You are invincible until your work here is done.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When God is in something, there is nothing that can stop it’s accomplishment. No matter the task in front of us, if God has called us to it, God will see us through it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Isaiah 6
Prayer: Father, give me courage, reminding me that You are always with me. Let me always remember that if You’ve called me than You will complete my calling. In Christ’s name, amen.
Paul never seemed to get much time in any city. The cross of Christ was so revolutionary, so scandalous that the gospel stirred up trouble wherever Paul went. Paul was kicked out of more towns than we’ll ever know, being beaten, stoned, and generally treated badly as he went.
It’s no wonder then, that he was probably afraid for his life once again as he was in Corinth. There were many that opposed him and the teaching of Christ. A funny thing happened then. It just wasn’t in God’s plan for Paul to be run out of town like he had been before. God appears to Paul in a dream and tells him to stay put. God also tells Paul not to be afraid, and that no one will harm him. You can see the result: Corinth, being the heart of Greece, became a base for the gospel for a year and a half.
There will be many times in your walk with God that you are afraid. He may call you to things that you don’t even think are possible to do, or seem to take so much time and work that it seems impossible to complete. There will be times in your walk with God that you feel like you can’t go on, and there will be times in you walk when it seems like God isn’t there, almost as if you are all alone.
In these times, we have to remember that God is with us, and no matter what, he will complete what He has called us to do. Remember that it’s not incumbent upon us to get anything done: God does it. Remember that it’s not for us to save anyone: God alone saves.
If God is in something, it will get done to His satisfaction, regardless. If God is for you, no one can stand against you. If God is protecting you, there is no harm that can fall on you. He’s the God of the universe. All power is His. He can do that.
Sometimes when faced with problems and perils, we forget who God is and what He has called us to do. We should take God’s advice: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” There’s no one else I would want on my side.
As a Christian leader, there are many times God calls us to things that are scary or seem impossible to do. There are many times when even our very life will be threatened by those around us.
Remember, His plans are from before creation. What He has ordained will be accomplished; and God will use you to do it. You are invincible until your work here is done.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When God is in something, there is nothing that can stop it’s accomplishment. No matter the task in front of us, if God has called us to it, God will see us through it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Isaiah 6
Prayer: Father, give me courage, reminding me that You are always with me. Let me always remember that if You’ve called me than You will complete my calling. In Christ’s name, amen.
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