Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5
I am always surprised at how much people shy away from the title “mentor.” When I talk to people with a lifetime of experience in marriage, parenting, working, following God, and just living, they often don’t feel that they have much to offer. They think, “Who would want to listen to me?” Well, you’d be surprised.
Almost 20 years ago I started teaching at a Bible Institute in Modesto, California. My first class was on the Major Prophets. My joke was that I was going to have to read them first. The truth was it wasn’t a joke. I was a little intimidated to say the least.
I asked another instructor who attended our church how he had become so well versed in the courses he taught. He offered some wise advice, “All you need to do is stay one lesson ahead of the class.” That was it. That was the secret. I’ve been staying one lesson ahead for 20 years now.
How about you? What do you have to offer? Maybe you don’t tweet or have a thousand friends on Facebook. But, if you’ve built a company that you or someone else owned, raised a family, celebrated a silver anniversary, or have faithfully walked with God, you have something to offer someone younger than you.
How do you get started? The BWomen Ministry at Brookwood Church has a mentoring program where they match younger women and mature women together for a period of time. But, all mentoring doesn’t need to be formal. Leading a Small Group gives an opportunity to mentor and help others. In fact, you might even end up mentoring each other. If you have knowledge from your education, employment or even a hobby, BrookwoodU is a great place to share yourself with others.
Why not pray and ask God who you can help? Then, pay attention to who God brings across your path. It’s not a coincidence. Invite them for a cup of coffee, and then go on from there. It’s better than men would mentor men and women mentor women.
If you’re open, God will use you.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
What If the Interruption is God’s Plan?
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Luke 1:26-31
Many new moms pick up a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. While the book offers many helpful tips on a variety of topics, even memorizing the book wouldn’t make you fully prepared for motherhood. I think the biggest issue is that the baby hasn’t read the book. The baby just doesn’t know how to act. There is nothing against preparation. But, all of that knowledge paired with a lack of sleep pretty much equals zero in the end.
Mary was unprepared for motherhood to say the least. She was betrothed to Joseph, which was a little more than engaged, but definitely not married. Mary was a virgin. The thought of being pregnant was, well, inconceivable (sorry).
There was no doubt in Mary’s mind that she was pregnant. She wasn’t waiting to see if the line on the test changed color or showed a plus sign. An angel appeared and made the announcement. There was no mistake there.
Now for those who are reading this devotional what occurred with Mary will never occur with you. It’s impossible to identify with immaculate conception or virgin birth. But, what we can relate to is interruptions.
We see most of our interruptions as problems. Our goal is to resolve the interruption and get on with the plan. But, let me ask you this: what if the interruption is the plan? It may not fit our expectation of how we thought things would be. But, it’s certainly not a surprise to God.
Whether you’re a expectant mother preparing for your first born or a middle aged man in a career transition, you are in God’s plan. Do your best to prepare. Then, depend on God for the rest.
Many new moms pick up a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. While the book offers many helpful tips on a variety of topics, even memorizing the book wouldn’t make you fully prepared for motherhood. I think the biggest issue is that the baby hasn’t read the book. The baby just doesn’t know how to act. There is nothing against preparation. But, all of that knowledge paired with a lack of sleep pretty much equals zero in the end.
Mary was unprepared for motherhood to say the least. She was betrothed to Joseph, which was a little more than engaged, but definitely not married. Mary was a virgin. The thought of being pregnant was, well, inconceivable (sorry).
There was no doubt in Mary’s mind that she was pregnant. She wasn’t waiting to see if the line on the test changed color or showed a plus sign. An angel appeared and made the announcement. There was no mistake there.
Now for those who are reading this devotional what occurred with Mary will never occur with you. It’s impossible to identify with immaculate conception or virgin birth. But, what we can relate to is interruptions.
We see most of our interruptions as problems. Our goal is to resolve the interruption and get on with the plan. But, let me ask you this: what if the interruption is the plan? It may not fit our expectation of how we thought things would be. But, it’s certainly not a surprise to God.
Whether you’re a expectant mother preparing for your first born or a middle aged man in a career transition, you are in God’s plan. Do your best to prepare. Then, depend on God for the rest.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Oldest Profession
…That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:21-22
Paul had it right long before the Second Law of Thermodynamics was articulated. Matter and energy deteriorate gradually over time. Things don’t tend to improve on their own. Things tend to decline. If you need proof, just look in the mirror. (Sorry for that depressing thought).
One day all of creation will be renewed (Revelation 21). But, until then, the whole creation is “groaning.” Considering that creation is destined for decay, but ultimately for transformation, believers often take a lackadaisical approach to the earth. Yet God’s first assignment to human beings was stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:26, 29). Our first God-given responsibility was to care for God’s creation.
Now, I know that is much division over environmental issues. On one side we have granola-eating, tree-hugging, earth-worshippers and on the other side are conservative-right wing-FoxNews watching folks. I really don’t think the issue is that cut and dried. Nobody wants to swim in a polluted river. No one wants to turn the landscape into a giant garbage dump (although the state of Nevada might be a candidate).
We can make some very simple changes to make the earth a better place. Even though this is just the temporary home, we are living in it. Here are a few suggestions:
• Recycle instead of throwing away. You could even make a little money.
• Donate everything you can instead of throwing it out: furniture, clothing, etc. You get to help a charitable organization in the process.
• Stop junk mail. Wouldn’t that be nice?
• Switch to reusable food storage containers.
• Check your hot water heater. Lower the thermostat and your gas bill.
• Inflate your car tires to keep them from wearing out so quickly.
• Avoid releasing balloons into the sky.
• Potty train your children. Enough said.
• Use fluorescent bulbs. They last a long time.
• Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Do without.
There are tons of good and ridiculous ways to be good stewards of the environment. Just google and you’ll find plenty.
This earth was never meant to last forever. One day God will “recycle” it too. But, in the meantime, this is where we live. We should do our best to take that “first assignment” from God seriously and make the world a good place for everyone and everything.
Now, some of you may be thinking, “What kind of devotional is this for today?” Just roll your eyes and remind yourself, “Oh yea, he’s from California.”
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
God Owns It All or Lessons from My Dad’s Chest of Drawers
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
These verses come from King David’s prayer after the Israelites generously donated their wealth to build the temple. The temple was a tremendous undertaking that required not only building materials but gold, silver and precious stones. It took much of what the people had to follow God’s instructions. David says, “But who am I, and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
It’s one thing to believe in God. It’s another thing to trust in God. But, our faith and trust in God take a big step when our devotion to God moves from our head to our heart to our wallet. (Okay, I do remember that this is “Creation” week, not tithing week).
Today is my dad’s 70th birthday (or yesterday if you’re receiving this by email). My dad is one of the most faithful, hardworking people I’ve ever met. (I know what you’re thinking; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.)
When I was a boy, I wandered into my parents’ bedroom and discovered several checks sitting on my dad’s chest of drawers. They were all written to the church. One was for their tithe. Then, another check was for missions. And, yet another check was for the building fund. At first, I kind of got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. It sure seemed like a lot of money to me. I knew that this wasn’t a onetime event. This was a regular habit.
Our family didn’t live a lavish life. While we didn’t have everything we wanted, we did have everything that we needed. What money couldn’t provide, our faith in God certainly could. I’m grateful to my dad for teaching me through his example to trust God with my life.
God requires very little of us compared to what He gives. As Jesus said, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13).
What do you need today? Have you asked God? He owns it all.
These verses come from King David’s prayer after the Israelites generously donated their wealth to build the temple. The temple was a tremendous undertaking that required not only building materials but gold, silver and precious stones. It took much of what the people had to follow God’s instructions. David says, “But who am I, and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
It’s one thing to believe in God. It’s another thing to trust in God. But, our faith and trust in God take a big step when our devotion to God moves from our head to our heart to our wallet. (Okay, I do remember that this is “Creation” week, not tithing week).
Today is my dad’s 70th birthday (or yesterday if you’re receiving this by email). My dad is one of the most faithful, hardworking people I’ve ever met. (I know what you’re thinking; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.)
When I was a boy, I wandered into my parents’ bedroom and discovered several checks sitting on my dad’s chest of drawers. They were all written to the church. One was for their tithe. Then, another check was for missions. And, yet another check was for the building fund. At first, I kind of got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. It sure seemed like a lot of money to me. I knew that this wasn’t a onetime event. This was a regular habit.
Our family didn’t live a lavish life. While we didn’t have everything we wanted, we did have everything that we needed. What money couldn’t provide, our faith in God certainly could. I’m grateful to my dad for teaching me through his example to trust God with my life.
God requires very little of us compared to what He gives. As Jesus said, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13).
What do you need today? Have you asked God? He owns it all.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Nothing is Overwhelming to God
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4
Years ago, someone told me, “I can’t believe in God because how could anyone possibly listen to every prayer from every person on the planet and answer. It’s impossible. I just can’t believe in God.”
Personally, I can’t believe in a God who can’t hear the prayers of 6,692,030,277 people and answer them. God is far beyond us and our abilities to understand Him.
While He has revealed a great deal about Himself to us through His Word, we have everything we need to know, but certainly not everything we want to know. The Bible tells us that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
When we consider the wonders of the night sky, with the Psalmist, we get a sense of how great God is and how relatively small we are. God is lofty. God is over all. What an awesome perspective. We also know that God is near and cares about us.
When you’ve had one of those days when life has completely overwhelmed you, just step outside and gaze up at the stars. If God can take care of all of that, He certainly can take care of what’s going on with you. Nothing is overwhelming to God.
Years ago, someone told me, “I can’t believe in God because how could anyone possibly listen to every prayer from every person on the planet and answer. It’s impossible. I just can’t believe in God.”
Personally, I can’t believe in a God who can’t hear the prayers of 6,692,030,277 people and answer them. God is far beyond us and our abilities to understand Him.
While He has revealed a great deal about Himself to us through His Word, we have everything we need to know, but certainly not everything we want to know. The Bible tells us that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
When we consider the wonders of the night sky, with the Psalmist, we get a sense of how great God is and how relatively small we are. God is lofty. God is over all. What an awesome perspective. We also know that God is near and cares about us.
When you’ve had one of those days when life has completely overwhelmed you, just step outside and gaze up at the stars. If God can take care of all of that, He certainly can take care of what’s going on with you. Nothing is overwhelming to God.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Evolution is Not Scientific. Neither is Creation.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20
Origins are not a matter of science. Matters of science must be replicated in the laboratory. To date no one has taken one species and through the scientific method proven that another species can be created. Science can only validate things that can be observed.
Evolution cannot be observed. Now, there is plenty of speculation out there because of the fossil record, but fossils are more like pieces in a puzzle than proof. Have you ever tried to assemble a puzzle without knowing what the big picture actually is? It’s not easy.
Whether you hold to the Big Bang Theory, Evolutional Theory, or Divine Creation, origins are a matter of faith. There is no scientific proof.
Our understanding of creation comes from God’s revelation to Moses, who wrote the book of Genesis. Moses was not present at creation. God revealed creation to Moses, and then Moses guided by the Spirit recorded the revelation. While we don’t understand how exactly creation came about, we know from God’s revelation that God did it.
Paul takes this one step further in his letter to the Romans by saying that creation itself is a witness to the character and nature of God. Only an all-powerful God could have created the universe out of nothing.
Think about this, those who hold views other than creation face a dilemma: where did matter come from in the first place? If the Big Bang is the explanation of origins, then what banged? How did that stuff come about? We have to believe one of two things: either God has always existed or matter has always existed. Something doesn’t come from nothing.
Paul tells us that everyone has a witness of who God is by looking at nature. The beauty and diversity of the earth show His power and creativity. The placement of the earth in the solar system wouldn’t have worked in any other way. A degree closer, and we would burn up. A degree farther away, and we would freeze to death.
Paul says the evidence of God through creation is so clear that no one has an excuse not to follow God. Will an appreciation for creation save us? No, only Jesus can save us. But, creation and conscience (Romans 2) definitely point us in the right direction. For those who sincerely desire to follow God, He will further reveal Himself to them much like God revealed Himself to Abraham (Genesis 12).
What does nature speak to you about God? Why not set aside some time this week for a beautiful place like Jones’ Gap or Caesar’s Head, Yosemite or Monterey, or another beautiful place near you (for my Kansas readers, I’m not sure what you’re going to find…just kidding. Even the prairie has a certain beauty to it.) Take in the beauty of that place and sense the finger of God.
Origins are not a matter of science. Matters of science must be replicated in the laboratory. To date no one has taken one species and through the scientific method proven that another species can be created. Science can only validate things that can be observed.
Evolution cannot be observed. Now, there is plenty of speculation out there because of the fossil record, but fossils are more like pieces in a puzzle than proof. Have you ever tried to assemble a puzzle without knowing what the big picture actually is? It’s not easy.
Whether you hold to the Big Bang Theory, Evolutional Theory, or Divine Creation, origins are a matter of faith. There is no scientific proof.
Our understanding of creation comes from God’s revelation to Moses, who wrote the book of Genesis. Moses was not present at creation. God revealed creation to Moses, and then Moses guided by the Spirit recorded the revelation. While we don’t understand how exactly creation came about, we know from God’s revelation that God did it.
Paul takes this one step further in his letter to the Romans by saying that creation itself is a witness to the character and nature of God. Only an all-powerful God could have created the universe out of nothing.
Think about this, those who hold views other than creation face a dilemma: where did matter come from in the first place? If the Big Bang is the explanation of origins, then what banged? How did that stuff come about? We have to believe one of two things: either God has always existed or matter has always existed. Something doesn’t come from nothing.
Paul tells us that everyone has a witness of who God is by looking at nature. The beauty and diversity of the earth show His power and creativity. The placement of the earth in the solar system wouldn’t have worked in any other way. A degree closer, and we would burn up. A degree farther away, and we would freeze to death.
Paul says the evidence of God through creation is so clear that no one has an excuse not to follow God. Will an appreciation for creation save us? No, only Jesus can save us. But, creation and conscience (Romans 2) definitely point us in the right direction. For those who sincerely desire to follow God, He will further reveal Himself to them much like God revealed Himself to Abraham (Genesis 12).
What does nature speak to you about God? Why not set aside some time this week for a beautiful place like Jones’ Gap or Caesar’s Head, Yosemite or Monterey, or another beautiful place near you (for my Kansas readers, I’m not sure what you’re going to find…just kidding. Even the prairie has a certain beauty to it.) Take in the beauty of that place and sense the finger of God.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Olympics, The Aurora Borealis, and The Glory of God
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
Few photographers can capture a glorious sunset. When we experience the spectacular array of red and orange hues, we get a sense of the glory and majesty of God. Then, we run inside and grab our camera. But, what we end up with is sort of dark and not nearly as spectacular.
Now, I know that sunsets are made up on particles in the air that refract the light of the sun. And, falling in love is only a matter of biology, right?
The Bible has a lot to say about God’s glory and His majesty. But to witness a star-filled night or a meteor shower creates a sense of awe that puts God’s glory in context.
A friend of mine worked for CBS Sports and was assigned to cover the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway in 1994. One night Dan and his crew ventured outside in sub-freezing temperatures to witness the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis. He said they were so awestruck by the experience that it didn’t even occur to them that they weren’t even wearing coats. The cold was overshadowed by the sight. To this day it’s the most magnificent thing they have ever witnessed.
When have you experienced the glory of God through the heavens? It can’t be done in a hurry. Most of us can’t dedicate every evening to watching the sunset. But, when you see a good one, stop for 30 seconds and take it in. Get a sense of God’s majesty and glory.
Few photographers can capture a glorious sunset. When we experience the spectacular array of red and orange hues, we get a sense of the glory and majesty of God. Then, we run inside and grab our camera. But, what we end up with is sort of dark and not nearly as spectacular.
Now, I know that sunsets are made up on particles in the air that refract the light of the sun. And, falling in love is only a matter of biology, right?
The Bible has a lot to say about God’s glory and His majesty. But to witness a star-filled night or a meteor shower creates a sense of awe that puts God’s glory in context.
A friend of mine worked for CBS Sports and was assigned to cover the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway in 1994. One night Dan and his crew ventured outside in sub-freezing temperatures to witness the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis. He said they were so awestruck by the experience that it didn’t even occur to them that they weren’t even wearing coats. The cold was overshadowed by the sight. To this day it’s the most magnificent thing they have ever witnessed.
When have you experienced the glory of God through the heavens? It can’t be done in a hurry. Most of us can’t dedicate every evening to watching the sunset. But, when you see a good one, stop for 30 seconds and take it in. Get a sense of God’s majesty and glory.
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