He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:41-44
Accepting God’s will is easy if He’s offering something that you want. If God is directing you to marry the woman of your dreams, that’s an easy one. I got to do that ten years ago. If God is directing you to a place you’ve always dreamed of living or to a job that pays a lot more money, those are no brainers. But, what if God’s direction leads us to less rather than more?
If God’s will is leading us to what we think is a downgrade or demotion of some sort, then we have a much harder time accepting God’s will. If God directs us to stick it out in a tough situation, we wonder if we’ve really heard from God. It’s easier to obey when life seems easier. It’s essential to obey when everything seems difficult.
Maybe God has led you to a job that you don’t really like so that you will learn to enjoy your family more. Maybe God has put you in a difficult relationship so that He can produce Christ-like character in you. Maybe God has put a difficult person in your life, so that you will learn to become more loving. (Think of it the other way, if everything is going well, then maybe God is using you as the difficult person for someone else).
No one is more closely connected to God than Jesus. In fact, Jesus only did the things that He knew that Father wanted (John 5:19). The entire purpose of Jesus’ life on earth was to fulfill His mission. The Father’s will led Jesus all of the way to the cross.
In the Garden, Jesus cried out to God. His divine mission and His human emotion intersected in a moment of anguish and pain. He never refused to do God’s will. Jesus just needed to make sure that He was hearing things correctly.
What are you unsure of these days? What’s going on in your life that you think might be out of God’s will? If it’s sinful, then you can know for sure, that it’s out of God’s will for you. If it’s difficult, then it might need more patience and evaluation.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Our Weaknesses Might be Our Greatest Asset
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:16
“I didn’t sign up for this.” I hear this statement from Small Group leaders usually when something has come up in their group that is far more complicated than practicing the one anothers or figuring out who will bring the brownies next week. Maybe there’s a conflict. Maybe someone’s headed down a path to disaster, but they don’t see it. The leader needs to step in.
Once we’ve talked through the issue, I remind them that they didn’t sign up for this, but God signed them up for this. God wants to use them. I’m sure they are muttering under their breath, “Thanks, jerk.”
But, here’s the thing, God works through us more in our discomfort and inadequacies than through our strengths. God doesn’t want us to confuse the result of using our mad skills with bearing spiritual fruit. So, if you’re very well organized, we might give you points for self-control, but you’ll probably blow it on patience. Just sayin’.
God signed us up to bear fruit. We find the fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
What fruit do you see in your life? Where do you need to grow? If the sweetness of joy has been replaced by the bitterness of sorrow, don’t give up. As Pastor Rick Warren says, “God uses the opposite quality to produce godly character in our lives.” As we depend on God’s work in us, before we know it, He’ll exchange our mourning for dancing (Jeremiah 31:13).
“I didn’t sign up for this.” I hear this statement from Small Group leaders usually when something has come up in their group that is far more complicated than practicing the one anothers or figuring out who will bring the brownies next week. Maybe there’s a conflict. Maybe someone’s headed down a path to disaster, but they don’t see it. The leader needs to step in.
Once we’ve talked through the issue, I remind them that they didn’t sign up for this, but God signed them up for this. God wants to use them. I’m sure they are muttering under their breath, “Thanks, jerk.”
But, here’s the thing, God works through us more in our discomfort and inadequacies than through our strengths. God doesn’t want us to confuse the result of using our mad skills with bearing spiritual fruit. So, if you’re very well organized, we might give you points for self-control, but you’ll probably blow it on patience. Just sayin’.
God signed us up to bear fruit. We find the fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
What fruit do you see in your life? Where do you need to grow? If the sweetness of joy has been replaced by the bitterness of sorrow, don’t give up. As Pastor Rick Warren says, “God uses the opposite quality to produce godly character in our lives.” As we depend on God’s work in us, before we know it, He’ll exchange our mourning for dancing (Jeremiah 31:13).
Monday, June 7, 2010
God Knows Where You Are and Why
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Acts 18:1-3
Paul was drawn to Aquila and Priscilla, not because they were believers, they weren’t, but because they were tentmakers. Paul’s ambition was to preach where people had never heard the Gospel (Romans 15:20). This was his first trip to Corinth.
Paul didn’t have the luxury of supporters sending checks from home. He worked his way through Asia Minor making tents. If Paul were alive today, maybe he would support his mission through telecommuting. Who knows? Maybe he would have supporters.
Paul met up with Aquila and Priscilla who were Jews newly kicked out of Italy because of an edict by Claudius which evicted all of the Jews in 52 AD. In Corinth Paul crossed their path and became their co-worker in tent making. Pricilla and Aquila’s house was used as a meeting place in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:19). Then, somewhere along the way in 18 months of tent making with Paul, Priscilla and Aquila cross the line of faith and are introduced as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3).
You wonder if Paul had days when he wished he could just preach the Gospel and not have to make tents. Yet, it was through tent making that Paul was introduced to Aquila and Priscilla. He preached the Gospel through his work. The result was that not only did his coworkers come to faith, they led many others to Christ as well.
While Paul was in Athens, he spoke these words, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26). Considering his move from Athens to Corinth to meet Aquila and Priscilla, Paul knew exactly what he was talking about.
Where are you? Why has God put you where you are right now? Maybe you’re asking the same question. This is not an accident. God has a plan for you. Ask Him how He can use you in your current circumstance. Sometimes seeking God’s direction doesn’t have to do with choosing what’s next, but determining what He wants you do to here and now.
Paul was drawn to Aquila and Priscilla, not because they were believers, they weren’t, but because they were tentmakers. Paul’s ambition was to preach where people had never heard the Gospel (Romans 15:20). This was his first trip to Corinth.
Paul didn’t have the luxury of supporters sending checks from home. He worked his way through Asia Minor making tents. If Paul were alive today, maybe he would support his mission through telecommuting. Who knows? Maybe he would have supporters.
Paul met up with Aquila and Priscilla who were Jews newly kicked out of Italy because of an edict by Claudius which evicted all of the Jews in 52 AD. In Corinth Paul crossed their path and became their co-worker in tent making. Pricilla and Aquila’s house was used as a meeting place in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:19). Then, somewhere along the way in 18 months of tent making with Paul, Priscilla and Aquila cross the line of faith and are introduced as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3).
You wonder if Paul had days when he wished he could just preach the Gospel and not have to make tents. Yet, it was through tent making that Paul was introduced to Aquila and Priscilla. He preached the Gospel through his work. The result was that not only did his coworkers come to faith, they led many others to Christ as well.
While Paul was in Athens, he spoke these words, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26). Considering his move from Athens to Corinth to meet Aquila and Priscilla, Paul knew exactly what he was talking about.
Where are you? Why has God put you where you are right now? Maybe you’re asking the same question. This is not an accident. God has a plan for you. Ask Him how He can use you in your current circumstance. Sometimes seeking God’s direction doesn’t have to do with choosing what’s next, but determining what He wants you do to here and now.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Do You Need Peace?
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
How many times have we found ourselves longing for a little peace? Whether we’re experiencing chaos at work or chaos at home or chaos in traffic between the two, peace seems like a welcomed relief.
The peace mentioned in this verse supersedes chaotic situations. This is the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:7 that “passes all understanding.” It’s a peace from God that overrides our natural system of worry and doubt. There is no logical reason for this kind of peace. You just know that you know that you know that God is with you and that He will work these things for your good.
Notice the position that peace holds in this verse. The job of peace, if you will, is to rule our hearts. Some translations actual call this position an umpire. Peace calls the balls and strikes. Peace rules whether something is out of bounds.
Some may look at having peace as a copout for not dealing with their life. They want to reject anything that brings discomfort or unease because it violates their peace. But, peace is so much more than merely an emotional state.
Peace is a quiet confidence and assurance that God has a plan for us and that He is guiding our steps. The great thing about peace is that we can possess God’s peace even when the world around us is falling apart. God’s peace gives us the hope and the courage to face hardship and trials. Because of peace, we can persevere in difficult situations.
Some things, however, are not compatible with God’s peace. Guilt violates God’s peace. If we feel guilty over something, we feel plenty of unease, and we should. Hopefully our discomfort causes us to make things right so we don’t feel guilty. If we’ve offended someone or done something wrong, we should reconcile. If we’ve sinned, then we need to seek God’s forgiveness. He’s always willing to give it (1 John 1:9).
Shame also interrupts God’s peace. While God convicts believers of sin, He doesn’t condemn them. Shame is a condemning sort of thing. It’s a tool the enemy uses to convince us that we’re not fit for the great things God has for us. We’ve all done things that we’re not proud of. As far as God is concerned, those things are as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). As far as we’re concerned, when the enemy brings shameful things to mind, we need to say, “Yes, I did do that. That’s the way I used to live. But, I’m washed. I’m clean. I’m forgiven. I’m God’s child. God isn’t holding those things against me anymore” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
When we are seeking God’s will for direction, God speaks through His peace. God will give us peace for the things He directs us to. This is different from being excited about something or wanting something desperately. Sometimes we want things that God doesn’t want for us. In your heart of hearts, God will direct you by His peace. It’s not a guarantee that everything will work out alright. But, it is assurance that He is with you.
What is ruling your heart these days? Worry? Fear? Doubt? Ask God for His peace. Ask Him to reveal anything that is violating His peace in your life. God doesn’t necessarily promise a peaceful path, but He does offer a peace that passes understanding.
How many times have we found ourselves longing for a little peace? Whether we’re experiencing chaos at work or chaos at home or chaos in traffic between the two, peace seems like a welcomed relief.
The peace mentioned in this verse supersedes chaotic situations. This is the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:7 that “passes all understanding.” It’s a peace from God that overrides our natural system of worry and doubt. There is no logical reason for this kind of peace. You just know that you know that you know that God is with you and that He will work these things for your good.
Notice the position that peace holds in this verse. The job of peace, if you will, is to rule our hearts. Some translations actual call this position an umpire. Peace calls the balls and strikes. Peace rules whether something is out of bounds.
Some may look at having peace as a copout for not dealing with their life. They want to reject anything that brings discomfort or unease because it violates their peace. But, peace is so much more than merely an emotional state.
Peace is a quiet confidence and assurance that God has a plan for us and that He is guiding our steps. The great thing about peace is that we can possess God’s peace even when the world around us is falling apart. God’s peace gives us the hope and the courage to face hardship and trials. Because of peace, we can persevere in difficult situations.
Some things, however, are not compatible with God’s peace. Guilt violates God’s peace. If we feel guilty over something, we feel plenty of unease, and we should. Hopefully our discomfort causes us to make things right so we don’t feel guilty. If we’ve offended someone or done something wrong, we should reconcile. If we’ve sinned, then we need to seek God’s forgiveness. He’s always willing to give it (1 John 1:9).
Shame also interrupts God’s peace. While God convicts believers of sin, He doesn’t condemn them. Shame is a condemning sort of thing. It’s a tool the enemy uses to convince us that we’re not fit for the great things God has for us. We’ve all done things that we’re not proud of. As far as God is concerned, those things are as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). As far as we’re concerned, when the enemy brings shameful things to mind, we need to say, “Yes, I did do that. That’s the way I used to live. But, I’m washed. I’m clean. I’m forgiven. I’m God’s child. God isn’t holding those things against me anymore” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
When we are seeking God’s will for direction, God speaks through His peace. God will give us peace for the things He directs us to. This is different from being excited about something or wanting something desperately. Sometimes we want things that God doesn’t want for us. In your heart of hearts, God will direct you by His peace. It’s not a guarantee that everything will work out alright. But, it is assurance that He is with you.
What is ruling your heart these days? Worry? Fear? Doubt? Ask God for His peace. Ask Him to reveal anything that is violating His peace in your life. God doesn’t necessarily promise a peaceful path, but He does offer a peace that passes understanding.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
God is Far More Stubborn Than You Are
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
This prophecy of Isaiah begins with “Woe to the obstinate children…” (Isaiah 30:1). Have you experienced an obstinate child? Have you been one? This is a child that refuses to listen and stubbornly refuses to change. This isn’t just in something that they say. Every fiber of their being speaks their unwillingness very loudly. They are stubborn and that’s just the way it is.
God’s children were obstinate at the time of Isaiah. They ignored God Almighty and chose gods that were easier to control, or so they thought. They worshipped gods that allowed for their bad behavior and selfishness. They honored gods who couldn’t speak, so they didn’t have to listen. But, God never gave up on them.
While we often see the prophets as the deliverers of Hell-fire and brimstone messages, after Isaiah points out their wrongs, the prophecy turns to “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion” (Isaiah 30:18). If obstinate children are stubborn, they have certainly met their match with God. He is relentless in His love and pursuit of us, even when we are completely opposed to Him. Just like we wouldn’t reject our own obstinate children, God wants to reconcile. His heart toward us is never “I told you so.” God’s heart is always filled with grace and compassion.
Since our own way tends to lead us down the wrong paths, God offers to direct our lives. He doesn’t lead us in the your-life-must-be-boring-because-all-fun-is-sin approach. God wants to give us the desire of our hearts. If those desires aren’t so godly, then He will redirect them toward something that is even more fulfilling.
Where do you stand with God today? Are you ignoring Him? Are you obstinate? Are you just too busy to even think about Him? God doesn’t want to scold you. He wants to love you and guide you. Listen and He will speak.
To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com.
This prophecy of Isaiah begins with “Woe to the obstinate children…” (Isaiah 30:1). Have you experienced an obstinate child? Have you been one? This is a child that refuses to listen and stubbornly refuses to change. This isn’t just in something that they say. Every fiber of their being speaks their unwillingness very loudly. They are stubborn and that’s just the way it is.
God’s children were obstinate at the time of Isaiah. They ignored God Almighty and chose gods that were easier to control, or so they thought. They worshipped gods that allowed for their bad behavior and selfishness. They honored gods who couldn’t speak, so they didn’t have to listen. But, God never gave up on them.
While we often see the prophets as the deliverers of Hell-fire and brimstone messages, after Isaiah points out their wrongs, the prophecy turns to “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion” (Isaiah 30:18). If obstinate children are stubborn, they have certainly met their match with God. He is relentless in His love and pursuit of us, even when we are completely opposed to Him. Just like we wouldn’t reject our own obstinate children, God wants to reconcile. His heart toward us is never “I told you so.” God’s heart is always filled with grace and compassion.
Since our own way tends to lead us down the wrong paths, God offers to direct our lives. He doesn’t lead us in the your-life-must-be-boring-because-all-fun-is-sin approach. God wants to give us the desire of our hearts. If those desires aren’t so godly, then He will redirect them toward something that is even more fulfilling.
Where do you stand with God today? Are you ignoring Him? Are you obstinate? Are you just too busy to even think about Him? God doesn’t want to scold you. He wants to love you and guide you. Listen and He will speak.
To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
What if Plan B is Actually God’s Plan A?
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs are not guarantees. But, a proverb does point out what typically happens the majority of the time. They’re sort of like how an investment firm reminds its investors that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. But, for most people on most days following Proverbs is a wise choice.
I think that this proverb is great, except that there are some things that I have committed to the Lord that actually failed. For instance, every Bible college student pursues the answer to basically two questions: What is God’s Will for my life? And, Who is God’s Will for my Life? Nothing that I committed to the Lord in 1984 actually came to pass. I didn’t become a missionary, and I didn’t marry the girl I was dating. The good news is that God has used me in ways that I never imagined, and that I married someone who is way out of my league.
I found success, not in getting the answers to my specific prayers, but in the fulfillment of godly desires for ministry and marriage that far exceeded my expectations.
We really want this “commit to the Lord” thing to be like a GPS. We are at point A. We would like to arrive at point B without any detours, roadblocks, inclement weather, or for men, no potty breaks.
I’ve been reading a book called Plan B by Pete Wilson, who pastors Cross Point Church in Nashville. His premise is “What do you do when God doesn’t show up the way you thought He would?” It’s a great book, especially for those of us who have been frustrated or devastated by a Plan B.
The interesting thing is that God only has a Plan A. When His Plan A doesn’t correspond with our Plan A, then God’s plan seems like Plan B to us. Just look at next proverb in chapter 16, “The Lord works out everything for his own ends – even the wicked for a day of disaster” (Proverbs 16:4).
Rick Muchow, the Worship Pastor at Saddleback Church, wrote a simple song that has encouraged me over the years. It says,
Trust God, from the bottom of your heart,
Don't try to figure out everything on your own,
Trust God, for where your life is going,
God is in control, God is in control (repeat)
Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed,
Pray Lord, I'm available to you, Here I am, Lord use me, Trust God…
You can listen to the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXmTpOQ4Ey4
How are you trusting God these days? What Plan Bs has God thrown your way? How is using these roadblocks and obstacles to build your faith and shape your character?
To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/.
Proverbs are not guarantees. But, a proverb does point out what typically happens the majority of the time. They’re sort of like how an investment firm reminds its investors that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. But, for most people on most days following Proverbs is a wise choice.
I think that this proverb is great, except that there are some things that I have committed to the Lord that actually failed. For instance, every Bible college student pursues the answer to basically two questions: What is God’s Will for my life? And, Who is God’s Will for my Life? Nothing that I committed to the Lord in 1984 actually came to pass. I didn’t become a missionary, and I didn’t marry the girl I was dating. The good news is that God has used me in ways that I never imagined, and that I married someone who is way out of my league.
I found success, not in getting the answers to my specific prayers, but in the fulfillment of godly desires for ministry and marriage that far exceeded my expectations.
We really want this “commit to the Lord” thing to be like a GPS. We are at point A. We would like to arrive at point B without any detours, roadblocks, inclement weather, or for men, no potty breaks.
I’ve been reading a book called Plan B by Pete Wilson, who pastors Cross Point Church in Nashville. His premise is “What do you do when God doesn’t show up the way you thought He would?” It’s a great book, especially for those of us who have been frustrated or devastated by a Plan B.
The interesting thing is that God only has a Plan A. When His Plan A doesn’t correspond with our Plan A, then God’s plan seems like Plan B to us. Just look at next proverb in chapter 16, “The Lord works out everything for his own ends – even the wicked for a day of disaster” (Proverbs 16:4).
Rick Muchow, the Worship Pastor at Saddleback Church, wrote a simple song that has encouraged me over the years. It says,
Trust God, from the bottom of your heart,
Don't try to figure out everything on your own,
Trust God, for where your life is going,
God is in control, God is in control (repeat)
Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed,
Pray Lord, I'm available to you, Here I am, Lord use me, Trust God…
You can listen to the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXmTpOQ4Ey4
How are you trusting God these days? What Plan Bs has God thrown your way? How is using these roadblocks and obstacles to build your faith and shape your character?
To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Has God Become Your Neglected Housewife?
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13
It’s easy to think that God doesn’t need anything. He’s God. He created the universe in six days. He is sovereign over all things. “He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:21). What does God need from us?
There are plenty of reasons why we need God. We need salvation. We need assurance. We need answers to prayer. We need help! Sometimes we treat God like a vending machine or a short-order cook. “I ordered this over easy not over hard.” We pursue God in a crisis. But, we basically ignore Him when things are going well.
St. Augustine gave this insight: “God thirsts to be thirsted after.” Just like a young man pursues his beloved, God wants to be pursued. But often we don’t treat God like we’re young and in love with Him. We tend to treat God like “the wife.” He’s always there. Why does God need to be pursued? How do you pursue someone who is always there? Now, we have lessons to learn about both God and marriage.
How do you pursue someone when you were dating? (Can you remember back that far?) You spend time with them. You give them your attention. You talk to them. You listen to them. You just hang out with them. You focus on them. You think about them when you’re apart.
So, let’s go back and look at that paragraph again, and replace “them” with God:
You spend time with God. You give God your attention. You talk to God. You listen to God. You just hang out with God. You focus on God. You think about God when you’re apart. (Okay, God is omnipresent, so that last one will be a challenge).
How can you practically connect with God? He wants to be pursued.
To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com.
It’s easy to think that God doesn’t need anything. He’s God. He created the universe in six days. He is sovereign over all things. “He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:21). What does God need from us?
There are plenty of reasons why we need God. We need salvation. We need assurance. We need answers to prayer. We need help! Sometimes we treat God like a vending machine or a short-order cook. “I ordered this over easy not over hard.” We pursue God in a crisis. But, we basically ignore Him when things are going well.
St. Augustine gave this insight: “God thirsts to be thirsted after.” Just like a young man pursues his beloved, God wants to be pursued. But often we don’t treat God like we’re young and in love with Him. We tend to treat God like “the wife.” He’s always there. Why does God need to be pursued? How do you pursue someone who is always there? Now, we have lessons to learn about both God and marriage.
How do you pursue someone when you were dating? (Can you remember back that far?) You spend time with them. You give them your attention. You talk to them. You listen to them. You just hang out with them. You focus on them. You think about them when you’re apart.
So, let’s go back and look at that paragraph again, and replace “them” with God:
You spend time with God. You give God your attention. You talk to God. You listen to God. You just hang out with God. You focus on God. You think about God when you’re apart. (Okay, God is omnipresent, so that last one will be a challenge).
How can you practically connect with God? He wants to be pursued.
To subscribe to this daily devotional by email or RSS feed or leave a comment: http://galatians419.blogspot.com.
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