What is God?

God is a Spirit.  Infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

John 4:24For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

This to me is very difficult question to fully grasp.  To be honest I am not sure we as humanity can fully grasp the answer to this question.  God is a Spirit, which means simply that God does not have a body, that he is invisible.  Jesus even said that "no man has ever seen God, and no man will ever see God with his physical eyes."  However Jesus also stated that "if you have seen me, you have seen the father."  So for us the only way we see God is indirectly.  We see him in creation, we see him in answer prayer, we see him through the reflection of himself in the things that He has made.  Again this is difficult and almost sounds fairy tale like.  But this is where faith comes into play.  Hebrews 11:1 says,  "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Since we cannot see we must by faith believe that He exists because the Bible makes it clear that He does.  I know that is a very Sunday response and probably to some is unacceptable, but for me personally I am okay with this answer.  

Father help me to see you through the things you have made today.  Help me to practice your presence as you go with me through the Holy Spirit indwelling in my life.  Help me to serve you faithfully today and to proclaim your love that you have shown through your son Jesus. 

John 20:30-31

John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,and that by believing you may have life in his name.

I always find this verse and others like it interesting.  John in chapter 21 repeats the first verse but hads that the world is not big enough to contain all the books that could have been written about Jesus.  Pretty sure that is just exaggeration to make a point.  But there is no doubt that Jesus ministry though short was prolific.  

I love verse 31 because John tells us that knowing Jesus is not a hope so, or maybe but a know so.  I can know Jesus without any doubts.  I know doubt will creep in, Satan is a master of getting us to doubt.  But the fact still remains Jesus is who he said he is and can do what he says he can do.  

Today I pray that as I go through this day that I will seek Jesus all day. As Satan tempts me to doubt the power and just the truth of Christ that I will be reminded that God's word makes it clear in who I have believed.

What do the Scriptures principally teach?

The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Micah 6:8He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Revelation 22:18-19

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

This really seems to be a problem today as I believe it always has been a problem all the way from the beginning.  I don't however think the problem is the Word of God per-say, but that we as humans are unwilling to trust God.  Its as if we cannot take him at his word.  That some how we really don't trust that he will do what he says he will do.  We might read the Bible and say well that worked for that guy or those people but I am not sure it will work for me.  So we turn to other things or we "add" or "take away" from the Word of God in order to justify our actions and course in life.

The second things especially in our culture today is that we are always looking for the next best thing.  I have heard it said once "we are unsatisfied with what will come out tomorrow".  It everywhere from Youtube to American Idol to even in our churches.  Where we are looking for the latest and greatest Bible study series put out by this person or that person.  It's like we go through Bible study fads, for example "Experiencing God" or "Purpose Driven Life".  We are not satisfied by just studying the Word of God, it's just not enough.  I have literally heard that said from people in the church.

Please understand I am not saying that those things are bad, not at all.  I have grown much from those studies and others.  But many people put them on the same level or even higher than the Word of God.  This is a tragic mistake and I believe may very well fall into what this passage is speaking to.  Now I do not believe that the authors of such studies ever mean for it to happen.  I believe there intentions are that these studies be a supplement to an already steady diet of the Word of God.  The problem is us.  Is the word of God really sufficient for life and godliness?  Is the Word of God infallible?  Is the Word of God relevant to my life?  I believe the answer is yes to all these questions.

2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

The Bible is called the "Word of God" because it is just that, His very words.   However they were written down by man, forty to be exact.  God inspired or through special revelation gave the forty writers the exact words to be written.

While someone might say the Bible was written by men, they would be accurate.  But this only half the story the other half the grander half is that every word did not come from man's own knowledge or volition but came from the inspiration of God through the Holy Spirit in each man's life.  To say that the Bible is irrelevant because man wrote is ignorant and does not recognize the involvement of God in writing His love letter to us.

God gave us His word according to this verse for several reasons.  First because it is profitable.  Profitable is not in this case a monetary word.  But rather means is for our benefit in order to bless us with the following reasons He gave it.  Second it is profitable for teaching.  Teaching could also be translated doctrine which is instruction or precepts.  They are the precepts necessary for us to put into practice for our benefit, not to harm us, not to control us, but to free us. Third it is profitable for correction.  Correction means to improve our life.  Again showing the Word of God is for our best not our determent.  Fourth it is profitable for training in righteousness.  Righteousness means right living or living that is beneficial for our lives.

It is sad to me that people who either are ignorant of the Bible or have such extreme baggage in their lives cannot grasp the "profitable" aspect of the Bible in life.  They say it is irrelevant, they say it is antiquated, they say it no longer applies, they say it can't be from God because men wrote it, they say it is full of errors and contradictions.

I often wonder why this is and I think to this point of what I have experienced in my life.  #1 They have had a terrible experience with the church and with those (maybe Pastors) that have abused the Word of God and thus have abused them.  #2 As it says in Romans 1 they willfully suppress the truth.  Another words they push it away from them in order to not except the truth.  We cannot force the Word of God down someones throat.  Nor can we through guilt driven tactics condemn people who do not live according to its words.  We must lovingly teach it, lovingly live it and prayerfully lift those who despise it up to God.  Asking him to change their hearts.

What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

Answer:  The word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Key Passages:

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Today many claim they know how to glorify God and enjoy him forever.  But often that claim is based on man's understanding and not the Word of God.  What is amazing to me is how quickly we as followers of Christ are so quick to jump on a band wagon of the lastest and greatest speaker or study or book.  Often we just take what someone who is supposed to be a scholar or expert on the subject word for it, without checking it against scripture.

Notice that the answer does not say a pulpit, or a conference or a gifted speaker but the only rule is the Word of God found in the Old and New Testament.  Now I realize this catechism was written by men. But if I put into practice what I just wrote then I will check against scripture and amazing it is consistent with scripture.

Now I do believe that out of pulpits, conferences, gifted speakers and the like that God's Word is given and from that we learn how to glorify God and enjoy him forever.  If I did not believe that then I would stop doing what I am doing and get a "real job".  

God's Word should be our authority, not a man.  Let that man point me to the Word of God and use the Word of God to direct my life.

My Prayer

This morning I have the opportunity to preach the Word of God to the people of God.  It's a matter I don't take lightly.  I realize that every time I do the spirit of God changes me and continues to teach me.  I also realize that every time I do the spirit of God changes people and that people make life changing decisions.  That is both humbly and a bit scary, realize that something I say God may use to change a heart and that person makes some life altering decisions.

Father thank you for the opportunity to be used by you and to be a mirror that reflects your son.  Help me to be an accurate reflection that would point people to a relationship with Jesus.  I pray for those who will be listening that you would soften their hearts.  I pray that if there is anyone that does not know you that they would either put their faith and trust in you or they would come closer to do so. You are good and your love endures forever.  Help me to be an instrument of that love.

My portion

Psalm 73:25-26Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I have been looking at the question, "What is the chief end of man?"  This week in taking a closer look I have been challenged that my life was designed to be "God Centered."  Simply meaning God is to be the center of everything I do, every thought I have, every word, every action, every reaction, everything in my is to glorify Him.  

That is impossible in my own strength.  It it impossible if I try to somehow accomplish this apart from God.  Naturally I will not keep God at the center, because "me" keeps creeping up.  So Satan whispers in my ear why bother? Why bother, because as the song and psalm says, "better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere."  It is better for me to strive to keep God at the center than to live my life with me at the center.  

The verse above tells me, "God is my portion forever", but what does that mean.  The word portion means in some cases a lot of land that is owned by someone.  It also means a possession.  I think what is interesting is that I do possess God but not in the sense that I purchased God, but rather the opposite, that He purchased me with the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.  That is why I can say like David, "he is my portion forever."  Because of Jesus I have a relationship that is eternal.  Nothing can separate me from his love.  Nothing can sever our relationship.  So why strive to keep God at the center? Because I have an eternal relationship with Him through Christ and the greatest thing Christ did for me was to die for my sin.  The least I can do for him is to live my life with God at the center.

Father today may you continually remind me that you are my portion forever.  May that throughout the day challenge me to keep you at the center of my life.  

1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

This is one of those verses I wish was not in the Bible.  Because as I reflect on my life there many things that do not bring Glory.  There are many times the intent or purpose of my heart is not to bring glory to God.  But this verse is clear that whatever I do is to be for the glory of God. 

In this world I am not sure that this is completely possible.  However I do believe that this should be my goal.  This should be a driving force in my life.  This should be something that I strive for in everything.  It also should be the basis of how I evaluate everything I do.  

However understanding that I will probably not live up to this also should not determine my worth or identity.  Another words I cannot let Satan get a foothold in my life when I do not achieve the goals that motivate and challenge my life.  I must remember always that God's love is not determined by what I do or do not do.  His love never changes, his love endures forever.  I cannot make him love me anymore or any less.

Father today as I strive to bring you glory, wrap your arms of love around me and never let me go. Help me to be quick to recognize when something in my life does not bring you glory.  Help me to be quick to confess it and to turn away from it and run back to you.

Psalm 73:25-26

Psalm 73:25-26Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

As David writes I hear his heart being poured out to God.  This life offers so many distractions and passions.  So many things via for our soul and can literally suck the life out of us.  Many things that are not bad but are good, but are they best?  David writes that there is nothing on earth that he desires more than God.  I wish I could say that was true of my life all the time.  But that would be a lie!  Too often things of this earth to grab hold of my desire.  Honestly they are at times things that are not evil but none the less are things that take what belongs to God.  My flesh and my heart do fail, they do fall short.  However I am encouraged today that even though they do it does not change God.  He is and was and will always be God.  God is my strength, God is mine forever.  Nothing can change that, nothing can remove that from my life.  Yes things of this earth can diminish that reality in my life.  But the truth of God is never changing.

Father thank you that you never change.  Thank you that you long to show my your strength.  Thank you that no matter what I do or do not do, that it does not change you.  Today may I be focused on you, may I be driven by you, may I desire you all throughout this day.

Revelation 4:11

Revelation 4:11You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

The significance of this verse is awesome.  God is worthy, he and he along is worthy, why? Because he is our Lord and God and creator.  The phrase Lord and God means that it is he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding, the owner who is in control.  So if he is worthy because of being "Lord and God" then I must ask myself is he in control of my life?  Or is something else in control of my life?  Nothing else is worthy, nothing else should be in control.  

He is also creator  and by his will I was created and have being.  God created (formed, designed) us for and by his will.  Why?  Because is is God's intention that if he is in control of our lives then he plans to work through and in us to accomplish his will of reconciliation.   God's desire is to be in relationship with us.  God created us to be in relationship with us.  He wants to accomplish this by taking our lives and showing others that this can be a reality.

Because He is our Lord and God and our creator. He is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.  Glory means to exalt, honor means highest value and power means ability.  God is all of these things and nothing I do or do not do changes that about Him.  However I can be one who points others to see his glory, honor and power.

Father give me strength today to demonstrate who you are, to be a mirror example of Jesus to others. May my life point people to see your glory, honor and power.  May I be open to learn new things and see things I have taken for granted.  So that I can better accomplish your will in my life.

What is the chief end of man?

Today I am going to be starting a new series and honestly rebirthing a process in my life that has been void for some time.  One of the best ways for me to process the word of God is first read the scripture, then speak the scripture and finally write my thoughts about the scripture.  Also today we are starting to work through the "Westminster Shorter Catechism" with our kids.  So I am attempting to kill two birds with one stone as I prepare to teach them.  However this is more than "prep time" for me as I want to become more and more a student of the scripture.

Today's question:  What is the chief end of man?

Revelation 4:11You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Psalm 73:25-26Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,  but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

#1 The existence of humans beings in its origin is to be the true image of God that is God-centered rather than self-centered.  Our one thought and desire, before sin ruined everything, was to serve God and to take delight in Him.  

#2 When Adam sinned against God, all was changed.  Instead of thinking about how great and wonderful God is, he began to think about himself.  He began to think about what it would be like if he (Adam) himself could be great, and of how he could enjoy himself.

#3 To "glorify God" does not mean "to make God glorious".  God already is glorious.  He has been glorious from all eternity, and nothing created by God can ever make Him more glorious.  

#4 To "glorify God" must therefore be understood this way:  it means to reflect God's glory, much like the moon reflects the light of the sun.  We are to be a mirror that people can look into and see the glory of God.

#5 Man people do not want to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  Since there are many who do not want to glorify God, it may seem that the this statement is false, but it is not.  Even if a person does not want to glorify God willingly, he still remains subject to God.

#6 Both those who willingly glorify God (saved) and those who do not (unsaved) are instruments by which God's glory is revealed.  Those who are saved show God's mercy and praise.  Those who are not saved show God's wrath and justice and honor.  The difference is that in the case of those who are lost God causes them to glorify Him even though they do not enjoy it.  But in the case of the saved they glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

#7 "The chief end" must not be supposed that the true Christian life can be divided up into various departments or compartments seperated the one from the other.  It is true, of course, that the Christians may have other "ends" in life other than to glorify God.  Worship alone, is not the whole of hte Christian life, nor is "witnessing", or "serving".  Also just cause a person preaches the gospel does he necessarily glorify God.  Many who preach, preach false doctrine and do not glorify God.

#8 "The chief end" means that true Christian discipleship is that which sees the whole of life and it's activities as that which is to be consciously lived unto the glory of God and to enjoy Him forever. 

Father thank you for the reminder today of what living on this earth is to be all about.  Thank you that you give me the choice to "glorify you".  Help me to make the right choice every time, every day, all through the day to "glorify you and enjoy you".  Help me to be a mirror that reflects your glory, so that people can see in me your son Jesus.  Help me to treat those who do not know you as you see them and may they come to understand that they are an image bearer and to put their faith and trust in Jesus so that image becomes clear.

Never Alone

Isaiah 40:27-31

27 Why do you complain, Jacob?  Why do you say, Israel,"My way is hidden from the Lord;    my cause is disregarded by my God”?28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,    the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,  and his understanding no one can fathom.29  He gives strength to the weary  and increases the power of the weak.30  Even youths grow tired and weary,  and young men stumble and fall; 31  but those who hope in the Lord  will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;   they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint.

Have you ever felt like that? I can identify with verse 27 in that I have felt like that from time to time.  Like somehow God is distant and not concerned or not present.  That somehow my problems and my hurts are to small for Him.  But is the problem really that God is distant or does not care?  Or is the problem that I am distant and have walked away from truth.  The Israelite people of the old testament are all to familiar with walking away from God and turning to other things, people rather than turning to God.  I too am all to familiar with that response. 

But I am reminded as God reminds His people that He has not left them, that He is not to weak or weary to be concerned and that His ways are not my ways.  God has a purpose for my life and for everything that happens in my life.  And as I walk this path of life he promises to give me strength.  God is all powerful and able to extend that power to me in times of need and hardship.  I can take comfort in knowing He is there, that He is concerned and that He longs to come along side of me and give me strength to face each moment of my life.  

May this song encourage you today as it has me: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA

Giving

I recently came across this article and have felt compelled to write about it if for no other reason than just to articulate how I feel about it.  Please take the time to read the article first....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/justin-lee/are-christians-christianitys-worst-enemies_b_2586339.html

Regardless of one's opinion about the Huffington Post, seeing this article makes my heart ache for two reasons maybe more but two that I am going to elaborate.

Reason #1  Sadly I have like the writer have seen and heard this played out many many times over.  It is sad to me that when given the opportunity to be a witness and strong testimony for Christ often Christians choose money over testimony, regardless of it being a tip or in some other circumstance.  God through Paul has called us to walk worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:27).

Reason #2  The other thing that saddens me is what I like to call, "The Tithe Trap."Its the idea often is promoted in church that 10% is what a "Good Christian" gives. Sadly what I have seen is two fold, either people limit what God is doing by only giving 10% or some who find themselves in financial stress feel they can't give at all because it's not 10%.  Interestingly no where in the New Testament is 10% taught.  Actually the Bible tells us to give as the Lord leads you to give and give out of a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Jesus even in his ministry used the giving of a woman who gave all that she had as a teaching on our giving being connected to our true nature of our relationship with Him by how we live it out.  See here's the thing by holding to "The Tithe Trap",  I believe you may be limiting God and limiting the blessing that you could be a part.  Just a few questions,  what if God laid on your heart to give more?  what if the amount was not as important as your obedience?

The sad truth is according to Barna Research and others that I have read.  Only 6% of evangelical followers of Christ tithe and out of the 6% they only give on average 2% of their income.  What does this say about the  heart of followers of Christ here in the US??????

Now with all that said I am so thankful to be a part of a church that breaks the norm.  I am blown away at the giving of our Body of Followers and am never ceased to be amazed at how God is blessing and using the people of HTBC to impact the World.   My prayer is that others would follow your examples as we follow Christ.

Stone Throwing

^{John 8:2-11}

² At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. ³ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰ Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

¹¹ “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

I recently was challenged to evaluate my approach in speaking to a world that does not except the Bible as an authority.  One of the things that challenged me was what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? God will judge those outside."

We have become quite proficient stone throwers in the church.  Instead of helping our own to grow and avoid the snares of sin we throw stones at a world that we expect to accept the Word of God before they accept the God of the Word.  Isn't true that we really cannot accept the Word of God till we have began a relationship with Jesus where the Holy Spirit comes to reside in our lives.  The world does not have the Holy Spirit, they have Satan pulling the blinders over their eyes.  What do we do, we throw stones and give them a black eye.  We say things like, "the Bible says that marriage is one man and one woman"  which I believe with all my heart.  We say the Bible says "life is precious"  which I believe with all my heart.  But the world says back to us, yes but your Bible also says that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, your Bible says that many of your founding fathers had multiple wives.  This is true and to a world devoid of the Holy Spirit this is all they see.  Because we have the Holy Spirit we understand that the Bible is clear that this was never the will of God for them and that it caused many problems.  

Is it possible that a better approach would be to love them, to let them see our lives that are different because of the Holy Spirit living in us and to introduce them to the God of the Bible.  Then what happens is that when they find Jesus they realize the lifestyle they are living is wrong, they realize the beliefs they once held to just do not add up anymore.

I don't claim to have arrived at this but one thing I do want to do is be obedient to Christ and Jesus said, "you who are without sin cast the first stone".  May I be like those who held the stones realized they were wrong and walked away.  May I walk away from throwing stones.

Catalyst

Catalyst

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending Catalyst a conference for leaders where Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel were speaking.  It was an amazing day of being challenged in leadership and fellowship with my brothers in Christ.  I want to share with you some of the "sticky statements"  that have been burning on my heart.  Partly I want to share them because maybe they will burn on your heart and partly because as I talk about them they burn brighter on mine.  So below I am going to just list them and talk about how they are impacting me currently.....

#1  Your Greatest contribution to the church may not be something you do, but someone you raise.

This is number #1 on the list because it is the most closest to my heart.  I have 5 kids and my greatest desire for them is that they fall head over heals in love with Jesus.  But in order for that to happen I have to be head over heals in love with Jesus and they have to see it.  Sometimes in ministry it is so easy to put the needs of others in the church before the needs of my family.  I cannot say this enough I love our church and I love our people.  But my greatest call is not to be a pastor but a father.  If I fail as a father I fail as a pastor.  I know that I need to adjust some things in my life in order to better spend more quality time with my kids.  My prayer is that as this ":sticky statement" sticks that I will do what I have to because who knows what God has in store for my kids but maybe just maybe He will use one or all to impact the world.


#2 I am not a Christian because of the Bible but because of Jesus

Heretic, woe before you go calling me names hear this out.  Which came first Jesus or the Bible?  Was the new testament written when the first gentiles came to know Christ?  Answers Jesus and no  I am a Christian not because of the Bible but because of an event.  That event is the resurrection.  Jesus died on a cross was buried and rose again and because He did that I am a Christian.  The Bible was written so that I may know in whom I have believed.  I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God without error.  But the Bible does not save anyone, only Jesus.  So the question we were asked is why do we expect the world (who rejects the Bible) to except the Bible before they except Jesus?  Ouch good question.....  and one that I am still thinking on by the way.

Well I hope these two statements are a Catalyst in your life as they have been in mine.

Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

24 hours is what everyone of us has to work with regardless of what, where or why we all have the same amount of time in a day.  What varies is the amount of time we have in this life and honestly what we do with that time given us.

Solomon writes and reminds me that their is a time for everything and season for every activity.  Interesting that phrase "season for every activity" refers to every delight, longing, every good pleasure that one would take delight.  I know so often I say to someone or myself well I just ran out of time today.   Is it that I ran out of time or I chose or allowed other things to take priority over what I wanted or needed to do?

My prayer is that today I will take the time to do the things that draw me closer in my walk with Christ and not allow the mundane or mediocre things take precedent.  

Rewards

2 Corinthians 5:1-11

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Who doesn't like getting a reward?  Maybe its for winning something or recognition for something, but I am pretty sure we as people like rewards.  I know my kids do, "If you guys behave well today at ...... we will go get ice cream after."  Bam motivation set, good behavior delivered, reward given... Mission Accomplished!!!!

Rewards is something that each one of us as followers of Christ will receive. As verse 10 tells us we will receive what is due us for things done in this life, whether good or bad.  Now that should be motivating and convicting all at the same time.  Every work (every action, reaction, thought, word....) will be revealed for what it truly is at the judgement seat of Christ. 

But neither reward or fear should drive us to live for Christ.  We should be driven by love.  Driven by what Christ has done for us and our lives should be lived as a reflection of our deep need of Him.  

Today as I got about this new day my prayer is that I will be constantly reminded of Christ's love for me and that His love will drive me to serve Him. 

One of my favorite lines in a movie is,  "Brothers what we do in this life will echo into eternity."  May my life echo Jesus all day today.

Peace

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Not really sure why but my mind goes to a movie called, Miss Congeniality where this FBI agent is undercover and has to become a contestant in a beauty pageant.  Well the classic question is asked and of course the classic answer is given, "I would like World Peace."  While world peace would be amazing it's highly unlikely because well lets face it, humans stand in the way.  

However, personal peace I believe can be practiced.  So what do I mean by peace?  Well Dictionary.com gives this definition that I believe best fits with this verse:  cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.  The blueletterbible.org website offers the original Greek as:  to cultivate or keep peace.  

Notice what Paul says, "as far as it depends on you".  What I believe Paul is saying is that cultivating peace or keeping peace really depends on your own personal focus.  Obviously we cannot control how others act or react, but what we can control is ourselves.  So as far as it depends on myself I must decide to cultivate peace instead of cultivating my own agenda, desires, plans, etc...

Is it possible to live at peace and stand your ground?  Does this mean that I have to bend over backwards or get bull dozed every time.  No I do not believe it does mean that, because if I look at Jesus example their is not question that He stood his ground that He answered the critics, he overturned the money changers, he stood up to the religious leaders.  However all that was motivated I believe by a desire to cultivate peace not an agenda, because everything Christ did was saturated with love.  

Looking at my life currently I do not believe that I hold any bitterness or anger toward anyone but I know that could change very quickly depending on my heart.  Often my heart gets distracted by my flesh and Satans attacks.  Today I pray that I will focus on Christ, focus on His love and allow Him to be seen in me.  

2 Peter 3:10-18

2 Peter 3:10-18

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³ But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,where righteousness dwells.

¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. ¹⁵ Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶ He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort,as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

¹⁷ Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guardso that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Not sure there is much else to be said about this passage.  Obviously Jesus is coming and the key is that we are ready and that others are ready.