Read: Zechariah 11
“GOD then said, “Dress up like a stupid shepherd. I’m going to install just such a shepherd in this land—a shepherd indifferent to victims, who ignores the lost, abandons the injured, and disdains decent citizens. He’ll only be in it for what he can get out of it, using and abusing any and all.” Zechariah 11:15-16
Examine:
Scripture earnestly stresses the serious responsibility of human leaders to those who follow them. In these verses God outlines a few traits that belong to a stupid shepherd: He is indifferent towards those he misleads, he ignores the lost, he abandons the hurting, and he fails to feed the strong. A bad shepherd cares only for himself.
Apply:
The Jesus in me is called and commanded to be a shepherd to His people. No matter how far I run or how frustrated I get with the task, I am called to be a shepherd to His people. This is never not my job; I am always on duty. The only question is, “Am I a good shepherd or a stupid one?”
Pray:
Holy Spirit, help me empty me of me. The force of self-perseverance inside of me is stronger than my willingness to lay down my life for others. Break my heart for the people in my life and do not allow my pride to refuse acknowledging my failures in leadership. I must not be indifferent to those I let down.
I also ask that You make me acutely aware of a person’s standing with God. I do not want to ignore the lost. Help me engage in Your mission of calling people to the Father through Jesus.
I pray that You not allow me to miss out on caring for the hurting. As people come and go around me today, I pray that You give me insight into their pain and allow me to speak words of healing.
I must also ask that You help me sustain the strong. It is easy to sit back and become jealous of or feel threatened by those who are on fire for You. Instead of coveting their gift, I pray that I become a vessel of blessing and encouragement to them.
I want to be a good shepherd today. Starting in my home and extending to the community around me, help me walk after the Perfect Shepherd who walked this earth as a man and now sits beside the Father in His resurrected glory.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Like Great Wine
Read: Zechariah 10
“For I am the Lord their God and I will answer them. “Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will be glad as if from wine; indeed, their children will see it and be glad, their heart will rejoice in the Lord.” Zechariah 10: 6-7
Examine:
There are three strong promises in this verse: God will be a personal and responding God, His people will be mighty and glad, and their children will see His work and rejoice in it.
Apply:
When I still held a corporate job we would take a group of clients to Canada every year to fish for northern pike. It was a trip that I looked forward to every year and is one of those things from my former life I look back on and miss. Something in my heart would come to life as I cut across those mountain lakes and my soul seemed to find wind as I would put my back into a big pike. That trip was always a time when I felt alive and my problems would seem so small.
I am thinking of that trip this morning and comparing it to my relationship with God. I hear God calling me to a relationship with Him that is more real. He wants what I experience of Him to set my heart ablaze in such a way that my trips to Canada will pale in comparison. He can take my time with Him and make me feel so alive in Him that my problems will seem small and my zeal for Him will be celebrated like great wine.
Pray:
As I read this morning I am reminded that You, Jesus, did not come to cancel the laws and promises in the Old Testament; You came to fulfill them. You said that EVERYTHING that was Yours would be mine if I gave my life to You. Your teaching leads me to a place of understanding that all the promises of God our Father our “yes” to me through a right relationship with You.
I am imperfect and I sin everyday. I confess that to You boldly because my right standing does not depend on my performance anymore. My entire hope rests on Your promise that all my sins have been perpetually covered and that I am irrevocable made right with God our Father through Your perfect standing with Him.
I call on You today Holy Spirit. You were sent to lead me, empower me, and disciple me. I worship our Father God from a distance and experience His power largely through the stories of others. I recognize that this is settling for less than the best He has for my life and surrender to Your leadership today. I want to stand in the very presence of God and worship Him as the perfect Father He is. I want to know His presence greater than I know the presence of my earthly father and I want to hear His voice daily. I also want to see His power first hand in my life. I read about miracles and I have even experienced them; but I do not walk around this earth as a mighty man of faith and my heart does not resound in continual praise. You are calling me to more today and I am giving You my yes.
“For I am the Lord their God and I will answer them. “Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will be glad as if from wine; indeed, their children will see it and be glad, their heart will rejoice in the Lord.” Zechariah 10: 6-7
Examine:
There are three strong promises in this verse: God will be a personal and responding God, His people will be mighty and glad, and their children will see His work and rejoice in it.
Apply:
When I still held a corporate job we would take a group of clients to Canada every year to fish for northern pike. It was a trip that I looked forward to every year and is one of those things from my former life I look back on and miss. Something in my heart would come to life as I cut across those mountain lakes and my soul seemed to find wind as I would put my back into a big pike. That trip was always a time when I felt alive and my problems would seem so small.
I am thinking of that trip this morning and comparing it to my relationship with God. I hear God calling me to a relationship with Him that is more real. He wants what I experience of Him to set my heart ablaze in such a way that my trips to Canada will pale in comparison. He can take my time with Him and make me feel so alive in Him that my problems will seem small and my zeal for Him will be celebrated like great wine.
Pray:
As I read this morning I am reminded that You, Jesus, did not come to cancel the laws and promises in the Old Testament; You came to fulfill them. You said that EVERYTHING that was Yours would be mine if I gave my life to You. Your teaching leads me to a place of understanding that all the promises of God our Father our “yes” to me through a right relationship with You.
I am imperfect and I sin everyday. I confess that to You boldly because my right standing does not depend on my performance anymore. My entire hope rests on Your promise that all my sins have been perpetually covered and that I am irrevocable made right with God our Father through Your perfect standing with Him.
I call on You today Holy Spirit. You were sent to lead me, empower me, and disciple me. I worship our Father God from a distance and experience His power largely through the stories of others. I recognize that this is settling for less than the best He has for my life and surrender to Your leadership today. I want to stand in the very presence of God and worship Him as the perfect Father He is. I want to know His presence greater than I know the presence of my earthly father and I want to hear His voice daily. I also want to see His power first hand in my life. I read about miracles and I have even experienced them; but I do not walk around this earth as a mighty man of faith and my heart does not resound in continual praise. You are calling me to more today and I am giving You my yes.
Tread or Be Treaded
Read: Zechariah 10
“5 “They will be as mighty men, treading down the enemy in the mire of the streets in battle; and they will fight, for the LORD will be with them; and the riders on horses will be put to shame.”” Zechariah 10:5
Examine:
The imagery in this verse is strong. A child of God, on mission with God, and fighting with the strength and power of God is a force to be reckoned with. The only thing that can slow down advancement is taking my eyes off of the plan of God.
Apply:
Tread or be treaded. In the end, my life will boil down to those two choices. I can do what God asks of me and live an amazing life of sacrifice, adventure, and victory. I can wake up every day, put my choices in His hand, and let my life ripple throughout eternity. Or, I can live for myself. If I choose to live for myself, I exchange the power of God for my own. I trade the rewards of eternity for temporary defilement. If I choose to live for myself, I will be the one being tread down in the mire of the streets.
Pray:
Yesterday was a reminder of exactly what happens when I take my eyes off of You. I looked at my circumstances, the impossible odds, the striking disappointments, and the long road ahead. I put the weight of the battle and the key to victory on my shoulders, and I fell down hard yesterday. But today is a new day.
Satan, I have heard your voice, listened to your lies and suffered under your power long enough. The time that has passed has been enough for you to mess with me. I resist you today not by my power but by the Name that is above all other names. Flee from me and from my household. Release your grip and slither back into the dark places you like to hide.
Holy Spirit, come this morning and tend to my wounds. Strengthen me with power, guide me with vision, and fuel me with passion. Let my joy resound in You today. I believe that You have led me to this place and I accept by faith that I will tread upon all that has been set before me.
“5 “They will be as mighty men, treading down the enemy in the mire of the streets in battle; and they will fight, for the LORD will be with them; and the riders on horses will be put to shame.”” Zechariah 10:5
Examine:
The imagery in this verse is strong. A child of God, on mission with God, and fighting with the strength and power of God is a force to be reckoned with. The only thing that can slow down advancement is taking my eyes off of the plan of God.
Apply:
Tread or be treaded. In the end, my life will boil down to those two choices. I can do what God asks of me and live an amazing life of sacrifice, adventure, and victory. I can wake up every day, put my choices in His hand, and let my life ripple throughout eternity. Or, I can live for myself. If I choose to live for myself, I exchange the power of God for my own. I trade the rewards of eternity for temporary defilement. If I choose to live for myself, I will be the one being tread down in the mire of the streets.
Pray:
Yesterday was a reminder of exactly what happens when I take my eyes off of You. I looked at my circumstances, the impossible odds, the striking disappointments, and the long road ahead. I put the weight of the battle and the key to victory on my shoulders, and I fell down hard yesterday. But today is a new day.
Satan, I have heard your voice, listened to your lies and suffered under your power long enough. The time that has passed has been enough for you to mess with me. I resist you today not by my power but by the Name that is above all other names. Flee from me and from my household. Release your grip and slither back into the dark places you like to hide.
Holy Spirit, come this morning and tend to my wounds. Strengthen me with power, guide me with vision, and fuel me with passion. Let my joy resound in You today. I believe that You have led me to this place and I accept by faith that I will tread upon all that has been set before me.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Know the Season
Read: Zechariah 10
“10 Pray to God for rain—it’s time for the spring rain— to God, the rainmaker,” Zechariah 10:1
Examine:
God’s people can look in many directions for the resources they need, but He desires us to pray to Him for everything that is needed.
Apply:
It is often times easy for me to trust God for things I can’t do on my own and it is also logical for me to turn to God when I have no other options. But that is not what God desires of me. He does not want to sit on the sidelines, waiting patiently for me to get into a jam and then yell for Him to get involved. God wants to be intimately involved in the daily necessities of my life.
Pray:
Father, I have to know the season. When I look at this verse I realize that there are times when rain is needed and times when it is not. The rain that comes when the ground is being tilled serves only to destroy the preparations and hinder the planting of seeds. I realize that there are many times I ask for You to rain down blessings when I should instead pray that You hold them back until the soil is ready.
Life is all about season. The end of a season is drawing near for me now. I can see clearly the mess I would have made of things had You given to me all that I desired of You. I prayed for much more than was handed to me and You were gracious enough to say no to me. Thanks for looking out for me.
Now that this season is coming to a close I can see the time of spring coming. I am asking that You make ready the rains, but help me hold fast until the preparations are complete. I need so much wisdom. I am overwhelmed by the choices I must make and pray that You forgive my anxious thoughts. I hear Your voice clearly this morning and settle back into my child-like faith in You.
Holy Spirit, You are my Helper and my Teacher. Let’s walk the road we are own together. I sense Your presence this morning and turn my ears towards Your voice. You are my connection to everything that God desires to say to me and it is His words, and only His words, that represent life for me. Help my hands be strong, my heart be soft, my words we love, and my spirit be bold. Fill my soul with life and allow that life to flow freely to others.
“10 Pray to God for rain—it’s time for the spring rain— to God, the rainmaker,” Zechariah 10:1
Examine:
God’s people can look in many directions for the resources they need, but He desires us to pray to Him for everything that is needed.
Apply:
It is often times easy for me to trust God for things I can’t do on my own and it is also logical for me to turn to God when I have no other options. But that is not what God desires of me. He does not want to sit on the sidelines, waiting patiently for me to get into a jam and then yell for Him to get involved. God wants to be intimately involved in the daily necessities of my life.
Pray:
Father, I have to know the season. When I look at this verse I realize that there are times when rain is needed and times when it is not. The rain that comes when the ground is being tilled serves only to destroy the preparations and hinder the planting of seeds. I realize that there are many times I ask for You to rain down blessings when I should instead pray that You hold them back until the soil is ready.
Life is all about season. The end of a season is drawing near for me now. I can see clearly the mess I would have made of things had You given to me all that I desired of You. I prayed for much more than was handed to me and You were gracious enough to say no to me. Thanks for looking out for me.
Now that this season is coming to a close I can see the time of spring coming. I am asking that You make ready the rains, but help me hold fast until the preparations are complete. I need so much wisdom. I am overwhelmed by the choices I must make and pray that You forgive my anxious thoughts. I hear Your voice clearly this morning and settle back into my child-like faith in You.
Holy Spirit, You are my Helper and my Teacher. Let’s walk the road we are own together. I sense Your presence this morning and turn my ears towards Your voice. You are my connection to everything that God desires to say to me and it is His words, and only His words, that represent life for me. Help my hands be strong, my heart be soft, my words we love, and my spirit be bold. Fill my soul with life and allow that life to flow freely to others.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Two Types of Praise
Read: Zechariah 9
“9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you…” Zechariah 9:9
Examine:
There are two types of praise on my mind. One form comes after something good has happened. It is an easy form of praise because it only requires gratitude. The second form of praise comes before something good happens. It is difficult because it demands vision, necessitates faith, and counters logic.
Apply:
Praise should never leave my lips and it should always be looking forward. Praise that comes after success is short-lived, but praise that precedes something promised can be savored for a long time. Praise that comes after the dust has settled is accompanied by a small reward, but the God of the heavens blesses praise that is offered up in complete faith. My eyes should be continually searching the horizon, my feet should be constantly running towards the battle, and my lips should be incessant in the offering up of praise.
Pray:
If nothing else is given to me today, the promise of Zechariah 9:9 has already been given. I have You Jesus and You are more than enough. But my sense is that You want me to offer up praise for three other things today. First, I am grateful that my former prosperity will be returned to me. All that has been lost in this pursuit of You has not really been lost. You see and bless those who freely give to follow after You. I have held nothing back from You and I praise You today because I know that You will not hold back anything from me either. Thank You.
I also praise You today because You have made me a bow and mighty sword. The enemies work in this place is awful. Many see it and run, but by Your grace I have found myself thrust into battle here. I praise You for Your victory here. You have bent me as a strong bow and will soon fire me out like a strong arrow. I rest in Your hand today as a strong sword and will soon be used to cut down the evil that rules this place. Thank You.
Above all of this I praise You today because I have been made whole, my sins have been redeemed, and my adoption as a full-heir son has been sealed. I am completely Yours and You are completely mine. You are my defender, my strength and my blessing. Nothing compares to knowing You God as a Father, knowing You Jesus as Savior, and knowing You Holy Spirit as the Helper. Thank You.
“9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you…” Zechariah 9:9
Examine:
There are two types of praise on my mind. One form comes after something good has happened. It is an easy form of praise because it only requires gratitude. The second form of praise comes before something good happens. It is difficult because it demands vision, necessitates faith, and counters logic.
Apply:
Praise should never leave my lips and it should always be looking forward. Praise that comes after success is short-lived, but praise that precedes something promised can be savored for a long time. Praise that comes after the dust has settled is accompanied by a small reward, but the God of the heavens blesses praise that is offered up in complete faith. My eyes should be continually searching the horizon, my feet should be constantly running towards the battle, and my lips should be incessant in the offering up of praise.
Pray:
If nothing else is given to me today, the promise of Zechariah 9:9 has already been given. I have You Jesus and You are more than enough. But my sense is that You want me to offer up praise for three other things today. First, I am grateful that my former prosperity will be returned to me. All that has been lost in this pursuit of You has not really been lost. You see and bless those who freely give to follow after You. I have held nothing back from You and I praise You today because I know that You will not hold back anything from me either. Thank You.
I also praise You today because You have made me a bow and mighty sword. The enemies work in this place is awful. Many see it and run, but by Your grace I have found myself thrust into battle here. I praise You for Your victory here. You have bent me as a strong bow and will soon fire me out like a strong arrow. I rest in Your hand today as a strong sword and will soon be used to cut down the evil that rules this place. Thank You.
Above all of this I praise You today because I have been made whole, my sins have been redeemed, and my adoption as a full-heir son has been sealed. I am completely Yours and You are completely mine. You are my defender, my strength and my blessing. Nothing compares to knowing You God as a Father, knowing You Jesus as Savior, and knowing You Holy Spirit as the Helper. Thank You.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Let's Go!
Read: Zechariah 8
“9 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Let your hands be strong and hardened, you who in these days hear these words from the mouths of the prophets who on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid foretold that the temple should be rebuilt.” Zechariah 8:9
Examine:
Before this new Word from God came to the people all previous attempts at rebuilding had failed. They worked their fields but the crops would not grow. They saved their money but circumstances stole it away. They stepped out in faith only to watch their enemies triumph. This word from God called them to step towards things that had failed in the past, trusting in the new things that God was saying to them.
Apply:
Three things that I see for me this morning: past experience, a new word, and strong hands. It is important to know that a new word from God will likely call me back into a negative past experience. I see this in the life of Moses, Abraham, Peter, and many others. Failure seems to serve as the training ground for God’s movements in my life. Past experiences are not irrelevant to my life today. There are rich lessons to be learned from them and I must be a good historian of them. A new word from God is hard to accept because many times it calls me toward wounds from my past. That is where the strong hands come in. I need to know my past, but I mustn’t be controlled by it or try to predict God by it. When God speaks I have to muster up my faith as it will demand strong hands to put this word to work.
Pray:
There are currently three “words” I have from You that are proving difficult. I believe that You have called me to be a voice and vessel of blessing for the work here in South Africa, I believe that You are asking me to put more emphasis on sharing Your gospel of grace, and I believe that You are stirring within me a stronger desire to minister into the lives of others through the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the scriptures.
I am afraid. There is so much emotion stirring inside of me and most of it speaks to my past experiences of failing in following after You. I don’t doubt You as much as I doubt my ability to hear You clearly. But here is where I am right now. As much as I doubt myself, I trust in You. Your Word says that You will never let me stumble as long as my ways are submitted to Yours. There is nothing on my heart right now that serves me. As a matter of fact all of it costs me greatly. Because of this I trust that my ways are in fact aligned with Yours. So, let’s go! I am not holding anything back from You. I want You to have the fullness of my obedience today, the total focus of my heart, and the complete attention of my resources. Use me as You will.
“9 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Let your hands be strong and hardened, you who in these days hear these words from the mouths of the prophets who on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid foretold that the temple should be rebuilt.” Zechariah 8:9
Examine:
Before this new Word from God came to the people all previous attempts at rebuilding had failed. They worked their fields but the crops would not grow. They saved their money but circumstances stole it away. They stepped out in faith only to watch their enemies triumph. This word from God called them to step towards things that had failed in the past, trusting in the new things that God was saying to them.
Apply:
Three things that I see for me this morning: past experience, a new word, and strong hands. It is important to know that a new word from God will likely call me back into a negative past experience. I see this in the life of Moses, Abraham, Peter, and many others. Failure seems to serve as the training ground for God’s movements in my life. Past experiences are not irrelevant to my life today. There are rich lessons to be learned from them and I must be a good historian of them. A new word from God is hard to accept because many times it calls me toward wounds from my past. That is where the strong hands come in. I need to know my past, but I mustn’t be controlled by it or try to predict God by it. When God speaks I have to muster up my faith as it will demand strong hands to put this word to work.
Pray:
There are currently three “words” I have from You that are proving difficult. I believe that You have called me to be a voice and vessel of blessing for the work here in South Africa, I believe that You are asking me to put more emphasis on sharing Your gospel of grace, and I believe that You are stirring within me a stronger desire to minister into the lives of others through the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the scriptures.
I am afraid. There is so much emotion stirring inside of me and most of it speaks to my past experiences of failing in following after You. I don’t doubt You as much as I doubt my ability to hear You clearly. But here is where I am right now. As much as I doubt myself, I trust in You. Your Word says that You will never let me stumble as long as my ways are submitted to Yours. There is nothing on my heart right now that serves me. As a matter of fact all of it costs me greatly. Because of this I trust that my ways are in fact aligned with Yours. So, let’s go! I am not holding anything back from You. I want You to have the fullness of my obedience today, the total focus of my heart, and the complete attention of my resources. Use me as You will.
Am I Jealous?
Read: Zechariah 8
“2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her.’ Zechariah 8:2
Examine:
He is jealous for me; exceedingly jealous with great wrath. His anger burns when I give myself to others and His wrath is fueled when others threaten me.
Apply:
Am I jealous for God? There are two definitions of jealous that should be apparent in my relationship with Him. To be jealous for God would mean I am fiercely protective or vigilant for what is mine in Him. This includes His promises, His commands, and His will for me. Being jealous for God also means that something in me demands faithfulness and exclusive worship. I should be irate when God’s faithfulness is not evident in my life. I should be up in arms when my worship of Him is void of His Spirit. There should be such passion in my heart to be near to Him and experience His presence that I fall apart when I don’t have it. Am I jealous for God? Not nearly enough…
Pray:
I would not allow my wife to give her love to another. I would be shattered to my core if one of my children called out to another man as being their Dad. I would not allow weeks to pass without being intimate with my wife and I would not allow days to go by without a hug or loving contact with my kids. I would fly of the handle and demand something be changed. I am jealous for them; exceedingly jealous. My actions prove this.
In comparison to my relationship with You I settle for far too little and that is what is stirring on my heart today. My love for You, my intimacy with You, and my experience of You has to become the center piece of my life. My greatest passion, my strongest intention, and my most faithful endurance has to be expanding my love for You.
I recognize Your faithfulness this morning and step towards that. I do not know how to be a better lover of You but I am so willing to learn. Teach me Father. Open my eyes to see the things that keep me running from You. I pray that I love You first and above all other things. I pray that I love others more than myself. I want to center my life on the power of Christ and take that power into the world around me. Take me as You will today Father.
“2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her.’ Zechariah 8:2
Examine:
He is jealous for me; exceedingly jealous with great wrath. His anger burns when I give myself to others and His wrath is fueled when others threaten me.
Apply:
Am I jealous for God? There are two definitions of jealous that should be apparent in my relationship with Him. To be jealous for God would mean I am fiercely protective or vigilant for what is mine in Him. This includes His promises, His commands, and His will for me. Being jealous for God also means that something in me demands faithfulness and exclusive worship. I should be irate when God’s faithfulness is not evident in my life. I should be up in arms when my worship of Him is void of His Spirit. There should be such passion in my heart to be near to Him and experience His presence that I fall apart when I don’t have it. Am I jealous for God? Not nearly enough…
Pray:
I would not allow my wife to give her love to another. I would be shattered to my core if one of my children called out to another man as being their Dad. I would not allow weeks to pass without being intimate with my wife and I would not allow days to go by without a hug or loving contact with my kids. I would fly of the handle and demand something be changed. I am jealous for them; exceedingly jealous. My actions prove this.
In comparison to my relationship with You I settle for far too little and that is what is stirring on my heart today. My love for You, my intimacy with You, and my experience of You has to become the center piece of my life. My greatest passion, my strongest intention, and my most faithful endurance has to be expanding my love for You.
I recognize Your faithfulness this morning and step towards that. I do not know how to be a better lover of You but I am so willing to learn. Teach me Father. Open my eyes to see the things that keep me running from You. I pray that I love You first and above all other things. I pray that I love others more than myself. I want to center my life on the power of Christ and take that power into the world around me. Take me as You will today Father.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Hearing From God
Read: Zechariah 8
“And THE word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying…” Zechariah 8:1
Examine:
Zechariah heard from God. He knew the voice of His Father and his ministry was built on the words spoken to him by God.
Apply:
There is nothing in my life more important than hearing from God. Of all the time I spend and things I seek my first priority in life must be hearing from God. This sounds simple and seems intuitive but it is not. Hearing from God is not just a right or a privilege; it is a work. I have to allow the Spirit of God to prepare my heart and bring it into alignment; I have to allow my desires to shift from worldly pursuits and center on being directed by God; and I have to adjust the rhythm of my life to spend time sitting with God in silence.
Pray:
It is always good to hear Your voice in my life. Over four years ago, I followed Your prompting and changed the way I journal and seek You in my quiet time. I have been amazed at how You have spoken into my life, changed my heart, and opened up Your word to me. Hardly a day passes that I do not find Your voice shaping my heart and changing my nature. It has been amazing and for the first time in my life I truly awaken with an expectancy of hearing You speak.
I sense the winds of change blowing again in how I meet with You. I devote the first hour of my day to hearing You speak to me about me, but I do not allocate time to pray with You about the direction I need to take with my day. I have replaced Your voice with task lists, plans, and meetings. What this has done is leave me feeling vulnerable because my plans are riddled with uncertainty. I ask You to speak into my life in a new way Father.
Holy Spirit, You are the forgotten God in my life. You were sent as a guide, to instruct, to lead, and to empower. I do not spend time with You. I do not labor in prayer to meet with You. You alone have the power to bring the words of the Father to light. You alone have been given authority in my life to be the personal conduit to the voice of God. I neglect You and I resist You. I have allowed theological debates to confuse me about the simple truth that Jesus promised You as the ultimate helper and said You would come. I acknowledge that You are here with me now and express to You my neediness for You to move in my life.
“And THE word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying…” Zechariah 8:1
Examine:
Zechariah heard from God. He knew the voice of His Father and his ministry was built on the words spoken to him by God.
Apply:
There is nothing in my life more important than hearing from God. Of all the time I spend and things I seek my first priority in life must be hearing from God. This sounds simple and seems intuitive but it is not. Hearing from God is not just a right or a privilege; it is a work. I have to allow the Spirit of God to prepare my heart and bring it into alignment; I have to allow my desires to shift from worldly pursuits and center on being directed by God; and I have to adjust the rhythm of my life to spend time sitting with God in silence.
Pray:
It is always good to hear Your voice in my life. Over four years ago, I followed Your prompting and changed the way I journal and seek You in my quiet time. I have been amazed at how You have spoken into my life, changed my heart, and opened up Your word to me. Hardly a day passes that I do not find Your voice shaping my heart and changing my nature. It has been amazing and for the first time in my life I truly awaken with an expectancy of hearing You speak.
I sense the winds of change blowing again in how I meet with You. I devote the first hour of my day to hearing You speak to me about me, but I do not allocate time to pray with You about the direction I need to take with my day. I have replaced Your voice with task lists, plans, and meetings. What this has done is leave me feeling vulnerable because my plans are riddled with uncertainty. I ask You to speak into my life in a new way Father.
Holy Spirit, You are the forgotten God in my life. You were sent as a guide, to instruct, to lead, and to empower. I do not spend time with You. I do not labor in prayer to meet with You. You alone have the power to bring the words of the Father to light. You alone have been given authority in my life to be the personal conduit to the voice of God. I neglect You and I resist You. I have allowed theological debates to confuse me about the simple truth that Jesus promised You as the ultimate helper and said You would come. I acknowledge that You are here with me now and express to You my neediness for You to move in my life.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Good Boy God
Read: Zechariah 7
“3 speaking to the priests who belong to the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, “Shall I weep in the fifth month and abstain, as I have done these many years?” Zechariah 7:3
Examine:
For 70 years Israel had been led by its priest to hold 2 fasts per year. They fasted over losing Jerusalem and being in captivity. Now that their captivity was over and Jerusalem was being returned, they legitimately wondered should they keep fasting.
Apply:
The moment my eyes passed over this verse and the words resounded in my ears I heard the Holy Spirit whisper His desire for me to sit here for a while. When I am in desperate need or hot water I seek God hard. I pray, I fast, and I begin purging my life of things I should not have. My schedule gets adjusted to allow for time alone with God, I open up to others and request their prayers, and I seek God’s wisdom like it was a treasure. Then, God responds, the need dissipates and the hot water cools. As the pressure subsides so does my intensity to pursue God.
Holding on to God in hard times is easy because it is a necessity. I have nothing else to which I can cling and all my options are limited. Maintaining a vibrant pursuit of God during easy times is a much different story. Pursuing God comes at the cost of my will, desires, and independence. A passionate pursuit of God will redefine my normal and press me further into dependence on Him. That is easy when my normal stinks and I just want it gone. It is an entirely different set of circumstances when my normal is enjoyable…
Pray:
Paul said whether he had a lot or whether he had a little he had learned to live in contentment. His circumstances in life did not matter to him because he had taken his eyes off of them and placed them on pursuing Your heavenly agenda for his life. He had learned that even the best that this life has to offer is temporary and short-lived. Enough is never enough and no reward here is safe. He abandoned his life and his soul motivation for life on earth became to hear You say well done.
Complete honesty, I think my main motivation in life is to say to You well done. I want You to make my life like I want it so that I can then look at You and say, “Good boy God. You did this right.” That is just twisted, but it is also plain and simple truth. My pursuit of You is based on my earthly comfort. I agree with that whisper I heard this morning. Living life this way is miserable. My emotions fly all over the place and my security is not based on Your never changing nature; it ebbs and flows with the tides of life. I use You for my purposes and put You aside when it is convenient. That is a terrible way to treat anyone and I repent for my immaturity and selfishness. Thank You for Your grace and patience and Your sense of humor with me. I give You this day and move forward hoping to make it pleasing to You.
“3 speaking to the priests who belong to the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, “Shall I weep in the fifth month and abstain, as I have done these many years?” Zechariah 7:3
Examine:
For 70 years Israel had been led by its priest to hold 2 fasts per year. They fasted over losing Jerusalem and being in captivity. Now that their captivity was over and Jerusalem was being returned, they legitimately wondered should they keep fasting.
Apply:
The moment my eyes passed over this verse and the words resounded in my ears I heard the Holy Spirit whisper His desire for me to sit here for a while. When I am in desperate need or hot water I seek God hard. I pray, I fast, and I begin purging my life of things I should not have. My schedule gets adjusted to allow for time alone with God, I open up to others and request their prayers, and I seek God’s wisdom like it was a treasure. Then, God responds, the need dissipates and the hot water cools. As the pressure subsides so does my intensity to pursue God.
Holding on to God in hard times is easy because it is a necessity. I have nothing else to which I can cling and all my options are limited. Maintaining a vibrant pursuit of God during easy times is a much different story. Pursuing God comes at the cost of my will, desires, and independence. A passionate pursuit of God will redefine my normal and press me further into dependence on Him. That is easy when my normal stinks and I just want it gone. It is an entirely different set of circumstances when my normal is enjoyable…
Pray:
Paul said whether he had a lot or whether he had a little he had learned to live in contentment. His circumstances in life did not matter to him because he had taken his eyes off of them and placed them on pursuing Your heavenly agenda for his life. He had learned that even the best that this life has to offer is temporary and short-lived. Enough is never enough and no reward here is safe. He abandoned his life and his soul motivation for life on earth became to hear You say well done.
Complete honesty, I think my main motivation in life is to say to You well done. I want You to make my life like I want it so that I can then look at You and say, “Good boy God. You did this right.” That is just twisted, but it is also plain and simple truth. My pursuit of You is based on my earthly comfort. I agree with that whisper I heard this morning. Living life this way is miserable. My emotions fly all over the place and my security is not based on Your never changing nature; it ebbs and flows with the tides of life. I use You for my purposes and put You aside when it is convenient. That is a terrible way to treat anyone and I repent for my immaturity and selfishness. Thank You for Your grace and patience and Your sense of humor with me. I give You this day and move forward hoping to make it pleasing to You.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Turning Expectantly
Read: Zechariah 7
“5 Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests, saying, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months, even those seventy years you were in exile, was it for Me that you fasted, for Me? 6 And when you ate and when you drank, did you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?” Zechariah 7:5-6
Examine:
God honors truth, not ritual. He honors heart, not action. He honors self-sacrifice, not self-advancement.
Apply:
My life is full of religious activity but that does not mean my heart is turned towards God. If I want to know if my heart is in the activity then I have to look at verse 10; “And oppress not the widow or the fatherless, the temporary resident or the poor, and let none of you devise or imagine or think evil against his brother in your heart.”
When my pursuit of God is genuine I can expect to see my heart be cleared of unholy anger towards others and my motives will bend towards helping those who cannot help themselves.
Pray:
My heart is turned towards those who can’t be a voice for themselves. The past couple days I have toyed with the notion that maybe I should just return to a “normal” life but I can’t imagine turning my back on the relationships You have sent me. For better or worse I have offered my life to the vision You have given me. I also notice most of the religious activity in my life is turning from ritual and selfishness to a desire to be close to You. I see these signs of growth and I am grateful for them.
There are also two things heavy on my heart today that I would like to lay before You. First, my prayers are really jacked up. When I start to pray half of me doesn’t believe the prayers will work and the other half feels like something is missing. When I pray for others to experience You I don’t feel this way. It is just in my private, practical prayers that I feel like I am ravaged by awkwardness and doubt.
I am also strapped today by anger that burns in my heart. There are two particular individuals I struggle with the most but I am honestly aware that my anger burns often and my temper has become very quick. I can’t for the life of me land on what is holy and what is unholy in this. I am mostly just frustrated and I think that leaves me walking around with a short handle.
With both of these things I have exhausted my efforts to correct them. I lay them before you today, asking for wisdom and turning my heart to You expectantly.
“5 Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests, saying, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months, even those seventy years you were in exile, was it for Me that you fasted, for Me? 6 And when you ate and when you drank, did you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?” Zechariah 7:5-6
Examine:
God honors truth, not ritual. He honors heart, not action. He honors self-sacrifice, not self-advancement.
Apply:
My life is full of religious activity but that does not mean my heart is turned towards God. If I want to know if my heart is in the activity then I have to look at verse 10; “And oppress not the widow or the fatherless, the temporary resident or the poor, and let none of you devise or imagine or think evil against his brother in your heart.”
When my pursuit of God is genuine I can expect to see my heart be cleared of unholy anger towards others and my motives will bend towards helping those who cannot help themselves.
Pray:
My heart is turned towards those who can’t be a voice for themselves. The past couple days I have toyed with the notion that maybe I should just return to a “normal” life but I can’t imagine turning my back on the relationships You have sent me. For better or worse I have offered my life to the vision You have given me. I also notice most of the religious activity in my life is turning from ritual and selfishness to a desire to be close to You. I see these signs of growth and I am grateful for them.
There are also two things heavy on my heart today that I would like to lay before You. First, my prayers are really jacked up. When I start to pray half of me doesn’t believe the prayers will work and the other half feels like something is missing. When I pray for others to experience You I don’t feel this way. It is just in my private, practical prayers that I feel like I am ravaged by awkwardness and doubt.
I am also strapped today by anger that burns in my heart. There are two particular individuals I struggle with the most but I am honestly aware that my anger burns often and my temper has become very quick. I can’t for the life of me land on what is holy and what is unholy in this. I am mostly just frustrated and I think that leaves me walking around with a short handle.
With both of these things I have exhausted my efforts to correct them. I lay them before you today, asking for wisdom and turning my heart to You expectantly.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Love God First
Read: Zechariah 6
“And it will take place if you completely obey the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:15
Examine:
It would take a lot to complete the temple of the LORD. There were a thousand different things that had to happen perfectly for this monumental task to be successfully completed. But the success of this task did not hinge on plans, provisions, or connections. Success completely rested in obeying God.
Apply:
We took a get away this weekend to Durban and security is a little different here than it is in Pietermaritzburg. There is an armed guard standing 20 yards from my backdoor. Before I went to bed last night I locked all the doors (including the safety cage that protects the bedrooms) and set the alarm system. Based on where we are these measures are unfortunate, but prudent. As I think about this, I am taken aback by how little I regard protecting my family spiritually. I am the gateway to my home. I am the spiritual filter through which all things enter. I have a tendency to forget that. Time passes and I drop my guard. I slip up, nothing bad seems to happen, and I take that to mean my sin had no consequence. Upon making that choice I adjust my lifestyle so that my new normal inches closer to the sin line; sad but true…
Why is that? I sit with anger that I know is not righteous. I long for things that are not mine. I resent God for messing with my normal and stop pursuing Him when it becomes inconvenient. My experience of God goes flat and so I withdraw. Days can pass and not find me ever really hearing God speak. All of this happens and yet I never fall on my face out of reverence for God, fear of consequences, or brokenness over my sin. If following after God is so important to my life then should I not give it my greatest intention, my strongest ambition, and my clearest focus?
Pray:
To completely obey You means that I love You first with all that is within me, love everyone I come in contact with more than myself, center my life on the power and mission of Christ, and then go radiate Him to as much of the world as possible. Based on my knowledge of what You taught us Jesus those are the commands given.
To love You first means to model Your integrity and character and as perfectly as possible. I seem to want to do that as little as required. Loving others first means that I should never be offended or see my needs as first priority. I seem to be easily offended and fight for my needs first. Centering my life on Christ means dying to myself and taking Him into the world demands losing my normal. All I want seems to be insurance from hell and as normal a life as possible.
I love having this conversation with You. Hebrews tells me to not despise You when You correct because the marrow of life is found in it. If You are bringing it to mind then it is because You have decided it is time to eradicate it. I want You to have my first love. I want to never again be offended. I want the power of the Holy Spirit to fully indwell my soul and then I desire nothing more than to see that power explode on the world I call home. I turn my eyes to You this morning knowing in faith this will be done.
“And it will take place if you completely obey the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:15
Examine:
It would take a lot to complete the temple of the LORD. There were a thousand different things that had to happen perfectly for this monumental task to be successfully completed. But the success of this task did not hinge on plans, provisions, or connections. Success completely rested in obeying God.
Apply:
We took a get away this weekend to Durban and security is a little different here than it is in Pietermaritzburg. There is an armed guard standing 20 yards from my backdoor. Before I went to bed last night I locked all the doors (including the safety cage that protects the bedrooms) and set the alarm system. Based on where we are these measures are unfortunate, but prudent. As I think about this, I am taken aback by how little I regard protecting my family spiritually. I am the gateway to my home. I am the spiritual filter through which all things enter. I have a tendency to forget that. Time passes and I drop my guard. I slip up, nothing bad seems to happen, and I take that to mean my sin had no consequence. Upon making that choice I adjust my lifestyle so that my new normal inches closer to the sin line; sad but true…
Why is that? I sit with anger that I know is not righteous. I long for things that are not mine. I resent God for messing with my normal and stop pursuing Him when it becomes inconvenient. My experience of God goes flat and so I withdraw. Days can pass and not find me ever really hearing God speak. All of this happens and yet I never fall on my face out of reverence for God, fear of consequences, or brokenness over my sin. If following after God is so important to my life then should I not give it my greatest intention, my strongest ambition, and my clearest focus?
Pray:
To completely obey You means that I love You first with all that is within me, love everyone I come in contact with more than myself, center my life on the power and mission of Christ, and then go radiate Him to as much of the world as possible. Based on my knowledge of what You taught us Jesus those are the commands given.
To love You first means to model Your integrity and character and as perfectly as possible. I seem to want to do that as little as required. Loving others first means that I should never be offended or see my needs as first priority. I seem to be easily offended and fight for my needs first. Centering my life on Christ means dying to myself and taking Him into the world demands losing my normal. All I want seems to be insurance from hell and as normal a life as possible.
I love having this conversation with You. Hebrews tells me to not despise You when You correct because the marrow of life is found in it. If You are bringing it to mind then it is because You have decided it is time to eradicate it. I want You to have my first love. I want to never again be offended. I want the power of the Holy Spirit to fully indwell my soul and then I desire nothing more than to see that power explode on the world I call home. I turn my eyes to You this morning knowing in faith this will be done.
Take Me Where You Are
Read: Zechariah 6
“12 “Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord.” Zechariah 6:12
Examine:
Zechariah was told to tell Zerubbabel that even though he was called to work hard at completing the task that was laid before him; he should not allow the tangible work to distract him from the fact that the true builder of the temple was Christ.
Apply:
It is easy for me to lose sight of Christ. It is easy for me to forget that this is His life that I now live. It is easy for me to not remember that it is no longer me who lives but Christ in me.
Pray:
There are three things that steal my focus from You Jesus. The first are my fleshly desires. There is a force inside of me that only wants to serve me. I want what I want when I want it so that I can feel something that satisfies my cravings. These desires are so clever that they often feel right and even can be mistaken to be spiritual. These are the first and primary culprits that take my eyes away from You.
The second are the tasks. As soon as I have something to do I have a tendency to put my head down and get busy. The moment I gain clarity about what I should do I often lose my desperation to seek after You. The tasks become my focus, I become their god, and You get put in the back seat.
The third is the delay. My attention span is not that great. As time passes it becomes increasingly difficult to stay focused on You. There are several passages of scripture that speak to this and I can relate to all of them. Time is the enemy of obedience. The longer it stretches out the more difficult it becomes to stay disciplined.
Jesus, I cannot walk this path that I am on with the current level of intimacy I have with You. The task that has been handed, the time that it will take to complete it, and the amount of self-denial demanded are simply greater than the power of Your Spirit that I have awareness of. I know that You are greater than all and that the power inside of me is capable of anything but I keep falling down and getting my nose bloodied and my tail kicked.
I turn to You this morning. I refuse to accept that I have experienced all there is to experience of You. I cannot in the slightest believe that the fullness of Your glory and the strength of Your power are being manifested in my life. I need You to rise to Your throne in my life and resonate in my soul in such a way that the pain and circumstances of life are placed in their proper perspectives. My eyes are on me and for that I both apologize and repent. I turn toward You this morning accepting in faith that You will meet me where I am and take me where You are.
“12 “Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord.” Zechariah 6:12
Examine:
Zechariah was told to tell Zerubbabel that even though he was called to work hard at completing the task that was laid before him; he should not allow the tangible work to distract him from the fact that the true builder of the temple was Christ.
Apply:
It is easy for me to lose sight of Christ. It is easy for me to forget that this is His life that I now live. It is easy for me to not remember that it is no longer me who lives but Christ in me.
Pray:
There are three things that steal my focus from You Jesus. The first are my fleshly desires. There is a force inside of me that only wants to serve me. I want what I want when I want it so that I can feel something that satisfies my cravings. These desires are so clever that they often feel right and even can be mistaken to be spiritual. These are the first and primary culprits that take my eyes away from You.
The second are the tasks. As soon as I have something to do I have a tendency to put my head down and get busy. The moment I gain clarity about what I should do I often lose my desperation to seek after You. The tasks become my focus, I become their god, and You get put in the back seat.
The third is the delay. My attention span is not that great. As time passes it becomes increasingly difficult to stay focused on You. There are several passages of scripture that speak to this and I can relate to all of them. Time is the enemy of obedience. The longer it stretches out the more difficult it becomes to stay disciplined.
Jesus, I cannot walk this path that I am on with the current level of intimacy I have with You. The task that has been handed, the time that it will take to complete it, and the amount of self-denial demanded are simply greater than the power of Your Spirit that I have awareness of. I know that You are greater than all and that the power inside of me is capable of anything but I keep falling down and getting my nose bloodied and my tail kicked.
I turn to You this morning. I refuse to accept that I have experienced all there is to experience of You. I cannot in the slightest believe that the fullness of Your glory and the strength of Your power are being manifested in my life. I need You to rise to Your throne in my life and resonate in my soul in such a way that the pain and circumstances of life are placed in their proper perspectives. My eyes are on me and for that I both apologize and repent. I turn toward You this morning accepting in faith that You will meet me where I am and take me where You are.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Circumstances Get Hard
Read: Zechariah 4
“9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.” Zechariah 4:9
Examine:
There is always a time when it feels unlikely that God will do what He says. There is a season of labor that often feels unproductive and unlikely. During dark times and seasons of fruitless labor God calls His chosen to look past their pain and emotions and cling to the truth of what has been spoken.
Apply:
There are a lot of passages in the Bible that speak to taking courage, enduring challenges, fighting fear, and holding firm. There would be absolutelutly no reason whatsoever for God to put those words in the Bible unless He knew with certainty that the circumstances of my life would get hard. Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death. Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. Mission courage is the ability to hold fast to the promises of God even though all logical wisdom says it is time to abandon ship. Completing what has been started is God’s promise and His responsibility. Being a man of physical, moral, and mission courage is my part of the deal. He is faithful, but I must endure to the finish.
Pray:
Your wisdom led me to this place. As I trace back over my journey here I cannot find a single time that this mission fed my flesh. There was never a time I wanted any of this for myself. From the beginning it has been about Your purposes for my life and seeing the glory of Your name radiate in the homes of the orphans, widows and poor living in Sweetwaters. The vision You gave me came at a time when everything in me said it was time to quit. Every time I have acknowledged defeat and confessed that I felt I missed You, You have countered with a word that told me to push those thoughts aside and keep my fist clasped tight to wheel and hold my course. From where I am, as best as I could I have held on in the midst of a storm that has tested me unlike anything I have ever encountered.
So, today I stand firm. The storm has intensified against my prayers for calmness. The need has grown in the face of my prayers for Your power to overcome them. The resources have heard me claim Your provision and still they have shrunk. So, today I take courage and hold fast. You have promised me countless times that You have called me here to do what You laid on my heart to do and I will see it through. I call on Your power to give me the physical, moral, and mission courage I need. I call on the stirring of You, Holy Spirit, to give me the faith of the cross so that I may not grow weary. Above all Father, I confess that I am grateful to You for this task. I do not resent it. I do not feel like it has cost me anything. I thank You for the glorious privilege that it has been.
“9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.” Zechariah 4:9
Examine:
There is always a time when it feels unlikely that God will do what He says. There is a season of labor that often feels unproductive and unlikely. During dark times and seasons of fruitless labor God calls His chosen to look past their pain and emotions and cling to the truth of what has been spoken.
Apply:
There are a lot of passages in the Bible that speak to taking courage, enduring challenges, fighting fear, and holding firm. There would be absolutelutly no reason whatsoever for God to put those words in the Bible unless He knew with certainty that the circumstances of my life would get hard. Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death. Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. Mission courage is the ability to hold fast to the promises of God even though all logical wisdom says it is time to abandon ship. Completing what has been started is God’s promise and His responsibility. Being a man of physical, moral, and mission courage is my part of the deal. He is faithful, but I must endure to the finish.
Pray:
Your wisdom led me to this place. As I trace back over my journey here I cannot find a single time that this mission fed my flesh. There was never a time I wanted any of this for myself. From the beginning it has been about Your purposes for my life and seeing the glory of Your name radiate in the homes of the orphans, widows and poor living in Sweetwaters. The vision You gave me came at a time when everything in me said it was time to quit. Every time I have acknowledged defeat and confessed that I felt I missed You, You have countered with a word that told me to push those thoughts aside and keep my fist clasped tight to wheel and hold my course. From where I am, as best as I could I have held on in the midst of a storm that has tested me unlike anything I have ever encountered.
So, today I stand firm. The storm has intensified against my prayers for calmness. The need has grown in the face of my prayers for Your power to overcome them. The resources have heard me claim Your provision and still they have shrunk. So, today I take courage and hold fast. You have promised me countless times that You have called me here to do what You laid on my heart to do and I will see it through. I call on Your power to give me the physical, moral, and mission courage I need. I call on the stirring of You, Holy Spirit, to give me the faith of the cross so that I may not grow weary. Above all Father, I confess that I am grateful to You for this task. I do not resent it. I do not feel like it has cost me anything. I thank You for the glorious privilege that it has been.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mountain Talk
Read: Zechariah 4
“7 ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ “ Zechariah 4:7
Examine:
One of the great affirmations as to whether a work is of God are the odds against success.
Apply:
I love the question, “What are you, O great mountain?’ This question puts the mountain in its place. It does this not by down-playing the size of the mountain for the question refers to its greatness. The mountain is put into its proper perspective by comparing it to God. The greatness of God allows me to look at anything that would hinder His work and say, “What are you compared to my God?”
Pray:
Talking to mountains is not the easiest thing to do. As I sat yesterday and the weight of the need here became even more evident it was tempting to be overwhelmed by the size of the task and the road ahead of me. I have never in all of my life seen a task as impossible as the one I face today.
At the same time, I have never been more certain of Your will for my life. I know beyond any shadow of doubt that You have called me here. You went above and beyond in affirming that. I also know with certainty that You have called me here to resource and support the local saints who are laboring in Your fields here. So, I am able to stand firm today. I am able to say to the mountain before me, “You will become a smooth plain!”
Father God, You are before me and nothing can come against me. Your Word says that I shall live by faith and that You take no pleasure in me if I shrink back. I spoke boldly for You yesterday. In the midst of wisdom that said I should shrink back I pushed forward and raised the stakes. If You do not stir and move, proving your call on my life; then I am toast. My words do not matter. The only thing that counts is Your power proving Your plan.
“7 ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ “ Zechariah 4:7
Examine:
One of the great affirmations as to whether a work is of God are the odds against success.
Apply:
I love the question, “What are you, O great mountain?’ This question puts the mountain in its place. It does this not by down-playing the size of the mountain for the question refers to its greatness. The mountain is put into its proper perspective by comparing it to God. The greatness of God allows me to look at anything that would hinder His work and say, “What are you compared to my God?”
Pray:
Talking to mountains is not the easiest thing to do. As I sat yesterday and the weight of the need here became even more evident it was tempting to be overwhelmed by the size of the task and the road ahead of me. I have never in all of my life seen a task as impossible as the one I face today.
At the same time, I have never been more certain of Your will for my life. I know beyond any shadow of doubt that You have called me here. You went above and beyond in affirming that. I also know with certainty that You have called me here to resource and support the local saints who are laboring in Your fields here. So, I am able to stand firm today. I am able to say to the mountain before me, “You will become a smooth plain!”
Father God, You are before me and nothing can come against me. Your Word says that I shall live by faith and that You take no pleasure in me if I shrink back. I spoke boldly for You yesterday. In the midst of wisdom that said I should shrink back I pushed forward and raised the stakes. If You do not stir and move, proving your call on my life; then I am toast. My words do not matter. The only thing that counts is Your power proving Your plan.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Stronger Prayers
Read: Zechariah 4
“ 6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
Examine:
The greatest asset in completing a task from God is the Spirit of God.
Apply:
I get 16 hours a day that I am actively engaged in something. I spend the first hour of each day in the Word asking God to adjust my heart. I normally spend the next 90 minutes of my day getting the kids to wherever they are headed for the day. Work comes in as the kids go out and takes 8-10 hours of my day. The balance of my time is taken up by eating, spending time with my wife, and trying to find some down time. This is a typical day. Saturdays are days to catch up on yard work and carve out some “me” time. Sunday’s are church days and down time. That is the rhythm of my life; normally.
Over the past couple months my routines have been completely demolished. In moments like these I am allowed to see things through a lens that colors my life differently. As this has happened the assumptions upon which I base my life have been challenged. I say God is first, yet he only gets about 8-10 hours a week. If I really believe that being centered on God is the most important factor in determining a successful life then I am a fool if that is all the time I give Him.
Pray:
I need to walk in power of Your Spirit. I need to spend time with You in conversation that is deep, real and tangible. I need to know Your character, know Your voice, and know Your power. I need to see those things manifested in my life daily. I do not rely on them because they really do not exist in my life in a moment-by-moment way. At best I hope those three things are leading me and at worst I turn to them when I get in a bind I can’t handle.
There are three things I sense that You are saying are hindering my prayer life. First, my prayer life will never be stronger than my relationship with my wife. Second, my prayer life will never be greater than the amount of faith I use. Lastly, You will never respond to prayers that are harmful to Your plans.
I submit to what You are saying today. I understand there is much to learn and I ask that You guide me. The first thing You laid before me is my relationship with Brandy so I ask that the power of Your Spirit lead me today in being a better husband, that Your Spirit lead Brandy in being a better wife, and that Your Spirit lead us both in being better followers of You.
“ 6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
Examine:
The greatest asset in completing a task from God is the Spirit of God.
Apply:
I get 16 hours a day that I am actively engaged in something. I spend the first hour of each day in the Word asking God to adjust my heart. I normally spend the next 90 minutes of my day getting the kids to wherever they are headed for the day. Work comes in as the kids go out and takes 8-10 hours of my day. The balance of my time is taken up by eating, spending time with my wife, and trying to find some down time. This is a typical day. Saturdays are days to catch up on yard work and carve out some “me” time. Sunday’s are church days and down time. That is the rhythm of my life; normally.
Over the past couple months my routines have been completely demolished. In moments like these I am allowed to see things through a lens that colors my life differently. As this has happened the assumptions upon which I base my life have been challenged. I say God is first, yet he only gets about 8-10 hours a week. If I really believe that being centered on God is the most important factor in determining a successful life then I am a fool if that is all the time I give Him.
Pray:
I need to walk in power of Your Spirit. I need to spend time with You in conversation that is deep, real and tangible. I need to know Your character, know Your voice, and know Your power. I need to see those things manifested in my life daily. I do not rely on them because they really do not exist in my life in a moment-by-moment way. At best I hope those three things are leading me and at worst I turn to them when I get in a bind I can’t handle.
There are three things I sense that You are saying are hindering my prayer life. First, my prayer life will never be stronger than my relationship with my wife. Second, my prayer life will never be greater than the amount of faith I use. Lastly, You will never respond to prayers that are harmful to Your plans.
I submit to what You are saying today. I understand there is much to learn and I ask that You guide me. The first thing You laid before me is my relationship with Brandy so I ask that the power of Your Spirit lead me today in being a better husband, that Your Spirit lead Brandy in being a better wife, and that Your Spirit lead us both in being better followers of You.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Clean Garments
Read: Zechariah 3
“1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.” Zechariah 3:1
Examine:
In the verses that follow this one the scene plays out like a courtroom drama. Joshua, who represented God’s people, stood clothed in filthy garments and was being accused by Satan. Jesus stands up and rebukes satan. He did not argue with satan about the guilt of God’s people. He did not pretend the garments clothing Joshua were not that bad. He called on the graciousness of the LORD and then the most amazing thing happened; the LORD gave Joshua new garments.
Apply:
There are two main thoughts for me from this passage. First, my freedom is not found in justifying my behavior. I have to hate my sin and recognize even the smallest of slips as being worthy of death. This is not to add to my guilt; the only way to appreciate my redemption in Christ is to hold the weight of my guilt. My freedom is in Christ; not my arguments.
Second my garments are clean. I am not just a sinner saved by grace. I am a man with no history of failure. It has all been done away with and there is never a voice of accusation that can stand against me. The sins of my past, the sins of my present and the sins of my future were all taken away the instant I surrendered my life to Christ.
Pray:
I have an accuser and I have an advocate. Both of these voices are real and both voices are active in my life. I have to choose which one I want to believe. Today I choose to press through what I know to be my failures and accept what You have said to be true. I am clean. My garments cannot ever be stained again. My accuser has been silenced and my faith has been sealed. I am forever Yours. I pray that the freedom given to me will become my greatest treasure, my loudest song, and the possession I share the most.
“1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.” Zechariah 3:1
Examine:
In the verses that follow this one the scene plays out like a courtroom drama. Joshua, who represented God’s people, stood clothed in filthy garments and was being accused by Satan. Jesus stands up and rebukes satan. He did not argue with satan about the guilt of God’s people. He did not pretend the garments clothing Joshua were not that bad. He called on the graciousness of the LORD and then the most amazing thing happened; the LORD gave Joshua new garments.
Apply:
There are two main thoughts for me from this passage. First, my freedom is not found in justifying my behavior. I have to hate my sin and recognize even the smallest of slips as being worthy of death. This is not to add to my guilt; the only way to appreciate my redemption in Christ is to hold the weight of my guilt. My freedom is in Christ; not my arguments.
Second my garments are clean. I am not just a sinner saved by grace. I am a man with no history of failure. It has all been done away with and there is never a voice of accusation that can stand against me. The sins of my past, the sins of my present and the sins of my future were all taken away the instant I surrendered my life to Christ.
Pray:
I have an accuser and I have an advocate. Both of these voices are real and both voices are active in my life. I have to choose which one I want to believe. Today I choose to press through what I know to be my failures and accept what You have said to be true. I am clean. My garments cannot ever be stained again. My accuser has been silenced and my faith has been sealed. I am forever Yours. I pray that the freedom given to me will become my greatest treasure, my loudest song, and the possession I share the most.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Not That Clear
Read: Zechariah 2
“5 For I, says the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.” Zechariah 2:5
Examine:
As the Israelites continued with rebuilding the temple, the city, and its walls God did not want them to put their faith in the things they were building for Him. He wanted them to know that it was He who protected them and gave them glory. He did not tell them to stop building the walls or abandon the temple; He just directed them to not put their confidence in them.
Apply:
There is a bottle of concentrated mango juice in my fridge. The bottle says it tastes best when you mix 1 part of juice with 3 parts of water. My taste buds serve as an immediate proving ground that either affirms or rejects my job of mixing the juice. Faith and works are not that clear.
God calls me to labor and He calls me to faith. He commands prudent planning and He also considers my best plans worthless. He demands that I submit all things to Him in prayer and then He also expects me to work like an ant in getting it done. Jesus invites me to put aside my yoke and take His. He beckons that I take up His cross and follow Him daily. He will be the wall around me and the glory within me, but I have to carry His yoke and cross.
Pray:
I feel the force of frustration rising up from within me as I start to pray. Father, I am confused. There are lines that have become confused and I am unsure of what to do. My flesh is constantly attacked by our enemy and his best tactic is to create confusion. He has done a really good job of waging a battle against the line between faith and work.
I need to better communicate with You. In order to do that I must cut down on my busyness and carve out undivided time to spend with You. I fill up my days with tasks, meetings, and family duty. The moment I get a break, I run toward entertainment. You get the first hour of my day but that is the only solid time I spend with You. Everything else is crammed in the margin. I will buy a journal today and agree to spending regular time with You just as I would my wife and kids. I will put it on my calendar so that I do not forget but will also remain open to the times You decide to surprise me with a visit.
Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit; I long to be close to You. You are not philosophies to learn, rules to follow or myths to chase. You are a real tangible being and You desire for me to know You in real and tangible ways. I submit to that today. I desire to walk in constant awareness of You today.
“5 For I, says the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.” Zechariah 2:5
Examine:
As the Israelites continued with rebuilding the temple, the city, and its walls God did not want them to put their faith in the things they were building for Him. He wanted them to know that it was He who protected them and gave them glory. He did not tell them to stop building the walls or abandon the temple; He just directed them to not put their confidence in them.
Apply:
There is a bottle of concentrated mango juice in my fridge. The bottle says it tastes best when you mix 1 part of juice with 3 parts of water. My taste buds serve as an immediate proving ground that either affirms or rejects my job of mixing the juice. Faith and works are not that clear.
God calls me to labor and He calls me to faith. He commands prudent planning and He also considers my best plans worthless. He demands that I submit all things to Him in prayer and then He also expects me to work like an ant in getting it done. Jesus invites me to put aside my yoke and take His. He beckons that I take up His cross and follow Him daily. He will be the wall around me and the glory within me, but I have to carry His yoke and cross.
Pray:
I feel the force of frustration rising up from within me as I start to pray. Father, I am confused. There are lines that have become confused and I am unsure of what to do. My flesh is constantly attacked by our enemy and his best tactic is to create confusion. He has done a really good job of waging a battle against the line between faith and work.
I need to better communicate with You. In order to do that I must cut down on my busyness and carve out undivided time to spend with You. I fill up my days with tasks, meetings, and family duty. The moment I get a break, I run toward entertainment. You get the first hour of my day but that is the only solid time I spend with You. Everything else is crammed in the margin. I will buy a journal today and agree to spending regular time with You just as I would my wife and kids. I will put it on my calendar so that I do not forget but will also remain open to the times You decide to surprise me with a visit.
Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit; I long to be close to You. You are not philosophies to learn, rules to follow or myths to chase. You are a real tangible being and You desire for me to know You in real and tangible ways. I submit to that today. I desire to walk in constant awareness of You today.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
I Don't Trust
Read: Zechariah 1
“12 Then the Angel of the Lord said, O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy and lovingkindness for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which You have had indignation these seventy years? 13 And the Lord answered the angel who talked with me with gracious and comforting words.” Zechariah 1:12-13
Examine:
The intercession of the Angel of the LORD in this verse is unusual, for this divine Messenger is usually seen representing God to people rather than functioning in an intercessory role representing people to God.
Apply:
As I read this verse there are a couple of things that really jump out at me. I have a tendency to forget that God disciplines me. He is not mean and He is not a bully, but as a loving perfect Father He disciplines me when I am consistently wrong with my choices. When the pain of circumstances arise, I have to know that regardless of who or what is bringing them the will of my Father is to use it for my good. He is sovereign over my life and as long as I stay submitted to Him He will use the pain to strengthen me.
I am also reminded that I am called to act on behalf of the LORD, not defend myself. I hear those words echoing deep in my heart this morning. I must learn to trust God to take care of the things affecting me personally. He has given angels charge over me. He has given Jesus to advocate for me. I have to rest and trust in this truth. Whenever I take charge of defending myself I prolong the discipline in my life and lose the blessing that comes from God Himself restoring what has been lost.
Pray:
I really do not trust You. I could spend some time weighing my words more carefully and could repackage that in a statement that sounds way less blunt but the truth would become hidden. I do not trust You. I am afraid that if I do not take care of myself people will consume me and You will do nothing to stop them.
I also do not care about Your Kingdom as much as I care about mine. My anger burns far more often over people offending me than it does them resisting You. My heart is broken over my own pain far more often than it is broken over the pain You feel. You have asked that I pour out my life to see Your Kingdom come to earth. You have asked that I storm the strongholds of this earth to see them torn down for You. I cannot do that as long as I am focused on advancing my petty little kingdom on earth.
I pray today that my trust in You be firm and that my deepest rest and peace would be in knowing that You are my defender and provider. I also ask that my deepest longing and only passion be seeing Your kingdom come.
“12 Then the Angel of the Lord said, O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy and lovingkindness for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which You have had indignation these seventy years? 13 And the Lord answered the angel who talked with me with gracious and comforting words.” Zechariah 1:12-13
Examine:
The intercession of the Angel of the LORD in this verse is unusual, for this divine Messenger is usually seen representing God to people rather than functioning in an intercessory role representing people to God.
Apply:
As I read this verse there are a couple of things that really jump out at me. I have a tendency to forget that God disciplines me. He is not mean and He is not a bully, but as a loving perfect Father He disciplines me when I am consistently wrong with my choices. When the pain of circumstances arise, I have to know that regardless of who or what is bringing them the will of my Father is to use it for my good. He is sovereign over my life and as long as I stay submitted to Him He will use the pain to strengthen me.
I am also reminded that I am called to act on behalf of the LORD, not defend myself. I hear those words echoing deep in my heart this morning. I must learn to trust God to take care of the things affecting me personally. He has given angels charge over me. He has given Jesus to advocate for me. I have to rest and trust in this truth. Whenever I take charge of defending myself I prolong the discipline in my life and lose the blessing that comes from God Himself restoring what has been lost.
Pray:
I really do not trust You. I could spend some time weighing my words more carefully and could repackage that in a statement that sounds way less blunt but the truth would become hidden. I do not trust You. I am afraid that if I do not take care of myself people will consume me and You will do nothing to stop them.
I also do not care about Your Kingdom as much as I care about mine. My anger burns far more often over people offending me than it does them resisting You. My heart is broken over my own pain far more often than it is broken over the pain You feel. You have asked that I pour out my life to see Your Kingdom come to earth. You have asked that I storm the strongholds of this earth to see them torn down for You. I cannot do that as long as I am focused on advancing my petty little kingdom on earth.
I pray today that my trust in You be firm and that my deepest rest and peace would be in knowing that You are my defender and provider. I also ask that my deepest longing and only passion be seeing Your kingdom come.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What Do You Desire of Me?
Read: Zechariah 1
“9 Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel who talked with me said, I will show you what these are.” Zechariah 1:9
Examine:
God is a God of new beginnings and fresh works. There are times and places when every believer is faced with something they do not understand. Zechariah had the courage to walk with angels, but he also had the humility to ask about what he did not understand.
Apply:
All questions are good, but not all are holy. All questions addressed to God will receive a response but not all responses are good. God is holy and His character demands my respect. There are a couple of things on my heart about Zechariah’s question that I feel I need to learn. The Spirit, not his emotions, led him to this place. Emotional questions are always loaded questions. When I ask them, I am really not looking for information; I am making an accusation. Questions toward God that carry this tone anger Him. Questions that are led by the Spirit will always confront something in my character that needs changing by affirming something in God’s character I need to accept as truth. Zechariah was not asking for information or for novelty. He was on mission and he knew it. God was revealing something to him that would have to be carried to the world. Many times my questions start and end with my life. I want to know, but I do not want to share the knowledge I gain. I want peace, but I do not want to be used to bring the message of peace to others.
Pray:
Father, there is something deep stirring inside of me. I have felt it for some time now but I am afraid to ask You about it. Afraid is really not a good word. It is more like I dread this stirring because I know that it means my life will have to change and I will have to trade my dreams for Your dreams. It means I will have to take the control I falsely perceive to have over my life and give it to You. It means I will once again have to find another level of surrender to Your will for my life. I have tried to ignore this stirring and while I have not addressed it with You I have felt my worship of You begin to fade, my prayers to You start to fall flat, and my peace with You begin to slip.
I confess to You that I have been trying to run from Your movement in my heart and I clearly recognize that as being disobedient and sinful. I repent of my rebellion and say to You, my Lord, what are these things in my heart and what do You desire of me?
“9 Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel who talked with me said, I will show you what these are.” Zechariah 1:9
Examine:
God is a God of new beginnings and fresh works. There are times and places when every believer is faced with something they do not understand. Zechariah had the courage to walk with angels, but he also had the humility to ask about what he did not understand.
Apply:
All questions are good, but not all are holy. All questions addressed to God will receive a response but not all responses are good. God is holy and His character demands my respect. There are a couple of things on my heart about Zechariah’s question that I feel I need to learn. The Spirit, not his emotions, led him to this place. Emotional questions are always loaded questions. When I ask them, I am really not looking for information; I am making an accusation. Questions toward God that carry this tone anger Him. Questions that are led by the Spirit will always confront something in my character that needs changing by affirming something in God’s character I need to accept as truth. Zechariah was not asking for information or for novelty. He was on mission and he knew it. God was revealing something to him that would have to be carried to the world. Many times my questions start and end with my life. I want to know, but I do not want to share the knowledge I gain. I want peace, but I do not want to be used to bring the message of peace to others.
Pray:
Father, there is something deep stirring inside of me. I have felt it for some time now but I am afraid to ask You about it. Afraid is really not a good word. It is more like I dread this stirring because I know that it means my life will have to change and I will have to trade my dreams for Your dreams. It means I will have to take the control I falsely perceive to have over my life and give it to You. It means I will once again have to find another level of surrender to Your will for my life. I have tried to ignore this stirring and while I have not addressed it with You I have felt my worship of You begin to fade, my prayers to You start to fall flat, and my peace with You begin to slip.
I confess to You that I have been trying to run from Your movement in my heart and I clearly recognize that as being disobedient and sinful. I repent of my rebellion and say to You, my Lord, what are these things in my heart and what do You desire of me?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Really?
Read: Zachariah 1
“10 And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are those whom the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.” 11 So they answered the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees and said, “We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is peaceful and quiet.” Zachariah 1:11
Examine:
In these verses a scene is played out that is mind-boggling. Angels walking, horses patrolling, and reports are being given. Zachariah has found himself ushered into a world that is normally unseen.
Apply:
I read these verses and I hear a nagging voice in the back of my head saying, “Come on, really? What is this Lord of the Rings? I mean really, can this be real?”
Pray:
Father, You search all of my heart and You know all of my ways. There is nothing hidden from You now and there is nothing I ever can hide from You. So there is no need pretending this morning; I am fighting doubts. It is amazing how life shifts and changes. Two days ago I sat up and had an amazing 3:00 am encounter with You. Now I sit wondering if I am just crazy. I want to believe; You know that. I am willing to believe; my actions have proven that. It is just hard to get there sometimes.
I sense Your desire to move me into a deeper level of belief. That always sounds good, but I also know that there is pain involved. The first step in believing more deeply is overthrowing unbelief that lies in my heart, which means I have to face the questions I have about You that create the doubts. This also means that I have to further take my eyes off of what can be seen and look towards things that are unseen. It means I have to believe even though I can’t know with certainty.
The spiritual world is a mystery to me, but it is a very real element of the scripture. I am afraid of this journey Father. I am afraid of the level of belief You want me to have. There are so many alerts going off in my head right now but I have to follow You. I have nothing left and no place else to go, so take my hand and lead me. I pray that You open my eyes to fully see all that You desire to reveal to me.
“10 And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are those whom the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.” 11 So they answered the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees and said, “We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is peaceful and quiet.” Zachariah 1:11
Examine:
In these verses a scene is played out that is mind-boggling. Angels walking, horses patrolling, and reports are being given. Zachariah has found himself ushered into a world that is normally unseen.
Apply:
I read these verses and I hear a nagging voice in the back of my head saying, “Come on, really? What is this Lord of the Rings? I mean really, can this be real?”
Pray:
Father, You search all of my heart and You know all of my ways. There is nothing hidden from You now and there is nothing I ever can hide from You. So there is no need pretending this morning; I am fighting doubts. It is amazing how life shifts and changes. Two days ago I sat up and had an amazing 3:00 am encounter with You. Now I sit wondering if I am just crazy. I want to believe; You know that. I am willing to believe; my actions have proven that. It is just hard to get there sometimes.
I sense Your desire to move me into a deeper level of belief. That always sounds good, but I also know that there is pain involved. The first step in believing more deeply is overthrowing unbelief that lies in my heart, which means I have to face the questions I have about You that create the doubts. This also means that I have to further take my eyes off of what can be seen and look towards things that are unseen. It means I have to believe even though I can’t know with certainty.
The spiritual world is a mystery to me, but it is a very real element of the scripture. I am afraid of this journey Father. I am afraid of the level of belief You want me to have. There are so many alerts going off in my head right now but I have to follow You. I have nothing left and no place else to go, so take my hand and lead me. I pray that You open my eyes to fully see all that You desire to reveal to me.
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