Date: 05-21-2020

Title: My Utter Sinfulness

(S) cripture:
    Romans 3:9-18 (NASB) What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” 13 “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,” “THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”; 14 “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”; 15 “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, 16 DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, 17 AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.” 18 “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”

(O) bservation:
    Paul is reminding his readers that no one is righteous in themselves. He builds that case against both Jews and Gentiles. In this passage he reminds us of our utter sinfulness. It is certainly a description of the world in which we live. As I read the verses over again I see a description of the moral condition of our country. “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

(A) pplication:
    Worse though than seeing our nation is when you see yourself. I am reminded of Isaiah when he describes himself as a “man of unclean lips.” Is my speech pleasing to God and profitable for the people I speak with. Am I really selfish to the point of ignoring the needs of others or only looking out for myself. This passage reminds me that I an utterly sinful in my nature and that apart from Jesus and the righteousness He brings to my life I am hopeless. Left to myself my life will reflect these verses in Romans 3. Thanks be to God that He has not left me to myself but has sent His Son to die for my sins and through faith in that death He gives me forgiveness and a new nature that is filled with His Holy Spirit that can accomplish through me all He has for me to do. Today I will again renew my commitment to following Jesus and to being filled with the Holy Spirit.

(P) rayer:
    Father, I thank you for forgiving my sins through Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank you for allowing me through faith to avoid the life described by Paul that is separated from you. Let me live for you today and use me to make a difference in people’s lives. Amen

Date: 05-20-2020

Title: Hypocrisy

(S) cripture:
    Romans 2:23 (NASB) You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God?

(O) bservation:
    Sometimes we are so self-righteous that we think we are better than other people just because we are Christians. We wrongly think that because we are forgiven, we can act any way we want. We claim to know God and his will but live and act as if we don’t know God at all. We talk about love and yet ignore people in need around us. We brag about our relationship with God but then live as if we are our own boss. We then wonder why non-Christians are confused or want nothing to do with Jesus. It might just be because of our hypocrisy.

(A) pplication:
    Lord today we need a good dose of repentance. Today I want my life to be consistent with your word. I want my life and words to match up. I want to live an hypocrisy free life. Today Lord, I will look to and follow you.

(P) rayer:
    Father, fill me with your Spirit and let me follow and obey you today. Reveal yourself to me and I will obey. Let my life be consistent with your word and committed to you. I do not want to be a hypocrite. Let me experience your presence today. Amen

Date: 05-19-2020

Title: Living By Faith

(S) cripture:
    Romans 1:17 (NASB) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

(O) bservation:
    Paul declares that the Gospel of Jesus Christ reveals a righteousness that comes from God. This righteousness comes from living by faith in Jesus. The NIV indicates that this living by faith is from first to last in everything. When I live by faith my life impacts others for the sake of Christ.

(A) pplication:
    As I read this passage today I thought of a number of people and the lessons they taught us by the way they faced a terminal illness. Bob Burdette, a pastor friend, told us that “if you want to know how to really live, get a terminal illness.” Tom Auvenshine, a friend in Michigan, was diagnosed with cancer in January and had five subsequent surgeries and chemo treatments before his death in May of 2009. Tom was a man of faith and he lived it each day and through all that he taught us all how to live by showing us how to die. I also thought of my Dad’s death. His cancer was diagnosed on February 1 and he died two months later on April 1, 1984. Dad was 58. These men lived out their faith day by day and many lives were impacted for Christ. There are many others both man and women that have impacted my life by their faithful living and witness. Today I thank God for sending men like Bob, Tom and my Dad into my life to enrich and deepen my faith. Today I want to live by faith so that I can impact others for the sake of the Gospel.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I thank you for the example Bob, Tom and my Dad set and for allowing me to be impacted by them. Let me teach others how to better live for you. Let us walk by faith. Amen

Date: 05-18-2020

Title: Doing Good

(S) cripture:
    2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB) But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

(O) bservation:
    The NIV translates this as “doing what is right“. I find that doing the right and good thing can be tiresome at times especially when the people around you are not and seem to go unpunished and face no consequences. There are times when I want to do what I please regardless of whether it is good and right or not. How selfish is that? Doing good and right is difficult. Sometimes it is hard and stressful and yet my integrity and faith demand that I do the good and right thing.

    We all know people who have two standards of morality. One for them and their friends and another, much more strict and stringent, for everyone else. The issue is integrity.
    
(A) pplication:
    Today I will focus on doing what is good and right in God’s eyes regardless of the consequence. I will focus on the Lord and what he desires. Lord, give me courage to follow through so that I might have a heart of integrity before you.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, today I need your help. I want to do what is good and right and pleasing to you, Give me courage and strength to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and to live for you today. Amen

Date: 05-17-2020

Title: A Timely Reminder

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 78:5-7 (NASB) For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments,

(O) bservation:
    The psalmist is recounting God’s work in Israel and their rebellion. Over and over the Israelites would sin and turn away from God and He would punish and they would repent and He would forgive. Over and over the psalmist recounts this cycle. In these verses though the psalmist recounts God instruction to teach His statutes to your children so that they will put their trust in the Lord.

(A) pplication:
    As I think about my family we spent a good deal of time teaching our daughters faith lessons. Now as adults they are walking with the Lord and active in their churches. Sarah and Ryan are now teaching these same stories and lessons to their four daughters. Bethany and Justin are teaching them to their now three sons (Nolan was born a week ago). Becky and I are seeing that the lessons we taught were learned and are now being taught to the next generation. Our deepest desire is for our grandchildren to grow up loving Jesus and living for him. The scripture today is a good reminder of our task as parents and grandparents. This is a task I look forward to but it is one that can be easily set aside for other things. I am thankful for the reminder.

(P) rayer:
    Lord thank you for allowing me to know you and to share that with my children and to see them sharing you with others especially their families. Help us to always remain faithful examples for those who follow us. Amen

Date: 05-16-2020

Title: Integrity

(S) cripture:
    1 Chronicles 29:17 (NASB) “Since I know, O my God, that You try the heart and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to You.

(O) bservation:
    David has just listed, for us, his generosity in giving to the building of the temple. He gave from his own wealth above what he gave as king. This was an example to the other leaders who then gave from their wealth. This giving was an encouragement to all the people. When reflecting on this David reminds us that God examines the heart not just the actions of a person. In all this David had integrity and was blessed.

(A) pplication:
    The Lord desires integrity. Today I want to be generous because of a generous heart and not just to be seen. I want to be an example for the folks I encounter of following Jesus out os integrity and not selfish ambition or greed. Today I will be generous with what you have entrusted to me.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me aware of my selfishness and let me be generous today. I want to have a heart of integrity in all I do today in order to honor You. Amen

Date: 05-15-2020

Title: Build the Temple – Do the Work

(S) cripture:
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NASB77) Then David said to his son Solomon, ” Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

(O) bservation:
    David has just named Solomon king at the same time his brother, Adonijah, was trying to take the throne (1 Kings 1). David tells Solomon that his first task is to build the temple that he was not allowed to build. David gives specific instructions that he received from the Lord. He then encourages Solomon to “do the work” and he assures Solomon of God’s presence, protection and power. Solomon did what he was told to do and the temple was built.

(A) pplication:
    There is much to be done as we line into a new normal as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. There are decisions to be made concerning the re-opening of the church for worship and other ministries. I pray that we as a staff will develop a plan that is honoring to you and points people to you. Help us to find the balance between gathering together and putting into place protocols that help prevent the spread of this virus. I ask for strength and courage as we move forward. I pray that we as a staff and congregation experience you presence, protection and power as we seek to continue to build your kingdom.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, give us courage to do the work you have called us to do and let us not be afraid as we move forward in the face of the pandemic. I am strengthened by the fact that nothing is a surprise to you. Let us move forward in your power with your plan. Amen

Date: 05-14-2020

Title: Do This More And More

(S) cripture:
1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NASB77) 1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more. 10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more,

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV) 1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

(O) bservation:
    Paul repeats the phrase, “do this more and more” (ESV) or “to excel still more” (NASB77), twice in chapter four. First in verse one when speaking of their faithful living and again in verse 10 when recalling their love for all the Christians in Macedonia.
    Living faithful lives – “do it more and more”. Love the brothers, “do it more and more”. We never arrive as Christians in our walk with the Lord. We are to continue being faithful and loving. The “more and more” speaks to both time and volume. More and more of ourselves and our time.

(A) pplication:
    Today I am encouraged to live more and more faithfully and to love my brothers and sisters more and more deeply. Today I commit myself to this. I will look for ways to live and love more and more faithfully.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, show me ways to live out this kind of life. Make me aware of when I fail to live or love faithfully the way Paul described. I pray that others can see your love in me today. Amen

Date: 05-13-2020

Title: Really Living

(S) cripture:
    1 Thessalonians 3:8 (NASB77) for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

(O) bservation:
    There is nothing more encouraging or satisfying in ministry than to know that those you led are standing firm in the Lord. To know that they are growing in their discipleship brings great joy to your heart. That is what Paul is conveying in this passage.

(A) pplication:
    My mind races back over the years and the many students who are in ministry and giving leadership in many churches across our nation. Some are pastors and others are lay leaders and faithfully serving the Lord through their local church. What joy that brings as I reflect and remember. Today I must continue to build in the lives of others so that they too might be standing firm in the Lord. I want to in the years to come to again and again take time to “really Live” because of their faith. I want to rejoice in finding them standing firm in the Lord.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for allowing me to be part of your work in people’s lives. I rejoice that many are standing firm and serving you. Today is a great day to celebrate their faith. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of their lives. Amen.

Date: 05-12-2020

Title: God’s Mercy and Grace

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 30:1-12 (NASB77) I will extol Thee, O LORD, for Thou hast lifted me up, And hast not let my enemies rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried to Thee for help, and Thou didst heal me. 3 O LORD, Thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol; Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4 Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, And give thanks to His holy name. 5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. 6 Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, “I will never be moved.” 7 O LORD, by Thy favor Thou hast made my mountain to stand strong; Thou didst hide Thy face, I was dismayed. 8 To Thee, O LORD, I called, And to the Lord I made supplication: 9 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise Thee? Will it declare Thy faithfulness? 10 ” Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be Thou my helper.” 11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; 12 That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever.

(O) bservation:
    David is aware of his sinfulness and in this psalm, he cries out for God’s mercy. In David’s response to God we find a path to follow.

(A) pplication:
    The truth of this psalm is known by every follower of Jesus. There are times when we are close to God and walking by faith and other times when we are sinful and rebellious. There are times when our pride gets in our way and the Lord needs to discipline us. We experience His mercy though because his anger is momentary, but his favor is forever. His mercy turns my mourning into dancing and the dark of my soul becomes joy. Today I confess my sin and ask that God turn his face toward me again so that I might again experience his mercy and forgiveness. I am so thankful that God does not give up on me. Today I want to dance and sing for joy in the Lord.

(P) rayer:
    Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my help. (v.10) Let me live fully for you today. Amen