October 31

Jesus was "moved with compassion" because people were lost and aimless with nobody to take care of them. That was a statement of His heart for the people and against the religious leaders of the day. Jesus was a lover! His heart was moved by people's plight. Hmmm....

He sent the disciples out, surely for a training exercise right? Well...half right. He wanted more people to know about the good news so he had to multiply his ministry. If we really believe that we have something that people need, we will multiply our ministry too! I just can't touch enough people! It is frustrating to me to be honest. The ONLY way to touch more people with the message of the Kingdom and the power of the Kingdom is to multiply myself. God, help me make good disciples who will go to the white fields.

October 30

The demoniac "came to meet" Jesus. The man didn't know Jesus was coming, but the demons in him did. I was wondering who was coming to meet Jesus, the man or the demons? Either way, someone had an appointment with Jesus, and the man who Jesus and His Father cared deeply about had an appointment with freedom. It does seem that the demoniac was the only one who received ministry - just one guy.

The Lord was talking to me about appointments. Some troubled people are sent to me by God himself, so I can minister the freedom they need and that Christ has bought for them. When I arrive in a territory or place, maybe I should be looking for my appointment. Maybe I should keep my eye out for that person who needs what I have and then give it to them. Maybe so...

October 29

I have never seen the word ‘understand’ in the parable of the sower. What a discovery! He who understands it! That brings things into clarity to me with people who “know” the Word but don’t get it. There is something about the condition of a man’s heart that enables understanding. If I think about it like it the heart is ground, it means it is well watered and cultivated. Honestly, I feel more watered and cultivated than ever and I do believe that God is giving me more understanding than ever. For me, OSL and this blog have made me stretch beyond ‘normal’ and I am more prepared for understanding (knowledge and insight with application) than ever. Lord, I don’t want to stop here – I haven’t arrived! Please give me more understanding and insight into your wisdom and the mystery of the gospel.

In the “Lamp on a Stand” parable, Jesus reveals a truth that is exciting to me and even has something to do with the above revelation. “Whatever is concealed is meant to be brought into the open”. That is exciting! God wants me to understand and uncover the concealed things! That is His will! So Jesus says, “consider carefully” and goes on to give us a Kingdom principle of whoever has, more will be given to him. God wants me to have even more IF I will consider carefully and gain understanding. Powerful!

October 28

A Proverb jumped into my mind today during the reading, “Labor not to be rich, but have wisdom to show restraint.” Jesus is talking to 2 different groups. The first group is the people or barely gets by and the second group is the people who have plenty. To the first group He is saying, don’t worry or even think about it, serve God (do what God says) and you will be taken care of. Then I see this other group of the “haves” and Jesus is saying to them, so what that you have! Give it away and serve God. Both groups can get obsessed and the peril of riches is to concentrate on them instead of concentrating on God. I have to work hard at my job, “unto the Lord”, and bring Him glory because I aspire to be a great boss or employee, but it ends there. God’s basic philosophy is found in verse 29 and 34 of Luke 12. Don’t involve your heart in riches. Involve your mind (wisdom to provide for your family), involve your faith (knowing God’s promises and believing He will bless), but don’t let your heart get involved. Don’t treasure riches or just making it through, put it down on your priority list under advancing the Kingdom of God and knowing God’s heart for you. Oh Papa, help me to do just that! Thank you for the revelation, now help me to live it!

October 27

John was in a tough spot (prison) and he was doubting – been there. What was Jesus response? To tell the crowd what a great man John was, the greatest ever born! That is what God does to me when I doubt – that is His character! He looks at my life and my heart as a whole. I am not judged by one action or even a couple. If I am about my Father’s business, I will do the same. I will call people what they truly are, (or are becoming) which means I have to see the furniture, the baseball bats, the houses in the forest.

Jesus graciously received from the woman who cried on him and pour perfume on him. He just let her give and pour herself out. I am not good at that! It is hard to be in that position. I feel much more comfortable on the giving side. I can think of a few carnal reasons for that. (Like I am the giver fulfilling a need). This lady wasn’t fulfilling a need though – just blessing Jesus! Jesus help me become a good receiver.

Here is a question for those who are reading along with me. How can light be darkness? Luke 11:35

October 26

When Jesus changes your life, you will do what He says to do! The invalid did just that even though he knew that he was doing something against the society and the religious order of the day, (which didn’t help him a bit). When I think about Jesus having a party with the tax collectors and this man carrying his mat, I know that I must do what Jesus says, even when it breaks the “normal” thinking of religious people. That just can’t be my concern. I have got to be willing to break down the religious norms for Jesus and take whatever grief people give me. People dissect the Word and come up with all kinds of philosophies of life, church, etc…, but the Word leads me to Him who has life and I must live the life (that would never contrast with the Word) that He tells me to.

Jesus and His Kingdom sometimes, many times, sets things on their heads. He has a way of looking at things that is different. The sermon on the mount is different from the status quo of thinking, such as happy (blessed) is the poor in spirit, or turn the other cheek, or the fact that there are people who are great and who are least in the Kingdom of Heaven, or that murder and adultery take place in your heart and that hypocrites (2 faced people – actors) are the ones that want every religious thing they have done to be announced or noticed. I could go on but you get the point. I must not make the Kingdom of God like this world or what this world thinks. It is so different! Don’t let me logically approach things with this world’s logic, speak to me Lord and show me your logic and your Kingdom principles – especially the ones that make no sense to this world. (Like give your way out of poverty).

October 25

Miracle after miracle has been read about in the last 2 days. After many of the miracles the Word says something like, ‘and they believed in him”. Reading about all the miracles in the last 2 days and seeing what they produced, faith, makes me want to see more and more miracles so more people would have more and more faith! People brought the sick and demonized and mentally ill people to Jesus and He healed them all! He read the scroll in Nazareth which said that is why He came! How do I get so off track on this? It isn’t as if I never pray for miracles, I do, but it sure seems like Jesus’ life was a walking miracle waiting to happen and mine isn’t – yet! I am after it, thirsty for it, ready for God’s glory to be shown. I must keep reading, building my faith, praying and stretching my faith until it becomes common place. I want my (our) church built on God’s glory, not some slick program, on His power and not great applicable sermons. I really think we are on our way, but I want more Lord!

October 23

Jesus said that we have to live on every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. I coupled this with John's response to the Pharisees who had been sent to question him, which was something like Jesus did many times. They asked a pointed question and he answered them with a point fairly unrelated to the answer they were looking for. God is teaching me to not answer man (or the devil) according to their questions but according to His Word that He gives me. It is not just the written Word that we answer with (although it is mucho important to know the written Word and answer the tempter and anyone else with it - even your own questions) but with what God is speaking to our spirits. That means I have to slow down my response until I hear from Him. That is a formidable task no doubt, but it is a must!

Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit in order that the devil would tempt him. God doesn't tempt any man according to scripture, but He definitely sends us there. Crazy huh? Not really - it is our training ground and proving grounds. Temptations change as you mature, but they are still there and God's Word is powerful and active and able to get us through the desert. I have got to learn more, memorize more and be prepared for the temptation seasons ahead. Why not prepare now?

October 22

It is not a stretch to say that John wasn't out to win friends. He did want to influence people though. He wanted people to repent and I think that was preparation for Messiah. My heart, when it is steeped in sin, isn't ready for a Savior.

John wasn't afraid of man. He wasn't trying to grow a church or anything else. He was doing what he was told, call out mankind on their sin! Although that is part of my calling as well, through our methods are different - some of the time, my primary task is to shepherd, but it is also prophet. That is the way I process - black and white. God is speaking to me saying be bold! Don't be afraid of the result of your words when I tell you to speak them. Don't be afraid of the standards that you raise when I tell you to raise them. Be afraid to not... John's job was to point people to Jesus as their Messiah - to ready them to receive the Kingdom of God as it would come - spiritually. I don't have to model his method or verbiage, I have to model is heart and his obedience to his call. Unashamed and unafraid.

October 21

Angels can speak to us in dreams huh – so does that mean demons (fallen angels) can too? I believe so. Then there are the dreams after you ate too much pizza and have, just a working out of your mind in our unconscious state. All of this is intriguing, but is there something to it?

Joseph had a dream visitation in yesterday’s reading and two in today’s reading. Interesting as it is to think about, with all the ramifications, (changing the direction of his life by keeping Mary and marrying her, protection of their family by moving, returning to the land, etc…) the fact that God speaks in dreams is a concrete truth. The question I asked myself is do I look for them? Do I dream and wake and ask God if that was from Him and seek an interpretation? It would seem to me that if He communicates this way, then I should. I am not talking about dreamology and studying all of the things in your dreams, that is New Age non-sense, but if “old men shall dream dreams”, maybe I should be more attentive and even ask the Lord to speak to me in dreams.

October 20

That was a packed day of good stuff! There is something here, Zechariah’s response, which I have mused over for quite some time. Mary’s response was different of course and this has ruminated in my mind for a long time. God showed me today that the shepherds responded with great faith as well and immediately went to go look for Jesus. So the priest was the doubter huh?

Zechariah was told that he was going to have normal relations with Elizabeth his wife, and even though they were old, she was going to conceive a baby. He didn’t believe it and challenged Gabriel. Mary was told that something was going to happen which was 100% miraculous (Joseph too) and they believed. God is calling me to believe in both situations, especially when I have NOTHING to do with the provision. I like being a part of it – being involved – o.k., o.k., earning it… kinda’. Maybe it is… ahh, who cares why, the important thing is that I trust God completely, and say with Mary, whatever you want to bring about Lord, go for it!

October 19

Genealogies are generally boring reading, but Jesus’ genealogy has so many interesting features. I noticed in Luke’s genealogy that Jesus was a descendent of Levi. There also are two prophets, Amos and Nahum in the lineage. So priest and prophet and then of course from the line of David, King!

Amazing to me is the mention of women. I personally get so encouraged when I see great men and women struggle with flaws or just blow it. I don’t delight in their blowing it, but it gives me hope to be great (er) because I know that I blow it. It is the factor of humanity that I often overlook in great men and women of God that I magnify in myself. It is as if God says to me, “see, they are human and flawed too, I can use you like I use them.” Here in this story of Jesus in Matt. are four woman; Tamar (a prostitute), Rahab (a prostitute), Ruth (a Gentile – Moabite – not in covenant), and Bathsheba (who David committed adultery with). There is some humanity! Yet God in His infinite grace used these women, and NAMED them as being His vessels, to bring about great things! God loves curve balls and I think that these four women represent God’s love for me! He took a no name guy from an unbelieving family and is raising up and godly heritage for generations to come! Thanks for using me Papa!

October 18

“Light shines in the darkness”. In fact, it shines best in the darkness. You can hardly see a flashlight when it is day time, but at night – that’s another story. You know what God said to me, He said I need to find some darkness and shine my light – I am the light!

The other thing that struck me is that we ALL have received grace and blessings from God. I really don’t care who the writer was targeting, (most of the time that really matters for interpretation) because we ALL have received grace and blessings. Obviously those who are IN Christ have received way more grace and countless more blessings – but everyone on this earth should be thankful – but me all the more because I KNOW where the grace (undeserved favor) and the blessings (material, spiritual, relational…) comes from! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!!!

October 15-16

Here the author of the Daily Bible, which we have been using to chronologically read through the Old Testament, gives his synopsis and then talks about the Apocrypha.

My synopsis is this – WOW – does God love us or what! We spent most of the last months learning about God’s judgment and Job’s troubles, but we ended with the rebuilding of the temple, the wall, the city of God and the re-institution of the law and the sacrifices. I am more convinced than ever that God just wants someone to be His friend and walk with Him. As well, I am convinced that we have to walk in the manner of life that HE has chosen. It really isn’t unlike our human relationships. Who wants to be in relationship with a person who keeps cheating on you and ignoring the fact that you are there for them, to help them, to fellowship with them and to deliver them. The covenant teaching we are hearing in Boot Camp is really bringing this home at a whole new level.

We now embark on the answer – the answer to the Jews question – after 400 years of silence for the most part – where is the deliverer? He is coming – His name is Jesus! I can’t wait to read the New Testament and get a deeper revelation into God! I hope you will read through with me!

October 14

“The sons of Ulam were brave warriors who could handle the bow.” Just a few verses later two of Ephraim’s sons were killed when they were defending their livestock (or possibly seizing the men of Gath’s livestock). The two contrasted to me. Out of the hundreds of names that were written, the sons of Ulam were singled out as being brave warriors. I want to be named as a brave warrior – able to hand the Word of God and believe in faith for provision, miracles and one who is brave enough to come to the Lord, listen to His voice, and DO it. That is how you get brave – by DOING. God, I am your warrior and I will be brave – I choose it now!

October 13

There are a couple of interesting mentions in this passage, not the least of which are other people groups in the lineage. Interesting huh? Then there was the mention of the wicked kid, Er, Judah’s firstborn, that was so wicked, God put him to death – heavy!

Then comes Jabez. I knew it was in this passage, but I was so sweetly reminded by the Lord to continue to pray as he did. Every time he was called by his name, he was reminded that he was a painful problem, yet he knew who to go to for help. He received it and so will I. God grant to me prosperity and enlarge my ministry. May your hand be with me and keep me from harm and free from pain.

October 12

Boy, that passage will preach! So many things, but what stood out to me was first things first and then first things second. We set things in order and leave, but when we come back we have to set things in order again! If we aren’t alert, intentional and vigilant, things go downhill. Nehemiah left and his enemy took residence in the temple where THE TITHES were kept! That is crazy in its application! Have I let someone in, an enemy that is ruining my finances? Lord tell me if I have! Whether or not I have, the fact remains that I can NOT go to sleep in any area of my life, or my family, or my church! That seems a little overwhelming for me, but that just means that I MUST have the strength of my God!

October 9

Many times I have heard reports of unhappy people in the ministry. Sometimes it is said, “they are ready to leave the church”. This is all the work of an intimation spirit who has been sent to persuade me to please the people. Even when the complaints or concerns are correct and something does need to be corrected, apologized for or changed, most of the time it comes with a spirit of intimidation. As I read this passage I was so encouraged to refuse to be intimidated and be focused on the work instead of talking to the people who are certainly against my work. I must be gracious with people who mean well or who are humbly approaching me and are a part of my ministry, but there are others who are not a part and to those a stiff arm must be given. This is not just talking about people to me, but an attitude, a spiritual presence and even in my own mind. There must be a steadfastness to completing the work that God has given me.

October 8

I love the book of Nehemiah! It is such a great book and will surely be a point of study at Wednesday night Life. I will try to stick to how to apply what I read to my life. There is repentance and building going on with opposition which I am sure will be a topic for future days. Here is what I got today.

Out of all of the men mentioned today there are two that stand out. The first, which I don’t want to be like, are the nobles that wouldn’t work under certain supervisors. They didn’t want to submit, so they didn’t work. The second was a man that ZEALOUSLY did the work of the Lord. Everyone else, besides the nobles, was working and getting the work done, but only one guy was working zealously. That’s what I want to do – work with zeal! God make me like Baruch!

October 7

When we marry with people (not just marriage – but enter into agreements – partnerships, etc…) who serve other Gods, they will certainly lead us astray from God.

Ezra led and people followed. In fact, Ezra led by weeping, repenting, throwing himself down before God and the people just began to gather. I was once challenged to take people with me to worship the Lord – where I am not leading or playing. The point was that people need to experience me in worship (as I experience the Lord and they do as well) to release them in worship by my example. There is a power in a leader just doing it and THEN calling people to it.

October 6

Ezra had God’s blessing and he got what he sought. It took him 6 months to travel to Jerusalem which seems like a lot to me, but it evidentially was fast! There is no doubt that God commands His blessings toward us and gives us success but not without any trouble.

Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Ezra did what we teach in OSL; come, hear and do. He was a man that was founded on the rock and it is obvious that God commanded His blessing towards him – and why should we expect anything else with a better covenant! God – I want it all – all your blessings – with all that means!

October 5

There were 2 things that were missing that allowed all of the shortcomings and evil that the Lord was rebuking Israel for. #1 was that they didn’t honor the Lord. They didn’t value Him and what He had to say or how He wanted things done. #2 was that they didn’t fear the Lord. Not only didn’t they value God, but they were not afraid of the consequences of what they were doing. They even went so far as to say that God wouldn’t do anything any way! Value and fear – God may I never lose them, may they never diminish, may they only grow and catalyze me to DO the Word.

October 2

“Prisoner of hope”. Wow – that really hit me today. Thinking about it… a prisoner is one who is captive, one who is held behind bars and is limited by his captor. He can’t come and go as he wants because of the prison that he is in. He doesn’t have the key to get out because only the jailer has the keys to the prison – it’s like he can’t get out.

Hope is not our thinking of “I hope it happens”, like you are wishing something. Hope is a surety that something will happen. So when these two words are put together with of, which denotes possession, it is a great picture of where I want to be. To be locked up in surety sounds wonderful to me. It seems like I am too often locked up in “wish” or “doom” and not enough hope. I have got to find that prison and check in! What do I have to do to be sentenced to that jailhouse? Whatever it is, I will find it and commit whatever act I need to in order to be incarcerated by hope.

October 1

Just coming back from captivity is enough to over joy anybody who has reckoned their captivity. BEFORE any prosperity was returned, the opportunity for prosperity and blessing was given and that fact gave the people joy. Humm… apply it!

I am claiming Psalm 128. It isn’t new to me, but it sure seems like it! I do fear the Lord and I am standing on the promise of blessing and prosperity – my heart is filling with faith this morning! My wife will be fruitful and my sons will be olive shoots – birthing other olive trees – around my table!