December 23

We have talked a lot about finances and planting seeds through giving, generosity, hard work and so on in the past month. We all want to reap a good harvest of good things – right? We want a material harvest so that we would be supplied for and beyond that, we want to be a supplying part of God’s arm to others who are in need. There is more to be harvested than that, and those things are more important! We want a harvest of eternal riches – of peace, righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit! As much as we would like to believe that all we have to do is believe, that isn’t right, we have to obey. That means we have to submit, even when we go through tough times.

Psalm 34:19 (NIV84) — 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

One of the tough things that we MUST do to get what we ultimately want and need for this life is to be put under discipline. Sometimes we spend our time running from His discipline, which is fruitless. Going through hard times are not to always be avoided. In training my body, I put it through difficulty! I am about to go to the gym right now and for 45 minutes to an hour, I will push it to its breaking point, lifting weight until I can no longer lift. I will reap a harvest physically for it and that is what I want.

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV84) — 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

You can go through discipline and not be trained by it and have it produce NOTHING! The word for trained (gumnadzo) means vigorous training and control, so if you don’t go through it controlled or put yourself under its control, you will not reap (literally, give back to you, like an exchange). So lean into the discipline, enduring it like a professional athlete or soldier and reap a great harvest!

December 21

Hebrews 11:11 (NIV84) — 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.

There is a lot written and said about faith so what I am pointing out is not some new revelation, but nonetheless, it is good stuff from the Spirit. Sarah and Abraham were ENABLED (dunimas – translated power and ability) by something or someone. We know that it was God who did it, that is a no brainer, but the phrasing here is something we should consider, “because he considered him faithful who had made the promise”. That is powerful!

Faith sometimes gets put in the abstract for us. It becomes that “thing” that we have to have or attain. This phrase really connects some dots for us. Faith is considering something or someone faithful who made a promise. So faith in God is trusting God to deliver on what He said. In this case, there was nothing that Abraham and Sarah could do but have relations with one another and believe that God would perform a miracle! But get this: God was enabled to fulfill His promise to Abraham and Sarah because of their faith! It isn’t as though God NEEDS our faith to operate – that is silly. However He does fulfill His promise to us WHEN we have faith. Although some may be uncomfortable with this, I am not because I understand that God HAS ALL the power and His power is not limited by me! However, if I don’t believe for salvation, do I attain it? No! Therefore, I can limit the operation of God’s power by my lack of “considering Him faithful to fulfill His promise” to me. Think about it.

December 20

Chapter 10 of Hebrews is one of my favorites! It is such LIFE for those who can understand it! It brings a new view of God towards us, how He sees us, and how we ought to see ourselves.

Hebrews 10:2–3 (NIV84) — 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins,

First we see that the sacrificial system was all about reminding people they were missing God’s mark. We also see here that the ultimate goal of God is for us (His people) to be cleansed once for all, and no longer have guilty feelings (or realities) for our sins! YEA! That is some good news isn’t it?

Hebrews 10:14 (NIV84) — 14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Whohoo! Here is more good news! We have been perfected forever! That is how God sees us, that is our standing before Him! Perfect! Obviously that doesn’t mean that we are perfect in our conduct, but it does mean that we have the opportunity to live a life of holiness and guiltlessness. We can stop calling ourselves failures, sinners, bums and the like and start calling ourselves, victors, saints and overcomers! Maybe if we call ourselves and think of ourselves in this light, we may even start acting like that!!!!

So… if God see us like that, shouldn’t we see one another like that? If He sees my kids like that (since they are saved by the blood), shouldn’t I see them like that instead of… How about that person at work or in church that you don’t “care” for too much for because of some behavior that have exhibited in the past or currently - do you see them how God sees them – or do you define them by what they do? Ouch! I am resolute to see people how God sees them and understand that like me, they just need training.

The bottom line is here, how dare we think of ourselves or anyone else with anything other than God’s thoughts. I encourage you to apply this scripture to everyone in the family of God.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV84) — 11 For I know the plans (THOUGHTS) I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

December 19

As I enjoyed the worship, the new songs, the skits, the dance and solo and of course the crescendo of balloons dropping, my soul was satisfied! The satisfaction came from knowing that we did well at pleasing God through the sacrifice of ourselves in worship. I must admit, the attendance was disappointing, and the fact that nobody responded (to me) for the salvation call bummed me out. I wanted our whole church there and so many were missing. People had invited many friends, but few came – HOWEVER – I was looking at the wrong thing! Really! If we only look at the results that we can SEE we are destined for failure and depression!

Someone came up to me after the service and said that they haven’t cried and surrendered like that for a long time. As they sang Surrender, they really had a moment with the Lord. I didn’t see that, but it happened. How about the camaraderie of all the players from sound and projection to set building (wow – were those sets great or what!) to actors to worship team to all the participants who pulled it off and did it well on Sunday? You can’t underestimate what putting a production like this together does to people. As well as people did this unto God! Nobody did this for fame, they did it for God! How awesome is that?! As a pastor, that is satisfying!

We had another incredible production full of high quality performances that (if I can be honest in comparison), you would see at a church 5-10 times our size. That fact is that Hope Chapel Orange Coast is so blessed with great people who have undeniable talent and they use it to perform for the King of Kings! I am proud to pastor such a great people! To everyone who had a hand in this wonderful Christmas production, thank you and I want you to know, heaven enjoyed it too!

December 16

The Word of God is amazing! I was reading Psalm 25 this morning and it is so full of hope, so full of love, so FULL! God’s desire is for us, for us to prosper, for us to know His love, for us to have a good life and not be put to shame! This life doesn’t come without trials and sufferings nor without difficult lessons, but they are all designed to bring us to God and to be more refined! (Psalm 66)

This Psalm talks about the one who lifts his soul up to the Lord. We learn that he is in trouble and has many enemies, but he recounts the Lord’s mercies, His promised intervention, His forgiveness, His protection, and cries out to God in confidence! He fears the Lord and then states that the fear of the Lord brings, instruction, direction, prosperity, release and that God will confide in the person who fears Him!

Lift your soul up to Him today, fix your eyes on the finisher of our faith, recall and proclaim His promises and His covenant with you! Tell Him what you need today and watch God come to your side and deliver, not like some butler, but like a Father who loves His kid!

December 15

We have a God of comfort right? That means that God comforts us right? How did that get translated into God wants us comfortable – all the time? Aren’t there a few scriptures about suffering and enduring?

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV84) — 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

Does that sound comfortable to anyone? If we are honest, nearly everything we have changed or God has changed in our lives has been, ahh… “uncomfortable”. So where do we get the idea that church should be comfortable? I mean I am all into nice comfy chairs, but as far as our practice, sometimes it is going to get uncomfortable. God is going to ask you for commitment beyond your comfort or He is going to tell you to minister to someone beyond your comfort, or worship wildly beyond your comfort or…, you get the point.

I ran across an uncomfortable verse:

Hebrews 5:7 (NIV84) — 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Praying with loud cries and tears huh, well that’s uncomfortable! Imagine getting that emotional and noisy – some are glad Jesus doesn’t go to their church. My theory is this, either you will intercede as the Spirit flows through you, which at times (many) will be loud and passionate, or you will have to be brought to the place where it is unavoidable – where you must cry out loud for help! Choose option #1

As far as comfort goes, we are people of God who are willing to be uncomfortable for the Kingdom. Whether it is ministering to somebody, taking on responsibility, being like David (I will be more undignified than this – talking about his worship of God), in worship or anything else, we are conquerors and will do what it takes to live in that victory.

December 14

It’s Christmas time! A time of joy and giving and peace on earth – well at least peace in my heart – right? The smell of pine in our concrete jungle and the expectancy of children who are giddy with delight for you to open their gifts to you. Ahh… Christmas! Then it happens, a masked man steals the joy and it all becomes a burden to bear. It’s supposed to be fun decorating, but it is another thing on the checklist that looks like Santa’s list for the continent of Asia! What happens on the way to Christmas? The same thing that happens all year long – we become a victim to our “to do” list and our joy gets ripped off.

By 51 you would think I would be out of process and into mastery, but no. Still in process! How about you? If you can admit that you have the same problem, then God can give you a solution – His joy. I was reading the other day and found this:

Hebrews 1:9 (NIV84) — 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

It seems that Nehemiah who wrote by the Spirit:

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV84) — 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Had something too – a key to the Kingdom way back then. There is something about joy that the enemy of your souls MUST steal! It is too powerful and able to give you strength and set you above others. It is a power that others cannot ignore. When you are in a room and have joy, especially God’s joy, you stand out, you are magnetic! So don’t let your joy be stolen this season or any other season. Tame whatever beast is trying to steal, or has stolen it. Joy is yours to have and exercise in all situations!

Psalm 28:7 (NIV84) — 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

December 10

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV84) — 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Most of us know the above scripture. It is a popular one because of its richness. It comes right after the Spirit warns us to watch out for imposters and deceivers. Paul continues to write about the greatness of the scriptures and how they have made us wise unto salvation. The Word of God cannot be underestimated. It is the power of God unto salvation! The Words of God have power – for us who believe. We know that God created everything with Words. He didn’t need to speak, He could have just thought and motioned with His hand, but He spoke and hopefully we understand this important concept of the Kingdom.

Rarely do I hear verse 17 quoted with verse 16 of 2 Timothy. It finishes the thought, and it is aligned with what God has given us as a theme for this year (and hopefully for our lives until we see Jesus), …”grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” It is the work, this “ergon” or “energeo” (we get the English word energy from this word), that God is wanting ALL to enter into.

2 Timothy 3:17 (NIV84) — 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

You can see that the scripture is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, and that all of this is for something – so we can do our work as equipped people. Although the Kingdom of God is NOT about doing this and doing that or keeping this rule, it is about expending energy in its function and for its (the Kingdoms) expansion. God has chosen us to partner with Him to do the stuff! This isn’t some list that we have to keep or accomplish, but neither do we get saved and learn the Word for knowledge sake. The Kingdom of God MUST move through us towards the world, it presupposes that action! It comes naturally to us! We will not be those who become deceived that it is all about us. Our rich partnership is here, and the Word of God is here to equip us thoroughly.

December 9

I was trying to find the verse “except for the grace of God, there go I”, but I couldn’t find it. I have come to the conclusion it is a godly saying, but not explicitly in the Word of God. However, I could prove the concept over and over again from the Word.

The reason I bring it up is recently the Lord “tuned me up” (as a good friend of mine says), because of a lack of mercy and compassion. I had become a bit callous towards people who either live on the street or are beggars. The Lord stiffly rebuked me and then He gave me a second chance to show mercy.

Proverbs 21:13 (NIV84) — 13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

Proverbs 19:17 (NIV84) — 17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

I am not poor, homeless or have ever begged for food, nor will I ever. Not because I am so awesome, but because of the promise of God that He will fulfill. That doesn’t equate to me having any disdain or impatience towards people who are or do. In fact, as you can see, one of the ways to be rewarded in life, is to have compassion on the poor. It is hard to do that when you are criticizing them.

Today I am giving thanks that I have all that I have and the fact that I am irreversibly connected to a supplier that will never run out of supply nor love. I want to be like Him.

December 8

2 Timothy 2:6 (NIV84) — 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

My son told me of a comedian that he heard talk about the “occupy” people. He said that this was the first generation of people who received participation trophies in sports. That is interesting isn’t it? I don’t know if it necessarily connects, but it resonates with me. I have been a longtime critic of participation trophies. Can you imagine if the Olympics handed out participation trophies, or maybe the NFL? Can you see it now, after whoever wins the Superbowl, all the NFL teams come a get a trophy at midfield?

Sometimes I think this same mentality has crept into the body of Christ. Some think that coming to church and praying irregularly (though they truly believe in Christ), that they should have the same “blessings” that others have. It’s like people who say they don’t hear God. How long do you invest REGULARLY praying and listening to Him? How frequently do you meditate on His Word? How much time do you spend in His presence? Some want patience without being put in the pressure cooker, or abundant love for people without having the hard to love people around. Some want to be rich by just naming what they want. Geeezz…

We are a people of destiny, a people who don’t mind using a lot of energy for the purposes of God. We do not expect something for nothing, but we do expect that when we invest our time, energy and resources in the Kingdom, that we will get a return, whatever that return is. We are people who aren’t afraid to endure trials and suffering to be conformed into the image of Christ. We do not want a participation trophy, we run the race to WIN! We are not survivors, we are victors!

December 6

Don’t you wish you could control God? What I mean is that you would be able to do or be or whatever, so God would do whatever. Most of you are saying no, you don’t want to control God, but I would challenge you to think about it for a minute. Sometimes, in our desire to be in the thick presence of God we want to know the how. In other words, we want it at the time when we want it and we want to know how to get it. That doesn’t seem like I want to control, but that is exactly what I am asking for. What button do I have to push to have the manifest presence of God come out? I am talking about worship and His presence, but you could apply this to many areas of our lives.

I think there is a fine line and we have to be careful not to cross it. The fine line is that place between acting in accordance with what we know to be true and trusting God will do His part, that He will keep His Word, and formulizing a life that will bring a result from God. The difference really is heart. In worship, He WILL be enthroned, however, we can’t control how it will “feel” or what that will look like. I don’t mean that feeling is the desired result, but sensing the presence of God is one of the ways we enjoy Him. In heaven we will feel (in our hearts and spirits), and sense (with all of our senses) His presence, (and who doesn’t want that as a part of their heavenly experience!) and I just want to experience Him here on earth as well – feel me? So what do I have to do or be or whatever?

First I have to determine NOT to try to control Him and just live for Him as He has created me to BE. Secondly, when I pray or worship Him, I do it for HIM and not ME. However, I know that I will have a benefit, but I will leave that benefit up to Him. If I feel it, great, if I cry or laugh or become a shouting fool, wonderful. If I just spend time with Him and don’t feel much of anything except satisfied, great. One thing I do believe, is what God Himself said:

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV84) — 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

December 3

Philippians 4:5 (NIV84) — 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

As I read that this morning I stopped and my heart went uggghhh. I say that because I am not so sure that my gentleness is so evident to anybody! So with that I searched to learn what gentleness was exactly. There is, within my mind, a definition that I don’t like, it just isn’t too appealing for a manly man like I think I am. (That cries too much). So I found out that the word properly means being gracious and forbearing, not insisting of every right. Further Kittle writes : “epieíkeia (gentleness) is thus a complement of heavenly majesty. The weak want to assert their dignity; Christ, having divine authority, shows saving clemency (a disposition of mercy). The community shares his glory and should thus display the same epieíkeia”. So rather than some mamby pamby gooeyness, gentleness is properly showing mercy and grace to people and not insisting for them to attain every ideal of behavior. If I am weak in gentleness, I assert my dignity over others, but if I walk in divine authority, it is easy to give others this gentleness. I can do that!

God, help me to disassociate myself, my thoughts, my dignity from the actions of others and to show them this gentleness that you have so often shown to me.

December 2

Do you know that cowards won’t inherit the Kingdom of Heaven? (Rev. 21:8) Why? Because you can’t be a coward and a Christian! First of all with Christ living in you and God conforming you into His image, you can’t stay cowardly because Jesus was brave and courageous! Secondly, you won’t survive as a Christian if you are a coward. You will deny the faith or at least not confess your relationship with Christ. You, like me, have probably kept silent when we should have spoken up – next time we will speak up!

Philippians 1:20 (NIV84) — 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

It takes sufficient courage or literally, all boldness to make a matter known publically, so that Christ will be exalted! We have to have the courage of a lion in order to publically make a stand for Christ because…

Philippians 1:28 (NIV84) — 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you….

People are going to oppose us. Heck, people oppose us who are “Christians”. Maybe you have been opposed by someone who is close to you and is supposed to be supporting you as a brother or sister in Christ. Remember this, our real opposition is the spirit of this world, the spirit of Lucifer and the principalities that do his bidding. So take courage and fight spiritually. Take courage so you will never be ashamed and Christ will be exalted.

December 1

Ephesians 6:16 (NIV84) — 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

It occurred to me when I was reading today that I only get stung or affected by the arrows when I am not standing in faith. The picture of course is one of arrows that are on fire from hell being shot at you. These arrows strike the shield and fall to the ground. In other words, they don’t penetrate you, but you know you were shot at. We all get arrows shot at us from all different directions, some more than others and some days are certainly worse than others, however if we are standing in faith, the arrows never reach our bodies (our soul). It is only when we don’t trust God for our everything that we are hit and wounded. When someone challenges your life with a stinging accusation and you stand in faith in His righteousness, then the arrow falls to the ground. When some kind of worry or anxiety tries to take over you, you stand in faith and trust God to take care of the concern. When you are rejected or shunned, you stand in faith with the surety of God’s unending love and its sufficiency. Of course there is a difference between the loving rebuke of our Father in Heaven and an arrow from hell. You may receive a reproof or some correction from God, but it will bring LIFE not a burning arrow that’s very purpose is to disable you. Stand if faith, trusting God for everything and just watch the arrows fizzle on the ground in front of you.