Posted by Charlie on Dec 15, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: James 1-5
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:16
Observation
James boldly declares the power of prayer, and uses the example of Elijah praying for drought and rain to illustrate his point.
Application
It is easy to forget that God, in his wisdom, has purposed to establish his kingdom rule in this realm in partnership with the prayers of his people. The heavens are not brass, and God is willing to move on my behalf if I will ask him to do so. Ask!
Prayer
Father, you know the requests and intercessions I have brought before you today. I thank you that you hear, and that you are pleased to work on my behalf today. Please be glorified in my life as you establish your kingdom in partnership with my prayers. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: faith, prayer
Posted by Charlie on Oct 31, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Job 22; Mark 7, 8
Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Mark 8:14-21
Observation
Jesus has now fed the multitude twice, with the disciples being the agents of passing out the manna. Yet when they forget to bring bread in the boat they default back to a scarcity mentality. Jesus, understandably, is incredulous.
Application
It’s easy to look at the disciples and shake my head, but do I not do the same thing? It is so easy to shrink God down to my little tiny box, and not understand who he really is in my life, just as the disciples did with Jesus.
Prayer
Father, today please expand my understanding of who you are, and grant that I might grow in my faith for your life, provision, and the expansion of your kingdom in and through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: faith
Posted by Charlie on Oct 30, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Job 21; Mark 5, 6
And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
Mark 6:43-44
Observation
How big is a basket? Today we have everything from giant firewood baskets to tiny decorative mini-baskets, and everything in between, but how big was a basket in the account of the feeding of the five thousand? The word used in the passage refers to either wicker food baskets (think grocery store baskets), or the large baskets Roman soldiers used to carry their supplies, which means that in any case the baskets were larger than a loaf of bread. It doesn’t take a degree in math to figure out that if you start with five loaves and two small fish and end up with twelve baskets of leftovers that there was more left when the feeding of the five thousand finished than there was when it began.
Chapters 5 and 6 are awe-inspiring to say the least. Chapter 5 demonstrates Jesus’ power and authority over demons, disease, and even death, and then chapter 6 goes on to demonstrate his mastery over creation itself.
Application
Perhaps the most telling sentence in the entirety of these two chapters is that in his home town he was not able to do any mighty work because of their unbelief. Jesus is not limited by anything in my life except by the quality and level of my faith. The disciples were slow to catch on, and that was okay because they were willing to trust Jesus with everything. I don’t have to perfectly understand everything, but I need to be willing to see Jesus for who he is in reality.* He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever, which means that he can take my five loaves and two fish, feed a multitude, and still leave me with more than when I started.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I look to you today as Creator, Deliverer, Healer, and Lord over death and hell. Please help me stay near you in all I think and do, and grant that your kingdom would expand because you are with me. Amen!
*Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Tags: faith
Posted by Charlie on Aug 18, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Jeremiah 26, 35, 36; John 20
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:24-26
Observation
After the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas had a hard time coming to grips with the reality that Jesus was alive. Even though all the other disciples had seen the resurrected Christ face to face, Thomas declared that unless he saw with his own eyes, and had the opportunity to place his fingers in the nail holes and spear-pierced side of Jesus, he would never believe.
Application
Sometimes that’s the way God allows us to work out our faith. I’m under a lot of pressure right now because of a looming deadline and a few other commitments that are weighing heavily on me. It seems like turning those things over to God should be a pretty straightforward thing to do, but God is letting me simmer a bit under the weight. I guess part of faith is trusting that God will come through even though I’m still embroiled in some struggle.
What I find interesting about this incident is that Jesus waits eight days before giving Thomas the chance to resolve his doubts. I can only imagine how miserable Thomas must have been, simmering in his unbelief, sorrow, and confusion, while all of his companions buzzed with excitement and wonder. It’s significant that Thomas hung in there until Jesus showed up, even though he was struggling. Jesus came through for Thomas, and he will come through for Charlie too.
Prayer
Father, I cast all my burdens at your feet this morning. Please carry them and me today as I place my trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: doubt, faith, struggle, waiting
Posted by Charlie on Jul 14, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Isaiah 19,20,21; Hebrews 11
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Hebrews 11:32–34
Observation
Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, repeats the theme, “By faith…” seventeen times over forty verses. It paints a picture of how those who have gone before me accomplished even impossible things because they understood where to place their trust.
Application
It is easy for me to look back at the things these people accomplished from my perspective today. For the people in the faith hall of fame, however, they could only see the future through the eyes of faith and trust in the promises of God.
Likewise, God has promised specific things to me, and has given me vision for what he is doing that has not yet come to pass. Like these saints of old in Hebrews 11, I must press into the reality of those things. Faith, says the author of Hebrews, is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. That means the future God intends for me is already real, and will manifest itself as I place my abiding trust in him.
Prayer
Father, today I believe you are able to do what you promise in your Word. Thank you that you have a hope and a future for me. I trust you with this day, and I’m excited to see what you will do in it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: faith, future, promises
Posted by Charlie on Jul 9, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Micah 1,2,3,4; Hebrews 6
Writhe and groan, O daughter of Zion,
like a woman in labor,
for now you shall go out from the city
and dwell in the open country;
you shall go to Babylon.
There you shall be rescued;
there the LORD will redeem you
from the hand of your enemies.
Micah 4:10
For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.
Hebrews 6:13–14
Observation
Do those verses above appear unrelated? This morning I didn’t think so. Micah is strong not only in the sense of forthtelling, but also in foretelling. Micah is rich with predictive prophecy about the coming Messiah, as well as the above prediction of captivity in Babylon, a hundred years before it takes place, and before Babylon had even risen to prominence as an empire.
In Hebrews God sees the end from the beginning in his promises to Abraham, and Abraham laid hold of God’s promises by faith.
Application
The understanding that God holds all of history in his capable grasp, from the beginning to the end, is key to walking in faith. If I have a promise from God it isn’t a matter of hoping he might find some way to pull it off if I’m really lucky. Hebrews 11 declares that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Just because it’s hidden from my sight doesn’t mean it isn’t real. From God’s perspective it is already accomplished, even if it hasn’t come to pass in my experience.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your promises. Thank you that my hope is real. Today I trust you to lead my life, my family, my church, in your ways. Please grant us the vision and faith to see where you are at work and to join you in what you are doing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: faith, future, hope
Posted by Charlie on Jul 6, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Hosea 6, 7, 8, 9; Hebrews 3
For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6
Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, “They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.”
Hebrews 3:10
Observation
Both Hosea and Hebrews provide an important clue to pleasing God. He wants me to know him and understand his ways. Not knowing God and not understanding his ways are the repeat theme of the major and minor prophets, where God calls his people to change their adulterous ways, seek him, and come to really know him. Hebrews 3 ends with a very clear declaration about Israel missing God’s rest: They could not enter in because of unbelief.
Application
It’s jumping ahead a little, but Hebrews 11:6 says, “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The world is an odd place, filled with wonder and possibility, but also scarred by sin and filled with evil. Faith in the goodness and omnipotence of God provide a steady rudder through the vicissitudes of daily living.
But more than that, God really wants me to really know him and understand his ways. How do I do that? By putting faith into action based on his Word. I’ve got to know his Word to know him. That’s why these devotions are so important.
Prayer
Father, I want to know you and your ways. Please enlighten my heart as I read your Word. Don’t let them be words I read and forget, but please do a deep work in my heart as I commune with you day by day. Like the old song from Godspell says, “To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.” In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: faith, Knowing God
Posted by Charlie on Jun 27, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: 2 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come….
2 Timothy 3:1
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14–15
Observation
It is no surprise the world is in an ever-increasing mess. God told us from ages past this would be the case. Even though our technology continues to advance at a staggering rate, the instability of the world will also increase in spite of it. Mankind is trapped in the inescapable paradox of a brilliant intellect that is hopelessly marred by sin.
In contrast to the perilous vicissitudes of the world system and those who live under its sway, Paul calls Timothy to continue in the things he has learned and been assured of. It is a comfort and encouragement to know that in an unstable world there are some things that are solid and trustworthy.
Application
In 2 Timothy 1:12 Paul confidently asserted, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” Only by having a firm anchor in the Scriptures, and abiding in the God who made all things will I have the ability to hold steady in a world that is reeling with uncertainty.
Prayer
Father God, thank you that you warned me about the peril of these days through your Scriptures ages ago. Please draw near to me today, grant that your Word would abide in me, and that I might be able to hold steady in a time when all around me tremble. You are trustworthy, and worthy of my praise and adoration. I trust you today, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: abide, faith, perilous times
Posted by Charlie on Jun 24, 2009 in
Devotions 2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11
Observation
Paul warns Timothy against disputes over questionable doctrines and the distraction of seeking to be rich. Then he reminds Timothy how to acquire genuine riches: Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. I want to take a moment to unpack each of these words.
Righteousness in Greek is dikaiosune, which means “the state of him who is such as he ought to be.” In Paul’s theology this means being acceptable to God through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, but on a broader scale it includes the concept of wholeness—being rightly related to God, to others, and to myself.
Godliness in Greek is eusebeia, which means a deep reverence and respect toward God.
Faith, pistis, means, well, faith—complete trust or confidence in God. It’s interesting to note, though, that pistis also means faithfulness, which reflects a depth of character in those who possess it.
Love, agape, is a purely biblical word. It is a love that says, “It’s not about me….” God demonstrated it in the way he bought my redemption at his expense.
Steadfastness, hupomone, is, according to Thayer, “the characteristic of a man who is unswerved [sic] from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” ‘Nuff said.
Gentleness in Greek is praupatheia, and is the equivalent of prautes, which I wrote about on June 8. Though I’ve given the definition before, it affords repetition because it is such a crucial characteristic of a mature disciple. “A disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious, and that has the passions under control. The word is best translated “meekness, ” not as an indication of weakness, but of power and strength under control. The person who possesses this quality pardons injuries, corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well.”
Even though all these words are all nouns, I think it is helpful to consider them in a more verb-centric way. Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness are not things—they are really action words that only have teeth when they are put into motion and practiced.
Application
Wow! In one short verse Paul has provided a thorough summary of what a mature disciple should look like. Now it’s time to go look in the mirror and ask God where I am in my process of growing in these areas. In verse 20 Paul exhorted Timothy to guard the deposit entrusted to him. I am under the same charge.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you have already modeled all these qualities perfectly, and trained up your disciples to be like you. Please build these characteristics into my life in increasing measure, and grant me the grace to be a model and mentor for others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: character, faith, gentleness, godliness, love, righteousness, steadfastness
Posted by Charlie on Jun 17, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: 1 Kings 20,21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
Observation
What a great reminder from Paul today that Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and my life is dead to the things of the world and hidden with Christ in God. I must keep that truth in the forefront of my thinking as I process the daily issues of life, making sure I set my mind on things that have eternal weight.
Application
Living life on this planet can be a challenge. The forces of time, culture, the world economy, demonic emissaries, and the third law of thermodynamics, to name a few, all conspire to make me take my eyes off the lordship of Jesus. The past few days have been particularly challenging with a combination of multiple situations going sideways, and huge unexpected expenses cropping up at the same time.
In the midst of it all I have to stay rooted in the eternal. A combination of standing in the delegated authority of Jesus, making sure I seek his kingdom first, and keeping my eyes on him put everything on a different playing field. And when it’s all over I’m going to be with him. Not bad.
Prayer
Father, I know that when the wind and the waves rise up it often means that I’m worth the enemy’s notice. Please be our shield, our provider, our rear guard, and our mighty warrior. Grant us wisdom in how to pray accurately against the opposition of the enemy, and to press into the future you have for us as your children. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: faith, overcoming, trials
