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Friday, November 27, 2009

Deaf Devotion 11/27/2009

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians 5:20 NLT)

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. The stress of planning, preparation, who sits where, “why am I at the kid’s table,” “I don’t like squash,” “Oh my I ate way too much,” can all be put away for another year.

There are four types of people connected with Thanksgiving.

There are those who are constantly complaining and grumbling. Have we met anybody like this? It seems like they can brighten up a room just by leaving it.

Then there are others who live lives with a lack of appreciation. They don’t complain, but they never thank God for His obvious blessings. That’s a little better, but not much better.

Then there are people who thank God for obvious blessings. When something good happens, they’re grateful. That’s a better level. But we are not yet quite there.

The highest level is to be grateful for all things at all times. Good and bad. We thank God for His provision in the good times and we thank God for His grace and mercy in the tough times. That is the secret of a happy and productive life.

Thanksgiving needs to be expressed

God appreciates our thanksgiving. It lifts Him up and it glorifies Him. And thanksgiving endears him to us. It draws us closer.

How do we express thanksgiving?

When we spend time with Him (not just 1 hour a week)
When we forgive others
When we serve in His church
When we share His Plan of salvation
When we reach out to hurting people
When we give God our best
When we praise Him enthusiastically from the heart

Thanksgiving needs to be abundant

- The blessings of life – Did anyone ever thank God for a sink full of dirty dishes? Who does? But we should. A sink full of dirty dishes usually means that we have been blessed by God with daily food & water. Do we realize that two thirds of the world goes to bed hungry every night? It seems so simple.
- The burdens of life - In our weakness God can make us strong. When we are struggling God is able to work in our lives. He helps us through times that we could have never faced on our own. We do not have to be thankful for our problems but rather - IN THEM. And being thankful in our daily experience of good and bad allows God to use “all things” for His greater good.
- The benefits of life - When we focus on what we lack, we fail to see ALL the blessings we DO have. We are constantly adding to our prayer list but more than anything we should be adding to our praise list. And as Christians there are other benefits of life. We can be sure that we are forgiven and free.

Thanksgiving is expected

- It shows growth. When we realize how blessed we are by others and by God and are able to express that - we are growing. We are growing in our relationship with God and with each other.
- It shows giving - When we realize how much God has done for us and how much he continues to do, we should be more than happy to give something back to him. This comes through our time and also our financial giving. Someone has said that for Thanksgiving to be real Thanks-giving, there must be "Thanks" and there must be "Giving."

When we give thanks for what we have, we think about how God is the great giver of the greatest gifts. Our anxiety is addressed by giving thanks. When we thank God for all He has done and given to us, we focus our attention on His grace and power. When we focus on God’s abundant grace and blessing, all we should see is Jesus Christ.

The word “thank” and the word “think” are from the same root word, and this is no accident. The two words have much in common. Thankfulness grows out of thoughtfulness. Our focus on giving thanks should cause each of us of think carefully about all God has done for us, is doing now for us, and will continue to do into eternity. It is a promise. Depend on it.

This week pray for people who do not know Jesus as Savior. Don't stop there...Get up and go...Do something about it. When we share Jesus our thanksgiving is expressed. Our thanksgiving is abundant. And our thanksgiving when someone accepts Jesus as Savior is expected. Pray for the homeless, the poor, those in hospitals, broken families, broken relationships. Don’t stop there. Get up and do something. In each of these as in many other situations God will show Himself powerful and mighty if we let Him. Then God is glorified. Our thanksgiving is expressed, it is abundant, and it is expected.


Jesus is the anchor for our soul in the storms of life and for the sunny days too. God’s plan is to add to our life to HIS glory, not make a fuss over us. We are God’s special and best creation. God wants us focused on Jesus Christ. God wants us set apart for HIS purpose and plan. God is not so interested in making us happy and healthy as He is in making us holy.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

This week praise God for His never ending love, mercy, grace and goodness and then express it
This week thank God for friends and family and fellowship and then show it
This week thank God for the opportunity to share the Gospel and then share it
This week thank God for His provision and then pass on the blessing
This week praise God for our home in heaven and then tell others about it
This week pray for the Deaf Cafe stage and support teams and their families by name and then go
This week pray for all active military and their families
This week pray for retired military and their families
This week pray for the families of deceased military and their sacrifice
But don't stop there
Always have an attitude of Joy
Always have an attitude of communicating with God
Always have an attitude of thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Thanksgiving Project

A little Thanksgiving devotion. No fancy words. No Greek. No deep truths today.

Fellowship – Partnership – association – relationship

"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." (1 John 3:23 KJV)

Through our lives we have contact with people who touch our lives. God knows exactly who they are as all those with whom we come into contact are all part of God’s plan for each of us.

Who has impacted your life? Who has influenced you? Start making a list of those names. Start with A and go to Z. Give thanks to God for each individual how God has brought each one into our lives. Take time to pray for each one and their family BY NAME.

When we begin to feel God has become distant and far away, pull out this list and read each name and give thanks AGAIN and AGAIN. God will be as near as the sound of each name.

This will not be a complete list at first. We may not have names for each letter of the alphabet. There will be names that we have forgotten over time. When God reveals those forgotten names, add them to the list.

God Bless you and your family.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Mid Week Deaf Devotion 11/24/2009

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. I’m telling you in advance, so don’t act surprised.

Since Ms. Stewart won’t be coming, I’ve made a few small changes: Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect. Once inside, our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I’ve gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea.

The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas. Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey.

We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I’m sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims and the turkey hotline. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 a.m. upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds. As accompaniment to the children’s recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don’t own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying.

We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We’ve also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table. In a separate room. Next door. Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private" meaning: Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to bean your sister in the head with warm tasty bread. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of you diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce. If a young diner questions you regarding the origins or type of Cheese Sauce, plead ignorance. Cheese Sauce stains. Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice between 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice; take it or leave it.

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. She probably won’t come next year either. I am thankful.

SOURCE: By Barbara A. Tyler (as Printed in Today’s Woman, November 2000).

Friday, November 20, 2009

Deaf Devotion 11/20/2009

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT)

The prophet Habakkuk took a look at the world around him and saw the destruction. He was shocked. All he could do was ask the same question you and I ask today: “WHY?” But Habakkuk speaks in defense of God’s goodness and power in the presence of destruction. Habakkuk shows his faith because he praises God’s person, God’s power, and God’s purpose. But further, Habakkuk offers praise as the result of his faith.

Habakkuk makes it clear that it is acceptable for us to question what God is doing in our lives. He even encourages it. What he does not encourage is doubt. When we are thrown into suffering for a period of time, or our enemies are prospering while we are just barely getting by, we wonder about the fairness of God and life. Habakkuk affirms that God is God and we are made to climb over the mountains of difficulty. We just need to be still and know He is at work. He is who He says He is and does keep His promises.

We all have questions, a lot of question. Tough questions. QUESTIONS that we still have EVEN when we go before God in worship and prayer. WHY?

• Why – did something happen?
• Why - did God allow something to happen?
• Why – didn’t He stop something from happening?
• Why – are some homes spared and others destroyed?
• Why – do some live and others die?
• Where – was God in all this?

Sometimes all we can do is to simply say, “I don’t know.” “I don’t know why.” There is nothing wrong with that. If sometimes in life, we want to ask God “why,” understand we are not alone. God’s people have been asking the creator why ever since time began. The prophet Habakkuk who lived over 2600 years ago asked God, “Why?”

I have a teacher who taught me, “We already know the answer. It is the question that we do not understand.”

• WHY do terrible things happen? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that God is good, that God is just, that God is fair.

• WHY does God allow terrible things to happen? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that God is STILL on His throne, that He is still the Sovereign Lord who is our strength and who makes it possible for us to stand on the heights.

• WHY doesn’t God stop bad things from happening? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts.

• WHY do some live and others die? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that he who believes in Him will LIVE even though he dies. (John 11:25)

• WHY does some cancer go away and other cancer kill? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

• WHY do some marriages run smooth and others seem to struggle and even fall completely apart…? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that if we consider it (The good and the bad) pure joy God will use it to make us mature and complete not lacking in anything. (James 1:2-4)

• WHY do some people seem to always have more than enough money and others can barely make ends meet? I don’t know… BUT – I do know that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all these things will be given to us as well. (Matthew 6:33)

• WHY are some people forced to live under so much pressure and stress? I don’t know… BUT - I do know that God can give you a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7)

• WHY do some kids get to grow up in homes where they are loved and valued and others have to grow up in homes where they feel worthless and discarded? I don’t know… BUT – I do know that though your father and mother may abandon you the LORD will hold you close (Psalm 27:10)

• WHY does this life at times seem to be full of nothing but struggle, hardship and suffering? I don’t know… BUT – I do know that our present suffering are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:19).

• WHY does it seem like so many things right now are stacked against us? I don’t know… BUT – I do know that in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39)

YES – We have questions today that are harder than ever before to answer.
AND – there are many “I don’t knows.”
BUT – there are a few things upon which we can depend with no doubt…

AND – those are the things we must choose to hold on to… ‘Tis so sweet;
• to trust in Jesus
• to put my hope in Him
• to rest upon His promises
• to know that if His eye is on the sparrow then that eye is most definitely watching over me
• to know that Christ can and will deliver me
• to know that he will walk with me in the wilderness
• to know that he is the matchless king and the fount of every blessing.

God will prepare his people to be successful even in the middle of great challenges. He enables us to go to the higher places with Him where we are set apart from the world. Sometimes the way we have to go to get us there is through suffering and sorrow, but if we rest in Him and trust Him we come out where He wants us.

When Jesus told the disciples He was going to send the Holy Spirit to them, it was in order for them to scale the mountain before them with a new form of power they had not experienced. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

If we find ourselves in a place of doubting God and His plan for our life, know that this is a normal aspect of our journey with God. However, know that God has made available His Holy Spirit in order for us to accomplish the tasks that lie ahead.

The next time we wonder “why,” The point is not “why.” The point is to trust and obey God. The point is to exalt Jesus Christ. The point is to ask the Holy Spirit to enable us to achieve the highest and best possible result for which God has created us and for which Jesus Saves us by God’s love, mercy, and grace.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mid Week Deaf Devotion 11/17/2009

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

In Galatians 5 the Apostle Paul presents us with a big list of “fruits” or “results” of living in the flesh. There are 17 or 18 things in this list. All of them are focused on “self.” None of them are focused on anything outside of me me me.

In fact that is the opposite of what God wants us to do. God wants us to live in the Spirit. He wants us to live in His Spirit. He wants us to have the characteristics of His Son Jesus and for the Spirit of His Son to come alive and be shown through our lives. If all I think is me me me, God cannot show Himself as God through our lives.

Paul goes on to talk about the “fruits” or “result” of living in the Spirit. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

How do we do this? Paul gives us the answer in Philippians Chapter 4. “Fix your thoughts.” The Greek used here is the word “logizomai.” We get the English word “logic” or “logical” from this word. It means that something makes sense. It is right because it makes sense. It just does not make sense to allow ourselves to live in the flesh and have the things that Paul list control our lives and be the proof of our decision. If we use this thought, Paul could be saying that it makes sense to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, etc.

Why? Because Jesus is God. Jesus and God share the result of living in the Spirit. Jesus experienced life in the flesh, but thought with the mind of God. If Jesus were focused only on Himself, he would not have been able to go to the cross. But no, Jesus “fixed His thoughts” on what God wanted Him to do.

Everything that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable is found in Jesus Christ. Because it is true in Jesus Christ, it is true in God. Jesus and God are most excellent and worthy of praise.

So, if we let the Holy Spirit control what we do, the only result will be to have the same characteristics as Jesus Christ. The results of living in the Spirit are those things which are most pleasing to God because they are the result of faith in Jesus Christ.

We are commanded, not asked, to show the result of accepting Jesus as Savior. Jesus says, “Abide in me.” Walk in the Spirit.” “Bear fruit.” These are not suggestions.

We are to bear good fruit. This means we are to show the goodness of accepting Jesus as Savior. It just makes sense. It is logical. We can bear good fruit or we can bear bad fruit; good results or bad results, good sense or bad sense. The choice is ours. The results are what we show other people.

It goes one step further. We are commanded to “bear fruit.” We are commanded to “bear good fruit.” But then we are commanded to “bear MUCH fruit.” Our character and what we do need to overflow with the abundant love, joy, peace, and best attitude of Jesus Christ.

Why? It just makes sense for us to do it. We are created in the image of God. We are conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. It just makes sense.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Deaf Devotion 11/14/2009

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 NLT

James is very specific here. He is talking to us directly. James’ goal is to encourage YOU.

Have you ever had a time in your life when you needed answers for a problem you were facing, but it seemed that you just couldn't come up with the right solution? Even though you tried hard to figure things out, did it seem like the right answer to your problem kept eluding you?

If you've ever faced a time when you needed:
Wisdom about how to pay your bills;
Wisdom about how to deal with debt;
Wisdom about how to reverse a decline you were experiencing in your business;
Wisdom about how to resolve challenges with your children;
Wisdom about how to fix things between you and your spouse;
Wisdom about how to get along with your boss or fellow employees;
Wisdom about how to make key decisions that affect your future
- Then the word “need” or "lack" in James 1:5 perfectly describes you!

The word “need” or "lack" is the Greek word “leipo”, a Greek word that pictures not having enough of something. In our modern-day language, we might call this a shortfall, a shortage, a scarcity, or a deficiency. Some people today speak of a "shortfall" of finances. When one experiences such a financial shortfall, it greatly messes up their ability to do business as necessary. Or when a city experiences an electrical blackout, they experience a "shortage" of electrical power. This kind of shortage paralyzes the whole city and has a powerfully negative effect on people's lives.

These kinds of scarcities and deficits could be described by the Greek word “leipo,” which is translated "lack" in the King James Version of James 1:5. But the "lack" James is referring to is not sugar, flour, eggs, milk, butter, meat, or gasoline. James says, "If any of you lack wisdom.…"

When James says, "If any of you lack wisdom," the word "wisdom" is the Greek word “sophos.” This word “sophos” could describe explanation, perception, or even experience.

The word "ask" is the Greek word “aiteo.” The word “aiteo” means one is asking for and continues asking for assistance to meet specific physical needs, such as food and shelter. This person may insist or even demand that certain needs be met. But the asking is done with great honor and respect being given to the one being asked. The word “aiteo” also expresses the idea that the one asking has a full expectation to receive what has been asked for.

When James tells us to "ask" God for the wisdom we need, the Greek tense used is a command. This plainly means God isn't suggesting that we come to Him for wisdom; He is commanding us to do so!

When these words are used together in one phrase, it could be translated:
"If anyone lacks an explanation as to “why” or “how”, let him request it with confidence.…"
"If anyone has a shortage of wisdom, he should claim it.…"
"If anyone is confused and doesn't know what to do, he should be bold to ask.…"

God wants us to come to Him for wisdom first instead of trying to figure things out on our own. Instead of relying on our education and the books on our shelf to give us the answers we are looking for, go to God first and firmly ask Him for wisdom. Approach Him with respect and honor, but also be bold. As children of God, we have a right to request wisdom from God when we need it! And the expectation is that He will share his huge supply of wisdom to meet whatever need we may have.

You see, our biggest problem is not the one that is staring us right in the face. Our biggest problem is our lack of wisdom and our need for God’s wisdom about how to deal with that situation.

Why? Whatever we feel we need or even lack is already taken care of. This week I heard three Pastors preach on the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” They tried to translate it as medical, demonic, and even as spiritual. The point is not the “thorn in the flesh” or what we “lack” or “need.” God said it to Paul as He says it to us, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (Paul continues…) So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)

God is in the middle of our crisis.
God is in the middle of our finances, our marriages, our homes, our businesses.
God knows and He tells us to call on HIS wisdom to take care of anything we lack for the sole purpose that HE is glorified in what HE has done, is doing, and will continue to do for us.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Mid Week Deaf Devotion 11/10/2009

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.” Matthew 12:31-32 NLT

These are two of the most disturbing and misunderstood verses in the Bible.

Charles Stanley puts it this way: “Jesus was saying, “You can say what you want about me, but don’t speak such [lies] about the Spirit of God. When you blaspheme against God in that way, you are saying that God has no desire to forgive and deliver people. As long as you believe that and teach it to others you won’t be able to experience His forgiveness and deliverance. If you don’t want to believe that God wants to forgive people and restore wholeness you will never open to the sacrifice that I will make on the Cross of Calvary.” (Relying on the Holy Spirit p.71)

The context here is the spiritual conviction of the Pharisees who have the Savior standing in front of them offering them eternal life. They cannot see far enough beyond their arrogance and pride to accept the truth that they already know. Jesus Christ is Lord!

The blasphemy Jesus is talking about here is destructive action and language against God’s Holy Spirit, against God’s Holy Spirit’s ability to convict and bring one to salvation, and against the Holy Spirit’s authority to show everyone God’s ability to love. It is slander. It is insulting, smearing, and destroying God’s name. It is using God’s name in vain to curse someone or something. It is dragging God’s name through the dirt.

Jesus basically said, you can destroy me, destroy my body, and reject me. God will forgive you for that. But to take God’s holy, righteous, perfect name and decide that God cannot save you will not be forgiven. We can be forgiven and gain eternal life by the decision we make while we are still breathing to repent an accept Jesus as Savior. Once we stop breathing, God cannot save us.

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is failure. It is failure to put aside pride and let God work through the Holy Spirit. It is failure to yield to the finished work of the Cross. There is an important teaching in the New Testament that is sometimes forgotten which we need to remember: Not all who claim to be Christians, really are. But God knows.

Those who turn away from Christ and never return will experience God's wrath, but there is no reason to believe that these people were ever really Christians. A person can grasp a lot of Christian truth, can taste a lot of the Christian life, can talk and act like a Christian for awhile and still not be a genuine believer in Jesus. Someone can even make a public profession of faith in Christ and still not be a Christian. Only God knows for sure.

The Billy Graham Association estimates that 10% of the people who respond to the invitation Dr. Graham gives at each meeting really become a Christian at that time. There is no way of knowing for sure. It is an estimate. Many are already believers who go forward because they desire some spiritual encouragement. Some go forward for a variety of different reasons, but really don't put their faith in Jesus Christ. It is only an estimate. Only God knows for sure.

The only thing to know for sure is that when one repents and accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, they have the promise of eternal life. We do not need to focus on whether or not we have sinned against the Holy Spirit. Focus on the free grace and mercy of God as shown in the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Then go and make sure others know the same. Do not focus on whether or not we have sinned. If we accept Jesus as Savior, the victory was already won once and for all at the cross. Tell somebody.

This brings us to an obvious conclusion. If we know someone who is not certain that their sins have been forgiven, they need to turn to Jesus Christ today. As He enables us, we need to stop depending on ourselves, stop thinking we are good enough the way we are, and put our trust in Jesus Christ. I can assure you based on God’s Word that every sin, past, present, and future will be forgiven because of Jesus Christ's death on the cross in our place and because of God's amazing grace. All who turn to Jesus Christ will find free and full forgiveness for all their sins.

That is opening the door for the Holy Spirit to move in and work and breathe and act.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Deaf Devotion 11/6/2009

“Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3 NLT)

We live in a time when or attitudes and how we feel are reduced to letters of the alphabet.

A.S.A.P. – “As Soon As Possible”

F.R.O.G. – “Fully Rely On God”

W.W.J.D. – “What Would Jesus Do?”

All of that fits into this little package: “WWJD? FROG! ASAP!”

What happens at the beginning of our day? Do we have a “to do” list of things we must get done before we go to bed that night? Where is God on our “to do” list? Why is God even on our “to do” list? God should be first, last, and everything in between.

I came across this today from “Marketplace Meditations” It makes a lot of sense. “T.G.I.F.”

Okay – Today is Friday and I thought immediately, “Thank Goodness Its Friday!” But again, it makes Friday look as though it is the goal of our life. Um…..no.

Nope.

T.G.I.F. – “TODAY GOD IS FIRST”

How do we start our mornings? Do we jump start our day with a cup of coffee and the paper? Or do we bless the day ahead with the Word of God and the light of His presence?

Our Christian life is a love relationship.
We cannot love someone that we do not know.
We cannot know someone if we do not have time with them.
To know Jesus is to love Him.
To love Him is to trust Him.
To trust Him is to obey Him.
To obey Him is to be blessed.
It begins with a daily, quality communication with God.

Why is it best to spend time with God in the morning? It is because we are getting ready to go on a road trip through the day.

Think about it. We don’t take the trip and then read the map, do we?

Then we bring Jesus with us on the trip. Why? It is because He promised never to leave us alone.

We need to let the One who knows the way, lead the way.

When we claim every day for Jesus we say “Good morning Lord.” We do not need to say, “Good Lord, its morning.”

When we claim every day for Jesus our words no longer fall on deaf ears. They rise on eagles wings.

When we claim every day for Jesus we no longer wander aimlessly. We follow faithfully.

When we claim every day for Jesus we no longer look for more time to do all the things we need to do. Now we redeem the time for eternity.

When we claim every day for Jesus we are no longer rejected like orphans. We are accepted as children.

When we claim every day for Jesus we no longer live in fear. We are able to stare fear down by the power of the cross.

When we claim every day for Jesus we are no longer filled with doubt. We are called and then commissioned.

When we claim every day for Jesus we are no longer satisfied with survival. We hunger for revival.

When we claim every day for Jesus it’s no longer us and them, but it is Jesus coming again.

It’s no longer who I am, but HIS I am.

It’s no longer where we’ve been, but where we are going.

It’s not about who we know, but Who we follow.

It’s not about “Out of my way”, but it’s about, “Can I help you find THE WAY?”

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NLT)

T.G.I.F. – TODAY GOD IS FIRST

Say it. Live it. Love Him. Serve Him.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Christmas Wish

This is passing around work today.

I was told it is on facebook, you tube or something. Some people have read about this. Someone heard it on Christian Radio

I cannot say I have seen it first hand, but it will not hurt if we choose to participate.

There is a 5 year old by named Noah Biorkman. He is in the end stages of neuroblastoma cancerand is expected to live 1 - 2 weeks. He is only 5 years old.

Noah loves Christmas cards. His family is planning to celebrate Christmas this weekend and is asking as many people as possible to send as many Christmas cards as possible to Noah.

His Address is:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon MI 48178

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Mid Week Deaf Devotion 11/3/2009

Note from John B: These mid week devotions I think I am going to call our “mid-week-pick-me-ups.” These are things God puts on my heart through the Holy Spirit. In the past, these are things that I have held until the regular weekly devotion. But now I am going to follow the Holy Spirit and share these little nuggets of wisdom, not from me, but from God’s heart to ours.

“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT

On the surface this is a solid promise as well as a plan of action.

Thank God He has identified us as HIS children. Thank God He promises we will be saved on the day of redemption. Thank God we have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

But God wants us to get rid of the garbage in our life.

Think about it. We collect potato peelings, old newspapers, dirty rags, dust, dirt, hairballs and lots of other icky stuff. We put it in bags and put the bags in a trash can or dumpster. We take the garbage out of our house or apartment. Then mysteriously (and sometimes loudly) someone comes in the middle of the night and takes away what we do not want.

I do not know about you, but when my garbage is gone, it stays gone. I do not plan on it coming back. It does not mysteriously show up again. Although, there are some skunks in the neighborhood that think it is funny to decorate MY lawn with MY garbage.

This is what Paul is sharing with the church at Ephesus here. Get rid of the garbage. Instead, when your house is free of garbage, life becomes better, more positive, and more God-focused.

Let’s look at what Paul warns us that we are supposed to get rid of:

“Bitterness” – The Greek word here is “πικρία.” (pikria) It means sour fruit from a sour tree. It is where we get our word “pickle.” If one’s heart is sour, then one will show bitter fruit. Working for God will be a chore instead of service. Worshipping God will be an interruption instead of an honor. If the root is sour, the fruit will be sour. Get rid of it! Garbage!

“Rage” – This is also known as wrath – The Greek word here is “θυμός”. (thymos) This is an anger which builds up and calms down. It builds up again and calms down again. It builds and builds until it explodes. How often do we hear the words “road rage” used in society? Rage can be explosive. Once something explodes can you put it back together? Not always. Get rid of rage! Garbage!

“Anger” – “ὀργή” (orgē) – Have you heard of the movie “Shrek?” See how close this is to the word “ogre?” Shrek was grumpy, set in his ways, crabby, controlling, and sometimes downright nasty. Some people do not want to be around us either because we are in a bad mood. We are grumpy, and sometimes downright nasty to be around. What is the example we follow? Shrek? I hope not. Get rid of the spirit of anger! Garbage!

“Harsh words and slander” – This is also known as “clamor.” – “κραυγή” (kraugē) It is the spirit the majority of us posses that when things do not go our way, we complain. We “murmur.” The Israelites were clamoring in the desert when things were not going exactly as they planned. Some thought it better to take their chances back in slavery in Egypt than to stay focused on what God had planned for them. They looked for someone to blame. They found Moses. When we do not get what we want we become spoiled children who did not get what they want. We become complainers. When we become complainers, we become blamers. “Well if I cannot have this, then nobody else will. I will destroy the name of the other person to get what I want. The Israelites wanted to destroy the name of Moses. Moses was God’s chosen prophet to lead them to the Promised Land. The people “clamored” that everything was ALL Moses’ fault. But no, it was their fault for not having faith God would keep His promise. How much does the world want to destroy God’s name today? How must does what we do NOT bring glory to God? Think about it. Get rid of slander and harsh words! Garbage!

When we get rid of the garbage, remodel with new stuff. Better, improved, updated, more polished, and shiny stuff.

“Be kind to each other” – “χρηστός” (chrēstos) – This is a word that means useful. Help each other out. When someone sins, come along side and bring them back to the fellowship. When someone is tempted, let God use you to be a place for escape from the temptation. It is to become Christ-likein all we say, do, think, act and feel. The Holy Spirit is also known as the “advocate.” This means to come along side another for the purpose of helping them carry the load. Share the burden.

“Tenderhearted” – “εὔσπλαγχνος” (eusplagchnos) This means to act with compassion. Have a heart for the lost. Have a heart for those who are hurting and struggling. Jesus was tenderhearted toward the people of Jerusalem because they were rejecting Him as Savior. So much so He wept for Jerusalem. But did Jesus have a pity party for Himself? NO! He died on the cross so you can I can have eternal life. Being tenderhearted is to get up and do something. Have compassion, yes, but do as God leads you do take care of someone else’s pain. Share the burden.

“Forgiving” – “χαρίζομαι” (charizomai). To Forgive. Wow. Favor someone with a clean slate. This is a biggie. Is it easy? Nobody said it is easy. Freely give grace, favor, and be generous with all people around us. Not those who we like, but also those who we dislike. (See reference to Shrek above) Share the burden.

But, Pastor John, Why should we do this. Paul sums is all up in a nice little package. I can picture the people of Ephesus saying, “Why should I if so-and-so will not?” You know what? I can picture any one of us in any of our churches any place on the planet saying the exact same thing today.

Paul concludes this with “…, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” God loved us first. God gave His best – He gave His Son, Jesus. Because of this we should “go and do likewise.” We are children of God. He knows what He is doing. Let’s clean our house and get rid of the garbage so we can invite the King of Kings and Lord of Lords into our life. God cannot and will not live in a dirty house.

Garbage! Get rid of it!