Wednesday, August 31, 2011

nuns.


and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:24

A nun doesn't wake up in the morning and say to themselves, “Hmm... I wonder what I should wear today.” They don't even give their clothing a second thought. What they put on is not only a habit, but it is part of who they are. The world recognizes their identity as a nun by what they wear.
Similarly, our identity should be in what we put on. It should be our habit to walk in the likeness of God, in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Our flesh is dead, our old self has been crucified, so that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. The world will recognize us as His disciples when we put on this new self.
Last night at chapel, there was a song we sang in worship that says,

“You are perfect, you are holy.
You are faithful, You are true.
I long to live in Your glory.
O Lord, make me more like You.”

Putting on the new self is just that: recognizing that God is perfect, holy, faithful, and true, and, therefore, seeking to be more like Him.
So, what does this look like for me right now, at Potter's Field Ranch? A verse that stood out to me in my devotions this morning was Proverbs 31:25. It says, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.” I need to have a right standing of who I am, which is both a treasured child of God and an unworthy servant of the Most High. As a result, I can be clothed in His strength (knowing that it is only perfected because I am completely weak) and dignity (knowing that I have been adopted and chosen as His child, treasured far above rubies).
In my old self, these truths are not recognized and the result is increasing pride. However, when I put on the new self with this right understanding of who I am in Christ, it results in an ever-growing servant's heart that is modeled after His. As I do this today, I will seek to imitate my Jesus and look for more ways to serve as He did. Whether this is taking greater joy in cleaning in the kitchen, going out of my way to help someone else with their responsibilities, or putting aside my own wants for another’s needs, I will ask the Lord to make me more like Him and ignite in me a deeper servant's heart. Overall, I want my identity to found in the new self that I put on: which is Christ Himself.

1 Peter 5:5
“...and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

center stage.


and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” Ephesians 4:23

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Our words, actions, and habits form our character and destiny, and it all truly does trace back to our thoughts. What we allow to play in the theater of our minds will dictate the state of our hearts and the outcome of our lives. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” If I want to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, then I still need to take up my cross and put to death my own interests, so that my mind may be set on God's. I want to completely reject the sinful ways of the world and be transformed to walk in His will. Therefore, I need to be renewed in the spirit of my mind.
More often than not, it isn't the obvious sinful thoughts that creep into my mind. It is usually like tares among wheat: thoughts that don't seem harmful, but are taking root and slowly choking out the good and righteous things that I should be dwelling on. I need to recognize these weeds before they take root and grow to affect my actions, habits, and character.
Currently, I am realizing what some of these tares are. I'll find myself thinking about what it would be like if I was still back home. I left San Diego just as a revival was about to burst out in and through Foothills. Bus Ministry and Such As I Have Ministries were fruitful, and I found deep joy in both of them. God was using me tremendously in my friendships, and in my family. I'll catch my thoughts wandering towards these things, wondering if it would have been better for me to stay home.
On the outside, these thoughts do not seem bad or evil. However, discontentment can be found in their roots. I need to trust in the Lord, knowing that He has me here at Potter's Field Ranch, and soon El Salvador, for a reason. I need to be content where I am, knowing that there is no better place that I can be than in His will. Just as God took Philip from a flourishing ministry in Samaria to travel on a desert road, He has taken me here to be His hands and feet. I will rejoice in this, knowing that there will always be chariots for me to overtake, so that I may proclaim Christ where I am (Acts 8:25-40).
Paul wrote to the Corinthians and said, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” (1 Corinthians 10:5). The easiest way to do this is to stop the thought. As soon as it begins to enter the stage of my mind, I need to cut the casting call and not even give it an audition. I can't entertain it for even one second, nor let it entertain me. Instead, it needs to be replaced with something good, righteous, and true. I have found that the best replacement is Scripture. Whenever I begin to think about something that is not of God, I can recite a verse in my mind and dwell on it. Obviously, to do this I need to memorize the Word of God. Therefore, I will apply greater discipline in memorizing Scripture, so that I may use the the Sword of the Spirit to slice open the tares and destroy the roots of deceitful thoughts. Then, I will become more and more renewed in the spirit of my mind.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

honey.


that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,” Ephesians 4:22

As I was reading this verse, a song by Relient K came on shuffle on my iTunes. The chorus says,

“I'm sorry for the person I became.
I'm sorry that it took so long for me to change.
I'm ready to be sure I never become that way again
'cause who I am hates who I've been.
Who I am hates who I've been.”

The middle line of it stands out to me in accordance with the verse. “...lay aside the old self...” When I accepted Jesus, I became a new creation; the old has passed away, and the new had come (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, I need to say “I'm ready to be sure I never become that way again.” Even though I consider my old self dead in Christ, I need to constantly be on guard that I am not deceived into sin. I need to fully hate and abhor my old self and its practices, and clothe myself in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” I need to continually hide the Word in my heart, so that I may stay away from sin and not return again to my old self. Therefore, I will take greater diligence in memorizing scripture and deeper discipline in studying it. His words are life to me.

Psalm 119:103-106
“How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep your righteous ordinances.”

August 29, 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011

apology.


contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality,” Romans 12:13

A few years ago, when God was deeply changing my heart and breaking it even more for what breaks His, I started to become very critical of the Church around me. I judged those with nice homes and cars, churches with extravagant buildings or comfortable chairs. I began to develop a very critical spirit.
Now, I realize how terribly wrong I was.
We need to live to the standard of which we have obtained. This is different for every person. For example, JC Penny lived on only 10% of what he earned, and gave away all of the rest. Now, the 10% he lived on was millions of dollars... but that was the standard to which he had obtained. We need to look at percentages, not dollars. Just because someone lives very well does not mean that they are selfish or not good stewards of what God has given them.
Similarly, the simple fact that someone has nice things or a church has a beautiful building doesn't mean that they aren't also serving the Lord with their finances. Yes, this is sometimes the case, but with most of the people in my life it is not. The very people and churches that I was critical of and judged on occasion are the ones that are supporting me tremendously, both in their finances and prayers.
If anyone is reading this blog and has sensed this critical spirit from me in the past, I owe you an apology. I am truly sorry, and I hope that you can forgive me.
Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am for the support I have received, not only in coming here to Potter's Field, but also throughout my entire life. I am a living testimony of this verse in action.
Now that I'm here, what does this verse look like in my life? While at the Ranch, I can't really provide for anyone financially or welcome them into my home. However, I still can “contribute to the needs of the saints.” I need to have eyes like Christ, to see those around me who are in need. I want to notice when someone around me is upset and needs encouragement. I want to help my roommates with their laundry or cleaning or just day to day responsibilities. I will continue to ask God to provide me with opportunity to fill a need, and the wisdom to know how to do it.
Also, I will continue to ask to the Lord to help me stay in humility and keep me from returning to a critical spirit. I already know that once I come back to the United States after six months in El Salvador, it will be a great struggle for me to not to become critical again. I need to rely fully on the Lord and remind myself that He alone searches and knows the heart, and I simply need to put my trust in Him. For “...man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

servanthood.


“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”
Romans 12:10

Yesterday in class, we were discussing the humanity of Christ. How He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but humbled Himself and became a man. The God that created the universe subjected Himself to His creation. He came as a baby, taking on the most helpless form. The hands that made the stars were pierced and scarred by sinful man. The Lord of lords emptied Himself, took on humanity, and put Himself in their hands. God humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross.
I knew this and had heard it all before. However, in that moment I was so overwhelmed by the love that He has for me. During the short break, I went and sat outside on the deck, and I just began to cry. The God of the entire universe became a man so that He could have a relationship with me? The King of kings became the servant of all so that I might have life? What an amazing scandal of grace! I do not have words enough to express.
This verse, Romans 12:10, brought me back to that today. I again began to think about the precious price that was paid for my life-- and everyone else's. Jesus died so that anyone who would believe in Him and confess Him as Lord could have eternal life. I want everyone to know this amazing, wonderful, and great love that surpasses all words and understanding. How, then, do I make it known?
During the last supper, Jesus said to His disciples, “You call me teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (John 13:12-16). I need to humble myself, and serve those around me. I need to be devoted to them in brotherly love, and give preference to them in honor. Then, and only then, will they know that I am His disciple.
I need to remember what Christ did for me on the cross. Once I forget this truth, I have nothing. But, because of what He has done, I am compelled to love those around me as He did-- so that they may know Him as I do
Lord, never let me forget how you humbled yourself to the point of death, even death on a cross. Let that power shine through my life, and let it show as I give preference to those around me in honor. Help me to love others as you have loved me. Thank you for your amazing love. I can never thank you enough.

Philippians 2:3-8
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

August 23, 2011

good.


“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9

This verse immediately turned my thoughts towards Jesus. He was the ultimate of example of what sincere love was. He loved from the depths of His heart, not just on the surface. He abhorred what is evil. In fact, he hated it so much that He clung to the very thing that would defeat its power: the cross.
Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of the evil He despised with His entire being, and literally clung to what He knew was good. But to the world around Him, the cross seemed to be the farthest thing from it. Wrongly accused and tried? Beaten and mocked? A painful crucifixion? Hanging accursed on a tree? How could this all be good?
God's concept of what is good is radically different from ours. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He knew that death would have no victory and sin would forever lose it's sting. He looked forward to the evil that He so greatly despised being defeated for all eternity. Because the cross was the ultimate good for all humanity, Christ clung to it, even when no one else understood.
I want to be like my Jesus and embrace what I know is good, even when no one understands me. Right now in my life, the good that I need to cling to is where God has placed me. I am at Potter's Field Ranch, and I will soon be serving Him in El Salvador. The world doesn't understand why I am doing this, and apart from Christ they never will. However, there is “only one thing that is necessary”, and that is being at His feet. I will take heart, knowing that I “have chosen what is good, and it shall not be taken away from [me].” (Luke 10:42). Therefore, when I am wrongly accused for His sake, I will rejoice. When I am mocked, I will take courage in the One who was condemned in my place. His love was sincere and without hypocrisy; He hated evil, yet bore it all and died in my place to destroy it. I need to have this same love for those around me, especially those who do not understand. I will not simply love them in words, but in deed and in truth. For in this, I will be imitating the ultimate being of pure love and holiness. I will embrace my cross as I leave the world behind, live out the faith Christ desires, and cling to the only One who is truly good.

Ephesians 5:1-2
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, and offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

August 22, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

unashamed.


For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

I was sitting with my friend Paige last night, and she said something that really hit me. She was talking about being here at Potter's Field, and said, “I don't understand why anyone would miss out on something like this. If you have the opportunity to save a life, even if it's your own, I don't know how you could pass that up.”
That statement made me think about this verse. “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation...” How could anyone be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, when it is life and truth and salvation? How could someone pass up an opportunity to save a life, even if it's their own?
The apostle Paul had the same thought. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...” Why be ashamed of something that saves lives? Sin and rejection of the truth may gain acceptance in the world, but when the Son of Man comes in all His glory, it will only end in a greater shame.
I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. I want every person to know Jesus and be found in His loving grace when He returns. Therefore, I need not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the only saving power. For what can mere man do to me?
A lot of His words seem foolish to those who do not know Him. When I told everyone I was going to move to a little ranch just outside of Olney, Montana to be trained to live in another country, a lot of people were confused. They said I was foolish, wasting my education and time. Even now as I'm announcing that I'm going to live in El Salvador for six months, some are asking “Why?” or telling me that I am foolish to go. There are always going to be those who do not understand what God has called me to or the words that He is speaking into my life. However, I will never be ashamed, for His words are life to me.
I need to continue to pray for greater boldness when I speak, knowing that His words are salvation, love, and life. Speaking quietly or sugarcoating the truth is a form of shame and, when I do so, I show no confidence in the message of my Jesus. Therefore, even when people criticize, mock, or consider me foolish, I will continue to speak boldly and take joy that, in persecution, I am able to partake in a small portion of the sufferings of Christ. For I know that, in Him, I truly have nothing to be ashamed of.
“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence.” (Acts 4:29)

1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the word of the cross if foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Thursday, August 18, 2011

bulimic.

What can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:37

   People forfeit their souls to gain the world. The sad fact is, they often don't even realize that they're doing it. They seek fun, pleasure, and entertainment, doing whatever makes them happy. Yet behind their empty smiles is a soul that is decaying and fading away.
   What will a man give in exchange for his soul? Money, cars, sex, fame. They're all so appealing, fun, and enticing. If they weren't, people wouldn't be attracted to them. They become treasures, and therefore, hearts become united with them [for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21)].
   The soul is not slow to follow. It simply starts with a seemingly harmless desire for those things. “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived” (James 1:15-16). While their hearts are being united with their worldly treasures, their souls are rotting and following their lusts into Sheol.
   Because the things of this world are so attractive, it often seems impossible to avoid them. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another” (Galatians 5:16-17). I've heard it described as two dogs fighting against each other. The one you feed, grows; the one you starve, dies. When we starve our flesh by denying it of its lusts, we are putting it to death. However, when we nourish our soul with the very things that God desires, then it becomes strong and the flesh can't even stand up against it. “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8).
   This truth should be on the forefront of our minds. Are we feeding our souls, or craving the things that our flesh desires? We need to be meditating on the Word, hiding it in ours hearts so that we might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11). We need to pray without ceasing, for the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective (James 5:16). We need to also obey authority and submit to them, for they keep watch over our souls (Hebrews 13:17). The list could go on and on.
   Here at Potter's Field Ranch, food is constantly being placed in front of my soul. However, I still need to be diligent in accepting its nourishment. Do I take to heart the words of truth that are spoken to me, or do I just let them pass through my ears? Do I apply the Word of God that I have been studying here, or am I just a hearer? I do not want to be a bulimic Christian, seemingly eating the food in front of me while I am only regurgitating it so that I have a good appearance. I need to let it settle and take root, so that my soul may find its nourishment, and I may be fully equipped to walk in the good works that were prepared beforehand for me (Ephesians 2:10). And when it's hard to swallow, I will seek the refreshment of Living Water.
   Lord, thank you for your loving grace. Help me to receive all that you have for me during my short time here at the Ranch. Let your Word take root, and your wisdom spring forth in my life. Nourish my soul, so that when I step out into the mission field I will be well prepared to carry out your will. Give me the strength to starve my flesh, so that I may serve you alone for the rest of my life. You are worthy.

Joshua 24:15
“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

upside-down.


“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel's will save it.” Mark 8:35

“...for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul said this because he truly understood what Jesus was saying in Mark 8:35. Paul gave his life for the gospel, and it wasn't easy. He endured countless hardships and persecution, yet he did it with joy.
“The kingdom of God is an 'upside-down' where cedars are humbled to fuel a fire and thorns exalted to crown a King.” (http://hillsongcollected.com/leadership/consider-trees). The things that seem so grand and beautiful aren't as they appear to be and little, painful things have greater purposes. God takes and uses both. Such is true in our lives. The best lives we can imagine are filthy rags compared the the glory that He brings forth from a surrendered life.
“The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). We can plan out our lives and lay everything out “perfectly” as we see fit. However, we would be missing out on a life of joyous adventure if we do not let God direct it all. If we seek to save our lives, we will surely lose them. Contrastingly, when we give up our lives for Christ and for the sake of the gospel, it is then that we find them.
I need to continue to consider my best plans, desires, and dreams as rubbish so that I may gain the life that He has for me. However, this is much easier said than done. In my own mind, I have great plans. I love walking them out and making them happen, because they're mine. Yet at the end of the day, the truth is just that – they are MY plans. Until I surrender them completely to God and submit to His will, I cannot expect to accomplish much of anything good or lasting. I don't want my plans anymore, I want His. For woe to me, if I do not preach the gospel.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD.
'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'”
August 16, 2011

surrender.

 “And he summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.'” Mark 8:34

No matter how often we dress it in flowers or engrave it in gold to wear around our necks, the cross is plainly an instrument of death. When Jesus told His disciples to take up their cross, it was clearly a call to die. But, die to what?
In the previous verse, Jesus rebuked Peter. He told him, 'you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.” Immediately following, He commanded the crowd to take up their cross and follow Him. It is no mystery why Jesus made this statement right after Peter's rebuke. The call was, as still is, to crucify our own own interests, so that our minds may be set on God's.
When we put our flesh on the cross, we are truly putting ourselves to death... and dead people have no rights. We renounce our wants, desires, and interests, so that Christ may live in us. This crucifixion is not a one-time act. Everyday, we need to lay down our rights, so that the will of God may be accomplished in us and through us.
Christ learned obedience from the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), and it is a joy to do the same. As I take up my cross and follow Him, I grow in discipline. Although it isn't easy, God never gives me more than I can handle. When He Himself was being led to be crucified, Simon of Cyrene took the burden of His cross onto his own back. Now, Jesus does the same for me. When I am too weak in my flesh to bear the full weight of my cross, He makes His strength perfect in me.
His grace is always sufficient. I need to walk in this truth and take up my cross day by day, putting aside my own desires for His name's sake. I will set my mind on God's interests, and not man's.

Galatians 2:20-21
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I how live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

August 15, 2011

Saturday, August 13, 2011

wishful thinking.


“And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.” Acts 12:9

Peter didn't fully understand what God was doing. The situation appeared to be something that it wasn't. However, once he was out of the prison, he knew without a doubt that God had used an angel to delivered him.
In my life, God has always been faithful, even when I don't understand. Sometimes, I wonder if God is even really working. I'll catch myself thinking that my prayers are just hopeless visions or that my trust in the LORD is just wishful thinking. However, I need to act as Peter did and continue to follow, regardless of my own understanding.
In some things, I have already seen the evidence of God working or the outcome. Yet my faith is tested when I cannot see. Will I continue praying for my family, that they may know Christ intimately? Will I press on in difficult relationships so that others may see Jesus through me? Will I continually trust and obey my heavenly Father (even when I cannot see His hand clearly moving) that He may be glorified in my life? Yes, Lord, I will. Help me trust you in my weakness, so that Your strength may be perfected in me.

Hebrews 10:35-36
“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”

August 12, 2011

Friday, August 12, 2011

liberty.


“And the angel said to him, 'Gird yourself and put on your sandals.' And he did so. And he said to him, 'Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.'” Acts 12:8

And he did so. Peter followed the angel's instruction without hesitating or questioning. He didn't ask where he was going, why he needed to put on his sandals, or how they were going to her past the guards. He just did it. If Peter would have stayed where he was, he would have remained in prison. I don't want to miss what God has for me and remain asleep in chains. Therefore, I need to obey without hesitation and follow in faith. For where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom.

Romans 6:16-18
“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God, that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

August 11, 2011

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

awaken.


And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying, 'Get up quickly.' And his chains fell off his hands.” Acts 12:7

Why did the angel wake Peter in this way? He came into the cell, shone a light, and struck his side. Shouldn't the bright, angelic light be enough to wake Peter? It obviously wasn't.
Angels are God's messengers. Although we don't see them commonly anymore, God still uses messengers today. Why do we turn our face from the light that they are trying to shine on us? Like Peter, it often takes a striking of our side to wake us up to the truth.
Once he got up, however, he was led to liberty. I don't want to turn away from the instruction that the Lord is trying to five me. I need to be open to His messengers. No matter how hard the strike to my side may be, I will praise God for His correction and discipline. For I know that those very things lead to broken chains and freedom.

Hebrews 12:10-11
“For [our Fathers] disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it; afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

sleep.


On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.” Acts 12:6

“I slept like a baby.” People use this phrase to describe a good night's sleep. When babies do sleep, it's sound and peaceful. A lot of little kids are this way. The have no worries, so they don't have very many sleepless nights.
It would seem as if Peter had this same mindset. He slept, as if he has no worries or fears. However, he was sleeping between tow soldiers, bound in chains, and guarded by more soldiers outside the door. In addition, Herod was seeking to kill him.
Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). I believe that Peter understood this and lived it out. He had a childlike faith, in which He trusted His heavenly Father to take care of him. He truly had no worries or fears, for to him, like the apostle Paul, to live was Christ and to die was gain. He knew that all things work together for good to those who love God, and he did not consider his present sufferings worthy to be compared to the glory that was to be revealed to him. His sleep was sweet and sound, full of peaceful assurance.
How can we have this same peace and hope in fearful situations and trials? Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I need to constantly remember this, and apply it in my life. When I am worried or fearful, I can sleep soundly, wrapped in the peace of God. This will be especially important to remember on the mission field. Six months in a foreign country being a light for Christ will be a lot harder than I know. When I face trials and hardship, I need to let my requests be made known to God and trust in His peace. My Father knows what I need, and He is always faithful to His children.

Proverbs 3:24-26
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear, Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.”
August 9, 2011

Monday, August 8, 2011

musical chairs.

“So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.” Acts 12:5

Most of us have played a game of musical chairs. The rules are pretty basic: music plays, and everyone walks or dances in a circle around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone must sit in a seat. The one without a chair is out, and can't move forward to the next round.
Usually, this game is pretty competitive. As soon as the music stops, everyone is spurred to action. People are fighting for a chair, pushing and shoving those around them. They're desperate for a seat, so that they won't get out.
In Acts 12, Peter was imprisoned, and the Church began to pray fervently on his behalf. Peter's state spurred them to action. They were desperate enough to see things change, so they fought in prayer, and their prayers significantly affected the situation.
If only the Church today would have the same faith and fervency in prayer! Too often we are still dancing around the chairs in silence instead of desperately fighting for a seat. However, we have an active enemy who is seeking to devour us, and that alone should spur us to action.
Are we desperate enough to see circumstances change? Do we deeply desire the hand of God to move? If so, then we should be diligent and earnest in prayer.
I myself am often lacking fervor in my prayers. I need to be more devoted to constant prayer and petition on behalf of my brothers and sisters, as the early Church was on behalf of Peter. As Samuel said, “...far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you...” (1 Samuel 12:23). For where there is little prayer, there is little power.
Ephesians 6:18
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”

Saturday, August 6, 2011

context.

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.” Acts 8:35

When I was little, chapter books confused me. I thought that each one was an individual story. When I picked one up, I would just open to a random chapter and start reading. They hardly made any sense to me. It wasn't until later that I realized chapters should be read in order, from beginning to end.
This is common knowledge and perceived as a simple truth to most. Why then do we often apply the same concept when we read out Bibles? We open to a random chapter that seems appealing to us, and begin reading there. In doing so, we miss the deeper meaning that is to be found.
When we open the Word, we obviously cannot read it from beginning to end every time. However, we must read with the full context in mind.
Philip used the Old Testament too tell the eunuch about Jesus. Yet we so often skip over most of it when we study the Word. We don't spend time in Leviticus because it's tedious, we ignore the minor prophets, and we skim Genesis because we've heard the Creation story so many times. At the very least, we'll read Psalms or Proverbs because they're short and well-known.
Our responsibility as Christians is to point people to Jesus. If we truly understood how deeply Christ is intertwined and rooted in all of Scripture, then we would be excited to really study the Old Testament!
I need to remember to read the Bible in its full context, so that I may have a deeper understanding and be better equipped to show others Christ through the Scriptures.

John 1:1,14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

sovereignty.

“The eunuch answered Philip and said, 'Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?'” Acts 8:34

The eunuch was reading a prophetic passage from Isaiah 53, and he asked Philip about it. There was only one obvious answer: Jesus.
This is an amazing example of the sovereignty of God. The eunuch was passing by reading Isaiah just in time for Philip to be prompted by the Holy Spirit to join the chariot. God set everything up so that he may be led to Jesus.
God is still sovereign, and I need to be looking for these divine appointments. Lord, open my eyes to see them and speak to my heart when you want me to act. Send me, I'll go.

1 Corinthians 9:16
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.”

help.

“And he said, 'Well how could I, unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:31

This week, I've had to learn to let people help me. I hurt my ankle pretty badly and it's really painful, so I haven't been able to do a lot on my own. I've had to ask other people to help me walk, carry my books, get me food, hand me things, and wash my hair. Fortunately, I have been extremely blessed with an amazing family here at Potter's Field Ranch that has willingly helped me all week.
The eunuch in Acts 8 asked Philip to help him understand the Scriptures. As a result, Philip was able to be a blessing and lead him to Jesus.
This week, I have realized that I need to be more willing to ask for help when needed. Through this verse, God also showed me that I should be even more willing to ask for help when I don't understand the Scriptures or something about Him. I have not because I ask not.

James 1:5
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

run.

“Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, 'Do you understand what you are reading?'” Acts 8:30

Americans today are professional procrastinators. In the morning, we repeatedly press the snooze button to delay waking up. We wait until the last possible second to accomplish an undesirable task, such as homework or a work project. We watch dust collect on our furniture as we say to ourselves, “Oh, we'll clean it later.”
When we were younger, our parents instructed us to do certain things. When asked to clean our room, take out the trash, or anything else, the common response was, “In a minute!” or “I'll do it later!”
I've heart it said that “delayed obedience is disobedience”. This is just as much true in our responses to our earthly parents as It is when we are instructed by out Father in Heaven. Philip was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go up and join the eunuch's chariot, and he did not hesitate. Verse 30 tells us that Philip ran up to it.
If only the Church today would have his same mindset! Unfortunately, our procrastination in the trivial things has seeped into the eternal. When we know we should invite our neighbor to church, intercede, tithe, ask someone for forgiveness, get involved in ministry, or repent and stop doing something, we hesitate and put it off for later. We make excuses and give a million reasons why now is not a good time.
When we do this, we are essentially telling God that what we “need” to do is more important than what He wants to accomplish through us. We're saying, “Lord, I know that you're all-knowing, all-powerful, and the Creator of the universe, but I have so much to do today. I trust you, and I know that you have never been wrong before, but I just think you're a little off on this one. Maybe later God.” Oh how ridiculous this sounds! Delayed obedience truly is disobedience.
We call Him Lord, but we do not do what He says. We say we love Him, but we hesitate to obey.
When God calls me, I need to be quick to respond. I want to run after His commands and calling as Philip did. I will no longer stand in hesitation and watch the chariots race by. For if I do, I could miss an opportunity to make an eternal difference.

1 Peter 4:1-2
“Therefore, since Christ has suffered death in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Fnaj8QNuk
August 2, 2011

pearls.

“Then the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go up and join this chariot.'” Acts 8:29

This verse made me think about a story that I was recently reminded of.
Once there was a little girl, who always wore a string of plastic pearls around her neck. Even though they were fake, they were her most treasured possession. She never left home without them. One day, her father was putting her to sleep, when he asked her to give him her plastic pearls. She looked very troubled, and shook her head. He continued to do this every day, until finally his daughter asked him, “Daddy why? Don't you love me? Why do you want to take my pearls away from me?” To this he responded, “My darling daughter, you know that I love you. Why don't you trust me?” The little girl burst into sobs. She wanted to trust her father, but her plastic pearls were just far too precious. Finally, she looked up at him through teary eyes, took off her pearls, and handed them to her dad. She then cried herself to sleep.
The next morning when she woke up, the first person she saw was her father. He was standing outside of her room waiting for her, with a string of beautiful, authentic and real pearls in his hand. He looked at his little girl and said, “If you only had trusted me all along, you would have known that I had something far better for you. I love you more than you know.” She smiled, hugged her father, and he put the pearls around her neck.
At first, I wasn't sure why this story came to mind when I read the passage in Acts 8. However, as I looked at the words in verse 29, it became so clear.
The Spirit said to Philip, “Go! Get up!” God could have put a divine roadblock up to stoop the chariot for him. Instead, He told Philip to get up and go.
The Father in the story could have simply given his daughter the real pearls. However, he wanted his little girl to trust him and act.
Our God is the same today. We like to have everything lined up, and ask Him to do it for us. Yet our Father calls us to action. He knows the greater joy that lies ahead, whether it is the salvation of a eunuch of priceless pearls.
How often do I wait for God to line everything up before I go? Why do I wait for the chariot to stop instead of running after it? How many plastic treasures am I clinging to, instead of the handing them over to my Father?
I need to go where the Spirit leads. I will run after my Jesus, seeking the lost for His glory. I will cling to the cross, and let all else go.
When nothing makes sense, I will look to my Father and trust, knowing that a greater joy lies ahead.

Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross...”
August 1, 2011