Hello friends,
I wanted to direct you to a new devotional I wrote recently published with Mustard Seed Ministries. You can click HERE to read and share with your friends.
Join me in being a Barnabus today!
Tag Archives: devotions
One Click Prayer-Stop
There is one particularly disturbing trend I’m seeing more and more of. The messages on Facebook that say “click ‘like’ to pray”. I heard somewhere that social networks would be the end of society, and while that may be extreme, there could be some truth to it.
What’s even more disturbing is the number of Christians who click “like” to pray. Is this what our prayers have been reduced to? If we click “like” does that somehow count as a prayer now? As if the temptation to play games for hours on end, read statuses, stories, and cartoons isn’t bad enough, now we can “send up a prayer” by clicking a button?
I wonder if this isn’t part of the reason revival is waning in the hearts of Christians. They’re too busy looking for a button to click.
There is a button, but it can only be activated on our knees. We need to stop finding things to click on and start talking to God. He’s here waiting for us to finish our puzzles and pinterest and spend time with the Him-the only one who can effect change.
You’re tired of tragedy, dissention, arguments, and injustices? There is a simple solution that doesn’t involve clicking buttons but does involve a radical heart transformation (revival):
“If my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Celebrate Sorrow
Suggested Reading: Nehemiah 8:7-12
“It is a time to celebrate with a hearty meal, and to send presents to those in need; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (The Living Bible)
It was a momentous day for Judah. For the first time in their generation, they read the laws of God as given to Moses. In an instant their spiritual eyes were opened to the truth-and how far they had strayed from it.
They wept incessantly. The Israelites were sorry for their sins and the sins of their ancestors and desperately wanted to make it right. Ezra and Nehemiah reassured the people that while it was ok to be sad over their sin, they shouldn’t live in that state of mind.
The truth of God’s word should bring repentance, but that repentance should give great joy as God’s mercy is celebrated. Celebrating the goodness of God should cause worship, and worship should create an outward focus on the needs of the world.
When I look back on my life, it’s tempting to live in a state of despair and regret. However, God is not glorified in my incessant weeping. Jesus doesn’t tell me to live in sorrow, he tells me to, “Go, and sin no more₁”. Ezra puts it well, “What hope could we have if [God] gave us justice₂?”
I rejoice that I have not been given the justice I deserve. That joy strengthens me to share the redemptive, transforming message of the Gospel with others. I may weep for a moment but I’ll rejoice for eternity.
- John 8:11
- Ezra 9:15
The Challenge
“The law shall be his constant companion. He must read from it every day of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of his commands. This regular reading of God’s laws will prevent him from feeling that he is better than his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from God’s laws in the slightest respect.” Deut. 17:19-20 (The Living Bible)
I recently read an article in InTouch magazine (Dr. Charles Stanley) about a woman who cut apart and re-bound her Bible into 4 sections to help her read through it easier. Admittedly, holding the Bible in my hand and thinking about reading through the whole thing-cover to cover-seems rather daunting unless it’s divided into little bite-sized pieces over the course of a year.
Thinking what a fantastic idea this woman had, I was also convicted about my own scattered reading plans. God spoke to me there and challenged me to read from Genesis 1:1-Revelation 22 in one week. No, that wasn’t a typo, I said one week. My first thought was, how will I ever find time for that? But God is bigger than my excuses and quickly brought to mind many things I could give up for one week to accomplish this goal.
Taking on this challenge has been one of the best experiences I’ve encountered in God’s word. Reading through the books in order has opened my eyes to things I’ve never understood before. Stories are making more sense read in context. And by context I don’t mean the 12 verses surrounding one verse, but the books surrounding other books. For instance, many people (including myself) avoid the book of Leviticus. Granted, it’s not the “easiest” read, but is important since “the whole Bible is given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what it true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.” (2 Tim. 3;16-The Living Bible)
There was something so inspirational and special about reading the Bible continuously. I can’t adequately describe it other than to recommend doing it.
I wrote a 30-day Bible reading plan (understanding very few would be able to devote a week to it) and am challenging you, my friends and lovers of the Word, to ask if God would have you do this. It is a challenge, I won’t say it’s not. Prayerfully consider if God would have you do this or perhaps adapt the plan to suit your needs.
The average reader can easily accomplish this goal in 2-3 hours per day. I’ll list some tips I’ve employed to help me read the word in one week that will help you read it in one month. You may want to consider using a different version than you normally study from in order to provide a new experience. I chose a paraphrase (The Living Bible) so it reads more like a novel. This is for reading, not studying, so don’t get too hung up on the translation.
1-Get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later. (It’s only one month-a worthy sacrifice indeed.)
2-Listen to the Bible on audio while you drive, cook, clean, shower, etc. You’ll find there’s a lot of time for your ears to be working while your hands are busy.
3-Avoid the temptation of social media-the articles, cutesy pictures, posts, statuses, and other time-consuming reads. You’ll find those things add up quickly. 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there is an hour before you know it. In an hour you could have read several chapters in the Bible.
4-Give up the news or other programming you consistently watch on television. Even one or two shows is an hour or more that you could be reading.
5-When you are reading the Bible at length you will discover things you want to look up and research. Avoid the bunny trails! Keep a note-pad handy and write down the verse/subject so you can study it at a later time, once you’ve reached your reading goal.
6-Finally, don’t read just to read! Read the Story to grow in your relationship with Jesus and ask Him to open your eyes to new things each and every time you begin. He will answer that prayer and your eyes will surely be opened more than you’d ever imagine.
I can’t wait to hear your testimonies and pray you will be encouraged and strengthened in your journey. Who knows, maybe you’ll like it so much you’ll decide to do it a couple times every year. I know I’ve been inspired to do as much. Please let me know in the comments if you are going to be taking this challenge so I can be sure to pray for you!
Through the Bible in 30 Days
Day 1: Genesis 1-40
Day 2: Genesis 41-Exodus 30
Day 3: Exodus 31-Numbers 3
Day 4: Numbers 4-Deuteronomy 8
Day 5: Deuteronomy 9-Joshua 15
Day 6: Joshua 16-1 Samuel 7
Day 7: 1 Samuel 8-2 Samuel 17
Day 8: 2 Samuel 18-2 Kings 12
Day 9: 2 Kings 13-1 Chronicles 29
Day 10: 2 Chronicles 1-Ezra 4
Day 11: Ezra 5-Job 11
Day 12: Job 12-Psalm 10
Day 13: Psalm 11-51
Day 14: Psalm 52-92
Day 15: Psalm 93-133
Day 16: Psalm 134-Proverbs 14
Day 17: Proverbs 15-Ecclesiastes 12
Day 18: Song of Solomon 1-Isaiah 32
Day 19: Isaiah 33-Jeremiah 6
Day 20: Jeremiah 7-47
Day 21: Jeremiah 48-Ezekiel 31
Day 22: Ezekiel 32-Hosea 14
Day 23: Joel 1-Zechariah 5
Day 24: Zechariah 6-Matthew 28
Day 25: Mark 1-Luke 14
Day 26: Luke 15-Acts 10
Day 27: Acts 11-Romans 16
Day 28: 1 Corinthians 1-Galatians 6
Day 29: Ephesians 1-2 Timothy 4
Day 30: Titus 1-Revelation 22
The First Fight
Suggested Reading: Genesis 30:1-3
Trouble was brewing in paradise.
Jacob worked 14 years to marry his true love, Rachel, yet all those years were as “a few days” because he loved her so much. They finally got married and lived happily ever after-well, not exactly. Jacob had been tricked into marrying Rachel’s older sister, Leah, so now there was competition. Rachel soon noticed her sister bearing child after child while she remained barren.
As women sometimes do, Rachel snapped at Jacob, demanding he give her children. As I read this story I had to laugh. It was the first recorded marital spat in the Bible and it was eerily reminiscent of many fights I’ve experienced in my own marriage.
I suspect I’m not the only one who struggles with this. I have a problem so I inadvertently demand my spouse fix it, whether I say it outright like Rachel, or imply it with my poor attitude. Either way, it takes my focus off the One who can actually solve my problems and give me peace.
Jacob, enraged at Rachel’s attitude, declares, “Am I God? He is the one responsible!” In other words, “Woman, what is wrong with you? Your beef is with God, not me!”
And so it is with me and you. Our beef isn’t really with a person, place or thing. It is with God, for He allowed the circumstance, the person, the event to take place. Instead of griping at our spouses or complaining about our problems on social networks, we should get on our knees and take it up with God. I suspect we’d find, in the presence of the Holiest of Holies, we really have no argument at all.
Unconventional
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
I walked toward my garden as a flock of birds shot into the sky. I hurried to find out what they were doing and my heart sank as I saw my new cantaloupe plants ravaged by sharp beaks.
My first reaction was to go to the store and buy fencing wire or screens to protect the plants. Only problem was my husband was out of town for a week and my daughter was very sick, so leaving was out of the question. On the other hand, if I allowed the plants to go unprotected-even one more day-they would certainly die. I stood in the hot sun gazing around my yard trying to work out a solution.
Finally, my eyes rested on the collapsible wire dog crate on the porch. I got to work breaking the cage down and hauling it to my garden. It was only big enough to cover the cantaloupe so I used some other yard items, plus an old baby gate, to surround the rest of the melon plants.
The next day the vines had already begun growing new leaves. I didn’t have to buy anything (yet) and I successfully protected the young plants, though my method was certainly unconventional. Because I invested so much time and money cultivating my garden, I was highly motivated to do whatever it took to protect it.
My spiritual garden is far more important than my physical garden, and I must do whatever is necessary to protect it from harm. Often that means using unconventional methods scoffed at by the world (and sometimes other Christians). Maybe I won’t eat certain foods, watch certain movies, read certain books, or spend money on certain items. Following an unconventional Jesus means making unconventional choices.
“Don’t copy the customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you.” Romans 12:2 (TLB) (emphasis mine)
Breaking Up is Hard to Do…
“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10
Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit I recently made several dramatic changes to my lifestyle (1 Cor. 6:12-13, 19-20). I’ve found, through the implementation of these new habits, many “bad” habits came to light I was unaware of. As I mediated on such things I discovered three sources of influence over my choices:
#1-Parents
Some of the things I’ve done my whole life are a direct result of how I was raised (this is not a ding against my parents but merely a fact-see Proverbs 22:6). It’s extremely difficult to replace habits practiced for more than twenty years-but it can be done. The Holy Spirit has strengthened and enabled me to follow His will for my life today. (Phil. 4:13)
#2-Media
If I spend too much time reading/viewing secular media, I find it tempting to become overwhelmed with a wide variety of opinions (Rom. 12:1-2). One week something is bad for you and the next week that same thing is good for you. If I choose to believe everything I read without seeking the will of God through His word and prayer, I will be on a constant roller-coaster of frustration.
#3-Christians
Many well-meaning Christians have a variety of opinions based on their interpretation of Scripture and their own experiences in life (often relating to how they were raised-something we all do). More often than not, I have experienced a great deal of criticism within Christianity regarding lifestyle choices, especially anything that contradicts what someone else is doing. Everyone has an opinion, interpretation, and a judgment. (Matt. 7:1-5) The only way I can really know what is best for me is to spend time in the word and prayer. (Phil. 4:6-7)
This isn’t the first time I’ve received negative feedback regarding a personal choice, but I do believe I am following God’s will for my life (recognizing this is not His specific calling for every believer). I’ve done research and made, what I believe to be, an informed decision based on that research and my relationship with God. I am the one who will answer for my choices; it is imperative I do whatever it takes to maintain a clear conscience before God. (James 4:17)
I’m now questioning every choice I make under this light: is it God’s word and Spirit guiding me or the habits and opinions of others?
The Heavens Declare-Or Do They?
Suggested Reading: Psalm 97
“The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.” Psalm 97:6
“How could anyone deny Your existence, God?” I wondered as I gazed at the morning sky.
He didn’t respond with, “Yeah, I know!” In fact what I heard surprised me.
“You know, it’s a matter of science,” the voice said, “it’s just light streaming through drops of water reflecting a prism of color.”
God was giving me a glimpse of how unbelievers see things. I see Glory; they see science. It made sense in a way it never has before. I’ve always known science explains many things that awe and inspire, but I’ve always attributed that science to God. The conversation I had with God opened my eyes to how deceived people are.
It’s not as simple as I think it should be.
I’m more motivated now to show grace to my unbelieving friends-instead of criticism. Most of all I’m inspired to pray for them and be a stronger witness with my life. They need to see my life transformed, not hear my words of condemnation. Speaking truth in love requires a fine line of discernment, but its possible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The heavens absolutely declare the glory of God but my unbelieving friends may never see it if I don’t consistenly walk the walk.
Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for not loving in action and truth as you’ve commanded. ( 1 John 3:18) Unite my attitude, actions, and speech harmoniously to declare a greater testimony of your grace than the brightest rainbow in the heavens.
3 Sentences to Good Parenting
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deut 6:5-8
This shows me how to be a good parent in a few short sentences.
Parents are often led to believe that their success is measured in their child’s abilities, accomplishments, and academia, but the Bible says a parent’s success is measured by their choice to love, serve, and obey God with all their hearts and teach that to their kids. Society chooses to fill the minds of children with useless garbage, yet all parents have a choice what to teach their kids and what they are allowed to spend time with or participate in. All of these things will affect their eternity and it falls on the parents to teach them the right path.
We will all answer for our choices- to teach our children-or not teach them the only thing that truly matters.
Life is not a joke, and I am responsible for equipping my child with appropriate tools to deal with life in a godly, wise way. But, I can’t expect her to do this unless I am doing it. After all, I am an imitator of Christ, and this is what I want my daughter to emulate in me. (Kids will replicate what they see, and if you’re a parent you already know this.)
But, some may argue, my child needs to learn how to work with a team, how to physically train their body and how to have responsibility. There is nothing wrong with sports, classes, lessons, or other activities for children but there is something wrong with placing those things above their relationship with God.
If they know, understand, and love the Bible they will automatically know how to play on a team, share, treat their bodies well, and be responsible because they’ll know and respect what God’s word says about those things.
It’s easy to quote Proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”, however, that training involves a lifestyle, not just filling my child’s minds with knowledge or sending her to Sunday School once a week. The passage from Deuteronomy is perfect; I am told to walk it, talk it, and live it every morning noon and night. It is a way of life. It starts with me as a parent.
Do I love the Lord my God with all my hearts, soul, strength, and mind? If I start there I won’t need to worry so much about what happens with my child later in life.
Prayer: “Lord, change ME, teach ME, and let my child see YOU in me; let her grow to love YOU as she sees me loving you!”
Liar, Liar
“Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.” Psalm 12:2-3 TNIV
Where has all the integrity gone? Lying has become a way of life for the majority of people, even Christians. The following are lies I’ve heard from self-proclaimed Christ-followers:
“I told this guy I was married so he’d leave me alone”.
“If you get pulled over by a cop, never, under any circumstances admit fault (even if you know you were wrong)!”
“Just say you’re busy so you won’t have to go to [an event].”
The Bible is clear about lying. It is sin. The excuses one conjures up to justify lies are evidence of a guilty conscience.
“It’s not hurting anyone.”
Wrong. Sin always, always bears consequences. Jesus said, “The good man brings up good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that all men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:35-37 (emphasis mine). Though a person may never know they’ve been lied to the most important One knows: God.
How can we expect to witness to our unbelieving friends and neighbors when our character stands in question?
As a Jesus-follower, I never want to find myself caught in a lie. The best way to not get caught in a lie is to not lie. I never want to be responsible for turning someone away from a saving faith in the Gospel because I had no integrity. A Christian who lies gives the unbelieving world another excuse to hold on to their godless existence. Let’s be salt and light, friends; after all, how can we call ourselves Jesus-followers when we make a habit of deceiving people?
As Christians we are called to a higher standard, even if taking that high road is more difficult or painful.
I recently read an “inspirational” article saying women want to be lied to by their spouses and it creates a better marriage by boosting the woman’s self-esteem. Apparently, when she asks if she looks fat she wants to hear “no” whether it’s true or not. It’s likely our spouses are afraid to tell the truth because of reactions they receive. No wonder relationships have so much angst and heartache. Lying is so commonplace that hearing the truth hurts our feelings so we decide we want to be lied to and we think others want to be lied to.
If we want to bear witness to the life-transforming power of Jesus, we need to be people of integrity who refuse to tolerate even an inkling of intentional sin. May our prayer resonate with the Psalmist, “Because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.” Psalm 119:128 (emphasis mine)