Devotional

February 10, 2013

Words Reveal Heart

To discover what’s inside a bucket – watch what is poured from its lip. To discover what’s inside a person’s heart – listen to the words poured from the lips.

“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart.” (Matthew 12:34b-35 NLT)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

The content of a person’s heart is exposed by their speech. Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Hearts surrendered to God overflow with words marked by wisdom.

“Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2 CEV)
“The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.” (Proverbs 10:31 NASB)

My words reveal what I treasure in my heart. Like it or not, what I say expresses what I am inside. What I value, I speak. What I believe, I say. What I love, I express. “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” (Matthew 6:21 NLT) What I respect, I communicate. I cannot separate what I say from what I think and believe.

What do your words reveal about what’s in your heart?

February 9, 2013

5 Questions to Advance God’s Will for Your Life (Part Two)

Are you about to make the right decision? Who to date? What major? Where to volunteer? Job change? What exercise plan? Who to hang out with? Honest answers to the questions below can increase your ability, stability, responsibility, and accountability to God.

Of the several flights out of Huntsville this morning, my beautiful wife Patti is right now on the flight headed to Atlanta, then on to Virginia where she will lead a team for an accreditation visit. Patti is a busy lady – wife, mother, Christian school administrator , missions pastor, Bible teacher, and on and on – yet she volunteers her time to help improve other Christian schools. Why? Because she understands God’s Will for her life. She answered the five questions I posed (Part One & today’s Part Two) and responded to God’s call upon her life.

#3 WHAT DOES COMMON SENSE SAY ABOUT IT?

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned [EVEN FROM HARD KNOCKS!] and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,” (2 Timothy 3:14 NIV)

God gave you a brain and memory. Have you used the common sense God gave you? If God got you into college, don’t question whether you should get out of bed, go to class, or complete homework. Apply what you have learned already. Learn from your own mistakes. Don’t repeat the same mistakes over and over. A wise farmer cleverly quipped, “You don’t learn anything the second time you are kicked by a mule.”

Before you make that huge decision, take a little time to gather some facts. Evaluate the consequences of your actions. You have the same 24-hour-day limitation as the rest of humanity. Don’t spread yourself so thin that you are accomplishing God’s purpose. Use your brain!

#4 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT IT?

“and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures [THE GUIDE FOR LIFE], which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15 NIV)

Read, study, meditate, and memorize God’s Word so that you understand the way God thinks, the way He acts, His principles, and His attitude. Scripture is be obeyed, not just meditated upon, so heed Its instruction. Don’t seek wisdom from others or belabor praying for fresh leading of the Lord concerning action clearly forbidden in God’s Word. I see too many people argue with God’s Word, acting as if they know better than the Designer.

For example, 2 Corinthians 6:14 (HCSB) is a pretty clear principle: “Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” If you are a Christ-follower, I don’t care if you really “like” that attractive honey; if that person isn’t a believer, that person isn’t the one for you. Don’t waste your time trying to get God to change His mind or trying to find someone to rubber stamp your sinful decision. Move on; advance God’s will for you.

Align your friendships, your dating-life, your marriage, your money management, your morality, all your life to the standard of truth, the Word of God. Allow your convictions to be constructed and remodeled by the Architect of life’s blueprint, the Bible.

#5 WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT SAY ABOUT IT?

“All Scripture is God-breathed [HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED!] and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)

Paul reminded Timothy of Spirit-breathed Scripture, but don’t overlook the Holy Spirit’s continued work in your life (and every believer!). Anticipate the leading of the Holy Spirit. Allow God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to expose absurd, illogical thoughts in your mind. Remember, God will never lead you to do anything that is contrary to His Word.

Remain sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. “The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them.” (Romans 8:14 NCV) Does the course of action ahead of you conflict with desires the Holy Spirit already placed in your heart? Don’t ignore the Holy Spirit’s task of guiding you into all truth (John 16:13).

Are you ready to advance God’s Will for your life?

For more insight, check out:

February 8, 2013

5 Questions to Advance God’s Will for Your Life (Part One)

Do you have unflinching assurance that you are making the right decisions?

Every time I read Paul’s letters to Timothy, I feel like my dad is once again mentoring me for success in life. I treasure the pastoral wisdom Paul passed to Timothy, but the wisdom wasn’t for Timothy alone. Paul’s charge to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:10-17) is a charge for you! Your answers to the five questions will keep you advancing in God’s plan. You can walk God’s path with confidence!

#1 WHAT DO GODLY, MATURE ROLE MODELS SAY ABOUT IT?

“You, however, know [DO YOU LEARN FROM OTHERS?] all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11 NIV)

Timothy’s journeys with Paul – so many miles, so many places, so many hardships – furnished a first-hand example for Timothy to follow. Choose your traveling companions well. Learn from the lifestyles and decision-making processes of wise men and women of God. Seek counsel and gain wisdom from others. Don’t resist asking for advice fearing it might interfere with your plans. Ultimately, the greatest Godly counsel is only as good as the use you make of it.

#2 WHAT DOES YOUR GUT SAY ABOUT IT?

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [DOING RIGHT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY.] while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12-13 NIV)

Don’t allow the wolfishness of the wolves around you to spark sheepish hesitancy within you. Deal honestly with your emotions. In your inner “know-er”, what are you feeling? Peace? Fear? Faith? Uncertainty? Timidity isn’t from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Don’t let fear of people, fear of failure, or fear of hardship curb your passion to live for God’s glory.

Refuse fear-based living! Fear is a poor compass. Don’t let fear be the reason you do or don’t do something. The right path may be difficult but God’s strength within you imparts balanced boldness and optimistic audacity.

Read tomorrow’s post for questions #3, 4, 5.

February 7, 2013

God got you to this place, NOT to drop you on your face!

What are you facing right now? Whatever “this” problem is – it will NOT overpower you, NOT crush you, NOT destroy you! Paul faced stress but never quit. “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT) Even if you are “going through hell” don’t stop! God hasn’t stopped working. Don’t quit!

Can you relate to the expression on my brother Barry’s face (below)? What do you imagine he was thinking? Perhaps – “I think I can; I think I can; I think I can; OH, NO!”

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33 AMP)

God doesn’t intend for you to break under pressure. He offers abundant grace and promises that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4b KJV)

God doesn’t promise to keep you from experiencing tribulation, but He promises to walk with you through it! “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.” (Isaiah 42:2 GNT)

You may be waiting, but God is still working. You’re right on schedule – God’s schedule! Remember, you are on God’s timetable, not your own. God’s Word and His Promises are never on pause like a DVR.

God DOESN’T do HALFway! He is a finisher, a completer, not just a starter. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Our Lord Jesus Christ is described as “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) God finishes what He starts.

February 7, 2013

Gaining God’s Perspective

Perspective alters our attitude and our action. Our perspective can filter or distort what we experience.

When I watch the replay of a New Orleans Saints’ game in which I already know they won, I feel differently about a missed a field goal or a turnover. The final result is already set, so I know my favorite team somehow will overcome the mistake. That doesn’t mean I LIKE the missed field goal or turnover! Of course not – I want the Saints to play perfectly! But, stressing out isn’t going to change the recording. How do you view your life? What’s your perspective?

I want God’s perspective. I want to see my life and the lives the people around me through His eyes. In Christ, you and I have a seat with Him in the heavenly realms. Gaining God’s perspective will transform the way in which I:

love my wife, laying down my life to minister to her need.
train my children, expecting God’s gifts to flourish.
show up for a job, working for Lord and for His glory.
resolve conflict, forgiving quickly and not holding on to anger.
overcome temptation, looking for the escape route He promised.
pay my bills, stewarding the resources He has entrusted to me.
study for an examination.
handle discouragement and disappointment.
listen to and talk back to media.
live every aspect of my life.

At last night’s mens meeting at Valley Fellowship Church, Josh Laster did a great job of leading the call for Better Men. He made a significant comment (my paraphrase): “If we could see the other side of every obstacle – like God does – we would joyfully tackle whatever is in the way.”

God perspective is so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). God sees the end and the beginning. He sees stuff inside of us that we can’t even see. He sees the end result of His beautiful work in our lives.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB)

February 5, 2013

Point Your Kids in the Right Direction

The best thing a parent can spend on their child is time, not money. Time with a child is critical for children tend to pursue the goals they see modeled. The reason some parents don’t lead their child in the right direction is because the parents aren’t going that way themselves. Children tend to follow in their parents’ footsteps, even the footsteps thought to be covered up. Do your children mirror you?

Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 MSG

Kids want to live up to expectations. If through my life I imply that the aim of adulthood is a big-screen television or an expensive car or an amusing hobby, guess what aim my children are likely to have?

Ask yourself, “I am passing along a goal that my child may pursue with more vigor than the pursuit Christ’s Kingdom?” If we want to raise our families to love and serve God, we have to be clear about our priorities. Like Joshua, we have to face up to those around us and say: “If serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, them choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 NIV)

In the first scene of a Nancy comic, Nancy states, “Things will be different when I’m an adult. When I have kids of my own, I’m going to let them do whatever they want, whenever they want.” After a frame to reflect, Nancy completes her thought, “As long as they do it my way.” (John Maxwell, “What Children Owe Their Parents (and Themselves),” Preaching Today, Tape No. 140)

Okay, we can’t force our kids to turn out great! Every child has a free will and individual responsibility. But, as parents, we can shoulder faithfully our God-given responsibility to discipline and instruct our children.

Some years ago, the National Research Bureau, Inc. published a list of Ten Things for Which You as a Parent Will Never Be Sorry (Illustrations Unlimited, 1988, p. 395).

TEN GOOD THINGS:

For doing your level best even when discouraged.

For hearing before judging in family quarrels.

For thinking before speaking when emotionally upset.

For not harboring unkind thoughts of a talebearer.

For being generous to an enemy, perhaps the next door neighbor.

For stopping your ears to gossip over the fence.

For standing by your principles in dealing with your teenagers.

For asking pardon, when in error, even of your child.

For being square in business dealings with the newsboy.

For accepting the stewardship of “another” child.

February 5, 2013

Connect With Kids So Kids Can Safely Connect

Abraham was chosen to be a blessing to the whole earth, but his calling began in a simple way. Abraham was charged by God to lead “by parental authority as well as by personal example” (The Pulpit Commentary: Genesis, p. 246). Abraham was called to teach his own household, who again would hand down the truth to their households. Abraham’s being a blessing to the world depended on his being a blessing to his own home.

“For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.” Genesis 18:19 NASB

COMMAND = to “command,” “order,” “direct,” “instruct” his children.

One BIG reason God chose Abraham to bless the whole world was the fact that Abraham would instruct his children. As parents, we can not afford to shirk our duty to train our children. Christian Parenting Today (Jan/Feb 2000) shared a story that made me laugh:

While listening to the song “Train Up a Child,” my daughter Emily asked me what “train up” means. I explained that it means to teach children about God and the difference between right and wrong.

“Are you and Daddy training me up?” she asked.

“We’re trying to,” I said.

Emily turned back to the stereo and muttered, “We’ll see about that.”

One area where adolescents need parental insight is social media. Even if you think your kids know more than you about “all that internet stuff” – you are still called by God to be a PARENT! We must connect with our kids so that our kids can safely connect online.

Two years ago my daughter Kimberlyn agonized over some of the information she encountered via social media. Her concern prompted a research paper for English class and ultimately resulted in an open letter which was published in the January 2011 Ignite magazine. I thought the message needed to be highlighted once again.

An Open Letter to My Parents By Kimberlyn Simon

Mom and Dad, I feel pressure to connect to social networking – most kids my age are active online and I don’t want to be left out. Actually, I really enjoy getting online, reading the posts from friends, and catching up with what’s going on in my world. But, Mom and Dad, some of what’s happening is scary. Most of the discussion happening online is silly or nonsensical or normal. However, I think some of it is unhealthy and some of it is very dangerous.

Without any hesitation and with little thought, millions of teens daily use social networking to greet friends, to get information, and to post status updates. Teens are in jeopardy because they exercise little caution with the precious particulars posted on social networking sites. Vast numbers post personal info without even considering the vulnerability such honesty exposes, and many teens are ignorantly accepting harmful advice.

Please, keep on talking to me. I recently did a research paper on the dangers of social networking and I discovered some astonishing facts. Mom and Dad, did you know that forty percent of teens tell almost nothing to their parents about what all they do online? Keep on asking me what I am doing online. Thank you for not just asking but looking to see what I am posting. Thanks for reading what I am posting!

I go to worship services every week, pay attention in youth meetings, and attend a Christian school. Online, I am friends with lots of kids who go to church. I really don’t think that some of their parents are keeping up with what is happening. Some of the profile pictures I see from kids are dark, as if they are crying out for help. Some the status updates I read really shock me because I have never heard my friends use that language in person. I have friends who use cuss words in their status updates. Online teenagers seem to be free to complain, to rebel, to curse, and even to take God’s Name in vain.

I read posts from lots of people. Most are real friends, not just people I have friend-ed on facebook. But there are posts discussing disgusting material. Abuse has twisted social media into something that puts real dangers in the short reach of teenagers like me. You are my parents. I am reassured to think you are pleasing God when you train me. Thanks for doing your job. Guide me. Help me filter out the junk and hold on the good.

Sometimes I struggle to sort out the large amount of information available online. There is lots of healthy advice, but some groups actually encourage destructive behavior like anorexia, cutting, and even suicide. Social networking might be helpful, for some, but discussing suicide via social sites keeps destructive thoughts fresh in the minds of young people. Teens debate reasons for suicide and even exchange information on how to do it.

Insecure teens are especially vulnerable to networking sites that reinforce negative self-image. Some teens struggling with thoughts about the inadequacies of their own body, visit pro-anorexic sites to somehow be accepted and understood, but instead discover how to adopt and to hide this life-killing lifestyle. Some sites display pictures of deathly-skinny girls and extol this unhealthy image as the ideal.

Social networking supplies a lot of helpful communication; but, some groups do not give wise counsel. I learned from my research that social networking also puts me at higher risk for burglary, identity theft, pedophilia, and unhealthy exposure to pornography and gambling. The potential for harm is real.

Mom and Dad, I am so fortunate that you are my parents. Social networking can be a helpful thing but I seriously profit from your honest maturity and practiced wisdom. I want to exercise critical thinking skills but I benefit from your watchful adult supervision. Mom and Dad, I don’t want my friends to be hurt and I don’t want to be in danger. Thanks for talking to me. Thanks for looking at what I am posting. Thanks for praying for me. Thank you for connecting with me so that I can safely connect online.

February 4, 2013

Service Is Love In Work Clothes

Words expressing servanthood are used more than 300 times in the New Testament but the Biblical idea of service contradicts the ME-generation with its emphasis on self and being all I can be.

Being a servant doesn’t mean that I let other people walk over me. Service doesn’t mean, “I’ll do whatever YOU want to do.” Actually, to be a good servant I must have a clear sense of mission, of purpose, of calling. I need to respond to the God call of service. How is God asking you to serve others? I am not asking what other people think you should do, but what is God calling you to do?

The Apostle Peter urges us to “use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV). Are you utilizing your gifts and abilities to faithfully fulfill kingdom responsibilities? Are you yielding your gifts and abilities to allow God’s Word to be communicated? Are you empowering your gifts and abilities by drawing from the ready-supply of God’s strength? Are you directing your gifts and abilities to bring praise and glory to Jesus Christ? As we join together, we accomplish great things.

In world’s eyes, greatness is being in charge, being the best, being a celebrity. But you could be lead engineer at NASA, the president of a fortune 500 company, a professor at UAH, an Alabama or Auburn football player, or even the pastor of a large church and still not be great in God’s eyes. Our Heavenly Father prizes service. Faithful service is valued and is honored by God.

Do I go out of my way to serve guests who come into the doors of the sanctuary of Valley? Do newcomers feel love and care? Am I willing to get my hands dirty? Can I find an area of ministry that offers no glamour or prestige, and might even be physically demanding? How much skill does it take to clean up excrement from an elderly body? How much time does it take share a handshake or a hug? How much effort does it take to smile? You know, every Valley Fellowship short-term mission trip reminds me – even small actions display God’s love. Patti’s willingness to paint a face in Leticia, Colombia (2010) opened the door for great things in the Amazon.

Are we ready to do something significant for the kingdom of God? Real ministry takes place when I get my hands dirty and practically serve people where they live. Oswald Chambers, the author of the classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest, advises “Never allow the thought, ‘I am of no use where I am,’ because you certainly can be of no use where you are not.” You can make an impact.

The opportunities to serve the Lord at Valley Fellowship are endless – parking-lot security, table setup, construction labor, video production, yard work, fence-row clearing, greeting, food distribution, diaper changing, children’s church cleanup, hotdog grilling, window washing – more than I can list! So, what are you going to do? American industrialist Henry Ford wisely quipped, “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”

What makes you say, “Why doesn’t someone do something about this?” Ask God what He wants you to do about it. Get into service. Perform random daily acts of kindness and service. Shoulder ongoing, structured, organized kingdom responsibilities – weekly or at least monthly. Tackle a big project at least once a year – a mission trip, Christmas feeding, or kids camp.

Some people are difficult to serve. Oswald Chambers divulges “If I love Jesus Christ, I will serve humanity, though men and women treat me like a doormat.” Ultimately, I must keep in mind that I’m not serving my spouse or my kids; I’m not serving the elders; I’m not serving that cranky church member; I’m not serving that troublesome person at the office.

As I serve my children – I am serving Jesus Christ. As I serve my spouse – I am serving Jesus Christ. As I serve my employer – I am serving Jesus Christ. As I serve my church – I am serving Jesus Christ. I am serving Jesus Christ . . . how about you?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

February 3, 2013

Super Athletics

Television sets across the United States are tuned into the big game . I don’t have a horse in the race today – the Saints didn’t even make it to the playoffs this year – but I will still enjoy the 49ers vs Ravens contest. At least the game is being played in my favorite NFL stadium (the Super Dome, of course!). Could the game tonight be a reminder that our greatest achievements come as the result of teamwork and mutual effort?

Big athletic events aren’t new. The Greek and Roman world regularly held huge athletic events. I guess it’s not surprising that athletic metaphors abound in the New Testament. Here are eight of them:

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NLT
I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Galatians 2:2 NIV
You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? Galatians 5:7 NLT
Hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:16 NIV
Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 MSG
No one wins an athletic contest without obeying the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5 CEV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV

February 2, 2013

Prayer Targets from Acts 4:29-31

Valley Fellowship Church has TWO Sunday Services tomorrow – 8:30am & 10:00am. I am praying for great things. Let’s join together in faith and allow the Lord to do what He desires. I’ll see you tomorrow in the buildings at 3616 Holmes Avenue NW, Huntsville, Alabama!

Will you join me today before God’s throne? Below are three prayer targets from the experience of the early church in Acts 4:29-31.

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 NJKV

PRAYER TARGETS

#1: BOLDNESS (4:29)

#2: MIRACLES (4:30)

#3: HOLY SPIRIT OUTPOURING (4:31)