SCRIPTURE: Psalm 144 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION These words need to be read in their context, then applied to our own context. In David’s day, when violence and war were normal, being trained for battle and subduing the enemy was critical. The enemy – often foreigners, or non Jews – was a constant threat to the tiny, vulnerable nation…
persistent prayer
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 143 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION What did David do when he was in a desperate situation? (a) he prayed desperately, persistently (b) he was honest about his struggles, as wel as about his own sin and need for mercy (c) he reminded himself of God’s past blessings and mercies (d) he opened himself to learn, to be taught (e)…
christians confess
Now here is an interesting site. I have felt for some time that the biggest obstacle for non-Christians to hearing and receiving the message of Jesus is the attitudes and behaviours of Christians. So imagine a web page devoted to Christians admitting their judgmental attitudes and hypocritical behaviours. After reading some of the confessions, go…
twelve steps
The devotions these last few days (from the psalms) have reminded me of the desperate struggle we often find ourselves in, and our desperate need for God’s help. As Gary Haugen reminded me at the Leadership Summit last week, our daily disciplines (Bible reading, prayer) need to become daily desperations, where we cannot help but…
desperate for God’s help
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 142 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION David is on the run, hiding from King Saul in a cave [see 1 Samuel 24]. He desperately cries out to God for mercy and protection (later he records it as a psalm). As the story unfolds, we see how God puts Saul into his hands, and how David refuses to kill God’s appointed ruler. Saul relents, and…
prepared for battle
SCRIPTURE: Psalms 140-141 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION These two psalms are help prayers for Jesus-followers. Although I am not facing the human enemies that David faced, I read these words in light of the evil one, the Enemy behind all other enemies. I am also having to deal with Satan’s poison, his tricks and traps. Like David, I need to…
here I am, send me!
Another great day at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Craig Groeshel attempted to describe the IT that some churches have, that nebulous something that we sense when God is present and powerful. Chuck Colson challenged me to be a defender of the truth, the biblical worldview centered in Jesus. Brad Anderson (CEO of Best Buy) struck me…
leaning in what direction?
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION Peter is describing spiritual charlatans, religious sheisters who cloak themselves in religious garb, but who live for their own selfish, sinful pleasure. Deceivers, false teachers, they put on a good show, but… Jesus said we could tell the true and false teachers by their fruit, i.e. by the outcome of their lives….
from discipline to desperation
Yesterday was a good, long day at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. I heard something from the Lord through all of the speakers. Bill Hybels challenged me to be more intentional about decision-making. Gary Haugen inspired me to be brave, and not just safe. Bill George challenged me to be authentic, true to who God…
eagerly striving?
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION Peter is making sure that these Jesus followers never forget the basic message of God, namely that through Jesus we have been reconnected to God, energized by His Spirit and therefore free and able to live healthy, holy lives in this twisted, sinful world. We have everything we need, through our relationship…