The Full Armor of God--Part 7 (originally posted 2/23/08)

Ephesians 6:16-18

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Today marks the conclusion to our study of the Full Armor of God. I pray that some portion of this devotional series has spoken to your heart and fed your spirit. As we close today, we will take a look not at a defensive piece, as we have in the last 5 installments, but at the only offensive piece Paul included in our Christian armorment.

Let us begin by looking at the Roman sword of Paul's day. The "Gladius" was a relatively short sword measuring 18-24 inches in length. It was once thought that the gladius was used only for stabbing or thrusting, but research has shown that tactics taught with this type of short sword included slashing attacks as well. One such piece of documentation comes from the Roman, Dionysis. Dionysis wrote about a battle set in 300 B.C. in which he described the training practices of the Roman army. These practices included the slashing motion to the legs and exposed portions of the enemies body.

It might seem strange to think of a fighting force intetionally waging war with a smaller weapon than their opponents. When looking closely at the Roman's style of battle the use of a short sword makes sense. The Roman legions would attack, typically ramming the enemy first with their sheilds. When this stunned or recoiled the enemy, the Romans would then slash or stab forward at the off balanced foe. The Romans understood that although the sword was the main weapon, it was only effective if everything at a soldier's disposal was used in unison.

It is very interesting that Paul calls the sword, the offensive weapon, the word of God. I find it fitting that we are armored with so many things to protect us and in the end it is God's word that will do the fighting. If ever there was a let go and let God statement it may be here in Ephesians. See, humans like to feel in control, we like to do things our own way. Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 6 that we are not able to fight this battle alone.

We must clothe ourselves in things of God in order to protect our spiritual lives, and in the end we must let God be the one to fight for us. How do we attack the enemy? By reading, studying, obeying, and teaching others about the living, breathing word of God. A sword is no good if it stays in it's sheath. If you do not oil it and wipe it down it will rust and grow weak. So is the spirit of man. If we do not read and explore the Word of God, we grow weak. If we keep our Bibles on the shelf they gather dust and it is not the Word that grows weak, but us.

As I have said earlier in this study of Ephesians, make no doubt that we are in a spiritual battle. There is good and there is most assuredly evil lurking in this world. God has given us the tools to wage war, and to win in his holy name. We must answer the call, we must be diligent in preparing ourselves for battle. An army that never drills will not be ready for combat. A Christian that never studies will not be prepared when we face life's battles. Let us take away from Paul's words a desire to make ourselves true Christian Warriors clothed by God's gifts, grounded in his word, and ready to march when the orders come down. Amen!

The Full Armor of God--Part 5 (originally posted 2/22/08)

The helmet pictured is similar to one from Paul's day. However it is a replica of a 2nd century helmet so there might be some slight differences.
Ephesians 6:14-17

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation...

In our study of Paul's call for us to clothe ourselves in the armor of God we have now had the opportunity to look at the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the feet fitted with readiness from the gospel of peace, and the sheild of faith. Today, let us take a look at the next component of the Christian's spiritual clothing, the helmet of salvation.

Looking at Paul's physical reference point, the Roman soldier, we can examine the equipment of Paul's day. The Roman helmet was not simply a hat that protected the top and back of the skull. The "Galea" was a helmet that on top of protecting the top and back of the head also protected the cheek, ear and even neck region.
Movies always portray the legions of Rome marching with large, red plumes atop their helmets. It is believed that these plumes were only wore during parades, not during battle. There is also some evidence that legionaires wore their plume turned in one direction while centurions mounted there plume in the opposite direction.


In order to understand this verse we need to take a close look at how God defines the term salvation throughout the Bible. The following verses give us a glimpse at how salvation is mentioned throughout the new and old testaments:

2 Samuel 22: 2-4
2 He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me.
4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,and I am saved from my enemies.


Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?


Acts 4:11-13
11 He is
" 'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone. 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."



2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.


Hebrews 5:8-10
8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

We can determine from these verses and others that God means salvation to mean our protevtion granted through his intervention. In the Old Testament thsi often was a physical salvation of Isreal from the hands of armies and nations that appeared much greater. In the New Testament it is a term more often refered to when dealing with the salvation of our souls from the fate we deserve. INstead of letting us individually pay the price for our transgressions, Jesus has saved us by taking it all upon himself.

If we believe in Jesus Christ as the only true son of God, that he died, was buried and after three days rose again alive; if we believe that what he taught was true and that we must follow his teaching; if we proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and ask him to forgive us our trepasses and to come into our lives making us a changed person ;if we have accepted Jesus Christ as a the Lord of our lives then we put on the helmet of salvation. Why is this helmet so important? It is the key to all we believe as Christians.

In order to call yourself a Christian you must first humble yourself as a sinner. You must admit that you cannot be perfect on your own, you must ask God to forgive you and to cover your sins with the blood of Jesus. It is only through Salvation that we have a bridge to God. Without the cleansing, saving blood of Christ we would be apart from for eternity. There would be no help, we would be on our own, an army of one against a world and foe bent on destroying us. I don't know about you but I am thankful everyday for my helmet. If you have not yet obtained this peace, this saving grace, this salvation I encourage you today to bow your head and pray to God:

Father God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that on my own I am unworthy to come into your presence. I believe in your son Jesus Christ though Father. I believe that he was fully man and at the same time fully God. I believe that when he died on the cross for the sins of many, I was one of those he died for. Lord Jesus come into my heart and live forever more. Guide me and walk with me, forgive me for all the things I have ever done and wash me clean as I know only you can. Thank you Jesus for taking my place on the cross. I love you with all of my heart, all of my mind, all of my strength and all of my soul. Thank you for being my Savior. Amen

If you have worn the helmet of salvation for some time now I encourage you to take that same prayer and adjust it to renew your commitment to Christ. We are saved not by our own works or will but by the sacrifice of the only perfect human ever to walk the face of the earth. Our God is good all the time! All the time our God is good! Amen


Works cited:
www.wikipedia.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galea_(helmet)

The Full Armor of God--Part 5 (originally posted 2/21/08)

Ephesians 6:16

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The Roman Shield was called a "scutum". It was made from stips of bent wood. Often times the shield would be covered with a layer of leather. If Romans were attacked by an enemy that used flaming arrows they would soak the leather covered shield with water to extinguish the flames.The shields measured around 2.5 ft x 4.5 ft in size. This gave ample room for a soldier to squat and completely hide behind the shield if need be. The curvature of the sheild allowed it to accept and deliver large blows without transferring the full force to the legionaire.

Paul writes that we are to take up the shield of faith. I like the definition of faith that I was told as a younger child. Faith is the ability to believe in the things that you cannot see and cannot touch. The shield of faith is symbolic of that belief.

Paul knows that in the Christian walk we are going to face uncertainties and tests. Through it all we are called to stand firm in our faith. Satan's most powerful tool to use against us is doubt. He would like nothing better than for you to conclude that he does not exisist. A person that doesn't believe in God or Satan is the easiest to manipulate because they are not looking for their lives to be manipulted.

However, those that stay strong and keep the faith in the face of adversity are protected from Satan's most powerful weapon. Like the Roman soldiers who could bend down and hide behind their sheilds we can bend down and hide behind God's promise that everything happens for a reason and that he is in control.

I appologize to the early readers of this devotion. I must admit that I wrote it very late and with a great need for sleep. I have tried to go back and fix the numerous Type-o's. Thank you and God Bless!

The Full Armor of God--Part 4 (originally posted 2/20/08)

Ephesians 6: 14-15

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.


The Roman Soldier's footwear was a special sandal know as a Caliga (Caligae-plural). Caligae were made of leather that had slits and openings carved in them to allow for ventilation. Hobnails (A short nail with a thick head used to protect the soles of shoes or boots.) were hammered into the soles of the sandal with the head left exposed to form a tread like pattern. This was done for three main reasons: It reinforced the sandal, it provided the soldier with better traction, and it allowed the soldier to inflict more damage with a well placed kick.

The Caliga was laced up the center of the foot and also around the ankle area, not unlike modern shoes. The Caliga was a durable, versatile shoe. The pattern of the hobnails hammered into the sole were especially arranged as to help better distribute the weight of the wearer and to handle the grueling marching regiment of the Roman Army.

The importance of the Caliga to the Romans should not be underestimated. The Roman legions won as many battles with manuevering and positioning, fast marching, as they did with battle. Romans new this and also new that in order to march you had to be properly outfitted.

While it is clear that the Roman Army put a lot of thought into the foot wear of their soldiers, it should be equally clear that God has put a lot of thought into the footwear of his own army. Paul says, in Ephesians 6:15 to clothe yourself "with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

I can remember my younger brother playing T-ball when we were little. I loved to play baseball, basketball, anything with a ball and a few rules held my attention. My brother was not like me in this department. Jerry was on the field because mom and dad wanted him to give it a try. Most times he was sitting or knealing with his finger tracing stick figures in the sand.

When a ball was hit my brother's way he would have to get up off the ground, put his glove back on, chase down the ball that by then had rolled past, then try to make a play. Where T-ball was concerned, my brother did not have feet ready.

God doesn't keep many secrets from us. God lays out what he expects from us and what we can expect from him. He even tells us what tactics we can expect from the enemy inside his neatly packaged training manual, the Bible. If we choose not to read, not to prepare ourselves by communicating with God then when the enemy attacks we will be like my brother was, stumbling over our feet in surprise at what has come rolling our way.

The Bible does not always promise us that life will be easy. It certainly does not say that becoming a Christian will solve all your problems or keep you from developing new ones. Being a Christian does mean one thing though, you will never have to fight a battle alone again. To me that is the gospel of peace, I have the Creator of the Universe on my side.

Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?





Works Cited:
http://rigorevali.co.uk/prod02[Caligae].htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligae

The Full Armor of God--Part 3 (originally posted 2/19/08)

Ephesians 6:13-14

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

Yesterday we talked about the first portion of verse 14 and the belt of truth. If you missed yesterday's devotion I invite you to look in the archives to catch up on our current series about the Full Armor of God. Today we will move forward and look at the second item Paul tells us to include in our spiritual armor, the breastplate of righteousness.

During the first century A.D., around the time that Paul would have wrote this Letter (@ 60 A.D.), the prodominent type of armor worn by the Roman Army was called the, "Lorica segmentata". This style of armor consisted of iron plates being rivetted to leather straps. It provided excellent protection while not greatly affecting the soldier's range of motion. Wearing the armor did have it's draw backs, often soldiers wore a sacrf, or "focale" to prevent the armor from rubbing against their neck leaving a raw spot. While Paul refers to the armor as a breastplate, this form of armor also extended protection to the back.

It is believed that during this same time a style of armor that had been popular for centuries was also still in use. The "Cuirass" was a bronze plate armor often decorated with symbols of animals on the chest. Often times sculptures portrayed soldiers of the time wearing this style of armor. As with "Lorica segmentata" armor, the cuirass was not simply a breast plate, but was attached to an additional piece that provided protection for the back.

With an understanding of the physical armor or "breastplate" of the time period, we can now look more fully at Paul's reasoning for including the breastplate of righteousness in our spiritual armor. The Roman's wore breastplates for one reason. They understood that if you protect the vital organs you had a better chance of surving a battle.

God undertands this same concept when he directs Paul to include the breast plate of righteousness in our spiritual armorment. Throughout the Bible the heart is focused on as the spiritual center of man.

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 8:5
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.


Psalm 9:1
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.

2 Corinthians 1:9
Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

The purpose of our spiritual breastplate is to protect this vital spiritual organ. How important is the heart in the Christian life?
Ephesians 3:16-20
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith...
The "heart" is where Jesus, through faith, takes up residency. It doesn't get much more important than that!

So how do we protect this important area? With righteousness. The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines righteous to be an adjective meaning, "1: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin2 a: morally right or justifiable, a righteous decision."

In the book of Dueteronomy chapter 6 verses 24-25, righteousness is explained as, " The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

In the Old Testament, righteousness was obtained by following the law of God. In the new testament we are told by Jesus, " 17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."--Matthew 5:17.

When God became man, he came to the earth bringing love, but also bringing clarity to what he desired from man. He wants us to live a life like Christ, to love God with all of who we are and to love our neighbors as Christ loves them.

Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

To place on the breatplate of righteousness is to take on a Christ like attitude. It is to be the least when we want to be the greatest. It is to serve when we want to command. It is to give to those who do not deserve it and to love those who hate you. In short, it is to follow the example that Jesus gave us.








Works Cited:
http://www.eclectichistorian.net/Roman/
http://www.armourarchive.org/essays/glossary.shtml
http://www.redrampant.com/roma/armor.html
http://astro.temple.edu/~tlclark/lorica/bronze_leather.htm

Full Armor of God--Part 2 (Originally posted 2/18/08)

Picture Reference: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-cingulum.html


In the Roman army a sword belt was made of leather overlaid with many metal plates. This allowed the belt to show the soldier's rank in addition to acting in it's more practical role. In the first century A.D., Roman soldiers normally carried two weapons which were stored on their belt. The first was a sword 18-24 inches long called a "gladius". The second weapon was a small dagger called a "pugio" The belt itslef was commonly called a "Cingulum" or "Balteus". Also common during this time was a groin guard, or "sporran", which hung from the belt.

A starting question for us might be why did Paul begin his list of spiritual armorments with the belt of truth? I believe that there are two main reasons that Paul began with the belt. The first reason is that the belt was an item that was worn at all times by members of the Roman Army. In my research I found that even when other elements of the armor were not being worn, the belt stayed.

The belt not only was practical for keeping your tunic on tight, but it was necessary for keeping military protacol such as chain of command. The same is true of the truth. Truth is practical. If you always tell the truth you never have to worry about having to remember a lie. The truth is also necessary for Christians to keeep our chain of command. All things that come from God are truth. If we stray from the truth, then we stray from God. In ancient times anyone who lived in Roman occupied lands could look at a Roman soldier's belt and know instantly that he belonged to the army. As Christians, people should be able to look directly at our lives and be able to know that we belong to God.

The second reason I believe that Paul began with the belt of truth is that the belt is the starting place of the entire outfit. It binds the tunic close to the body, holds the weapons for easy access, and marks the rank of the man wearing it. This was an essential piece of equipment for anyone in the Roman Army.

The truth is an essential piece of equipment for anyone in the Lord's Army. All of Christian doctrine relates back to the truth. To believe in Jesus you must believe that every single time he said, "I tell you the truth.." he was doing just that telling the truth. (By the way click on the online Bible and enter in "I tell you the Truth in the Keyword search, you'll be astounded to see how many times he said that very phrase.)

Not only, do you have to believe that Jesus was always telling the truth, but as a Christian we are called to live in the truth. Here are only a few lines of scripture that relate how important the truth is to the life of a Christian:


Psalm 31:5
Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

Psalm 40:11
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.

Psalm 43:3
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

Psalm 51:6
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Proverbs 16:13
Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:16-17

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.


The truth marks us as different. The truth says that we have made our stand. The truth declares that we have enlisted in the Lord's Army and we take our marching orders from the Creator himself. So, as you are preparing to go out into the world each day. Slide that belt through it's loops and cinch it tight, reminding yourself that God has called us as Christians to live in truth.


Works Cited:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army#Roman_Soldier.27s_Main_Armor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balteus_%28sword_belt%29

The Full Armor of God -Part 1 (originally posted 2/17/08)

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.


I hope you will join me over the next week as we dissect this scripture and study why God calls us to put on "The full armor of God." We will take an in depth look at what God calls us to spiritually clothe ourselves with and the importance of each article.

Today, our focus is going to be on why armor? When I hear someone say armor I instantly conjure up images of medieval knights perched majestically on top of noble horses. I think about fairy tales and lofty castles.

At the time Paul wrote Ephesians (around the year 60 A.D.) the major fighting force in the biblical world was the Romans. In those days when you thought of armor you would conjure up images of a Roman Infantryman. The basic parts of his armor would be a shield, the Caligae (special marching sandals), a tunic, a belt, one of several flexible and form fitting armors plates (breastplates), a metal apron and a helmet.

It would seem to be a safe assumption, based on the dress described by Paul and the actual armor worn by Romans, that the mental image Paul was painting was of a Roman style armor. Still, why armor? Why didn't Paul say put on the comfy sweatsuit of God or the pajamas or even the bathing suit?

Paul answers this question for us in verses 10-13 where he tells us that we must prepare for an enemy. How does an army prepare for battle? They drill, they equip, and they plan. Paul tells us that the enemy is not a physical presence coming to destroy our bodies. Instead he warns of the, "authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil." Paul uses an armor metaphor to show God's people how to prepare themselves for a spiritual battle.

This brings us to one final point, there is a spiritual battle going on all around us. Satan knows that he cannot win against the Lord. However, the devil is a vindictive loser. He wants to hurt God as much as he can, he wants to lash out at the power that tossed him from heaven. How can Satan hurt God? By hurting us, by stealing us, by allowing us to be damned!

So God tells us, "look there is an attack coming." He hands us our equipment and tells us to put it on so that we can be safe. The only catch is God has a lot of equipment to pass out and whether you put on what he has handed you or not is your choice. The enemy is deceitful, he might tell you what you want to hear. He might even help make life easier for you if you follow his deceitful path instead of God's narrow way.

In the end though God's narrow path leads to an eternity with him in heaven, God knows this. The wide and easy street that Satan offers leads to hell and damnation, the devil knows this as well. So the only choice left is which path to follow. I choose the narrow one with ambushes waiting around every corner. While I know there is a hard trek before me I am secure knowing that I have on God-brand Kevlar.

Coincidence? I think Not. (originally posted 2/15/08)

Psalm 51:11-13(NIV)


11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.


It was one of those nights as a teeneager when nothing could go wrong. Sunday night, riding with my beast friend, and I didn't have to go to school Monday! Life just could not get any sweeter. My two best friends and I had bought tickets to go to a Nascar Truck Race. The race was suppose to have been on Saturday, but the rains had come and bumped it to Monday.

After some heavy duty begging and pleading, the three of us had talked our parents into letting us ditch school and go to the race. There is something that just feels free about a Sunday night with no Monday obligations.

I had spent the day with my friends planning out what we were going to do and when we needed to leave the following morning. As usual, I had not gone to church that morning. When I was little mom took took the kids every Sunday. For years now mom had stopped going and the only church I got was a Wednesday night service at the local Missionary Alliance Church.

I had friends who went there and the church had a huge auditorium. I loved going to play basketball and it was worth sitting through the 30 minute lecture to shoot hoops. I had not always looked at church that way. As a younger child I loved going, memorizing verses, and doing the whole merrit badge program. As I got older I fell into the, "If I can't understand it, then it must not be important" mindset.

Over the last few years I had lost several people that were close to me, and I just couldn't make things add up in my head. It wasn't that I didn't want to believe, and deep down I think I still did. I was young and stupid. I was angry that I had lost those I loved and I was faced with real doubts for the first time in my life. So Sunday mornings were for sleeping in, and Sunday afternoons were for watching racing. That was my reality.

I'll never forget the moment that it happened. There was a snap in the front of the truck and then suddenly I felt the entire vehicle lurch in my direction. It's funny how the cartoons always show a wreck in slow motion, because when you remember being in one, that's how it plays out. I remember tensing up and as an after thought thinking I need to pull my hand in the window.

My arm had been stretched out the window, my hand laying on top the roof of the cab. The window was half-way rolled down to let the cool spring air rush in. I barely got my arm in the door before the asphault rushed up to meet the passenger side door. My arm was slung back down meeting the explosion of glass where the window had been.

As the truck rolled over onto the roof, Dave and I dangled helplessly from our seat belts as sparks erupted all around in the darkness. We laugh to this day about how I looked over at him as the truck slid to a stop and hanging there said, "There goes the race."

Once we came to a rest and the truck lay still we began to frantically search for the seat belt releases. Once we had found them we fell with a thud upon what was left of the roof, holes were eaten all the way through the sheet metal and bare ground was showing through in spots.

We crawled out of the cab and walked a few steps from the mangled heap that moments ago was my buddy's truck. With an eeire moan the weight of the truck crushed the roof down like a soda can. The windows crushed enough that we would have been unable to crawl out if we were still trapped inside.

Dave took a look at me and turned ashe gray, it wasn't until then I noticed the blood streaming from my arm, the gash from almost my wrist to my elbow was laid wide open. "I'll get help." Dave said over and over again as he took off running toward the nearest house.

No sooner had he left than a set of lights came into view and a van pulled up and stopped. Two figures climbed from the vehicle and as the walked toward me in the glare of the headlights I heard a familiar voice. It was Billy, the youth sponsor from Wednesday nights and Derrick who also helped out with youth activities. While Billy tended to me, his wife called the rescue squad on her cell phone then drove to my parents house to tell them what had happened.

I knew then that this was no coincidence, no mere chance encounter. You see as I hung upside down dangling inside that sparked filled cab I had prayed, "Okay God. If you're there I could really use your help about now." Who says God doesn't speak anymore? I heard him loud and clear. He held that cab up until we got out, he sent his workers to tend to me and deliver the news to my family, and he whispered gently it's going to be okay.


Closing thoughts: When we doubt him he does not dismiss us from his presence. When we seek him he restores our joy and grants peace, when we submit ourselves to him he uses us to bring his light into the world.

A few thoughts to ponder (originally posted 2/14/08)

I want to encourage you today to spend some time in thoughtful response and communication with God. Instead of giving you a devotional to read I would like you to journal the answers to the following questions and then pray about your responses.


1. How would I recognize Jesus if He walked into the same room I was in?



2. What one activity do I spend more time doing than anything else?



3. When I close my eyes and and imagine walking into heaven, what do I see?



4. If there was a fire and I could only save one possession on my way out, what would it be?


5. What did I do today that made Jesus smile? What made him cry?


6. What am I most afraid of?


I know this seems like a random set of questions, and to a point it is. I encourage you to answer each one honestly, then pause and reflect on your answers. Invite Jesus to reveal himself and his will to you as you read.

Jesus to the World (originally posted 2/13/08)

Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

I have a cousin who is very dear to me. We spend a lot of time togehter and I respect what he has to say very much. That doesn't mean that we always agree, but we have never had a problem agreeing to disagree. One afternoon while we were together the conversation turned to God, and then to the church. I asked him why he didn't go to church and the answer he gave me is one that I think resounds with many.

He looked at me and said, "Because the people in the church are no different than the people in the world. They just like to act as if they are for an hour on Sunday." I tried to think of a snappy come back. How could I defend my fellow church goers, what statement could I give that would be the ultimate trump? Then it struck me that mere words would never be enough. A statement like this was the result of years of experience.

My cousin had grown-up with a mother who went to church, he had known countless numbers of others that went to church. This was no flipiant statement given by a man who wanted an easy out. This was a dead serious, "I see no difference between the way church people live compared to non-church people" statement.

As a whole, I think this is where the church fails today, especially in the United States. Yes, we have dedicated individuals who leave the doors of the church and are as focused on God all week as they were during church. We also have a great deal more who walk out those same doors having fulfilled a commitment to sit in a pew, sing some songs, and eat a wafer with grape juice. These folks no more step out of their Sunday best before they are using foul language and spreading the latest round of gossip.

As Christians, we should always say may the words of my mouth be pleasing unto you Lord. What we say and how we act are being watched. By calling yourself a Christian, non-believers will measure our God by your example. If we as Christians fall into the same sins as the world time and time again, how are we showing the unsaved that we are different?

The same is true of the meditations of our hearts. What do we focus on, what do we portary as our ultimate desire? If we meditate on the lustful things of the world we will gravitate toward the same. If we meditate on the will of God, we will gravitate toward Godly things. Simply put, if you actively seek God, people will see God through you. If you actively seek sin, then sinfullness is what you will portray.

Let us focus on making sure that the words of our lips, and the meditations of our hearts will be pleasing in the sight of our Rock and Redeemer. Then, and only then, will the world be able to look at God's people and tell that we have been set apart.

One Father to Another (Originally posted 2/12/08)

John 1:11-13 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.


I have the privledge of being the father of a two and a half year old litttle girl. I must admit that she is the most precious little girl in the entire world, as well as the smartest and the most beautiful. Isn't it amazing how you can ask any daddy or mommy about their child and their's is always the most beautiful, the brightest.....

I don't think there is any doubt why God chose to present himself in the gospel as a Father. Think about all the ways God could have refered to himself in relation to humans. He could have called himslef boss, commander, or dictator. However, he chose over 260 times in scripture to be referred to as Father (http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=220) .

Why Father? Because God looks at us the same way I look at my daughter. He wants the best for us! He wants to protect and guide us! He wants to hold us in his arms and forget anything we have ever done wrong, covering us in love and whispering I love you into our ears.

The most incredible thing to me is this fact, as much as I love my daughter (with all of my heart), he still loves me more than that. I don't know how, my cup is full and over flowing, but I know he does. How else could he have given up his child for you and me?

A Parting Thought: You know how as a parent you spend too much money at Christmas and birthdays then end up watching the kids play with boxes. What good things has God given you just to see you play with the boxes? How do you think that makes him feel?

What Does It Take To Get Your Attention, A Billboard? (originally posted 2/11/08)

Mark 16: 15-16 (NIV)

15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Several years back there sprang up some interesting billboards along the sides of America's roads. While there seems to be some dispute over where the signs originated from, my research has shown South Florida as the most likely candidate. These signs had humorous, yet biblically grounded statements that were signed by "God."

You may have remembered running by a few of these (I'll include a few links at the bottom that have complete lists of the signs): "Meet you at my house Sunday before the big game"- God, "Don't make me come down there"-God, and my personal favorite "What Part of "Thou Shalt Not..." Didn't You Understand?" - God.

Supposedly, these signs got there start with a donation by an annonymous donor and were then picked up by several non-denominational organizations across the country. I can remember driving down the road the first time I saw one of these signs and getting a big goofy grin across my face, even letting out a chuckle. It was the kind of thing that made people talk and laugh together.

Can you imagine how many people were led to Christ through a conversation that started by one of these humorous billboards? It is amazing the way God works in the lives of those that believe in him. He tells us to go out into the world and share his good news, to evangalize, to be unafraid. Then he provides us with opportunities.

Have you ever felt like talking to someone about Jesus Christ and in the back of your head heard that voice, "They're going to think you're one of those nutty fanaticals." We worry that people are going to reject us, that they are going to judge and rebuke us if they don't believe. This is an understandable fear, but not an excuse for holding back the gospel.

In my research to find the origin of the billboards, I ran across several sites that had negative responses to the "God billboards." People said that the, "Don't make me come down there" board was threatening. Others said they shouldn't be forced to see, "dry religous humor" when they are driving down the road. Should this deter me? No, it should strenthen my resolve.

We live in a world today where it is okay for men and women to be plastered on billboards in their underwear or lingerie. If you say that it is offensive, then you're a prude. If someone takes God's words and tries to convey his message of love, then you're a religous fruit-basket. This is the type of world God sent Jonah to, this is the type of world Jesus saw when he came down from heaven, and this is the kind of world God knew would be in place when he issued the Great Commision to us.

Matthew 9:12 tells us, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Let us be found obedient as the hands and feet of Christ. Let us go into this sick world and be God's physicians, his disciples, his fishers of men.


Prayer: Father God, you are the potter I am the clay. I ask, Lord, that you would mold me into a tool that you might use to further your kingdom. I love you and long to serve you. Guide my feet and bend my soul to your will. Praise and glory be to your name forever and ever, Amen.


Some sites with lists of the God Billboard Messages:
http://www.jamesshuggins.com/h/mot1/messages_from_god.htm
http://www.llerrah.com/godsbillboards.htm
http://www.nowlin.org/billboardsign.html
http://www.freemaninstitute.com/billboard.htm

Whats Love Got To Do With It? (originally posted 2/10/08)

In ancient Greek there was not one word that meant love. Different words were used to denote different kinds of love. Let's examine the different words that meant love in the ancient world.

Eros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "(romantic) love". However, eros does not have to be sexual in nature. Eros can be interpreted as a love for someone whom you love more than the philia love of friendship. It can also apply to dating relationships as well as marriage.

Philia (φιλία philía), which means friendship in modern Greek, a dispassionate virtuous love, was a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity. In ancient texts, philia denoted a general type of love, used for love between family, between friends, a desire or enjoyment of an activity, as well as between lovers. This is the only other word for "love" used in the ancient text of the New Testament besides agape, but even then it is used substantially less frequently.

Agapē (ἀγάπη agápē) means "love" in modern day Greek. The term s'agapo means "I love you" in Greek. The word "agapo" is the verb "I love". In Ancient Greek it often refers to a general affection rather than the attraction suggested by "eros"; agape is used in ancient texts to denote feelings for a good meal, one's children, and the feelings for a spouse. It can be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard. The verb appears in the New Testament describing, amongst other things, the relationship between Jesus and the beloved disciple. In biblical literature, its meaning and usage is illustrated by self-sacrificing, giving love to all--both friend and enemy. It is used in Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbour as yourself," and in John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you," and in 1 John 4:8, "God is love." However, the word "agape" is not always used in the New Testament in a positive sense. II Timothy 4:10 uses the word in a negative sense. The Apostle Paul writes,"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved (agapo) this present world...." Thus the word "agape" is not always used of a divine love or the love of God. Christian commentators have expanded the original Greek definition to encompass a total commitment or self-sacrificial love for the thing loved. Because of its frequency of use in the New Testament, Christian writers have developed a significant amount of theology based solely on the interpretation of this word.
----Information obtained from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_words_for_love)

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, let us remember the one who loves us with a special love long before we ever showed him any affection. When you are buying flowers and goodies for your sweet heart, take a moment and tell the Father that you Agape Him too!

A Child Shall Lead Them (Originally Posted 2/9/08)

Matthew 18:1-10 (NIV)


Matthew 18(2-5)

2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.


Several years ago, when I first became a teacher I had a little girl in my classroom, we'll call her Melissa. Melissa was a good student, not overly gifted but she applied herself and always went the extra mile.

Melissa's mother had been into drugs and bounced in and out of prison. Melissa's father was disinterested and often would miss his weekend visitations. Melissa would always come in Friday excited about how her daddy was coming to get her and Monday, more often than not, I would spend the morning drying tears of disappointment.

One Friday morning, Melissa came into class excited about the prospects of a great weekend. She was spouting off how her dad was coming to the basketball game to see her cheer and how much fun they would have going to his house after the game. It happened that the game Melissa was cheering had several of the boys from my class on the teams and it was a perfect opportunity for me to see several of my kids in action.

I love going to see my students compete and perform their extra curricular activities. It is one of the joys of teaching to see the looks and smiles on your students faces when you get the chance to visit an event like this. Students light up and when they see you have come to see them play. Melissa was no different, she came bounding across the court and gave me a huge hug.

Monday morning, as the rest of the class walked out to go to there special classes, Melissa turned around and ran back into the room. She wrapped me (at least as far as her arms could reach around) in an embrace and the warm tears began to fall as the words, "I wish you were my daddy" came through gentle sobs.

I held her close and said nothing, I didn't want her to see the tears streaming down my own face as my heart broke.

Melissa taught me many things. She had a great personality, and a wonderful outlook on life. She could have dwealt all the time on the bad, on the missing, on the hardship. She didn't. Most of the time she was happy, even bubbly. She cared for her friends and classmates and showed it every chance she got. Melissa taught me that life does not need to be going right for you to be thankful for what you have.

Melissa taught me that love does not only happen when you feel loved. It would have been easy for this little girl to lock her heart away. She could have chosen to stop feeling because she so often felt only pain, but she chose to love freely and without hesitation.

Finally, she taught me how lucky I was not only to have a father and mother on earth that loved me, but to have a Father in heaven who loves me. God is not only a creator. He does not make us and then wash his hands of us. God is everywhere, all the time, and eagerly desires that his children seek him and commune with him. What a gift that is, that the Father of the Universe says "I love you" , that he makes every game, that he loves unconditionally and is always interested! Thanks be to Abba (the Father).

Posted by My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter at 7:27 PM
1 comments:
fruit-cupcake said...
Wow, how heart warming that a child coming from those circumstances would choose to live instead of just exist. She should be an inspiration to us all. May we pray that no matter life's turns Melissa is able to maintain her innocent faith.
Good job, MB/JC, what a wonderful way to display God's love in a little girl's life. I hope you planted a seed that is being watered till this day!!

Father Knows Best (Originally Posted 2/8/08)

Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)


33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
35 "Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.


The room is dark and everyone seems to be holding their breath. The piercing sound of the heart monitor sends shockwaves through your spine as you look down at the discolored body you barely regonize as your Grandfather. The doctors had told you that the surgergy would be risky. They told you to brace yourself before going back because of the number of tubes and wires. They even said that the operation required them to pack his body in ice and that he would be frigid to the touch. The resperator moans as it pushes his stiff chest up and and then relaxes to let the same fall.

You stand wide eyed, praying silently over and over the only words you can think of, please, just please..... In the days to come progress is made, he begins to regain his color. As tubes are removed and he begins to talk, he even shows flashes of his normal humor, but this is the calm before the storm.

They move him from the Intensive Care Ward to the rehab wing. That has to be good, right. Then the phone rings and wakes you in the wee morning hours. Before you answer the phone you know the words on the other end and you whisper please, just please.

The funeral is hard, you try to be strong, you try to be there for everyone else and you try so hard not to ask the question why. You know in your head that dying is part of living and almost 80 years is a rich life, but that doesn't make the hurt stop. By now you know this is no fiction piece. We laid Grandpa to rest a few short months ago and it was hard, sometimes it still is.

In time though I've been able to step back and know that I don't get to question God on why. Who am I to think that what I want, what I desire is better than the plan God has in store? I am certainly not his equal. To this day I still don't know why God called Grandpa home. I can guess and give myself a lot of good reasons that make me feel better, but it is not my place to know the mind of God.

One of the hardest lessons to learn as a Christian is that when we don't get what we pray for God is not ignoring us. Sometimes the answer we get is "no." We may one day see the reason behind that answer, and we may never know the answer. However, believing in God and placing your trust in Jesus Christ doesn't mean praising him only when your prayers are answered. It means trusting when you are at the grave of a loved one. God's reasoning is above your own.

Prayer:
God, thank you for being with us when times are good and never abandoning us when times are rough. You are a God who loves us, sustains us, and sees us through all that life holds. Forgive us Lord when we question your actions. We know that you are the perfect one and if we continue to seek your council that we can face any struggle that comes our way. Lord, be with those that mourn and remind them that for believers death is only a slumber that will one day awaken to your glorious kingdom. Above all, your will be done forever and ever. Amen


Casting Crowns--Praise You In This Storm

I was Hungry and You Fed Me (Originally posted on 2/6/08)

Matthew 25:36-40 (NIV)

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.


The other night I had the chance to go to a hockey game with my cousin. As we were walking through the parking lot we were approached by a man who told us how he hadn't had work in a few months and was asking for money. I pulled out a few bucks, him well saying, "God bless you" and my cousin and I walked away.

As we were on our way into the coliseum, my cousin asked me if I ever wondered what people did with the money I gave them. "Do you think they use it for food or do you think they use it for alcohol and drugs." I smiled, because this was something I had struggled with when I was younger. I told him that I figured some used it for necessities and some used it for other things.

I went on to tell him that the way I looked at it was Jesus told me to feed the hungry. If in good faith that is why I give a few dollars to a person then I am being obedient. If that person then goes and uses my money to do something else, then that is between that person and God.

As Christians I think we often allow the what if's to get in the way of what we are called to do. I cannot make another person be obedient, I cannot force another person to do the right thing. I can show that person an example of what Godly people do and hope that even if they don't use my gift wisely, they caught a brief glimpse of Jesus when I passed their way.

Monk and Neagle--The Twenty-first Time

The Lights are on but no one's home (Originally posted on 2/7/08)

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (NIV)

1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple [a] of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel.
Samuel answered, "Here I am." 5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."
But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.

6 Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."
"My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

8 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."



It must have been strange for young Samuel. To have a voice from on high speak to him when he had not yet come to know God. He was a young boy and he did the only logical thing he could think of, he went to check on Eli. I can imagine a young Samuel crawling back in bed each time, a bit scared, pulling the covers over his head, peaking around for the source of this voice. I can hear his unsteady voice finally stammering out, "Here I am Lord. You called me."

Often times we are a lot like Samuel. When we feel called by God we cower under the spiritual covers or seek out something, or someone, more tangible. Why? Because we are afraid. Unlike Samuel, as Christians we know the Lord and we know that often what he calls us to do is to step out of our comfort zone. Humans don't like to do that. We like to stay wrapped in the warm security of the blankets, we don't want to place our bare feet out on the cold linoleum of life.

Like Samuel, we must open ourselves up and say yes Lord, you called me. We need to be willing to step out of the warm covers and venture into the cold kitchen of life. Jesus told his disciples that he would make them fishers of men. If we wish to call ourselves Christians, if we wish to be disciples and believers we must take up the torch. We must venture to where the lost can be found, we must be open to obeying God's will when it is contradictory to that of the world and against our own desires. We must say yes Lord, your servant is here. What would you have me do?


Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for being a God who listens to the prayers of a sinner like me. Father I praise your holy name and recognize that without you I have no purpose, no drive, no reason for being. I ask, Lord, that you guide my heart . I pray that You will help me to discern what Your will for my life is and what path You would have me travel. Lord give me the strength to listen and follow Your plan and not my own. I ask that You mold me, that You use me to further the cause of Your kingdom, that my life might be a worthy sacrifice unto You. Forgive me the trespasses I have committed against my fellow man this day and those I have committed against You, Father. Help me, please, to be a better person tomorrow than I was today. To You be all glory, honor and praise. Amen

Be careful little ears what you hear. (Originally posted on 2/5/2008)

Matthew 15:17-19 (NIV)

17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

If you pour dirt and water into a jar and mix them together don't expect to pour it out to find honey. When you pour one thing into a cup and lift it to your lips you should expect to taste what it is that you poured in the cup, unless you've seen Jesus hanging around the water pots, of course (John 2:1-11).

You may say, "Danny, I know good and well not to drink a cup full of muddy water." Do you? Physically we as Christians know there are certain things we would never put to our lips, but spirituality you and I put poison into our bodies almost everyday. Yes I include myself. Sometimes I get these messages as much for me as for you.

Why do we not put muddy water in our cup? Because we want fresh, pure, clean water to pass over our lips. So why do we saturate our soul with dirty, abominal things of the world and expect our soul to remain clean and spotless. Think of the shows you see on television, the songs you hear on the radio, even the jokes you listen to your friends tell when you think no one else is around.

Are you feeding your soul clean, pure, Godly content? If the answer is no, it may be time to begin thinking about why not. What you put into your soul is bound to eventually come out. If you feed your soul a steady diet of Godly text, music, T.V. programming and Christ motivated companions you will radiate with Christ's love. If you devote your time to being around foul language, immoral messages, and ungodly people, who do you think is going to radiate from you?

Prayer: Father God, thank you for being with me and loving me. Thank you for loving me enough to convict me when I place myself in bad situations and make bad choices about what to feed my spirit. Be with me Lord and help me to choose to surround myslef with things that feed my spirit from your garden. Allow me to transform and to be a light in the world shining bright for you. I love you Abba, Father, Creator. In your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

Posted by My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter at 8:13 PM
1 comments:
Godschild said...
Danny,

I'm constantly telling my 10 year-old granddaughter this very thing. The Bible tells us that we must guard the 'gates to our hearts.' Those gates are our eyes, ears, and mouth. Garbage in, garbage out, I tell her. She knows by now that it's not just her oldy goldy nana speaking but God's truth. The Bible tells us that we must not put anything base before us, or listen to any voice but His..His word says, "my sheep hear my voice." We must speak His truth, not ours or anyone else's version but His truth according to His precious word. This devotional is very good and please continue to share God's message to you. He blesses us that we might be a blessing and His message to you is meant to be shared with others...May you continue to hear and discern God speaking to you...In Him, Sandy

Where's all this begatting begetting us? (Originally posted on 2/4/08)

Read --Isaiah 11: 1-10 & Matthew 1:1-16

Lineage. Some people don’t care a thing about their family lineage; others believe it defines who they are. Me, I am a Sink. No, not a fixture found in your bathroom or kitchen, my last name is Sink. I’m proud of this fact. Yes, you may laugh if you wish, but hey there are other fixtures in the bathroom that could have lent me a worse last name.

Have you ever noticed how important lineage is in the Bible? I mean all through the Old Testament and even into the New Testament it is Bob begat George who begat, begat, begat. You know those parts where you skim over trying to find an end to all the begetting before you begat yourself to sleep.

Typically, in biblical times, a son learned from his father how to make a living and went to work in the family business. Take Jesse from our excerpt in Isaiah for example, he was a shepherd who taught his sons to be shepherds. Can you imagine how surprised he must have been to have a son that grew up to be King. Not Just any King, but a king after God’s own heart.

Fast-forward a few begats later we get to Jesus, the only begotten son of the Father. Born to the house of David, Jesus comes to the world as a king announced by a heavenly entourage(Luke 2:8-20), worshipped by those who heard of his coming, and lavished with expensive gifts from afar(see Matt 2:9-12). But ife as a king, surrounded by jewels and wealth was not how Jesus chose to live.

Perhaps it was one of those hereditary things he got from David’s line, but more likely he took after his Father. In any case, Jesus had this fascination with creatures that couldn’t quite take care of themselves. No wonder he decided to go back in to the family business, as a Shepard.

Focus Question: Are you living a life today that will leave a legacy of pride for your decendants? Will your children someday be able to look at the example you have left them and say that is the path to righteousness? If not, how can you change this?

No More Tears (Originally posted 2/3/08)

Revelation 21:4 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.


It is sometimes nice to focus less on the challenges of this life, and a bit more on the reward that awaits those that follow Christ. After all, as humans we do tend to do better when we have a goal to aim at. The book of Revelation is one of the most debated books in the Bible. Theologians, and average readers alike, debate whether the description of heaven is to be taken literally or figuratively.

Some contend that the streets paved with gold is a metaphor to show that in heaven the values of the earth are likened unto dirt and rock. Others contend that this is a literal interpretation, and we will be able treading on gold bricks. To be honest, I take the I don't know and it really doesn't matter view. I believe that once I reach the streets of heaven I am not likely to pay the roads themselves much attention.

Revelation 21:4 is a verse that I believe is undeniably literal. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

What a beautiful statement and promise this is. Our world was designed by God to share in this same promise, but the sins of Adam and Eve brought pain and suffering into the world. How wonderful our God is to love us enough to give us a way to return to that state of bliss. And what a delightful thought it is to think of being with our Creator, wrapped in his love for all time. Praise be to God!

Prayer: Father God, thank you for loving me enough that you are willing to over-look all my short-comings and accept me into your eternal home. I look forward Lord to the day that I can be with you, the day when all the worry and weight of the world will be lifted and I can bask in your brilliance. I love you! Amen.

Love Hurts (originally posted 2/1/08)

If you turn on the radio it is almost impossible to miss some song dripping with sentiment about how grand and wonderful love is. Same thing on the television, movie, and fairy tales. The knight in shining armor always rescues the damsel in distress and they live happily ever after.

So is it any wonder that people tend to give up on relationships when the times are tough and things are far from peaches and cream? We live in a society that says love is only love as long as you are getting what you want out of the relationship. We live by the morals that forever is only a maybe and walking away from a vow is alright if you have a good enough reason.

I wonder what Jesus thinks when he looks down and sees us treat love in such a fashion. After all, there was certainly not much personal gain from being flogged and beaten without raising a hand in defense. I'm sure he didn't feel his love reciprocated when the guards pushed down spikes of thorns upon his forehead. When the tip of a nail being driven into his bare flesh sent pulses of unimaginable pain coarsing through his entire body, I am sure he felt like running.

The world says give up. The world says it will be easier to start a new than to rebuild all that is broken. The world says you are justified, it's your right. But as Christians we are not called to listen to the world, but to follow the example of Christ Jesus.

What would happen to the divorce rate in this country if men and women began to realize that love is not a Nike commercial? You don't just do it because it feels good, you do it because you are devoted to your spouse and to the God you stood before on your wedding day. It is not easy, every marriage has rocky roads, some of our paths have pot holes a four story building could fall into, but before we give up, before we look to fill the gap in some other place, perhaps it would be prudent to ask God to help you heal what you already have.



Prayer: Father God, I come to you humbly this evening asking for your blessing upon the lives of your sheep that may receive this word. I pray God that it is pleasing unto you and that it will be acceptable in your sight. Father I pray for all of those that are hurting inside. Some Lord are hurting because they are lonely and desperately want to find their mate, some Lord are hurting because they are away from those they love, some have been abandoned and some are lost and confused and don't know where to start or start over. Father be with all of these people tongiht, give them comfort, send them peace and guidance that they might set their feet upon a path that you have designed. Lord all good things come from you, including the love a man and a woman share. Help bring healing into this land Lord, that we might once again see the union between a husband and wife as holy.




A post comment. Many of the things that cause a marriage to crumble can be dealt with over time and with God's direction. It is not the will of God, however, that anyone suffer abuse at the hands of your spouse. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship please seek professional help.

Posted by My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter at 7:56 PM
1 comments:
fruit-cupcake said...
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 The Message

By Slowing Down, You Get There Faster (1/31/08)

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.


Alright gentleman, let me talk directly to you for a minute. What is it with us and the whole not stopping for directions thing? Did I miss this chapter in the Complete Guide to Masculinity? I'm a guy, I do this, and for the life of me I don't know why! I have this eerie feeling that it is somehow linked to the got to get there in record time or I feel like a failure thing, but that is an entirely different devotional.

As Christians I think we, women you're back in this thing now too, have a tendency to do the same thing. We get into our spiritual cars and drive to the pumps on Sunday. We go into church, sit in the pew, listen to the preacher, we might even get some meaningful insight out of the sermon, but then we park the car for the rest of the week. Worst yet, we try to drive all week on that one tank of gas and can't figure out why were sitting dead in the middle of I-40.

God does tell us that it is important for us to gather in fellowship with other believers, but where we often times get it wrong is we think that one time a week is enough. Now those of you that go to Wednesday night service, don't go getting pius on me either. He didn't say two times was enough either. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) we are told to pray continually, or as the King James puts it, to pray without ceasing.

How can we go about this task of never ending prayer? Here's a hint, prayer does not have to be on your knees or with your eyes closed. God, the one who made the stars, the sun, the moon and even you knows your every thought. That in itself can be a fairly scary revolation. It can also be a freeing epiphany, that anytime you want to talk to God all you have to do is realize that he knows what you are going through, what you are feeling, the choices that stand in front of you. Your prayer can be as simple as help, or as complex as reciting the Lord's prayer silently in your mind. Thats why we still call him Emmanuel which means God with us.

So what about this whole idea of slowing down? While it is important to take God with us on the 100 mph highway that is modern life, it is equally important to realize that sometimes we need to make a pitstop and recharge and refuel. Many of us have the idea that meditation is only done by people with long yellow robes and with crossed legs while humming ohmmmm. Christian meditation is very different from this. It can be an important addition to your devotional life.

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is to find a quiet spot, away from phones, television and even the computer(finsih the devotional first if you don't mind)where we can focus on being still and focusing on God. Clear your mind of your schedule, and open yourself up to God. "Here I am Father....." As you meditate you may think of things you want to tell him or you may feel as though he is directing you in some way.

Christians should always seek God's will. When you seek your earthly father's will you spend time with him, you try to find out what he wants. Why is it that we think seeking our heavenly father's will would be any different.

If your goal is to be closer to God, if your desire is to be in His will, if servitude is your destination, God has provided a map. Slow down, you'll get there faster when you are still and you know he is God.

In it Not of it (originally posted on 1/30/08)

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
15Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

17The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.


Do you remember being a small child during Christmas or around your Birthday? You would sit around with visions of all the grand items that you wanted to emerge from neatly wrapped packages. You would imagine that inside each box or bag there was something wonderful that you were just dying to have.

Then the day would come when you could finally shred that neat packaging in to a mound of thrashed scraps. You would dig your fingers in deep tearing off bows and ribbons, snapping taped corners and unveiling the treasure inside. The excitement, the anticipation, the underwear?

Man by nature is a greedy being controled by desires, cravings, and a carnal instinct. This is the nature of the world and our inheritence from Adam and Eve's garden party. In 1 John, and through the example of Jesus Christ, we are taught God desires that we should resist this nature and instead look to him for guidance. In short, be Christ-like Christians.

This is, of course, no easy task and ultimately not one that we can fully acheive. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. Luckily, we belong to a God who loves his creation and delights when he sees us strive to do his will.

In today's world of high pressure and cut throat tactics where he who dies with the most toys wins, it is easy to lose sight of the only thing that will have any value once you are in the ground, God. Being in the world and not of it means doing things the way Christ would have you do it. In business, in family, in relationships, even when dealing with those you really don't like ask yourself, "what is my goal?" If the answer is simply to get more money, to be more popular, to acquire more stuff then you need to assess whose image you are projecting.

Christians are never called to be selfish. Look at the one whose name we wear. He could have said, "that hurts too much", he could have said, "save yourself", he could have said, "you're not worth it". What he did say was, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)

Jesus never asked, "what's in it for me." Instead he was all about what's in it for you. Let us strive to look less at the world's view of me, me, me and instead see God's serving nature. By the way, thanks for the undies Grandma.


Prayer: God, I thank you for loving me in a way that is special. I thank you for not seeing me as the world would, a person who has gone against your every wish, who is conceited and at times rebellious. Lord, I thank you for seeing me as your child. Lord, I praise your name above all names, you are the maker and creator, the powerful one, to you be all glory. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. Though I am unworthy I gladly accept his gift of salvation. Go with me now Lord, and stay with me always guiding me and teaching me in your love. Use me as a tool to help further build your kingdom. I love you Father, in your holy name I pray, Amen.

What is a devotion? (originally posted Jan 28)

Seven years as an educator have taught me a few things. The first, and quite possibly the most important, is to never begin in the middle. While many of you are already well-versed in what it means to have a devotional time, others may be unfamiliar with the term.

The way a person uses this time to focus on God varies. It could include reading from scripture by one's self, with family or friends. It could be a time of prayer or a time giving God praise or singing songs of praise. There is no right or wrong way to format your devotional time as long as you keep one very important detail in mind: This is God's time.

During God's time, challenge yourself to be open to the Holy Spirit. Let Him flow through your thoughts and through your songs. If you feel the Holy Spirit guiding you to call a friend, then do it! If you turn to a page in scripture that you hadn't meant to study, be open to change your plans. Who knows? The spirit may even lead you to turn on your computer and create your own blog or website! There is no single way the Creator speaks to us or inspires us to feed on his words.

I invite you to spend a portion of your devotional time here daily. With this website, I plan to explore ideas and topics from the bible and how they apply to our everyday lives. I hope we can have a dialogue as a community of believers where we can share ideas, our insights, and challenge our interpretations in order to help each other to grow in our faith and our relationship with God.

If you are inspired to submit a devotional entry, please leave a comment with your contact information and I will do my best to incorporate your submissions. Welcome and may God be praised in all we do.