Devotional Changes

Hello everyone...

Sorry about the lack of a Friday post...I hope you took some time yesterday morning and searched a little further into God's Word!

I just wanted you to know that I will now be posting the morning devotions (from now on...) on our regular campus blog: www.internetcampusblog.com (starting Monday morning)...

See you there!

Pastor Brian

Focus

Joshua 6:1-2 (TNIV): “Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.”

I love today's verse...here you have a strong leader in Joshua finally being given the land of Jericho as promised by God. He gets there and finds a securely bolted wall guarding the entire city...and what does God tell him? "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands..."

Really? Is Jericho available for the taking? Seems at first glance that God isn't seeing the same thing that Joshua is... a huge wall and a bunch of angry soldiers just inside the city...

We have to remember when we come through these verses exactly Who it is that is delivering on His word. God has brought Joshua unharmed to the city gates and has the plan to make these gigantic walls fall... all it took from Joshua was faith and focus.

Through faith, Joshua would assemble men to circle the city and blow their ram's horn trumpets...then God's power would take the walls down. If Joshua ever doubted the plan from God, the Bible doesn't indicate it. He would boldly put God's plan into action...the city would fall..and Joshua's faith would be bolstered.

Have you ever faced a huge wall in your life? What did you focus on? Was it the size of the wall or the size of your God? Did you start making up a plan to overcome it? Or did you count on God to have an even better plan?

Focus is everything. No matter what walls you are facing...never take your eyes off of God's power...His timing...and His ability to do the impossible.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

A Holy Life

Joshua 3:5 (TNIV): “Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

What does it mean to live a consecrated or holy life? Isn't holiness, perfection? Is it attainable? I had the same questions so I researched what living a holy life looks like in light of today's verse..

I believe that living a holy life and consecrating ourselves consists of three elements:

1) A holy life is set apart and cleansed from sin - If we are going to live a holy life, we must remember that we are called to live a life of example to others...set apart...not different in a judgmental or critical way...but because we are living lives that have been rescued through the blood of Christ. We have to remember the Jesus paid the ultimate price for us...our lives are to be lived out as a light in a dark world...forgiven and called to a higher purpose.

2) A holy life is one that trusts and obeys Jesus - If we want to live holy lives...set apart...we need to study who Jesus is. We need to learn who He is and what He wants us to do with our lives. It's not enough to just learn these things... a holy life obeys them. Holy living is all about trusting the promises of Christ.

3) A holy life is one centered on God's Word - Similar to point 2, a holy life is based on the Bible. Memorizing verses and applying them to your life... reading scripture repeatedly while searching for the application to you personally... applying the scripture in your life as the standard for absolute right and wrong... all critical in a holy life.

It is my prayer that as we grow closer to Christ...we accept the calling to live a consecrated and holy life. Remember, we don't have to be perfect...just dedicated to fulfilling the ultimate purpose for our lives...to give glory to our Lord.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

I've Got the Power

Joshua 1: 6, 7, 9, (TNIV): “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. …9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Yesterday we talked about being ready...prepared for opportunities that may come from God. Sometimes it's a financial opportunity...sometimes it's the chance to rebuild a broken relationship. We must be ready for anything...because when the time comes...we won't have time to prepare ourselves for it.

Great...now we're ready...but have you ever wondered it you'll have the strength to do it? Have you ever thought about your power source? Today's verse directly addresses Who we should look to for our strength...

"Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Just like Joshua...we have God as the ultimate source of strength. Our Creator is waiting to give you the wisdom and strength that you need to get through the opportunities that you have prepared yourself for. Why is it, then, that so many of us live powerless? I believe there are two primary reasons:

1) We don't really understand Who God is - So many times I find myself weary and feeling defeated. Why is that? I sometimes forget that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere at one time. He created everything from nothing. He raises the dead and heals the sick... He holds the whole world in His mighty hand. Why can't He give me the strength to handle what I am prepared to handle? It's probably due to the second reason..

2) We don't ask - How many times have you been struggling with the strength issue and decided that it was too minor to ask for help from God for? We turn to self-help books, vitamins, gurus, supplements, or just plain blind determination to pull together enough power to persevere. All God says to do is ask Him. If it's His will for our lives, He grants us the strength that we need. He loves us more than anyone...and wants to see us get through the challenge...all we need to do is go to Him in prayer and ask Him for His strength...

What challenge are you ready for but doubt if you'll have the strength to endure it? Let's pray this morning that we can keep the faith...knowing that if we are ready for the opportunity, that when they come, the God that gives us the chance will be the same God who gives us the power.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Get Ready

Joshua 1:2 (TNIV): “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.”

Get ready. You've heard it a hundred times... Get ready to have a baby...get ready to go to school... get ready for God to answer your prayers... get ready to eat... get ready... get ready...

It seems like so much of our lives are spent getting ready.

Yet so many of us aren't ready when things happen in our lives. We are taken by surprise...totally unaware that an opportunity is upon us. In today's passage, God is telling the Israelites that they need to get ready to go into the land that He is ready to give them. Do you think they were ready for that opportunity? Not really. They hadn't prepared themselves under the leadership of Moses. They grumbled...they doubted...they worried.

So many of us don't prepare ahead of time for things... We don't keep learning...keep developing...keep pushing ourselves to be better... Somewhere along the line, we settle. We get comfortable with the way things are.

Unfortunately when an extraordinary opportunity comes our way we're caught flat-footed. Not ready. Out of position. Sure, we want to get ready for what God is going to give us...but by the time the chance presents itself it is far too late to start getting ready.

Here's my challenge to you today...as you pray...ask God to reveal to you what element of your life you need to get ready...is it your finances? your emotions? your spiritual life? What part of your life needs to prepare for upcoming opportunities? God is ready to give you something more for your life...it's time for us to get ready for it...ahead of time...

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Friday Prayers

Good morning!

This morning as you settle in to do your devotionals...let's pray for those that are challenged spiritually...

Pray for those who...

Feel separated from God.

Are praying for the same thing everyday without result.

Have turned their back on the faith.

Have replaced God with someone or something else.

Don't think they have any gifts to leverage for God's Kingdom


There are so many hurting people who are facing challenges in their walk with Christ...let's not forget that all of us go through highs and lows spiritually...it is up to us to help those that are in the valley remember that there are mountaintops as well...

See you this weekend online!
Pastor Brian

Scale of 1 to 10

Numbers 13:30 "But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”

This week we've been praying and thinking about how we can conquer the giants in our lives. I have sent out many emails with scriptures to encourage fellow believers. You have prayed for each other...and for people that you don't even know to defeat those extreme challenges.

How much do you believe it is REALLY going to happen?

I mean..c'mon...once this week is over...we'll all go right back to worrying and fretting about those challenges in our lives that seem impossible. Right back to wondering if God it truly able to handle the list that we made on Monday.

You don't have to go back.

Let's look at today's verse...look at what Caleb said... "We can certainly conquer it!" What gave Caleb his confidence? How could he be so sure that they wouldn't be crushed by the giants of the land? It was his faith. Caleb believed with all of his heart that God would protect him from whatever insurmountable struggles he might face...

How about you? On a scale of 1-10, what is your level of confidence that God will be able to defeat those giants in your life? Maybe this verse will help...

Ephesians 3:20
" Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

God CAN do it. God WANTS to do it. God WILL do it...all in His time... Know that I have been praying for you this week as you stare those giants down. Have confidence in your Creator.... He is much bigger than any giant.

See you tomorrow for prayer Friday,
Pastor Brian

More Than a Grasshopper

Numbers 13:33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”

How small do you feel this morning? There are times when I wake up and feel like I am incredibly strong...filled with the power of the Holy Spirit...like I can take on the world! Unfortunately, there are many mornings when I feel exactly the opposite: powerless, weak, puny, and small. It seems like these are the days when the giants in my life grow about 3 inches. I get smaller...and they get larger. Have you felt this way? Feel like a grasshopper in a land of giants? Here are some of the verses that I turn to when I am feeling small and beatable:

John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 139:7-10
"I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me."

2 Corinthians 12:9
"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

Psalm 37:23-24
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand."

Ephesians 3:20
" Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

Revelation 19:6
"Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:

'Praise the Lord!
For the Lord our God,the Almighty, reigns.'"

God reigns indeed. Nothing has changed with Him. He has overcome the world...He has healed the sick...raised the dead...heard every prayer you've ever whispered...

He loves you so much that He has given you a purpose and the gifts to accomplish it. You are indeed valuable...and through God's strength you are a giant-killer.

See you in the morning,
Pastor Brian

Take Heart

John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

This morning, let's look at the list you made yesterday...what were the top 3 "giants" that you are facing? Didn't make your list yet? Go ahead...I'll wait...

.
.
.
.

Got your list? Great! Now let's get to work!

Read today's scripture again...notice the words...it doesn't say you might have troubles. It doesn't even say you probably will have troubles... it says you WILL have MANY trials and sorrows. Is that true in your life? It certainly is in mine! So many believe that when they accept Christ as Lord and Savior that their troubles will go away. As you may already know, that certainly isn't the case. You will have challenges that seem insurmountable. They will seem impossible. They will be giant.

The list you hold in your hand is full of giants. Elements of your life that you aren't sure you'll ever get through... Let's look at the 2nd part of the verse: "But take heart, because I have overcome the world." I love that expression..."take heart" What does that mean?

It simply means...be encouraged. Never forget Who is in control. Remember past victories that God has led you through. Think about how powerful God is. Understand that the Creator of the universe is running your life specifically. Never give up hope. Always give up control to Him.

Take your list of 3 things...and write this verse above it. Underline it in your Bibles. It is such a source of hope when things seem at their bleakest. God overcame the world...He can, in His own time, defeat the biggest problems in your life. We must stay patient, stay connected to Him, and never forget how much He cares about us.

See you in the morning...

Pastor Brian

Giants

Numbers 13:28 "But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!"

I remember wrestling in middle school. Back then I was a much lighter guy of about 98 pounds...and I was on the edge of the dividing line between those that wrestled in the 90-98 pound class and those that wrestled 99-110. It never failed that in tournaments, I would get placed in the latter category. I was out-weighted, oversized, and overmatched in every possible way. I would get into matches and just push with everything I had to barely move my opponent. Many times, the matches would end embarassingly with my shoulders pinned to the mat.

That sometimes happens in our spiritual lives as well. Have you ever felt like you were way too small to handle a problem that was way too big? Maybe it was a situation that you initiated..maybe not. In either case, you had to decide whether to fight or flee....stick it our or pack it in...wrestle with it or forfeit.

Maybe that's happening now... Maybe there are some "giants" that you just can't seem to beat in your life. They are bigger than you...and stronger...and all seems hopeless. That's what we're going to discuss this week...overcoming those giants...I hope you'll stay with me this week and we can learn together the perspective we need to conquer what seems impossible...

This morning...let's do this.... make a list of three giants that you are facing in your life...they can be emotional, financial, physical, emotional, or spiritual... they can be anything that right now seems too big to defeat. In your journal, write a prayer asking God to reveal to you those giants... and additionally pray that He will begin even today to open your heart and mind to the perspective that you will need to defeat them...

Blessings to you this morning and always,
Pastor Brian

Prayer Day

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Today, as we spend another great morning together, let's make it a day of thanks...

Thank God for this computer you are using to read this
Thank God for another day of breath
Thank God for your health (no matter what shape you're in)
Thank God for the Internet Campus
Thank God for His forgiveness
Thank God for prayer
Thank God for your neighbors
Thank God for this planet

Thanks God for sending His Son.

He loves you so incredibly much...let's spend our quiet time praising Him for what He's done in our lives...

See you online this weekend,
Pastor Brian

The D Word

2 Tim 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

How many of us like the term "discipline." I don't. I guess it stems back from when I was a kid. That word implies structure...rules...barriers... It tells me that I am going to be forced to do something that I don't necessarily want to do even when I know that it is good for me. Then I looked at today's verse...it doesn't just say "discipline" it says "self-discipline." It's on me. I have to be the initiator of a daily dose of self-inflicted reality. I am going to have to push myself harder than I feel comfortable doing. It's means I have to get rid of what I want to do all of the time and focus on what God wants me to do with my life...

Exactly.

But that is not the natural bend of the flesh. Deep down we know what we need to do but find it far easier to do what we want to do. I know that I need to love others, take care of my body, speak kind words all of the time, give of what I have, and memorize and study the scriptures often. But sometimes I struggle with doing it.

This morning, I asked myself this question...maybe it will help you focus in on this... "When was the last time I denied myself something because God wanted me to do something else."

I find that I don't do this as often as I should. How about you? Could you make a list of 5 things that you have changed about you and your life because you were dedicated to self-discipline? It's a tough question to ask yourself. The apostle Paul in the Bible says that he had to commit every day to self-discipline...every day!

Some days for me, it's an hourly re-commitment. Some days I can get by disciplining myself to the ways of God much easier. But here's what I do know...I can't go the the land of "sold-out" for God without being willing to change what I was doing in the land of "hold-out". God's got so much for us and He wants to give it to us...we just have to be willing to follow the map laid out in today's scripture verse... realize God's power, love others, and practice self-discipline.

It's just like going to the gym...you may not notice the results right away...but they are there. It just takes persistence and dedication to becoming the person that God created you to be.

See you tomorrow for prayer day,
Pastor Brian

Love Audit

2 Tim 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

I talk to so many people who have a warped sense of what it means to love someone. For some, love is simply a romantic feeling...for others it is a deep understanding of a person's needs or wants. Still others see love as a withholding of aggression or disagreement...for example..."I love him so much I just put up with him..." While each of these instances might be an example of a type of love...Jesus defined love best. When asked what the two most important commandments are, the Savior told us that we need to love God first and then love everyone else like we love ourselves.

Love is an action...a verb.

One of the things that holds many of us back from totally selling out to God's will for our lives is our misunderstanding of love. I know that might sound like it is meant for somebody else...but I invite you this morning to go on a little spiritual audit. Start with answering these questions in your journal:

1) Do I see myself as a loving person?
2) Is the love I show for others for their benefit or mine?
3) How much do I love God?
4) What priority does God have in my life?
5) What did I do yesterday to demonstrate my love for Christ?
6) When was the last time I showed love to someone that didn't deserve it?
7) Do I know the difference between the feeling of love and love itself?
8) How much does God love me?
9) How do I know that God loves me?
10) Do I have anyone in my life that I love unconditionally?

I know these are tough questions...but if we are going to move from the land of "hold out" to the land of "sold out" we need to understand what love is. God IS love...He wants us to love Him and others with a selflessness...a sense of sacrifice... a realization that the love that we receive from Him is also meant for us to share with those that He places in our path.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Unplugged

Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Interlude

4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel^[b] is our fortress.
Interlude

8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”

11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude

When I travel...I tend to travel light. I don't pack too many clothes and such...but there is always one back that is non-negotiable. It's what I call my "tech bag". Inside that bag is every charging cable, sync cable, plug, adapter, and battery that my portable gadgets require. Even if I'm just doing an overnight somewhere..I bring all of these wires...and why? Because something might run out of juice! A disconnected and empty gadget won't be able to fulfill the purpose which it was created for...

Think about your life this morning. Have you run out of juice?

I meet so many people who complain that they feel disconnected from God...that they don't know what God wants them to do... but somewhere along the line they have unplugged from Him. They've gone to their own power...running on their own battery... only to find that the battery drains quickly!

When was the last time you plugged into God's Word? What was your last worship experience like? Honest and sincere or guarded? What is your favorite verse in the Bible...and have you memorized it? What small group are you in? How are you growing more like Christ day-to-day? When faced with a challenge...do you turn to God first or as a last resort?

It's these things that will keep you charged up and ready for anything. There isn't a secret or a technique....it's all about maintaining a connection with the ultimate power source...Jesus Christ. Lean on Him when you struggle. Plug into Him when you need strength. Connect to Him when you are drained. You don't need a "tech bag"... you have all the power you need.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Swim!

2 Tim 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

This weekend, Pastor Troy talked about the land of "Hold Out" and the land of "Sold Out" In other words, going from a life of excuses to a life of excellence...completely giving your life to Christ. What are some of the things that hold people back from full commitment to a life that honors Jesus? Let's dig in...

I remember going to Boy Scout camp one summer. When all the scouts arrived, immediately they were taken to the waterfront and told to get into swimming trunks. The instructor told us that we were going to take a swimming test by jumping in to the murky deep lake and swimming some predetermined length. If we could swim there...turn around...swim back using the backstroke...and float for 1 minute...we would be awarded our swimming badge and could use the pools and watercraft all summer long. If not, we were considered a "white level" swimmer and were not allowed near any pools or the lake. I was not a strong swimmer (and still not today) so I decided during the trials that I would not even jump in. That water was deep! Who knew what might be lurking under the surface! What if I sank to the bottom...got a cramp...swallowed that murky stuff...couldn't float...what if I.... you get the point. I didn't do it. All summer long I sat on the bank of the lake and watched all my friends have the summer of their lives while I reaped the results of my fears.

I think a lot of us live that way today. The reason we don't totally "sell out" to God is because we are afraid to... What if He won't catch me if I fail? I can't see around the next corner...what if I am ruined? What happens if I start to drown...how will I know He's there? All these fears go through our minds. So we sit on the banks of life and watch our friends have all the great experiences. It's time to jump in.

What is God calling you to do? What do you know you are supposed to risk, try, or challenge yourself with? What are you afraid of? Rejection? Failure? Not knowing enough? Not being enough? Still running from a past? I've got good news for you...if you want to get to the land of "Sold Out"... if you want to really live...here are two words that you HAVE to grab a hold of...

total trust.

Easier said than done in many cases.... But I see so many people who trust God only until they start to sink a little...and then they begin to flail...and then begin to sink. Put simply...they give up because they can't give up control of their lives to God.

He's stronger than any current...able to hold us up when we sink...hold back what lives just under the murky water of life... He gives us reason to keep swimming...

That summer, I didn't sell out to the idea that I could pass the test. I missed out. Are you tired of missing out on what God has for you in your life? Quit wondering and start trusting. You'll be an ace swimmer in no time.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Friday - Prayer Day!

Today let's pray for those that are hurting relationally. Pray for those that are challenged by broken relationships, misunderstandings, or estrangement. Sometimes it seems that we are hurt by those that we have trusted... it is my prayer that God will heal the broken heart and restore them to fulfill their God-potential.

Maybe this is you today.

A divorce...a fight with a relative....a challenging child..... whatever the situation is...let's pray today that those that are carrying that deep hurt get the strength and grace from God to overcome this situation...and become stronger as a result of it.

See you this weekend,
Pastor Brian

Thursday - August 21, 2008

Somehow Form a Family

Marybeth Whalen

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:5-6a (NIV)

Devotion:

Author’s Note: This devotion is not written to endorse divorce, but to encourage those caught in the pain of it.

Blended families are everywhere, in every shape and size. Perhaps you belong to a blended family, either through your extended family or your immediate one. Statistics show that most people reading this are part of a blended family – facing the unique challenges and struggles blended families face. Is it possible for blended families to work through all of this and enjoy happiness?

This Christmas I received a framed photo from my mother-in-law. Because my husband’s parents are divorced, I have two mothers-in-law. But this gift came from my husband’s stepmother. It was a framed group photo of all of us from our beach trip this summer — our family, his dad and stepmom, her daughter and her family, and my husband’s sister and her family. Eleven grandchildren dotted the beach as we all squeezed into the photo. As I studied the photo, I realized that it is a testimony to God’s ability to somehow form a family against all odds.

When I first met my husband 18 years ago, his family was still navigating through the uncharted territory of bringing together three teens from two different families and learning to live in some sort of harmony. Though Curt had left for college, his sister and step-sister remained behind and had some turbulent years as these two girls fought and schemed and cried. I know that those years were difficult for his stepmother and father as well. They questioned their decisions and wondered if they would all live through it.

But they also did something else which I have had the privilege of watching through the years. They sought the Lord. They practiced grace and exercised forgiveness. They turned the other cheek when feelings got hurt. They kept promises that were painful to keep. They demonstrated a love they didn’t always feel. They got stronger as a result of their struggles. They knew that God would work through their obedience, their prayers and their commitment. And, in looking at that photo, I know that He did.

I also grew up in a blended family - I am a stepchild. I know the struggle of having a parent in the home who was not your “real” parent. I know the resentments that can creep in, and have felt the pain of loss when broken relationships fragment families. And yet, I also know the joys and blessings that can occur from having extra family members thrown in the mix. My horizons have been broadened through relationships I have with my stepfather and his children. Their perspective and background has added a richness and depth to my life that I would have missed. I think a blended family can be a visual record of Romans 8:28 being worked out in our lives, “In all things (even the heartbreak of divorce), God works for the good of those who love him.” I think that helping people somehow form a family brings a smile to the Father’s face.

Dear Lord, help me do my part to bring peace to my family—even when You ask me to lay down my pride and be vulnerable. Help me to trust in Your ability to somehow form a family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Copied from: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/ (August 20, 2008)

Wednesday - August 20, 2008

Extreme Makeover Meets the Real World

By Kelli Regan, She Speaks! Graduate

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Devotion:

About a year ago, a family in my community received a new home courtesy of ABC’s hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. For a week, construction professionals and good-hearted volunteers worked side-by-side as the thrill of Hollywood filled the air. Local news crews descended on the scene. Police officers controlled the throngs of spectators.

Excitement bubbled everywhere I went. Even my kids came home from school abuzz with tales of who knew the recipient family, whose dad was a worker at the site, and who (gasp!) had actually met Ty Pennington!

At the end of the week, amid thousands of cheering people, the family shouted those famous words, “Bus driver, move that bus!” and a magnificent mini-mansion was revealed. It was glorious.

Fast forward almost exactly one year later. Literally right around the corner from this Extreme Makeover was another home, with another family in overwhelming need.

A single mother needed to quickly sell her ex-husband’s house after his recent death. But it was badly run down, and an open house was scheduled for just two weeks away. Overwhelmed by the task at hand, she sent out a call for help to our church family. Soon dozens of volunteers—armed with toolboxes, yard tools and paint brushes—arrived. Side-by-side they hammered, sawed, spackled, painted, repaired, vacuumed, dusted, raked, mulched and more! And when it was done, it was glorious. I know because I was there.

Arriving on the last day, I gazed at the sparkling house and was awed by my brothers and sisters in Christ who had selflessly and immediately joined together to do what seemed a daunting task with an impossible deadline.

As I worked in the quiet of the front yard, the official Extreme Makeover home loomed in the distance as a startling counterpoint. Sure it’s spectacular, but it’s fantasy—a wood, shingle and glass lottery ticket. Our life’s problems are rarely, if ever, solved so extravagantly and beautifully.

At my friend’s house we had experienced an extreme home makeover in the real world. We saw what it looks like when we love one another as Jesus commanded. We saw what the Master Carpenter meant when He said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35, NLT). Without cameras, celebrities, front-page stories or cheering crowds they offered hard work, a helping hand, and even a shoulder to cry on.

Our group of volunteers is special, but not unusual. Every day church families everywhere join together to do this very thing. We don’t do it for fame or recognition. We do it because that’s what the Bible tells us to do.

When I drove home that final day, the newly-planted For Sale sign silently proclaimed our glorious transformation. As it faded in my rear view mirror, I realized the most life-changing makeovers don’t happen in the glow of the spotlight, but in the quiet of our own hearts with God spearheading the effort.

Dear Lord, thank You for the example of love we have in Jesus. Forgive me for putting my needs above the needs of others. Help me to be more loving so I can respond selflessly and generously to my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Copied from: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/ (August 19,2008)

Tuesday - August 19, 2008

I chose today's devotional for you because this is something that I run into every now and again. Sometimes prayer circles become gossip corners...have you ever experienced this?

Pastor Brian

Godly Talk or Gossip?

Melanie Chitwood

“Tell the older women to behave as those who love the Lord should.

They must not gossip about others or be slaves of wine.

They must teach what is proper.” Titus 2:3 (CEV)

Devotion:

Have you ever said words such as: “I’m just telling you this so you will pray for her,” or “I’m really not supposed to share this; just don’t tell anyone else.” Truthfully, I’ve been guilty of trying to hide gossip with words like this, but God has really been convicting me lately about my words. Specifically, God is challenging me to speak godly words. Now that this subject of godly words is on my heart, it seems that God is bringing verses and life-lessons about this topic wherever I turn.

As I drove home from Bible study, I realized that God had used my friend Debbie that night to deliver one of those life-lessons about godly words. Out of all the discussions that night, Debbie’s words were the ones that stayed with me. Her words had pointed me to a deeper understanding of God, so much so that I wrote them in my journal and even shared them with another friend.

Over the ten years I’ve know her, I’ve learned many lessons about godly words from Debbie. First, I’ve never heard her gossip about another woman. The definition of gossip is “idle talk; rumor; talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature.” In Titus 2:3 we women are instructed not to be “malicious gossips.” God knew that we women might struggle with our words. Debbie has never even hinted at gossiping about another woman. That’s an amazing track record.

The second lesson about godly words from Debbie has been the way she talks about her husband and her marriage. We’ve had many honest conversations about our marital challenges. Once again, Debbie has never gossiped about her husband. Even at times when she’s been angry or frustrated with her husband, she doesn’t berate him or share details that would embarrass him.

Finally, one of the keys to Debbie’s godly words is in the amount she speaks. She is neither overly quiet nor overly talkative. The words she says are wise and point me to God. Her example in the amount she speaks teaches me to ask myself: Do I really need to say anything in this situation, or do I just want to hear myself talk?

I’m very much a work-in-progress in this area of godly talk. I’ve spent plenty of time lately confessing the sin of my ungodly talk, and I’m thankful for my heavenly Father who doesn’t give up on me but calls me to His standards. I’ll end with two things that are really helping me in this area. I have a friend who is also working on this and we hold each other accountable. And I have a question that I’m trying to use as a guideline for godly talk: Are my words going to lead to gossip or to God?

Dear Lord, You know what’s in my heart and You know that godly talk is something that’s challenging to me. Lord, I want to honor You with my words. I want to be a woman who can be trusted by others not to harm them, and I want to be trusted by You, Lord, to speak only what honors You. Make me aware of situations or people who might tempt me to gossip, and give me the strength to avoid these situations. Lord, if I sin with my words, convict me, cause me to repent, and to have a change of heart, a heart that wants what You want. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copied from: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/ (August 18)