20/20/20 Challenge Day #38

NOTE:  TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF THE 20/20/20 CHALLENGE.  I HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED TO READ AND STUDY THE BIBLE WITH MORE MEANING FOR YOUR LIFE.  FROM TIME TO TIME I MAY CONTINUE TO POST MY THOUGHTS, SO DON'T FORGET TO CHECK BACK OFTEN.


Today's Reading...
Leviticus 5:1
Acts 14

Proverbs 3:3-4

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you.  Tie them around your neck as a reminder.  Write them deep within your heart.  Then you will find favor with God and man and you will earn a good reputation.

Observation

Loyalty and kindness are virtues that if forgotten can have a detrimental effect on our influence and leadership.  They are the very things that make he loving wounds of a friend appreciated rather than hurtful.  Confrontation with them lurking in the picture bring faithfulness and meaning.

Application

I often find myself having to make decisions that cause pain to others.  I never want to do this, but it's the nature of position that I'm in.  If I forget these virtues of loyalty and kindness these decisions can devastate those who are on the receiving end.  However, I've learned that when you wrap those decisions in these virtues it helps soften the blow and brings teachableness to the situation and resolve.

Prayer

Lord, may I always learn to lead in love and loyalty and kindness.  May I never let the emotion of the situation serve to blind me of these virtues.  In Jesus Name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #37

Today's Reading...
Acts 13

Acts 13:4

So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit...

Observation

These two are about as opposite in personality and style as two can get.  Their ministry shows how unity in the Holy Spirit can bring them together for his glory and his cause.

Paul was a rough rider.  He was passionate and wasn't afraid to stand up and even get in the face of someone who needed confronted.  Barnabas, on the other hand was full of God's truth, but carried a diplomatic edge that got him the title, "Son of Encouragement." Both types were needed and both types can work together in harmony when the Holy Spirit is given precedence. 

Application

I think it's natural to look for people to join you in life who are just like you in personality and form.  The temptation is great because people who are alike tend to avoid confrontational things and the baggage that goes with them.  But God's plan is to bring people together who are different, in personality, philosophy, and skill.  This certainly can open doors for disagreement, which it did in Paul and Barnabas, but ultimately it serves to strengthen God's work and mission.  Each of our strengths, when coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit, can serve to sure up the weaknesses of one another.

Prayer

God, thank you for the diversity of people you've brought into leadership at Connection Church.  May our differences be found in obedience to you, so that in you we can be most effective for you.  In Jesus name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #36

Today's Reading...
Psalm 63

Psalm 63:3

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

Observation

David penned these words at one of the lowest points in his life.  He was separated from his family, being pursued like a dog, and alone with no one to comfort him.  He felt the pain of isolation with no clear future in view.  What did he do?  He turned completely and fully to God and found his comfort in him.

Application

All of us can identify with David.  We all can look back to times when we are feeling all alone with no where to turn.  the question then remains, can we say we dealt with that time the way David dealt with it; by turning completely to God.

There are so many things we turn to in order to find comfort and for each person this things are different.  For some it may be food, others alcohol, perhaps pornography or even work.  Whatever the vice, we turn towards its because it promises to fill the empty void.  But David shows us the only thing that can truly fill the void is God himself.  He is the only one who "can satisfy me more than the richest feast (vs 5).

Prayer

Lord, may your love satisfy the deepest longing of my soul.  May your riches satisfy me in all things and may I never look for satisfaction in the things of this world.  In Jesus name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #33

Today's Reading...

Exodus 33

Acts 9:1-19; 31-43

Exodus 33:19

The Lord replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you.  For I will show mercy on anyone I choose and I will show compassion on anyone I choose."

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument..."

Observation

God's ability to change a person's heart never ceases to amaze me.  How he takes filth and sin that builds up in our lives; melts it, softens it and peals it away, is nothing short of the greatest miracle.  No one is beyond his reach and the older I get the more I realize that God's grace is nothing short of irresistible.

Application

Growing up I often shied away from sharing my faith.  If someone asked, I would try to give them an answer, but I didn't like the thought of engaging people in it.  I don't think it's because I was embarrassed of my faith, but rather I thought that if I didn't lead them in the sinner's prayer and see their life changed I failed, and frankly the pressure of that thought simply overwhelmed me.  The more I realize that salvation completely and unequivocally belongs to the Lord it takes the responsibility off my shoulders and places it directly on his.  Now, I can more readily share my faith and find amazing joy in doing so, because I know that salvation belongs to him and not to me.

This also plays out in the way I pastor and lead Connection Church.  If I look at salvation as being my responsibility, I'll gravitate to gimmicks, shows and programs to save people, and It will always be in the back of my mind that I have to outdo myself next week and the next.  Now, I'm not against finding and utilizing various methods to create an environment that is conducive to the Holy Spirit moving, but I also realize that in the end they are only methods and in reality God doesn't need them to save someone.  This makes ministry joyful, fun and ultimately sustainable over the long haul and helps me not to take myself to serious in the whole thing.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that your arm is not too short to save!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #32

Today's Reading
Exodus 32
Acts 8:1-25

Exodus 32:25-26

Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get quickly out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies.  So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "All of you who are on the Lord's side, come here and join me."  And all the Levites gathered around him.

Observation

Aaron and Moses bring to us a contrast in leadership. Aaron's leadership seemed to be about the people, but in reality it was about himself.  Aaron was a people pleaser and although his decision seemingly had the people in mind it was steeped in a hatred for them.  This is evident in the fact that he was more concerned with his own reputation, then he was for their overall well being.  Letting them do whatever they pleased brought horrible consequences to all of them.

Moses, on the other hand, had a deep love for God's people.  This was demonstrated in two ways; first, when he interceded for them (even to the point of putting himself in the place of punishment vs.32), and second, when he was unwilling to play into their demands.  He wasn't concerned with their view of him, but rather their obedience to God, because that is what brings blessing or consequences.

Application

What a powerful reminder of how I am to lead.  Whether it's with my children or the church, I'm tempted to lead in a way that preserves my reputation and my proclivity to be liked.  But, this is not loving the people I'm called to.  Many times love means confrontation, discipline, and a determination not to bend, which doesn't lend itself to being liked.  I continually need the power of the Holy Spirit to guide me in this.  True leadership doesn't get easier over time, in fact judging from the life of Moses, it really gets harder.  Therefore, I must continue to be filled with the wisdom, power and the grace of Jesus to help me.

Prayer

Help me Lord, to be the leader you've called me to be; being obedient to your word.  May I always lead with wisdom, compassion, and love, and may my temptation to be liked not get in the way of the uncompromising conviction to your word and you truth.  In Jesus Name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #31

Today's Reading...
Exodus 29:44-46
Acts 7

Acts 7:58-59

His [Stephen] accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named saul...Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the stoning of Stephen.

Observation

A life of sin carries with it a lot of regrets.  The "what if" questions along with the "how could I" statements have away of often getting in the way of the progress Jesus wants to do in our lives.

Paul learned how to take those regrets and use them to remember how deep into sin he once was, without allowing him to stay steeped in the guilt of the past.

Application

The past that everyone of us has must be treated the same way.  We must allow it to remind us of how in need of Christ's salvation we are, yet , it must be left behind as well.  Learning, by God's grace, to forgive ourselves and to live without regrets is vital to God using us as new creations.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that i have been made new through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Thank you that your grace erases my past and may your grace help me to live in that forgiveness as well.  In Jesus name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #29

Reading Plan...
Psalm 14
Acts 5

Acts 5:41-42

The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.  And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: "Jesus is the Messiah."

Observation

The choice of words the writer uses strike me as odd but significant, "they rejoiced to be counted worthy to suffer."  The suffering they encountered only served to make them bolder in their faith, stronger in their conviction, and purposed in their calling.

Application

This story serves to strengthen my resolve and my faith in what Jesus has called me to do.  It shows me that even when the odds are stacked against us, we truly are more than conquerers because the Spirit of Christ living in us empowers us to rise above any obstacle.  The very things that Satan wants to silence us with enables us and empowers us to move in the realm of greater strength.

Prayer

Father, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit so that no matter what comes my way, I continue to move without giving in.  When Satan tries to trip me up and silence me, Jesus, may your Spirit rise up to make me stronger in you.  

20/20/20 Challenge Day #27

Today's Reading...
Exodus 20

Exodus 20:24-25

Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you.  If you use stones to build my altar, only use uncut stones.  Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use.

Observation

One of the 1st laws God gave his people was one that demanded their constant remembrance of his goodness by building an altar to him.  This altar would serve as a teaching tool to future generations to point them to the God of their fathers.

Application

When God put this in his law he also included specifics as to how the altar should be built; it was not to be shaped with tools, but uncut stones.

There's great significance in this passage.  The rawness of the altar kept the focus on God's mighty acts and not on the people.  If the altars were crafted with ornateness and creativity, the future generations would worship the beauty of the altar instead of the beauty of the Lord.  The remembrance would point to mere humans rather than God.

The importance of humility in all I do screams to me through this passage.  I must never build an altar that points to my accomplishments.  Rather, I must always divert the glory to the one who deserves it most - Jesus and Jesus alone.

Prayer

Heavenly father, may the motives and integrity of my heart stay pure and humble.  May they always point the honor and credit of all my accomplishments to you and you alone.  

20/20/20 Challenge Day #26

Today's Reading...
Exodus 14

Exodus 14:14

The Lord himself will fight for you, just stay calm.

Observation

Henry Nouwen writes about a conversation he had with a friend about the relationship between a flyer and a catcher in a trapeze act.  From the conversation he quotes the following, "The flyer must never try to catch the catcher.  He must wait in absolute trust.  The catcher will catch him, but he must wait.  His job is not to flail about in anxiety.  His job is to be still."

Application

Like the Israelites, I often find myself getting anxious when faced with situations that make me feel as if I'm backed up against a mighty obstacle that seems to give no possible way to get around it.  My arms flail, my heart beats harder and I find myself not trusting in the catcher.  But, if I look to all the other times that God has caught me; all the flailing, anxiety and worry seem pointless.  Just as his word promises, God has never left me, nor has he let me down in any way.  There's really no need to worry about tomorrow, about the obstacles, or about anything else for that matter.  All I have to learn is to stay calm and let him fight for me.

Prayer

Jesus, your hand is always upon me.  Why do I need to fret?  You've never let me down.  May my heart always look forward in vision and always look deep into your strength for my life, trusting that you will catch me.

20/20/20 Challenge Day #25

Today's Reading
Exodus 12
Exodus 13:17-22

Exodus 12:13
"But the blood on your doorpost will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt."

Observation

The Israelites salvation came because of the blood on their doorpost. It's interesting to note that God said, "When I see the blood I will pass over you," not, "when I see how good you are," or "when I see all that you've done." God's eyes were always on the blood of the sacrifice and his wrath passed over them because of this.

Application

The older I get the more aware of two things I become; the utter depravity of my sin, and the amazing power of God's grace through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Because of his grace, when he looks at me he sees not my sin, because his eyes see the blood of Jesus applied to my life; the righteousness, perfection and beauty of his son. This never gets old to me, in fact it becomes more real every day and moves me to be more like him.

Prayer

Heavenly father, I thank you that when you look at my life you see the perfection and beauty of your son, Jesus Christ and not the ugliness of my sin. May this always serve to change my life and help me to be found in Jesus daily, changing my life for your glory.

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Location:Veranda Way,Tampa,United States

20/20/20 Challenge Day #24

Today's Reading
Exodus 12
Luke 24:1-12
Luke 24:36-49

Luke 24:8,11

Then they remembered t hat he said this...But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn't believe it.

Observation

It amazes me to read this account.  After all the time the disciples sat with Jesus and heard him say that he would rise again, the disciples still had their doubts.  In fact, they even doubted the eye witness testimony and it wasn't until Jesus  appeared to them and ate with them that they believed.

Application

Even though I'm amazed at the unbelief of the disciples, I must admit that I find myself in the middle of their story.  I am so prone to believe what we want to believe and to believe something I can't understand or even see doesn't seem so far fetched.  My hearts desire, however, is not to live this way.  It's to learn daily that I can trust Jesus at his word; to believe who he says he is and to put my trust in him, especially in those times when it just seems too impossible.

Prayer

May my heart always be prone to living by faith in your word and in your promises Jesus.  May I never be caught saying, "that just seems to far fetched."  Help me to live with a broader faith and trust in your word.

20/20/20 Challenge Day #23

Today's Reading
Exodus 6:1-12
Exodus 7:1-7
Exodus 8:16-19
Luke 23:32-34

Exodus 6:5

"You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians.  And I am well aware of my covenant with them."

Exodus 6:9

So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but the refused to listen any more.  They had become to discouraged by the brutality of their slavery."

Observation

I love the Bible because God never attempts to hide the weakness of his people.  This gives me hope as it continually shows us the truth of Paul's words to Timothy, "When we are faithless he will remain faithful for he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:13).

I love the word of the Lord to Moses in these verses, "You can be sure that I have heard," and "I am well aware of my covenant with them."  Those words are completely based in the character of God and his magnificence and not at all on the faith of the Israelites.  In fact, this is what he desired and still desires from his people.  To show himself strong on behalf of those who are completely despondent.

Application

I wonder if the plagues that befell the Egyptians were not only for the purpose of showing them that God was the only true God but to show the Israelites the same thing.  In the story it didn't take long for them to begin to listen and see that perhaps God wasn't aloof to their struggles.

What lessons can I learn here?  What miracles happen right before my eyes that I pass off as mere coincidence when God is purposefully placing them there to build my faith and confidence?  Oh that my eyes would be opened to all his provisions for me.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me eyes to see you in everything I do.  God me your strength and wisdom to allow your provisions to be evident to men ago tie thanks daily for those things.  Although my faith dwindles from time to time, thank you that you never cease from being faithful.  Thank you that you are a strong tower that I can always run to!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #22

Today's Reading

Exodus 3

Exodus 3:22-23

Every Israelite woman will ask for articles of silver and gold and fine clothing from her Egyptian neighbors and from the foreign women in the houses.  You will dress your sons and daughters with these, stripping the Egyptians of their wealth."

Observation

God's plan is and has always been to take care of this children.  As David wrote in Psalms 37:25, "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begin for bread."  I'm struck by God's promise to Moses, that he would not only bless the Israelites and free them from over 400 years of oppression, but he would also give the wealth of the very nation that oppressed them to his children.

Application

The spiritual significance of this passage to our lives is huge.  The story of how God stripped the Egyptians of wealth and gave it to his people shows us that God will always take the things that Satan tries to beat, suppress, and destroy us with for his glory and our ultimate blessing. 

Prayer

Thank you God for your richest blessings that are always in our lives.  Thank you for your grace and your mercy that always takes the evil that Satan intends for us and always turns it out for your glory and our ultimate blessing.  Words can't even begin to express how much your love means to me and always keeps me in your hands.  I love you!  In Jesus Name!20/20/20

20/20/20 Challenge Day #20

Today's Reading
Genesis 50
Psalm 8
Luke 20:9-19

Psalm 8:3-4

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think of them, human beings that you should care about them?

Observation

David's view of God was infinitely higher than his view of himself.  When he looked around and pondered all of nature he shrunk in size.  He seems to have a hard time fathoming how a God so big could love a person so small.

Application

We live in a culture that has lost it's high view of God.  We no longer look to God's creation as a means to seeing God's greatness in comparison to our feebleness.  Through science, we've reduced him down to nothing, while elevating ourselves to greatness.

God dwells among those whose view of him has not been diminished, who still look to him and see him as much higher than us.  It's much easier to lover our view of God than to raise our faith in him, but to those who refuse to bow, blessings beyond our wildest dreams await.

Prayer

May my cry be the same as the Psalmist, "Oh Lord, Oh Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth."  Father, may my view of you never be diminished in the arrogance of my finiteness.  May I decrease daily, as my view of your increases every moment.

20/20/20 Challenge Day #19

Today's Reading...
Luke 19

Luke 19:17

"Well Done!" The king exclaimed.  "You are a good servant.  You have been faithful with the little I entrusted you, so you will be governor over ten cities as your reward."

Observation

It's tempting to look at the final result of the good servant as motivation to serve, however, it's not the reward the drove him because he didn't know it was coming until the master returned.  One must question, then, what was it that motivated the good servant?  It had to be a deep love and trust of his master.

Application

This story has been on my mind for weeks, along with the question of motivation.  I can't help but ask, what is my motivation to work for the kingdom and is it really driving me to risk and step forward in faith?  

What was true for the good servant must also be true for me.  My motivation and drive must be locked on Jesus, his work and love that was poured out when I least deserved it.  To be honest, I don't think I ponder this enough and I don't think I allow his love to motivate and drive me like it should.

Prayer

Lord, may your grace and love motivate my heart in a deeper way.  When I'm feeling tired, beat down and lazy, motivate my heart to seek you in a deeper way.  May your love, grace and mercy always stretch me beyond my comfort zone and my desire for the status quo.  Let me be motivated not by future rewards but by a future that is securely found in you and you alone!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #18

Today's Reading...
Genesis 45
Luke 18:15-43

Genesis 45:4-5

I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt.  but don't be upset and ddon'g be angry with yourselves for selling me into this place.  It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."

Observation

It takes extraordinary trust in God to see the "bad" as God's plan for you all along.  This is so far removed from our modern day faith that says blessings are only measured by what feels good.  Yet Joseph teaches us that some times the greatest blessings come packaged in tears and suffering.

Application

The US Supreme Court recently upheld a lower courts decision to evict and bar all churches who use public schools on the weekends from doing so after February 12, 2012.  On Monday some 60 churches will be without a Sunday home.

This is very sad and will, no doubt, cause a lot of grief, stress and heartache.  But Jesus promised the church that even in times of persecution, she will prevail.  I'm certain that God was not taken off guard by the courts decision.  In fact, we must believe that he has been guiding the process and will see the Church in NYC furthered for his glory and his purpose through this...just wait!  What Satan means for harm, God will turn around for good.

Prayer

Heavenly father, I pray that my faith in you would remain secure in times when everything is shaking.  May the story of Joseph always be a reminder to me that you always have the last word and nothing happens to any of your children with your approval. 

I pray for the 60 churches in NYC that are being evicted from the meeting places.  May the pastors rise up in faith and may your will be done to show the world that your church will not only survive, but prevail!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #17

Today's Reading...
Psalm 5
Luke 17:1-19

Luke 17:10

"In the same way, when you o bey me you should say, 'we are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'"

Observation

"What!  How could Jesus say such a thing?  How could he expect me not to be thanked or rewarded for my obedience?"  That's what came to my mind when I first read these words.  But then as I thought about it and I realized he said these words, because he knew this would be the reaction.

The whole message of Jesus in this passage is to make sure that we know all that we receive from him isn't a result of our pious acts of faith and obedience, but because of this great grace and mercy.

Application

How often I find myself guilty of the very arrogance that Jesus is trying to squelch in this passage.  My attitude can easily become; "I've given up so much or stepped out in faith, therefore, God you owe me and I should be blessed in the way that I deem right."

I cannot forget the truth of God's word.  I'm unworthy and completely undeserved of anything good, and it's only because of the mercy and love of Jesus that I have what I have and I am what I am.  If God in his sovereign love and mercy would choose not to give me anything more, what he's already given me is enough.  This is the place that Jesus wants us to come to and why he spoke the words he did.

Prayer

Thank you God for all your blessings, from the smallest to the biggest.  I know that I'm undeserving of them all.  May my life never be about me, but alway about you and may my obedience be done, not out of wanting you to perform for me, but because you've already done completely what I could never deserve.

20/20/20 Challenge Day #16

Today's Reading...
Genesis 39
Luke 16:1-15

Genesis 39:2

The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the house of his Egyptian master.

Luke 16:10

"If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful in the large ones.  But if you are dishonest in the little things you won't be honest with the greater responsibilities."

Observation

I'm amazed at Joseph's story because you never see him cry foul or lament over the present injustice that he found himself in.  Instead he chooses faithfulness; faithfulness to his God, his upbringing and the dream he knew God planted in his heart.  

I'm not naive enough to believe his heart didn't cry for justice, that his eyes weren't filled with tears of fear and disillusionment.  He was, after all, human like the rest of us, and to deny that doesn't do us any good as we consider our own journey.  Yet, in the end it seems he never viewed his road as one leading to perdition, but one leading to God's will.

Application

Being faithful and standing firm in the small things is vital to God in trusting us with more.  Every injustice that Joseph experienced was a test of long-suffering and faithfulness, and although it seemed to lead him down a road of destruction, it was actually leading him to godly fulfillment.

The Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 encourages me to "never grow tired of doing the right thing."  How important it is for me to pursue integrity, honesty and faithfulness, for these things will be the vehicle that takes me to the place of his highest blessing.  And just like Joseph's story, it will not only bring me joy in the end, but all the people under my influence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may my eyes stay fixed on you.  May my thoughts and my actions carry the integrity and honesty of Joseph and may I remain faithful to your calling and your direction.  I know my life is not on the road to perdition but on the road to fulfillment through obedience to you, because you guide my steps and make my paths straight when I trust in you.

20/20/20 Challenge Day #15

Today's Reading...
Genesis 37
Psalm 7:9-10
Luke 15:1-7

Genesis 37:8

His brothers responded, "So you think you will be our king, do you?  Do you actually think you will rule over us?"  And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.

Observation

Hatred and bitterness has a way of rotting us to the core.  This is why Jesus equated hatred to murder and one can certainly see Jesus meaning through this story.

The seed of hatred that Joseph's brothers had for him started small.  They were jealous of petty and insignificant things.  Soon, however, their hatred turned them into killers.  I was struck by how scripture says, they didn't want to be guilty of murder, yet they murdered their fathers dreams, his joy and ultimately the family unity because of their hatred.  The irony is that Joseph's refusal to be fueled by the same is what brought restoration to the family.

Application

I've instructed my children from the time they were small that they can't control what people say, do or think of them, but they get to choose every day how they will respond.  When we choose to pick up an offense it will turn us into something we were never meant to be.  It's far better to pray through it; "blessing our enemies and praying for those who persecute us."

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to guard against picking up an offense.  May my heart always walk in obedience and in the strength of your love.  In Jesus name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #14

Today's Reading
Luke 14

Luke 14:12-14

Then the turned to his host, "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives and rich neighbors.  For they will invite you back and that will be your only reward.  Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the glam and the blind.  Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you."

Observation

The means by which we look at fulfillment is so far removed from the way God looks at it.  Personal fulfillment is not about who likes us and who thinks we are powerful enough to come and be our friends, rather it is determined by who we give up our popularity for.  It's not the popular thing to invite the lowly, the poor and the lame to be our friends.  

Application

Building the kingdom of God is not about gaining personal recognition, finding my niche, or gaining security through popularity.  Yet this often is a very real temptation.  It's easy to turn the very work that God has called me to into an idol that validates me.

I have dealt with this temptation over and over.  It's easy not to walk in the direction the Holy Spirit is leading because it may not gain me personal points now.  I must remember, however that it's not the points in this life that matter as much.  The earthly scoreboard can be such a grand illusion that is here today and gone tomorrow.  It's heaven's scoreboard that really matters and the points don't come through human recognition, but through Gods.

Prayer

Heavenly father, let my priorities and my endeavors be focused on obeying you and not on the accolades of man.  May my obedience and focus be on the things unseen, the things that last forever.  In Jesus name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #13

Today's Reading
Genesis 33
Luke 13:10-30

Luke 13:18-21

Then Jesus said, "what is the kingdom of God like?  How can I illustrate it?  It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in it's branches."  He also asked, "what else is the kingdom of God like?  It is like the yeast of a woman used in making bread.  Even though she puts only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough."

Observation

Jesus was pulling no punches in making sure he destroyed the conventional wisdom of the day.  A wisdom that said the messiah would come in might and in power to set Israel free from the oppressive regime of Rome.  Jesus, however, proclaimed that he wasn't coming big, but rather small and in an unassuming way.  He would grow, but it would be in a different way than anyone could have ever expected.

Application

Conventional wisdom still says, "only the big can be effective in changing the world."  However, the Bible tells us this isn't the case.  "Despise not the small beginnings," wrote the prophet Zechariah.  Don't get me wrong, big is certainly not bad, but neither is small.

The problem with thinking only the big succeed is anyone who hasn't reached the level of big, is tempted to sit back and do nothing, becoming like the wicked servant in Matthew 25.  They key, then, is to be faithful where you are, even if it seems small, and let God bless the efforts.

Prayer

Lord, let me be faithful right where you've planted me.  Help me never to back down from the vision you've planted in me because I don't think we have enough or are big enough.  Help me to pursue one thing...obedience to your call.

20/20/20 Challenge Day #12

Today's Reading
Genesis 30:22-24
Luke 12:1-12, 22-48

Luke 12:29-31

"And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink.  Don't worry about such things.  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your father already knows your needs.  Seek first the kingdom of God above all else, and he will tie you everything you need."

Observation

The thoughts of a believer should be starkly different than the thoughts of an unbeliever.  The reason -our father already knows our needs, even before we know them; they aren't going unnoticed.  

Our thoughts, in turn, should be consumed with the kingdom of God and how we are called to live out his purposes.  It's this truth and pursuit that brings the increase of everything we need.

Application

Knowing the truth and living it out can be miles apart.  The bridge that brings the two together is the remembrance of God's faithfulness through times past.  This is why the ancients always built altars when God provided in a miraculous way.  It's why feast and festivals were celebrated and the stories of old were passed from enervation to generation.  Remembrance is a powerful tool in living out our faith right now.

I must remember God's faithfulness more and learn to recognize his grace in every area I've walked through.  I have to learn to be thankful in all things, even when those things aren't always what I think they should be.  God, after all, can be trusted - he's never let me down before.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, thank you for always providing exactly what I need at the exact time that I need it.  You've always been faithful and your word says you'll always remain that way.  Help me to better see your provisions in the past, so my faith in this hour can be more secure.  In Jesus name! 

20/20/20 Challenge Day #11

Today's Reading...
Genesis 28:10-22
Luke 11:1-13
Luke 11:33-36

Genesis 28:16-17

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I wasn't even aware of it."  But he was also afraid and said, "what an awesome place this is!  It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!"

Observation

Each of the patriarchs; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, had to have their own experience with God.  They could not accomplish God's plan without it.  Their obedience, that was credited to them as righteousness could not come through the journey of their father or grandfather; it had to be their own.

This passage is about that experience for Jacob.  It caused both joy and fear to come to his heart, which drove him to his knees in worship, securing his own relationship and experience with Jehovah God.

Application

The success of my own journey can never be found in the success of someone else's.  There are so many books written by godly men and women charting the success of their journey with Jesus.  These books are great resources of inspiration, but they must never be a substitute for the experience that Jesus want for my life.

Every day I must get a fresh word from Jesus for this journey.  It must be birthed through his word and prayer.  Everything else, as good as it may be, has to be secondary to this.  I simply can't live my life on the principles that someone discovered through their own process of being with Jesus.  I must listen for myself.  It's only then that the experience of others can be useful.

Prayer

Father, speak to my heart with a fresh word from your Holy Spirit daily.  Let me not be guilty of hitching a ride off the word for someone else, but give me fresh bread from you mouth every day.  In Jesus name!

20/20/20 Challenge Day #10

Today's Reading
Genesis 25:19-24
Luke 10:25-42

Genesis 25:21

Issac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children.  The Lord answered Isaac's prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins."

Observation

Isaac's love for Rebekah bleeds out of this one verse and is a powerful example for godly leadership in a home.

Men have been given a great responsibility in leading their home.  Unfortunately, we have a warped view of what that means.  Isaac shows us through his actions what this ought to look like.  He served his wife by interceding for her before God.  His interests were not focused on his own well being, but on hers first.

In Ephesians 5, Paul talks about a man's duty before God concerning his wife and family and Isaac shows us how this is to be lived out.

Application

True and Godly leadership is never about oneself.  In fact, self is the last thing it considers.  When I look at Isaac's life, I have to stop and ask myself some questions.  Am I being the Godly man to my family that his example calls me to be?  Am I covering them spiritually through prayer?  Am I putting them 1st above my own needs?  Am I demonstrating to them a Godliness worth following?

Prayer

Gracious father, let my life be a living example of true Godliness in my home.  May I always look to their interests above my own.  May I, through the way I live out my own life, point them to the cross of your son, Jesus Christ.  In Jesus name!