Just My Thoughts

Chasing Lions .... Again

2010-09-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to speak to our men's group last Wednesday, and it was challenging to say the least. I really felt God impressing me to speak on 2 Samuel 23 and the story of Benaiah.

I love the story and learned tremendously the last time I study through the material. But this time God was going to take it a little deeper into my life than last time. He had more He wanted to show me and have me experience. Man I really enjoyed the preparation.

Now it becomes time to take the principles He teaches through His word and allow it to take root in our lives and produce. Facing fears, taking risks, and being willing to look foolish to the world while being so God conscious we forget all our inhibitions.

Gotta go, got a lion to catch.

Rick

Encouragement

2010-08-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wow! Encouragement is such a powerful weapon.

Weapon? Yep, to defeat the enemy! And I have to include it in my arsenal. It must become a weapon of choice. It is powerful to protect my fellow soldiers in the battle.

He is "seeking who he may devour" and that puts a target on the back of every christian. Even non believers. He would destroy all if he could. How powerful a word of encouragement is to a worn or weak brother or sister engaged in the battle. I know there have been times in my life when I felt defeated, and someone encouraged me. It renewed my spirit, caused hope to begin to spring up inside me, and gave me strength to continue.

So as I go through my day, I want to be an encouragement to others. I need to be an encouragement. I MUST be an encouragement. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) I'm going to find ways to encourage others (Ephesians 4:29). Pointing them to the ONE who offers hope for the hopeless, help for the helpless, and rest for the restless.

Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

Day 8 Kick Start

2009-09-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Living Life At Full Throtle - I like the sound of that.

Day 7

2009-09-07T09:35:00.001-07:00

Frozen dreams - Cool thought ;-)

Man, I thawed my dream a few years ago, and I'm living it out now!

I'll catch you later, gotta go live some more of my dreams. What a great life.

Rick

Day 6 Monkey Bars and Letting Go

2009-09-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

Monkey bars are for children, every great playground has some. I watched my grandchildren this weekend climb higher and reach farther on the monkey bars on the playground than I have stretched myself in a long time. In fact the monkey bars were the busiest piece of playground equipment. Children were stretching the limits and reaching for bars they barely could make.

There is another aspect of the monkey bars, moms and dads. Moms and dads strategically placed all throughout the monkey bars in order to catch their precious adventurers in case the went too far and couldn't get back. Some children, had no problem letting go and trusting they would be caught. But one little boy I say wouldn't even let go when his dad had a tight hold on him. His dad had to actually pull him down forcefully with the boy screaming in fear.

I think that might be me. Trying desperately to hold on to something I can't accomplish even though God is telling me to let go and trust Him. At times I am even screaming to the top of my lungs about how upset I am that I am having to do this thing, that I don't have the time, or the resources, but not willing to let go. There have been times I became paralyzed because I wouldn't let go. All other tasks became non existent because I was consumed with the idea that I couldn't make progress in a specific area and I stayed they as a child stuck on a monkey bar while other children ran to other areas and played with other pieces of equipment.

Lord help me let go and trust you, the one who loves and cares for me, in all areas of life. I know you will work for my good and you have promised to care for me.

Rick

Traveling and Trying To Blog

2009-09-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, who thought I could be so busy while trying to take some time off? We traveled all day Thursday and it seems like it's been a whirlwind since then.

Day 5 - We have to stay healthy

Lord, thank you for this concept. I will do my best to breathe and stay healthy.

I realize I have made decisions in the past about what I would do based on what I felt like. I realize I have been given the joy of emotions and although I have limited control over how I feel, I can't let my emotions and feelings control me. Jesus got mad, cried, and felt many of the same emotions we feel, but He never sinned. He didn't let His emotions control Him.

Health-Check up

Spiritual - 9

Physical - 4

Emotional 6

Relational 8

Lord, my health in these four areas of life begin with my relationship with you. Help me stay close and clean. I am working on my health, help me loose 30 lbs. by the end of the year as well as increase my physical well being to the point I can stop my blood pressure medicine. Emotionally help me renew my mind and surrender my emotions of weakness to you. Relationally I commit to improving my relationships with 4 people this year.

Your servant,

Rick

Day 4 Connected to the Creator!

2009-09-02T07:22:00.001-07:00

This could not have come at a better time, thank you Lord.

Healthy things grow - DUH - I shouldn't "seek" spiritual growth, if I'm healthy it takes care of itself, healthy things grow. I will focus on spiritual health. John 15:1-15 is a wonderful passage on spiritual health. He is the vine, I am a branch. I must stay connected to be healthy, how simple is that?

There's gonna be pruning, I must embrace pruning. I often ask for blessing, but seldom (O.K. almost never) ask for pruning. But pruning is a necessary part of a healthy vineyard. (Let me be corny -Pruning the vine, often produces whine ;-) ) Pruning is painful but productive. Required to bear more and better fruit.

That seems simple enough:

Connect to the vine - My power source

Stay connected to the vine - My daily time with Him

Embrace pruning - Be willing to have God remove the "dead" branches

Lord help me remove the barriers to spiritual that weaken my spiritual health. Help me stop relying on my own power and stay connected to yours. Your wisdom is endless, your abilities are boundless, and your love for me is more than I can ever know. I want to live in your power today.

Your servant, Rick

Day 3 Time Investment

2009-09-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

I have been working on an a clear understanding of the principle of time investment over the last several years. The idea that whatever I'm "doing" during the course of a day, that is what I'm spending, investing, or exchanging my life for.

Day 3 just has a lot to digest. There is the idea of "How to spend my most valuable resource", the 80-20 rule, living with an eternal clock, and time squared. Time squared, I have never thought about how adding energy to my activities multiplies my activities exponentially.

The 80-20 rule really rang true to me and will be a tool I will add to my toolbox for evaluating activities I'm involved with. If I examine my days and put it to the test, it should reveal some areas I'm investing my time and not getting the return I desire.

Also, I have to keep this weeks theme of "LIVE PASSIONATELY" in the forefront of my mind and put the proper perspective to each days thoughts.

Lord - My days are numbered, and I want to live passionately for you with every moment of every day. Forgive me this morning for not considering You as I choose my activities, and I ask for your help as I examine my priorities, the ones I really own deep down, and show me how to make them like Your priorities. Make my heart beat faster for the things that excite You. But most of all, give me a heart that desires more time with You.

Your servant,

Rick

Day 2 - 30 Days To Live

2009-08-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

As we begin this 30 day challenge, I have to move out of teacher mode and into participant. Lord, that in itself will be a tremendous challenge and I need your help to slow myself down and let you grip my heart and work your will in me.

Lord help me understand you have numbered my days, and you have plans for me. Help me see you are working in me and through me to accomplish your will.

Today's devotion is about roller coasters and risk, as opposed to "playing it safe". (I love roller coasters, The Scream Machine is my favorite) Risk is something that I usually look to mitigate or avoid if possible, it was what I was trained to do as a project manager. But you have been showing me that in risk there are opportunities. It is in risk that faith is developed and we begin to live a life that is pleasing to you (Hebrews 11:6). Lord help me to embrace risk and understand that you are asking me to go places, do things, take risks that will require me to live by faith. I don't want to "play it safe" and wind up far less than you have planned for me.

Jesus lived a life of risks:

Mark 10:29-31

Luke 18:31-34

Matthew 16:21-23

Paul certainly knew about risk:

Acts 20:16-25

Phillipians 2:29-30

Phillipians 3:7-14

I MUST live a life that includes, expects, and embraces risk!!!

Rick

Wisdom and Knowledge

2009-08-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

I read Job chapter 28 this morning as my devotion time and God spoke mightily to me through His word. It's amazing He can do that. Job 28:28 provided me everything I needed to know for this week. It might not seem like a chapter that would speak so mightily to me, but today it did and I thank you Lord for your word.

Rick

Talk

2009-08-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with the book of James. My spirit loves it/my flesh hates it.

I enjoy his straight forward approach and the issues he deals with seem to be my issues. Especially the tongue. Before I was saved I lived and operated in a world where a quick wit often was as important as anything else a young man might have. And I was rather proud of my ability to supply a quick and often cutting retort. In fact there are several times that my quick wittedness (is that a word?) and sarcasm produced an undesirable effect.

But Christ made an amazing difference in my life. He healed the hurt and pain that had produced most of the fire behind my sarcasm and replaced it with a love that only He can provide. In those early days I would find that I would slip from time to time and resort back to my old "habits" of the tongue, but my brother James was always there with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to return me to a place of repentance and forgiveness.

As I have logged some miles in this wonderful journey called Christianity I notice from time to time a tendency slide back into sins of the tongue. Except now the temptation is to a much more vile and divisive sin, that of talking about a brother. My devotion today came from John Piper and was entitled "Talk to people rather than about them."

Man was it timely (God is amazing that way) and to the point.

Heavenly Father I seek you this morning. Forgive me of the things that I have thought as well as said that would harm others and dishonor You. I pray that my words will be honest and positive; that they will inspire, and challenge others to greatness. Show me how You want me to encourage others through my words today. Help me affirm someone close to me today, that they will be blessed and You will be glorified in Jesus' name.

Your servant, Rick

John 17:20

2009-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Unity in the church is marvelous as well as absolutely neccessary. Unity is required for a healthy church, but we must be careful how we arrive at that unity. Jesus prayed in John 17:20 that those of us who would believe in him through the testimony of His followers might be one. But we have to be careful and read the text slowly to be sure we stay on tract with what he meant. Unity in the business world often translates to comraderie and partnership, and while these are important they are not what Christ was speaking of.

He prayed that they "may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they may be one in us". There is a critical difference. An example used by A.W. Tozer may help explin. He said "One Hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other. They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to a standard to which each one must bow."

If our focus and devotion remains on Christ, we can become more unified than we ever would be by making unity our goal striving for a closer fellowship. The body becomes stronger as it's members become healthier. The entire church of God gains when the members that compose it begin to seek a closer relationship with God.

And this wonderful unity was for a purpose, a testimony. Not a testimony of "Most Unified" or the "Friendly" church. Not a testimony concerning our wonderful fellowship we have with each other. But so "that the world may know that You sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."

Lord, let this start with me. Give me a closer relationship and walk with you today. As a leader enable me to encourage others as well that they also may be in harmony with you.

Your servant, Rick

Adversity is my partner and friend

2009-07-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

God has been showing me scriptures over the last several weeks that don't sound like a lot of the "affirmations" I often hear spoken by my Christians friends and associates. The "Big" name evangelists and preachers on various media outlets often (some always) speak of prosperity and riches as synonymous with money and possessions. And while I believe in the depths of my soul God wants me to prosper and be in good health (3 John 1:2), I am becoming more convinced as the Spirit works within me that there is a much greater meaning to these type verses than earthly possessions.

Before I get to a place where I am trying to convince myself money is of no value and should be shunned as though it where the root of all evil, I must acknowledge money and possessions for what they are and their importance as such. They are a required "tool" to be valued, used, and controlled using good stewardship. An inanimate object possesses no power that I don't ascribe to it.

Philippians 1:29 Paul tells his Phillipian brothers that they have been "granted on behalf of Christ......to suffer for His sake. WOW! I need to understand this whole concept a little clearer. James says I should "count it all joy" when hardship comes because it creates in me a desirable effect. The results I'm left with, James says is "perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Sounds prosperous to me.

We have all heard the example of the caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly. After spinning a cocoon the caterpillar spends weeks wrapped inside as the larvae goes through metamorphosis. When it's time for the butterfly to emerge, it must struggle and fight its way out of the cocoon. I think if I were around at the time the caterpillar was making his escape, I would probably be tempted to "help" open the cocoon and release the butterfly. But that would be the worst thing we could do. It's the struggle to escape the cocoon that gives the butterfly the strength to fly when released. Butterflies need adversity to become what God intended them to be.

We are like these beautiful creatures. Through adversity we gain wisdom, courage, faith that we need in order to "fly". I must get past the immature notion that God is only interested in making me healthy, wealthy, and happy. The bible doesn't support that notion and neither should I. God wants me to become like Christ, and that path leads through the wilderness of adversity.

Lord, I thank you for your love, mercy, and kindness. I know you love me and are working to make me more like Your Son. Strengthen me and give me clear vision to see the things you desire, and direct my path today.

Your servant, Rick

Finishing Well

2009-07-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 4:7 Paul says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

I think it would be fair to say Paul finished well. As I sit this morning pondering the addition of another wonderful granddaughter, (Couldn't help myself, had to post a picture)

I can't help think of how my life will finish. It is critical to me to be the best grandpa I can possibly be, and that has to include spiritual influence on my children and grandchildren. But it also goes much farther than that, it also includes the kingdom of God.

Nowhere does the phrase "what have you done lately" hit harder than when life is considered. It is not the typical use of the phrase but I can't help but think as I reach the last segment of this journey, it really doesn't matter what I did as a young Christian. In fact, most folks I know today don't have a clue what I was like prior to coming to Christ, or the difference that was obvious after I was saved. What will remain in folks minds is what I did recently and did I finish?

I recently read "Aging isn't optional, being aged is." There is not a requirement that we get bitter and mean as we get old, it's a choice we make and a choice I have set my mind not to make. I think that if I stay close to the Lord and live a life that is clean before Him, I will always exude the "Joy of the Lord".

I also think there is "rent due" on my earthly space, and believe that the best way to pay that rent is through investing in others. Many others throughout the earlier years in my life "invested" and made those payments by pouring into my life. Some made large investments and my life is so much better for their time and prayers.

The increasing number of candles on the birthday cake provides a brighter light for those attending the party. And in the same manner, our lives should provide a greater illumination on the lives of those who "attend" our lives. As we age we should by the very nature of our existence provide light to those who are near us and thus fulfil what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:16.

Lord, I desire to be able to testify as Paul did and say it with the assurance of your presence and salvation, I have finished well.

Your servant,

Rick

Camp Link Is Over

2009-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

You know it makes me smile and it makes me a little sad to reflect on the end of another year's Camp Link. My body is shouting HALLELUAH!!! The older I get the harder it is to go all out for extended periods of time. But there also is a joy that exists from hard work, I know there are some that have no idea what I'm talking about ;-)

But as I come in this morning and ease back into the routine (and I mean it in a good way ) there is a piece of me that looks toward the back of the building and reflects on the wonderful times from last week.

Each morning watching as the preschoolers parents would bring them in still carrying their breakfast in hand and munching as they walk. The sxcitement on the childrens faces as they say a friend or their crew leader. I saw groups huddled together going over their memory verses and becoming ecited about being able to complete them all for Friday.

It was a remarkable week. The young hearts that came to grips with their own sin and need of a savior as they surrendered their lives to Christ. Adults and teen crew leaders who were able to share the gospel, maybe this week will spark the confidence to extend that into the world they walk each week.

As I sit here this Monday morning I must praise the Lord of Glory for all He did last week. Thank you Lord for using us to reach Your people and expand Your Kingdom. Thank you for the relationships we were able to form and the lives you allowed us to touch.

Pastor Rick

2009-07-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.

Teaching is not "excellelence of speech" or "excellence of wisdom" as I sometimes fall prey to thinking. But teaching or the imparting of truth, which is what I am attempting to do as I stand before others, has more to do with the life lessons that I have gleaned from the Scripture through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. These truths that have become embedded in me and now are as much a part of me as eating and sleeping are the truths that I am now equiped to teach. It's these transferrable truths that I have expierienced that will have the greatest impact on others lives because I can speak with a degree of authority as to their validity.

The world teaches a procedure that is so different. There is a school of thought in Management philosophy that says a manager doesn't need to know how to do the work they manage only to have a knowlege of good management principles. But I think Paul through the inspiration of the spirit is hitting something differnt here.

I know that in my life there has been this struggle to stay on track when a truth from scripture is presented to me. My first thoughts are to write it down so that I can remember to share/teach it at a latter date. But God, in his infinite mercy has been teaching me to dwell on the truths the Holy Spirit reveals to me. To take them in and let them permeate me. Let the truth become mine through application, understanding, and the living of that truth in my life.

I think that is what Paul is talking about here with the use of the word testimony. If I let God's truths become part of my testimony, part of my life, then I am in the proper place to enable the Spirit to impart that truth through me to someone else. That is the goal, that is my hearts desire, to allow God to use the talents and gifts he has given me to build His kingdom.

Lord, as I read your word, help me through the leading of your spirit to allow Your truths to become "my" truths and live within me.

Pastor Rick

Me? - A Model for others?

2009-07-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

...so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. --1 Thessalonians 1:7,8

What if......I lived my life in such a way, that other believers would take notice and be encouraged and challenged? Is it possible? Could my witness be so pure, and my life so spirit filled.....Is it possible?

Oh to become so Godly, so filled with the spirit, living clean and walking with God that folks would take notice and be blessed. WOW! My life would have a positive influence on others. What if my whole church became that way? What kind of impact would we have on their neighbors and neighborhood? What impact could we have for the Kingdom?

I think this is the beginning of the mission, it's why Jesus asked the deciples to "wait" until they became enpowered for service.

So.....Lord, forgive me for the neglect I have shown toward you. Forgive me for the tolerence I've shown toward sin. Fill me with your Spirit so that I can be used of You as intended.

Pastor Rick

Hearing From God

2009-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

It is my desire to hear from God. If God doesn't speak, what is the point? Without his direction then it is just mine, which is what I did before salvation.

God is speaking but am I listening, that is the question. I have never been of the mindset that He wasn't speaking or trying to direct and influence me. I have struggled with how do I know it is God, how does he direct?

It is good practice for me to stop and evaluate where I am and bring back to mind what I know from time to time. There are times where there is a "check" in my spirit that the Holy Spirit provides to either stop me or nudge me on. These occur as I "walk" with God. Walk in the spirit during those times of spiritual closeness and His presence. They are almost a whisper because you have to be close to hear a whisper.

There are times when god speaks to me through his word either in a spirit of conviction or encouragement. Sometimes just through enlightenment. These are wonderful times but they require that I submit and yield time to be in His word. They require that I make a commitment to his word and listening to Him.

But I think when I hear the phrase "hearing from God" the thought that most often comes to mind, and the area I have the greatest difficulty with is when it is a matter of direction and leadership. Maybe because it requires as a very starting point that I am in close fellowshipship with God and requires that I am walking in the spirit. But with those things as givens, then what?

My devotion today had an illustration from F. B. Myers.

One night as the famous Bible teacher F. B. Meyer stood on the deck of a ship approaching land, he wondered how the crew knew when and how to safely steer to the dock. It was a stormy night, and visibility was low. Meyer, standing on the bridge and peering through the window, asked "Captain, how do you know when to turn this ship into that narrow harbor?"

"That's an art," replied the captain. "Do you see those three red lights on the shore? When they're all in a straight line I go right in!"

Later Meyer said: "When we want to know God's will, there are three things which always occur: the inward impulse, the Word of God, and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree."

I will consider this today and work on making application of this principle as we look at future plans for Crossover. Lord, speak to me and I will listen.

Pastor Rick

Why is it so hard to wait?

2009-06-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is a direct quote from my devotion this morning:

"Have you ever felt that you were supposed to receive something from God but it just hasn't materialized? You wait and wait until finally you decide that maybe God wants you to help out the situation."

Wow, does that ever describe me in more situations than I ever have wanted to admit. It boils down to having horizontal vs. vertical perspective. I am afraid I operate too many times in a horizontal, putting too much emphasis on my skills and decision making ability as opposed to vertical that employs seeking God and allowing Him to work His will His way.

This applies in several areas that I can think of immediately. In relationship conflicts, marriage issues, as well as physical and emotional needs and desires. Man, it is hard to be that honest and open in a public forum. But it's real.

Whatever the problem, God knew the solution before the problem ever developed. My responsibility is to ask God for help to solve the problem and then rely on Him for the outcome. I need to type that again. My responsibility is to ask God for help to solve the problem and then rely on Him for the outcome! The moment I step in and take over, God quietly steps aside and waits while I experience failure and confusion and come to the place to seek Him for the answer.

A great example of this is found in 1 Samuel 25 with Saul and David. King Saul thought the best way to preserve his kingdom was to kill David. While in pursuit of him there were several times David had the opportunity to kill Saul. But David chose to wait upon God's timing and not take things into his own hands.

This was what happened in the case of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised a son, and it looked as though time was running out and Abraham and Sarah decided to "help" God and take matters into their own hands.

I have to believe Abraham learned his lesson well and proved his faith in God when he was told to offer Issac as a sacrifice unto the Lord. He moved without hesitation or doubt and confirmed it to Issac when asked about the "lamb" he said "God will provide Himself a sacrifice."

If I look at Abraham and ask what made the difference in the two events? I have to believe his faith was increased in the One who had made the promise. I think he always knew it was God, but his faith hadn't grown to allow a trust with all things. He realized if God could give him a son as he had promised even though he was beyond child bearing years, he could bless all the nations through his son even if he offered him as a sacrifice. Wow, did you see that coming? I didn't.

Thank you Lord for all that you have promised. Thank you for spending this time with me this morning.

Pastor Rick

2 Corinthians Chapter 12

2009-06-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

This chapter contains some of the most challenging scriptures for me to apply to my life. It is my desire to apply them, but the doing is a much more difficult proposition.

The chapters dealings with the concept of boasting in my infirmities is tough enough, but the application of the principle that in weakness I am strong is where my struggles come. It's not the intellectual ascent that causes me the problem, I understand what the verse is telling me to do. It's the application!

I think I have been so programed to function in this world's system of task oriented work that makes it most difficult. I can start from a correct mindset, but it is very easy for me to slip out of that position into the "doing" of self. I seem to just take over. Could it be a lack of discipline? Homer says "DOH".

Discipline. That word sure seems to come up a lot when I examine my Christian walk. Any serious attempt at self examination will usually find it's way back to a discipline. Either an excercise of, or lack thereof....but discipline.

The good news is that discipline is not something you either were born with or weren't. It's not like height. If your genes say you will be 5' 4" tall, I am not aware of anything that can be done to make you the next great center playing in the NBA. But discipline is aquired, it is a learned behavior and anyone can develop discipline. The United States Marine Corp has proved that point for over 200 years in thousands upon thousands of young lives. In fact, all branches of the military, often have undisciplined youngsters enter and men or women with a brand new sense of discipline will exit. I have personally seen this happen many times.

So this is my goal. To become more disciplined in the faith. The discipline of prayer, devotion, integrity, witness, leadership, tongue, perserverance, mind, etc....

Father, I submit to your spirit and it's teaching and leading. Continue to work in and through me to make me into the man you have planned. Thank you for all you have done thus far.

I'm not what I want to be,

not what I'm going to be,

but thank God I'm not what I was!

Pastor Rick

Chosen By God

2009-06-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

John 15:16 has some sweet words that comfort the soul as it relates to our relationship with God.

Jesus said ... "You did not choose me, but I chose you"

But then He follows with what is a challenge, and a check up.

"And appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last"

I have often found comfort in the security and grace of the first half of this verse, but the second half finds me tonight searching my very being. Am I bearing fruit - fruit that lasts?

Remember when we were children and teams were being picked? It was a great feeling to have one of the captains pick us early in the process. Nobody wants to be the last one picked. It is awesome to be selected, "picked" as it were, by God. He doesn't always pick those with the greatest skills, the smartest, or even the best personality. But, he always has something in mind for those he picks.

He requires of all that He picks that they are to be fruit bearers. Not fruit makers, not fruit flies, or fruit loops. Many of us want to only concentrate on being fruit inspectors, always looking at the fruit or lack thereof from other believers. But what about me? Am I a fruit bearer, and does the fruit I bear remain? If that is what He requires, then fruit bearing should be my goal.

If I am living my life as He has called, and I am doing all to know the One who chose me, then fruit bearing should be a natural by product of my existence.

Thank you Lord for your word that teaches and reproves.

Just my thoughts,
Rick

2009-06-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

It' Time For A Test
(from my devotion this morning)

With school wrapping up and summer beginning I think tests have been wiped out of the minds of the of our students. But testing in the spiritual sense is always on the agenda for God.

I don't think of tests being a part of my regular routine or even part of a weekly or monthly schedule. I remember, even when we had children still in school we often asked them about their upcoming tests and whether or not there were ready (prepared) for their upcoming test. I think as Christians we might do well to put our minds a little more to our days of school (learning) and consider there will be tests. Are we ready, prepared, have we learned the material that will be on the test.

Psalms 26:2 says "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. He tells us in His word we are going to be "tested", the psalmist was expecting, looking forward to, and wanting to be tested. But the tests aren't so that God may know us, he already knows all about us, but that we can know ourselves. It's an opportunity for us to see very clearly how much we have learned and are able to put into practice.

All tests involve obedience in one way or another. When we are tested it reveals the true state of our hearts. Am I obedient to His will, or am I self willed. There are times I "think" I know who and what I am, but only when I'm tested do I know for sure.

Rick

Jacob's Dream

2009-06-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

My devotion time yesterday used the scripture 32:20 and talked about Jacob's defining moment. The writer spoke of Jacob's life of manipulation and deceit as he depended on his own strengths and devices. One night God sent an angel to wrestle away the striving that had always been present in Jacob's life.

Gen. 32:25-26 goes on to say when then angel saw he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of his hip so that his hip was "wrenched" as he wrestled with him. Jacob's natural abilities were tremendous and God had to make him a weaker man physically in order for God's power to be manifested in him.

The writer of the devotion goes on to say "Beware of any leader who doesn't walk with a limp." If a leader has not wrestled with God over their natural abilities and come to the place of total dependence on God, that leader will live a life of striving and manipulation.

Prayer:
Father, as I bow before you this morning I "let go" of my own strengths and devices and depend completely on Your strength. Your will is my desire, I want to walk in Your will today.