Tag: New beginnings

August 28, 2024

August 28th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Chronicles 34-36

Highlight Verse:

“During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Josiah was 8 when his reign began.

He was 16 when when he began to seek God.

When he was 20, He began to live out his faith.

He started strong and he started young.

He showed us a good example of living out faith.

While it is too late for me to start young, I am in a good position to make a positive change in the lives of young people today, helping them to start young.

Where has God called you to make a positive change?
Have you started yet?
August 2, 2024

August 1st, 2024

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jonah 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish.”
‭‭Jonah‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse struck me as funny.

I know the skeptics out there are saying, “Of course it’s funny. No one could survive 3 days in a fish or whale or any animal.

Other’s might say, “oh, it’s just a metaphor.”

I would say that it really happened and I don’t dwell on how because God is the one that made it happen and He can do anything.

But then, we’re all missing the point.

Jonah was in a place where he could do nothing.

He was left with only 2 choices, give up or turn to God.

He prayed to God from inside the fish.

Have you ever made such bad choices that you were suddenly left with no choice? Maybe facing jail time or bankruptcy?
Did you pray to the Lord Your God (implying that you truly trust Him) to deliver you from the consequences of running away from Him?
How did He bring you through it? (I assume He did since you’re reading this).
July 21, 2024

July 21st, 2024

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Song of Solomon 5-6

Highlight Verse:

“Why is your lover better than all others, O woman of rare beauty? What makes your lover so special that we must promise this?”
‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I must confess, I find Song of Solomon rather awkward to read.

It’s like listening in on a conversation that I really shouldn’t be listening to.

And then there’s these “women of Jerusalem” that are not just listening in but commenting.

Then again…

My middle daughter’s wedding video was just completed. It was beautiful.

That wedding was full of people celebrating the love of two people who obviously belong together.

That’s what the Song of Solomon is.

The women of Jerusalem can celebrate and support the union of this young woman and her shepherd lover.

And the book of Song of Solomon is like a wedding video so that people who came after can celebrate the beauty of that love.

Are there new marriages in social world that you can celebrate and support?
What are you doing to support them?
July 16, 2024

July 16th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Numbers 23-24

Highlight Verse:

“Then King Balak said to Balaam, “Come, I will take you to one more place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them from there.””
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

By that definition, King Balak was certainly insane. Three times he tried to get Balaam to curse Israel and three times he failed.

But then, how often do we do the same thing.

We treat people badly expecting them to change.

We entertain temptation expecting to be able to resist it this time.

We expect to lose weight even though we eat out all the time.

We’ve all got something we are a little “insane” about. Most of us have several things.

Maybe it’s time to actually do something different.

Where is your insane spot?
What can you do differently to regain your sanity?
June 18, 2024

June 17th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Number 15-16

Highlight Verse:

“When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15‬:‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

No, I’m not advocating bringing back tassels on clothing (though that could be interesting).

But there are things we can put around us to remind us of the right way to live.

Notice that the purpose of the tassels was not to advertise how holy you are but to give you personal reminders to stay on the right path.

For this reason, the “tassels” we wear in public should draw our attention to God rather than drawing attention to ourselves.

My “tassels” range from the music I choose to start my day with (WAY-FM) or this little sign on the wall by my desk.

One of my favorites was a little polished square of steel in my pocket that reminded me to “stand like steel.”

What are your “tassels”?
What reminds you to keep following God and how do they work for you?
June 8, 2024

June 8th, 2024

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Genesis 2

Highlight Verse:

“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today is wedding day for my daughter Hannah so

I thought that a peek back to the origin of marriage would be appropriate.

Many would say that the story of Eve coming literally from Adam’s rib was a literal historical account.

I’d say, God could create people however He wanted to and I’m fine with that.

Even if you come from the viewpoint that this story is more poetic than literal, that doesn’t keep it from being true. It was not good for Adam to be alone.

For one thing, none of us would be here if they didn’t have kids.

Though God could have created another way for humans to procreate.

Instead, He made us male and female so that we could raise kids and live life in partnership.

We give each other companionship.

We encourage each other.

We keep each other from doing stupid things(or at least try).

We pour our lives into our children.

Most importantly, we show each other love.

God could have created us however He wanted to, but He chose to make us in His image.

And God is Love! (1 John 4:8)

There is much more I could write about this subject regarding those called to be single or the problems with “pride.” I haven’t forgotten those aspects, but I chose to celebrate marriage today.

If you are married, how many years have you been married (10 for us)?
What secrets can you share for a long happy marriage?
May 29, 2024

May 29th, 2024

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 25-27

Highlight Verse:

“Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭27‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I can’t believe I never noticed this before!

The Chronicler is listing off all these important officials and advisors to King David.

And then there’s Hushai the Arkite –

the king’s friend.

I love that!

All too often, people in leadership become isolated.

They get put on a platform of untouchability. Whether that’s from their own pride or because people fear getting too close. It varies from person to person.

I know of one pastor (I’m sure there are at least several more) of a large church who, in his isolation, let sin creep in and take over his life to the point where he lost everything. One true friend could have kept him on the right path.

If you are a leader and find people shying away from you, don’t be afraid to let down your guard and be friends with those around you.

If you happen to be acquainted with a leader that people respect so much that they shy away from friendship, offer your friendship with respect and honesty.

You could save someone’s life.

If you are a leader, have you experienced isolation? Have you escaped that isolation? How?
Are you a friend of a leader who might otherwise have been isolated? How did that friendship start?
April 29, 2024

April 29th, 2024

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 18

Highlight Verse:

“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A survey by the International Bible Society revealed that 83% of Christians come to faith between the ages of 4 and 14.

EIGHTY THREE PERCENT!

This is precisely why I have stayed involved in next-gen ministry for nearly my entire adult life.

The local church I am a part of now does an amazing job at reaching children and adults, but I have seen many that treat next generation ministry as an afterthought.

It breaks my heart when I see children’s church and youth ministries lacking support or volunteers.

Many people I have spoken to seem to think they are unqualified to help.

Unless you can’t pass a background check, you are qualified.

Many, if not most, churches have curriculum that make teaching very easy. Even if you aren’t up to teaching, ministries need people to help teachers during children’s church and student ministry times. Those who prepare curriculum and the classrooms are also important.

If nothing else, prayer is an essential part of any effective ministry.

I’ll climb down of my next-gen soapbox now as long as you promise to at least pray.

Have you had the privilege of being part of a next generation ministry and can share good stories?
What are you willing to do to help reach the next generation?
April 16, 2024

April 16th, 2024

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Leviticus 24-25

Highlight Verse:

“This same standard applies both to native-born Israelites and to the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I am an American.

Which is to say I was born and raised in America to a mom with roots in Northern Europe and a Mexican dad.

But then to say I’m half Mexican is to say I’m a quarter Spanish and a quarter indigenous – Otomi tribe to be exact.

Each of my ancestors have unique and fascinating immigration stories.

I say that not to make any political statement about immigration policies. I have my opinions, but this is not the place for them as we welcome people from all backgrounds.

While we may have differing opinions about immigration, the Bible makes it clear that all people, no matter what their nationality or background, are loved by God and given the same opportunity to trust Him and accept His grace and mercy.

Even as far back as the very roots of Judaism, the forerunner of Christianity, the Bible speaks here of people being treated with the same standards regardless of national origin.

The beautiful truth of this is, I have brothers in the faith all over the world. That includes those believers of many different races here in America.

Have you experienced fellowship with believers from different parts of the world?
Have you been treated as an equal among diverse Christian groups?
What have you learned from fellowship with those from completely different cultures?
April 15, 2024

April 15th, 2024

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 16

Highlight Verse:

“And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

First, this disclaimer – It is purely coincidental that we are reading about hell on what is Tax Day in the U.S.

As bad as taxes can feel, hell is far worse.

We’d all like to think that hell is just a philosophical construct to get people to behave.

If you believe in the Word of God, today’s reading debunks that theory. Hell is a very real and bad place.

I’ve heard many say that a loving God would never condemn people to an eternity in hell.

They’re right.

God never condemns people to hell. People choose to go there by not trusting God to lead them to heaven through His grace and mercy.

The choice is for eternity and must be made here on earth.

I know there can be “death bed confessions” where someone can choose to trust at the last moment. Jesus showed that on the cross when He accepted the confession of the sympathetic robber on the next cross over from Him.

But why would anyone want to wait that long.

New life begins the moment someone chooses to trust Jesus. Freedom from guilt begins immediately and continues through eternity.

And none of us are guaranteed another waking moment.

Whenever I think about this, I can’t help thinking about my dad. He knew the Gospel from those of us who urged him to accept Jesus. He didn’t believe that someone as messed up as him could be forgiven.

It is my hope that he saw the truth and accepted it before he passed alone. Someday I will find out when I shed this mortal skin.

In the meantime, I will enjoy a life full of hope and freedom for now and eternity.

Do you know where you will spend eternity? The choice is yours.
Are you living a life of freedom in the grace and mercy of Jesus?

Tag: New beginnings

He started strong and he started young.

But then, we’re all missing the point.

Jonah was in a place where he could do nothing.

He prayed to God from inside the fish.

I must confess, I find Song of Solomon rather awkward to read.

Then again…

That’s what the Song of Solomon is.

And the book of Song of Solomon is like a wedding video so that people who came after can celebrate the beauty of that love.

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

We’ve all got something we are a little “insane” about. Most of us have several things.

Maybe it’s time to actually do something different.

But there are things we can put around us to remind us of the right way to live.

For this reason, the “tassels” we wear in public should draw our attention to God rather than drawing attention to ourselves.

I thought that a peek back to the origin of marriage would be appropriate.

Even if you come from the viewpoint that this story is more poetic than literal, that doesn’t keep it from being true. It was not good for Adam to be alone.

And God is Love! (1 John 4:8)

I can’t believe I never noticed this before!

the king’s friend.

You could save someone’s life.

A survey by the International Bible Society revealed that 83% of Christians come to faith between the ages of 4 and 14.

Many people I have spoken to seem to think they are unqualified to help.

Unless you can’t pass a background check, you are qualified.

If nothing else, prayer is an essential part of any effective ministry.

I am an American.

The beautiful truth of this is, I have brothers in the faith all over the world. That includes those believers of many different races here in America.

If you believe in the Word of God, today’s reading debunks that theory. Hell is a very real and bad place.

God never condemns people to hell. People choose to go there by not trusting God to lead them to heaven through His grace and mercy.

New life begins the moment someone chooses to trust Jesus. Freedom from guilt begins immediately and continues through eternity.