Scripture:
Acts 7:6-7 — But God spoke to this effect, that his descendants would be aliens in a foreign land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. And whatever nation to which they will be in bondage I myself will judge said God, and after that they will come out and serve me in this place.
Observation:
Everything I’ve been reading for the past few days about what happened in the days of Moses, God knew would happen hundreds of years in advance. In Genesis 15:13, God told Abraham that his descendants would be held captive and then He would free them so they could come out and serve Him. I often say that, “God knows everything,” but this story reminds me that He really does. He doesn’t just know what is going on today, He knows what will be going on hundreds of days and years from now. When the Bible says He knows the plans He has for us — that is more than just wishful thinking or a quick fix for a sad heart. God really knows the future. He really knows what life will be like and how He will be moving to bring about His glory. He will always move to ensure that He has a people, and His people have a God who is like none other and one who fights for them even through the most unlikely and unbelievable circumstances.
Application:
God knows the end even from the beginning. He knows His plans for my life. Nothing is going to come at me or against me that He isn’t fully aware of. This also tells me just how foolish it is for me to resist Him and His plans. If He knows where we are headed, then it just makes sense to me that I would want to cooperate with Him to enjoy and be part of His plans — not fight against it and miss the blessing. I sit in awe today of the foreknowledge of God. I need to trust Him more.
Prayer:
God, You know all things. That’s not just preacher talk today, I really believe it. You know. You know who will be our next president, when time will end, what tomorrow holds, and how I can best be prepared to enjoy Your work. You are in control of history and of me. You are in control of life. You are taking us toward an end that You have told us about just like You did for Abraham. Yes, I live in a sinful world and things may go from bad to worse. But You have promised the day of deliverance. Like the Egyptians, You will break the bonds of sin and Satan forever. When You do I don’t need to be surprised, but can rejoice in Your faithfulness. Between then and now Lord, help me to surrender all the details and decisions of my life to You — knowing that in following You I am best prepared to enjoy this journey. Reveal Your way to me each day. Grant me faith to follow in it. I praise You Father for being an all-knowing and all-wise God.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The World Can't Hang
Scripture:
Acts 6:10 — But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Observation:
There have always been “haters” — those who are against and try to bring down anybody who is doing good. God was working powerfully through Stephen’s life. He was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some self-proclaimed religious leaders wanted to argue with him. We don’t know what the argument was about, but no doubt what these guys were trying to do was push Stephen down a notch or two on the “love-and-respect” scale with the religious crowd. They wanted to be the leaders so they argued with Stephen presumably to discredit him and make themselves look good. But the Bible says they couldn’t cope with Stephen’s wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke. We know Stephen to be a man full of faith and the Spirit, full of grace and power. Stephen wasn’t in a contest with other people. He just loved Jesus and let Christ rule in his heart. There was incredible power that flowed through his life. And there was incredible wisdom that flowed through his mouth.
Application:
There are times when people want to ask trick questions or argue about spiritual matters. What God is showing me is that I don’t need to worry about fussing and fighting. My concern should be with the simplicity of devotion to Christ. My call is to be like Stephen, a man full of faith, the spirit, grace and God’s power. If I humbly walk with Christ, letting His grace rule in my heart, He will always give me the words I need to say and the spirit I need to say them in, even when I find myself in hostile company.
Prayer:
Lord I pray that You would rule my spirit. I ask You to fill me with Your grace, with faith, with Your spirit, and with power. When I find myself in a situation where my faith is under attack, would You please give me the wisdom I need and the spirit I need to answer for the hope that is in me.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Acts 6:10 — But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Observation:
There have always been “haters” — those who are against and try to bring down anybody who is doing good. God was working powerfully through Stephen’s life. He was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some self-proclaimed religious leaders wanted to argue with him. We don’t know what the argument was about, but no doubt what these guys were trying to do was push Stephen down a notch or two on the “love-and-respect” scale with the religious crowd. They wanted to be the leaders so they argued with Stephen presumably to discredit him and make themselves look good. But the Bible says they couldn’t cope with Stephen’s wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke. We know Stephen to be a man full of faith and the Spirit, full of grace and power. Stephen wasn’t in a contest with other people. He just loved Jesus and let Christ rule in his heart. There was incredible power that flowed through his life. And there was incredible wisdom that flowed through his mouth.
Application:
There are times when people want to ask trick questions or argue about spiritual matters. What God is showing me is that I don’t need to worry about fussing and fighting. My concern should be with the simplicity of devotion to Christ. My call is to be like Stephen, a man full of faith, the spirit, grace and God’s power. If I humbly walk with Christ, letting His grace rule in my heart, He will always give me the words I need to say and the spirit I need to say them in, even when I find myself in hostile company.
Prayer:
Lord I pray that You would rule my spirit. I ask You to fill me with Your grace, with faith, with Your spirit, and with power. When I find myself in a situation where my faith is under attack, would You please give me the wisdom I need and the spirit I need to answer for the hope that is in me.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
God's Amazing Grace
Scripture:
Psalm 14:2-3 — The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Observation:
God’s grace is amazing. These verses tell me that when God looked down from heaven He saw total depravity. All have turned aside, have become corrupt, no one does good, no one understands or seeks God. He would have been justified to send another flood or some other catastrophe and wipe us all out. But instead He chooses to love us in spite of our sin. He chooses to send Jesus to us even though He knew what we would do to Him. He let Christ, His son, die for us with the full knowledge that we could never pay Him back or come close to deserving that love. He gives us eternal life and His presence daily even though we still find ourselves turning aside, not doing good, being corrupt, and not seeking Him. That is amazing love.
Application:
That amazing love isn’t just for people in general, that love is for me. I am on just like these verses describe. I am like Isaiah said, “on my best day my righteousness still is like dirty rags before Him.” I am forgiven and I live every day because of God’s amazing grace toward me. Right now I sense a need and desire to be more thankful to God for what He has done. Sometimes I forget how bad I have been and am. But now I am reminded of my total dependence upon God’s grace. I also sense a greater desire to give myself to God. He has been so good — He deserves my life in return. I know I can’t earn His favor nor can I earn my way into heaven. But I would at least like for Him to be able to look at me and say, “There is one who is seeking — he doesn’t understand it all, but he is trying to get it right more and more every day.”
Prayer:
Lord, I just say thank you for Your great love. Thank you for forgiveness in Jesus. Thank you for grace and mercy that are new every day and don’t run out. Thank you for not giving up on me even when I have given up on You. Thank you for so many undeserved blessings that come strictly by Your grace. Father I want to be pleasing to You. Forgive me for my sin and my foolish and unwise choices daily. Cover me in Your grace. Grant me the strength through Your Holy Spirit to live for You. I want to understand. I want to see You. I want to do good for You. but I know that has to come from Your spirit in me. Have more of me today than You have ever had before. I don’t want Your grace toward me to be in vain.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Psalm 14:2-3 — The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Observation:
God’s grace is amazing. These verses tell me that when God looked down from heaven He saw total depravity. All have turned aside, have become corrupt, no one does good, no one understands or seeks God. He would have been justified to send another flood or some other catastrophe and wipe us all out. But instead He chooses to love us in spite of our sin. He chooses to send Jesus to us even though He knew what we would do to Him. He let Christ, His son, die for us with the full knowledge that we could never pay Him back or come close to deserving that love. He gives us eternal life and His presence daily even though we still find ourselves turning aside, not doing good, being corrupt, and not seeking Him. That is amazing love.
Application:
That amazing love isn’t just for people in general, that love is for me. I am on just like these verses describe. I am like Isaiah said, “on my best day my righteousness still is like dirty rags before Him.” I am forgiven and I live every day because of God’s amazing grace toward me. Right now I sense a need and desire to be more thankful to God for what He has done. Sometimes I forget how bad I have been and am. But now I am reminded of my total dependence upon God’s grace. I also sense a greater desire to give myself to God. He has been so good — He deserves my life in return. I know I can’t earn His favor nor can I earn my way into heaven. But I would at least like for Him to be able to look at me and say, “There is one who is seeking — he doesn’t understand it all, but he is trying to get it right more and more every day.”
Prayer:
Lord, I just say thank you for Your great love. Thank you for forgiveness in Jesus. Thank you for grace and mercy that are new every day and don’t run out. Thank you for not giving up on me even when I have given up on You. Thank you for so many undeserved blessings that come strictly by Your grace. Father I want to be pleasing to You. Forgive me for my sin and my foolish and unwise choices daily. Cover me in Your grace. Grant me the strength through Your Holy Spirit to live for You. I want to understand. I want to see You. I want to do good for You. but I know that has to come from Your spirit in me. Have more of me today than You have ever had before. I don’t want Your grace toward me to be in vain.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Monday, January 28, 2008
God Uses the Simple
Scripture:
Acts 4:13 — Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
Observation:
The religious leaders wanted to know how the disciples were able to perform the miracle of healing a lame man. But the more they looked the more they realized there was nothing outstanding about the disciples — they were just average guys — very average guys actually. The Bible says they were untrained and uneducated, they were just country hick fishermen. The religious leaders were amazed the Scripture says. How could these nobodies have such confidence and affect such a miracle? But the closer they looked, the clearer it became as to what set these men apart. The Bible says they “began to recognized them as having been with Jesus.” I wonder how they “began to recognize” this? Did somebody tell them? Was it the way the disciples talked or acted or carried themselves that betrayed the fact that they had been with Jesus so much that His life had marked theirs? Either way, the point seems to be that God can use anybody — even untrained, uneducated, backwoods country boys — if they have the one necessary qualification: they spend quality time with Jesus.
Application:
For me, this is encouragement that I don’t have to worry about the latest fads and trends in ministry. I don’t need to build a resumé to be noticed by men. The one thing that qualifies me and empowers me for ministry is that I spend time with Jesus. That’s what ministry really is — it is what I leave behind me as I follow Christ. My goal and my priority need to be to spend time with Jesus every day. It is because I spend time with Him that my life begins to be noticeably changed. I develop a positive testimony for Him, and I possess the power of God to see miracles happen. I also need to be straight on whom I look to and follow as examples in ministry. What matters is not how much, how many, or how recognized some ministry or minister is. Nor does is it matter that a person has no seminary training or formal education. What matters is if the person has spent time with Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, would you grant me time in Your presence today. As I work, as I drive, as I sit still, would You come to me and spend time with me. I want to learn from you. Father would You grant me confidence to do Your work just like the disciples. Deliver me from ever trying to impress others with my spirituality or credentials. Keep me focused instead on loving and serving You every day for the simple and pure joy it brings. Shape me — my words, my actions, my disposition and attitude so that it is obvious I have spent time with You.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Acts 4:13 — Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
Observation:
The religious leaders wanted to know how the disciples were able to perform the miracle of healing a lame man. But the more they looked the more they realized there was nothing outstanding about the disciples — they were just average guys — very average guys actually. The Bible says they were untrained and uneducated, they were just country hick fishermen. The religious leaders were amazed the Scripture says. How could these nobodies have such confidence and affect such a miracle? But the closer they looked, the clearer it became as to what set these men apart. The Bible says they “began to recognized them as having been with Jesus.” I wonder how they “began to recognize” this? Did somebody tell them? Was it the way the disciples talked or acted or carried themselves that betrayed the fact that they had been with Jesus so much that His life had marked theirs? Either way, the point seems to be that God can use anybody — even untrained, uneducated, backwoods country boys — if they have the one necessary qualification: they spend quality time with Jesus.
Application:
For me, this is encouragement that I don’t have to worry about the latest fads and trends in ministry. I don’t need to build a resumé to be noticed by men. The one thing that qualifies me and empowers me for ministry is that I spend time with Jesus. That’s what ministry really is — it is what I leave behind me as I follow Christ. My goal and my priority need to be to spend time with Jesus every day. It is because I spend time with Him that my life begins to be noticeably changed. I develop a positive testimony for Him, and I possess the power of God to see miracles happen. I also need to be straight on whom I look to and follow as examples in ministry. What matters is not how much, how many, or how recognized some ministry or minister is. Nor does is it matter that a person has no seminary training or formal education. What matters is if the person has spent time with Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, would you grant me time in Your presence today. As I work, as I drive, as I sit still, would You come to me and spend time with me. I want to learn from you. Father would You grant me confidence to do Your work just like the disciples. Deliver me from ever trying to impress others with my spirituality or credentials. Keep me focused instead on loving and serving You every day for the simple and pure joy it brings. Shape me — my words, my actions, my disposition and attitude so that it is obvious I have spent time with You.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Saturday, January 26, 2008
God Fights for Me
Scripture:
Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”
Observation:
I can almost hear Moses saying to the people, “Enough already. Just be quiet.” As the Egyptian army closed in on the Israelites, the once bold believers melted into a mass of moaning and complaining. Their confidence turned to cowardice and they wished they had never left Egypt. But Moses didn’t lose faith. He assured the Israelites that they would be saved before the day was done. Egypt’s army would be wiped out. God was about to fight for the people. He would handle their problems. Their job was to shut up and follow while God fought. Moses said God will fight while you keep silent.
Application:
Too often when I find myself between a rock and a hard place my tendency is to talk too much. I whine and complain about the circumstances I’m facing. I try to tell everybody how bad things are or I try to figure out some solution on my own. This verse tells me that what God really wants me to do is to “zip it” and trust Him. If God has brought me to difficulty, He will see me through difficulty. As I keep silent, I don’t have to keep still. God told Moses to tell the Israelites to go forward. That means I am supposed to follow while God fights.
Prayer:
Lord, I want You to fight for me. I need You to fight for me. I need You to fight for a positive impact in my neighborhood. I need You to fight for wisdom to raise my kids and for their protection as they enter a treacherous period of their lives. I need You to fight for our church — showing us where to go and fighting the spiritual battles that confront us daily. I need You to fight for me in my personal walk with You — protect me, provide for me, keep me. I need You to fight for me in the death to myself and my being made alive to You. Fight for us Lord as we try to see our city transformed. Fight for the light to be shown into the world. And Lord, forgive me for when I’ve doubted and grumbled and complained. Forgive me for when I’ve tried to fight and told You to keep silent. Thank You for being an all-powerful God who delivers for Your name’s sake. God grant me trust in You, and give me feet to follow You while You fight.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”
Observation:
I can almost hear Moses saying to the people, “Enough already. Just be quiet.” As the Egyptian army closed in on the Israelites, the once bold believers melted into a mass of moaning and complaining. Their confidence turned to cowardice and they wished they had never left Egypt. But Moses didn’t lose faith. He assured the Israelites that they would be saved before the day was done. Egypt’s army would be wiped out. God was about to fight for the people. He would handle their problems. Their job was to shut up and follow while God fought. Moses said God will fight while you keep silent.
Application:
Too often when I find myself between a rock and a hard place my tendency is to talk too much. I whine and complain about the circumstances I’m facing. I try to tell everybody how bad things are or I try to figure out some solution on my own. This verse tells me that what God really wants me to do is to “zip it” and trust Him. If God has brought me to difficulty, He will see me through difficulty. As I keep silent, I don’t have to keep still. God told Moses to tell the Israelites to go forward. That means I am supposed to follow while God fights.
Prayer:
Lord, I want You to fight for me. I need You to fight for me. I need You to fight for a positive impact in my neighborhood. I need You to fight for wisdom to raise my kids and for their protection as they enter a treacherous period of their lives. I need You to fight for our church — showing us where to go and fighting the spiritual battles that confront us daily. I need You to fight for me in my personal walk with You — protect me, provide for me, keep me. I need You to fight for me in the death to myself and my being made alive to You. Fight for us Lord as we try to see our city transformed. Fight for the light to be shown into the world. And Lord, forgive me for when I’ve doubted and grumbled and complained. Forgive me for when I’ve tried to fight and told You to keep silent. Thank You for being an all-powerful God who delivers for Your name’s sake. God grant me trust in You, and give me feet to follow You while You fight.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Friday, January 25, 2008
Take the Long Way
Scripture:
Exodus 13:17, “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’”
Observation:
God’s ways are not our ways. If I had been leading the Exodus, I would have taken the shortest, easiest, quickest road to the Promised Land. The goal in my mind would have been just to get where I was going as fast as possible. God had a different goal. He wanted the people to be prepared when they got to the Promised Land so they would stay there. That’s a different goal and required a different approach. In His wisdom, God knew the people weren’t prepared for the challenges waiting in the Promised Land. So He chose to take them the long way home — a way that seemed to make no sense to those who traveled. But to God, it made perfect sense. It was on the long way that the people would develop the character, faith and desire they needed to press on amidst the threat of war waiting for them.
Application:
There are times in my life when I need to trust God’s leading even if it doesn’t make sense to me. He not only knows the future — my future — but He also knows my character and if my heart is prepared for what is ahead. If and when God leads me to take the long way, I don’t need to resist Him and fight Him. I need to trust Him and His wisdom. I need to trust Him in the long way financially, the long way at work, the long way in my marriage or with my kids. I often want God to snap His fingers and solve my problems or make provision instantly, quickly, the easiest way I can see. But it is in trusting God and learning to walk with God in the long way that I am prepared for His answers and provision when they come.
Prayer:
Father, You are all wise. I know You are smarter than I am. I know You know me and what lies ahead. God would You please grant me trust in You when You take me the long way. Grant me patience. Keep my eyes on You. Don’t let me run ahead or complain or lose faith. Grow in me the character of Christ —likeness I need. Thank You for caring enough about me to do what is best for me, not just what is easiest for me. Forgive me when I don’t get it, and when in my short —sightedness and selfishness I grumble against You or lose faith. You are wise. You are good. I lay my life before You in trust.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Exodus 13:17, “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’”
Observation:
God’s ways are not our ways. If I had been leading the Exodus, I would have taken the shortest, easiest, quickest road to the Promised Land. The goal in my mind would have been just to get where I was going as fast as possible. God had a different goal. He wanted the people to be prepared when they got to the Promised Land so they would stay there. That’s a different goal and required a different approach. In His wisdom, God knew the people weren’t prepared for the challenges waiting in the Promised Land. So He chose to take them the long way home — a way that seemed to make no sense to those who traveled. But to God, it made perfect sense. It was on the long way that the people would develop the character, faith and desire they needed to press on amidst the threat of war waiting for them.
Application:
There are times in my life when I need to trust God’s leading even if it doesn’t make sense to me. He not only knows the future — my future — but He also knows my character and if my heart is prepared for what is ahead. If and when God leads me to take the long way, I don’t need to resist Him and fight Him. I need to trust Him and His wisdom. I need to trust Him in the long way financially, the long way at work, the long way in my marriage or with my kids. I often want God to snap His fingers and solve my problems or make provision instantly, quickly, the easiest way I can see. But it is in trusting God and learning to walk with God in the long way that I am prepared for His answers and provision when they come.
Prayer:
Father, You are all wise. I know You are smarter than I am. I know You know me and what lies ahead. God would You please grant me trust in You when You take me the long way. Grant me patience. Keep my eyes on You. Don’t let me run ahead or complain or lose faith. Grow in me the character of Christ —likeness I need. Thank You for caring enough about me to do what is best for me, not just what is easiest for me. Forgive me when I don’t get it, and when in my short —sightedness and selfishness I grumble against You or lose faith. You are wise. You are good. I lay my life before You in trust.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Thursday, January 24, 2008
An Open Mind
Scripture:
Luke 24:45, “Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.”
Observation:
Jesus opened the minds of the overwhelmed disciples. They had been in intellectual and emotional overload for a period of days. The whole arrest and crucifixion ordeal was enough. But now reports rolled in from the women and a couple of men that Jesus was alive. Finally Christ appeared in their midst and showed them his hands and feet and he ate some fish with them to show them it was really Him. I am sure they were filled with all kinds of emotions and thoughts in that moment. But Jesus opened their minds to understand that His death, burial, and resurrection had been part of God’s plan from long ago — God was redeeming the world through Jesus. If He opened their minds to understand the scripture, that means for a while their minds were closed. They didn’t get it. They couldn’t understand. But at the right time and without a word, Jesus turned the lights on in their minds and they finally could see the power and plan of God revealed in the scripture. They understood the wisdom of God in putting a plan in motion that would provide forgiveness to the nations.
Application:
I need Jesus to open my mind to understand the scriptures too. Like the disciples, I’ve read and heard way more of the Bible than I understand and get. If I’m ever going to really understand what God says and know what He is doing, I must have Christ open my mind to understand. I want to see the truth and know God’s purpose and plans. I know they are revealed in the scripture. But I know I can’t get it by myself. I need help to truly hear what God is saying.
Prayer:
Father, I ask You to open my mind to Your truth. I don’t want to know just the elementary teachings of the Bible, I want to know the deeper purposes and plans You have. I want to know You intimately. Father, I ask You to help me. When I open the Bible, would you open my mind? Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. In seeing the words, let me see You. Lord, I pray that I would not seek truth and understanding just for the sake of knowledge. Please grant me wisdom to live out Your truth. Grant me capacity to share Your truth with others. God, transform my life by opening and renewing my mind.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Luke 24:45, “Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.”
Observation:
Jesus opened the minds of the overwhelmed disciples. They had been in intellectual and emotional overload for a period of days. The whole arrest and crucifixion ordeal was enough. But now reports rolled in from the women and a couple of men that Jesus was alive. Finally Christ appeared in their midst and showed them his hands and feet and he ate some fish with them to show them it was really Him. I am sure they were filled with all kinds of emotions and thoughts in that moment. But Jesus opened their minds to understand that His death, burial, and resurrection had been part of God’s plan from long ago — God was redeeming the world through Jesus. If He opened their minds to understand the scripture, that means for a while their minds were closed. They didn’t get it. They couldn’t understand. But at the right time and without a word, Jesus turned the lights on in their minds and they finally could see the power and plan of God revealed in the scripture. They understood the wisdom of God in putting a plan in motion that would provide forgiveness to the nations.
Application:
I need Jesus to open my mind to understand the scriptures too. Like the disciples, I’ve read and heard way more of the Bible than I understand and get. If I’m ever going to really understand what God says and know what He is doing, I must have Christ open my mind to understand. I want to see the truth and know God’s purpose and plans. I know they are revealed in the scripture. But I know I can’t get it by myself. I need help to truly hear what God is saying.
Prayer:
Father, I ask You to open my mind to Your truth. I don’t want to know just the elementary teachings of the Bible, I want to know the deeper purposes and plans You have. I want to know You intimately. Father, I ask You to help me. When I open the Bible, would you open my mind? Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. In seeing the words, let me see You. Lord, I pray that I would not seek truth and understanding just for the sake of knowledge. Please grant me wisdom to live out Your truth. Grant me capacity to share Your truth with others. God, transform my life by opening and renewing my mind.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
I'm Yours
Scripture:
Exodus 6:7, “Then I will take you from My people, and I will be your God and you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”
Observation:
This is what God has always wanted — a people who would belong to Him and a people to whom He could give Himself. God had chosen Israel as His people. From the time of Abraham on, God was looking for a people that would agree to be His and the nation of Israel was that people. God moved on their behalf to redeem them and free them so that they would know without a doubt that He is the Lord their God. In this relationship, if they would agree to love Him and let Him be their God, He promised to give Himself to them as a benevolent Lord.
Application:
This is really what God wants from me too. I get carried away thinking that God wants me to do things for Him — preach, act a certain way, do good things or whatever. But God isn’t looking for my actions nearly as much as He is looking for my devotion and love. I can have actions without loving Him, but I can never love Him without living for Him. In my spiritual life, I need to realize this is all God wants. He wants me to love Him and trust Him as my God. If I do that, His promise is to be my God and to show Himself strong on my behalf. Like He redeemed and freed Israel from bondage to the Egyptians, He redeemed me and frees me from the bondage of sin. He is my God.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a part of a relationship like this with You. I want You to be my God. I put my trust in You. You have forgiven me and freed me from sin. You have shown Your love and power to me. I now lay my life before You and say to You I am Yours. My life is in Your hands. Show Your power and strength in and over my life. And may my love be given to You alone.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Exodus 6:7, “Then I will take you from My people, and I will be your God and you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”
Observation:
This is what God has always wanted — a people who would belong to Him and a people to whom He could give Himself. God had chosen Israel as His people. From the time of Abraham on, God was looking for a people that would agree to be His and the nation of Israel was that people. God moved on their behalf to redeem them and free them so that they would know without a doubt that He is the Lord their God. In this relationship, if they would agree to love Him and let Him be their God, He promised to give Himself to them as a benevolent Lord.
Application:
This is really what God wants from me too. I get carried away thinking that God wants me to do things for Him — preach, act a certain way, do good things or whatever. But God isn’t looking for my actions nearly as much as He is looking for my devotion and love. I can have actions without loving Him, but I can never love Him without living for Him. In my spiritual life, I need to realize this is all God wants. He wants me to love Him and trust Him as my God. If I do that, His promise is to be my God and to show Himself strong on my behalf. Like He redeemed and freed Israel from bondage to the Egyptians, He redeemed me and frees me from the bondage of sin. He is my God.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a part of a relationship like this with You. I want You to be my God. I put my trust in You. You have forgiven me and freed me from sin. You have shown Your love and power to me. I now lay my life before You and say to You I am Yours. My life is in Your hands. Show Your power and strength in and over my life. And may my love be given to You alone.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
God Knows
Scripture:
Exodus 3:7, “The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their task masters, for I am aware of their sufferings.’”
Observation:
This verse tells me that God knows. He had saw what was going on in Egypt, he heard the cry of the people, he was aware of their suffering — He knows. As I read through the rest of this burning bush experience, I see that God even knew the future. He knew He would be with Moses, that the Israelites would listen to him, that Pharaoh would not listen to him, that miracles would occur, that Pharaoh would let go, and that Israel would plunder the Egyptians on the way out of town. God knows. He knows all things past, present and future.
Application:
As I think about my own life, it encourages me to know that God knows about me. He sees what I go through, He hears me when I call out to Him, He is aware of all my circumstances. This encourages me to pray to the Lord and tell Him the things on my heart — He hears me when I call. This encourages me to know that if I am in trouble or hurting in any way that it doesn’t escape His notice — He is aware of every hurt, every stress, every fear, every worry. This encourages me to trust God with my life and my future. He already knows it. I need to listen to Him and follow Him — He knows where I am going. I need to ask Him for guidance and then follow His leading — He knows what waits beyond the horizon. This encourages me to know that because He knows and because He is God, He comes to me, to help me, to see me through anything and everything that I face.
Prayer:
Lord, I don’t know how You can know everything about everybody, but I believe You do. I trust that You see me and know me, even better than I know myself. You see and know all things, even what awaits me, and the things I will encounter in the future. Thank You Lord for caring. Thank You for watching over me and hearing me when I call out to You. I thank You for never leaving me by myself, but always You have you eyes on me. You do know the plans You have for me — I trust that. Father, I tell you today that I trust You to lead me into tomorrow today. Help me to follow Your instruction, believing that You are far wiser than I am draw close to me. Father walk with me as You did with Moses. Lord as I think about you knowing everything it also means You know when I fall and when I fail You — when I rebel, when I sin, when I walk away from You. It also means You love me anyway — in spite of the way I too often treat You. Forgive me. Help me to choose to follow you each day.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Exodus 3:7, “The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their task masters, for I am aware of their sufferings.’”
Observation:
This verse tells me that God knows. He had saw what was going on in Egypt, he heard the cry of the people, he was aware of their suffering — He knows. As I read through the rest of this burning bush experience, I see that God even knew the future. He knew He would be with Moses, that the Israelites would listen to him, that Pharaoh would not listen to him, that miracles would occur, that Pharaoh would let go, and that Israel would plunder the Egyptians on the way out of town. God knows. He knows all things past, present and future.
Application:
As I think about my own life, it encourages me to know that God knows about me. He sees what I go through, He hears me when I call out to Him, He is aware of all my circumstances. This encourages me to pray to the Lord and tell Him the things on my heart — He hears me when I call. This encourages me to know that if I am in trouble or hurting in any way that it doesn’t escape His notice — He is aware of every hurt, every stress, every fear, every worry. This encourages me to trust God with my life and my future. He already knows it. I need to listen to Him and follow Him — He knows where I am going. I need to ask Him for guidance and then follow His leading — He knows what waits beyond the horizon. This encourages me to know that because He knows and because He is God, He comes to me, to help me, to see me through anything and everything that I face.
Prayer:
Lord, I don’t know how You can know everything about everybody, but I believe You do. I trust that You see me and know me, even better than I know myself. You see and know all things, even what awaits me, and the things I will encounter in the future. Thank You Lord for caring. Thank You for watching over me and hearing me when I call out to You. I thank You for never leaving me by myself, but always You have you eyes on me. You do know the plans You have for me — I trust that. Father, I tell you today that I trust You to lead me into tomorrow today. Help me to follow Your instruction, believing that You are far wiser than I am draw close to me. Father walk with me as You did with Moses. Lord as I think about you knowing everything it also means You know when I fall and when I fail You — when I rebel, when I sin, when I walk away from You. It also means You love me anyway — in spite of the way I too often treat You. Forgive me. Help me to choose to follow you each day.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Ain't No Rock
Scripture:
Luke 19:40, “But Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!’”
Observation:
God loves the praise of His people. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people began praising God joyfully. They hailed Jesus as the king coming in the name of the Lord for they had witnessed his many miracles. But while they declared peace in heaven, there was unrest on earth. The religious leaders couldn’t understand why they praised Jesus this way and they told Him to make His disciples stop. Jesus’ response shows that God will be praised no matter what. The praise they offered and the glory they gave to God the Father was right and Jesus wasn’t going to make them quit. He said that even if they did quit, the rocks would begin to cry out the praises of God. That’s amazing. But it tells me that God will be praised. He must be glorified. If we will not, creation will in our place.
Application:
I don’t need to be silent about the goodness of God. He has been so good in my life. I have seen His miracles and fell like my life is a walking miracle. It is right for me to declare the glory of the Lord — to sing and shout that there is peace in heaven and glory in the highest. I don’t need to let the voices of the disgruntled or unbelieving shut me up. I am reminded of the psalm that says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” I want to praise God when we worship at church. But I also see that I am supposed to praise God and speak of His glory even when I’m not at church.
Prayer:
Father, You deserve all praise for You have done great things. Lord you have been so good to me — You are so faithful. I tell You today that You are great. But God, You want me to tell the world of Your greatness. Lord, don’t let me be ashamed of You or the hope that is within me. May I never stop speaking of Your glory and goodness. Put Your praise on my lips and in my heart. Father, I am reminded of the song that says, “Ain’t no rock gonna cry in my place.” Lord let that be true of me. When I am at home, with friends, at work, or out doing the things of life, let my words tell of your glory and grace.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Luke 19:40, “But Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!’”
Observation:
God loves the praise of His people. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people began praising God joyfully. They hailed Jesus as the king coming in the name of the Lord for they had witnessed his many miracles. But while they declared peace in heaven, there was unrest on earth. The religious leaders couldn’t understand why they praised Jesus this way and they told Him to make His disciples stop. Jesus’ response shows that God will be praised no matter what. The praise they offered and the glory they gave to God the Father was right and Jesus wasn’t going to make them quit. He said that even if they did quit, the rocks would begin to cry out the praises of God. That’s amazing. But it tells me that God will be praised. He must be glorified. If we will not, creation will in our place.
Application:
I don’t need to be silent about the goodness of God. He has been so good in my life. I have seen His miracles and fell like my life is a walking miracle. It is right for me to declare the glory of the Lord — to sing and shout that there is peace in heaven and glory in the highest. I don’t need to let the voices of the disgruntled or unbelieving shut me up. I am reminded of the psalm that says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” I want to praise God when we worship at church. But I also see that I am supposed to praise God and speak of His glory even when I’m not at church.
Prayer:
Father, You deserve all praise for You have done great things. Lord you have been so good to me — You are so faithful. I tell You today that You are great. But God, You want me to tell the world of Your greatness. Lord, don’t let me be ashamed of You or the hope that is within me. May I never stop speaking of Your glory and goodness. Put Your praise on my lips and in my heart. Father, I am reminded of the song that says, “Ain’t no rock gonna cry in my place.” Lord let that be true of me. When I am at home, with friends, at work, or out doing the things of life, let my words tell of your glory and grace.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Friday, January 18, 2008
Choosing to Forgive
Scripture:
Genesis 45:5, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Observation:
If anyone did, Joseph had every right to be mad at his brothers. All those years separated from his family, spent as a slave in Potiphar’s house, spent in prison after being wrongly accused, left alone and forgotten by Pharaoh’s officials – all of them could be traced back to Joseph’s brother’s decision to sell him as a slave. It seems it would have been easy for Joseph to blame all those years on his brothers, and now was his chance to get his revenge.
But Joseph chose a different route – the route of forgiveness. Joseph chose not to focus on all the bad things that had happened in his life. Instead, he chose to see how God had used those things to place him where he is now. Now Joseph was in a place where he could preserve life – even the life of his family. Even though they had done him harm all those years ago, Joseph chose to bless even those who had harmed him (Luke 6:28).
Application:
When we’re in the midst of hardship, it’s hard to see the big picture. Typically, I want to blame or strike back at others for my circumstances. But this passage teaches me two different responses.
This teaches me to forgive, and to not hold a grudge against others for wrongs committed against me. I’m reminded of what Jesus said in the reading yesterday in Luke 17:4: “If (a brother) sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Joseph lived this out.
This passage also encourages me to look past my immediate circumstances and focus on the bigger picture. God had a plan for Joseph’s life. How sad would it be if Joseph had given up on God or himself all those years in prison? He would have missed all that God had for him in life. And all the generations of Christians since him would have missed out on the encouragement that comes from his story.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that you would help me to develop an attitude more like Joseph’s. Help me to be more forgiving, even to those who harm me personally. Help me to realize how much I have been forgiven. Thank you for not holding all my sins against me, but for extending grace and mercy when I didn’t deserve it. Develop this same character in me.
I pray also that I would learn to not focus so intently on the here and now, but that I would constantly be setting my heart and mind on things above – on things eternal. I know you have a plan and purpose for my life. I pray that I wouldn’t allow the circumstances of my life to so distract me that I miss seeing you.
— Michael Manuel, college & single adult pastor
Genesis 45:5, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Observation:
If anyone did, Joseph had every right to be mad at his brothers. All those years separated from his family, spent as a slave in Potiphar’s house, spent in prison after being wrongly accused, left alone and forgotten by Pharaoh’s officials – all of them could be traced back to Joseph’s brother’s decision to sell him as a slave. It seems it would have been easy for Joseph to blame all those years on his brothers, and now was his chance to get his revenge.
But Joseph chose a different route – the route of forgiveness. Joseph chose not to focus on all the bad things that had happened in his life. Instead, he chose to see how God had used those things to place him where he is now. Now Joseph was in a place where he could preserve life – even the life of his family. Even though they had done him harm all those years ago, Joseph chose to bless even those who had harmed him (Luke 6:28).
Application:
When we’re in the midst of hardship, it’s hard to see the big picture. Typically, I want to blame or strike back at others for my circumstances. But this passage teaches me two different responses.
This teaches me to forgive, and to not hold a grudge against others for wrongs committed against me. I’m reminded of what Jesus said in the reading yesterday in Luke 17:4: “If (a brother) sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Joseph lived this out.
This passage also encourages me to look past my immediate circumstances and focus on the bigger picture. God had a plan for Joseph’s life. How sad would it be if Joseph had given up on God or himself all those years in prison? He would have missed all that God had for him in life. And all the generations of Christians since him would have missed out on the encouragement that comes from his story.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that you would help me to develop an attitude more like Joseph’s. Help me to be more forgiving, even to those who harm me personally. Help me to realize how much I have been forgiven. Thank you for not holding all my sins against me, but for extending grace and mercy when I didn’t deserve it. Develop this same character in me.
I pray also that I would learn to not focus so intently on the here and now, but that I would constantly be setting my heart and mind on things above – on things eternal. I know you have a plan and purpose for my life. I pray that I wouldn’t allow the circumstances of my life to so distract me that I miss seeing you.
— Michael Manuel, college & single adult pastor
Thursday, January 17, 2008
They Are Watching and Following
Scripture:
Luke 17:1, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!”
Observation:
Jesus is clear here that I will face temptation. It is inevitable. It is a guarantee. I will have a chance to sin. It is reminds me of other Scriptures where Jesus teaches me to pray that I will not be led into temptation and where Peter says that God can rescue us from temptation. I also think of the promise in Scripture that says that no temptation will come that God has not given me strength to overcome.
Jesus turns the table here. Not only does He say that temptation will come but also that it is possible to be someone who tempts others or causes “little ones” — children in life and faith — to sin. Jesus seems to have a ton more sympathy on those who sin than on those who cause someone to sin … “Woe to YOU” … Woe to ME! It would be better for me to go through pain, suffering and death than to face God as someone who causes “little ones to stumble.” It seems like He is saying there is nothing worse.
Application:
His words are pretty alarming to me. They remind me that what I do matters to the “little ones” in my life. They cause me to ask a basic question as a follower of Jesus. Do the things I say and do lead people to please God or do they lead people to do things that do not please God? I need to inspect my life with these questions and ask God to change me where I am a fault. In my home do I set an example to my children of what is good to watch on TV? Are they learning bad language or bad behavior by what I am allowing in my home? Do I talk right about people while in the company of younger believers? Do I do things without grumbling or complaining or do I have a public attitude of thankfulness? Do my responses to people’s praise teach my children humility or pride? Are they becoming more like Christ or more like the world because of my life? They are watching! And they are following.
Prayer:
Father have mercy on me and forgive me for anything I have ever done to cause someone to stumble. Reveal to me the things that still happen in my life that could lead my children and other young believers to do something that displeases you. I want to be a man who leads people to live holy and be disciples of Jesus. When you show me where I am at fault help me have the desire and strength to change. Thank you for your mercy in my life. Thank you for providing a way out when I’m tempted. Thank you for your patience.
— Doug Hunt, pastor of worship & programming
Luke 17:1, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!”
Observation:
Jesus is clear here that I will face temptation. It is inevitable. It is a guarantee. I will have a chance to sin. It is reminds me of other Scriptures where Jesus teaches me to pray that I will not be led into temptation and where Peter says that God can rescue us from temptation. I also think of the promise in Scripture that says that no temptation will come that God has not given me strength to overcome.
Jesus turns the table here. Not only does He say that temptation will come but also that it is possible to be someone who tempts others or causes “little ones” — children in life and faith — to sin. Jesus seems to have a ton more sympathy on those who sin than on those who cause someone to sin … “Woe to YOU” … Woe to ME! It would be better for me to go through pain, suffering and death than to face God as someone who causes “little ones to stumble.” It seems like He is saying there is nothing worse.
Application:
His words are pretty alarming to me. They remind me that what I do matters to the “little ones” in my life. They cause me to ask a basic question as a follower of Jesus. Do the things I say and do lead people to please God or do they lead people to do things that do not please God? I need to inspect my life with these questions and ask God to change me where I am a fault. In my home do I set an example to my children of what is good to watch on TV? Are they learning bad language or bad behavior by what I am allowing in my home? Do I talk right about people while in the company of younger believers? Do I do things without grumbling or complaining or do I have a public attitude of thankfulness? Do my responses to people’s praise teach my children humility or pride? Are they becoming more like Christ or more like the world because of my life? They are watching! And they are following.
Prayer:
Father have mercy on me and forgive me for anything I have ever done to cause someone to stumble. Reveal to me the things that still happen in my life that could lead my children and other young believers to do something that displeases you. I want to be a man who leads people to live holy and be disciples of Jesus. When you show me where I am at fault help me have the desire and strength to change. Thank you for your mercy in my life. Thank you for providing a way out when I’m tempted. Thank you for your patience.
— Doug Hunt, pastor of worship & programming
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Motivated by Consequences
Scripture:
Genesis 39:9, “There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”
Observation:
Relentless. That’s how I would describe Potiphar’s wife and her attempted seduction of Joseph. Day after day she tried everything she could to break down his resistance. One day he rejected her advances and gave a glimpse into the source of his will power and strength to remain pure. He resisted the temptation because he was keenly aware of the downside — the consequences — the part Satan always seems to skip. Joseph knew he had much to lose in leadership. He had a huge responsibility and oversight of everything in Potiphar’s house. To sleep with the boss’s wife would mean the loss of everything he had been blessed to oversee. His leadership would be lost. Joseph also had much to lose relationally. I think he and Potiphar had a great relationship of trust. Potiphar trusted Joseph with his life … and his wife. To violate that trust would be a great evil and would have destroyed a great relationship with a trusted friend. Joseph also had much to lose spiritually. God had plans for Joseph and Joseph knew it. He remembered the dreams God had given him; he felt the favor of God that spared his life in the pit and elevated him to a significant status in Egypt. He understood clearly that the other two losses are nothing compared to the potential loss of spiritual blessing. To say yes to this woman would be saying no to God. It was evil. It was sin. It was not at all what God wanted. It was not at all what God would ever conceive of blessing.
Application:
Although other cultures, both now and before, have been saturated with sexuality, it seems like America today is about as sex-obsessed as you can get. Affairs seem like an acceptable outlet for a lack of passion at home. The singles scene is just as bad with people swapping partners like they are trying on shoes. Temptation is everywhere, and I’m not above it. I need to be like Joseph and be strong. God wants me to resist the temptation to sexual sin at any level. When tempted I need to remember what Joseph did … namely that after the encounter, when it all comes to light (and even if it doesn’t), the cost is high. I will lose leadership — no doubt I feel the weight of responsibility. God has blessed so much, too much to throw it all away. I will lose relationships — an affair is always deeper than two consenting adults. There are spouses, kids, family members, and friends who are all at stake. People who trust me and believe in me would be wounded… for life. My relationships would never be the same. But above all, my walk with God would be compromised. I know he forgives and never stops loving me — but to say yes to temptation is sin. It’s evil and it’s a violation of the One who has love me and blessed me beyond measure. I don’t want to wound Him, embarrass Him, disappoint Him, or sin against Him.
Prayer:
Father I love you. I truly am thankful and mindful of all your blessings on my life at this moment. I am where I am by Your grace. You have forgiven so much already. You have been so faithful, so patient through these years and in spite of my foolishness. When temptation comes my way, please press on my heart the reality of the high cost of sinning against You. Remind me of my church, the people I love, my wife, my children, my family and friends. Give me sense to see how stupid sexual sin is and how much I stand to lose. Father, I remember what one man said about temptation — that in the moment of temptation, God is quite unreal — and I agree. So I ask You to overrule me if you have to. Kill me if you must. But keep me from sin. Make me like Joseph, strong in you. Make me like Christ — holy and pure. Keep Your hand on me and never let me go. Remove temptation far from me. Deliver me from the evil one. Grant me all I need in You.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Genesis 39:9, “There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”
Observation:
Relentless. That’s how I would describe Potiphar’s wife and her attempted seduction of Joseph. Day after day she tried everything she could to break down his resistance. One day he rejected her advances and gave a glimpse into the source of his will power and strength to remain pure. He resisted the temptation because he was keenly aware of the downside — the consequences — the part Satan always seems to skip. Joseph knew he had much to lose in leadership. He had a huge responsibility and oversight of everything in Potiphar’s house. To sleep with the boss’s wife would mean the loss of everything he had been blessed to oversee. His leadership would be lost. Joseph also had much to lose relationally. I think he and Potiphar had a great relationship of trust. Potiphar trusted Joseph with his life … and his wife. To violate that trust would be a great evil and would have destroyed a great relationship with a trusted friend. Joseph also had much to lose spiritually. God had plans for Joseph and Joseph knew it. He remembered the dreams God had given him; he felt the favor of God that spared his life in the pit and elevated him to a significant status in Egypt. He understood clearly that the other two losses are nothing compared to the potential loss of spiritual blessing. To say yes to this woman would be saying no to God. It was evil. It was sin. It was not at all what God wanted. It was not at all what God would ever conceive of blessing.
Application:
Although other cultures, both now and before, have been saturated with sexuality, it seems like America today is about as sex-obsessed as you can get. Affairs seem like an acceptable outlet for a lack of passion at home. The singles scene is just as bad with people swapping partners like they are trying on shoes. Temptation is everywhere, and I’m not above it. I need to be like Joseph and be strong. God wants me to resist the temptation to sexual sin at any level. When tempted I need to remember what Joseph did … namely that after the encounter, when it all comes to light (and even if it doesn’t), the cost is high. I will lose leadership — no doubt I feel the weight of responsibility. God has blessed so much, too much to throw it all away. I will lose relationships — an affair is always deeper than two consenting adults. There are spouses, kids, family members, and friends who are all at stake. People who trust me and believe in me would be wounded… for life. My relationships would never be the same. But above all, my walk with God would be compromised. I know he forgives and never stops loving me — but to say yes to temptation is sin. It’s evil and it’s a violation of the One who has love me and blessed me beyond measure. I don’t want to wound Him, embarrass Him, disappoint Him, or sin against Him.
Prayer:
Father I love you. I truly am thankful and mindful of all your blessings on my life at this moment. I am where I am by Your grace. You have forgiven so much already. You have been so faithful, so patient through these years and in spite of my foolishness. When temptation comes my way, please press on my heart the reality of the high cost of sinning against You. Remind me of my church, the people I love, my wife, my children, my family and friends. Give me sense to see how stupid sexual sin is and how much I stand to lose. Father, I remember what one man said about temptation — that in the moment of temptation, God is quite unreal — and I agree. So I ask You to overrule me if you have to. Kill me if you must. But keep me from sin. Make me like Joseph, strong in you. Make me like Christ — holy and pure. Keep Your hand on me and never let me go. Remove temptation far from me. Deliver me from the evil one. Grant me all I need in You.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Welcome the Sinful
Scripture:
Luke 15:1-2, “Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near to Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the Scribes began to grumble, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”
Observation:
This man receives sinners and eats with them. Those words tell me how Jesus felt about sinful people. He receives them. He welcomes them with open arms. He doesn’t hold their sin against them. He knows they haven’t been good, but it doesn’t matter because He sees past what they are to what they can be by His grace. He not only receives and welcomes them, but He eats with them; he hangs out with them. You get the sense that Jesus enjoys their company. He pursues a relationship with them. Some people didn’t get it. They grumbled and complained. Hanging out with sinners didn’t fit their religious mold. In their mind “those people” were to be avoided at all cost. They would never dream of hanging out with and starting a friendship with a tax collector or sinner. I’m thankful that Jesus welcomes sinners. Without it there would be no story of Noah — a drunk; Abraham — a liar; David — an adulterer and murderer; no redemption of Rahab — the prostitute; no second chances for Peter — the denier or Thomas — the doubter or Paul — the Christian killer…. And no hope for me.
Application:
I need to develop the attitude and love of Jesus. More often than not I spend my time with those who are already on the right path. Nothing wrong with having Christian friends and hanging out with people who pursue God — God wants my closest friends to be believers who live for Him. But Jesus’ example tells me I need to find some sinners to spend time with too. I have got to break out of the comfort zone of my “holy huddle” and start mixing it up with people who find themselves in “left field” spiritually — living in sin, having a bad reputation, but open to God. I want to and need to have a positive influence with and a positive relationship with people who are open to and seeking spiritual truth.
Prayer:
Lord, would you grow this part of me? I don’t mind hanging out with the tax collectors and sinners of my day — at least I don’t think I do. Would you grant me grace to see them like you do? Give me strength to influence them without compromising my own life. Put them in my path, let me recognize who it is that you are drawing and working in already. Grant me love; grant me time; grant me words to say; grant me favor. Thank you for welcoming and forgiving a sinner like me. May the hope I have be the hope I give to those who need you today.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Luke 15:1-2, “Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near to Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the Scribes began to grumble, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”
Observation:
This man receives sinners and eats with them. Those words tell me how Jesus felt about sinful people. He receives them. He welcomes them with open arms. He doesn’t hold their sin against them. He knows they haven’t been good, but it doesn’t matter because He sees past what they are to what they can be by His grace. He not only receives and welcomes them, but He eats with them; he hangs out with them. You get the sense that Jesus enjoys their company. He pursues a relationship with them. Some people didn’t get it. They grumbled and complained. Hanging out with sinners didn’t fit their religious mold. In their mind “those people” were to be avoided at all cost. They would never dream of hanging out with and starting a friendship with a tax collector or sinner. I’m thankful that Jesus welcomes sinners. Without it there would be no story of Noah — a drunk; Abraham — a liar; David — an adulterer and murderer; no redemption of Rahab — the prostitute; no second chances for Peter — the denier or Thomas — the doubter or Paul — the Christian killer…. And no hope for me.
Application:
I need to develop the attitude and love of Jesus. More often than not I spend my time with those who are already on the right path. Nothing wrong with having Christian friends and hanging out with people who pursue God — God wants my closest friends to be believers who live for Him. But Jesus’ example tells me I need to find some sinners to spend time with too. I have got to break out of the comfort zone of my “holy huddle” and start mixing it up with people who find themselves in “left field” spiritually — living in sin, having a bad reputation, but open to God. I want to and need to have a positive influence with and a positive relationship with people who are open to and seeking spiritual truth.
Prayer:
Lord, would you grow this part of me? I don’t mind hanging out with the tax collectors and sinners of my day — at least I don’t think I do. Would you grant me grace to see them like you do? Give me strength to influence them without compromising my own life. Put them in my path, let me recognize who it is that you are drawing and working in already. Grant me love; grant me time; grant me words to say; grant me favor. Thank you for welcoming and forgiving a sinner like me. May the hope I have be the hope I give to those who need you today.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Monday, January 14, 2008
Love God Most
Scripture:
Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.”
Observation:
Jesus told a story about a man giving a big dinner and a long list of guests RSVP’d. But when it came time to actually go to the dinner, they all made excuses as to why they couldn’t come. One bought land, another some oxen, and a third got married. Jesus then spoke these words about the priority of God in our lives. He said you can’t love other things and other people more than God. He used the word “hate” — you have to hate those closest to you — but I know He isn’t literally saying hate them because in other places he says don’t hate, but love, even your enemy. What He was doing was making a comparison. Compared to the love you have for God, the love you have for others should pale to the point that it isn’t even close. The hardest part is to love God more than yourself — more than your way, your advancement, your comfort or your pleasure. To be Christ’s disciple meant making no excuses though. It means going all in and all out for God.
Application:
What is it or who is it that sits as the biggest rival to God for my love and devotion? To me it is clearly my wife, kids, and definitely self. But the requirement of me, if I want to come to Christ and be His disciple, is that I learn to love Him and show devotion to Him more than anything or anyone. Part of that means I need to love God so much that it affects the way I live with my wife and treat my kids. Another part of that means I need to die to my own ways, plans and direction and live for God more than I live for me.
Prayer:
Father, I need your help in learning to love you like this. I want to come to you and I want to follow you. Please don’t let me use my wife and kids as an excuse not to walk in your way. Lord if you call me, that means you are calling them and will provide for them as we live under your command. But God my greatest battle is with myself. I am so self-centered in so much of my life. I confess that and seek your mercy and grace. Please grow my love for You so that I love You more than I love me. Today, Lord, help me to choose Your way over mine without excuse.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.”
Observation:
Jesus told a story about a man giving a big dinner and a long list of guests RSVP’d. But when it came time to actually go to the dinner, they all made excuses as to why they couldn’t come. One bought land, another some oxen, and a third got married. Jesus then spoke these words about the priority of God in our lives. He said you can’t love other things and other people more than God. He used the word “hate” — you have to hate those closest to you — but I know He isn’t literally saying hate them because in other places he says don’t hate, but love, even your enemy. What He was doing was making a comparison. Compared to the love you have for God, the love you have for others should pale to the point that it isn’t even close. The hardest part is to love God more than yourself — more than your way, your advancement, your comfort or your pleasure. To be Christ’s disciple meant making no excuses though. It means going all in and all out for God.
Application:
What is it or who is it that sits as the biggest rival to God for my love and devotion? To me it is clearly my wife, kids, and definitely self. But the requirement of me, if I want to come to Christ and be His disciple, is that I learn to love Him and show devotion to Him more than anything or anyone. Part of that means I need to love God so much that it affects the way I live with my wife and treat my kids. Another part of that means I need to die to my own ways, plans and direction and live for God more than I live for me.
Prayer:
Father, I need your help in learning to love you like this. I want to come to you and I want to follow you. Please don’t let me use my wife and kids as an excuse not to walk in your way. Lord if you call me, that means you are calling them and will provide for them as we live under your command. But God my greatest battle is with myself. I am so self-centered in so much of my life. I confess that and seek your mercy and grace. Please grow my love for You so that I love You more than I love me. Today, Lord, help me to choose Your way over mine without excuse.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
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Saturday, January 12, 2008
You Won't Get Away With It
Scripture:
Luke 12:2-3, “But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the Light and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Observation:
You won’t get away with it. That seems to be what Jesus was saying to the thousands gathered to hear Him. He had just ripped into the Pharisees and the lawyers for their hypocrisy and He turned to the crowd and said, “Don’t be like them.” These religious leaders looked great on the outside and talked a good game in public, but Jesus saw straight through them. He knew that behind closed doors they were frauds. They didn’t practice any of what they preached and it wasn’t OK. After exposing the dark side of the religious leaders he told the people that whatever you think you can get away with behind closed doors, when you’re out of town, or in some dark back alley, just know that there will come a day when everything you’ve done and who you really are will be exposed – shouted from the top of the roof.
Application:
This is a clear call for integrity in my life. Today it is so easy to cloak dark deeds behind the secrecy of the internet, the convenience of cell phones and the illusion that what happen in Vegas – or any other place out of town – will not follow you home. But Jesus said what happens in Vegas eventually will be broadcast to the world to my shame. What I do when no one is looking, how I talking the privacy of my own room, every impure motive and every hint of hypocrisy is fully within the eyesight of God. Light and dark are nothing to him. He knows my thoughts, so I know He sees and hears everything I say, text or email. If a bird can’t fall to the ground without His knowledge, then obviously I can’t act like a fool and think that no one sees. He promises me that every event will be exposed. This makes me check myself. Is there anything in my life that would embarrass me if it were revealed? Am I hiding things and keeping secrets? Am I indulging in the dark in things I would denounce in the light? If so, get it out now. Don’t wait and think I can get away with it – I never will.
Prayer:
Lord I want integrity in my life. I have seen so many people ruined by hypocrisy and private lives full of fraudulent behavior. Lord I never want to hurt you, my family, or our church by living a double life. Like David in Psalm 139, I say search me and see. Is there any matter, any thing, any action or attitude that I’m tolerating that is hypocritical? Father you are light and I long to live in that light. Please continue in Your grace to refine me and purify me. Father, guard my steps and ways. Please don’t allow hypocrisy and duplicity to creep in and be a part of my life. Lord I want everything I do, publicly and privately, to be pleasing to you. My life is before you – an open book – please guard the integrity of my heart.
– Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Friday, January 11, 2008
Daily Bread
Scripture:
Luke 11:3, “Give us each day our daily bread.”
Observation:
After listening to Jesus pray, one of his disciples must have been impressed with the power of his praying. He asked Jesus to teach him to pray like that. Part of the way Jesus taught them to pray is to ask Him to give daily enough bread to get them through the day. Jesus wanted them to acknowledge that He is the provider. The prayer asks God to meet the daily need. This is a prayer of dependence. It is also a prayer that would have to be offered every day. We don’t ask weekly for weekly bread, or monthly or annually. We are not a bother to God. He wants us to seek Him on a daily basis. Jesus taught them to seek the basic necessities from God. Bread is not extravagant, but something basic, something necessary; something we ultimately can’t live without. We often ask God for the impossible, but He also wants us to remember He is the giver of everything.
Application:
As I think about how this verse applies to me it seems that God is telling me to stop and recognize that He is the one who gives me what I need. I am not independent of Him. I need him for the most fundamental things in my life. I must depend on Him. I also think He is saying to me to come to Him often — everyday — throughout the day. I don’t need to wait until I have a huge problem or I’m in trouble to come to him. God wants me to seek after him constantly everyday. I don’t bother him — I am His child and he wants me to come. I also need to make sure I’m not just asking for miracles, but acknowledging that my next breath comes from Him. He does give me bread for my body, but I also need bread for my soul in His word. I need rest for my body, peace in my mind and love in my heart. Each day I need to ask God for the things I can’t live without and only He can give.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for my prayerlessness at times. I want to talk with You daily, constantly, and not just when I’m in pain or need a problem fixed. Lord you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. You provide for and meet my every need. Thank You for your gracious provision. Teach me to pray like Jesus. And teach me to depend on You for everything I need.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Luke 11:3, “Give us each day our daily bread.”
Observation:
After listening to Jesus pray, one of his disciples must have been impressed with the power of his praying. He asked Jesus to teach him to pray like that. Part of the way Jesus taught them to pray is to ask Him to give daily enough bread to get them through the day. Jesus wanted them to acknowledge that He is the provider. The prayer asks God to meet the daily need. This is a prayer of dependence. It is also a prayer that would have to be offered every day. We don’t ask weekly for weekly bread, or monthly or annually. We are not a bother to God. He wants us to seek Him on a daily basis. Jesus taught them to seek the basic necessities from God. Bread is not extravagant, but something basic, something necessary; something we ultimately can’t live without. We often ask God for the impossible, but He also wants us to remember He is the giver of everything.
Application:
As I think about how this verse applies to me it seems that God is telling me to stop and recognize that He is the one who gives me what I need. I am not independent of Him. I need him for the most fundamental things in my life. I must depend on Him. I also think He is saying to me to come to Him often — everyday — throughout the day. I don’t need to wait until I have a huge problem or I’m in trouble to come to him. God wants me to seek after him constantly everyday. I don’t bother him — I am His child and he wants me to come. I also need to make sure I’m not just asking for miracles, but acknowledging that my next breath comes from Him. He does give me bread for my body, but I also need bread for my soul in His word. I need rest for my body, peace in my mind and love in my heart. Each day I need to ask God for the things I can’t live without and only He can give.
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for my prayerlessness at times. I want to talk with You daily, constantly, and not just when I’m in pain or need a problem fixed. Lord you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. You provide for and meet my every need. Thank You for your gracious provision. Teach me to pray like Jesus. And teach me to depend on You for everything I need.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Anatomy of a Bad Choice
Scripture:
Genesis 25:34, “Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew and he ate and drank and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Observation:
Esau made a horrible decision. As the oldest in his family, he was entitled to the birthright — the majority of the family inheritance and, more importantly, the honor and responsibility for leading the family after the death of his father. But one day, on an impulse, he gave it away. He traded the lasting spiritual blessing of leadership for the immediate gratification of a temporary need — the birthright for a bowl of soup. After the bowl of soup was gone, he despised the birthright. He regretted his choice deeply and every time he thought about the birthright and all that he lost, he was remorseful and mad at himself — ever reminded of the consequences of his foolish choice. It took years to undo what he chose to do in the heat of that moment, and some of the consequences he never got over.
Application:
Every day I have to make choices about my own life. I don’t want to choose poorly like Esau. A poor choice is made when I exaggerate my need. Esau convinced himself if he didn’t eat right then he would die. That was not true. And impulse choices are most often poor choices. I will also choose poorly if I listen to my body and flesh rather than making a choice based on a bigger picture. My flesh cries out for immediate satisfaction of a passing need — hunger, thirst, sex, pleasure, all are things my flesh might demand. But my physical desires must be governed by a higher spiritual truth and passion. I can either do life my way listening to my urges and fulfilling my own immediate desires; or I can do life God’s way walking after His purposes and desires. I will also make a poor choice if I don’t consider the consequences past the heat of the moment. Giving in to poor choices haunts you. If I buy something I can’t afford and put it on credit, every month I’m reminded of my foolish and costly mistake. In the same way, when I make a sinful choice the consequences haunt me too. Though God can forgive me in an instant through Christ, the result of my sin sometimes lingers. Like Esau I can lose money, relationships, peace, rest, joy, and then experience anger at myself along with a load of guilt that is overwhelming.
Prayer:
Lord, I ask you to help me choose wisely. Today as I make decisions, would you help me to get beyond impulses and the desire for immediate satisfaction of my temporary needs and let me see the downside of sin, which ruins my life. Remind me today Lord to look to you and to your way. Father, remind me to stop and seek your wisdom, guidance and counsel before I make any choice that could have devastating consequences for me and my family and church. I thank you for your Holy Spirit who lives inside of me to guide me. Speak clearly and loudly through Him in my life. God, I want my choices to make you glad and bring you glory. Help me today to choose wisely and make decisions that lead to blessing and not regret.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Genesis 25:34, “Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew and he ate and drank and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Observation:
Esau made a horrible decision. As the oldest in his family, he was entitled to the birthright — the majority of the family inheritance and, more importantly, the honor and responsibility for leading the family after the death of his father. But one day, on an impulse, he gave it away. He traded the lasting spiritual blessing of leadership for the immediate gratification of a temporary need — the birthright for a bowl of soup. After the bowl of soup was gone, he despised the birthright. He regretted his choice deeply and every time he thought about the birthright and all that he lost, he was remorseful and mad at himself — ever reminded of the consequences of his foolish choice. It took years to undo what he chose to do in the heat of that moment, and some of the consequences he never got over.
Application:
Every day I have to make choices about my own life. I don’t want to choose poorly like Esau. A poor choice is made when I exaggerate my need. Esau convinced himself if he didn’t eat right then he would die. That was not true. And impulse choices are most often poor choices. I will also choose poorly if I listen to my body and flesh rather than making a choice based on a bigger picture. My flesh cries out for immediate satisfaction of a passing need — hunger, thirst, sex, pleasure, all are things my flesh might demand. But my physical desires must be governed by a higher spiritual truth and passion. I can either do life my way listening to my urges and fulfilling my own immediate desires; or I can do life God’s way walking after His purposes and desires. I will also make a poor choice if I don’t consider the consequences past the heat of the moment. Giving in to poor choices haunts you. If I buy something I can’t afford and put it on credit, every month I’m reminded of my foolish and costly mistake. In the same way, when I make a sinful choice the consequences haunt me too. Though God can forgive me in an instant through Christ, the result of my sin sometimes lingers. Like Esau I can lose money, relationships, peace, rest, joy, and then experience anger at myself along with a load of guilt that is overwhelming.
Prayer:
Lord, I ask you to help me choose wisely. Today as I make decisions, would you help me to get beyond impulses and the desire for immediate satisfaction of my temporary needs and let me see the downside of sin, which ruins my life. Remind me today Lord to look to you and to your way. Father, remind me to stop and seek your wisdom, guidance and counsel before I make any choice that could have devastating consequences for me and my family and church. I thank you for your Holy Spirit who lives inside of me to guide me. Speak clearly and loudly through Him in my life. God, I want my choices to make you glad and bring you glory. Help me today to choose wisely and make decisions that lead to blessing and not regret.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
True Greatness
Scripture:
Luke 9:48, “and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this one is the one who is great.’”
Observation:
In the context of this verse, the disciples had been arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest. I suppose that was a normal discussion in some ways. If Jesus was about to die, then they needed to know who the next leader would be. But the way they determined greatness was apparently on an external, human, natural scale — who was most powerful, popular, or possibly wealthy or handsome. They all boastfully put forth their own merits and at the same time diminished the value and worth of all their “competitors.” In the midst of their argument Jesus threw them a complete curve ball. It’s as if he said, “You want to know who the greatest is, then let me give you a real measure of greatness.” So he brought in a child — a person who as a “nobody” in their culture — and he basically said whoever gives time to a “nobody,” that one is the greatest. In God’s grading system, greatness isn’t determined by how many people serve you, but by how many people you serve. To be great in God’s eyes is to humble yourself before God by learning to serve others.
Application:
God’s way of determining greatness is so contrary to our culture and my nature. Like the disciples I am tempted to measure myself against other people and use the same standards they used to establish my own place in the pecking order in my mind. This scripture doesn’t tell me not to strive for greatness, but it does totally contradict and correct the way I measure greatness and go about trying to achieve it. Jesus is telling me to learn to humble myself and welcome and serve those my culture sees as having no way of doing anything for me. To call them “nobody” may be too strong, but He seems to be saying learn to serve people who are nobody who could do anything for you. I think of those who are most dependent like a child and I think of kids, the handicapped, orphans, widows, the homeless, illegal immigrants, the sick and the incarcerated. To serve these people is sometimes hard — it requires time, energy, and gets no recognition from others usually. But it is the very thing that catches the attention of God. God marks greatness by our Christ-likeness. Jesus received children, ministered to the poor, the sick, the needy and the outcast. I can strive for greatness on one of two tracks. The world’s way says the way to be great is to make much of me and diminish the value of others. Jesus’ way to greatness says make less of me and make more of others by learning to welcome and serve them.
Prayer:
Lord you know serving the “least of these” around me does not come naturally for me. Father I fight the flesh in regard to wanting my life to count and add value, but I am tempted to measure my value and perceived greatness in the wrong way. Would you grow in me a greater love for the poor, the hurting, the sick, the overlooked, and the left out. Lord teach me to decrease while I allow you to increase in my life. Open my eyes today to the “child” you will put in front of me. Help me to lose myself in serving them. Purify my desire. May I serve to be like Christ alone and not to be noticed by others.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Luke 9:48, “and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this one is the one who is great.’”
Observation:
In the context of this verse, the disciples had been arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest. I suppose that was a normal discussion in some ways. If Jesus was about to die, then they needed to know who the next leader would be. But the way they determined greatness was apparently on an external, human, natural scale — who was most powerful, popular, or possibly wealthy or handsome. They all boastfully put forth their own merits and at the same time diminished the value and worth of all their “competitors.” In the midst of their argument Jesus threw them a complete curve ball. It’s as if he said, “You want to know who the greatest is, then let me give you a real measure of greatness.” So he brought in a child — a person who as a “nobody” in their culture — and he basically said whoever gives time to a “nobody,” that one is the greatest. In God’s grading system, greatness isn’t determined by how many people serve you, but by how many people you serve. To be great in God’s eyes is to humble yourself before God by learning to serve others.
Application:
God’s way of determining greatness is so contrary to our culture and my nature. Like the disciples I am tempted to measure myself against other people and use the same standards they used to establish my own place in the pecking order in my mind. This scripture doesn’t tell me not to strive for greatness, but it does totally contradict and correct the way I measure greatness and go about trying to achieve it. Jesus is telling me to learn to humble myself and welcome and serve those my culture sees as having no way of doing anything for me. To call them “nobody” may be too strong, but He seems to be saying learn to serve people who are nobody who could do anything for you. I think of those who are most dependent like a child and I think of kids, the handicapped, orphans, widows, the homeless, illegal immigrants, the sick and the incarcerated. To serve these people is sometimes hard — it requires time, energy, and gets no recognition from others usually. But it is the very thing that catches the attention of God. God marks greatness by our Christ-likeness. Jesus received children, ministered to the poor, the sick, the needy and the outcast. I can strive for greatness on one of two tracks. The world’s way says the way to be great is to make much of me and diminish the value of others. Jesus’ way to greatness says make less of me and make more of others by learning to welcome and serve them.
Prayer:
Lord you know serving the “least of these” around me does not come naturally for me. Father I fight the flesh in regard to wanting my life to count and add value, but I am tempted to measure my value and perceived greatness in the wrong way. Would you grow in me a greater love for the poor, the hurting, the sick, the overlooked, and the left out. Lord teach me to decrease while I allow you to increase in my life. Open my eyes today to the “child” you will put in front of me. Help me to lose myself in serving them. Purify my desire. May I serve to be like Christ alone and not to be noticed by others.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
God My Provider
Scripture:
Genesis 22:8: “Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ So the two of them walked on together.”
Observation:
Abraham was asked by God to do the hardest thing in the world — to lose one of your children. This was especially tough because Isaac was his only son of promise — and even harder because Abraham was the one who would take his life. I know Hebrews says Abraham believed God would raise Isaac up from death, but what was going through his mind as they made this trip? Did he try to explain it to his wife? What was he thinking as he and Isaac walked up the mountain — fire, wood and knife in hand, but no sacrifice. And what went through his mind when his son asked him, “Dad, where is the sacrifice?” All the while knowing his son was the lamb. Abraham responded by saying “The Lord will provide for himself.” In Abraham’s mind God had already provided in a way. Isaac was a miracle child, born to an old man with a barren wife. God had provided the very sacrifice he required. It was in giving back to God what He had provided that Abraham demonstrated a true act of worship — valuing God above all things. And he demonstrated his fear and reverence for the Lord — the angel said, “Now I know you fear God.” Offering the sacrifice in obedience to God was an act of trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness to provide. God was providing Abraham with faith to believe in the impossible as he acted in obedience to make this sacrifice. In the end, God provided a ram and Abraham called the place “God will provide.” But he only learned that God was a faithful provider when he, with trembling hand, offered back to God the most precious thing God had ever given him.
Application:
To me this is an incredible story of faith and trust. As a father of a son, I can’t fathom the idea of sacrificing what is most precious to me … not even for God. But the truth is God provided my child. He is a gift from God (Psalm 127) and according to the bible his life is in God’s hands. Anything God ever asks me to give up to him, He Himself has already provided to me. On the other side of that, this scripture promises that if I will trust God as provider and make sacrifices of obedience to him, that I will know even greater provision from God. I know this isn’t teaching me that I give in order to get- but it is unmistakable that one of he blessings of obedience is many times a greater provision from God because I have demonstrated a trust in him and a love for him. In my life — my sacrifices of obedience should be motivated by my worship of God — He is more important than anything; my fear of God — He is God Most High, the One who is in control of all things; my trust in God — He can raise the dead and will never do anything to hurt me. When I offer any offering to God — my kids, my time, my money, my life, whatever it is, when I offer it to God I must do so remembering in my mind that He gave it to me in the first place and with a heart that worships, fears and trusts in Him.
Prayer:
Father I come to you with a conflicted spirit within me. On the one hand I do believe you and trust you and know that you can do anything. I want my love for you to be genuine and greater than anything else in my life. But on the other hand I know that there are things in my life that compete with you — things I’m not sure I would easily lay on the altar of sacrifice. I know you aren’t asking me to take the life of my kids, but God are there things or a thing in my life that you are asking me to offer you so that you can demonstrate that you are the Lord who provides? Have you given me something that you want me to offer back as an act of worship, fear and trust? Lord I sit before you now with an open hand my time I give; my family I give; my mind I give; my money I give; my life I give. They are yours. Help my eyes to look to you alone for my provision. I declare to you that I want to value you above all things. I declare to you I want to fear you more than death. I declare to you that my trust is in you. Be my provider today. And Lord the things I have laid on your altar today, please help me not to reclaim them as my own.
Genesis 22:8: “Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ So the two of them walked on together.”
Observation:
Abraham was asked by God to do the hardest thing in the world — to lose one of your children. This was especially tough because Isaac was his only son of promise — and even harder because Abraham was the one who would take his life. I know Hebrews says Abraham believed God would raise Isaac up from death, but what was going through his mind as they made this trip? Did he try to explain it to his wife? What was he thinking as he and Isaac walked up the mountain — fire, wood and knife in hand, but no sacrifice. And what went through his mind when his son asked him, “Dad, where is the sacrifice?” All the while knowing his son was the lamb. Abraham responded by saying “The Lord will provide for himself.” In Abraham’s mind God had already provided in a way. Isaac was a miracle child, born to an old man with a barren wife. God had provided the very sacrifice he required. It was in giving back to God what He had provided that Abraham demonstrated a true act of worship — valuing God above all things. And he demonstrated his fear and reverence for the Lord — the angel said, “Now I know you fear God.” Offering the sacrifice in obedience to God was an act of trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness to provide. God was providing Abraham with faith to believe in the impossible as he acted in obedience to make this sacrifice. In the end, God provided a ram and Abraham called the place “God will provide.” But he only learned that God was a faithful provider when he, with trembling hand, offered back to God the most precious thing God had ever given him.
Application:
To me this is an incredible story of faith and trust. As a father of a son, I can’t fathom the idea of sacrificing what is most precious to me … not even for God. But the truth is God provided my child. He is a gift from God (Psalm 127) and according to the bible his life is in God’s hands. Anything God ever asks me to give up to him, He Himself has already provided to me. On the other side of that, this scripture promises that if I will trust God as provider and make sacrifices of obedience to him, that I will know even greater provision from God. I know this isn’t teaching me that I give in order to get- but it is unmistakable that one of he blessings of obedience is many times a greater provision from God because I have demonstrated a trust in him and a love for him. In my life — my sacrifices of obedience should be motivated by my worship of God — He is more important than anything; my fear of God — He is God Most High, the One who is in control of all things; my trust in God — He can raise the dead and will never do anything to hurt me. When I offer any offering to God — my kids, my time, my money, my life, whatever it is, when I offer it to God I must do so remembering in my mind that He gave it to me in the first place and with a heart that worships, fears and trusts in Him.
Prayer:
Father I come to you with a conflicted spirit within me. On the one hand I do believe you and trust you and know that you can do anything. I want my love for you to be genuine and greater than anything else in my life. But on the other hand I know that there are things in my life that compete with you — things I’m not sure I would easily lay on the altar of sacrifice. I know you aren’t asking me to take the life of my kids, but God are there things or a thing in my life that you are asking me to offer you so that you can demonstrate that you are the Lord who provides? Have you given me something that you want me to offer back as an act of worship, fear and trust? Lord I sit before you now with an open hand my time I give; my family I give; my mind I give; my money I give; my life I give. They are yours. Help my eyes to look to you alone for my provision. I declare to you that I want to value you above all things. I declare to you I want to fear you more than death. I declare to you that my trust is in you. Be my provider today. And Lord the things I have laid on your altar today, please help me not to reclaim them as my own.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Monday, January 7, 2008
Don't Hesitate
Scripture:
Genesis 19:16, "But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him, and they brought him out and put him outside the city."
Observation:
God sent angelic messengers to tell Lot that Sodom was about to be destroyed. The people there were extremely sinful, yet Sodom was a place where Lot was deeply invested. He had a house, friends, a job and wealth and a life there. When the angle told him it was time to go and leave it all behind, Lot hesitated. I wonder why? It was clear what God said and what God was going to do, so why didn't he just obey? The hold of the things on Lot's life in Sodom must have been strong. When Lot hesitated, the angels took over and literally dragged Lot out of town just as it was being destroyed. The Bible says they did this because God' compassion covered Lot. It was the overruling action of God that saved Lot and his family.
Application:
As I think about how this applies to me, it seems like there are times when I hesitate in giving God obedience too. Just like Lot, the things of this world too often hold me and captivate my attention or appeal to me enough so that I have a hard time obeying too. Sometimes it's the lust of the eyes, other times the lust of the flesh, and even the boastful pride of life all are daily temptations. God promises in 1 John 2:15-17 that all those things will soon be destroyed just like Sodom, but their allure is still powerful. I need to recognize the danger of loving the things of this world more than loving God and let go of anything that keeps me from immediate obedience to Him. In my moments of weakness or foolishness, I need the grace of God to cover me.
Prayer:
Lord I know that your word tells me that the things of this world won't last. You call me to hold on loosely to all of it and to forsake it for the cause of following you. Lord give me the strength, the wisdom and the desire to follow you when you tell me to act. Don't let me hesitate, but instead grant me the faithfulness of first-time obedience. As soon as you speak, I want to act. Keep me from hesitation. Free me from the temptations that you have promised will pass away. Break their hold on me. I desire to give total obedience to you. Father when I am weak, would you please overrule my life. Please let your compassion cover me and by your sovereign hand keep me from ruining myself. Like the angels who grabbed Lot and pulled him to safety, would you intervene in my life and take me to the place of safety in you? I thank you for your grace that watches over me. Today would you rule over my life and if necessary overrule me.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Friday, January 4, 2008
Don't Live For the Approval of Others
Scripture:
Luke 4:22, "and all were speaking well of Him and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, 'Is this not Joseph’s son?'"
Observation:
Observation:
On what appears to be Jesus’ fist day of public ministry, he stood up and read from Isaiah. The passage was a message of hope and deliverance to the poor, oppressed, blind and captive. As Jesus told the people the scripture was fulfilled, they loved it- they loved Him. He was bringing good news of hope and comfort. The scripture says they all spoke well of Him. But if you go 6 verses later, the people are filled with rage and ready to kill Him. What happened? Jesus spoke a hard truth — that many times people don’t believe a prophet of God from their own hometown. He gave examples of Elijah and Elisha. In both instances the people of Israel missed the power of God through great prophets. Now Jesus was saying to those in his hometown that they would be just like the people in old times. And he was right. In a matter of minutes they go from hot to cold, from love to hate, from feeling mushy toward him to feeling murder toward him.
Application:
Application:
What this tells me is that people can be fickle. The crowd can love me one day if I tell them good news and make positive promises; but the crowd can and will turn when you deliver a more sobering truth. Both messages came from God and were true. What I sense in my spirit is the need to live for God’s approval and not people’s approval because people may love me one day and hate me the next. My job isn’t to make people like me. My calling is to deliver the truth of God under the power of the Holy Spirit with a heart of love. Whether people like the message or love me can’t determine what I do. I have to learn to live for God’s approval alone. That isn’t true just with preachers and preaching. It’s in any area of my life. If I live to please people I will end up disappointed because people can be fickle. I just need to be me, who I am, and who God created me to be. I need to live for God’s approval alone.
Prayer:
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live for Your approval over anything else. Help me to love people and love them enough to tell them the truth. But please deliver me from ever shaping that truth so that I gain approval. Help me to deliver the good news and the hard truth. And in other areas of my life — friendships, finances, whatever — help me to be true to you and to who I am in you and not to cower to the court of public opinion. Your truth will always stand and vindicate itself. And You will never change.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
Thursday, January 3, 2008
What Kind of Man Are You?
Scripture:
Genesis 6:9, "these are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God."
Observation:
Observation:
The first thing we ever hear about Noah is that he was a righteous man. He both had a right relationship with God and he lived it out on a daily basis. He was right in heart and right in action. He was blameless in his time — that meant he must have lived faithfully in the midst of all kinds of temptation because the bible says that everybody else thought and did evil constantly. Noah said no to the peer pressure of his time. He stood strong in the cultural meltdown of his day. Noah walked with God. This is the key to his righteousness and blamelessness. He walked with God — that mean God was included in everything he did. This was a daily and constant conversation between a man and his God. This also seems to imply that God led Noah. God didn’t walk with Noah; Noah walked with God — God led and Noah followed.
Application:
Application:
As I think about my own life I wonder what pops into people’s heads when they think of me? What is the one word and the first word that would characterize my life? I want it to be the word “righteous.” I want people to know I have a heart that loves God and a lifestyle that honors him.
Prayer:
Prayer:
Lord would you help me walk with you — you want to be a part of my every day life. You want to lead me. Father help me to follow you. I believe you will lead me to stand strong and be blameless even in the midst of a sinking culture. You will help me say “no” to peer pressure and the temptations of the world. I need that. I know I am weak and vulnerable. I need your protection over my life. Father, help me to be conscious of your leading today. Will you direct my steps and my words? May my life bring you joy. May Your life be my joy too. Teach me to walk with You.
P.S. I also note that Noah was a righteous MAN. He was not a wimp or a weakling. He was not a boy — he was a man. And as a man the primary characteristic of his “manliness” was that he was righteous. Lord raise up some Noahs today starting with me.
P.S. I also note that Noah was a righteous MAN. He was not a wimp or a weakling. He was not a boy — he was a man. And as a man the primary characteristic of his “manliness” was that he was righteous. Lord raise up some Noahs today starting with me.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
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