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
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