Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. Exodus 16:4 (The Message)
Here it is, the morning. Now the choices begin. No more luxury of complete surrender to the meanderings of my subconscious. Now it’s my turn to be in charge. How well will I handle that? Will I let myself be swallowed by the world and allow my sinful nature take hold (Galatians 5:19-21) or accept the daily ration of Grace that God has given me and share it not holding on to a bit of it when bedtime rolls around again? I live with the knowledge that my world is one of abundance (99.8% of the world has less than I do.)
Every day life offers a challenge; to be knowledgeable enough to make good and wise worldly decisions, but innocent enough to be a trusting childlike follower of God not allowing the world to own me. The Israelites left Egypt and went into the wilderness with, for the most part, a worldly slave mindset; the people in Israel under the oppression of Rome were much the same prior to Christ’s birth. All they wanted was to eat and work and be left alone and not be beaten. Sounds familiar, a typical workday scenario for most people even today.
Is it just me or did you ever wonder why these hundreds of thousands of Israelites with the thousands of head of livestock were so concerned about their next meal? I’ve noticed and experienced that abundance isn’t a very good comforter. I think that God provided manna for them not just so they could eat, but that so that they would be assured that He would be there the next day and the next. But my hunger isn’t just for food, so God sent Christ not just to satisfy my physical needs, but so that my heart will truly know God wants to have a relationship with me and have me with him in eternity. And seeing, knowing and feeling God today in Christ, I’ll fill up and go to sleep tonight knowing He’ll be there in the morning and show me the way again tomorrow, whether in abundance or scarcity.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Praise to go
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. Psalm 16:8
In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food. In 2006, the spending rose to nearly $142 billion. The popularization of the drive-thru led car manufacturers in the 1990s to install cup holders in the dashboards. As fast food drinks became larger, so did the cup holders. Automobile manufactures adapted and I know that I’ve also adapted to the on the go pace of today’s world; sometime in no so good ways. I usually end up taking my negative emotions to go, getting free refills everywhere I go.
It has become increasingly difficult sometime to stay focused on God from waking until sleep time. I’ve always known that my God is what I focus on the most; my job, my hobbies, my entertainment, my recreation, my worries, the things that upset me. So how do I keep my focus on God as I am doing everything else, and dealing with so many distractions? Mastering that would be like having “Praise to go.”
A discipline of continual praise; what would that look like in my life today? David said in Psalm 34:1, “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” I’ll need to turn down the negative voices outside and inside my head and turn up the praise music and change my thoughts to prayers, which should keep my thoughts focused on God and not me and my surroundings. I think I’m going to supersize my worship to go today.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food. In 2006, the spending rose to nearly $142 billion. The popularization of the drive-thru led car manufacturers in the 1990s to install cup holders in the dashboards. As fast food drinks became larger, so did the cup holders. Automobile manufactures adapted and I know that I’ve also adapted to the on the go pace of today’s world; sometime in no so good ways. I usually end up taking my negative emotions to go, getting free refills everywhere I go.
It has become increasingly difficult sometime to stay focused on God from waking until sleep time. I’ve always known that my God is what I focus on the most; my job, my hobbies, my entertainment, my recreation, my worries, the things that upset me. So how do I keep my focus on God as I am doing everything else, and dealing with so many distractions? Mastering that would be like having “Praise to go.”
A discipline of continual praise; what would that look like in my life today? David said in Psalm 34:1, “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” I’ll need to turn down the negative voices outside and inside my head and turn up the praise music and change my thoughts to prayers, which should keep my thoughts focused on God and not me and my surroundings. I think I’m going to supersize my worship to go today.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cave prayers
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1
Caves throughout the Bible were used primarily for two purposes; burial and safety. From the earliest accounts of Lot and his daughters staying in a cave for safety in Genesis, to powerful people seeking shelter in caves from God’s wrath in Revelation, caves have been the “natural” choice for out of the way security. As David prayed in Psalm 57, it is the God sanctuary.
I don’t think that is what my cousin and I had in mind when we were cave exploring along the Mississinewa River in the old town of Summerset, Indiana, in 1961, which is now at the bottom of the Mississinewa Reservoir. We found a particularly interesting looking one and with flashlights in hand began crawling into its depths. It was my cousins home turf so he went first, I was bigger so I followed; not a good idea. Twenty feet or so in, I was wedged in the V shaped tunnel. That is my first of many “get me out of this God and I’ll never do another stupid thing the rest of my life” prayers.
Mine and many other men’s prayers have been answered in caves. Whether prayers for protection from being found, like David’s, or not being found, like the 33 Chilean miners recently, men have a history of praying in and around caves. But the most powerful prayer from a cave is undoubtedly the one we all pray from our caves of darkness and entrapment in this life. In that prayer we give thanks for the one who was placed dead in a cave and, as promised, was resurrected and walked victoriously from it giving men the hope of victory over death once and for all time.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Caves throughout the Bible were used primarily for two purposes; burial and safety. From the earliest accounts of Lot and his daughters staying in a cave for safety in Genesis, to powerful people seeking shelter in caves from God’s wrath in Revelation, caves have been the “natural” choice for out of the way security. As David prayed in Psalm 57, it is the God sanctuary.
I don’t think that is what my cousin and I had in mind when we were cave exploring along the Mississinewa River in the old town of Summerset, Indiana, in 1961, which is now at the bottom of the Mississinewa Reservoir. We found a particularly interesting looking one and with flashlights in hand began crawling into its depths. It was my cousins home turf so he went first, I was bigger so I followed; not a good idea. Twenty feet or so in, I was wedged in the V shaped tunnel. That is my first of many “get me out of this God and I’ll never do another stupid thing the rest of my life” prayers.
Mine and many other men’s prayers have been answered in caves. Whether prayers for protection from being found, like David’s, or not being found, like the 33 Chilean miners recently, men have a history of praying in and around caves. But the most powerful prayer from a cave is undoubtedly the one we all pray from our caves of darkness and entrapment in this life. In that prayer we give thanks for the one who was placed dead in a cave and, as promised, was resurrected and walked victoriously from it giving men the hope of victory over death once and for all time.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Forward in faith
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw them— Egyptians! Coming at them! They were totally afraid. They cried out in terror to GOD. They told Moses, "Weren't the cemeteries large enough in Egypt so that you had to take us out here in the wilderness to die? What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt? Back in Egypt didn't we tell you this would happen? Didn't we tell you, 'Leave us alone here in Egypt—we're better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness.'" Exodus 14:11 (The Message)
When things look their worst it is so easy to lose hope. The Israelites had just witnessed ten of the greatest plagues/miracles written about in the Old Testament which lead directly to their release from bondage at the hands of cruel Egyptian task masters. But even then they had so little faith at times that they were more afraid of the unknown wilderness in front of them than the known horrors behind them.
Sometimes my own wilderness seems so overwhelming that my life before Christ began to lead my life rather than just occupy space in it looks attractive. Things were so much simpler then. All that mattered was making more bricks. Now that I’ve left the bondage of sin to the freedom in Christ, the way is less specific; there are new challenges daily and new paths to decide upon. And even though I know that my needs will be met there is sometimes that gnawing question about which way to go forward or backward, part of the freedom that I have.
What kept the Israelites going, what keeps me going? One simple word, Faith. Faith that God has something great planned for me if I follow the Spirit. All the saints before me, whether they were wandering in a seemingly endless desert or marching around and impenetrable walled city behind priests blowing horns, felt the same call, move forward in Faith. God’s plan is for us to follow in faith, “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be make perfect.” Hebrews 11:39
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Jerry M. Gill
Click here if you would like to be REMOVED from my email list.
When things look their worst it is so easy to lose hope. The Israelites had just witnessed ten of the greatest plagues/miracles written about in the Old Testament which lead directly to their release from bondage at the hands of cruel Egyptian task masters. But even then they had so little faith at times that they were more afraid of the unknown wilderness in front of them than the known horrors behind them.
Sometimes my own wilderness seems so overwhelming that my life before Christ began to lead my life rather than just occupy space in it looks attractive. Things were so much simpler then. All that mattered was making more bricks. Now that I’ve left the bondage of sin to the freedom in Christ, the way is less specific; there are new challenges daily and new paths to decide upon. And even though I know that my needs will be met there is sometimes that gnawing question about which way to go forward or backward, part of the freedom that I have.
What kept the Israelites going, what keeps me going? One simple word, Faith. Faith that God has something great planned for me if I follow the Spirit. All the saints before me, whether they were wandering in a seemingly endless desert or marching around and impenetrable walled city behind priests blowing horns, felt the same call, move forward in Faith. God’s plan is for us to follow in faith, “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be make perfect.” Hebrews 11:39
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Jerry M. Gill
Click here if you would like to be REMOVED from my email list.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Pushy
With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope. Acts 20:1-2 (The Message)
As a creation of God, I somehow instinctively know that it is my purpose to worship and serve Him who created me, but like all humans since the beginning, I rebel and fight it. Rebellion seems somehow to be as innate a human character as doing what I was created to do. Just a day or two ago I viewed a short video on one of my favorite devotional websites, Simple Truths. The video was entitled “Even Eagles Need a PUSH”, written by David McNally. The video asks the question, “Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?”
The video states, “Until we discover our wings, there’s no purpose for our lives.” That line stopped me in my tracks; where have I heard that before? For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. Isaiah 40:27 But even eagles don’t just wake up one morning and say this is the day I’m going to fly and jump out of the nest (sometimes hundreds or even thousands of feet in the air.) Even they need a push from a loving mother eagle.
Encouragement in the faith: the push. As McNally says: “The PUSH: sometimes we need it, sometimes we give it. It can be the greatest gift you can ever give [or receive.]” This is a good day to get a little pushy and be alert for someone who needs encouragement and even as important, be open and responsive to those who give it to me.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
As a creation of God, I somehow instinctively know that it is my purpose to worship and serve Him who created me, but like all humans since the beginning, I rebel and fight it. Rebellion seems somehow to be as innate a human character as doing what I was created to do. Just a day or two ago I viewed a short video on one of my favorite devotional websites, Simple Truths. The video was entitled “Even Eagles Need a PUSH”, written by David McNally. The video asks the question, “Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?”
The video states, “Until we discover our wings, there’s no purpose for our lives.” That line stopped me in my tracks; where have I heard that before? For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. Isaiah 40:27 But even eagles don’t just wake up one morning and say this is the day I’m going to fly and jump out of the nest (sometimes hundreds or even thousands of feet in the air.) Even they need a push from a loving mother eagle.
Encouragement in the faith: the push. As McNally says: “The PUSH: sometimes we need it, sometimes we give it. It can be the greatest gift you can ever give [or receive.]” This is a good day to get a little pushy and be alert for someone who needs encouragement and even as important, be open and responsive to those who give it to me.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Speaking the truth
Monday, January 3, 2011
The answer's simple: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live. Isaiah 33:15 (The Message)
I have an odd sense of humor, I’ll admit it. One of my all time favorite cartoons is a Far Side cartoon showing a man looking into the rearview mirror of his car, one that has small print at the bottom which says, “OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.” And all the man can see in the mirror is a very huge eyeball staring at him. That eyeball has, of late, come to symbolize my mortality. Already having outlived the majority of men on my mother’s side of the family going back three generations, I harbor no unrealistic expectations for a long life, but that’s not up to me.
I am constantly reminded of my rapidly diminishing earthly shelf life. Every time I get a little ach or pain, it seems to be more debilitating than the last time I had that same ailment. For me the good thing about being faced more and more with the inevitability of mortality is an increasing sense of frankness. There lies the conundrum, speaking the truth in love and urgency vs being “in yo face” obnoxious with my faith.
One of the problems that I always encounter when talking the truth of my faith is the inevitability of the discussion deteriorating from a personal witness to a political discussion. Those multi-issue discussions usually turn a life changing discussion of faith into a lose, lose, my perspective is more accurate than yours, proposition. One of my goals for this year is to stay out of the arena of political discussions. I really hate to see people ignorant about what is going on in the world and in their own country, but I dislike even more the chance that my “opinions” could result in someone’s turning from the Word because of political or philosophical reasons. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m reassured it will be a much more, “safe and stable way to live.”
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
The answer's simple: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live. Isaiah 33:15 (The Message)
I have an odd sense of humor, I’ll admit it. One of my all time favorite cartoons is a Far Side cartoon showing a man looking into the rearview mirror of his car, one that has small print at the bottom which says, “OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.” And all the man can see in the mirror is a very huge eyeball staring at him. That eyeball has, of late, come to symbolize my mortality. Already having outlived the majority of men on my mother’s side of the family going back three generations, I harbor no unrealistic expectations for a long life, but that’s not up to me.
I am constantly reminded of my rapidly diminishing earthly shelf life. Every time I get a little ach or pain, it seems to be more debilitating than the last time I had that same ailment. For me the good thing about being faced more and more with the inevitability of mortality is an increasing sense of frankness. There lies the conundrum, speaking the truth in love and urgency vs being “in yo face” obnoxious with my faith.
One of the problems that I always encounter when talking the truth of my faith is the inevitability of the discussion deteriorating from a personal witness to a political discussion. Those multi-issue discussions usually turn a life changing discussion of faith into a lose, lose, my perspective is more accurate than yours, proposition. One of my goals for this year is to stay out of the arena of political discussions. I really hate to see people ignorant about what is going on in the world and in their own country, but I dislike even more the chance that my “opinions” could result in someone’s turning from the Word because of political or philosophical reasons. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m reassured it will be a much more, “safe and stable way to live.”
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Missing the point after
Sunday, January 2, 2011
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. 1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message)
I’m writing this before the kick off of the Colts Titans game ( do or die for both teams), so I have no direct or indirect meaning for my words other than the thought “close enough isn’t good enough.” I’ve seen a lot of games of all types won/lost by just one point. Seems so sad that all the tremendous effort put out in a game can come down to one missed or blocked kick, on free throw or inches that would have made a two pointer a three pointer, a double instead of a triple. But that is the way it works out in sports, every point every goal, every run is critical.
I’ve never been very athletic, I like to tell the story that I think I was the only boy to ever be cut from my elementary school basketball team; all legs no coordination or game perspective. When I ran track and cross country in High School though, I can vividly remember having been passed at the finish line and wondering, could I have given just an extra ounce of effort and prevented that kid from passing? The lesson I’ve learned is that every point, every millisecond counts and once the time to get it is past, that opportunity is gone forever. I have use that moment to its advantage or it’s lost to history.
In life there are so many opportunities to make a extra difference in the final outcome of eternity for myself and for others; giving a little bit more of myself, my resources and my prayers, instead of sitting back and being satisfied with my good effort. Putting my best effort into the race for the finish line (a place in heaven with God), as Paul so eloquently put it, requires my all out effort every day, every moment, not being satisfied with that touch down, but giving my all to get that point after too!
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. 1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message)
I’m writing this before the kick off of the Colts Titans game ( do or die for both teams), so I have no direct or indirect meaning for my words other than the thought “close enough isn’t good enough.” I’ve seen a lot of games of all types won/lost by just one point. Seems so sad that all the tremendous effort put out in a game can come down to one missed or blocked kick, on free throw or inches that would have made a two pointer a three pointer, a double instead of a triple. But that is the way it works out in sports, every point every goal, every run is critical.
I’ve never been very athletic, I like to tell the story that I think I was the only boy to ever be cut from my elementary school basketball team; all legs no coordination or game perspective. When I ran track and cross country in High School though, I can vividly remember having been passed at the finish line and wondering, could I have given just an extra ounce of effort and prevented that kid from passing? The lesson I’ve learned is that every point, every millisecond counts and once the time to get it is past, that opportunity is gone forever. I have use that moment to its advantage or it’s lost to history.
In life there are so many opportunities to make a extra difference in the final outcome of eternity for myself and for others; giving a little bit more of myself, my resources and my prayers, instead of sitting back and being satisfied with my good effort. Putting my best effort into the race for the finish line (a place in heaven with God), as Paul so eloquently put it, requires my all out effort every day, every moment, not being satisfied with that touch down, but giving my all to get that point after too!
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
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