Day 17...Evening Devotion

John 17:1-26 Read today's scripture here

"The Lord's Prayer"

Christians have been taught that the Lord's Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-15 and Luke 11:1-4. It was often taught by well intentioned Sunday School teachers. We pray this prayer together to begin or end meetings or when we don't know what else to pray. The truth is that the prayer recorded in the above stated passages are not the Lord's Prayer, it's more accurately the Model Prayer. Jesus was giving us a pattern or prescription to follow when we pray, rather than a dictation on words to use.

John 17 is the Lord's Prayer. It's the only prayer of Jesus that we hear from him in significant length. As you wind down from your day, be encouraged by knowing that Jesus prays! He's set the example for all of us who claim God as Father, to keep the line of communication open with him. Jesus admonished his disciples in Luke 18:1 to pray and don't give up! Prayer is essential to life of the believer. I hope that you have a disciplined prayer life. I'm suggesting that you talk with (not to God) God often daily. You'll live in true liberty, peace and joy if you do!

I'd also like for you to be aware of the object of Jesus' prayer. You were on his mind! Thank God that Jesus prayed for us! He prayed in a triune fashion to include revelation, protection and action. Our acceptance of Jesus opened the door for God to reveal to us our purpose in the earth. This seems like a great time for a public service announcement: uhh, your life is NOT about you! Your existence as a follower of Jesus, is to know God and share him with the world.

Jesus also prayed about our protection. Please understand that Jesus (while on earth) personally guarded the disciples. This was a successful effort, with the exception of 'the one headed for destruction' which was Judas (verse 12). The implication is that Jesus protects us from ourselves. Now he accomplishes that task by the power of the Spirit of truth. When we're honest with ourselves, according to the truth of God's word, we'll see the error of our way. The issue then is that when we stray from God's word we transform the truth with our twisted theology, to justify the stagnation of our relationship with God. That leads us to the desire of Jesus in this prayer, he wanted us (his children) to be united (verse 11). The point of the protection is so we'll stick together, like God and Jesus are. Satan is aware of the glorious affect we'd have on the world, if we could just get along. So, he works hard at separating us. But God be praised, that Jesus has already prayed for us!

I'll tell you all good night, after I let you know about Jesus' prayer for us to be active participants in sharing the message which we believe. Verse 20 is our marching orders. Jesus tells us that we should be busy telling the world that a baby was born of a virgin, grew in grace and was a miracle worker. We should tell everyone bout how he was crucified, died and was buried and that three days later he got up from the grave. Don't forget to let them know that he lives for evermore! And if they ask how you know that he lives, tell them that he lives in your heart! You have the responsibility to share Jesus with the world! That's why I'm praying and pushing...praying that you won't be scared and pushing you to start in your house, then move to your friends and coworkers. How many people should you tell? Everybody, that Jesus lives and wants for none to die!

I know all of that was preachy, but before you go to sleep, let me give you something really practical. You were on Jesus' mind when he prayed. I hope that when you pray tonight, that you won't be selfish and talk with him only about you. Have Jesus on your mind when you pray! If you are worry about him, he'll take care of you!

Day 16...Evening Devotion

John 16:1-33 Read today's scripture here

"Promises You Can Count On"

Pain is inevitable, power is available and problems are transformable. Those are the three movements of John 16. It's a passage that teaches us that God's promises can be trusted. Our society is filled with false promises, vain words and intentions that are void of sincerity. But you can depend on God! As I pen these words, they excite my spirit and stimulate my faith. God will never, ever let you down!

Pain is inevitable (verses 1-4, 33). This Christian life comes with pain and it's often caused by people who are serving God ignorantly. You must remember this divine warning, because being on Jesus' side will not be a road easily traveled. That's a promise. So, the inevitability of pain isn't a device of destruction but of development. Allow pain to build your faith instead of turn you away from believing in God. Even though you may deal with persecution, excommunication or even crucifixion, don't let anything separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39)! God is for us! Here's what really encourages me, the things that cause our pain as believers, Jesus has already overcome (verse 33)! You can endure these light afflictions (2 Corinthians 4:17) because Jesus is King and our coming glory is worth our painful story!

Power is available (verses 5-15). The term 'the world' scripturally can refer to three distinct understandings: creation, humanity or in the case of our text the world system. Note that when Jesus says that after his departure from earth that he'll send us the Spirit, that it's not coming to 'the world' but to us/the church. Why? Because the Spirit isn't a ghostly presence that floats around but he needs the body of the church. We are the Spirit's tools to accomplish the work of building God's kingdom and we're his temple of residence.

The power of the Spirit is available to us to reach the world! It is senseless for us to operate (preach, pray, sing or work) independent of his power. Our effectiveness as tools of the Spirit depends on being empowered by him. This power is offensive (verse 8), because it confronts sin but thank God it's also gracious, in that no matter our sin, it gives us an opportunity to get right!

Problems are transformable (verses 16-32). God does not seek to turn you into a spoiled brat kind of a Christian. Where every time something painful happens that he takes the pain and replaces it with something more pleasant. However, God is a transforming God, that will turn your sorrow into joy! The same child that causes a mother pain in labor, brings her joy when it's over. The same Jesus that the disciples knew died on a Friday, which broke their hearts also brought them great joy on Sunday morning, when he rose from the dead. I'm suggesting to you, that your problems is nothing but a cocoon. If you just wait, "in a little while" (verse16) your problems will transform into a butterfly! I wish I had a microphone and an organ playing behind me right about now. If I did, I'd be whooping saying that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5)! God be praised for making us promises that we can count on!

Good night y'all! I pray that the Lord God blesses you real good and that you rest well in the promises of our God.

*Please join our weekly prayer call on tomorrow (Wednesday) night at 7 p.m. by calling (641) 715-3836 and use access code 131337. It will bless you if you let it!

Day 15...Evening Devotion

John 15:1-27 Read today's scripture here
"The Source"

The very first observation that I make when I look at John 15, is that it's completely in red. I know this isn't a deep revelation but the words of Jesus should grasp our attention. Since Jesus is the source of our hope, our present help and our eternal home, it would seem that we'd be addicted to hearing from him. If our claim of Christianity is to be validated, then our delight should be in the word of God (Psalm 1:2).

As your day concludes, I'd also point out that this chapter is really about having a relationship with God that's so qualitative, that it leads to reproduction. Here's where fasting, praying and reading daily comes into play. Our relationships with the Lord must be such a priority, that we are constantly expressing our love for him by drawing closer to him. A vine and a branch are in communion with each other. The implication is that you can't tell where one begins and the other ends because the two are that closely intertwined. Which presents us with an incredibly relevant question, how are you and God getting along? Don't blow this question off, because for many of us our relationship with God is either stagnant or second hand. Either we're stuck in a past understanding of God that was immature and superficial or we're relating vicariously with God through the experiences of others. We can do better than that!

When you're relating well with God, don't be deceived into thinking that that's the cap to your relationship with him. You should then be able to relate well with other people (verse 17). We've been commanded to love each other. I know that's a tough blow to your anger, your frustration and the hatred you've been harboring in your heart. But, the reality of your God relationship is that if he's working on the inside of you then it should be showing on the outside of you!

Before you lay down to sleep tonight, I want you to remember that you're no better than Jesus (verse 20). Life is hard. As a matter of fact (if I can be honest) it's damn hard! But the truth is that Jesus has our backs! He's committed us to the care of the Spirit of truth, that will keep us safe, sane and connected to the source who allows us to live, move and have our being (Acts 17:28)!

Good night and I love you all and I'm praying that God reminds you that life in him is abundant!

Dig Deeper (Sermon Series...Part 3 of 4)

Series: Dig Deeper - Hard Work Pays Off

Subject: A Funky Favor (Digging Past Unproductivity)

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9 (New Living Translation) Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. ⁷ Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ ⁸ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. ⁹ If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”

Introduction: Unproductivity has no place in God's space! Our claim as recipients of God's generous grace, must be proved with the production of good fruit in our lives by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Transition: When someone does you a favor, certain steps must be taken by the recipient in order to not squander the opportunity of another chance. This text is tailored teach us how to dig deeper in three major movements...

Exposition:
1) Be Still...Psalm 1:2-3 encourages us to be a planted tree in God's word. Stop squirming and moving, so God can work on you! (Read James 1:2-4 in your leisure)

2) Be Quiet...Philippians 2:14 admonishes us to "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Don't make the mistake of being ungrateful for God's favor, because the good and the bad works out for your good! First Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

3) Be Productive...We all have been given a funky favor, of another year so let's make it count! God has gotten his hands dirty to help you be better. So, will you come up or be cut down?

Conclusion: Mercy and grace are close kin but aren't one in the same. Mercy doesn't give us what we deserve; that's pity. However, grace gives us what we don't deserve; that's favor!

Day 11...Evening Devotion

John 11:1-57 Read today's scripture here

"What to Do in the Absence of God"

Good day to you all! I'm going to try to keep this devotional short today, since I got carried away yesterday. Here goes...

John 11 is widely referred to and is known chiefly because of one of three miracle resurrections that Jesus performs during his ministry. Bethany, is a little hamlet located about 2 1/2 miles southeast of Jerusalem. It's there that Jesus has a family trio that he's befriended, endeared and yes, he loves them. Their relationship with the Lord is of interest to this text, because that's where the tension lies. Sometimes we allow the length of time we've known God to get in the way of the strength of our faith in God. Length doesn't replace strength! Don't get it confused, it's the old argument of quantity versus quality.

Jesus receives message from Martha and Mary, that their brother, Lazarus is sick. Jesus intentionally waits two days before he and the disciples journey to Bethany. By then Lazarus is no long sick but he's dead. When he arrives, Martha has heard from the street committee that he's approaching the city. She runs to him with tears in her eyes, shame on her face and victimization in her voice. She's angry with God. Let me pause the story here and raise my hand, because I've been there! I've been angry with God, particularly when I thought our relationship would shield me from life's pain. But life happens (John 16:33)! But there's good news, when life attempts to destroy you, God is there to deliver you!

Once Jesus showed up, he learned what they did in his absence: they mourned, they buried Lazarus and the went home to pick up the pieces. Then Jesus says something that's frightening, take me to the body. They didn't want to go there, he stinks now. And none of us wants to go back to our life's stinky places. But Jesus reminds Martha that if you only believe in me that you'll see the glory of God. I know this is really simple, but I'm going to say it anyway, don't stop believing! I know that life can knock the wind out of you, and it even stinks sometimes. And I'm aware that if it's not one thing it's something else and that you're on the verge of throwing up your hands, walking away and saying to hell with this, but what ever you do, don't stop believing! Cry if you have to, holla when you need to but don't give up on God! Everything that you were crying about, Jesus is standing in front of you right now wanting to fix it!

You've read the text, so you know what happened. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Here's the real miracle. Jewish law declared that resurrection of the body was not possible after the third day. Jesus waited on purpose until the fourth day, so that every time someone looked at Lazarus, the only thing they could say was that it was no body but God that brought you back! The glory of God was revealed in his resurrection!

Ok, ok, so what do you do in the absence of God?

1) Don't give up so soon...too many of us are writing God off as if he's a deadbeat. Hear this clearly, God has not forgotten about you. He still loves you. The pain that you're enduring (I'm talking to myself here!!!) is only momentary. Joy really doe's come in the morning!

2) Don't you dare draw the wrong conclusion...just because you can't see God moving, doesn't mean that he's not up to something! Don't be so sight driven. If you've been born again, we walk by faith! Faith will raise your dead dreams, put breath back in your relationship and turn your finances around! But don't sit down on God, give him something to work with!

Day 10...Evening Devotion

John 10:1-42 Read todays scripture here

"The Value of God's Voice"

***Warning...There's so much good stuff in John 10, that I ramble and jump around a lot. If I was talking about this on my stool in church, my feet would be swinging!***

Today I was honored to help host a luncheon with my friend, Pastor Tim Steffon at his church, Martha Bowman. The purpose was to call awareness and action to human sex trafficking in our area. It's a heartbreaking cause, that I'm proud to champion. As I was preparing to share my thoughts with you on John 10, I couldn't help but be thankful for the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ. It's in him that we live, move and have our being. There's no grater feeling than liberty! As we pray during this time of consecration, let's pray for those who are bound and don't want to be. Also, let's pray for those who are free but still act as if they're bound and for those who are bound and don't want to be free.

Here are my scholarly stances on John chapter 10...
Let me start by saying that this passage is widely known, particularly because of verse 10. It contains two of the most confusing and misinterpreted passages in scripture (verses 16 and 34). For clarity, let me theologically clear up these verses for you.
-verse 16 "I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd." Jesus makes an incredibly interesting interjection, by vaguely pointing out that there are several flocks but only one shepherd. Jesus' intent of that interjection will never be fully understood because there's no other mention of it in scripture to probe. However, the spirit of his statement admonishes us to understand that no one group has a monopoly on God. Furthermore, it's not up to us to decide who's heaven bound and who isn't. There are folks who are desperately in search of God and are genuinely attempting to serve him. I would be lying if I told you that I thought that the God of mercy would disregard their efforts, because they weren't United Methodist like us. God be praised, that he isn't rigid and dismissive like we are!
-verse 34 Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ There's been religious sects that have formed because of this verse, which Jesus is quoting from Psalm 82:6. Unfortunately they formed ignorantly far from the truth. The proper interpretation doe's not imply that humans are God, rather, we're God like. In that we've been adopted by God and have become his children. Children should have characteristics of their parents, that causes others to see the evidence in them of you who their parents are. I don't think that you could mistake the fact that Antonie II is my son. He has so many features of mine that it's undeniable that he's my son. Thank God that we have the right to be called the children of God and that we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ!

The voice of God is valuable! So, stop trying to tune him out! And stop ignoring him! Hearing God is a blessed gift and a pleasure. The value in his voice is multifaceted, in that we find: the truth (verses 1 and 7), direction (verse 4), salvation and freedom (verse 9) and safety (verse 10). Your mother's voice is wise, your fathers voice is safe, your grandparents voice is comforting, your friends voice is fun and your boo-thang's voice is romantic but only God's voice has the ability to awaken all of those feelings in you at once! That's so valuable that it's priceless!

Jesus, with assertiveness, declares that he's not just a shepherd but he's the good shepherd. I want you to be encouraged by knowing, that you're following a good shepherd; he knows what he's doing! Sometimes it seems like your world is crumbling and that your back is against the wall. And you may get angry at God because you were following his lead, and seemingly his voice led you to a place that's low, lonely and full of lack. But don't give up on God, he's setting you up for a major display of deliverance, like only he can orchestrate! 

If you were wondering about the security of your soul, by being a follower of Jesus' voice, pay attention to verses 25-30. I don't worry about loosing my salvation, because I'm not holding on to Jesus but he's holding on to me! My salvation is secure because my God is strong! Hallelujah!!!

The last thing that I'll say about this chapter (amid an amalgam of thoughts on my heart) is that the folks Jesus was talking to, had the audacity to attempt to stone Jesus for saying that he was God. However, he got away because it wasn't his time to die. Here's a good place to shout, the ignorance of others can't kill you! Jesus had already told them in verses 17 and 18, that no one can kill him but when it was time to for him to die that he would, and that when he died that he wouldn't stay dead. Aren't you glad, if you ain't then you 'oughtta be glad (that's not good grammar but it's great gospel) that because we're God like, that just like him we can declare to who tried to kill us and to what tried to hold us down "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”  For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

I hope that my rambling has been interesting and useful to you. Be better tomorrow and shh, listen because God is talking!

Day 9...Evening Devotion the Return

John 9:1-41 Read today's scripture here

"Your Condition Doesn't Have to Be Your Conclusion"

Corporate fasting for Grace Corner has not turned out as I'd hoped as your spiritual leader. Those of you who've committed to this spiritual discipline and are sincerely seeking God's face, thank you! Your faithfulness isn't disregarded by God and I'm appreciative for your diligence and sacrifice. Here are my raw thoughts on today's reading...

John 9 is one of my all time favorite stories! Jesus is interested in you. Not the you that's visible to the world, because all they see is your problems. People have the tendency to only notice about you, what makes them feel better than you. However, Jesus looks at who you can be with his help. Believe it or not, we all are in dire need of Jesus' help! Here's what's really interesting, he's looking to help you when everyone else has become satisfied with the you that they can see.

The disciples (the church) see the same man that Jesus saw, and they assume that the reason this man is blind is because somebody messed up. I want to dispel this false Christian myth, that everything that is wrong in an individuals life is either the result of sin or the Devil. There are some things that are just unfortunate life occurrences. Jesus responds to their assumption, by submitting God's permissive will. That is to say that God did not cause this man to be born blind, rather that God allowed him to be born blind. Ironically, the whole point of the man's blindness is so that God could get the glory from his life! Whatever you do, don't attempt to steal God's glory! Your problems are God's platforms alone, for the display of his power!

Jesus then goes to work. He teaches us that miracles (improving the quality of one's life) are messy. Jesus uses his spit to mix with dirt to make a salve, and applies it to the blind man's eyes. That's nasty! But true ministry is a nasty process, that's far from pretty. The problem is when we attempt to remain in God's presence nasty. He tells the man to go and wash the nasty off! That's why I was pushing so hard for us to read, fast and pray together; I want us to get the nasty off!

Don't miss that the man was obedient and left from Jesus' presence and washed. He could see! It was a miracle! If you're wondering why you're still wandering in the darkness after a Jesus encounter, you have to ask yourself  'Have I been obedient to his command?' Here's an even better question to ask yourself  'Was I attentive to God's voice when he was instructing me?' You can no longer blame God for where you are in life, now's the time to question yourself. Listen, God can only order your steps, it's up to you to obey his orders!

Please understand that some people just don't know how to be happy for you, when you're no longer in darkness. All the church/Pharisees could do was question if this was the same man that was blind and to find out if the man that healed him was of God. Let me be clear, beware of why people are close to you. All of their questions aren't because they're concerned about you or even because they want to celebrate with you. As a matter of fact, once you tell them your testimony, they may not even want you around them anymore. And that has to be fine with you, because you condition has changed! You're no longer blind, so stop acting like it! Since they've showed you who they really are, believe them, leave them and go on with the Lord!

After the Pharisees put the man out, Jesus didn't leave him hanging! That's a fine time to worship him. Jesus found him, talked with him to let him know that he wasn't alone. I don't know where you are, how you're feeling or even what you're thinking but you aren't alone! Jesus is your friend and he won't leave you.

Don't get too comfortable in your condition, because it doesn't have to be your conclusion. Wise up and become obedient to God's command TODAY and watch him change you whole life!

Join us for prayer tomorrow night at 7 p.m. by calling (641) 715-3836 and use access code 131337. I'll lend some principles about leadership and be praying about it as well. Stay blessed!