Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures…” Romans 1:1-2

Observation:

There are a number of things to glean from Paul’s greetings in any letter. I used to just gloss over the intros (let’s get to the meats!!) but if I think real hard about what I read, what humbling treasure appears….

Application:

One of the “tricks” in reading the Scriptures I was taught many moons ago was to personalize what I was reading. That is: Where I saw “you” (for example), I substituted a personal pronoun (I, me, mine, my, etc.) I sing that way as well (“…and melt (my) heart of stone…” instead of “this” heart of stone…” From “Jesus Paid it All”). In the above first two verses, I substituted my name in the place of Paul; servant in place of apostle; and thought harder about what was there.
At a baseline, all are called to be servants of Christ Jesus. No real argument there. What caught my eye was “…set apart for the gospel of God…” Do I really think and conduct my way with that idea? Set apart? I think that many times I rest in an idea that I have been set apart by God through the Gospel, but I act like that is something impersonal, insinuated, a “given”, like “I am part of my family.” But using this description of family, what do I really do acting like I am part of my family? In truth? Not a whole lot. Maybe sometimes at holidays. But more often than not I am going my own way.
It is like that with my Christian walk as well. Do I conduct myself like I am “set apart?” How about pursuing holiness? Righteousness? Walking worthy of the Gospel daily? Probably not. So what do I do about it? One way is to start small so that a habit can be formed. Pray. Pray using the Scriptures. Read them out loud to nobody in particular. Share something about what you read with your spouse, with your children. Small. Remember you are not Chuck Spurgeon; we are not even Jason Smith. Something puzzles you? Ask and you shall (probably) receive. Remember what Jesus said about being faithful in little…

Prayer:

Father: Starting small is hard. Building a holy reflex is tedious and time consuming. It doesn’t feel like I am going fast enough. I remember in my teens that I thought “a couple of years and I am going to be just like Elijah.” Well, 40 years later I am one of those guys flexing from blind man to Pharisee and back again just like in the NT. You wrote, O God, in Psalms 119 about “line upon line, precept upon precept”-a model of systematic building faithful strength in my heart. May I glorify your Name moment by moment every day. I will greet every day with thanks and praise because your mercies are new daily. AMEN.

Scripture:

Psalm 69:16 – Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.

Observation:

The psalmist’s only response to the treatment by his enemies is to keep praying to God for his rescue. God’s love is unfailing and wonderful. The psalmist also seeks shelter and protection from God whose mercy abounds.

Application:

There are times I am facing and going to face where people are adversarial to me specifically when they know and don’t like that I am a believer. However, this psalm could be applied to any situation that has us mired where we feel like we are sinking. I must confess any sin I have and turn to God in continual prayer. The psalmist keeps praying and his prayer turns to praise. God’s love for us is the most powerful and it never fails. God demonstrated that love by sending Jesus to the cross in our place so we can have a relationship with Him. The cross is the greatest example of mercy and He continues to forgive us when we turn to Him in repentance. In our heavenly Father we can take refuge from whatever the enemy is trying to throw at us.

Prayer:

Father,
Thank you for your love and incredible mercy you have for me. Please let your Spirit lead me to be in continual, deliberate prayer and praise to you.

Scripture:

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Observation:

The Psalmist makes the declaration that all times are appropriate for him to bless the Lord. He clarifies that his way of blessing the Lord is to praise him with his lips.

Application:

If I were to write this psalm it would sound something like this, I will bless the Lord when I feel like it. Or I will bless the Lord when things go my way. In 20 years of following Jesus I still struggle to praise him in the most difficult times. I still struggle to keep his name on my lips and praise when life seems to be going in a different direction then I desire.

However I am challenged when I read the Psalmist because I realize his life was much more difficult than mine. Though he was a king and had many things that I do not have, he also experienced levels of pain that I pray I never experience. He experienced levels of deep failure and immense repercussions. However in the midst of the darkest moments of his life David praise God.

Furthermore the greatest example of this is Jesus himself. I’m quickly reminded of how Jesus praised the father throughout every moment of his life. Victory, difficulty, success, rejection. Through it all He worshipped.

A couple things…

Faith is grown in difficult times. With each tough time I am getting the chance to learn to trust Him and praise Him through it. I must not attempt to avoid difficulties but rather trust Him in the middle of them.

In the easy times of life, I must not forget Him. I can do that as well. I can get so distracted by living life, managing my time and pleasing people that I miss praising Him.

Prayer:

In good times and bad, in all times, it is appropriate to worship you. To praise you with my lips and my life. May I not forget this today.

Scripture:

Psalm 22:22 & 29 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.

v. 29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive.

Observation:

The Psalm is considered a Messianic Psalm due to its prophetic tones and thoughts that mirror Christ’s time on the cross and His resurrection.

In this Psalm, David reminds us that God in never far away and that he delivers us from death. David calls on believers to trust God as he did. David recognizes that by trusting God we will receive deliverance and will praise God for what He has done for us.

Application:

David knows that God delivered him and is not afraid to share the message. I should not be afraid to share the message, no matter what my circumstance is at any given time.

Also, I reminded that our God rules everything. We will all face God. We will all worship Him. People live and people die. Nations rise and fall. But God is constant. He remains forever and we have the chance to be with Him if we choose. I must live my life with long term goals not short term goals in mind.

Prayer:

Give me the strength, courage and attitude similar to the one displayed by David. Give me the confidence to share your word and live by the knowledge of your long term plans for me.

Scripture:

Vs. 2 “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you’.”

Vs. 4 “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.”

Vs. 8 “I have set the Lord always before me”

Vs. 9 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.”

Vs. 11 “You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy.”

Observation:

This is a beautiful acknowledgment of David that God is Lord.
And apart from God there is no good!
David sees sorrows multiply in people who try to live apart from God.
David knows from personal experience, however, that a fullness of joy is known in the presence of God!

Application:

There are really two ways for me to live.
I can say to the Lord, “You are my Lord!”
Or I can run after other things in the world … and inadvertently declare them “gods” in my life.
The different results of these two ways of living is striking:
A “fullness of joy” or “a multiple of sorrow”.
Interestingly, David speaks nothing of the circumstances of his life in these choices.
David’s only descriptions are “in Your presence” and “apart from You”.
So, this begs the question, “Am I experiencing sorrow or joy?”
If sorrow, then I need to ask myself if I am “running after other gods”.
Do I want to experience joy?
Then I must always “set the Lord before me”.
God will make this path known to me.
It is to his presence.
And in it there is a fullness of joy!

Prayer:

God be the Lord of my life!
Help me always set you before me.
Help me always be satisfied with your presence and not feel compelled to run after other things.
Thank you for showing me true joy is in you.
In Jesus name Amen.

Scripture:

Psalm 8:3-4 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Observation:

The psalmist looks around at all of creation and wonders why God cares about mankind. All creation is majestic, yet mankind is full of deceit, darkness and rebellion.

Application:

The behavior of man is not the reason that God is mindful of us. Instead God is mindful of mankind because we were created in His image. Though we have been tainted by the fall and though there is so much else in creation that God could spend his time and energy on, He chooses us. From the beginning he had a plan for us, a plan to redeem us, to reunite us to himself. God being mindful of us says more about Him than it says about our value. Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder. God chooses to value us.

A few things…

-Embrace Him because He cares for me. I shouldn’t waste any time running away from Him or distancing myself from Him. No one loves me like He does.

-Don’t be careless with my life. My time, talents, resources, even my own body is valuable and belongs to God.

-As a follower of Jesus, I need to value other people more than anything else in the world. I can’t pursue riches, success or satisfaction harder or more passionately than I pursue people in the name of Christ.

Prayer:

Wow. I don’t get why you value us so much, but you do. May I live like I am valuable and treat others as they are as well. May your love continually draw me closer to you.

Scripture:

John 19:11 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin

Observation:

Jesus is in the last days of his life. He knows his outcome and he knows the people that are fulfilling his fate. Even at the end of his life he is doing ministry. He is still choosing words with purposeful intent so that people may know the Father is and that he had sent him. These words to Pilate were intentional.

Application:

Having authority and leadership in the world is not earned by man yet given by God. Regardless of how hard we work the acclaim can never be to me or to my “achievements”. It has to he attested to the grace, love, and hand of God that has given me what I have. The authority of Pilate is only real because God gave him the authority. Now, what interesting is that just because I don’t acknowledge it from God doesn’t change the fact that it is from God. Pilate never stops and praises God for the authority, he actually takes him out for one more chance of freedom before turning him over. The realization for me that places me to my knees is two things;

1. My boss, my accountability partner, the one who gives all I have is God. My life must be in realization that my authority, power, and influence is given by God for God. I must diligently serve and love people so they know God. It’s from him anyways.

2. God must see something in me that he can use. This is humbling as I battle so much with feeling unworthy and useless. God loves me and loves people and my position and sole purpose in life is to show people that in my life and words. It’s given by God so I pray it all return to him through worship and salvation.

Prayer:

God forgive me for thinking it’s all about me and what I can do for you. Forgive me for my pride and selfishness. Help me realize all I had is from you and for you and lead my words, feet, and hands today for your Glory.

Scripture:

John18:8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”

Observation:

As Jesus is arrested he protects his disciples. Even in the most pressure filled and painful moment of Jesus’ life he constantly put other before himself.

Application:

I once heard it said that when your life is “squeezed” or under pressure, the character traits and behaviors that come out are who you really are. I find it so challenging that Jesus’ character was always selflessness and care for others under high pressure situations. Here in the garden and even hanging on the cross, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

Many days I am kind and selfless when all my needs are met. But I am the first to get hangry- (anger produced by hunger), annoyed at loud noises when I am trying to concentrate, or dismissive when I am bothered when watching an intense football game.

Honestly it is weak when I think about it.

-I must beg the Father

-look to the life of Christ and

-submit to the Holy Spirit

so that His peace flows from me and not my impatient and selfish self.

Prayer:

I want my life to look like yours Jesus.

Scripture:

 John 7:24 “Do not judge by appearances but judge with right judgment.” And v50 “Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before and who was one of them, said to them “Does our Law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?””

Observation:

These two verses don’t seem to have any correlation with each other. But imagining deeper perhaps they identify attitudes that I carry and should correct… What is “right judgment?” Isn’t this something I have continual issue with? How should I approach a subject like this? There are two words in the Greek that are generally translated “judgment”: Krisis and Krino. One is “judgment leading to condemnation” and the other is “evaluation.” Since “condemnation” is God’s province alone, I have to focus on “evaluation.” Wait a minute! My issue is slipping into condemnation. So: How do I cultivate “right judgment” (Krino) from wrong (Krisis)?

Application:

Once I became a Christian (many moons ago and today) it didn’t take long to start saying “You are wrong, I am right…”or some other variation on this theme-thumping my Bible. (True story: I have in my early years shopped for Bibles by the way it wiggled; being flexible as I shook it…) It is the occupational hazard of Christians. Our hearts want to lead us to be Pharisees. And if we pray “Father, make my heart soft and responsive to Your Spirit” we find ourselves in sinful conflict. Most times I am not even aware that I have become a “double minded man” and only vaguely aware that I have become “unstable” (Ja 1:8) Other times I bull my way through and do not “think with sober judgment” about myself (Ro 12:3) but have skewed judgment. What do I do to counter this? How do I press through as a faithful disciple? Paul lays this on us in a number of letters but is clear in Romans 12 “Do not be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Ro 12:2). What does this mean to me? It means: Replace the judgment that I have, driven by my worldly heart, with the Living Word of God-not only memorizing, but chewing, thinking, discussing, and praying over it and with it. I can’t covet my own ideas but must covet the Bible. It was said of Charles Spurgeon that if you cut him, he would bleed Bible. Do I want to be like that? You bet!
When I drop into Pharisee gear, I find myself taking over God’s prerogatives-in it a sinful, rebellious, and totally inappropriate place to be. I must remember: “There, but for the Grace of God, go I”, no matter who I face. This is embracing the Gospel. Such embrace starts with me.

Prayer:

Father, Please keep me from dropping into Pharisee gear; doubling down with my pride and superiority vs. someone else’s. Such is why the scariest verses in the Bible have to be Matt 7:21-23. May I declare Your goodness all of my days-help me in this because I am weak and fall continuously. Jesus: You love me (I don’t know why) and You care for me (I am underserving)-and I am grateful You do so. I will cherish this mystery all of my days. AMEN

Scripture: 
2nd Peter 3:1b: “In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember…v11b: “…what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness…” v16b-18a: “…There are some things in them (Paul’s letters) that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability-but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Observation:

Chapter 3 of 2nd Peter probably should not be taken out of context from Chapter 2. In chapter 2 Pete writes about teachers and doctrine to be aware of and chapter 3 continues but with a focus more on what to do about it…

Application:

Can we recognize unsound doctrine when presented? Always? Unless it is just blatant and hanging out there (“I don’t believe in God” as example) sometimes it is hard to identify-especially if subjectively defined words like “believe” are used. “I believe in God…I believe in Jesus…I believe that God is Love…” and etc. But-is this belief rooted and grounded in the descriptions provided in the Bible or is it just that spooky “believes” or “interprets” that most folks have-all feeling but nothing objective. False teachers “twist” scriptures and doctrine just enough that we can almost accept what they say but leaves us slightly uneasy and not sure enough to challenge. We can chalk it up to “interpretation” and other such things and let it go (thankful we have someone like Jason-overt brown-nosing here). So what does Peter direct us to do? Key words/phrases to pick up: Reminder; remember; “what sort of people ought you to be”; knowing; take care; “don’t lose your own stability”; and, Grow in Grace and Knowledge. I was reading the Gospel Coalition blog for 3/7/17-there was a book recommended: “Gospel Fluency…” by Jeff Vanderstelt. Whether this book is good or not is still to be discovered but the idea that I need to increase in Gospel Fluency is jolting. But it makes sense: How am I to recognize the twists and turns off sound doctrine if I am not fluent in knowing the Gospel and all of its facets? I don’t want to be caught being carried away by lawless people and becoming unstable, do I? How biblically ignorant am I comfortable with for myself? I encountered a pastor this week that said many right things but was on the fringe-nothing at all too gospel oriented-not too much that was outlandish. But something didn’t smell right. After the service I attended I asked him about what kind of Christian he was-looking for a label so I could quickly clue into what he may stand for. From there we spoke for about 30 minutes. I was grateful for the knowledge that the HS has been building in me and in parallel found myself ill equipped as well. As time goes on, false teachers will be slicker, not more transparent and we will need to have a well-trained mind for the Gospel to recognize them.

Prayer:

Father, Lord God: I am grateful for Your Care towards me and my family. That care extends to stirring my heart to “grow in knowledge of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grow in knowledge/grow in good works: Inseparable sides of the Coin of the Gospel. I ask for Your help in not being buried in either one or the other but to joyously and with intention dive into the riches of Your Grace also being ready to give a good account of the Hope that is in me. Focused on You for evermore.

Scripture:

2Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Observation:

Peter begins this letter to the believers by letting them know that even though he knew Jesus personally walked with him, talked with him and saw him after the resurrection, their face was as valid and was on equal standing with his.

Application:

 -Regardless of who you are or how you came to faith in Christ all of our faith is on equal ground.

-True godly leadership is defined by humility and buy a desire to see other believers succeed and find security in the relationship with Christ. If my influence consistently makes others feel less then, then my leadership is wrong.

-The security of our Christianity is found in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus not in our own abilities, behavior, or origin of how we came to know Jesus in the first place.

Prayer:

Father help me lead humbly and help me lead to other people to find security in their relationship with Christ. Thank you that we are all uncommon ground at the foot of the cross.

Scripture:

1 Peter 5:1-11 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Observation:

Peter describes life in the flock. Three things I noticed. 1. Life in flock includes leading (elders and leaders) and being led (flock, the church). 2. The flock is pursued by the enemy. 3. Life in the flock is temporary that leads to the eternal.

Application:

In the church there are leaders and those who follow. There aren’t spectators. There aren’t stagnant believers. There is an expectation that there is growth and movement. In my life I should be leading others and should be following those I look up to and admire. I also am being pursued by the enemy and his desire is to devour me. I shouldn’t mess with him and the stuff he tempts me with. Also in order to qualify for “struggling with sin”, I have to at least fight back every once in a while. Finally I must remember that this world is not my home. I should feel out of place here. I don’t need to waste my time and resources on trying to fit in here. Instead I should invest into eternity and into the kingdom.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for showing me what life in the flock looks like. Thanks for making me yours and calling me yours. I pray for strength to resist the devil as well as for clarity that this isn’t my home.

Scripture:

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation:

Peter is making it clear that behavior that occurred before accepting Christ is different than behavior after accepting Christ. The world lives according to earthly desires and they do not understand when a Christian does not live in the same manner. But, beyond a behavioral change, a heart change must occur. We won’t change our behavior until our heart changes.

We are to love each other and pray with an alert and sober mind. We are to speak and serve in a manner that praises God. It His voice, His breath and His strength that allows us to serve.

Application:

When I read this it really convicted me because as much as I know this to be true, I don’t always act in this manner. When I pray, I often pray in a lazy way. Like a check off a “to do” list. Or last minute. Waiting until something happens. My prayers are not always at the beginning of a journey but often in the middle or end. Prayer must be made in a way that honors God. Alert and Sober. As part of an on-going conversation and not just on an as needed basis.

I tell often tell people we “get” to serve, we don’t “have” to serve. But sometimes, that’s not how I feel. When I read the verse about serving, I immediately thought of our set-up and tear down team. It’s Friday evening. Often, I’m tired or I have other things I would prefer doing. It is monotonous. Set-up along with putting up the signs on Sunday morning is not a glamorous job. In fact, it can be quite frustrating for a variety of reasons. It’s a hard connection to make when you are setting up the den and all you want to do is go get something to eat or just about anything else on a Friday night. But, that fact of the matter is I have been slapped in the face every now and then to remind me of the importance of serving even in some of the most simple ways and most mundane areas. I know many people that have attended our services because they saw a sign. Several members have come to Christ because we set up an inviting environment and they felt welcomed. I am quickly re-reminded that I am not serving for myself but serving so that others can see Christ and come to know Him. I am also reminded constantly that the little things are important to Christ and I never know what will bring someone to step into the church.

Prayer:

Father, this verse serves as a great reminder that I am to serve with you in mind and through your strength. There are no little ways to serve you. It is all serving you to further your kingdom. May I never forget that.

Scripture:

1 Peter 3:9-10

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

Observation:

Peter is giving basic instructions for families and fellow believers.
He understands circumstances will sometimes be difficult and likely even suffering.
He also reiterates that it is not merely the natural circumstances of life we are up against, but something greater than that.
There is evil in the world.
When we encounter it we must be a blessing!
So many people often ask, “What is God’s calling on my life?”
Peter states plainly “BLESS, for to this you were CALLED”.

Application:

When I encounter unfortunate circumstances or difficulties or suffering… my natural inclination will be “fight or flight”.
Too often I may choose to ignore difficulty, or be “Pollyanna-ish”, in the hope that things “just work out” or “get better”. (i.e. flight)
But if I actually choose to engage the difficulty or the frustration or the cause of suffering I will often want to dominate it.
I will want to “win”. (i.e. fight)
Peter gives us a better way, a third option… BLESS!
How to handle a situation is not whether to engage or disengage.
The decision is BLESS!
If Peter says do this even when facing evil, it seems that this would be the option … always!
What does it look like? I suppose it will often look different, but Peter gives us direction of where to start.
Peter commences to write out psalm’s here. Perhaps my first and best option would be to do likewise… Pray!
The next best thing may well be to “keep my lips from speaking”.
I think if I keep my lips shut and my heart open in prayer, then God will guide me in the next step … the best way to bless.
Then I may “obtain the blessing” of “loving life and seeing good days”.
Do I want to obtain a blessing?
Then I should be a blessing!

Prayer:

Thank you again God for your word.
Help me be obedient to such simple and direct instruction.
Bless!
Help me see with your eyes where I should do this.
Today and every day.
In Jesus name,
Amen.

Scripture:

Peter 2:9-10

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Observation/Application:

Everything I have, everything I am, everything I have accomplished, everything in my life is a testament of God. It’s because he chose me, it’s because he made me his own . I belong to him. I am his slave. He did this not only to redeem me and keep me from an eternal separation from him but so that I can proclaim his excellencies to the world. That is what my life should “Sound” like. Nothing but a proclamation of him. Who took me out of darkness. He took me out, I didn’t get myself out. It is, was, and always will be all because of Jesus. I have nothing to boast in but the cross of Jesus.

Prayer:

Help me God be obedient. I need you. Keep my mouth from praising myself or man, but only you Jesus.