Nullified

Thus you nullify the Word of God by your tradition that you’ve handed down.

Mark 7:13

Jesus was speaking to some hypocrites who honor God with their lips, but whose hearts were far from Him (Mark 7:6; Isaiah 29:13). Their worship was in vain and their teaching was merely rules taught by men. Their traditions trumped the Word of God. They were held as more vital than God’s truth, although they would never say that. They would say that their traditions were how God’s Law was kept, but Jesus didn’t think so. He gave them an example and said that they nullified God’s Word, making it useless because of their traditions.

What place should the Word of God have? God’s Word is the trump card. It nullifies all other notions, ideas and traditions. Whenever there is not agreement, all other things submit to the Word of God. It has authority to speak and shape the thoughts of people. My thoughts. Through yielding to God’s Word I am submitting to the Lordship of Jesus in my life.

3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4

6All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the truth it holds. And thank You for Your Spirit that lives with me. Speak to my spirit and remind me of Your truth. I submit all of my traditions to the authority of Your Word.

And Lord, thank You for my beautiful daughter, Katie, as she turns 12 today. Thanks for the beauty of her heart! Thank You that she loves You and is ‘thirsty’ for the living water of Your Word. Bless and protect her this and every day, is my prayer. Amen!

Take Courage

Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Mark 6:50b

Jesus tells his disciples to not be afraid in a scenario where fear would be normal! He’s not saying not to fear because fear is unjustified. If you or I saw someone walking on water at midnight, fear would seize us too, wouldn’t it? I’m pretty sure… So in the midst of worrisome circumstances, don’t worry. Don’t fear. Why? Because Jesus is present. His Presence brings courage.

I need to not try and convince myself that difficult circumstances are not difficult. The are! It’s a battle at times, but I can be courageous because of Jesus.

When to Worship

2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.

Mark 4:26-29

David cried out for help… he cried out for mercy… and while he did this he worshipped the Lord God. God heard his cry and David was helped! And his response? Worship. ‘The Lord is my strength… give thanks to Him in song.’

I am ready to worship God when He has answered my prayers for help and mercy, but before then? Am I ready to worship, lifting my hands to His Most Holy Place, while crying out for help? Honestly, I am more focused on my ‘crying out’ than on the majestic God that I’m talking with. Worship can happen ‘pre-answer’ because of who God is! He is the Faithful One! Because He has proven Himself to by my strength and shield, I can worship in the middle of trouble and despair because I know He is leading me… and I know He will provide. “My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song…”

Mighty God, You are my shield, my strength, my fortress, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need. Whom have I in heaven but You? There is none I desire besides You! I will not be moved… and I’ll say of the Lord, You are my shield, my strength, my fortress, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need.

Great Quote: 3

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

- Alfred D'Souza

All By Itself

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

Mark 4:26-29

There is a touch of the divine in farming. Agriculturalists have learned how to better help things grow – mostly by removing the barriers to growth, but the seed in the ground, breaking open and spouting is still a mystery. God’s creative order…

Jesus said that the Kingdom of God was like this. There is a touch of the divine! How I grow spiritually in Christ is mysterious. How the church grows is largely non-quantifiable. If we remove the barriers for growth (thorns, weeds, etc.; vs. 1-20) and spread seeds – growth happens and we won’t exactly know how. It’s by the Spirit of God that the Kingdom of God grows.

Father, You are God of the universe; the King of heaven and earth! This is Your Kingdom. And while I believe that You receive glory through my careful study and hard work in Your Kingdom, it is You that mysteriously causes it to grow. “All by itself” the Kingdom of heaven grows in the hearts of people. This is by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Please direct me this day. Give me insight and courage to identify and remove any barrier that would hinder the growth of Your Kingdom, whether in my life, in the life of my family or the life of Your church. May I be good soil! May I be receptive to Your Word planted in my heart so that a crop of 30, 60 or even 100 times what was sown may be produced. All for your glory!

Bike Secrets

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer,
my judge,
keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn't know Him.

But later on
when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike,
and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.

When I had control,
I knew the way.
It was rather boring,
but predictable...
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains,
and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds,
it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious
and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life
and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
gifts of healing,
acceptance
and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.
He said, "Give the gifts away;
they're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did,
to the people we met,
and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him,
at first,
in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make t bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I'm learning to shut up
and pedal
in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view
and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

- author unknown

Looking Back

I've been thinking more about the devo from this morning. When I look back at my brief 38 years (I'm really quite young!), I see so many times when God was faithful and provided for me. He has blessed me way more than I deserve!

Sometimes looking backward helps the view forward.

My Shepherd

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3

David, the shepherd-king, knew what he was talking about. His reference to the nurturing, providing care of God is inspiring… if you don’t rip through this all too familiar chapter in the Bible.

I will admit the latent fear in my heart that I and my family won’t have enough. I am the provider, right? With mounting medical bills/costs and the growing expense of growing children… I think about it. Will we make it? Will we survive? What I really mean is will we thrive? When retirement comes will I be able to take that 16-day Mediterranean cruise? And if I can, will I be able to take Alisa with me? It would be awfully sad to leave her behind. ☺

I read the Psalm today and realize how sill my concerns are. The Lord is my Shepherd and the Shepherd of every little one in this home. I/We will not be in want! Sure, there will be plenty on the ‘wish list’ that goes unmet – of course! Our ‘wants’ are not the same as David’s ‘not be in want.’ He’s talking about going without basic provision. God will take care of us. He’s our Shepherd!

Paul wrote, And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Father, thank You for shepherding me and my household. Help me to relax in this truth and stop pursuing in my heart the provision/stuff of earth. You will provide. Lead me to green pastures and MAKE ME lie down - I am so apt not to! Lead me beside quiet waters. I honor You today as the only One who can restore my soul. No earthly thing or person can do that! Guide me today in Your paths of righteousness, for the glory of Your Name.

Idiot's Guide To Project Management

TWELVE GOLDEN RULES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS

1. Gain consensus on project outcomes
2. Build the best team you can
3. Develop a comprehensive viable plan and keep it up-to-date
4. Determine how much stuff is needed to get things done
5. Have a realistic schedule
6. Don't try to do more than can be done
7. Remember that people count
8. Gain the formal and on-going support of the leadership (stakeholders)
9. Be willing to change
10. Keep others informed of what you're up to
11. Be willing to try new things
12. Become a leader

The King of the Universe

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,

28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.

Psalm 22:27-28

Dominion belongs to the Lord. He rules over the nations. The Lord God is King of the universe! And we humans continually try to broker authority away from Him. We want to rule our lives instead of giving Him the honor that is due Him. We want to call the shots (doing what we want) and not yield to His will. Another word for this is sin… and it’s why we need a Savior.

God Almighty allows me to plan my days and do my work, but if I ever go on with out Him… if I pursue my pursuits without an eye toward the King of Heaven and with a heart that gives Him glory for who He is – I can quickly assume the throne of my universe. I am not the king! I am a servant in the Kingdom.

29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.

30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.

31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.

King of Heaven, You alone are worthy of honor because You alone have dominion over Your creation. You rule the nations! Rule over my heart and mind this day. I need Your help to serve You with joy. Remind me of the awesome privilege it is just to know you, as well as represent You to people I will come into contact with today. May they see You in me and not myself. This is my prayer this day.

Observances, Feasting, Rest and Worship

On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.

Leviticus 23:3, 7-8, 21, 25, 30-32, 35, 36, 39

The Feasts that God gave to Moses for His people included feasting and rest. Only one (Firstfruits) did not include a sacred assembly and the instruction to ‘do no regular work.’

God created us. He knows that we need special days to remember and celebrate. He knows we need holy days of observance. He knows we need rest. He knows the power of ‘doing no regular work’ in our lives. We need observances, feasting, rest and worship. Here in Leviticus God commands the Israelites to do these things.

Workaholism has always been a problem for people, I imagine, regardless of the century. The drive for production and profit consumes many. It’s common. Work is highly valued in the Scripture, but it cannot consume us. To always be working is not a life of worship. It is more likely a life of selfishness that doesn’t trust God to provide. It is a life not content with what God has provided, so it pursues more and more. It’s the anti-worship life. In my lifetime this culture has transitioned to a 24/7 work world. People expect to be able to access whatever they want or need whenever they want or need it. My children are growing up in this 24/7 culture and will not know any different… unless I teach them God’s way.

Acknowledging God as my Lord and living according to Hs Word will mean that observances, feasting, rest and worship will habitually be a part of my life. I am struck by the phrase ‘Do no regular work.’ To observe a Sabbath there are still things to be done, but this work is not to be my regular work. It is special work that creates an environment that has special and unique results: observances, feasting, rest and worship!

Father, You are Good and Your love endures forever! Thank You for providing a rich life for those who follow You. I can find my life in You, content with Your provision and rich with meaning and purpose. Lead me on in Your way this day.

Great Quote: 2

It takes about ten years to get used to how old you are.

- Unknown

Avoiding Customs

You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.

Leviticus 20:23, 26

Leviticus is staggering with the holiness of God. Most of the things that are unacceptable or detestable in God’s sight are understandable, for sure! The punishment is often shocking, however. God will not tolerate sin among His people.

Just like a fish doesn’t understand the concept of ‘wet’ (because it has never been dry!) we can be worldly because that’s the ‘atmosphere’ that we find ourselves in. The culture we live in is opposed to god and doesn’t even know it. How much of what is normal to us is abhorrent to our holy God?

When we hear the Good News and receive salvation – everything changes! We’ve gone from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light! We are now God’s chosen people. It seems right that God would say to us, His NT People, to not live according to the customs of this nation. We need to pursue holiness because He is holy! We belong to Him… we are to reflect Him. The character of Christ needs to increasingly become our own character.

Holy Father, I know that when I see You face to face I will fall on my face because of Your holiness. Thank You for the grace You give in Jesus… that I am able to approach You… how amazing! Thank You for Your patience with me. Please continue to chip away at me, removing from my life everything that is not of You… making me more like Jesus.

Examining The Scriptures

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts 17:11

Without question Paul’s knowledge and handling of the Scriptures was amazing. He was passionate… compelling… even so, the Bereans examined the Scriptures every day to see if what he was saying was true.

Every day!

Demonstrating The Joy

… he drew his sword and was about to kill himself… ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved? He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God.

Acts 16:27-34

The Philippian jailer asked what it took to be saved. How compelling is the gospel!? For him to become a Christ-follower as Paul and Silas were would mean that he too could wind up in jail, but not as the jailer! The Lordship of Jesus in his life might mean that he would be beaten at times and thrown into a dark prison. Why would he ask for that? Clearly Paul and Silas demonstrated something very appealing and compelling. This man went from the intent of suicide to the place of joy because he had come to believe in God.

My life in Jesus needs to be more compelling! Regardless of circumstances I need to praise God in full view of everyone. This contagious kind of faith will influence people as God would have. To lead people to joy, I need to have it! I need to demonstrate the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah wrote that the ‘joy of the Lord is your strength!’

Father, raise my eyes to the truth. Forgive me for quenching the Holy Spirit’s joy in my life and in the life of my family. Forgive me… help me… allow me to see and live by the truth. Thank You for the Gospel which is good news.

Restitution

He must make restitution for what he has failed to do in regard to the holy things…

Leviticus 5:14-16

God is the Holy One. When human beings sin against him, restitution must be made. Through the death of bulls, rams, goats and lambs which were place on the altar and offered as burnt sacrifices, atonement was provided for sinners.

I’ve noticed how Jewish people were always very concerned about getting all of their work done and getting home before the Sabbath began - even anal retentive about it. Well, no wonder! If they didn’t they would be breaking the 4th Commandment and death would be the result. Thankfully not their own death, but the blood of an animal would need to be shed. Atonement would not only be gory, but costly as well. I wonder if the priests grew tired of slicing the throats of animals. I wonder if the constant shedding of blood smelled. Did it bother them? And yet this was what was required for people to be forgiven by their holy God – who cannot co-exist with sin.

Restitution to this Holy Being is important for every person. It’s important for me! I pray that the gory and costly sacrifice that God the Father provided for me is never taken for granted! The blood of Jesus makes restitution for my sins against God. Jesus provided atonement for all who believe in Him. May the thought of His sacrifice move me to avoid sin at every turn on every day.

Father, I praise You for the gift You gave in Jesus, Your Son. You provided the Lamb who has removed my sin, making restitution for me. What a gift! My life is lived for You, now, as an expression of worship and thanks. I am so grateful… Thank You!

When Done, Dead

[God] testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'

"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.

Acts 13:22, 36

David had a heart for God. He listened and obeyed God’s voice. When he was done, he died.

I want to be a man like David, of course. “A man after God’s own heart” is a fabulous commendation! This is my time to do it. This is my life. This day… this week… this is it. Waiting for life to begin is a common feeling, but it is deceitful. As you wait for life to begin, it passes you by. How ironic. I have this life to live for God; to extend His Kingdom; to create a legacy of godliness in this generation. And when my run at this life is over, I’ll die. Just like David did. The next life will be eternal and entirely better, but the opportunity to help lost and hurting people find Jesus will be done. Eternity will be bliss because God’s very Presence will be present in all His fullness – and He wants me to bring as many people as possible to experience it. This is my life. This is my run at it – to serve God’s purposes in my generation… to be a man after God’s own heart… and when my run is done, I’ll be gone. They’ll bury my body and hopefully have nice things to say about my contribution. With a life well lived I’ll hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Father, I need Your help and direction in being a servant who is faithful and good.

Great Quote

A vision without a task is but a dream; a task without a vision is drudgery; a vision and a task is the hope of the world.

- From a church in Sussex, England, c. 1730 A.D.