NorthStar Community Daily Devotional: December 2008

Day 1 – Happy First Day

Scripture focus: So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:2 The Message

Today, like every new day, is an opportunity to make a new beginning. I have a note in my brand new calendar to slow down enough each day to raise my awareness of its freshness and rejoice in the privilege of having the day to waste or redeem.

I am coming to believe that I don’t have to wait until next Monday to go on a diet, or another New Year to turn over a new leaf, or my life circumstances to improve for me to experience contentment.

Each morning, I can wake up and say….

This is an ordinary day of an ordinary life…and Lord, I place it before you.

It’s my offering to you, Father, to take my sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life and commit it to you.

Is an entire day too much commitment? No worries- I can give myself permission to start with the first hour of the day and see where it leads. During this hour, I embrace God. After two sleepless nights, I didn’t have the confidence this morning to believe I could last an hour in such an aware and alert state. So I chose to embrace a minute, and one minute led to two and finally thirty whole minutes. During that time I disciplined my heart and mind to only think of the true things I know about God and my true, God-created identity. I didn’t allow for time to analyze or dissect or attempt to understand my foibles and frailties. Worrying can happen anytime – but not during this sacred time.

I can’t explain why or how this time changes the other minutes of my day. It’s a mystery.

Lord, I pray that each of us will allow you to transform our ordinary days into extraordinary adventures as we live our lives guided by your light. Amen

Tomorrow we’ll explore a different kind of day.

Recommended reading: Genesis 1 - 3

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Days 365 and 366 – Year at a Glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one. Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing! — came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out. There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light. The Life-Light was the real thing: every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn't even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn't want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten. The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John pointed him out and called, "This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word." We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, this endless knowing and understanding—all this came through Jesus, the Messiah. No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day…. The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I've been talking about, 'the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.' I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God." John clinched his witness with this: "I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, 'The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' That's exactly what I saw happen, and I'm telling you, there's no question about it: This is the Son of God." The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb." The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, "What are you after?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" He replied, "Come along and see for yourself." They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah" (that is, "Christ"). He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" (or Peter, which means "Rock"). John 1, selected verses, The Message

You have completed three hundred sixty six days of daily devotedness. It is my prayer that God has changed your name, just as he transformed Peter. I pray that you’ve found your way back to God in new and profound ways. May you become your true, God-created identity – in all its fullness, in the days, weeks, months and years ahead!

Recommended reading: Malachi 3 and 4 in the morning; Revelation 22, Psalm (131-150…whoops) in the evening…just kidding!! You’ve already read Psalms once this year! Relax! See you in 2009!

Day 364 – No Small Thing

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Your flip and callous arrogance in these things bothers me. You pass it off as a small thing, but it's anything but that. Yeast, too, is a "small thing," but it works its way through a whole batch of bread dough pretty fast. So get rid of this "yeast." Our true identity is flat and plain, not puffed up with the wrong kind of ingredient. The Messiah, our Passover Lamb, has already been sacrificed for the Passover meal, and we are the Unraised Bread part of the Feast. So let's live out our part in the Feast, not as raised bread swollen with the yeast of evil, but as flat bread—simple, genuine, unpretentious. I wrote you in my earlier letter that you shouldn't make yourselves at home among the sexually promiscuous. I didn't mean that you should have nothing at all to do with outsiders of that sort. Or with crooks, whether blue or white-collar. Or with spiritual phonies, for that matter. You'd have to leave the world entirely to do that! But I am saying that you shouldn't act as if everything is just fine when a friend who claims to be a Christian is promiscuous or crooked, is flip with God or rude to friends, gets drunk or becomes greedy and predatory. You can't just go along with this, treating it as acceptable behavior. I'm not responsible for what the outsiders do, but don't we have some responsibility for those within our community of believers? God decides on the outsiders, but we need to decide when our brothers and sisters are out of line and, if necessary, clean house. 1 Corinthians 5:6-13 The Message

I’m kind of old - old enough to notice trends in recovery and relapse. One of the trends I notice when any of us are heading down the slope of relapse is an increased commitment to calling big things “small.” For example, early on in the recovery process, there is a big commitment to faithfully “working a program.” How we structure our programs may look different for different people.

Over time, when good things start to happen, and the “heat” of consequences begins to cool – sometimes our commitment to wellness cools as well. Some of the practices and disciplines begin to slip. I won’t get into the specifics – but you know what I mean, don’t you? We know what it feels like to be committed to health. And we know what it feels like to slip down the slippery slope of relapse – one small decision at a time.

So here’s my advice for today: be careful what you call small.

God has big plans for us; we’re going to need a big heart. We can’t get from here to there minimizing our inclinations and predispositions to live life trying to get our own way all the time.

Recommended reading: Malachi 1 and 2 in the morning; Revelation 21 and Psalm 130 in the evening

Day 363 – Messy Community

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: I also received a report of scandalous sex within your church family, a kind that wouldn't be tolerated even outside the church: One of your men is sleeping with his stepmother. And you're so above it all that it doesn't even faze you! Shouldn't this break your hearts? Shouldn't it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn't this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with? I'll tell you what I would do. Even though I'm not there in person, consider me right there with you, because I can fully see what's going on. I'm telling you that this is wrong. You must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on its own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it in the authority of Jesus our Master. Assemble the community—I'll be present in spirit with you and our Master Jesus will be present in power. Hold this man's conduct up to public scrutiny. Let him defend it if he can! But if he can't, then out with him! It will be totally devastating to him, of course, and embarrassing to you. But better devastation and embarrassment than damnation. You want him on his feet and forgiven before the Master on the Day of Judgment. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 The Message

Ouch! Paul packs a punch with some tough talk about unrepentant sin. I’m not a big fan of public scrutiny and humiliation, harsh interventions, blaming and shaming. But here are a few of Paul’s points that I believe all healthy communities can and should embrace:

* Relapse should break our heart.

* Losing our place in the story, trying to live life getting our own way all the time, results in poor decision making and dare I say it? Sinning. (Sin – living life independently of God.)

* It is unloving to ignore a person and their conduct when they stumble. We can discuss, even argue, about what it means to be an effective helper – but we should at least be wrestling with how to help!

* Hoping that it just goes away – is called denial; it doesn’t work.

* Communities need to respond when one among them is hurting. Secrets and hiding are bad. How to respond - that’s the question that we wrestle with in humility and prayer.

* Regardless of how a community chooses to respond – the goal is always restoration. Paul reminds us of this ultimate goal when he says, “You want him on his feet and forgiven before the Master on the Day of Judgment.” Keeping this goal in mind may help us decide our next right step.

Recommended reading: Zechariah 14 and Psalm 128 in the morning; Revelation 20 and Psalm 129 in the evening

Day 362 – Attitude is a big deal

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life. So how should I prepare to come to you? As a severe disciplinarian who makes you toe the mark? Or as a good friend and counselor who wants to share heart-to-heart with you? You decide. 1 Corinthians 4:19-21 The Message

Yesterday’s devotional challenged each of us to consider our need for change and transformation. It wasn’t stated exactly in those words – but that certainly was the implication. When we realize that we’ve got stuff left to learn and tools we need to acquire in order to live a satisfying life – how we approach this growth opportunity is key.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul is a spiritual mentor to a group of people we can all relate to – they also need to make some adjustments. He’s fueled with the knowledge that living life God’s way holds promise and potential – an empowered life.

But he’s also aware that his students have shown some reluctance to follow his lead. And maybe he’s a touch frustrated.

So in the spirit of the advice-giving mood I find myself in – can I shout out a word of support for sponsors, spiritual mentors, teachers, spiritual guides, parents, and counselors – and their sponsees? If you’ve enlisted the support of a community of people to guide you in the transformation process – a move that I applaud as both wise and courageous – then this message is for you.

No one accepts your ask for help without some personal cost. Someday, as you strengthen your own recovery muscles, you’ll understand – because I have no doubt that you too will follow in their footsteps. Whether you are mentor or mentee – a good attitude makes the process so much more pleasant, even a joy!

So, for the helpers of the world – if you get too tired to help – take a timeout. No one needs a grumpy mentor!

If you are currently a helpee – please try to remember to express appreciation to your helper. If you don’t think your helper is helping – stop asking for help from them!!! Trust me, they’ll appreciate it that you are respecting their time too. It’s very hard to receive advice and act on it. It’s impossible if the listener goes into the experience without trust in the advisor. It’s perfectly okay, even acceptable and wise – to find an advisor that is a good fit for you.

In all things remember this: God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life.

Recommended reading: Zechariah 12 and 13 in the morning; Revelation 18 and Psalm 127 in the evening

Day 361 – No Spoiled Brats

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: I'm not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself. This is why I sent Timothy to you earlier. He is also my dear son, and true to the Master. He will refresh your memory on the instructions I regularly give all the churches on the way of Christ. 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 The Message

…there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up.
Bad dads, bad parents are easy targets. I must admit, some of the parenting stories I hear curl my hair and turn my stomach. We’ve discussed lots of things this year to help us heal from the wounding and offenses of poor parenting – even abusive parenting.

I don’t want to close out this year worrying about what went wrong (even though plenty has). I want us to think ahead. Just because some have not had the best parenting role models in the world – and others have had downright bad ones – doesn’t mean there is no hope.

We can become the kind of parent we wished for when we were kids. This is going to require hard work. We’re going to have to increase our consciousness of our own hurts, habits and hang-ups. Without intentionally working through the junk in our own trunk, we may be willing to improve as parents – but we wil lack some key abilities to follow through and actually accomplish that dream.

As we turn our attention to a New Year, I’m in an advice-giving mood. Please indulge me!

If I could offer one word of encouragement and comfort – it would be this – sometimes we don’t realize what we don’t know, recognize what we truly need, or possess the tools, techniques, and skills to live our big dreams. We must face these hard truths with courage.

Ultimately, recovery is always a God thing. May we all find the willingness, humility and courage to face our own limitations even as we rejoice in the complete sufficiency of Holy God.

Recommended reading: Zechariah 10 and 11 in the morning; Revelation 18 and Proverbs 31 in the evening

Day 360 – Top of the World Does Not Mean Everything Is Peachy

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: It seems to me that God has put us who bear his Message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We're something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We're the Messiah's misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, "God bless you." When they spread rumors about us, we put in a good word for them. We're treated like garbage, potato peelings from the culture's kitchen. And it's not getting any better. 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 The Message

No wonder servant leaders need big hearts!

Read and reread the focus passage for today – and then count the cost of pursuing God’s big dreams for you. If we think that being on the top of the world in the kingdom of God means having the world worship and serve us – forget about it!

I’m thrilled to know that all of this is included in the satisfying life. It helps us not get confused when our circumstances seem bad and we begin to doubt our decision made in step three.

Recommended reading: Zechariah 9 and Psalm 125 in the morning; Revelation 17 and Psalm 126 in the evening

Day 359 – Top of the world

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle. Without bringing either Apollos or me into it, you're sitting on top of the world—at least God's world—and we're right there, sitting alongside you! 1 Corinthians 4:7-8

One of the beautiful gifts we receive when we stop comparing and competing is the gift of gratitude.

When we aren’t compelled to try to squeak out credit and congratulations for ourselves, we’re free to appreciate and acknowledge the true giver of all good gifts.

We already have all we need.

We already have more access to God than we can handle.

We’re sitting on top of the world – at least God’s world -

What great news for those of us currently living in uneasy economic times! I pray that we will grow in our appreciation for such unmerited favor and gracious provision. We sit on top of the world. Amen!

Recommended reading: Zechariah 8 and Psalm 124 in the morning; Revelation 16 and Proverbs 30 in the evening

Day 358 - Restraint

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: So don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God. All I'm doing right now, friends, is showing how these things pertain to Apollos and me so that you will learn restraint and not rush into making judgments without knowing all the facts. It's important to look at things from God's point of view. I would rather not see you inflating or deflating reputations based on mere hearsay. 1 Corinthians 4:5-6 The Message

In a few days, some of us will take some time, evaluate the old year and establish some new goals for the year ahead. New Year’s Day is always a fourth step day for me (if you don’t understand what that means, check out the twelve step information available at www.northstarcommunity.com).

I get overwhelmed if I become too focused on my inner motives, purposes and prayers. I get in big trouble when I give a single thought to the motivations, purposes and prayers of others. But here’s what I can do. I can deliberately seek to look at things from God’s point of view. It kind of keeps it all in perspective for me.

It’s my prayer that each of us set 2009 as a banner year for learning more about who God is and what he’s up to in my heart, community and world.

Recommended reading: Zechariah 6 and 7 in the morning; Revelation 15 and Psalm 123 in the evening

Day 357 - Leadership

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Don't imagine us leaders to be something we aren't. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God's most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don't even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I'm not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn't mean much. The Master makes that judgment. 1 Corinthians 4:1-4

We’re concluding a year of devotional studies where we’ve repeatedly returned to this point: how indeed do we grow big hearts during challenging times? Little did we know at the start of the year that our economy would tank with such a fury. Few suspected on January first of 2008 that their investments may be lost, or their jobs eliminated. This has been a good year to grow a big heart.
While our hearts are growing, they’re also equipping us for leadership. Using today’s focal passage, let’s take a look at the qualifications of a leader from Paul’s perspective.

* A decent leader is a servant of Christ; he/she follows the Master, and imitates his ways.

* Historically, religious leaders of Jesus’ day acted not as spiritual guides, but as guardians of political and social power. No more of that nonsense – according to Paul. Leaders in the kingdom of God learn how to be servants of all.

* Good guides are reliable and acquire accurate knowledge.

* Effective spiritual leaders must care more about what God thinks than garnering popular opinion. Spiritual leadership is a sacred trust.

* Paul is a big believer in ditching the typical urge to compare and compete with each other. What freedom and opportunity! We can pull for each other rather than wrestle among ourselves – but don’t miss the subtle warning either. We do have a heavenly supervisor who assesses our progress.

Books have been written instructing us about the nature of effective servant leadership. For sure – decent leaders will need a big heart. And, if I can add my two cents worth, the best way to lead like Jesus is to do so from a position of quiet strength, built on the firm foundation of personal life satisfaction. If we can’t figure out what it means to live satisfactorily as kids of The King – it seems to me that it will be almost impossible to cheer our fellow sojourners on along their own pilgrimage.

Recommended reading: Zechariah 4 and 5 in the morning; Revelation 14 and Psalm 122 in the evening

Day 356 – Week 52 – The gift of frustration

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: But for right now, friends, I'm completely frustrated by your unspiritual dealings with each other and with God. You're acting like infants in relation to Christ, capable of nothing much more than nursing at the breast. Well, then, I'll nurse you since you don't seem capable of anything more. As long as you grab for what makes you feel good or makes you look important, are you really much different than a babe at the breast, content only when everything's going your way? When one of you says, "I'm on Paul's side," and another says, "I'm for Apollos," aren't you being totally infantile? Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God's house. Using the gift God gave me as a good architect, I designed blueprints; Apollos is putting up the walls. Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you'll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won't get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn't, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won't be torn out; you'll survive—but just barely. You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple. Don't fool yourself. Don't think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God's fool—that's the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It's written in Scripture, he exposes the chicanery of the chic. The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls. I don't want to hear any of you bragging about yourself or anyone else. Everything is already yours as a gift—Paul, Apollos, Peter, the world, life, death, the present, the future—all of it is yours, and you are privileged to be in union with Christ, who is in union with God. 1 Corinthians 3

Ahhh…the gift of clarity. I love how Paul is so real. I appreciate how he tells the truth about his feelings and even about his frustration with the messiness of the spirit-filled life. I wonder if someone wrote back and said something like this to Paul. “Well, yeah, we’re frustrated with you, too, Mister! Sometimes we think the way you get all emotional and call us names –like referring to us as babies – that hurts our feelings! A fine example you’re setting! In fact, I think your last letter was downright….unspiritual – so there!” And if that happened, I suspect Paul might have responded. “Hey, my bad. You’re right!” That’s what I love about growing old. We begin to realize that the difference between unspiritual and spiritually-minded is sometimes a good night’s sleep and a dose of dark chocolate. God’s exposing the chicanery of the chic isn’t about driving the heathens out of the temple – mostly it’s about helping us realize when we’re acting like heathens while calling ourselves spiritual! Think about it – who among us cares what Paul has to say, unless we desire to live a spiritually alert life? Exposing shoddy building isn’t the same thing as saying God no longer loves us. It’s merely pointing out where we need to improve our game. That’s helpful. In 2009 we’ll begin a new year. I’m ready for a fresh start on my own personal renovation of the heart. How about you?

Recommended reading: Zechariah 3 and Psalm120 in the morning; Revelation 13 and Psalm 121 in the evening

Day 355 – Week 51 at a glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: See how great he [God] is – infinite, greater than anything you can imagine or figure out. Job 36:26

This week we’ve read the “prequel” to the Christmas story by reading Isaiah 53. What a story!

We’ve thought the parent/child relationship.

We’ve reminded ourselves of how God sees us.

We took a moment and paused to consider unspirituality. I’ve previously thought of that as a state of disinterest in all things spiritual. I guess, if I were being honest, I would have judged the lady with the furs and glittery jewelry and perhaps wondered if she was unspiritual. I would have been remiss in doing so. Unspiritual in a sense is not disinterest so much as it is a limitation. It’s the inability to hold onto the gifts of the Spirit.

This is a new thought for me. One I want to go off and ponder. All of a sudden, I can empathize with the beautiful young woman. I, too, have experienced times of unspirituality. It doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God. But it seems to me that there are times when I’ve been either unwilling or unable to simply believe God. There’s a difference.

We’re entering our last week of daily devotionals. We’ve made it through 356 days! You rock!

Recommended reading: Zechariah 1 and 2 in the morning; Revelation 12 and Psalm 119 in the evening

Day 354 - Unspirituality

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 The Message

Yesterday we remembered how much God loves all his sheep. But today, we are reminded about the fly in the ointment. We can only access God’s Spirit through an alert Spirit within ourselves. An “unspiritual self” – by its very nature – can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. Now, I don’t pretend to understand all that this means. It’s like pornography, I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it (not that I look…). There’s something about an unconscious, unspiritual self – that makes it impossible to comprehend what God is up to.

I have had seasons of unspirituality that send shivers down my spine when I remember back to them. These were times when I honestly thought people who believed in God were silly. I had no capacity for understanding spiritual things.

And I was miserable. For me – and this is just me and my experience – the unspiritual self is an empty shell. In hindsight, I have come to believe that I was created to be a receptacle of God’s gifts. In a way, I think of myself as a recycling bin – empty, not too attractive and sometimes downright stinky – but serviceable and even noble once I discover my place in God’s story. As a recycling bin – I may not be as beautiful as an orchid or smell like a rose – but I have a purpose that helps other people live well. And that’s good enough; on days when my God-vision goggles are firmly attached – I even think it’s awesome!

So if our unspirituality prevents the receiving of the gifts of God – that’s not so good. And it’s true – no one can fully know all that God has in his mind. But the great news is this – Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit. In the NIV translation, scripture says we have the mind of Christ.

One more thought – I also believe that is it very difficult to stay unspiritual. It’s simply too uncomfortable. So be of good cheer, my friends. Spiritual liveliness is at hand – it’s available and we are eligible for a Christmas bonus. Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit. God is in the business of delivering the gift of Christ to his sheep – red, yellow, black and white – all his sheep, whether spiritual or not-quite-there-yet – are precious in his sight. May you find your bliss this holiday season in unexpected places!

Recommended reading: Haggai 1 and 2 in the morning; Revelation 11 and Proverbs 29 in the evening

Day 353 – Prosperity in the Biblical Sense

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: And God's plan will deeply prosper through him. Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins. Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly— the best of everything, the highest honors— because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep. Isaiah 53:11-12, The Message

Are you a black sheep? I’m not. In my family, I’m definitely not that sheep. I’m more the compliant sheep who keeps telling those black sheep they need to get with the program! Do you know any black sheep? Sure you do – there’s one in every family, right? And here’s the most amazing thing about counting sheep and calling attention to color – Jesus came to take up the cause of all the black sheep. Do you remember the old song you learned as a child – “Jesus loves the little children, all the little children of the world. Red, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” But it is those old curmudgeonly black sheep whose cause he takes up! I’ve been telling you – everything in the kingdom of God is bassakwards to the kingdom according to men. Kind of makes you want to rethink the performance trap, doesn’t it?

We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it— what God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Whoever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way. 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 The Message

During the Christmas season, aren’t little children told that Santa brings gift to the good, and coal to the naughty? Whoever heard of a God who throws around grace and mercy all willy nilly – allowing it to spill on the good and the bad, the righteous and the unrighteous, the good compliant sheep or those naughty black sheep. In the kingdom of God – no man or woman has to approach the throne of grace with fear and trembling, hoping they’ve been good enough to get a stick of candy or piece of fruit in their proverbial stocking. In the economy of God, there is plenty of prosperity - because true riches come straight from heaven and are plopped into our heart - eagerly given with the anticipation that we’ll know what to do with all this good fortune. God trusts us to carry this message of hope, so freely given and eagerly received, and pass it on to the next person in line. I pray that during this holiday season, we’ll be the kind of children who show gratitude to all the sheep in our family – hoping for the best that God has to offer, without expectation of the form or content of his amazing grace.

Recommended reading: Zephaniah 1 and 2 in the morning; Zephaniah 3 and Revelation 10 in the evening

Day 352 – Divine Revelation

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on him, on him. He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn't say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. Justice miscarried, and he was led off— and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people. They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, even though he'd never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn't true. Still, it's what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life. Isaiah 53:4-10 The Message

As we approach the holiday season, it’s awesome to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. But the event is made all the sweeter when we understand the significance of not only his birth – but his life, and ultimately his death and resurrection too. A few years ago our family shoved into the crowded pews of our church’s traditional Christmas Eve Service. As usual, it was packed. I find Christmas Eve and Easter services particularly interesting times to go to church. It’s during those services that “traditional” places in the pew get usurped by visitors. People visiting family from out of town, or perhaps others attracted to the special occasion – show up and sit in seats usually reserved for the “regulars.” Truth be told, I think most regulars are thrilled to share. On this particular Christmas Eve, we had a really big clan gathering, so we took up one pew and then some. A couple of our smallest family members eased into the sliver of space remaining in the pew in front of us. This shift placed an extremely attractive woman right in front of me. Sparkling with jewels, decked from head to toe in what had to be real fur, she was a sight to behold! Her beauty was only marred by one slight flaw of imperfection – her nonverbals - all of which told the tale of reluctant attendance at a worship service that obviously bored her. She fidgeted and plucked, fiddled with her fur and twisted her pearls. She poked at her hair and studied her shoes. She glared at the young man who had obviously brought her, and kept pointing at her watch in exasperation. And I had to conclude – if I hadn’t know the whole story, if someone had just plopped me down in a pew in the middle of some kid’s birthday who I didn’t even know – maybe I too would have been bored.

So before we set out mangers on our lawn or attend worship services or sing carols or stuff stockings in remembrance of him or give to the needy or throw food into a donation bin – read the whole story. Start at the prequel. Remember why he came. As we celebrate the birth of this child, let’s remember that his birth inadvertently resulted in the slaughter of a bunch of other babies. His life was blessed but it wasn’t without suffering. His mission was clear but his journey was not easy. His success was assured but that didn’t make him popular among his people. And once the context is set, it isn’t so hard to squeeze into an unfamiliar pew to hear the same old songs and remember one more time how Joseph and Mary ended up without reservations at a swanky resort hotel and ended up birthing the Son of God in a pen full of smelly barnyard animals.

Recommended reading: Habakkuk 1 and 2 in the morning; Habakkuk 3 and Revelation 9 in the evening

Day 351 – Proud Papa

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. Isaiah 53:2-3 The Message

I was sitting in my ob-gyn’s office listening (ok, I was eavesdropping) to a fascinating conversation about genetic engineering. Next to me sat a young couple who were preparing their list of questions for the doc. Evidently, the husband was exceedingly curious about how to make a boy baby. I tried very hard not to laugh out loud. I also felt very old.

Twenty six years ago our first born daughter was born; a few years later our second born son arrived. A lot of years later we received our third gift – another boy. Would we have predicted that our daughter would be as fascinated by all things sports related as her father? Could we have projected into the future, knowing that one day she would follow in her daddy’s footsteps with a knack for numbers? And what about that boy baby – who would have known that late at night, he and I sit up and talk about how to increase our effectiveness at getting out the message of hope to hurting people? Who would have known that one day he would travel all the way across the country to sit at the feet of men and women who have forgotten more stuff about our particular spiritual passions than either one of us may ever learn? And what about that baby? Who could have predicted the joy his presence would have brought into our “perfect” little family of four – two parents, one boy and one girl – the ability with two to play man-on-man defense. Once that third one arrived – it was all about learning how to play zone! This young couple doesn’t get it. Sons and daughters are not determined by X or Y chromosomes or even DNA. Sons and daughters are born out of shared passions, values, and common interests. Sometimes the best way to create family is to choose who you want to live with you in your hut. I love my families – those born into, those married into, and those picked simply because we could. But in none of these families, would the average Joe think to pick a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant out of parched field…except for maybe Charlie Brown…or someone in possession of a sturdy pair of God-vision goggles! If I hadn’t lost my nerve, I would have told this young couple that they may have big dreams now about hair and eye color, gender preferences, and unique talents. They may dream of birthing a prodigy in music, or a math whiz, or even an athlete of Olympian proportions. But on the day they receive their bundle of joy – none of that will matter. If they’ve got a lick of sense, they’ll love their baby whether born the “standard way” or presented as a gift from God in a more untraditional fashion. They won’t care if the baby is strapping or scrawny, black or white, musical or not, fast or slow, smart or not quite able to memorize the eighteen times tables by the time he (or she) is six. Oh no – when you are given the gift of a child – the world may never take a second look – but you, as a parent, will never ever be able to tear your eyes away. The world may pass them over, but you’ll have a very hard time letting them go. If they feel pain, we’ll feel it worse. Others may look down on them, but a parent can’t help but look up – praising God for the miraculous gift of life and the wonderful privilege of caring for one of his kids for awhile. Just so you don’t forget – I want you to remember rightly – as a kid of The King – this is how proud God is of you – his baby. Maybe that’s why Jesus came wrapped in such a strange package – to remind us of our value to God, even if we fail to measure up to the standards of this world. May you see yourself as God does – and marvel at his handiwork!

Recommended reading: Nahum 1 and 2 in the morning; Nahum 3 and Revelation 8 in the evening

Day 350 – Week 51 – Who Woulda Thunk?

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this? Isaiah 53:1 The Message

Who indeed would have thought it would turn out like this! God turns everything right-side-up; but to us, it seems as if everything is turned upside-down! We’ve been trained in the ways of this world, where the strong prevail. He who runs the fastest wins the prize. The prettiest garner the most attention. The brightest stars lead the way. The smartest cookies receive the most respect. With this education as our backdrop, it’s easy to understand why we confuse success and satisfaction. Based on all our earthly training – don’t we all assume that in order to experience satisfaction, we darn well better succeed?

This isn’t the way it is in the kingdom of God. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite.

You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 The Message

In a world that relies on impression management, it’s kind of refreshing to realize that God doesn’t need magic tricks or illusions to get our attention. In 1 Corinthians, Paul commentates not only on his personal limitations; he reminds us that even the life of Jesus can be shared in a plain and simple fashion. Jesus is the son of God – he is who he is, and he did what he did – Jesus crucified.

The story is so plainly presented; it’s easy to miss the real deal.

God’s not asking us to become fearless Prince and Princess Warriors with a smooth repertoire and a sterling reputation. He’s the kind of God who takes mere mortals, men and women with very squishy clay feet, and he performs miracles in and through and with them. Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?

I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 The Message

I know that most of us have spent a lot of time trying to figure out the secret code to the satisfying life. Guess what? There isn’t one, nor is there a secret handshake, or a magic potion, or an elite club. In order to live with consistent life satisfaction – each of us must make a decision to live as sons and daughters of God. This means, learning from Jesus the unforced rhythms of grace. I know that we’re used to everything being hard and competitive and dog-eat-dog. I also understand how hard it is to lay aside years of pre-programming. All I ask is that you think about it. Which sounds better to you – compete to win and crash if you don’t? Or learn the unforced rhythms of grace? One simple decision – all that’s required.

Recommended reading: Micah 4-6 in the morning; Micah 7 and Revelation 7 in the evening

Day 349 – Week 50 at a Glance

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Perhaps the best way to sum up this week, is to look intently into God’s word….

Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this? The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on him, on him. He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn't say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. Justice miscarried, and he was led off— and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people. They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, even though he'd never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn't true. Still, it's what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life. And God's plan will deeply prosper through him. Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins. Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly— the best of everything, the highest honors— because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep. Isaiah 53, The Message

Maybe the Old Testament does still have a few insights to offer us modern-day folk…

Recommended reading: Micah 1 and 2 in the morning; Micah 3 and Revelation 6 in the evening

Day 348 – God’s Timeless Truths

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: When the eighth day arrived, the day of circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived. Luke 2:21 The Message

I was having a discussion with a group of strangers about the study of scripture. A couple of people thought it was a great idea to read the bible on a regular basis. One guy thought it was a big waste of time. His perspective is that God reveals himself in other ways – a point I agree with – and so why read a book as old as the bible? A lady standing nearby chimed in and suggested that perhaps reading the New Testament was a good idea – but the Old Testament was way too outdated to be of any consequence in today’s modern times.

Although I agree that God is quite capable of communicating with us in various ways and at any time he sees fit – for me, the daily reading of scripture is a spiritual discipline that I’m not willing to abandon. I also happen to think that there is value in the studying of both testaments – old and new.

I admit it – some of those Old Testament books require some fortitude to get through. But even in them, I have found some priceless gems. I particularly love how the Old Testament kind of paves the way for the reader to truly appreciate the New Testament.

It’s really amazing to think that the birth of Christ was predicted many years prior to his conception.

So as you’re thinking about how you’re going to spend your time in ’09, I want to throw something out there for your consideration. To fully appreciate a sentence like when the eighth day arrived, the day of circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived – sometimes it helps to know the history behind the fulfillment of this event.

It’s my prayer that we will each be filled with a thirst for more….more information, knowledge, discernment and wisdom. I pray that we will hunger and thirst for more than solutions to our current dilemmas – I pray that we acquire an unquenchable need to know God better. I pray that we seek to know what he knows (as much as he’s willing to tell us at least), and love what he loves. I pray that we care about the things God cares about, and nurture the things God wants to flourish. I pray that we will become less concerned about creature comforts and become more caring about God’s creatures. Lord, may it be so for us and our children and our children’s children – down through the generations. May we become a people who peer intently into your word – not just to find what we need for ourselves, but to equip us to help others live better too. Amen

Recommended reading: Jonah 2 and 3 in the morning; Jonah 4 and Revelation 5 in the evening

Day 347 – Trust AND Verify

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! Luke 2:13-20 The Message

The sheepherders began the day freaked out. An angel appeared and gave them great news. These guys were terrified. The pronouncement was followed by an unplanned, free angelic concert, held in the heavens above them. The songs reminded the shepherds of God’s prevailing purposes – he intends to bring peace to all men and women on earth who please him. This small group talked all this over, and decided to verify the pronouncement of the heavenly messengers. These guys were onto something. They were scared and excited. They desired to trust this message of hope, but were afraid to count on it. I understand that. After all, they lived in a cruel world. Lest we forget, Herod had the power to order the death of all young boys around the age of two and under – and this act of barbarity was executed in obedience to this earthly ruler. Could these young men truly trust that God’s intentions were for peace – in a world where this kind of power was abused by mere mortals?

So these guys make a very wise decision – the same kind of decision that people who live satisfactory lives make every single day. They trusted God enough to verify his pronouncement. They left, and according to the scriptures ran to see if what the angels said was true.

They trusted – and verified.

That’s what I pray for you today…and tomorrow…and next year. I pray that you will trust God, and verify. So as you’re reading God’s word (which satisfied people do), and you come across an instruction like – love your enemies, forgive those who offend you, love God, feed the hungry, give to the poor, visit those in prison, etc. – you run out and do it! This is the verification process.

My life experience has led me to conclude that I cannot truly trust that which I am not willing to verify. I’ve got to practice these principles in all my affairs before I can dare distrust, deny, or denigrate the instructions of holy God. As the shepherds discovered – seeing is believing.

So before you make the decision about the rightness or wrongness of faith – trust and verify. Perhaps that would be a grand experiment worth pursuing in 2009!

Recommended reading: Obadiah 1 and Jonah 1 in the morning; Revelation 4 in the evening

Copyright 2008 NorthStar Community

Day 346 – Fearful Expectancy

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-12

One of the ways we can learn about the satisfying life is to study the lives of those who have gone before us. It helps if we have people to talk to about such things too. Recently I was standing in line, waiting for the coffee-guru to concoct my extra hot, skinny vanilla latte. As I stood waiting semi-patiently, my buddy asked me a spiritual question. “Hey, you’re that lady on TV that talks about God stuff, right?”

“Yep.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure. Just so long as you can talk and make me the perfect cup of coffee simultaneously!”

“No problem. Your order is easy. Here’s my question: why doesn’t God just make it crystal clear to me what he wants me to know and do with my life?”

“Wow. Before I take a stab at that question, I’ve got a question or two for you.” I query, “Can you handle the truth?”

He stares at me. “Is this a trick question? Of course - I want the truth.”

“Really? Are you sure? How do you think you would feel if God showed up here, ordered a decaf and proceeded to tell you the exact game plan for your life?”

“I’d love it! All this confusion would be cleared up!”

“I don’t know, man, because most people have a very predictable response when God shows up and starts telling them the truth.”

“What’s that?” he asks. And it sounds like he really wants to know.

“They get afraid. They get very, very afraid.”

“NO WAY!”

“YES WAY!” He hands me my pumpkin cappuccino and I leave without complaint. Some days a gal can’t catch a break. Why do you suppose it is our natural inclination to respond in fear to the angels God brings into our lives to tell us the truth about something that God thinks is really important for us to know? More on this topic tomorrow.

Recommended reading: Amos 7 and 8 in the morning; Amos 9 and 10 in the evening

Day 345 – Can’t Catch a Break

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. Luke 2:1-7 The Message

Living a satisfying life while stationed on planet earth is crucial for sons and daughters of The King! We aren’t created to sit around, wringing our hands, waiting eagerly and desperately to get sucked up to heaven. Indeed, we are commanded to join the movement of God’s children who actually bring heaven to earth as we practice the principles of heavenly living while stationed here in earthly dwellings.

This is a commandment – not a suggestion for the especially mature.

No where in this scenario does it say we’re going to catch a break for our big believing.

A few weeks ago Scott wrote some devotionals about his own struggles with learning this truth the hard way. He found his mind wandering as he adjusted to life on the West Coast. He realized that he had potty brain. Assured that God was calling him to Fuller Seminary to equip himself to serve God, he started making some assumptions. (And you know what they say about assumptions, right?)
Scott slipped into the mentality that traps many a believer – hey, God, can’t I catch a break?

Fortunately, Scott spent some time examining his thoughts, and soon realized his faulty believing. I wonder if Joseph had to do the same. Required to go to Bethlehem for the census, wasn’t it enough that he had to endure the trip with a pregnant wife? Perhaps Joseph thought, “Well, I’m doing the noble thing. God is surely going to honor these herculean efforts on my part! Surely, I’ll catch a break and end up with a room at the inn – maybe even the honeymoon suite!”
Who knows if Joseph required a mental realignment or not? All I know is that I often need to examine my own thoughts and make some mental adjustments.

Following God is the privilege of sons and daughters – and this kind of commitment has its own unique rewards – but they don’t always come in the form of catching a break. In fact, sometimes we end up feeling as if our commitment to God following is yielding us nothing but trouble. It’s times like these when we need to pause to prepare. If we want to live a satisfying life – we cannot determine our state of contentment by looking at our current circumstances. Satisfied people aren’t folks who always get the good deals and parking spaces close to the mall. I am praying for you today – that you learn how to evaluate your life in ways far more gratifying than measuring your satisfaction by how lucky you feel!

Recommended reading: Amos 4 and 5 in the morning; Amos 6 and Revelation 3 in the evening

Day 344 – Storing Up Treasures

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: And Mary said, “I'm bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts. He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud. The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. It's exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home. Luke 1:46-56 The Message

Mary hung out with Elizabeth for three months and then returned home. I can only imagine the blessings both women bestowed upon each other during that time. Mary returned home to her people – and we can only speculate about the reception she received. From a mother’s perspective, I must admit if my teenage daughter told me she was a pregnant virgin destined to bear the child of God – I’d probably lock my kid up in a psych ward. I’m just being honest here!! Maybe Mary was fortunate, and had a mother with better God-vision goggles than I possess. But do you think her community shared that big believing? Can you even fathom the amount of gossip and speculation, the looks and snide remarks Mary endured?

Remember – this was a young woman of faith. She was a “good girl.” Don’t you suppose snickers and derision greeted her protruding belly wherever she went? I wonder how her youth minister felt about Mary’s condition (I know – that is not historically sound thinking, but work with me – I’m trying to get us to think about Mary’s situation!!)

I draw comfort as I ponder Mary’s time with Elizabeth. I love reading and rereading Mary’s song of praise. I dream of how she disciplined her mind and heart to dance the song of our Savior God – perhaps in the face of communal disapproval. I rejoice at Mary’s viewpoint – the most fortunate woman on earth! How great a tribute to her faith – she knew and celebrated her true God-created identity – holy and set apart from all others.

She considered these truths to be signs of God’s great love for her – not stumbling blocks in the way of her personal happiness. Mary understood at a deeply personal level God’s commitment to the suffering of this world – the victims, starving poor, and even the cold. Mary provides us an example of how to find the satisfying life in the midst of difficult circumstances. Obviously, she had big listening ears and heard God’s voice. She also responded to his call to obedience. The other great thing about Mary is that she was a “right rememberer.” I don’t know how her village responded to her pregnancy – but we do know where Mary called home. Mary realized that her true home was with her heavenly Father, and this acknowledgement of her citizenship in the heavenlies informed her perspective on living in her tiny earthly village.

It’s my prayer that as we move toward the grand celebration of the birth of Christ, our memories will hold steadfast, and honor his parents during this season of rejoicing – Mary, who chose to believe God for all things and Joseph, who did likewise. May we grow into the kind of parents (whether through birth or borrowing!) who can remember, and honor, our heavenly Father. I pray this awareness will inform our daily decisions while encamped on planet earth.

Recommended reading: Amos 1 and 2 in the morning; Amos 3 and Revelation 2 in the evening

Day 343 – Week 50 – Time’s Awastin’

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Mary didn't waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah's house, and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly, “You're so blessed among women, and the babe in your womb, also blessed! And why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord visits me? The moment the sound of your greeting entered my ears, the babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy. Blessed woman, who believed what God said, believed every word would come true!” Luke 1:39-45 The Message

The very second that Mary “saw it all now” – she hustled off to Elizabeth. According to the gospel of Luke – Mary didn’t waste a minute. How is your time management? Have you, like Mary, had a moment of clarity? Did you waste any time following that insight to its natural conclusion? Mary did not. She got busy.

What I find fascinating is the nature of her busy-ness. She ran off and formed community with the one person that she believed could relate to her situation. The angel of the Lord provided her the information she needed to seek out and establish a community of two. Why was Elizabeth the perfect choice for an accountability partner and confidante?

* Obviously, they had previous relationship and connection. There was a mutual respect and trust.
* They shared a similar circumstance – both were pregnant and both pregnancies were unusual and unexpected.
* They shared a bond of faith – both saw their world through God-vision goggles.
* Both united in their definition of blessing – blessed woman, who believed what God said, believed every word would come true!

If you have hesitated in your pursuit of your true, God-created identity, I want to encourage you to listen up and consider responding to God’s urgings to form community and pursue his grand epic adventure for you. Time’s awastin’!

Recommended reading: Joel 1 and 2 in the morning; Joel 3 and Revelation 1 in the evening

Day 342 – Week 49 at a glance - Stepping As God Speaks

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin's name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: Good morning! You're beautiful with God's beauty, beautiful inside and out! God be with you. She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called 'Son of the Highest.' The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob's house forever— no end, ever, to his kingdom." Mary said to the angel, "But how? I've never slept with a man." The angel answered, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. "And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God." And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me
just as you say. Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38 The Message

This week we have considered what kind of road we’re traveling – the busy, hustling highway of trying to get our own way all the time, or the little back roads of living life God’s way. These devotionals offered some suggested clues as to how to determine what road you might be on. Like well-placed road signs – there are symptoms in our life that help direct us to the truth about how we’re living.

Regular contact with scripture and a pair of really big listening ears were offered up as prerequisites for the God-centered life. Even with these resources, I know how hard it is to make a decision to strike off on a poorly traveled path with few people to follow. So can I offer you another word of encouragement?

Reread today’s focal passage. Notice how the Lord provided Mary with comfort. Make a note of what he promised her. He didn’t provide her with a completed road map to living her life in a satisfying manner – but he did give her a reason to keep stepping. He assured her – “Mary, you have nothing to fear.”

Mary will continue on her own personal journey. And as we continue to read scripture, we will discover moments when Mary’s life doesn’t always go peachy. When Jesus is twelve, Mary’s going to lose him in a big city. This is going to cause quite the upset and a wasted day’s travel. She will brow beat Jesus to perform his first miracle – changing water into wine at a wedding feast. There will come a day when Jesus redefines family, while Mary hovers anxiously outside the home where he is speaking. She will witness her boy’s crucifixion. Life for Mary won’t be easy. But she’s told not to fear. How can this be?

Following God will require us to deal with all sorts of paradoxes and problems – but through it all, the same attitude presented to Mary by God’s representative is offered to us – fear not. Fearful experiences will happen – but they won’t have to define us. May we become a people who can live through fearful times without becoming overwhelmed by them!

You have completed three hundred forty three days of devoted living – way to go!

Recommended reading: Hosea 10-12 in the morning; Hosea 13 and 14, Jude 1 in the evening

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