December 31
Scripture focus: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2
May you determine today what you intend for your tomorrows. And then do it.
On a personal note, next year we're going to our daily devotional series. If you have topics, questions, or comments about this year's series that you think will help in the crafting of next year's study –- holler. Send me an e-mail through the NorthStar Community website, or post on the blog.
May 2010 be all that God has dreamed of for you!
Recommended reading: Revelation 19-22
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 30
Scripture focus: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2
I pray that you will take the time today and tomorrow to reflect back on your devotional studies this year, maybe highlight some important truths you want to carry with you into next year. This will require school supplies if you want to keep a fancy notebook.
There are some really great sales out there…I'm just saying, it would be a good time to organize your spiritually disciplined life with good devotional and study aids….
Recommended reading: Revelation 15 - 18
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2
I pray that you will take the time today and tomorrow to reflect back on your devotional studies this year, maybe highlight some important truths you want to carry with you into next year. This will require school supplies if you want to keep a fancy notebook.
There are some really great sales out there…I'm just saying, it would be a good time to organize your spiritually disciplined life with good devotional and study aids….
Recommended reading: Revelation 15 - 18
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 29
Scripture focus: But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:8 The Message
"You might experience our encouragement to entrust your life to God's loving care as a call to passivity. But it is actually a call to action. It is not, however, a call to action based on self-reliance. The kind of action we have been describing as important to spiritual reconstruction is grounded on reliance on God. We ask for guidance, we listen to God's voice and to the voice of wise counsel, and then, with God's light showing us the next step and God's Spirit giving us the grace and help we need, we take that next step. We are no longer striving to get things right –- trying hard, trying harder or trying our hardest. Rather, in the words of the prophet Micah, we "walk humbly" with our God (Micah 6:8), one step at a time, step after step." Soul Repair
Recommended reading: Revelation 10 – 14; Psalm 148-150
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:8 The Message
"You might experience our encouragement to entrust your life to God's loving care as a call to passivity. But it is actually a call to action. It is not, however, a call to action based on self-reliance. The kind of action we have been describing as important to spiritual reconstruction is grounded on reliance on God. We ask for guidance, we listen to God's voice and to the voice of wise counsel, and then, with God's light showing us the next step and God's Spirit giving us the grace and help we need, we take that next step. We are no longer striving to get things right –- trying hard, trying harder or trying our hardest. Rather, in the words of the prophet Micah, we "walk humbly" with our God (Micah 6:8), one step at a time, step after step." Soul Repair
Recommended reading: Revelation 10 – 14; Psalm 148-150
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 28
Scripture focus: But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:8 The Message
If you feel as if 2009 was a bust in terms of belief, it won't be long until you have a new year to give believing another try. Here's a suggestion that once worked for me.
Long ago, when faced with my own messy unbelief mixed with faithful church attendance, I decided to take God seriously.
I didn't wait until I believed perfectly.
I stopped anticipating a feeling of desire to take God seriously.
I just decided: I'm going to take God seriously for one year. If at the end of the year, I'm still unsure about all this God stuff, I will feel as if I have earned the right to grow permanently and unapologetically forgetful of God and all things God-related.
So every day for 365 days I woke up and said, "If I took God seriously, what would I do today?"
Can I share with you that it was the most delightful, simple, focused, joy-filled, confusing, not-people-pleasing year of my entire life?
Try it. I double-dog dare you. On January 1st, you could give this a shot for 365 days. Next year this time, you can assess the experiment and decide for yourself in whom to put your trust.
Recommended reading: Revelation 6 – 9; Psalm 146 - 147
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:8 The Message
If you feel as if 2009 was a bust in terms of belief, it won't be long until you have a new year to give believing another try. Here's a suggestion that once worked for me.
Long ago, when faced with my own messy unbelief mixed with faithful church attendance, I decided to take God seriously.
I didn't wait until I believed perfectly.
I stopped anticipating a feeling of desire to take God seriously.
I just decided: I'm going to take God seriously for one year. If at the end of the year, I'm still unsure about all this God stuff, I will feel as if I have earned the right to grow permanently and unapologetically forgetful of God and all things God-related.
So every day for 365 days I woke up and said, "If I took God seriously, what would I do today?"
Can I share with you that it was the most delightful, simple, focused, joy-filled, confusing, not-people-pleasing year of my entire life?
Try it. I double-dog dare you. On January 1st, you could give this a shot for 365 days. Next year this time, you can assess the experiment and decide for yourself in whom to put your trust.
Recommended reading: Revelation 6 – 9; Psalm 146 - 147
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 27
Scripture focus: But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:8 The Message
Life isn't as complicated as we make it.
May today be simply delicious for you.
Recommended reading: Revelation 1 - 5
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 26
Scripture focus: If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn…the other also…" Matthew 5:39
In Matthew 18:22 Jesus commentates on forgiveness by saying that we should forgive "seventy times seven."
"Read through the lens of distorted spirituality, Jesus seems to be proposing that we run a forgiveness super-marathon, making 70 X 7 (490) laps around the same issue before we finally let go of our resentments. We would propose, instead, that in this text, Jesus is encouraging us to come to a place inside ourselves that feels like lap 490 – a place where we are so exhausted by our attempts to forgive and forget on our own power that there isn't anything left for us to do but turn our resentments over to God. Forgetting is not the key to freedom from resentment. The key is to come to the end of our efforts to forget and to surrender our resentments to a God who we know values both justice and compassion." Soul Repair, p.177.
I hope the Christmas holidays are a huge fun event for you and yours. But if your holiday plans went off without a hitch, I suspect that you are either in denial or terminally unique!
Most of us will be reminding ourselves today that relationships are messy. I love the words quoted above. I thought that maybe they might be helpful on the day AFTER the day that most of us hoped would be perfect, but alas, was not.
Be ye blessed.
Recommended reading: 3 John 1; Psalm 142 - 145
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn…the other also…" Matthew 5:39
In Matthew 18:22 Jesus commentates on forgiveness by saying that we should forgive "seventy times seven."
"Read through the lens of distorted spirituality, Jesus seems to be proposing that we run a forgiveness super-marathon, making 70 X 7 (490) laps around the same issue before we finally let go of our resentments. We would propose, instead, that in this text, Jesus is encouraging us to come to a place inside ourselves that feels like lap 490 – a place where we are so exhausted by our attempts to forgive and forget on our own power that there isn't anything left for us to do but turn our resentments over to God. Forgetting is not the key to freedom from resentment. The key is to come to the end of our efforts to forget and to surrender our resentments to a God who we know values both justice and compassion." Soul Repair, p.177.
I hope the Christmas holidays are a huge fun event for you and yours. But if your holiday plans went off without a hitch, I suspect that you are either in denial or terminally unique!
Most of us will be reminding ourselves today that relationships are messy. I love the words quoted above. I thought that maybe they might be helpful on the day AFTER the day that most of us hoped would be perfect, but alas, was not.
Be ye blessed.
Recommended reading: 3 John 1; Psalm 142 - 145
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 25
Scripture focus: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2
May your day be filled with blessings and love. In any circumstance that this day brings to you, it will be helpful to remember that you are a dearly loved child of God. This will be especially helpful if your Uncle Ernie always gets liquored up and gets into a fight with Aunt Edna.
May your big believing come in handy today!
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 43 - 48
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2
May your day be filled with blessings and love. In any circumstance that this day brings to you, it will be helpful to remember that you are a dearly loved child of God. This will be especially helpful if your Uncle Ernie always gets liquored up and gets into a fight with Aunt Edna.
May your big believing come in handy today!
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 43 - 48
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 24
Scripture focus: Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
It's Christmas Eve, what in the world are you doing reading this? Just kidding!
I pray that if you are having a wonderfully abundant Christmas holiday filled with those you love, that you are able to stay in the moment, appreciating the time spent together even if all the stockings haven't managed to get hung with care.
I also pray for those of us who are alone. Maybe you're wishing you had a Norman Rockwell-style Christmas to celebrate. In the spirit of telling secrets, can I share one with you? There's no such thing as a Norman Rockwell Christmas. Every family has its holiday grinches and ghosts from Christmases-gone-wrong in the past.
Perhaps today would be a good day for all of us –- whether in bliss or blah mode -– to commit ourselves to exploring new and healthier ways to love each other in 2010. Whatever you're experiencing today, chances are it will be different next year – for better or for worse. It will help in all circumstances to have many advisers!
Blessings to you and yours.
Go get those cookies and milk ready for the big guy.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 35 - 42
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
It's Christmas Eve, what in the world are you doing reading this? Just kidding!
I pray that if you are having a wonderfully abundant Christmas holiday filled with those you love, that you are able to stay in the moment, appreciating the time spent together even if all the stockings haven't managed to get hung with care.
I also pray for those of us who are alone. Maybe you're wishing you had a Norman Rockwell-style Christmas to celebrate. In the spirit of telling secrets, can I share one with you? There's no such thing as a Norman Rockwell Christmas. Every family has its holiday grinches and ghosts from Christmases-gone-wrong in the past.
Perhaps today would be a good day for all of us –- whether in bliss or blah mode -– to commit ourselves to exploring new and healthier ways to love each other in 2010. Whatever you're experiencing today, chances are it will be different next year – for better or for worse. It will help in all circumstances to have many advisers!
Blessings to you and yours.
Go get those cookies and milk ready for the big guy.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 35 - 42
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 23
Scripture focus: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Community is priceless.
I suppose we could live without it, but who would want to?
As you wrap up 2009 and head into 2010, I hope you will take some time to evaluate your community. Have you surrounded yourself with people who will join with you and give you a good return for your work?
If you fall do you have the kind of friends who will help you up or kick you while you're down?
May you find the kind of community that helps you stay in the truth and find wisdom in the process.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 27 - 34
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Community is priceless.
I suppose we could live without it, but who would want to?
As you wrap up 2009 and head into 2010, I hope you will take some time to evaluate your community. Have you surrounded yourself with people who will join with you and give you a good return for your work?
If you fall do you have the kind of friends who will help you up or kick you while you're down?
May you find the kind of community that helps you stay in the truth and find wisdom in the process.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 27 - 34
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 22
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
Continuing the discussion on secrets…
Secret keeping is like stealing.
When we keep secrets, we rob others of the opportunity to show us how much they love us. After Pete realized how much I weighed prior to the birth of our son (who was born weighing 40 pounds…I wish!), I cannot recall a time when the subject was ever mentioned.
We go to parties, and he never regales the guests with, "Can you believe how much Teresa weighed when she was pregnant with Michael?"
He never, ever asked me why it was taking me longer to lose my baby fat than it took Michael to shed his!
The truth about secret telling is that as you share, you learn who your true friends are. You figure out who loves you. This will be important information as you build community and decide who to trust with your secrets.
May you build a community that can be trusted with even your darkest truths.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 20 - 26
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
Continuing the discussion on secrets…
Secret keeping is like stealing.
When we keep secrets, we rob others of the opportunity to show us how much they love us. After Pete realized how much I weighed prior to the birth of our son (who was born weighing 40 pounds…I wish!), I cannot recall a time when the subject was ever mentioned.
We go to parties, and he never regales the guests with, "Can you believe how much Teresa weighed when she was pregnant with Michael?"
He never, ever asked me why it was taking me longer to lose my baby fat than it took Michael to shed his!
The truth about secret telling is that as you share, you learn who your true friends are. You figure out who loves you. This will be important information as you build community and decide who to trust with your secrets.
May you build a community that can be trusted with even your darkest truths.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 20 - 26
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 21
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
Yesterday I told you I know about secrets. Here are some things that I've learned about secret keeping:
- When we keep secrets, we live in a constant state of anxiety and fear. We're held hostage to the fear of being found out.
- When we keep secrets, we are alone. No one truly knows us.
- When we keep secrets, our shame flourishes. As it grows, our true God-created identity shrinks. Shame loves to move into our hearts and take up all the space.
- When we keep secrets, people intuitively know that something is not quite right. Secret-keepers often experience a perceived loss of friendships (not because they have no friends, but because they are in hiding and their friends can't find them).
It's hard to become wise when we're living in darkness.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 14 - 19
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 20
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
Have you considered the question I raised yesterday? What is that thing about yourself that you don't want anyone to know about you?
When I was pregnant with our youngest child I was ginormous.
As we checked into labor and delivery on his birth day, the first thing they did was weigh me. This is just one of the many sufferings pregnant women endure. We should all be sainted!
Anyway, Peter saw the number and the chart and said something really great like, "IS THAT HOW MUCH YOU WEIGH?"
If I had been in a better frame of mind, I might have come back with a clever response. Instead, I gave him THE LOOK. He sat down and shut up.
I know all about secrets.
I am blessed to have experienced love too. When you surround yourself with people who truly love you, even when you tell them your biggest secret, they may not always say the right thing, but they live the right life. They love you.
May you be well loved today.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 7 - 13
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
Have you considered the question I raised yesterday? What is that thing about yourself that you don't want anyone to know about you?
When I was pregnant with our youngest child I was ginormous.
As we checked into labor and delivery on his birth day, the first thing they did was weigh me. This is just one of the many sufferings pregnant women endure. We should all be sainted!
Anyway, Peter saw the number and the chart and said something really great like, "IS THAT HOW MUCH YOU WEIGH?"
If I had been in a better frame of mind, I might have come back with a clever response. Instead, I gave him THE LOOK. He sat down and shut up.
I know all about secrets.
I am blessed to have experienced love too. When you surround yourself with people who truly love you, even when you tell them your biggest secret, they may not always say the right thing, but they live the right life. They love you.
May you be well loved today.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 7 - 13
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 19
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
In a few days we'll be blessed with a new year and the profound possibility of a fresh start.
Take some time to reflect back on this year – what do you want to remember? What do you wish to forget?
Most important – what is that thing that you'd most like to keep to yourself about this year? What secret thing are you most reluctant to share with another?
God desires truth in the inner parts. Sometimes the person I deceive the most is myself. Next year at NSC we're going to explore how to create a safe place where we can tell ourselves (and others) the truth.
Why do we want to do that? Because with truth comes wisdom.
May you experience truth and wisdom today…early Christmas gifts to you from God the giver of all good gifts.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 1 -6
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
In a few days we'll be blessed with a new year and the profound possibility of a fresh start.
Take some time to reflect back on this year – what do you want to remember? What do you wish to forget?
Most important – what is that thing that you'd most like to keep to yourself about this year? What secret thing are you most reluctant to share with another?
God desires truth in the inner parts. Sometimes the person I deceive the most is myself. Next year at NSC we're going to explore how to create a safe place where we can tell ourselves (and others) the truth.
Why do we want to do that? Because with truth comes wisdom.
May you experience truth and wisdom today…early Christmas gifts to you from God the giver of all good gifts.
Recommended reading: Ezekiel 1 -6
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 18
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
I learned a hard lesson this year.
I learned that once in awhile I am better at speaking truth than living it.
I learned that once in a great while it turns out I lived the truth and didn't realize it at the time.
I learned that I am more likely to be at peace in any circumstance when my inside and outside world match.
I learned that whether or not I am experiencing the feeling of peace or a perfect awareness of the truth, God desires truth and wisdom in my heart.
I am learning to trust God with me.
I am curious to know what you've learned this year…anyone care to share on the blog?
Recommended reading: 1 John 1 – 5; 2 John 1
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Psalm 51:6
I learned a hard lesson this year.
I learned that once in awhile I am better at speaking truth than living it.
I learned that once in a great while it turns out I lived the truth and didn't realize it at the time.
I learned that I am more likely to be at peace in any circumstance when my inside and outside world match.
I learned that whether or not I am experiencing the feeling of peace or a perfect awareness of the truth, God desires truth and wisdom in my heart.
I am learning to trust God with me.
I am curious to know what you've learned this year…anyone care to share on the blog?
Recommended reading: 1 John 1 – 5; 2 John 1
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 17
Scripture focus: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:15, 24
One of the ways to tell the truth about ourselves is to acknowledge all the moments in our daily life that arouse our anxiety or frustration. It will help if, as we do this, we listen to God. Prayer, meditation and scripture are all ways we can hear God's voice. Prayer is a privilege, opportunity and invitation to draw near to God. We may need to learn more about this spiritual discipline or we may already know more than we're currently putting into practice. Allow where you are to gently guide you.
Recommended reading: Hebrews 7 - 13
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:15, 24
One of the ways to tell the truth about ourselves is to acknowledge all the moments in our daily life that arouse our anxiety or frustration. It will help if, as we do this, we listen to God. Prayer, meditation and scripture are all ways we can hear God's voice. Prayer is a privilege, opportunity and invitation to draw near to God. We may need to learn more about this spiritual discipline or we may already know more than we're currently putting into practice. Allow where you are to gently guide you.
Recommended reading: Hebrews 7 - 13
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 16
Scripture focus: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:15, 24
How wretched are you? Wretched enough to cheat on your spouse? Wretched enough to spend more than you make? Wretched enough to love the darkness more than the light? Wretched living is not a lifestyle that makes the wretched person terminally unique. Humans behave wretchedly.
The incredibly unique thing about wretchedness as it relates to spiritual renewal is that Jesus rescues the wretched. I don't know what duplicitous actions you might be hiding in your closet of shame, but I know this: you can be rescued from this body of death through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God.
Recommended reading: Hebrews 1 - 6
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:15, 24
How wretched are you? Wretched enough to cheat on your spouse? Wretched enough to spend more than you make? Wretched enough to love the darkness more than the light? Wretched living is not a lifestyle that makes the wretched person terminally unique. Humans behave wretchedly.
The incredibly unique thing about wretchedness as it relates to spiritual renewal is that Jesus rescues the wretched. I don't know what duplicitous actions you might be hiding in your closet of shame, but I know this: you can be rescued from this body of death through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God.
Recommended reading: Hebrews 1 - 6
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 15
Scripture focus: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Ten more days until Christmas. Did you wake up this morning with a list of "to dos" for the holiday season? In the midst of all the madness that the holiday season brings, I pray that you maintain your consciousness about yourself and God – so that you might hear his voice as he rejoices over you in song.
Recommended reading: Titus 1 – 3; Philemon 1
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Ten more days until Christmas. Did you wake up this morning with a list of "to dos" for the holiday season? In the midst of all the madness that the holiday season brings, I pray that you maintain your consciousness about yourself and God – so that you might hear his voice as he rejoices over you in song.
Recommended reading: Titus 1 – 3; Philemon 1
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 14
Scripture focus: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
"The English word surrender carries the implication of putting one's full weight on someone or something. It involves letting go – a release of effort, tension and fear. And it involves trust. One cannot let go of self-dependence and transfer dependence to someone else without trust. Floating is a good illustration of this, because you cannot float until you let go. Floating is putting your full weight on the water and trusting that you will be supported. It is letting go of your natural instincts to fight against sinking. Only then do you discover that you are supported." Surrender to Love, by David Bender as quoted in Soul Repair, p.137.
Gerald May writes in his fine book called Addiction and Grace that we are incapable of the act of surrender. But we are responsible for making the decision to trust. Who or what do you trust?
December 13
Scripture focus: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
God's promise to quiet me with his love was fulfilled in a creative way last month when I found myself in desperate need of peace. Our youngest son, a freshman in college and very far away from home was extremely ill. A mother likes to be close at hand when one of her babies has a fever of 103.7. I felt helpless. I was anxious. Prayer became a constant companion but did not soothe my anxious spirit in a way that I could embrace during the long night of waiting for the emergency room staff to attend to my boy.
Then it occurred to me that other mothers have suffered this same helpless feeling. In particular, I remembered Juanita Ryan writing something on the subject in her wonderful book, Soul Repair. Instead of pacing and praying, I went over to my desk where I keep my most essential books. I pulled out Soul Repair and thumbed through the pages until I came to the passage I had highlighted previously because it made so much sense…. "The events with our son were of crisis proportions. And they helped us see our need for surrender in a big way. But surrender is also about the ordinary realities of everyday life. Whenever we observe ourselves growing anxious or angry or resentful, it is often a sign that we are trying to control something that is out of our control. It is a sign that we are trying to play God in our own lives or in the lives of others. Our anxiety, anger and resentments are often reminders to us to call on God's grace and guidance. They are reminders to surrender." Soul Repair, p.140.
Juanita wrote this paragraph a long time ago in order for it to be nestled within the pages of one of my favorite books. Long before I knew that my son would choose a school three states away. Years before some germ crept into his system and stole his health.
I experienced Juanita's sharing as the Lord my God using her words to quiet me with his love. My heart lightened as I thought, "How mighty is my God! He is mighty to save." Only Creator, Rapha God could work in such a way at this – one woman speaking out of her mother's heart to another mom in need of quieting. Our situations were different, but our need the same. We need to experience God's mighty power to save; we need to know that he takes great delight in us; we need the quiet that only his love provides; we need to take the time it takes and go to the lengths necessary to hear his voice singing over us -- even on our scared days.
December 12
Scripture focus: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Unfortunately, if our believing is out of whack, our spiritual walk is destructive. Destructive spirituality says things like:
- "I'm not a ministry addict. I just love my work."
- "I am just trying to be helpful."
- "God expects me to be a living sacrifice."
- "I am not spiritually abusive – I'm just telling you how I see it. I'm holding you accountable."
- "God says I should love others unconditionally."
- "God says you should love me unconditionally."
When I have a problem, I want it fixed and I prefer if the solution is formulated in a step-by-step format that I can follow. I hear God's call to receive his mercy and rest in him, and oh, how I long to believe! Help me Lord, in my unbelief! Moving from denial to truth requires that I seek all the truth, not just the parts that are comfortable.
December 11
Scripture focus: The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
What if much of what we have believed about God is…wrong? Or at a minimum, distorted? Most of us would agree theologically that God is a God of grace. Many of us have accepted grace as a means to salvation. But have we accepted grace as the only way to experience transformation? I fear that we have accepted God's grace for the salvation of our souls, but believed erroneously that the repair of our souls was a do-it-yourself project.
We're about to move into the crazy Christmas holiday season. We may find our personal ponderings about who God is and how we relate to him shoved aside as we bake and buy and bustle around hastily preparing for our guests and gifts.
After all the hustle and bustle dies down and the credit card bills seek to steal your January joy, might I suggest two good books that might challenge our believing?
Soul Repair, by Dr. Dale and Juanita Ryan and Jeff Vanvondoren
And
TrueFaced by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol and John Lynch
If you haven't finished your shopping, do what I do. Buy one for a person on your gift list, and one for yourself!
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you in singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Be ye blessed.
December 10
Scripture focus: When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time. "All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!' "His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'" Luke 15:20-32 The Message
The father in today's scripture focus had two boys who clearly had some issues with the concept of "father." I love how those boys' "issues" didn't deter their dad. He loved them. He loved each of them as was called for based on circumstance and temperament type. He loved lavishly. He didn't hold back his love from either boy.
Those two sons didn't understand this abundant loving. And it's possible that you and I sometimes get confused about how we relate to Father God as well.
May your spirit cry out for further understanding, so that today you may receive the gift of God's undivided attention in a way that refreshes your spirit.
Recommended reading: Amos 6 - 10
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time. "All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!' "His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'" Luke 15:20-32 The Message
The father in today's scripture focus had two boys who clearly had some issues with the concept of "father." I love how those boys' "issues" didn't deter their dad. He loved them. He loved each of them as was called for based on circumstance and temperament type. He loved lavishly. He didn't hold back his love from either boy.
Those two sons didn't understand this abundant loving. And it's possible that you and I sometimes get confused about how we relate to Father God as well.
May your spirit cry out for further understanding, so that today you may receive the gift of God's undivided attention in a way that refreshes your spirit.
Recommended reading: Amos 6 - 10
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 9
Scripture focus: When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time. "All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!' "His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'" Luke 15:20-32 The Message
One way we can check out potential pools of unbelief in our heart is to think about our image of "father."
When you hear that word, what stirs in your heart?
However you have experienced "father" in this world, may your eyes gain a renewed clarity for Father God –- a daddy who'd run across fields leaving his dignity far behind –- one who is filled with love and delight for his children!
Recommended reading: Amos 1 - 5
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time. "All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!' "His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'" Luke 15:20-32 The Message
One way we can check out potential pools of unbelief in our heart is to think about our image of "father."
When you hear that word, what stirs in your heart?
However you have experienced "father" in this world, may your eyes gain a renewed clarity for Father God –- a daddy who'd run across fields leaving his dignity far behind –- one who is filled with love and delight for his children!
Recommended reading: Amos 1 - 5
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 8
Scripture focus: While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true. He asked, "Do you have any food here?" They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes. Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled." He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high." Luke 24:36-49 The Message
In yesterday's devotional, I told of a random moment in time when some unconscious false believing rose to the surface of my awareness. The experience was startling but not life defining. It didn't cause me to doubt God or amazingly enough, myself!
After the dust settled and I found my way back to belief, I realized that one of the most helpful tools in my spiritual renewal tool belt was discussed in Luke 24. He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way.
I am so thankful for the word of God.
It's true, I am not always aware of my own unbelief. But it is also true that I am sometimes aware of how God is increasing my understanding and belief as I peer intently into his word -– day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. (Yikes! At my age I have to add decade after decade.)
Frankly, some days my scripture study feels dry as a bone. Spiritual renewal isn't always obvious. May we all continue to take the next right step, allowing our trust in God to inform our discipline of study – not our own self-assessment of how our program is working.
Recommended reading: 2 Timothy 1 - 4
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true. He asked, "Do you have any food here?" They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes. Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled." He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high." Luke 24:36-49 The Message
In yesterday's devotional, I told of a random moment in time when some unconscious false believing rose to the surface of my awareness. The experience was startling but not life defining. It didn't cause me to doubt God or amazingly enough, myself!
After the dust settled and I found my way back to belief, I realized that one of the most helpful tools in my spiritual renewal tool belt was discussed in Luke 24. He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way.
I am so thankful for the word of God.
It's true, I am not always aware of my own unbelief. But it is also true that I am sometimes aware of how God is increasing my understanding and belief as I peer intently into his word -– day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. (Yikes! At my age I have to add decade after decade.)
Frankly, some days my scripture study feels dry as a bone. Spiritual renewal isn't always obvious. May we all continue to take the next right step, allowing our trust in God to inform our discipline of study – not our own self-assessment of how our program is working.
Recommended reading: 2 Timothy 1 - 4
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 7
Scripture focus: While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true. He asked, "Do you have any food here?" They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes. Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled." He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high." Luke 24:36-49 The Message
I was a doubting Teresa last month.
Our daughter has moved back into our home town – and we are so thrilled. I can't tell you the joy I have discovered in the luxury of time that we have together since she's moved close to home. We can grab lunch without having to hit the highway to do so. We can take an hour out of the day and shop without having to sync our calendars or take a vacation day from our jobs. This is the good life!
We agreed to take advantage of our new geographical closeness and decided to spend an afternoon scouring consignment stores for items to decorate her new home. On the way to pick her up, I drove over a bridge and gazed over the side, noticing the beauty of our local river and the way the sun kissed it. Even Mother Nature appeared to join me in celebration.
Out of nowhere, came this thought: "Joy is fleeting. This will not last."
My British friend might describe this as a moment when I felt gobsmacked. Like the disciples in Luke's account, I find myself falling back into old habits of unbelief, doubting that God's love for me can be trusted. They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.
I did not allow my thoughts to overcome my belief, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a bit of a wrestling match. Spiritual renewal is like that. Don't be surprised if you find yourself gobsmacked as you find your way back to God.
December 6
Scripture focus: But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We saw the Master." But he said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it. John 20:24-31 The Message
I am awed by the way Jesus loved Thomas. Here are a few of the things that I appreciate about their relationship.
- Jesus didn't fuss at Thomas for being a doubter.
- Jesus loved Thomas in a very personal way, taking into account Thomas' temperament type and the current state of his spirituality.
- Jesus knew Thomas so intimately that he was able to teach Thomas according to Thomas' learning style.
- Jesus focused his attention on Thomas. He wasn't distracted by the others in the room. He was intent on fully attending to the broken-hearted one.
- Jesus was less concerned about being recognized because he was far more interested in the state of Thomas' believing.
Jesus remains the same today as yesterday. He is deeply concerned about the state of your belief. May this comfort you no matter where you find yourself today.
December 5
Scripture focus: But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We saw the Master." But he said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it. John 20:24-31 The Message
Jesus didn't leave the heavenlies and come to earth so that we'd have a good story to tell at Christmas. His goal was not to become a one hit wonder with his starring role in the nativity scene. He was born, he grew up, and he lived among us.
He came so that we could believe.
Did he ask us to believe so that we could improve our performance?
Did he provide signs for us in an attempt to get us to give more to the church coffers?
Did he hope that through our believing he might increase his own following, boost his popularity in the polls and rule a kingdom or two?
Did he desire to win over the masses so that he could dominate the religious world, thereby ensuring that he beat out the "lesser gods" and wipe out all other forms of religious expression?
Here's what one of his beloved disciples had to say on the subject. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.
Jesus went through a lot of trouble for you. He didn't judge you. He loved you. May this amazing truth inform your believing.
Recommended reading: Hosea 11 - 14
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We saw the Master." But he said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it. John 20:24-31 The Message
Jesus didn't leave the heavenlies and come to earth so that we'd have a good story to tell at Christmas. His goal was not to become a one hit wonder with his starring role in the nativity scene. He was born, he grew up, and he lived among us.
He came so that we could believe.
Did he ask us to believe so that we could improve our performance?
Did he provide signs for us in an attempt to get us to give more to the church coffers?
Did he hope that through our believing he might increase his own following, boost his popularity in the polls and rule a kingdom or two?
Did he desire to win over the masses so that he could dominate the religious world, thereby ensuring that he beat out the "lesser gods" and wipe out all other forms of religious expression?
Here's what one of his beloved disciples had to say on the subject. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.
Jesus went through a lot of trouble for you. He didn't judge you. He loved you. May this amazing truth inform your believing.
Recommended reading: Hosea 11 - 14
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 4
Scripture focus: But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We saw the Master." But he said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it. John 20:24-31 The Message
People love to tell me about their locked doors. Strangers stop me in parking lots and say things like, "I know you're one of those people who talks about God stuff. But I think you're nuts. There is no God."
These one-way conversations make me think. Recently, while I was trying to haul a load of heavy boxes to my car in the pouring rain I had one of these conversations. It is probably spiritually-impolite for a minister to suggest that at the moment when that angry lady shared with me her unbelief, I was much less concerned about her eternal salvation and far more distracted wondering whether my back was going to hold out while I stood there listening, burdened down with the weight of boxes filled with my daughter's possessions.
Please continue reading before you judge me. One of the reasons I don't find myself flustered by unbelief, doubting and even the occasional slam on God is because of John 20 -– it says, "Jesus came through the locked doors."
Jesus is not flustered by our doubts.
Jesus is not overwrought by our doubts.
Jesus walked through the limitations of Thomas' doubts, and said, "Peace to you." He didn't chastise or challenge, condemn or coerce.
Praise God – from whom all blessings flow.
We can trust God with even our messy truths and even the occasional sore back.
Recommended reading: Hosea 6 - 10
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We saw the Master." But he said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it. John 20:24-31 The Message
People love to tell me about their locked doors. Strangers stop me in parking lots and say things like, "I know you're one of those people who talks about God stuff. But I think you're nuts. There is no God."
These one-way conversations make me think. Recently, while I was trying to haul a load of heavy boxes to my car in the pouring rain I had one of these conversations. It is probably spiritually-impolite for a minister to suggest that at the moment when that angry lady shared with me her unbelief, I was much less concerned about her eternal salvation and far more distracted wondering whether my back was going to hold out while I stood there listening, burdened down with the weight of boxes filled with my daughter's possessions.
Please continue reading before you judge me. One of the reasons I don't find myself flustered by unbelief, doubting and even the occasional slam on God is because of John 20 -– it says, "Jesus came through the locked doors."
Jesus is not flustered by our doubts.
Jesus is not overwrought by our doubts.
Jesus walked through the limitations of Thomas' doubts, and said, "Peace to you." He didn't chastise or challenge, condemn or coerce.
Praise God – from whom all blessings flow.
We can trust God with even our messy truths and even the occasional sore back.
Recommended reading: Hosea 6 - 10
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 3
Scripture focus: You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. Matthew 5:3 The Message
Trusting God will require us to take responsibility for learning the ways of God. Discovering all that we can about who God is, what he cares about and how he demonstrates love will be an essential building block if we're ever going to construct our spiritual houses on firm ground. A flawless performance means absolutely nothing to God. So why do we keep striving for one? Is it because we love God, or because we want everyone to love, worship, and serve us? We hate our spiritual brokenness. But what we love and what we hate really isn't the point once we make a decision to let go and let God. So, what is the point?
Scripture focus: You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. Matthew 5:3 The Message
Trusting God will require us to take responsibility for learning the ways of God. Discovering all that we can about who God is, what he cares about and how he demonstrates love will be an essential building block if we're ever going to construct our spiritual houses on firm ground. A flawless performance means absolutely nothing to God. So why do we keep striving for one? Is it because we love God, or because we want everyone to love, worship, and serve us? We hate our spiritual brokenness. But what we love and what we hate really isn't the point once we make a decision to let go and let God. So, what is the point?
Food for thought
- If we desire a blessed life – and who doesn't – then it sounds like we're going to have to be a people who can own up to the shattered, tattered and torn parts of our life.
- What could you do this week that would allow you to let go of your need and desire to perform perfectly?
- How does it change your thoughts, words, actions and beliefs if you accept the principle as truth that when we tell the truth about being at the end of our rope we actually receive more of God?
Recommended reading: Hosea 1 - 5
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December 2
Scripture focus: Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice. Psalm 51:16-17 The Message
"We tend to despise our spiritual brokenness. We hate it. But God sees it differently. Not only does God not despise our spiritual brokenness; God sees it as a kind of worship, as a kind of sacrifice. God understands how painful it is to say no to our idolatrous attachments. God understands how difficult it is to let go. But God also recognizes the spiritual maturity that is being shaped within us during this difficult process." Soul Repair, p.116
God is more interested in my maturity than protecting my reputation.
God cares more about preparing me for participation in his grand epic adventure than boosting my ego.
May we embrace God-worship today no matter our personal state of mind.
"Maybe God's silence isn't a sign of God's absence. Maybe the silence is a respectful silence. Maybe." Soul Repair, p.117.
Recommended reading: Micah 1 - 7
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© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice. Psalm 51:16-17 The Message
"We tend to despise our spiritual brokenness. We hate it. But God sees it differently. Not only does God not despise our spiritual brokenness; God sees it as a kind of worship, as a kind of sacrifice. God understands how painful it is to say no to our idolatrous attachments. God understands how difficult it is to let go. But God also recognizes the spiritual maturity that is being shaped within us during this difficult process." Soul Repair, p.116
God is more interested in my maturity than protecting my reputation.
God cares more about preparing me for participation in his grand epic adventure than boosting my ego.
May we embrace God-worship today no matter our personal state of mind.
"Maybe God's silence isn't a sign of God's absence. Maybe the silence is a respectful silence. Maybe." Soul Repair, p.117.
Recommended reading: Micah 1 - 7
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
December 1
Scripture focus: Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice. Psalm 51:16-17 The Message
2009 was a great year for my family in light of Psalm 51.
We have found it impossible to go through the motions of practicing the principles of recovery and digging our roots deep into the soil of faith when life throws several curve balls simultaneously. One suffering circumstance -- providing it's small and doesn't greatly affect me or mine -– and I suppose I could live off the fat of my God-experiences and storehouse of previously received and recognized blessings from above. But this year has reminded me that curve balls do not escape -– for one single moment -– God's attention.
Stress changes the way our brain works – chronic stress harms virtually every cell in our body. This isn't good news for those desiring to perform flawlessly.
The good news: God isn't interested in a flawless performance.
The better news: God is attentive to the broken-hearted.
The best news: When we suffer, not a moment passes that God is distracted and inattentive to our pain. If we can remain conscious of God's constancy, this awareness calms our brain. When our brains are calm, we can think clear thoughts, deal with raw emotions without freaking out and causing further harm to self or others, and best of all – see God at work in our lives.
In the midst of suffering, my family has found a united voice. Over and over, one of us has said, "Wow. That's a God thing." Or, "I can't believe how blessed we are." Our favorite, "My, what great friends we have -– we are lucky ducks."
I hope you've had an awesome year. But if my story rings your truth-o-meter because you've had some challenges like our family has –- I pray that this awesome news will encourage you in some way today. May you see God at work, even if your heart is breaking.
Recommended reading: Jonah 1 – 4; Nahum 1 - 3
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Scripture focus: Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice. Psalm 51:16-17 The Message
2009 was a great year for my family in light of Psalm 51.
We have found it impossible to go through the motions of practicing the principles of recovery and digging our roots deep into the soil of faith when life throws several curve balls simultaneously. One suffering circumstance -- providing it's small and doesn't greatly affect me or mine -– and I suppose I could live off the fat of my God-experiences and storehouse of previously received and recognized blessings from above. But this year has reminded me that curve balls do not escape -– for one single moment -– God's attention.
Stress changes the way our brain works – chronic stress harms virtually every cell in our body. This isn't good news for those desiring to perform flawlessly.
The good news: God isn't interested in a flawless performance.
The better news: God is attentive to the broken-hearted.
The best news: When we suffer, not a moment passes that God is distracted and inattentive to our pain. If we can remain conscious of God's constancy, this awareness calms our brain. When our brains are calm, we can think clear thoughts, deal with raw emotions without freaking out and causing further harm to self or others, and best of all – see God at work in our lives.
In the midst of suffering, my family has found a united voice. Over and over, one of us has said, "Wow. That's a God thing." Or, "I can't believe how blessed we are." Our favorite, "My, what great friends we have -– we are lucky ducks."
I hope you've had an awesome year. But if my story rings your truth-o-meter because you've had some challenges like our family has –- I pray that this awesome news will encourage you in some way today. May you see God at work, even if your heart is breaking.
Recommended reading: Jonah 1 – 4; Nahum 1 - 3
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
November 30
Scripture focus:
Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.
Psalm 51:16-17 The Message
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.
What a beautiful, inspiring image of God’s loving care!
May we embrace God and learn God-worship today!
Recommended reading: Jeremiah 48 - 52November 29
Scripture focus: Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:27, 28-30 The Message
Do you see it? Our way to freedom…as we trust God we re-order our lives – even when it makes us feel uncomfortable. We do not change our behavior because we fear God’s wrath. We change our behavior because we believe that God loves us, and we trust him when he tells us that the pathway to freedom is found as we travel the road of obedience. We will fall and falter, freak out and get frustrated – but who cares? Our goal is no longer to be good or get it right - it is simply to trust God. Trusting God means that we will ask him to help us – because we are able to be honest with the ones we love. We know we can’t make these changes without his divine intervention. We have labored in vain long enough. We are ready to let go and let God. Because we’re desperate? Maybe so. But God is far less concerned with our initial motivation than he is with getting us right where he wants us – believing in the one he has sent.
Recommended reading: Jeremiah 43 - 47November 28
Scripture focus: Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:27, 28-30 The Message
Do the words of Jesus in this passage cause your soul to cry out in thirsty declaration – “I need a God who can show me how to take a real rest!”
Walk with him.
Work with him.
Watch how he does it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…sound heavenly?
So I ask you – why do we keep laboring under our own false impressions of a god who is not God?
November 27
Scripture focus: Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you." John 8:32
I want freedom – doesn’t everyone?
How badly do I want it?
Recommended reading: Jeremiah 33 - 37Do I want it enough to stick with this work of God – believing in the one he has sent?
Am I willing to trust God enough to actually practice the principles he teaches, love who he says to love, and care about what he cares about?
It is only AFTER I stick with it, live it, do it, that THEN I experience for myself the truth, and the truth will free me.
We don’t get to the truth through experience. We get to the truth as we believe, trust and live it out in our everyday living. Afterwards, as God has his way with us, we begin to experience the truth and find our freedom.
Do I want this – or a quick fix?
November 26
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 12:1-2 The MessageHere’s ANOTHER thing that distracts me in my quest for spiritual living.
I keep thinking that an abundant life lived within the prevailing purposes of God should be extra-ordinary.
My everyday, ordinary life – the sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – feels like living small.
In the world of God-economy, yet again, I find myself on the wrong side of truth. It is in the midst of the ordinary that God is so delighted with our offerings.
He is delighted when we embrace what he is doing for us, especially in the small things – the sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life.
Last Sunday my husband Pete, did what he always does – a small thing in his own mind. He got up and went to his men’s bible study. Pete has shown up at Sunday morning bible studies practically every single Sunday of his everyday, ordinary life.
But on this Sunday, there was such a God moment amongst the community gathered around bagels and coffee and the word of God, that even a distracted man with several woes that weighed down his heart in his ordinary life could not miss the Spirit of God.
It was a thing of grace, two men, both weary of a life lived with regrets, coming together in conversation in such a way that both recognized how God was using the moment to heal, transform and conform those willing to heed in the room on that day.
I’ve seen the numbers. I know that the fact that my husband willingly and gladly chooses to order his life around attending a Sunday morning bible study seems like a small thing. Certainly he sees it that way. He thinks it’s no big deal, doesn’t everyone do it?
I see it differently. I see his faithfulness and joy in the ordinary as a testament to Romans 12 – he’s doing the will of his Father, in the everyday ritual of showing up for spiritual community day in and day out.
Recommended reading: Jeremiah 27 - 32November 25
Scripture focus: Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29
This is another issue that I struggle with on the road to renewal.
My work is to believe.
But my heart cries out like that guy in scripture, “Lord, I believe! Help me in my unbelief!”
What cries does your heart desire to release to God today? Go ahead, try it. Tell God today what you delight, doubt, dread – whatever you want to tell him. He’s listening.
Recommended reading: Jeremiah 22 - 26
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