Day 1 - "Leak Proof"
Scripture focus: You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. Matthew 5:8 The Message
Like many others, I put a lot of pressure on myself at the start of each New Year. I love the concept of fresh starts, but sometimes I'm unwilling to actually make a fresh start. This year was no exception; I began the year with a lot of hopes, dreams and expectations. But instead of jumping right in to the whole process of making changes, I decided to buy new storage containers for my kitchen.
If I could just get my refrigerator and leftovers into tip top shape, maybe the rest of my life would fall into line too. I bought expensive accessories. These containers promised to lock in freshness and lock out germs. They promised me "leak proof." They did not deliver. I was hoping those containers would do for me what I could not do for myself. I seem incapable of living a "leak proof" life.
Leak proof life: a life where all the messy stuff stays safely tucked inside, and the outside remains attractive, functional and productive.
I'm not sure why any of us would believe that "leak proof" is a realistic possibility, but I suspect that most of us hope for it because the idea of cleaning up our minds and hearts, getting them "put right" seems like a preposterous and utterly unattainable dream.
I want "leak proof!" I want an attractive, functional and productive life without having to worry about all that annoying internal state of "dis-ease." I want to skip the part where I actually make changes that address my anxiety, depression, fears and phobias and instead, learn how to behave in such a way that helps me believe in the fantasy that I'm doing great – just the way I am. No renovations necessary!
The thought of having to get my entire mind and heart put right seems way too overwhelming. Isn't there a softer, gentler way to have a blessed life?
Recommended reading: Exodus 1 - 3
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 31 – Month’s End
Scripture focus: "The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it? Acts 17:24-28 The Message
A spiritual mentor once asked me why I was running around like one who believed God’s prevailing purposes somehow depended upon me to prevail. He reminded me of several key points:
- God doesn’t mind working incognito, so it’s okay if I don’t run around pointing out his handiwork as if he needed me to chair his marketing department. When God chooses to reveal himself, he is perfectly capable of doing so without me micro-managing him!!
- God doesn’t ask me to succeed, he offers me the opportunity to believe.
- God doesn’t sit in an executive office isolated from the masses. He eagerly desires relationship with us. We don’t have to work hard to earn a sixty second interview in his oval office. We get to join him in his work-which is a grand privilege.
Our challenge is to raise our consciousness, pay attention, and look for him in all the nooks and crannies of our lives. God doesn’t hide from us, but sometimes we grow forgetful or distracted and fail to notice his hospitality, care and concern.
I pray that both our insides and outsides will unite and call out – “I am the God-created.”
Recommended reading: Psalm 15-17
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 30 - No Vote
Scripture focus: Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. Psalm 145:13 The Message
“You’re not the boss of me,” my nephew shouted at his big sister.
“Now Robbie,” she cajoled.
He holds up his hand like a crossing guard. “Tell it to the hand, the face isn’t listening,” he interrupted.
My nieces and nephews are practically perfect. Even sassy looks sweet on them. Clearly, young Robbie has leadership potential. My brother sees this incident differently and parents accordingly.
Whether young or old, rich or poor – most of us dream of the day when we are the boss. We may not yearn for the responsibilities that fall to the big cheese, but we sure want the power. Robbie is too young to realize that everyone has a boss. As he matures, he’ll figure it out.
It’s not surprising that most of us transfer our experiences and preconceived notions about authority figures onto God. But comparisons between men and God don’t cut it. God is not only the boss, he’s the boss for eternity. No one voted him in, and no one can vote him out.
Fortunately, he is completely competent. He is consistent, just, honest, and true. If God says he’s going to do something – never doubt whether he will accomplish his purpose. He also handles this omniscience with grace.
Confidence in the ability to live a transformed life rests not in our capacity to change, but in the character and prevailing purposes of God.
Recommended reading: Psalm 12-14
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 29 - How to Grow From a Rookie to a Veteran
Scripture focus: "True wisdom and real power belong to God; from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for. If he tears something down, it's down for good; if he locks people up, they're locked up for good. If he holds back the rain, there's a drought; if he lets it loose, there's a flood. Strength and success belong to God; both deceived and deceiver must answer to him. He strips experts of their vaunted credentials, exposes judges as witless fools. He divests kings of their royal garments, then ties a rag around their waists. He strips priests of their robes, and fires high officials from their jobs. He forces trusted sages to keep silence, deprives elders of their good sense and wisdom. He dumps contempt on famous people, disarms the strong and mighty. He shines a spotlight into caves of darkness, hauls deepest darkness into the noonday sun. He makes nations rise and then fall, builds up some and abandons others. He robs world leaders of their reason, and sends them off into no-man's-land. They grope in the dark without a clue, lurching and staggering like drunks." Job 12: 13-25 The Message
“Coming to believe” requires a commitment to maturity.
Who we believe in matters.
As we read today’s scripture focus, it’s obvious that God is in control. We are powerless. We are completely dependent on God for our freedom, water, success, and strength. He allows people to ascent to power, and when he so chooses he dethrones them with ease. He brings the proud to their knees and lifts the broken from their pit of despair.
True wisdom and real power belong to God – it is from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for….excellent reasons to trust him to mature us and shape us into our true, God-created identity.
Recommended reading: Psalm 9-11
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 28 - Veterans and Rookies
Scripture focus: "But ask the animals what they think—let them teach you; let the birds tell you that's going on. Put your ear to the earth—learn the basics. Listen—the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories. Isn't it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand—every living soul, yes, every breathing creature? Isn't this all just common sense, as common as the sense of taste? Do you think the elderly have a corner on wisdom, that you have to grow old before you understand life? Job 12: 7-12 The Message
Mature, experienced veterans: realize that upsetting events happen and that feeling bad on occasion is normal but also realize that perception isn’t always reality. Veterans focus on solutions, not problems and value forgiveness over revenge.
Rookies: believe situations are upsetting and someone is responsible. The idea that we can change our thoughts about it, or that just because we think a situation “should” be a certain way doesn’t mean that’s the right or only way doesn’t occur. The idea that events happen that we cannot control is incomprehensible.
Which attitude do you embrace?
Recommended reading: Psalm 6-8
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 27 - Veterans and Rookies
Scripture focus: And why? Because GOD is the best, high King over all the gods. In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns, in the other hand grasps the high mountains. He made Ocean—he owns it! His hands sculpted Earth! Psalm 95:3-5 The Message
Mature, experienced veterans: believe that love is an essential component of healing, health and growth.
Rookies: believe that change occurs as a result of blame, judgment, expressions of anger and control.
Which attitude do you embrace?
Recommended reading: Psalm 3-5
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 26 - Veterans and Rookies
Scripture focus: Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Psalm 145:16 The Message
Mature, experienced veterans: Responsibility is embraced. Every experience is viewed from the lens of God’s generosity and mercy, freeing the person to accept responsibility and become a life-long learner without fearing condemnation or feeling shame.
Rookies: Use the belief that there’s not enough good stuff to go around to excuse self-centered living. When self-centered, one often blames others without consciously processing their own thoughts, words and actions.
Which attitude do you embrace?
Recommended reading: Psalm 1-2
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 25 - Veterans and Rookies
Scripture focus: David blessed GOD in full view of the entire congregation: blessed are you, GOD of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O GOD, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You've raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you're ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name. 1 Chronicles 29:11 The Message
Mature, experienced veterans: Learn how to accept God’s blessings, accept his help, and let go of the past. In fact, veterans often learn how to reframe their perception of past experiences in such a way that once painful, debilitating memories become valuable life lessons and treasured blessings.
Rookies: Believe that grudges and guilt are useful weapons and necessary coping strategies. They cling to the negatives of the past in order to justify not progressing in the present.
Which attitude do you embrace?
Recommended reading: Matthew 23-25
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 24 - Veterans and Rookies
Scripture focus: This is GOD's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 The Message
Mature, experienced veterans: When experiencing fear, veterans recognize and acknowledge the emotion but do not allow it to drive their decision-making.
Rookies: Fear is sometimes used as a coat of protection. It enables the fearful one to rationalize giving up, not trying, lashing out, or a host of other defensive behaviors – and it keeps the person stuck, not progressing. Which attitude do you embrace?
Recommended reading: Matthew 20-22
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Day 23 - Veterans and Rookies
Scripture focus: "You're veterans in dealing with these matters; certainly we're of one mind on this. It's impossible for God to do anything evil; no way can the Mighty One do wrong. He makes us pay for exactly what we've done—no more, no less. Our chickens always come home to roost. It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice. He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand! If he decided to hold his breath, every man, woman, and child would die for lack of air. Job 34:12-15 The Message
Mature, experienced veterans: look at every situation as an opportunity to learn, grow, give and receive.
Rookies believe: every bump in the road is an obstacle that threatens loss and requires crafty calculation in order to avoid penalties to self. Which attitude do you embrace?
Recommended reading: Matthew 17-19
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 22 - Worshiping God
Scripture focus: Blessed be your glorious name, exalted above all blessing and praise! You're the one, GOD, you alone; You made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, and all angels; The earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them; You keep them all alive; heaven's angels worship you! Nehemiah 9:6 The Message
Our son Scott is spending his first months in California visiting all sorts of churches. He’s listened to famous and obscure pastors, gone to mega-churches and small congregations that meet in a movie house. He is exploring diverse ethnic congregations. One Sunday he stayed home and tuned in to a televised service.
Scott loves music and has expressed strong opinions about the expression of worship through music. I assumed that the style of worship would be really important to Scott; I’m surprised to learn that it’s really a non-issue. Scott reports that for him, the meaning of worship is expanding. Once upon a time he thought it was about style. Today he’s coming to believe that it is more about attitude than accessories.
I love it when our kids make us think.
Attitude is a big deal. It’s not just what we think about that impacts our experiences, it’s how we process these thoughts, impulses and intuitions. Experience is a great teacher. As we grow, our values are refined. Years ago I was on a tennis team. As a rookie, I had a ton to learn. On my team was a wily veteran of the game. She moved slowly on the court, and suffered a variety of ailments appropriate for her age. I could never climb over her on our team tennis ladder. I was younger, faster, and hungrier – but I was a rookie and she was a veteran. She used her experience and regularly walloped me.
“Coming to believe” is what happens when commitment and experience combine to spur on transformation. In tomorrow’s devotional, we’ll begin a study of comparison and contrast dealing with the attitudes of a rookie versus veteran.
Recommended reading: Matthew 14-16
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 21 - Embrace God
Scripture focus: I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love GOD, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Deuteronomy 30:20 The Message
We have a decision to make each moment – choose life or choose death, choose blessing or choose curses. We choose life when we decide to spend each day firmly embracing God. We give God a holy hug when we listen to him, and step as he speaks. So listen while I remind you of why you should consider giving God a hug. God created us with intrinsic value. We’re his kid. He set us apart. He desires for us an abundant life. We choose life and blessing when we are motivated by this love of God to seek to grow and change. We choose death and curse when we listen to the committee in our head, and live as if we serve a distant, harsh, punishing God. Judging others is choosing death. Accepting self and others is a blessing. May you feel God’s loving arms of acceptance around you today – and may it inspire to reach for your God-bestowed promise and potential.
Recommended reading: Matthew 11-13 - click on the word comments and join our conversation
Day 20 - Rebuilding
Scripture focus: This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, the God who summons horses and chariots and armies— they lie down and then can't get up; they're snuffed out like so many candles: "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say 'Thank you!' —the coyotes and the buzzards—because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me. Isaiah 43:16-21 The Message
Experts tell us that we miss the present when we live in the past. I love hearing that God builds a road right through the ocean and carves a path through the waves. When I got cocky about my own fearlessness and read a frightening book while Pete was out of town, it seemed reasonable to pile furniture in front of the doors to our home to keep the bad guys out. Little did I know that our efforts to avoid pain often are the pathway to suffering. I moved furniture in the middle of the night because I lost focus. I feared for my safety because my perception shifted as I read a novel about a serial killer. If I could have stayed focused on the present reality, I would have laid the book aside when my anxiety began to rise. I might have avoided the need to explain to my preschoolers why the sofa was leaning against the front door. Tiger Woods agrees. “Focus in the moment is THE most important aspect of my game.” How does he do it?
- Tiger stays focused on what is happening now. His dad told him once that is was okay to get angry about an errant shot – so long as he had shaken it off before he stepped up to hit his next shot. How many times have we watched him smack a ball into the woods, only to save the day with an amazing shot out of trouble?
- Acknowledge worry, but don’t focus on it. It’s important to tell ourselves the truth about how we’re feeling. But we also need to be alert and present. If we believe God is about to do a new thing then we need to be looking for it. This keeps our attention focused on the hopeful possibilities, not just the worse case scenarios.
- Don’t multi-task. Pay attention whether you’re taking out the trash or cheering at your kid’s ballgame. Do one thing at a time, no matter how menial – God uses even small moments to get our attention. Focus.
- Don’t rob your present for the sake of your future or in bondage to your past. Avoid sabotaging your present by refusing to get distracted.
- Build community. Even Tiger has a coach.
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 19 - Safe Surrender
Scripture focus: God, King of Israel, your Redeemer, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, says:"I'm first, I'm last, and everything in between. I'm the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up. From the beginning, who else has always announced what's coming? So what is coming next? Anybody want to venture a try? Don't be afraid, and don't worry: haven't I always kept you informed, told you what was going on? You're my eyewitnesses: have you ever come across a God, a real God, other than me? There's no Rock like me that I know of." Isaiah 44:6-8 The Message
We once bought a house on a corner lot, and I never felt safe. I know that this is totally irrational. I confess my craziness. It was in this house that my husband made the decision to leave a job with steady hours and no travel for a job with extensive travel and an unpredictable schedule. I completely freaked out.
Eventually my emotional reaction convinced him that he probably shouldn’t take the job.
It appeared I was going to get my way. He was going to keep his steady, safe job so that his unsteady, fearful wife could avoid facing her true fears. Of course, neither of us thought of the situation from this perspective.
Then a funny thing happened. I realized that I loved my husband more than I needed my fear-based living and controlling ways. I was still plagued with insecurities and fear. The only thing that felt more real than those phobias was my love for my beloved. In desperation, I asked God to remove my fear. Honestly, I didn’t believe it would happen. I told God how exposed and vulnerable I felt. During this particular morning of prayer and study my reading plan took me to Isaiah 44 and a renewed vision.
Weirdly enough, as I read down through the passage, I was given a vision of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. God was the bread and the peanut butter– the first and the last and everything in between. I was the jelly. I was shaky and wobbly and insignificant compared to the sticky, substantive peanut butter. But I was part of the sandwich. The bread and peanut butter helped hold me in place. It provided protection. I may be jelly, but God is the rock. I no longer felt afraid. I called Pete at work and said simply, “You’ve got to take that job; it’s your big dream.” He agreed.
We eventually moved from that house, but it wasn’t in response to my fear. Pete’s former, supposedly safe job was eliminated a year later. No worries for us, he was already firmly entrenched in his new job. I don’t want to mislead you. I still get afraid. Once I read Silence of the Lambs while Pete was out of town. I was late getting the kids to school the next day because during the middle of the night I put all our furniture in front of our doors. If we’d had a fire that night, we’d have all been toast. But just because I feel fear doesn’t mean I have to believe that it is true. I’m still jelly. But more importantly, God is still bread and peanut butter – a more significant truth than my wacky perceptions.
Recommended reading: Matthew 5-7
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 18 - More Judging
Scripture focus: Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 2 Corinthians 3:17 The Message
Today’s scripture focus isn’t a pipe dream, it’s a promise. This is awesome news. Below are some more common attitudes that are deeply engrained in the hearts of those who are hiding behind a veil of judgment in order to maintain conflict-centered relationships. Huh? Who wants those? We want to keep our relationships conflict-centered when we are more committed to personal pain management than we are determined to seek positive change. These attitudes, like the ones presented yesterday, continue to keep us frozen. We can’t move forward. We feel as if change is impossible. But what we’re really trying to do is avoid seeing ourselves accurately. More signs that we’ve not made the decision to become brighter and more beautiful…
- If I make a mistake, I must be punished and judged. So I’m better off steering clear of admitting wrong-doing. Do you “reframe” stories to make yourself look better?
- I never question my feelings of fear and inadequacy. They are real. (What if I’m wrong?)
- Someone’s to blame for all that feels bad in me. Do you look outside yourself to try to explain what you feel and do?
- Success is achieved when I dominate another. It is a worthy thing to “stick it to the man.” Do you find yourself making repeated amends for blowing up at others?
- “You complete me” means more to me than a cheesy line in a movie. Do you have a pattern of counting on another person to make you feel whole?
- If I please others, than I must be okay. Do you really think it is possible to please all the people all the time?
- I need to control everything – someone’s got to keep the craziness at bay. Do you find yourself feeling responsible for others, to the detriment of taking responsibility for yourself?
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 17 - Tearing Down What God Builds Up
Scripture focus: "But you are my witnesses." God's Decree. "You're my handpicked servant so that you'll come to know and trust me, understand both that I am and who I am. Previous to me there was no such thing as a god, nor will there be after me. I, yes I, am God. I'm the only Savior there is. I spoke, I saved, I told you what existed long before these upstart gods appeared on the scene. And you know it, you're my witnesses, you're the evidence." God's Decree. "Yes, I am God. I've always been God and I always will be God. No one can take anything from me. I make; who can unmake it?" Isaiah 43:10-12 One of the common characteristics of people who forget who they are – children of God – is a propensity to think in a way that tears down. Look at the examples below, and see if any apply to you. When I lose my way I….
- react to the false belief that I am terminally unique and the world is out to get me. I feel justified when I “stick it to the man.” Do you react as if the world is out to get you?
- falsely believe that I must succeed, then I feel it is okay to judge others and defend myself. I enjoy “sticking it to the man.” Do you care more about feeling successful than helping others succeed?
- think it is reasonable to: analyze every person and situation based on my past experiences, use my past experiences to justify how I label and grade others, grab for what I want because I believe in the law of scarcity, and attack any perceived threat. I am good at “sticking it to the man.” Do you spend more time grabbing than giving?
- have a bias that assumes that my perceptions are always right and so am I. I need to hold onto this belief, because I need to be perfect. Do you have trouble accepting your own limitations?
- attack and defend to keep myself safe. Do you feel lonely?
- believe the past and future are more real than the present. Do you confuse others by unconsciously relating to others based on your past?
Recommended reading: Matthew 1-2
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 16 - Judging and Criticizing
Scripture focus: "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Matthew 7:1-5 The Message
When I accepted the responsibility of speaking during the Celebration Services at NorthStar Community, I didn’t fully appreciate the implications. Handling the word of God in worship is a fearful responsibility. I can remember weeks when it was hard to pull myself out of the car after a service. But one thing I always found the energy for – critiquing and judging. During lunch, I’d ask Pete to tell me where I stumbled, what points remained unclear, who I might have confused, when I fell short. Our children would listen in, and offer their own perspective.
Someone should have walked up and smacked me on the head like they do on those V-8 commercials.
One morning I was reading scripture, and came across today’s scripture focus. And although God did not reach out of heaven and give me a smack, he did lovingly convict me of my wrong-doing. It was as if I heard him say, “You know, Teresa, when you were the recipient of a weekly message, you never treated your pastor like this – why are you treating yourself so shoddily? Do you think I gather up my robes and tip toe to the edge of the heavenlies eager to pick apart your efforts? That’s not my style and I don’t want it to be yours, either. Girl, you’re showing up. That’s all I ask of you.”
It was a proverbial light bulb moment. Perhaps my greatest conviction came as I realized what a poor role model we had been for our children. Let me qualify this by saying that trying to improve one’s serve is always a good thing. Diligence and hard work is valuable. But when we slip into a spirit of judgment – even when that judgment is directed at self – we have slipped into stinking thinking. Tomorrow we’re going to look at a list of judging no no’s.
Recommended reading: Proverbs 7-9
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 15 - How to Fail
Scripture focus: For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, "They're yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours." Jesus' refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan!" He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness." The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs. Matthew 4:8-11 The Message Jesus passes the third test of the Devil. In verse eleven, Matthew reports that angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs. Do you ever think about Jesus having needs? It’s easy to forget the humanity of Jesus. But the report is this – in the place of the Devil, who departs without victory – angels take his place. Four key ingredients resulted in the successful battle against the Enemy.
- Jesus told the truth, all the time. Satan tried to trick him but with a thorough commitment to truth Jesus was able to respond appropriately. (His knowledge of scripture certainly helped.) He didn’t try to defend himself by attacking his arch rival, he simply told the truth, and used it to guide his decision-making.
- After forty days with no food and in a weakened state, Jesus could have rationalized about his situation. He could have thought – wow, this is really a bad situation; surely God wants me to provide for myself. He didn’t run from the pain, he simply waited for instructions from his Father.
- Faced with temptation, taunts and starvation Jesus could have gotten angry and decided to stick it to the man. Jesus had access to the power and he could have used it. Instead of retaliation, Jesus simply responded with information.
- I wonder if Jesus, thoroughly versed in scripture, spent some of his time thinking back to the prophets of old – things didn’t always go so well for them! Stories from the past could have haunted him, causing him to worry about his future. Instead, Jesus stayed focused and fully conscious in the present. He listened carefully to the voice of the Devil, and responded in truth.
- Don’t tell the truth – especially to yourself; blame others for all your problems.
- Expect bad news – you’ll surely find it.
- Run from your pain so that you can increase your suffering.
- Make sure you believe the world is out to get you – and be the guy who makes sure to get ‘em back!
- Focus on the past and worry about the future – a surefire way to miss the present.
Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 14 - Jesus Knew Who He “Be”
Scripture focus: For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone." Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't you dare test the Lord your God." Matthew 4:5-7 The Message
When Jesus preached his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, portions highlighted in previous devotionals), he was pointing us toward our true, God-created identity. Have you ever noticed how we define people by what they wear? What do you think when you see young women in old-fashioned dresses, no make-up and lace caps or someone loaded up with piercings, tattoos and all-black outerwear? How about jean style, tall white socks, narrow ties, wide ties, boxers or briefs? We often make statements about who we are by what we choose to wear. In today’s scripture focus, Jesus shows who he is by how he chooses to respond to temptation. Even in the midst of temptation, Jesus keeps his eye on the truth. He doesn’t allow the outside world to dictate his inner state of being. Temptation has a way of testing our core beliefs about who we are and how we live. Some suggest that the real problem is an inaccurate sense of self, masked by denial and maintained by the power of projection (we use things like style to define us rather than who we are on the inside). If it is true, what would happen if we decided to get real about our true, God-created selves?
Here’s who God says we are…
- I am God’s adopted child, friend, his temple, co-worker, his workmanship, member of Christ’s body and can’t be separated from him.
- I am united with Him, belong to him, and one with Him in spirit, and a citizen of heaven.
- I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit and may approach God with freedom and confidence
- I was bought for a price, redeemed, freed from condemnation, and forgiven.
- I am a saint; I am complete; I am a minister of reconciliation; I am a witness.
- I am assured that all things work together for good and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Recommended reading: Proverbs 1-3
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 13 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread." Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth." Matthew 4:1-4 The Message Bad life: Fear fuels the addictive personality. Living life God’s way: "Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.” Matthew 5:11-12 The Message Application: Things I fear: (make a list). Fear isn’t a very effective or healthy motivator. It leads to a lot of unconscious living and bad outward behaving. To beat back my fears, I am going to remind myself that I am in good company. The people in my life who are good company for me are: (name ‘em). Find some time to connect with those who are good company for you. Recommended reading: Genesis 48-50
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 12 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world's language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception. 1 John 4:4 The Message
Living life trying to get our own way: One who is overwhelmed and driven by inner feelings of shame and guilt which unconsciously drive outward behavior.
Living life God’s way: "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.” Matthew 5:5 The Message
Application: I am powerless over my feelings of shame and guilt in the following areas: (name them). Some of my outward behavior that confuses me, because it isn’t who I really am includes: (name them). Part of living life God’s way is learning how to accept ourselves as we truly are. We learn how to be conscious of ourselves and God. For today, practice the discipline of contentment. I am going to choose to live contentedly today in the following area: (pick one).
Practicing contentment is a choice. It’s hard work. This week I’ve noticed my husband walking around the house muttering, “Thank you God for all the work you’ve brought my company.” He’s working long hours, but instead of feeling stressed about not getting all his work done every day by five, he’s trash talking his inner feelings of inadequacy. He looks kind of crazy walking around the house talking to himself. But he’s also the proud owner of something precious that can’t be bought.
Recommended reading: Genesis 44-47
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 11 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 The Message
Living life trying to get our own way: One who tends to latch on to “solutions” – becoming rigid, self-righteous, intolerant toward other viewpoints, adopting an overly simplistic attitude to problem solving.
Living life God’s way: "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
Application: Of course I think I’m supposed to find solutions! But guess what? I don’t have a great track record. In fact, my failed attempts to solve my problems include: (make a list). Instead of trying to solve my problems, I’m going to surrender to the God who has the solutions. I am going to trust God with this problem, acknowledging that I am at the end of my rope: (choose one).
Now, to apply this one, you have to refuse to obsess over a solution to this problem. You have to continually tell God that you have this issue, you’re powerless to fix it, and you are going to trust him to rule.
Someday you will share the experience, strength and hope that you’ve gained from this practice with another person who is at the end of their personal rope. You’ll throw them a lifeline. It will be sweet worship as you toss that rope in the air toward another.
Recommended reading: Genesis 40-43
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 10 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." God's Decree. "For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. "So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thorn bushes, but stately pines—monuments to me, to God, living and lasting evidence of God." Isaiah 55:8-13 The Message
Living life trying to get our own way: One who searches insatiably for achievement, acquisition, approval and accomplishment.
Living life God’s way: "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for. You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.” Matthew 5:7, 9 The Message
Application: Every fiber in my being believes that the only way for me to be happy is to achieve, acquire, win approval and accomplish stuff. In particular, I try to do this by: (make a list). But God’s way says that peace and contentment happen in community. Community thrives as I cooperate with others, helping others find their big dreams. For today, I’m going to focus on helping: (pick someone you can assist and expect nothing in return).
Do it. Some day this experience will help you find love, joy, peace and contentment that God gives and passes all understanding.
Recommended reading: Genesis 36-39
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 9 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! Psalm 139:1-6 The Message
Living life trying to get our own way: One who feels chronically empty and alone in a cruel, punishing world.
Living life God’s way: "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.” Matthew 5:10 The Message
Application: Even when we live life God’s way, our daily experience will include hardships and aggravations. Without all the information about the life of others, sometimes we feel alone in our suffering. Examples of how I feel empty and persecuted are: (make a list). But today I choose to be committed to God and this is one way I’m going to commit to him: (name one thing). Today I choose to pay attention to: (pick someone) and focus on hearing their story rather than telling mine.
Do it. Practice it. Some day you will share your experience, strength and hope with others.
Recommended reading: Genesis 32-35
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 8 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: Let your love, GOD, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever— your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; and I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel. Psalm 119:41-48 The Message
Living life trying to get our own way: One who believes they are terminally unique with an unquenchable hunger and thirst.
Living life God’s way: "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.” Matthew 5:6 The Message
Application: If Jesus says we’re blessed when we hunger and thirst, then I can reframe how I think and feel about this neediness and unquenchable thirst for more that plagues me. I can challenge my preconceived notions, my fear that I’ll never get the things I want and need. I feel like I’m terminally unique in this area: (name ‘em). I compulsively crave: (name ’em).
For today, I’m going to appreciate this longing as a sign of spiritual hunger. And I am going to respond accordingly. I’m going to feed this hunger by practicing this spiritual discipline: (pick something). Do it. Think it. Look for ways to relish God’s counsel. Some day you will be able to share this experience, strength and hope with the outside world.
Recommended reading: Genesis 28-31
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 7 - Trash Talk and Live Large
Scripture focus: Some of you were sick because you'd lived a bad life, your bodies feeling the effects of our sin; you couldn't stand the sight of food, so miserable you thought you'd be better off dead. Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death. So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves; offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what he's done—sing it out! Psalm 107:17-22 The Message
Living life trying to get our own way: One who looks outside of self for happiness, expecting it to bring us what we want and need but finds conflict and suffering.
Living life God’s way: "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” Matthew 5:8 The Message
Application: I know my thoughts and feelings tell me that I’m only going to be happy when I get what I want and need, which is: (now make your list). However, God says I’ll be blessed when my inside world – my mind and heart – is put right. So I’m going to go to any lengths: (name something you’re going to actually do to expedite this process). Once my insides are put right, I’ll be able to deal with the outside world with thanksgiving.
Think it. Do it. Repeat it. Some day you’ll be equipped to share this experience, strength and hope with someone in the outside world!
Recommended reading: Genesis 24-27
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 6 - Disciples For Sure
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 The Message
Two days ago Dr. Jampolsky described what he calls the “addictive personality.” Not everyone subscribes to the fact that the concept of the “addictive personality” even exists. However, a lot of my friends and I can relate to his description of some common false beliefs and thoughts that plague all sorts of people, some of whom have also experienced the heartache of addiction.
Again, here’s his list:
- One who looks outside of self for happiness, expecting it to bring us what we want and need but finds conflict and suffering.
- One who believes they are terminally unique with an unquenchable hunger and thirst.
- One who feels chronically empty and alone in a cruel, punishing world.
- One who searches insatiably for achievement, acquisition, approval and accomplishment.
- One who tends to latch on to “solutions” – becoming rigid, self-righteous, intolerant toward other viewpoints, adopting an overly simplistic attitude to problem solving.
- One who is overwhelmed and driven by inner feelings of shame and guilt which unconsciously drive outward behavior.
- Fear fuels the addictive personality.
Recommended reading: Genesis 20-23
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 5 - Who Do We Trust?
Scripture focus: We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 The Message
Dr. Dale Ryan reports that all of us would get a 100% score on the God quiz that asks the question: is God love? He goes on to say that our problem is not so much our theology as it is who we actually serve. In other words, the God we serve may not be the same one we report to believe in. We believe God is love but act as if we serve a distant, disconnected God who wants us to make him happy. We believe God is love but quickly ask why God allowed suffering to happen in our lives. We believe God is love but feel as if God is withholding the good life from us. And if we act, ask and feel like this – do we really truly know that God is love?
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he reports to his readers that he, too, struggled when faced with trials and troubles. I wonder if he questioned God’s love when he believed he was on death row. Ultimately, Paul experiences God’s rescue. And it seems that these experiences increase Paul’s trust in God’s love.
During dinner around our table we were recalling the theology found in the movie Evan Almighty. In the movie, the characters speculate about prayer. They wonder if when we pray for something like courage, does God give us courage, or provide us opportunities to practice being courageous? Pete says it reminds him of the book of Joshua. God never promises Joshua courage. What he says is that he will be with Joshua. And then Joshua has many opportunities to practice believing God. As he believes, he practices his courage.
I don’t know how to parse out and fully comprehend all the reasons for our hurts, habits and hang-ups. But I do know this. Every day we have the opportunity to choose to believe God is love. We can increase our consciousness by reminding ourselves of his loving intentions – and then practice living as joyful participants in God’s rescue operation. Tomorrow we look at some practical suggestions for how to proceed.
Recommended reading: Genesis 16-19
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 4 – Am I Damaged Goods?
Scripture focus: Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1 The Message
Experts in the field of recovery debate the legitimacy of what many have called “the addictive personality.” Great minds have explored the topic and arrived at different conclusions. Some believe that “addictive personalities” lead to addiction issues; others think the order is reversed. Others question the value of such a label. Most agree that there are some amazing similarities in the way people with addictions think, process and perceive. Dr. Lee Jampolsky believes that the “addictive personality” isn’t unique. In fact, he says all of us struggle at some level with these issues. Read his descriptors and see how many you can relate to:
- One who looks outside of self for happiness, expecting it to bring us what we want and need but finds conflict and suffering.
- One who believes they are terminally unique with an unquenchable hunger and thirst.
- One who feels chronically empty and alone in a cruel, punishing world.
- One who searches insatiably for achievement, acquisition, approval and accomplishment.
- One who tends to latch on to “solutions” – becoming rigid, self-righteous, intolerant toward other viewpoints, adopting an overly simplistic attitude to problem solving.
- One who is overwhelmed and driven by inner feelings of shame and guilt which unconsciously drive outward behavior.
- Fear fuels the addictive personality.
In summary, I think Dr. Jampolsky is saying that addictive thinking, processing and perceiving results in a relentless and unproductive search outside ourselves for life satisfaction. According to him, this search results in suffering. So although both he and I are looking at the subject from different frames of reference, both of us come to a similar conclusion.
When we invite God in to renovate our heart, we’re acknowledging that the project is an inside job.
Our beliefs, feelings, insatiable desires, and attempts to solve our problems have obviously affected our outward behavior. It’s a problem common enough that people write books that describe us pretty accurately – and we haven’t even met the authors! I’m deeply grateful that when God sets us apart – he is lavishly indiscriminate in his choosing. In the choosing, he’s provided us access to freedom. So while the pundits are debating on the nature of addiction and the addictive personality, we can continue our journey into the light.
Recommended reading: Genesis 12-15
Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 3 – Set Apart
Scripture focus: Before you were born I set you apart. Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
I don’t want to settle. I want the abundant life. I realize that this may require heart, mind, and soul renovation. Years ago I realized that the outside world constantly bombarded me with messages that attempted to define the good life. Everyone has a definition for abundant living. Did you hear about the lady who spends every day trying to follow each suggestion Oprah offers? Her husband thinks this search for the abundant life has ruined the nice life they had before his wife became an Oprah devotee. I empathize with this woman; I too have wondered what the essence of fulfillment would mean for me in practical terms. Instead of studying Oprah, I decided to research how God defined good, abundant, and valuable. Before we were born, God set us apart – was one of the first verses I stumbled over in my search. I thought about how I throw away paper plates after one use. I toss my everyday dishes in the dishwasher without a thought. I take my cheap ceramic coffee mugs with me and leave them all over the house, in the cars, on the porch, at the beach, in the flower bed I was weeding and even my friend’s house. I have some other dishes that aren’t so accessible. They are set apart. My china, crystal and silver are wrapped in special covering and stored in a special cabinet - tucked away in a room where dogs and boys and even certain adults can’t access them. These are the dishes others sacrificed to buy for us as a wedding gift – they’re special. They weren’t purchased in a bargain basement. They didn’t come with chips and nicks and slight discolorations. They weren’t a good deal, they are precious.
Like fine china, in the grand economy of God, we’re the good stuff and we’re set apart. Evidently, we’re precious to Him. But here’s where the analogy runs aground. We humans like labels. When we suspect we’re in the presence of fine china, we turn it over and read its label (discreetly, of course). Discerning folks want to know – who made it, is it imported? This isn’t how it is in the kingdom of God. He’s the chief restorer of damaged goods. This is good news. As we continue in our devotions this month, we’ll consider why God’s economy is much more hopeful, healing and encouraging than our own.
In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 The Message
Lord, I realize we love the good stuff – the sparkling goblets, fine china and weighty silver. But where would we be without the useful kitchen tools – the waste can, Tupperware, and a well-worn cookie sheet? Father, help us figure out what it means from your perspective to be set apart. Amen
Recommended reading: Genesis 8-11
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Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
Day 2 – My Life Is So Hard…
Scripture focus: The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2 Corinthians 10:5 The Message
At the close of a busy, dog-eat-dog kind of day, I headed to the local grocery store for a few items necessary for dinner preparation. In my weary state, I unconsciously walked through the rain with my head tucked into my coat collar and my eyes glued to the puddles of slush that acted as annoying barriers to my destination – a warm store stocked with what I need. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was forgetting something. I soon realized the full extent of my forgetfulness.
Every evening I head upstairs before the rest of my family and take a few moments to review my day. It’s sort of a mini-inventory. It was during this time of reflection that my lost memory returned. I realized with regret that I spent the entire day without using a single God-tool.
My hands were not idle in the traditional way one thinks of laziness. All day I rushed around. But never once in the entire day did my hands dig and pull and pry and pull at the barriers stubbornly erected in my mind against the truth of God.
Instead, I allowed my thoughts, emotions and impulsivity to structure my day.
I concluded that it is one thing for the world to live in an unprincipled, dog-eat-dog manner – but that wasn’t cool with me. The world can take care of itself, but tomorrow I’m going to re-order my own interior world of one. This rearrangement requires two things: 1) I must acknowledge what occupies my interior world, and 2) I have a decision to make: renovate or live with the status quo. If I choose the status quo, then not much will change. Can I live with that? More on what is and what might be in tomorrow’s devotional.
Recommended reading: Genesis 4 - 7
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