Life Journal

Scripture

But Israel was unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites.
Joshua 7:1

Observation

The Lord was angry with Israel over the sin of one man and they didn't know it - until they were defeated at Ai and asked "why?". I see two important lessons contained in this one simple verse. First of all, we must all be mindful of the truth that no personal sin is ever simply personal. Every sinful act we engage in affects others around us, whether or not they know about it and whether or not we recognize the effects. Achan convinced himself that his sin would be private, but because of his sin, lives were lost and the Israelites experienced humiliating defeat.

Secondly, as a community of believers, we must always be faithful to address sin in our midst. It's easier to turn a blind eye because we are afraid of confrontation. But we must be diligent to speak the truth in love and willing to work toward restoration. If we allow sin to go undealt with, we will reap what we sow and find that the protection and blessing of God is exchanged for defeat and discord. In chapeter 5 of Paul's letter to the Corinthians is another example for us. Paul was addressing the church for having spiritual pride while, at the same time, allowing one man to live in sin. "How terrible that you should boast about your spirituality, and yet you let this sort of thing go on. Don't you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected" (1 Corinthians 5:6)?

Application

I do not ever want to be tolerant of sin. I want to be vigilant about recognizing and removing sin from my own life before someone else has to. In all that I say and do, I want to always have before me the truth that my personal sins are never simply personal. If undealt with, they will affect my marriage, my family, my ministry, my church and so on.

As a leader and pastor, I desire to live with my eyes wide open. Not to judge others, but to have the discernment necessary to recognize sin in our midst before it is running rampant and the courage to deal with it boldly and yet, lovingly, so that restoration and victory will be the result.

Prayer

Lord, continually make me aware of those areas in my own life where I am living in sin. Give me the strength to stand against the enemy in those things and remove them from my heart and life. I know that victory and blessing are ours if we walk in obedience to you, but our disobedience brings defeat and division. Grant me wisdom and discernment as I lead people. May my life, first, be an example to those I lead and then help me to lovingly lead people to Your truth about sin, not into tolerance of it.

© 2008 Pastor Steve Kenny at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

But the word of God continued to increase and spread.
Acts 12:24

Observation

It reads like a fictional thriller. A brilliant escape from an impossible Roman jail. confounded even those who were a part of the escape team. The escapee, Peter, was bound with two chains (not one) to the guards themselves. Those assigned to insure his captivity were under the oath of death should he escape. It was more intriguing than Oceans 13, and far more fascinating than Gone in Sixty Seconds. But he did escape, and after it was discovered, the guards were executed (Acts 12:19).

Then a King is stricken with worms and dies...royal robes and all. Quite a sight, I am sure. What an eventful week! But still after all the commotion, the bottom line remained in the eyes of the Lord - The Word of God was increasing and spreading. That was the main thing. Regardless of what was crashing down in the city, God was undistracted and more concerned about whether the Word of God was increasing and spreading. If the devil can't defeat you, he will distract you. So, here God dials us back to what's most important.

And this is my heart's desire, too. Sometimes I am stalled by problems and mistakes, but I must keep my eyes on the proclamation and promotion of God's Word. It is so easy to look at the state of the church or the staff. It is easy to get involved with the lack of organization or a leader leaving. I can get easily discouraged with financial setbacks or a lack of comradeship among members. But I am realizing that I must keep my eyes on the Word of God increasing and spreading!

• Is the Word of God being preached?
  
• Are people coming to Christ?
  
• Is the banner of the cross being held high?

Application

This I shall do. Regardless of what is going on, I will deal with it, but that is not my highest concern. It is rather that the Word of God is increasing and spreading. Even though Houdini-like escapes are taking place and kings are dying by worm infestation, I will be concentrating on the Word of God increasing and spreading. Then, and only then, will I be able to overcome the pull of the daily concerns that will distract me from what I must be about...which is my Father's business.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for putting my eyes back on the goal. Discouragement happens when I take my eyes off the goal. So I put my eyes back on the Word of God increasing and spreading. That will be my main concern because it is Yours!

© 2007 Pastor Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, "Come along now and sit down to eat"? Would he not rather say, "Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink"? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."
Luke 17:7-10

Observation

This has always been a difficult verse for me and I know for many others as well.

I guess it is because in the world, being a server is where you start off. Busboy, cleaner, dish washer, grunt, a go-for...we're all familiar with the terms. You prove yourself there first, but then you work away from serving as quickly as you can toward the position of becoming the "One BEING Served."

We hear it taught, touted, and modeled. We are allured by it, we strive for it, and we applaud those who have achieved it. Anything less is seen as a failure in life and business.

On the other hand, the Bible teaches us that being a servant is not something we are to run away from. Instead, we graduate to this. But the greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11).

We are to be comfortable and at home with it. If not, we will set ourselves up for being offended and for possessing wrong aspirations that lead us to selfishness, pride, and condescending. We shun scriptural references such as we find here in Luke.

Application

But what it is teaching us is that being a servant is a to be a joy. Whatever the Lord asks of us, we are happy to do. That is why we exist! To be servants of the Most High!

I don't serve as a penance or as a method of paying my dues on the way to the top. Instead, that is who I am. I am a servant and I am happy to be that.

Servanthood would be a short-lived effort unless it becomes my DNA, my identity, and my joy. And should there be rewards, I am so appreciative, but that cannot be my goal. Rather it is to serve.

Paul the apostle said it well in Philippians 4:12, I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Every gift I have, each ability I possess, and every capability I have, I get to use in service to the King. I do not need accolades. I simply want to please the One who enlisted me as a servant.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Please continue to transform me into the servant you want me to be. That is my joy. That is my life. That is my DNA. I have no other aspiration than to serve the purposes of God with my life. I have no vote in the matter, no more than the sun has over whether it will shine or not. No more than a river has a choice over whether it will flow toward the sea or not. I too, Oh Lord, have been created to serve You. That is my life and heart's desire.

© 2007 Pastor Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live."
Luke 10:25-27

Observation

It's all about love! Loving God and loving people! Jesus says in Matthew that on these two commandments rest the whole Law and the prophets. In other words, if we do well on those two things, we're pretty much walking in obedience to the whole bible. Not that it's all that easy, but it certainly does simplify things.

But the emphasis today that I am getting is on the first part of it, the first commandment, loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. This is the number one, top job for every Christian. And in vs. 38-42, this is further emphasized as Mary was commended for sitting at the Lord's feet, listening to Him, while her sister was running around serving. I believe that God is calling this people back to sitting at His feet, to re-developing and growing in that intimate, personal relationship with Him so that we will know Him, and His will, and the things we wind up doing will be exactly the things He's calling us to do; things that He will supernaturally empower, doing through us the things that only God can do! What an awesome call, that we can know God, that He wants to be with us, and that He wants to pour His power into us and do His work through us! But it all begins by loving the Lord with everything we have, and the obedience that goes along with that love (John 14:15, 21, 23).

Application

I know that God is speaking this to me, and that in this season of my life, I need to spend more time with Him than ever before! It's not just doing daily devotions anymore. It's sitting at His feet, in the Word and in prayer daily, so that I might know Him, His will, and receive His specific guidance. These days are crucial, and I cannot afford to be operating on my own power and wisdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I need You, I need to meet with You. I need to be abiding with, living with and walking with Christ! I need to be hearing Your voice daily and going to You about all the things that are going on in my life and around me. I need You to be making the decisions and calling the shots, so I ask for Your help and Your mercy in this. Help me to make sitting at Your feet and loving You with all my heart, the reality and priority of my life!

I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen!

© 2007 Pastor Jonathan Smith at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."
Luke 1:18-20

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. "Blessed is she who has believe that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Luke 1:38,45

Observation

What we read in Luke today is a wonderful study in faith, trust, belief and responding to an unexpected revelation from God. Zechariah, the priest, was surprised by the angel as he went into the Holy Place to burn incense. The angel told him that he would have a son with a special ministry for God. But Zechariah's response was, "How can this be? How can I be sure of this? Both I and my wife are too old to be having kids!" Now, I'm sure in a discussion among his fellow priests, Zechariah would have been quick to say, "Oh, I believe with all my heart that God is all-powerful and He can do anything!" But when God invaded his life that day in the temple, the limits of Zechariah's faith were exposed. His first reaction was doubt and unbelief, and that, obviously, did not please the angel Gabriel at all. And I believe that Gabriel's reaction gives us a little clue about how God must feel about our doubt and unbelief. So Zechariah had to pay a price for his doubt and suffer the inability to speak until the day that the son of God's promise was to be dedicated in the temple.

In contrast to Zechariah, we have Mary, the young woman engaged to be married to Joseph. The angel Gabriel also appears to her and tells her that she will be giving birth to the Son of God. And although she responds with a question as well, it is a very legitimate question that has no tinge of doubt in it. She basically asks, "So...uh...what's going to happen to me? How will I be getting pregnant?" See, she's not doubting that she will be pregnant with God's Son, she was just wondering about the process, a very legitimate question. And a question that Gabriel gladly answered as best he could, and Mary's response said it all, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be done as you have said." Total submission, total belief, which was ready and willing to be put into action.

Later, Zechariah's wife, Elizabeth, who also happened to be Mary's relative, told Mary, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, that God called her, "Blessed." Why? Because she believed what the Lord had spoken to her.

Application

Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God,..." And so that would seem to be true in these two similar situations in Luke. Zechariah doubted and God was not pleased, Mary believed and was declared to be blessed. It's so clear in these verses. But is it that clear in our lives, in the midst of the busyness and activities of the 21st century? Well, I guess the bottom line is that even though times may have changed, God has not. And without faith it is still impossible to please Him. Why? Because He has always proven Himself true and faithful, throughout all the ages. But when we doubt Him, what we are really saying of Him is, that He is not true and faithful and trustworthy, and that in my particular situation, I can't really trust Him. Ooh. How that must hurt our Lord, who has never failed us or forsaken us.

And yet, I can write these words, but when faced with impossible looking circumstances, I will often fall into the same pit of fear, and doubt, lack of trust. Ah, but when I do it, it's understandable, because look at the situation and all the extenuating circumstances! Uh no, it's still the same doubt and unbelief that Zechariah demonstrated, and I just need to learn how to walk in the innocent faith of someone like Mary. It's also interesting that the one who doubted was a priest, a guy who should have known better and should have known God better, and should have had a lot more faith than a young girl. And it's so sad to see Zechariah doubt. I need to realize that it's no better when I a pastor and leader go through my times of doubting, questioning, and struggling with belief. I need to realize that not only am I not pleasing God during that time, I am bringing Him dishonor as I, a leader demonstrate a refusal to trust the Lord. It's so wrong, and so worthless! This must change!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for times that I have doubted and failed to trust You. You are the All-powerful, All-knowing, All-loving God and You have always been faithful, always. Forgive me for not believing in Your perfect love for me and for not believing in Your power to do things way beyond the limits of what I can conceive!

I choose today to rise up in a new level of faith and trust. You are worthy of it all! I choose today to believe and trust You, no matter what!

© 2007 Pastor Jonathan Smith at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them - I place no other burden on you...He who overcomes, and he who keeps my deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS...as I also have received authority from my Father; and I will give him the morning star.
Revelation 2:24-28

Observation

We love those who have gnarly testimonies. They make our services exciting. These are the ones under the spotlights. They headline our crusades. They become the special speakers, the evangelists, the ones magazines and books are written about. These become the Christian celebrities who have television specials made from their lives of past crime and sin.

But their testimonies all start to sound the same after a while.

I injected peanut butter into every vein I could reach with a dull or dirty needle; I snorted powder, murdered people, lived in gangs, and spent half my life in a federal maximum security cell. And when I turned 8 years old, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Praise God.

These seem to be the only credible ones. You see, we think that only those who really have a testimony of coming out of hell itself will be the ones that God uses. Then we compare ourselves with those who have "testimonies." If you have been raised by godly parents, or if you were involved in church youth groups since your first post natal checkup, or if you have been one who chose to stay away from drugs and illicit sex, gangs and rebellion...compared to the others, you can feel just about absolutely useless to the Gospel. You don't have any "testimony"...nothing to speak of, anyway. It's almost as if you need to just go out and sin for awhile so you can have a testimony that others will want to hear!

However, here we have a precious reward, a commendation to those whose testimonies have been birthed out of wisdom rather than out of foolishness. These are the ones who, the Bible defines as, those who have not known the "deep things of Satan." They refused to get involved in the kinky activities of this age, the underworld of sexual sin and refused to fall into the deep valley of addictions. there are those who stayed true to the King when it wasn't popular to do so. These are the ones to whom God gives the highest award of all...The Morning Star!

These are the ones that will be given "authority over the nations." This is the greatest testimony of all. No award is higher.

Not many get to be recipients of the Morning Star. Of course, all who have opened their hearts to Christ receive mercy and redemption, but very few will wear that medal when we stand before His throne.

Application

This is what I pray for with my children, for those in New Hope, for my grand kids...that they will be recipients of the Morning Star. There is no greater testimony known to the angels. We as pastors and leaders must promote those whose testimonies come not from foolish pain of past mistakes, but those whose testimonies have been forged out of faithfulness and love.

Prayer

Father, help me to encourage our young leaders to be recipients of the Morning Star. And help those who have lived for You from their youth to realize that there is no greater testimony than a lifetime of following You. Raise up more who are Recipients of the Morning Star. Our pulpits cry out for these leaders whose lives are sculpted out of obedience rather than error. We need both, but we need a larger measure in these last days of the ones heaven calls Recipients of the Morning Star.

© 2007 Pastor Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

See how each of you is following the stubbornness of his evil heart instead of obeying me.
Jeremiah 16:12

Observation

We still have a choice, don't we?

Entering the Kingdom of God is not the last choice we will make. It is like entering a football stadium. You get in, but now you still have to choose where you want to sit...head for the grandstands or to the playing field.

Entering the Kingdom still leaves us with choices.

We can enter the Kingdom of God and be called "Christians" but still follow self-made rules. We can attend church but function according to our own perspective rather than God's. We still must choose by what rules we will govern our lives.

James reminds us that there is a wisdom from above and a wisdom from below. Both are called "wisdom," but they are worlds apart. You choose which one.

Application

We can even be pastors and yet lead our churches according to the wisdom of the world rather than the principles of God. The distinctions do not show up at first, but eventually, they will...and when they do, the remedies are long and costly.

Individuals must choose. Families must choose. Churches must choose.

How often we determine the value of what we do by how we feel about it. But no longer! I cannot fall prey to that. I must choose according to obedience, not according to how I feel about obedience. Regardless of how I feel, I will plan to live God's way and stick with it until He tells me differently. I must submit to His cause and His ways even if it means that I do not advance according to men's standards. Even if it means that no one notices and I have to live in the shadows, I will be fine with that.

1 Timothy 2:2 reminds me of this, "[Pray] for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."

I am willing to lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. I will obey His commands and live according to His standards, and one day, I will see how crucial that was and how it was the best choice I could have made with my life.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for Your commands. They are like gold to me. May I ever treasure your statues and Your ordinances. They are like water to a thirsty soul.

I choose to not just enter the Kingdom, but take hold of it and live it with all my heart. I will not head for the grandstands. I will instead make my life available for your exclusive use until you reward me with eternity.

© 2007 Pastor Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.
John 3:34

Observation

This is such a great promise that speaks of the unlimited nature of our God. He isn't sitting in His counting house, measuring how much of His Spirit, or standing before scales calibrating the percentage of what He will pour out upon His people. He gives without measure.

So, then, if He gives so freely, why is it that we can't seem to sense His presence in our lives? The answer lies not in doubting His desire to give, but in our willingness to receive. Like the desperate widow in 2 Kings 4 who was instructed by Elisha to bring "empty vessels" before him, which he continued to fill, so too must we bring ourselves empty each day to be filled by His Holy Spirit.

Application

Here, then, is a question we must ask ourselves, daily, "What am I willing to bring before the Father - vessels that are 1/2 empty, 3/4 empty, or ones that are completely empty to be filled?"

Too often, we have a tendency of bringing ourselves filled with our own desires, our own agendas, our understanding of how life should be; we bring ourselves filled with matters of the flesh, and we ask God to fill the rest with His Spirit. We bring ourselves filled with selfishness and expect God to fill the rest with Himself. It happens whenever we attempt to make deals with God to "meet Him half-way." We pray, "Lord, if I go to church, I expect You to bless me." "If I pay my tithes, I expect You to increase my wealth." They amount to nothing more than religious gestures with selfish motivations. We become so full of ourselves, we leave no room for God.

Prayer

Instead, to receive fully what He desires to give so freely, shouldn't our prayer be -

Lord, I empty myself before You today of my agendas, my selfish motivations, and my desires to glorify anyone, but You. I come hungry and with a sincere desire to be filled with Your Holy Spirit who will lead me to do Your will in all that I do today. May Your Holy Spirit intercede in every area of my life and fill me afresh with Your presence. May Your presence increase, as I decrease.

May this be my prayer today...In Jesus Name.

© 2007 Pastor Elwin Ahu at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me...to grant to those who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness the planting of the LORD... Isaiah 61:1,3

Observation

The prophet Isaiah is cited by Jesus Himself in Luke 4:18-19 after having returned from the desert being tempted by the devil. He returned to Galilee and on the Sabbath, the book of Isaiah was handed to Him and He read aloud these words. At first the people were open, but within ten verses, they will be filled with rage.

But they were angry, not at the Scriptures, but at the fact that Jesus was relating this to Himself as the Messiah. He said, "Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Funny thing...at first, they were filled with wonder, and then within moments, they were filled with rage.

Application

I guess you can either be filled with courage when He speaks, or you can be filled with rage. It is up to me.

Sometimes Jesus speaks to me through the Scriptures, and I must choose how I respond...or even whether or not I will respond. But that is not His only means of communicating. He speaks to me through people, situations, and even hurts. We can find His voice in the midst of losses as well as His congratulations in the midst of the wins. He whispers through comforts but shouts through pain. He is quiet in strength and near, very near...in weaknesses. And if we will listen carefully, we can find confidence in the midst of attacks, joy in the midst of trials, and hope in the midst of storms.

He still speaks.

I have found that I more often miss His voice when I am on the rise, and I become sensitive again when I am in a slide. With that in mind, I think that sometimes, for me, a defeat can be more triumphant than a victory in order that my heart will again be tenderized to His voice.

Prayer

I will hear You through whatever means You use to speak to me, and I choose to be filled with wonder and not rage. Regardless of what I face, I will search for ways to find Your perspective on things so I can be filled with the calm of your confidence.

© 2007 Pastor Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. Ecclesiastes 7:3

Observation

When I read those words today I had a 'monback moment" - you know, when the Bible snags your soul like a rosebush and says "come on back here now and study this bloom." Most translations say "sorrow is better than laughter." But this translation uses another word that sends me hunting to find the true definition of the word "sorrow" or "frustration".

My dictionary tells me that the word in Hebrew means both "sorrow" and "anger" at the same time. It seems that the word "frustration" is a good compromise between the two. Grief is accepting that something lost is lost. We can feel sorrow and anger about that loss at the same time. That frustrating sadness is a good thing.

Learning to live without something we once depended upon is good heart exercise. It obviously brings us to our knees but it also brings to the surface what laughter will only disguise. Not getting our way is the best way forward.

Application

This scripture leads to a radical new direction in prayer. Instead of praying, Lord change my condition! It calls me to pray, Lord change me!

Prayer

Today, Father, I thank you for the loss of things I’ve depended on. Let the limp I walk with cause me to depend upon you more. Amen.

© 2007 Phil McCallum at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor - it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12

Observation

Solomon was a bit cynical in his writings, but a singular theme surfaces over and over ... Here it is: rejoice in each day. Every breath and each activity is worthy of our notice!

Of course, if what you do is totally absent of eternal purpose, then indeed, vanity of vanity, all is vanity. But that is not my usual problem. I am often too single minded and ultra-focused.

While accomplishing tasks, we miss life. While growing ministry, we miss the growing kids. While hurrying to keep schedules, we exchange meetings for meaning.

Application

So today, I will take time to enjoy it, not just complete it. Instead of typing out this devotional in order to feel a sense of accomplishment, I will instead, enjoy the flow of thought; the adjectives that bring the words to life, and the rhythm of sentences that orchestrate truth. Even my coffee tastes better when I decide to let my taste buds experience the roast! My usual goal is to consume caffeine as a necessity to "life in the fast lane."

Hey, wait a minute. The sky is blue! I didn't even notice that till now. Cotton clouds drift slowly by, hoping I will notice them, and the playful trees draw attention to themselves by rustling their leaves in the wind. Life is actually splendid when I take a moment ... to enjoy the moment.

Well, better go now. I have a video shoot that I am late for. (Just kidding).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to be a man of purpose but also a man of peace; a peace that starts on the inside. I remember the old rabbinic saying which says: "One day God will hold us accountable for all the things He created for us to enjoy, but we refused to do so." I don't want to be guilty of that. I must ruthless remove all hurry from my life, and in doing so, I will be able to hear your voice more clearly and sense your heart more poignantly.

© 2007 Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18

Observation

The Book of Proverbs is written in stereo ... couplets that either reinforce one another or a set of antonyms that oppose each other. The purpose in either case is to increase the reader's comprehension by giving context and understanding through comparison.

Vision is something everyone needs to keep hope alive. Without it, we go in several directions at once and we lose traction. But where does vision come from?

In the local church, we hear that often. "What is your vision?" a newcomer from another church might say. Or on their way out, "You don't have enough vision."

I have witnessed that where there is no vision, the people tend to just make one up.

But here, we find an interesting twist. This balancing couplet steers us to the very genesis of vision... "but happy is he who keeps the law."

The bottom line is if we are people who keep His laws with all our hearts, vision will be a by-product, not the primary driver. Vision will emerge as the Holy Spirit leads those whose hearts are obedient and sold out to His ways and His Word.

I have seen often how the Lord reveals His will along the way when we are ready to absorb His next assignment. He knows when we are ready to not only have the zeal to say "yes," but the fullness of character and enough of His likeness to fulfill that "yes."

Application

I must not be swayed to perform as much as obey. Surely God has much in store for us and assignments to fulfill, but I will give my emphasis to a culture of obedience and devotion to Christ. In the midst of that heart, I will open my ears to assignments, projects, direction and expansions as God assigns... and He definitely does!

For this season, he is asking us to upgrade our hearts, our ministry, and our quality. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 reminds us of this charge:

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.

But the bottom line? Our happiness and our joy will not come from a "mission accomplished" as much as it will be from keep the Law, hearing His heart and obeying His voice with gladness of heart. There will be the pull to perform, but may the pull to be near His side be the strongest attraction of all.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, being a people with a keen relationship with you is of great importance to me. In the end, that is what we will need to lean on ... not accomplishments or projects. Yes, they will be wonderful memories and they will hold the faith-record of Your faithfulness, but that which will bring the greatest joy is that we have walked ever so closely by Your side.

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven. Luke 10:20

© 2007 Wayne Cordeiro at New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.

Scripture

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease." Jeremiah 29:4-6

Observation

Israel in Babylon - a place far off from where they thought they should be. Not only do they find themselves in exile, but they are hearing from prophets that they might get to go back home soon. They have been given false hope. What the Lord really wanted them to do was to be content and focus on the basics of life - He wanted them building houses, growing gardens and having families. He wanted them to live life - focus on the basics and do them well. He wanted them to flourish in any environment. There was only one thing that He said they should not do and that is to decrease. God wanted Israel to increase in number and multiply. Out of the exile, God wanted to see Israel get back to the basics. God also wanted to bless them and He gave them that promise later on in the chapter - He has plans to - prosper them and not harm them, plans to give them a hope and a future. What God wanted them to do is to make the most of the situation that they found themselves in and flourish in it. Do what is necessary to grow. If they could grow in the desert - then they could grow anywhere.

Application

What is necessary for me to grow? I might not find myself in exile like Israel, but there are things in life that come up that I would rather not do or be involved in. What lessons can I take from this? What should I do? Verse 7 says that Israel should seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which they have been carried into exile - and pray to the Lord for it. God wants me to not only be content wherever he places me but He wants me to also learn to grow in that place too. The only thing that Israel wasn't suppose to do was decrease in number. In the same way, whenever I find myself in situations, tasks or relationships that I would rather leave by the way side - the Lord is saying to me - grow. Grow in spite of your surroundings. How do I do this Lord? Grow by getting back to the basics of spending time with Me - you will grow by helping prosper those around you and you will grow by praying for them. God wants me to be able to flourish in any situation that He would place me in. If I can flourish under pressure or in the desert, then I can flourish anywhere. I should not shrink in the face of adversity, but stand up to the challenge and grow for all that it is worth.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your perspective and wisdom and your Word. Help me to always be focused on the basics that help me grow in you regardless of where I find myself. Help me to stay with the basics of spending time in your Word, in prayer and fellowship - living life. Help me to look for ways to prosper and pray for situations that I might find hard - that I might be planted in any environment and be able to flourish.

© 2006 New Hope Christian Fellowship O'ahu

Original found here.