Just Show Up!

Day 2: On this 2nd Day of Lent, I pray that when you SHOW UP...God will bless you. Wherever you go today, I believe that God has a blessing waiting on you. Whether it's a smile from the cashier in the grocery store or an unexpected gift...that which God has for you is YOURS! In Jesus' name-AMEN.

Lent 2012: Week ONE (PREP TIME)

Lent 2012: Week ONE

Preparing for Wholeness & Healing Through Christ

Luke 10:18-20

Objective: To Prepare for the wholeness and healing that is ours through Christ Jesus.

As we kick-off this Lenten Season (Wednesday, February 22, 2012), I invite you to focus on the theme: "Experiencing Wholeness & Healing Through Christ". Although each and everyone of us have a need for wholeness and healing in some area of our lives, we cannot help but to have a slight piece of skepticism. I mean, is it really worth it? Should I even seek wholeness and healing through Christ and go through this self-denial Lenten Season? I think it is an honest and practical thought process; however, don't stop there. Let's prepare...prepare for what we are seeking from God. Whether it is brokenness in relationships or a need for a financial or emotional breakthrough, God desires for us to be whole. If it is illness in your body or the body of a beloved family member, God demonstrates the miracle of healing. So, if we believe that this Lenten Season is our opportunity to "Experience Wholeness & Healing Through Christ," then we must prepare.

Recently, I have found a new hobby of sorts--cooking. Yep, I was given a cookbook about a year ago, and I am now trying my hand at all kinds of meals and baked goods. What I found interesting at the start of my pursuit of being a great cook is that my cookbook always had two times listed at the top of the recipe: Cook Time & Prep Time. What this means is that although it may only take 20 minutes to bake a tilapia fillet, there are steps prior to placing this fine fish into the stove that one must take. These preparation steps are essential! Much like the art of cooking, I believe that we must take the time to PREP ourselves for what we are seeking after from God. Without the proper preparation, we may dry out during the wilderness seasons of life; however, Christ teaches us that there is a proper way to receive our wholeness and healing...let's prepare!

In Luke 10:18-20, we have a sneak peek into Jesus' response to 70 individuals who experienced wholeness and healing through Christ. The 70 came back to Jesus and declared "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name". They were excited about what they had witnessed--wouldn't you be?! Well, I am believing on your behalf that God will give you this same testimony through this Lenten Season. As you walk through these 40 days, you will begin to see wholeness and healing manifested in your life-it may not look the same way that you envisioned it, but it doesn't mean that God is not present. So, as we prepare for this...let us learn from the 70!

Breakdown of Scripture:

verse 18-Satan is not OVER YOU (He has no authority over you)

verse 19-Jesus has GIVEN YOU (no one can take it away from you) AUTHORITY (the power and the right) to trample on snakes and scorpions and to OVERCOME (deal with, defeat, and prevail) all the power of the enemy; NOTHING WILL HARM YOU!

verse 20-...Rejoice that your names are written in heaven!

Application: No matter how difficult things seem, Satan has no power OVER you! Do not give up in your situation or circumstances because Christ has given you authority to walk over your enemies and to DEAL WITH, DEFEAT, and PREVAIL! Nothing will harm you. So, what's the big deal about preparing for the awesome experiences that Christ promises us in verses 18 and 19...Jesus urges us not to get so excited about the healing and the wholeness that you forget who your Father is! Ultimately, it is not about us or about our wholeness or our healing, it is about our names being written in heaven/about the Glory of God!

Challenge: During this week, I challenge you to DEAL WITH the issues that you need Christ's wholeness and healing to be realized. As you DEAL WITH it, remember that you will DEFEAT it and you will PREVAIL! No matter how difficult...no matter how long it takes...NOTHING WILL HARM YOU!!! The next time someone gives you the opportunity to share about God's goodness, we should begin by saying "my name is written in heaven"!

PRAYER:

Most Holy God, as we begin this Lenten Season, we seek your guidance and presence in our hearts, minds, and souls. We are longing for a closer walk with you and a fresh move in our lives, in our families, on our jobs, and in this world. We believe that we can experience wholeness and healing through Christ, so help us to be prepared to experience it. We believe that this Lenten Season will be like no other as we continue to see You in a whole new way. In Jesus' name-Amen.

Watch What You Eat

After reviewing my devotion from two weeks ago, I noticed an error on my part. The scripture that I quoted in that devotion is Mark 6:34 “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”

Lent 2011: Week 6

Watch What You Eat

Scripture Focus:

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”. -John 4:34

Objective: To determine if we are “eating” the right things while on our walk with Jesus

A few weeks ago we examined ourselves to determine whether or not we are demonstrating compassion while on the walk with Jesus. Well, we had two weeks to look over our walks with Jesus and our “ways”. Have you taught someone about Jesus over these last two weeks? Have you shared just how good God has been or what God can do? Have you placed yourself to the side for the sake of someone else?

After learning to walk with compassion, I believe we have to “Watch What We Eat!” In this passage, Jesus has just had an encounter with a Samaritan woman who has now realized just Who Jesus is and how great Jesus is. When His disciples returned, they were concerned with Jesus’ physical needs. They told Jesus (and I paraphrase) “let’s go eat”! This seems like a caring move right?

It is caring move, but Jesus showed us that it should not have been the chief concern. Jesus replies “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”. While on our walk with Jesus, we have all decided to sacrificially abstain from some type of food or behavior. Many times we will participate in the Lenten sacrifice but we forget about the purpose—to draw closer to Jesus.

In order to draw closer to Jesus, we’ve got to watch what we eat. Jesus put it best: our food is to do the will of the Father and to finish His work. That which brings us the most nourishment in our lives (both physically and spiritually) should be doing the will of God. If we are not doing the will of God, then we are mal-nourished…spiritually underweight…and unhealthy!

However, this week we can “watch what we eat”! Pick up the word of God more often—I challenge each of us to pick up the Bible at least once per day…open it…read it…then write down how to apply and put into practice what we’ve read…share it with someone! As we do so, we will become nourished and healthy! Have you noticed that you are less likely to be irritable and fussy when you have had a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner? I know I have! Well, just as our physical body responds well to natural food, our spirits respond at the best when we have fed it with the word of God.

Let’s watch what we eat while on this walk with Jesus! Instead of listening to a secular station on the ride to work or home, try reciting a good scripture and talking to God. Instead of jumping out of bed and heading straight for the shower, try lending five minutes to God before you get started. Instead of eating lunch with a bunch of people, pick one day to do it alone—just you and the Lord. Instead of keeping the cellphone glued to our ear (yes our), we should take time to talk with God everyday. It will make us more patient and Godly people if we just watch what we eat!

PRAYER:

Most Holy God, help us to be more healthy Christians as we watch what we eat on a daily basis. Give us the mind to read Your word and listen to You each day. We thank You for helping us to watch what we eat! In Jesus Name, Amen.

May you have a week of healthy Christian living and the blessings that come with that!

With Love,

PastorC

Compassion on the Walk

Lent 2011: Week 4

Compassion on the Walk

Scripture Focus: Mark 4:34

Objective: To understand the importance of COMPASSION on the walk with Jesus

Many times, I believe, that we get confused about our "walk with Jesus". Maybe not you, but I know I do sometimes. When I decided to "walk with Jesus," I thought that my walk was just that...MY walk!!! Right?! Wrong.

When we choose to "walk with Jesus," our walk shifts from being "my walk" to "their walk". The "their" is anonymous and is subject to change because you never know who you may encounter while walking with Jesus. However, I believe that this week's scripture gives us insight into just how corporate our "walk with Jesus" really is.

When we encounter Jesus in this familiar passage, He was understandably on His way to a solitary place. His cousin and forerunner in ministry had just been murdered, and He was planning to be alone. However, when He arrived to His destination, there was a crowd.

During our walk with Jesus, we may find ourselves in places that deem it necessary for us to be alone. However, this is not MY Walk...this is not YOUR WALK...this is THEIR WALK! There are "crowds" who need us to learn compassion and the power in our ability to be compassionate people.

In verse 34, the scripture tells us that when Jesus saw the people "he had compassion on them...and began teaching them". While on our walk, we must be willing to have compassion and be willing to teach!

Too often we get into our challenges on our walk and we think it's time for us to take a break, but that is when the real work begins. Compassion is not simply having sympathy for another person but also having a desire to alleviate the pain or suffering. On our walk, the world needs more compassionate Christians! Instead of allowing people to become a part of the landscape and simply saying the expected "I'll pray for you," we must be willing to actually do something about the pain. Jesus says to us that we may not be able to "fix it" but we can teach!

God has taught us so much on this walk and continues to do so. Those teachings are in vain if we simply hold it on the inside and never spread the word. You know, I think my mom is the world's best beautician. Throughout my life, she has owned her own salon and does a pretty awesome job with my hair and others. What I have realized over the years is that her business is constantly growing! It happens because others SEE her work and ask "who did your hair," and her clients usually TELL others "Bonita". Imagine what business my mom would not have if her clients were not willing to TELL about the work that you can SEE when you look at her clients.

Now, let me pause and ask what do people SEE as God's work when they look at us? When they SEE us, are we willing to TELL about the works of the Lord? If we understand our walk with Jesus to be a corporate one, then we realize that we must have "compassion" and "teach" the people no matter how difficult the times may be.

During this fourth week of our Lenten walk, I challenge each of us to have compassion on the walk with Jesus! We all can grow in this area, and I believe that the "business of our Father" will increase as His representatives TELL others about the good works He has done.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, on this walk with Jesus, help us to show compassion when we cannot muster up the strength to show anything else. Help us to recognize that this walk is not our own, but we should teach others about your goodness. In Jesus' name-Amen.

May the Lord bless you abundantly!

With Love,

Pastor C

Walking Without Warning

Lent 2011: Week 3
Walking-Without Warning
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-40
Objective: To Learn to "walk with Jesus" when storms come without warning

During this third week of Lent, I invite you to examine your development on this journey with Jesus. When preparing for a competition or athletic venture, an individual must train. During this training process, one may catch a "charley horse" or wake up the next day experiencing soreness. No matter what type of journey we are on, everything does not come with a warning! In fact, I must admit that I learn the most from my experiences that come without warning.

Just as life may bring us experiences without warning, our "walk with Jesus" may do the same. Our "without warning" moments bring opportunity for us to develop a more solid relationship with God. It's easy to "lay Jesus down" when something comes unexpectedly...you know when something gets under our skin...when we become frustrated...BUT I believe that these moments are actually God's gift to us. His gift of faith!

In this week's scripture focus, we find Jesus and His disciples on the water again. This time they are all in the boat together after a long journey of ministering, healing, and teaching. One would think that when you "walk with Jesus" your faith is TIGHT! Right? Well, not exactly...but it can be!

When examining this text, I believe that we can find key points to apply to our lives in order to aid in our development on our "walk with Jesus":

1-Don't forget what JESUS said (v.35)- Before ever getting in the boat, Jesus declared "Let us go to the other side". Prior to ever experiencing a "without warning" moment, Jesus told the disciples what would happen. "We will get to the other side". On your walk with Jesus, there may be challenges that you face and trials that come up that have the potential to wipe out your faith. However, we can't forget that Jesus declared at the beginning of our walk "Let us go to the other side". Wherever you are and whatever you are experiencing...there is ANOTHER SIDE, and you ARE going to get there!

2-Storms will come WITHOUT WARNING (v.37/Matthew 8:24) Our decision to "walk with Jesus" does not exempt us from hard times, trials, or surprise attacks. In reality, it makes us more prone to them. I heard a story from an athlete before. He and his teammates were angry that the coaches made them practice "hard" on "easy" weeks. However, they soon realized that the wins came "easy" the harder they practiced! Sometimes God will allow storms to come to put our faith into practice. So, we must be prepared for the unexpected. And when the "without warning" storms come in our life...

3-Check the Stern (v.38) When the storm arose without warning, the disciples found Jesus asleep in the "stern". The stern is the back of the ship, but it is also the "captain's quarters". When we "walk with Jesus," we have to always be mindful of the captain's quarters. Are we attempting to be in control or is Jesus in the Stern? If Jesus is in the stern of our "boat" then we have no need for fear, frustration, doubt, or insecurity. No matter how bleak it may look, as long as we are walking WITH JESUS we will be alright...remember what He said "Let US go to the other side".

I believe that Jesus desires for us to not simply sacrifice our habits, hobbies, or desires during the Lenten season. He is looking for those of us who will seek to actually develop our relationship with Him. It takes a "without warning" moment to cause us to realize that we never should have doubted God in the beginning. For after Jesus calmed the storm, He had a very simple question "Why are you afraid and where is your faith?"

In the midst of this third week of the Lenten season, take a pen and some paper and write down all of the promises God has made to you. Then when unexpected storms/without warning moments come, review your promise and check the stern! Jesus is there, and so everything is going to be alright!

PRAYER:
Most Amazing Father-we thank you for another week during this Lenten season. In the midst of "without warning" moments, we thank you for being ever-present! We are grateful for your love and protection in our lives. We ask that you empower us with your Spirit that is able to sustain us during our weakest moments, encourage us during our inconsolable times, and comfort us when we feel by ourselves. We seek to develop a stronger walk with you not just now, but always! In Jesus' name-Amen.

May the Lord Bless you REAL GOOD!

With Love,
Pastor C

Counting The Cost

Lent 2011: Week 2

Counting The Cost

Scripture Focus: Luke 9: 57-62

Objective: To Examine My True Heart While I "Walk With Jesus"

So, we have made it to the second week of Lent. We may have slipped here or there, but we made it! Perhaps, you kept your fast "to a T" but your mouth spoke faster than your spirit could filter. The great thing about electronic devotion groups is no one (in the group) can see you when you are reading...and for those who might be around, at least they don't know what you're doing. So, go ahead...if you were not the best example of someone who is "walking with Jesus" last week, raise your hand! [waiting...don't want to rush anyone] Well, did you do it? I know I did! Not because I am defeated or because I have given up on myself...I raised my hand because I recognize that lifted hands are the universal sign of SURRENDER! During this Lenten season, don't be afraid (and please don't forget) to surrender to God!!! Whatever challenges or obstacles you face...whatever burdens you started Lent with or will find along the way...SURRENDER!!! If you could see me, you would know that I stopped typing for just a moment to exhale & raise my hands!!!

In our decision to "walk with Jesus," I believe that we must never forget to examine our hearts. I mean, are we really walking with Jesus? Do we have the right spirit on our journey or are we just going through the motions? Two weeks ago I took my dog Bella on a walk...she loves to go on walks. But this time, we had a new friend with us. Her new "sister" Ginger! Well, Ginger was out of control during our walk. I didn't enjoy the walk at all. I rushed the walk...I got frustrated on the walk...leashes were tangled and there was so much confusion on our walk. However, I noticed a change last week. This time I took my time on the walk, and I enjoyed it-I think they did too! The difference in the experiences was my preparation!

If we want to succeed and enjoy our "walk with Jesus," we must make sure that we are prepared to walk with Him. In order to be prepared, I believe Jesus shows us in His encounter with some "Jesus walkers," our hearts must be right!

By the time we reach Luke 9:57-62, Jesus has been on somewhat of a "miracle and healing spree". He has healed in so many powerful ways (some he didn't even go see...he just spoke), and he even provided the biggest feast people could have asked for. But now, he has to take a minute to check the heart of the people. Remember our first week's lesson "it's easy to walk with Jesus when it is popular and convenient". So Jesus was checking the TRUE HEART of His followers.

When we are "Jesus Walkers," we must first be sure that we are not just being EMOTION DRIVEN. Emotion-driven walkers are impulsive. When the music stops, there is NO PRAISE! When the going gets rough, it's hard to WORSHIP! When things aren't as good as they used to be, they may CHANGE CHURCHES! (v.57) Jesus replies to emotion-driven walkers by saying...you're with me now, BUT!

Then we have "Jesus Walkers" who are called out by Jesus! Jesus actually taps us on the shoulder and says "Follow me" (v.59) but we have an excuse "I've got to wait until this situation is over...then I'll walk with you". You see, it was customary in this time to funeralize a person on the same day of their death...so, the second Jesus walker did not have a dead father to go back to. In everyday living, this kind of Jesus Walker has a child that they are waiting on to graduate before they get more involved in church OR bills to pay off before they become a real tither OR a few more people to put in their place before they stop cussing! Jesus declares "if you are going to walk with me, then leave that stuff/those people where it/they belong and GO TELL SOMEBODY about ME"!

Finally, Jesus shows us another type of Jesus Walker. We volunteer to walk with Jesus, but we've got to go back and say goodbye to our old stuff...old life...old friends...old ways. (v.61) In response, Jesus declares that we are not "fit for service" if we've got to LOOK BACK! (v.62) If our TRUE HEART is with Jesus, then we would be ready to move forward! I've never seen anyone successfully drive forward while looking in the rear view mirror. In the same way, if we want to be Jesus walkers we must keep our eyes fixed on the task AHEAD!

During this second week of Lent, I challenge us to examine our TRUE HEARTS! Are we emotion-driven Jesus walkers who need something "good" or "miraculous" to happen in order for us to walk? Are we called Jesus walkers who want to get it all together before we walk? Are we willing Jesus walkers who are afraid to let go of the past? If we are honest, each of us can find a little bit of ourselves in each of these examples. Let's strive this week to examine our hearts so that Jesus can reply: "I've found a place with you...you forsook your troubles and proclaimed my Gospel...you are fit for service because you didn't look back"!

Prayer:

O God who is mighty beyond our wildest imaginations or desires, show us how to walk with You in the midst of an imperfect world and residing in an imperfect body. We thank You for loving us enough to leave us examples and for teaching us Your ways. We want to enjoy our walk with You, and we want You to deem us "fit for service". So we ask that You show us our TRUE HEARTS so that we might be better Jesus walkers. In Your Son's matchless name we pray, Amen.

May the Lord bless you real good!

With Love,

PastorC

Lent 2011: Introduction

Lent 2011

An Introduction

Scripture Focus: Matthew 14: 22-36

Objective: To Lay the Foundations for a life that constantly pursues "walking with Jesus"

During this first week of Lent, let us focus on the foundation: What does it take to live a life that CONSTANTLY pursues "walking with Jesus"? For me, it is easy to "walk with Jesus" when it is popular and convenient. For example, it is "popular" to God to SOMEBODY's church on Sunday mornings. I don't know about you but I can't get most of my friends on the phone between the hours of 11am and 1pm on any given Sunday. So, that's a fairly easy opportunity to "walk with Jesus". However, the challenge comes in when "walking with Jesus" is neither popular nor convenient!

In Matthew 14: 22-36, we encounter a very familiar passage where Jesus catches up with His disciples by simply walking from the shore to the lake...then continuing His journey, Jesus walks on the water. After realizing who Jesus was, most of the disciples waited to welcome Jesus onto the boat. However, Peter had a brighter idea: "Lord, if it's you...tell me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:28 NIV, 2010). Isn't that just like us...ok Lord, now that I see you in the storm with me...and I see what you are doing...let me walk with you!

This is a great response! I believe that God desires us to be believers who are bold enough to say "Tell me to come to you on the water"! BUT...what do we do while on the water? While on the water (WITH JESUS), Peter became distracted by the same storm that he was already in before Jesus physically arrived. If we intend to "walk with Jesus," then we must be assured in Jesus' ability to take care of us. No matter how rough the winds or turbulent the storm, don't forget who invited you out on the water.

During week one of this Lenten experience, lay the foundation for a successful "walk with Jesus" by reviewing Jesus' "Biblical Resume". He's already built the case for trusting Him and His ability to lead us when we are lost and comfort us when we feel inconsolable.

Prayer:

Most Holy God-as we share together during this Lenten Season, allow us to feel your presence and hear your voice like never before. We do not take this journey lightly but we enter it boldly and with expectation. We thank you for helping us to lay the foundation for "walking with Jesus" in our daily lives. In Jesus' Name-Amen.

May the Lord bless you real good this week!!!

With Love,

Pastor C