Tuesday, July 29th - Sacrifice To Love

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)

Today is the last day of our 21 day fast, so I felt moved to share with you a few thoughts about biblical love. Fasting is all about sacrificing and sacrificing is the cornerstone of love. It's not enough for love to just be exciting, it also must be lasting! Teen age romance won't satisfy a middle aged couple. Puppy love won't last through the dog days of life [Now that was funny…I see you smiling]. Most people have allowed Hollywood to shape and form their idea and definition of love. Hollywood places fantasy in front of us and presents it as reality. But Paul writes to the Corinthians amidst their turmoil [about spiritual gifts] and tells them the secret of love that makes relationships last. Let’s look at I Corinthians 13 together and get some clues to the daily sacrifices that keep love alive.

“Love is patient...” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love is alive when it has time... is dying when it is hurried... is dead when it cannot wait. Waiting together is a part of all of our relationships! But many times love also means that I must wait for someone else ‑ wait for them to grow or to understand ‑ wait for them to heal or to get motivated. [That was difficult to say…pray for all the impatience people like me.] Who do you need to have patience with today?

"Love is kind..." (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love is alive when it cares... is dying when it forgets... is dead when it ignores.
Kindness is the ability to do the little things well. The love expressed in kindness is learning how to turn those grand vows into simple acts and expression of love. Do you ever forget to be kind? We all do! Kindness in our families, with those we are closest to, takes real effort. Who can you show kindness too?

“LOVE does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Love is alive when it is secure... is dying when it doubts... is dead when it loses trust. Security is one of the #1 issues in relationships. Add a little insecurity to the best of relationships and love does not stay alive. Someone once told me that jealousy is a waste of emotion. I’m not really sure if I would go to that extreme but I will say that if you care deeply for someone it takes time to build a level of trust that can withstand certain challenges. This is even true in our relationship with God. The more we walk with God the more secure we become. The more we experience God the more we can rely on God. The more we learn how to trace God’s hand the more we can learn how to trust God’s heart. What is one step you could take today to make a relationship you are insecure in become more secure? Strengthen a relationship today talk to or call someone and say “No matter what happens, no matter what the future hold for us, I want you to know… I will always love you.”

Family Activity: Here’s your assignment...do two random acts of kindness. One toward a totally stranger and the other to someone in your family.

Monday, July 28th - Sacrificing To Grow

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” I Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

The truth is, our biggest hurdle in making the sacrificial commitments we’d like to make for Christ is often OURSELVES! We don't always feel like doing what we know is right to do! Sometimes we feel like doing what we know is the worst thing to do. Wouldn't it be great if they made a TV remote control for people! Circumstances become overwhelming - click - change channels. Can't wait patiently - click - fast forward. Afraid of the future - click - pause. Want to make up for a mistake - click - rewind. Wouldn't it be great if they made a remote control for self-control?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NIV) “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” How do you do that? The key to self control is Christ control - the Bible says it is a fruit that God's spirit wants to bear in our lives. Paul talks about three areas of life that we need to make a commitment to if we are to follow his leadership in our lives in this area of a new sense of self control.

1. Excellence: “Run for the Prize…”
Don't run at the back, don't run with the pack but run for the prize. In a world where many are thinking it’s enough to have simply participated, we are challenged to strive for excellence.

2. Eternity: “Train for the crown…”
If the relatively small promise of a reward like a gold medal can motivate us to such great heights even on a human level - just think of what a focus on eternity could do!

3. Energy: “Aim for the goal”
If you’re running a race it’s good to have your eye on the finish line! Paul reminded us that those who reach the finish are those who make sacrifices. He said he “disciplined his body.” We have a choice. We become a slave to our passions or we live for Christ with the passion of a slave.

Family Discussion Question: Where do you need a renewed commitment to excellence… focus on eternity… discipline for energy?

Thursday, July 24th – Sacrificing To Change

“Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Genesis 22:2 (NIV)

We all have something we’d like to change in our lives. It might be our schedule or our habits, our words or our weight. Many of us struggle with making those changes. Instead of telling yourself you cannot change, why NOT discover the secret of lasting change.

The secret of lasting change is sacrifice. In the give and take of life what you give you keep and what you take you end up losing. Any talk about change must include an honest look at sacrifices. Lasting change is built on real sacrifices. Your attitude towards sacrifice can be a grumbled, “We all have to make sacrifices,” or a faith filled, “God asks us all to make sacrifices.” The sacrifices God asks of us always build towards the blessings God wants to give to us.

Abraham understood sacrifice. He sacrificed his former life and people when he moved to the Promised Land. And then, when it seemed that all the sacrifices had been made and he could coast for the rest of his life, God asked for the biggest sacrifice of all. [God is always asking for another “Yes!”] He told Abraham to sacrifice his son. How could God ask that of Abraham? I hear you asking yourself “How could God ask for so much of us?” You've got it all wrong! It's not as if He takes and we give. It's more that he teaches us how to give so that He can give us even more.

We read this story and the tension builds - would God really let Abraham go through with it! There is a sigh of relief in us all when God stops Abraham at the end - when He provides a ram in the thicket. Hebrews 11 tells us that Abraham trusted God to resurrect his son even if he had completed the sacrifice.

In New Testament days this scene is replayed. [Hallelujah!!!] Once again it's an Only Son, ready to be sacrificed. But this time it is Jesus, God's Son, on the cross. But this time no voice calls out, and there is no ram in the thicket. What He would not allow Abraham to do God himself did. [Just take a moment and think about that – what God would not allow Abraham do God did himself!] Jesus sacrificed His life!

The sacrifice that Abraham did not have to make changed him. The sacrifice that Jesus did make changed us. There is no change without sacrifice.

Family Discussion Question: What would you like to change and what has Jesus Changed already?

I'm BACKKKKKKKKKKK

After a long aparent absence I’m back! I’m been just simply burning it at both end for months now. But I simply want to share a word about our 21 day fast. When you study the Scriptures, you’ll find that when people fasted it was for a purpose — not just a religious exercise. Daniel fasted from the king’s foods and wine because they had been offered to the Babylonian gods and he didn’t want to defile his body. He later prayed and fasted to “encourage” the prophesied release from captivity for the Israelites from Babylon. And in his third recorded fast, Daniel was seeking solace for the great pressure he felt because of a dream he had experienced.

In the New Testament, people would fast when they needed guidance or answers to prayers. Many times, when the Scripture used the words “by prayer and supplication” it likely referred to fasting.

As continue our Daniel Fast, what has been our purpose? Think about it and I will see you tomorrow!

Thank You!

Today is Sunday, July 20th...Day 12 of our 21 day Daniel fast & my 16th Pastoral Anniversary. Its been a full day.

We've made it over half way (12 of 21 thank the a Lord)! As I shared earliers fasting is a spiritual discipline that was practiced by some of the greatest men and women of the Bible. What a privilege it is to be apart of a Church like Greater Bethel that teaches the discipline and then promotes opportunities to practice and please God. Fasting allows us to say to God that we want less of us and more of Him. As we continue to as God to make us and mold us into a worshiping, studying, loving, praying, giving & willing Church know that you are participating in one of the most spiritual things you could do.

16 years ago I was voted as pastor of the Greater Bethel Church becoming the Co-Pastor of the church as well as only the second pastor ever. With mix emotion I began the journey to becoming the senior pastor-teacher of a church that lives up to her name (GREATER Bethel). I am proud to have been chosen by God to participate in the amazing things He is doing.

Its also a special day because my pastor, 1st Vice President of the National Baptist Congress of Christian, President of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention, President of the Baptist Minister's Associations, President of the Concern Clergy for spiritual renewal and pastor of the Fairview Baptist Church (just to mention a few lets just suffice it to say he is president of everything) came to preach. Words can't express the joy to have him share the over 50 years of wisdom and experience with our young progressive growing church. Armed with is wife of 45 years he simply just lost his mind..."What the preacher really wants" using Romans 10:1-3.

Let me finally say THANK YOU to the Greatest Church in the world. There is a development of a culture that understands the biblical mandate to care for her pastor. That has made these last few celebrations much more enjoyable. The gifts are greatly appreciated and humbling as well. From the bottom of my heart the kindness and sacrifice of the people is amazing.

Now, we must turn our attention to our building project (2.7 Million Dollars) that God has called us to and for. We are months from completion and there are many important things we must do. 1. We must close out one capital stewardship campaign and start another that will allow us open at a God honoring way. 2. We must adapt and adopt "CHANGE" as a way of life. 3. We must make prayer priority...Jesus says "My house should be call the house of prayer."

Please join me in saying to God "Whatever It Takes!"

Wednesday, July 16th - Where Commitment Leads

Where did the commitment that Mary and Joseph made take this young couple?

Their commitment let them to Egypt. Because King Herod was trying to kill the baby King they had to flee their homeland. It wasn’t always convenient - all fun and games - to have Jesus as their son. The truth is, their commitments made their lives better.... but not easy. Commitments are not always convenient!

Their commitment led them to a temple. The temple where they lost Jesus when He was 12 years old. They lost the Son of God. (Or they at least thought that they had!) Their great commitment led to a tremendous feeling of having let God down. Some people are afraid to make commitments because they feel they won’t be able to keep them perfectly. Let me give you this one straight… you’re right, you won’t! But those who are afraid of stumbling never get in the race.

Her commitment led to being involved in Jesus’ first miracle. Mary was the one that encouraged that miracle! Opportunity is being in the right place at the right time so that God can use you in His way. You can’t always schedule God’s will, sometimes it’s just a matter of being available. Mary’s commitment made her available.

Her commitment led to the foot of a cross. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there at the cross. Can you imagine the emotions that must have nearly burst her heart? She knew that Jesus was God’s Son. But Jesus was also her son. She had nursed and cared for Him as a baby - and now He was being tortured on a cross. Trust sometimes leads to a broken heart [Can I get a witness?].

Her commitment led to the upper room. In Acts we’re told of the new church starting in an upper room. Not many people realize that Mary was there when that new church started. She saw the resurrected Jesus. She witnessed the beginning of His church that would change the world. In the end, her life of commitment led to a fulfillment of God’s promise that she could have never imagined.

Family Discussion Question: Where is your commitment leading you right now?

Monday, July 14th - The Character of Commitment Found In Mary

“How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 (NIV)

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (NIV)

“I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)

Perhaps the greatest commitment made by any human being was the commitment that Mary made to trust God’s will in giving birth to His Son. How would you react if told you were to bear the Son of God? We see in Mary's reaction not anything strange at all; in fact, something very familiar. She acted like many of us today when we come face to face with the fact that Jesus has come into the world... that Jesus is willing to come into our world. Mary goes through three stages... confusion, questions, commitment.

Mary begins with Confusion
She was confused, because she didn't understand who God was. Her great fear made her want to draw away. The angel helps her to understand, helps us to see: if you're afraid of God, you don't understand who He is. God’s angel clears up our confusion by saying, “Don't be afraid.” How needed those words are in so many of our lives. Fear, in pushing us away from God, is pulling our lives apart. “You will give birth to a son.” Truth calmed her fear and changed it to wonder.

Mary moves from Confusion to Questions
Mary was saying, “Lord, I'm not qualified.” She had as good a reason to say that as anyone in history. What the angel was telling her was impossible! However good or poor the excuse, the lesson that's needed is the same: stop looking at yourself and start looking at God. “How will this be?” Go ahead and ask! God answers our questions. He helps us with our doubts.

Mary moves from Questions to Commitment
In verse 38 you see an attitude in Mary that shines for us. Commitment seems to leap from the page as you read this verse. She makes her decision, “Be it done to me.” William Barclay writes that the world’s commonest prayer is, “Thy will be changed.” Mary refused the world's commonest prayer and prayed the world's greatest prayer: “Thy will be done.”

Family Discussion Question: From confusion, to questions, to commitment; a journey that millions have taken when faced with that baby in a manger. Where do you need to take the next step in that journey today?

Friday, July 11th - Rebuilding A Commitment

“I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.” Nehemiah 2:20 (NIV)

We are a society desperately in need of the art of rebuilding. I’m not talking about houses and cars. We need to perfect the art of rebuilding relationships: rebuilding marriages, families and friendships. We need to learn how to rebuild hope and rebuild trust and rebuild our ability to make commitments. The promise in Nehemiah 2:20 answers the question, “What makes you into a rebuilder?” Today, I want you to let this promise encourage you to rebuild an important commitment in your life.

1. There is Expectation - “the God of heaven will give us success”

It is our relationship with God that grows us into expectant people. God is perfectly powerful. He is the God of all the heavens. He can accomplish whatever dream or vision He puts in my heart. Success is a gift of God!

2. There is Dedication - “we His servants”

Nehemiah said an encyclopedia full about what it takes to be a rebuilder in these few words. He had chosen to be a servant of God. Self-centered people never do a very good job of rebuilding. They may even think they have good intentions, but the truth is they become more “Rearrangers” than “Rebuilders”. They try to rearrange to suit their needs rather than rebuild for God's glory.

3. There is Determination - “will start rebuilding”

What’s the number one reason why rebuilding does not occur? Lack of determination to start! Who's going to start? Will you start in your marriage, with your kids, in your ministry and in your church? Say to yourself, “I will start” Come on, become a rebuilder! Stop relaxing, rebuild!! Stop retreating, rebuild! It may be a relationship, maybe a commitment. Determine to start today.

Family discussion question: What’s one place where you could start to practice this art of rebuilding?

Thursday, July 10th - The Ups and Downs of The Escalator of Commitment

As I made my way down the escalator of hotel I thought to myself…life as a believer in this world is somewhat like walking up a down escalator. As long as you keep moving ahead with your commitments, your fine but when you stand still, you find yourself moving in the wrong direction!

The book of Second Kings is about a time in Israel’s history when the escalator was moving down very quickly. During this time there were three kings who stood out for their commitment to faith even in the toughest of times: Joash, Hezekiah and Josiah. They each have some great lessons to teach us for our tough times about the commitments we can make to keep moving ahead.

Joash repaired the temple in 2nd Kings 12. He rebuilt the place of worship! The place of worship must remain strong in our lives if we're to swim upstream without being washed down or worn out. I’m talking about more than just attending a worship service, but giving your attention to worship. Joash's experience reminds us of a vital truth regarding keeping worship at the center of our inner lives. We have to be willing to pay the price. It takes time... valuable time, to worship the Lord.

Hezekiah in 2nd Kings 18 removed the “High Places,” the places of false worship. A growing faith comes when we deal with the destructive and the distracting influences in our lives. Look at how Hezekiah dealt with such places. He removed, smashed, cut down and broke them into pieces! There was no compromise... they were completely dealt with. You can't deal with “high places” with halfway measures. It takes commitment.

Josiah rediscovered God’s Word in chapters 22-23. Even if you haven’t picked up your Bible for awhile, you probably know where it is. That's better than the people of Israel had done. They had literally lost the Lord’s law. When Josiah rediscovered and read it everything changed. You may need to make a rediscovery of your own; to rediscover the meaning of God's word for your daily life. Start reading it again as if your very life depends upon it... it does!

Family Discussion Question: Whose example do you most need right now: Joash, Hezekiah or Josiah?

Wednesday, July 9th - A Commitment To Your New Life

Today, we begin our 21 day spiritual fast. Based on Daniel 10:2, 3 “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

Fact about Daniel Fast:
Days: 21
Duration: July 9th – July 30th
Prayer Request:
“Lord, make us into a…
· Worshipping Church
· Studying Church
· Loving Church
· Praying Church
· Willing Church

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NCV)

How on earth do heavenly minded people act? What does the new life Christ gives us look like? Colossians 3:12-17 outlines for us the daily commitments that are a part of the new life that we live as believers in Jesus.

We’re called to put on the love of Christ. Love others as Jesus loved them? Every day? Paul reminds us of three truths about ourselves that give us a foundation and strength for loving others. I am a chosen person. By God… for a purpose. I am a holy person. People who love others aren’t constantly trying to prove themselves. I am a dearly loved person, dearly loved by God. In order to love I MUST KNOW that I am loved.

We’re ruled by the peace of Christ. To rule is an athletic term which means to umpire. The umpire is the one who has the final say. Who has the final say in your daily attitudes and decisions? Is it the worries of the world or the peace of Christ? We all struggle with allowing our anxieties and worries control our lives. Paul reminds us in these verses that one of the secrets to changing our focus is found in expressing our thankfulness to God.

We’re indwelt with the Word of Christ. God’s Word dwells in us as we hear, read, study, memorize, meditate and apply His Word. But we’re reminded in Colossians three that it dwells in us richly as we teach and encourage others with what it says.

We do everything in the name of Christ. Everything, from shopping for groceries to office staff meetings to writing letters to returning phone calls to homework, we are called to do everything in the name of the Lord. How does this look like? Do we say, “In the name of Christ I buy this sandwich or fill this car with $4.00 gas…?? Billy Graham’s wife Ruth used to have a sign over her kitchen sink that read, “Divine services held here three times a day.” Washing dishes can be an act of worship if you do it in the name of the Lord. To do something in God’s name means you focus on both your purpose for Him and His presence with you.

Tuesday, July 8th - Commitments That Last!

“... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Today, I’m excited about sharing my life verse as we continue to look at the idea of commitment….Isaiah 40:31. If I had a nickel for every time I heard “It'll never last.” Three little words so easy to say, and yet the results are so devastating! Those three little words will…tempt you to give up on a dream, cause you to wonder if it’s really worth it, start you to thinking if the struggle of faith can be won. Those three little words will cause you to ponder quitting, giving up, bailing out, and just simply tossing in the towel? If you ever struggled with any of the above then Isaiah 40 is for you.

Isaiah 40 contains one of the most beautiful expressions in all of the Bible of the power and nature of God. What is Isaiah sharing in this verse? Our ability to last, our ability to hang in there through the storms comes from Him who makes and calms the storms. Our ability to endure through the long wait and long night comes from Him who has been here forever. God's Word stands forever... I can last, if I'll stand on His Word! God's has measured the waters in His hand... I can last, if I'll put myself in His hands! The Lord is the everlasting God... I can last, if I'll make Him my everlasting Lord!

When you hope, your commitments will last! That is the promise that God makes to us in these verses. Your strength will renew.

· You’ll soar - like an eagle. Renewed strength is the ability to dream again.
· You’ll run - and not be weary. Renewed strength is the ability to strive again.
· You’ll walk - and not faint. Renewed strength is the ability to endure again.

Family discussion question: Share what are you having a hard time waiting for right now? Now, join together in prayer.

Mondy, July 7th - God's Promise Of Direction

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

God’s purpose must be built in to the direction and decisions of everyday life. Here in Proverbs three are three commitments of life that ready you for the decisions of life. They build a lifestyle that enjoys God’s daily direction.

Determine your Director - “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart.”
This simple phrase encourages us to ask two of life’s most important questions. First, who am I trusting? Is it myself, my fears, my friends? Or... is it the Lord. Second, how am I trusting. We’re encouraged to trust with all our heart. Half hearted trust is no trust at all.

Detect your Detractor - “Lean not on your own understanding”.
Leaning on own understanding is a major reason for directionless living. How do you avoid the temptation to lean on only yourself? A few suggestions….Take time with your decisions. Someone has wisely said, “It is an old and ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way.” Talk to God about your decisions. Here's the acid test for determining which way you’re leaning: how often do you talk to God?

Declare your Delight - “In all your ways acknowledge Him.”
Acknowledge means to let others know. Declare your delight. Personally... in your devotional life take time to tell the Lord you appreciate Him. Publicly... in your witnessing life tell others your appreciate the Lord.

Acknowledge Him! And the promise is, God will direct your paths. Not might, or could.... but will. How can I know God’s will for my life? How can I know what decision God would have me to make? If you’ll work on determining and detecting and declaring, God will do the directing!

Family discussion question: Have each person in your family answer the question, “the decision that I’m facing right now that I would most like to have God’s direction in is.......”

Friday, July 4th - Making Home A Place Of Service

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Today, is the 4th of July the official family holiday and with that in mind I want to share a thought about the Home. If one of God’s most important calls to us is the call to be a servant, doesn’t it make sense that we need to incorporate that service into our daily lives. That means being a servant where we work. That means being a servant in our own homes. If we don’t serve those with whom we spend the most time, those whom we love the most, then servant hood is half hearted at best. How can I be a servant at home? Here’s a few ideas suggested by Galatians chapter 5.

Survey your Home
Ask yourself: is my home a place of indulgence, or service? You see, an opportunity to serve is also always an opportunity to indulge. Nowhere is that as true as in the home. Nowhere is our human tendency towards selfishness seen so clearly as in the home. What are you doing with your opportunities? Are you taking advantage of your family? Of their work by your laziness? Of their forgiveness by your anger? Of their giving by your taking?

Surrender your Heart
Servants surrender their heart to the guidance of God’s Spirit. What makes me into this servant type of person? God's Spirit! Some specific surrenders need to happen in your heart for your home to become a place of service. Wait a minute, you might be thinking. Isn’t this church stuff. What does the Holy Spirit have to do with my family? Everything! Eph. 5:18 tells us, “Be filled with the Spirit,” and then spends the rest of the chapter talking about what that does in our families!

Being filled with the Spirit gives us the power to make those specific surrenders that make a family strong. He enables us to surrender our plans and our agendas and our desire to have OUR needs met in order to love others. Your family life does not have to be determined by how you were raised, not if you surrender. It does not have to be governed by how it has been, not if you surrender. It does not have to be limited to what it is now, not if you surrender.

Family Discussion Question: Where is it difficult for you to surrender yourself to God’s daily direction?

Thursday, July 3rd - What Does Real Servanthood Look Like?

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:5 (NIV)

Today, I want to share one of the most fascinating passages of scriptures for me in all the Bible…John 13:5. There is a feeling in the thirteenth chapter of John that we are there for one of the most significant events in history.

What’s your picture of the atmosphere in the upper room where Jesus and his disciples met the night before Jesus died? Maybe it’s much like the one I had hushed tones and a holy glow. Now, let me shatter that vision with a hefty dose of reality in the Pastor G remix. We come in to excited noises. The disciples are expecting Jesus to make His move to take over soon and began to build His earthly kingdom, and they'll go with Him to the very top. They talk about what that will be like and what that will look like. You can just imagine them dreaming. Suddenly the volume increases. No longer excitement, but argument.

Which would be the greatest?! The argument really began when they walked into the room. No one took time to wash the other’s feet. With thoughts of greatness on their minds, they had no time for an activity usually assigned to slaves. The fact that greatness is measured with the yard stick of service had not yet registered with them.

There sits Jesus, hardly noticed as the others argue. I’m going to be the greatest. No, I’m going to be the greatest. The saga continues to mount as the voice get louder and louder. No one sees Him get up and walk to the other side of the room. A few notices as he takes off His robe and pours a basin of water. Stunned silence overtakes them all as Jesus comes to each disciple and begins to wash his feet.

Jesus washed their feet. [That shouts me every time!] God human flesh washed dirty feet. Scrubbing dusty toes - now that's love made practical! Real love is an action, not a feeling. Everything was ready for someone to serve: the pitcher was there, the wash basin was there, the linen cloth was there. It just took a person to take it up.

We hear Jesus say, “You should wash one another’s feet.” What does it mean to wash the feet of a disciple today? Ask yourself, why did Jesus wash the disciple’s feet? It wasn’t a religious ceremony, that’s for sure! He washed their feet because their feet were dirty!! How do you wash other’s feet? What does that mean? DO something that somebody else needs.

Family Discussion Question: Who in your own family needs their feet washed today? Who has a practical need that you could all be a part of meeting? What can you do today to make a difference in somebody’s life?

Wednesday, July 2nd - The Cost of A Vision

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARONDA

(My Oldest Daughter)

“My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NCV)

Today, I want to talk to you about the cost of a “VISION”! Is it worth it? Visionary, purposeful living is not always easy. It not only requires a measure of personal discipline, it also includes real opposition and problems! But I here you still asking, “Is it worth it”? I want to do my best to try to answer that by looking at Second Timothy where Paul finds himself writing while on death row, knowing he will be executed in a few days – its dark and it doesn't seem that the Lord will intervene this time. Now, that will make anybody wonder if “it’s really worth it”. As he looked back across the years, Paul was able to state three indefinable, exciting qualities that had marked his life because of his vision.

Paul identified His Overcoming Spirit - “I have fought the good fight”
Life is a battle. God’s purpose enables you to overcome. The words Paul uses here have the sense of “I did it!” You can sense the finality and the victory in these words. Vision changes a defeated spirit into an overcoming spirit... a fearful spirit into an overcoming spirit… an angry spirit into an overcoming spirit… a compromising spirit into an overcoming spirit.

Paul identified His Staying Power - “I have finished the race”
Life is a marathon. More people's faith has been defeated by the details of everyday living than by the big battles of life. God’s purpose enables you to endure. The key for Paul wasn't being first, it was finishing. For Paul life was not a matter of competition, but of completion! Now, this might sound a bit harsh but if you will receive with the right spirit it will bless and transform you life. Here it is, stop spending so much time trying to beat those around you in the 100 yard dashes and run the race set before you with energy and excitement.

Paul identified His Abundant Life - “I have kept the faith”
Life is a gift. It is a wonderful gift, but challenging one as well. Remember as a child getting that first little puppy. Your parents sat you down and said, “Now you have to walk it, train it, and feed it.” You quickly discovered that the puppy was just a gift but it was a responsibility! The word Paul uses for “kept” relates to the responsibility of a servant left in charge of a household in the absence of his master. Some people are overwhelmed by life and others are overjoyed by life. Vision is both gift and responsibility that should be enjoyed.

Family Discussion Question: What does life feel more like to you right now: a battle, a marathon or a gift?

Tuesday, July 1st - Keeping Your Purpose Alive

“Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your fathers. Worship and serve him with a clean heart and a willing mind, for the Lord sees every heart and understands and knows every thought. If you seek him, you will find him; but if you forsake him, he will permanently throw you aside.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 (Living)

What does a burned out light bulb, an empty toothpaste tube and a broken record have in common. They all out live their usefulness. People never outlive their usefulness! Now we all feel burned out, empty and even broken at times, but don’t let that fool you. You’ve got more to offer than a toothpaste tube! You cannot outlast your usefulness!!

One of the major causes of a lack of drive is a lack of purpose. Life seems empty when it is without purpose. Sometimes we run out of purpose long before we run out of energy. How can I renew the sense of purpose in my life? In 1 Chronicles 28 David shows us how to refresh our purpose when we come to a crossroads.

Involve your heart 1 Chronicles 28:9

Real purpose has to involve more that the merely routine - you have to have your heart in it! If the purpose is being imposed from outside it has the feel of pressure. If the purpose is welling up from inside it has the feel of real promise and enthusiasm. Some of you are caught in the Twilight Zone between wanting and willing. Give God a willing heart.

Inspect your plan 1 Chronicles 28:19

Ask yourself: are my plans big enough? Are they bigger than your comfort? David's plan for his life went beyond comfort in his life. I talk to a lot of people who's greatest plan is personal comfort. That's not big enough!! Are your plans bigger than your desires? Have you discovered the surprising fact that even if you got everything you desired, it wouldn't be big enough?

Invest your resources

When a purpose catches a hold of your heart and life you become willing to invest yourself in it! David invested his own resources! About 20 billion dollars in gold and silver - no small investment. It's one thing to use someone else’s resources, quite another thing to invest your own. Purpose has a personal price!

Family Discussion: What’s the biggest plan you feel God has for your life?