This really is my final observation from the life of Joseph, I promise.  (but I’m still feasting!)

Notice Genesis 50:14-18 and then think about what you read.

The reason it stood out to me is how like us Joseph’s brothers were.  Even though Joseph had told them repeatedly that it was not them that sent him into slavery, but GOD, who sent him ahead to preserve their lives – making it obvious that he had forgiven them and only wanted to bless them……they still had a ‘relapse’ and got into fear that caused them to beg for his forgiveness and identify themselves as his slaves rather than his brothers.

Does that sound like anyone you know?  (Maybe even the person who looked at you in the mirror this morning?)

Notice Joseph’s response in Gen. 50:19-21.  As Joseph is what theologians call a ‘type’ of Jesus Christ, I hope you’ll hear the Lord in those verses, saying “Don’t be afraid of me.  I will take care of you”.  For sure, if you hear HIM, He is still speaking “very kindly”, “reassuring” us!

He doesn’t even chastise us for needing the reassurance.  But how much better for us to walk in the confidence that He has already forgiven us for ALL our sins, and that His will for us is good (see Jeremiah 29:11).  Don’t doubt it.  Don’t be afraid.  Walk in the sure knowledge of forgiveness today!

What is the Lord showing you during your times in the Word?  Please share with us, to encourage others-

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

We’ve entered the final week of our fast…..are you thankful? I hope it’s not just ‘glad it’s almost over’, but that you’re also thankful for what this time of feasting is doing for your spiritual growth!

Genesis 48:15 stood out in my reading recently – really, just a phrase, “the God who has been my shepherd all my life”.

As I reflected, I can say that with Jacob, and I’ll bet you can, too – if you really think about it.

He has watched over me, even when I wasn’t aware He was watching.  He has provided for me in countless ways – some small & some large – sometimes in natural ways and sometimes in supernatural ways.  But He’s always been faithful.

Say it with me: “the Lord is my shepherd.  I shall not want.”

And He’s been MY shepherd all my life – even before I knew Him, He was caring for me.  Can you look back and see how He was watching over your life, even before you were born-again?

Finally, the wonderful truth is that He’s NOT going to stop now.  Feast today on the knowledge that your Shepherd is still watching over you, today and every day.

What is the Lord showing you during this feast?  Please share it with us below-

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

I spoke too soon.  I did get more from the story of Joseph.  (If you haven’t guessed, I’m using my blog to record my own S.O.A.P. time during this fast – hope you’re finding similar benefits by observing & applying Scripture as well!)

Here’s what stood out to me today – Genesis 47:18-26, and particularly the perspective of the Egyptians in verse 25.  Here’s why:

• I don’t think any of us like paying higher taxes.  When our state recently approved a 67% increase, I grumbled about it (like a lot of other folks)

• All my life, I’ve heard some Christians object to tithing on various grounds (“it’s Old Testament”; “we’re under grace”; “we can’t afford to tithe”; etc, etc, etc).

• But these Egyptians, when faced with a 20% deduction of their gross income, exclaimed, “You have saved our lives!  May it please you, sir, to let us be Pharaoh’s servants”

It seems to me that the difference between complaining or trying to find a loophole, or being thankful for the privilege is all a matter of perspective.  The Egyptians knew that they were die without Joseph’s plan.  Do we think we can make it without God’s plan for our lives?

As we worship today, I’m going to be extra-thankful for the privilege of honoring God with the first tenth of my income.  Selah.

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

OK, this should be my last post from the life of Joseph – I’ve really been feasting there this week!  (By the way, don’t you love Genesis 45:24 where he called after his brothers when they left to go get their father, ‘Don’t quarrel along the way!’ – love how Scripture paints the whole picture like that – sounds just like something I’d do!)

But for today’s devotional, I was really impressed by the fact that when Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, after 13 years of slavery, including several in a prison, he told his brothers, not once or twice, but four times that it really wasn’t them, but GOD who had sent him to Egypt (Gen. 45:5, 7, 8 – the translation I’m reading says it twice in verse 5, “God did it.  He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.”)

Repetition is one of God’s ways to get our attention.  I wonder if He’s saying to us today that the circumstances that we find ourselves in, even the ones we don’t understand, are all part of His plan for our lives, ala Romans 8:28.  If we believe that, it will explain a lot of the unexplainable events in our lives – God is simply working some things out that will ultimately be for my good – and for the good of others!

In fact, (drumroll, please) I want to reinforce that by making Romans 8:28 our first memory verse for those of you who will be memorizing Scripture with me this year.

We’ll put it on our webpage today as well, and it will remain there until next Saturday when we receive the next verse of the week – here it is again, printed out for you:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

Still feasting on the life of Joseph in Genesis!  Here’s what jumped out at me this time: Genesis 44:16, particularly when Judah exclaimed to Joseph, “God is punishing us for our sins.”

Have you ever felt that way?

I hope not.  But I suspect so.  Here’s the New Testament truth about that commonly-held idea: God is NOT punishing you for your sins! Scripture is very clear that He DID punish Jesus for your sins – and Jesus took ALL of that on your behalf! (Psalm 103:9-11; Col. 2:12-14; Heb 9:27-28; 1Pet. 3:18)

I recently heard a new angle on John 12:32 – when Jesus said that if he was lifted up on the cross, he would draw all men unto himself – the word ‘men’ is in italics in the KJV, which signifies that the word was not in the original manuscript, but the translators provided it to try to clarify the meaning.  Andrew Wommack said he thinks it was missing for a reason – that Jesus was actually saying he would draw all judgment to himself, since that was the topic at hand.  Whether that interpretation of the verse is valid or not, I can’t say – but this much I know – the principle is true: Jesus took ALL of God’s judgment on our behalf at the Cross!

I hope you’ll feast today on the knowledge that God is not punishing you for your sins – now or ever, if you place your trust in Jesus as your Savior!  As the old hymn said, Jesus paid it all!

What truth is the Lord showing you during this fast?  Please share with us below-

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

Today is the half-way point in our fast, and I really am feasting on the story of Joseph this week (hope you’re reading thru the Bible with me this year!). In my reading yesterday, Gen. 42:21 really stood out and the translation I’m using was even more graphic: “We saw his terror and anguish and heard his pleadings…”.  Keep in mind this had happened 20 years earlier, but it was still uppermost in their memories.

As I reflected on those words, it occurred to me how short-sighted we often are – especially when we’re going thru hard times.  My encouragement today is just this: IT’S NOT OVER! In Joseph’s case, it would be 13 years of difficulty – serving as a slave, being lied about, locked-up as a prisoner, forgotten – but eventually, God brought him to a high place of honor, just as He had promised.  Why do we (I) sometimes think that it will be any different for us?

Bishop T.D. Jakes once told a huge crowd of pastors who had gathered for a minister’s conference at his church, as they admired the overflowing parking lots, the beauty of the sanctuary and the thousands of worshippers gathered at The Potter’s House, “you see the glory, but you don’t know the story!”

I hope the next time I’m dealing with setbacks or heartache or difficulties that I won’t be so short-sighted, but that I can realize, this is just part of the story on my way to the glory!

A few verses later in the same chapter, Jacob cried out in Gen. 42:36, “everything is going against me”…but it wasn’t.  It was actually the beginning stages of God restoring his favorite son to him, AND preserving the life of his entire family (and the nation of Israel).  But in the moment, he couldn’t see that it was just part of the story on his way to the glory.

Selah.

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

Something else that stood out to me in my devotions on Monday – it’s actually a re-occurring ‘theme’ that I’ve been noticing, perhaps for the first time, in my reading this year, and it came up again yesterday.  Please notice Matthew 11:25-26 and 12:18.

The reoccurring theme has to do with pleasing God and it stood out to me in Gen. 8:21, Gen. 39:3-5, and Gen. 33:10 (my translation says “it’s like seeing the smile of God!”. Of course, that idea is also found in the Aaronic blessing that I speak over CLC every Sunday (I use the NKJV wording, but the NLT for Numbers 6:25 has it)

I think this time of fasting is working this in me, but I want to put a smile on God’s face! And the verses from Monday’s devotion says one of the things that pleases Him is revealing truth to the childlike. Children can put a smile on your face when nothing else can!

Let’s be childlike today, in His Presence.  Let’s put a smile on God’s face by pleasing Him as we continue ‘feasting’ on the things of God!

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

I was blown-away yesterday as I looked through the Connection cards from Sunday and saw how many CLCers accepted the challenge to grow in the Word by reading & meditating & memorizing & praying – I’m prophesying that this will do more to help us GROW spiritually than all the conferences or revival services we’ve ever had! Thank you for getting into the Word daily!

In my devotional time yesterday, I was struck by the concept of favor with man, as these verses stood out to me: Genesis 39:2-4, 6, 21, 23 and 41:38-41.  Notice, it was his relationship/favor with God that was so obvious that it gave him favor with people!

I’m hungry for the meats & sweets I’m doing without on this fast, but when I read those verses today, I became even more hungry for my relationship with the Lord to be obvious to people around me. I want FAVOR with people that results directly from my favor with God – don’t you?

I pray that you’ll grow closer to Him today……and that it will show to those around you.

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

Boy, am I getting tired of fruits & veggies only. Ok, just had to vent for a moment.  What I’m NOT tired of is hearing from the Lord and feasting on the things of God during this 21-day season.

In my devotions this weekend, a few things stood out for me:

• In Genesis 37:2,4 I noticed another reason why Joseph’s brothers hated him – he was a tattler. Now, I know Joseph was an incredible young man in Scripture, with no mention of faults or failings – but I’d never seen this before.  (I don’t know that there’s a deep spiritual truth here, but I do know that no one likes others to ‘tattle’ – so take that for whatever it’s worth!)

• More importantly, in Genesis 35:11-12 I noticed that God told Jacob again what He had promised before – having made the same promise repeatedly to his grandfather (Gen. 12:7; Gen. 17:8) and to his father (Gen. 26:3) before him.  At first I wondered why God would repeat Himself like that…..but then I concluded that (1) He wants the promise to be personal with each of us; and (2) that He knows how often our faith wanes, so He reminds us of His promises in order to help us persevere to receive them.

I’m curious: has God reminded you of any promises during this ‘feast’? If so, would you be willing to share them below, so we can all take courage together?

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

I think being in church today will make the fasting easier.  Amazing how addicted we can get to certain foods, isn’t it?

Genesis 32:11-12 really stood out in my devotions this week, and I believe it will help someone reading this.  Did you notice that Jacob said, “I am afraid…”, and then, in the very next breath, “but you promised me…”!

That’s the real deal.  Sometimes we are afraid.  Even as believers.  We may fear job loss, or cancer, or any number of other issues.  That’s ok, momentarily.  But instead of dwelling on what it is that we fear, let’s make sure our second thought is, “but you promised me”! The promises of God are more important than our fears.  His promises are BIGGER than our fears.

How ’bout this: what if, the next time fear whispers to you, you find a promise in God’s Word to silence it? That’s another one of the benefits of growing in the Word, which is/was our topic today at every CLC campus.  The more of His Word we get into our heart, the more equipped we are to handle the fears that come our way.

Does this help?  Why not share below what the Lord is doing in you during this fast?

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

Is it getting easier for you? I hope so.  More importantly, I hope you’re finding what the Awake 21 guide calls, your fasting “zone”.  I’d never heard that term before, but on my day off work this week, I ate in a way that ‘legally’ complied with a Daniel fast, but I sensed later that it wasn’t good for me – it did seem to get me ‘out of my zone’.  Lesson learned!

Yesterday in my devotions, I was struck by the wording of Genesis 31:42 in the translation I’m using, where Jacob told his father-in-law, “except for the grace of God – the God of my grandfather Abraham, the awe-inspiring God of my father, Isaac – you would have sent me off without a penny to my name. Later in verse 53 we’re told he took an oath “before the awesome God of his father”.

We use the word ‘awesome’ so much these days that we’ve diluted it’s actual meaning, which is to “inspire awe” and awe is defined as “an overwhelming feeling of wonder”. Selah.

When was the last time you were overwhelmed with a sense of wonder at God’s goodness to you?  Or awed by something He did?

More importantly, as we are feasting on the things of God during this fast, can we pray for eyes & ears to see & hear just how awesome He truly is, not in the everyday use of the word, but in the true awe-inspiring reality of seeing Him work in our lives.  No more of the mundane, ho-hum, take-for-granted routine I sometimes slip into.  I want to be blown-away, mouth-wide-open, eyes big in my relationship with Him!

How about you?

P.S.  Don’t dare miss this Sunday at any CLC campus – we’re going to demonstrate one way we can GROW!

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

I shared this Wednesday night in that awesome prayer gathering in Tinley Park (still can’t get over the attendance AND the anointing that was released!), but perhaps it will still be encouraging as you begin the 5th day of our fast:

• Genesis 28:13-15 is what God said to Jacob in a dream – notice the seven times God said, “I WILL”. Why should it ever be difficult for us to think He’ll do good for us, too?  Let’s accept the fact that we, just like Jacob, are walking in His favor, and He will do for us everything He has promised!  Feast on that today!

• Matthew 8:13 reveals a principle of Scripture: what we believe, happens!

Put those two passages together (as was my devotional reading one day this week), and it seems to me that when we believe God’s promises and His favor upon our lives, it happens! (The promises are fulfilled and we walk in favor!)

Selah.

Happy feasting Friday-

P.S.  Don’t dare miss this Sunday at any CLC campus – we’re going to demonstrate one way we can GROW!

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

The worst is over!

At least in my experience with a ‘normal’ Biblical fast (meaning no food at all, just water), the first 3 days are always the most difficult in terms of headaches, fatigue, etc., as our body de-toxes.  Honestly, as I’ve been doing a combination of juices and Daniel fast this week, I’m not experiencing much of any of that, and I definitely have the energy that was sometimes lacking in normal fasting.  All I’m trying to say is, ‘congratulations – you’ve made it through the most difficult part and it gets better from here!’

In my devotional time this week, the Lord spoke to me from Matthew 17:21, as the translation I’m using read, “Not all people who sound religious are really godly.”

That made me think: you can be religious or you can be godly, but they’re not the same thing.

What do you want from your fasting today?  For that matter, what do you want from these 21 days of fasting? I’m not interested in fasting for ‘religious’ purposes, but I’m sincerely wanting to become more ‘godly’ as a result of this fast.

How about you?

Let’s allow our time together with the Lord to make us a little bit more like Him…..a little bit more godly today.  (see 2Cor 3:17-18)

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

It’s only the 3rd day of our fast, but I want to encourage you to persevere. As I was reading in my devotional time yesterday, I noticed (for the first time ever) that Isaac was married for 20 years before his sons were born (Gen. 25:20, 26).

The reason that stood out to me is because Gen. 25:21 makes it clear that those twin boys were a direct result of Isaac’s prayers – but I can’t believe that he waited 19 years after marriage to start praying.  Although Scripture doesn’t tell us when he first began pleading with the Lord, I’ve got to believe he had been praying for 8 or 10 or 15 years for his wife to conceive.  Persevere!

I also sensed that God is speaking to us (at CLC-TP, at least) about conceiving during this fast.  It was more than a coincidence that Pastor Jim (for no apparent reason) talked about it Sunday morning, and Chris sensed on her way to church that the Lord was going to answer prayer for married couples who want to have children (we’re going to pray for them specifically during our Prayer Gathering tomorrow night), and then in my devotions I’m drawn to this story from the life of Isaac.  Here’s what I’m believing: some things are going to be ‘conceived’ in us during this fast that will be ‘birthed’ later this year!

Does that ring true with what you’re hearing from the Lord?  What are YOU praying would be birthed in you this year? Leave a comment below about your experience thus far, as together we ‘feast’ on the things of God-

If you’re in the Tinley Park area, don’t forget tonight’s special Prayer Gathering at 7:30pm!

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

On day 2, I want to share with you what I heard in prayer yesterday – “God is pleased!”

Let’s get a couple of things straight:

• As Matthew 3 clearly shows, God’s pleasure with us is based on relationship (Jesus hadn’t done anything when the Father spoke this – it was before His earthly ministry even began), not on performance.  Fasting is not about earning points with God!

• However, it sure encouraged me yesterday to sense that God is pleased by what we’re doing.  And I didn’t sense He was talking about me only; I sensed in prayer that He is pleased with us as a church and this season of feasting on the things of God that we’ve entered!

So as you enter this second day of the fast, and your body is probably resisting (aches, lack of energy, grumpy over the food you’re missing) – take courage in the knowledge that GOD is pleased.  Regardless of what anyone else thinks or says about you or to you today, your Lord is pleased that you’re taking this time to put Him first, even over the most basic need in life, food!

Leave your comments below as to how things are going & what the Lord may be showing you-

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

One of our CLCers said yesterday the only difference between fasting & feasting is ‘E’, which stands for expectation!  I’m stealing that for the next 21 days as we focus not so much on the food we’re giving up, but on the feasting on the things of God, as we grow closer to Him!

On this day, I want to commend you for making the choice to fast – and encourage you as you begin.  Honestly, getting started is often times the most important and most difficult step – and that’s usually how it is with fasting. You may have awakened this morning famished – just because you made the decision to fast. You may experience some headaches or other bodily symptoms of doing without food – but I encourage you just to press on, because the result is going to be worth it.

Start right today by spending time in reading the Word, and in simply talking with your Father in prayer.  You’re probably gaining some additional minutes that you’d normally spend in preparing or eating your meals, so I encourage you to use that time to have more time with the Lord.  And most importantly, EXPECT that you’re going to hear His voice & grow closer to Him during this time.

To read a devotional from Awake21, click here.

I’m excited about all the CLCers who are going to read thru the Bible with me in 2011!

Here’s a lesson that jumped out at me as I read Jonah during the Christmas holidays.  (Disclaimer: I had read this before, and I’ve heard others comment about it, but it was fresh this time around):

• Disobedience to God is always a downward spiral.

In Jonah’s case, his disobedience to go to Nineveh at God’s call, caused him to go down to Joppa (verse 3), and then down to a ship going to Tarshish (also verse 3).  Next he went down into the lower part of the ship (verse 5) and then he laid down (also verse 5).  Soon God sent a storm against that ship, and the only solution was for Jonah to be thrown down into the sea (verses 12-15).  Even that wasn’t enough, so God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he went down into the belly of the whale (see verse 17).

Do we get it?

Say it with me: “Disobedience, bad.  Obedience, good.”

This is more than a New Year’s Resolution; this is my heart’s desire for 2011: “Lord, I want to obey You in things big or small – I want to obey You quickly and fully”.

How ’bout you?

I was minding my own business, just doing my daily devo last week while in LA, when it happened again: my Bible came alive & talked to me!

Here’s what it said (says) in Proverbs 16:3, from the Amplified Bible.  Notice:

• it starts with us committing our “works” to the Lord – rolling them onto Him, and trusting Him (as opposed to us doing what we want, how we want, when we want). Selah.

• Then, the part that jumped out at me: He will cause our thoughts to become agreeable to His will. Read. that. again. slower.

• In other words, instead of my just asking the Lord to “bless” my whatever (my job, my marriage, my ministry, my plans, my, my, my…..), I am to commit all of it to Him (put it into His hands) – and THEN, He does something that I’ve experienced numerous times, but never saw in Scripture before…..He changes my thoughts!  Where I thought I wanted my way, now I realize I want His way.  What I thought I needed doesn’t seem so important anymore.  What I thought was insignificant now has become my obsession.

• I’m tempted to say, “not fair”, except I realize that when my thoughts agree with His will, it works out MUCH better for me than those times that I’ve insisted on my own way so much that He let me have it!

Does that speak to you like it spoke to me?

I came away with a new, old prayer.  I call it “old” because it’s one I heard the ‘old-timers’ pray when I was a young Christian – “Lord, make me willing to be willing”.

I mean it.

I want my thoughts to become agreeable to His will.  How ’bout you?

I think I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been using my father’s Bible, an Amplified version, for my daily devotions this year.  And so many times the Holy Spirit has used the unique wording of the Amplified to speak to me personally, as He did when I read Acts 4 a few mornings ago.

It started off well enough, with a familiar story of how the Sanhedrin became indignant after the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-8), and brought Peter and John in for a serious interrogation.  Read it many times, right?

But what I hadn’t noticed before was the Amplified translation of verse 8 – that Peter was not only filled with but also controlled by the Holy Spirit!  AND, that fact is given as the reason for his response (“because”).  Selah.

My original faith family majored on being ‘filled’ with the Spirit.  Acts 19:2 was one of our major themes, and it seems like every Sunday closed with an emphasis on being ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit.  I am not walking away from those roots.  I still believe the baptism of the Spirit is an experience that God wants for each of His children.

But in my heart of hearts, not only as a pastor but as a believer, I also want to be controlled by the Holy Spirit!  I couldn’t help but notice how the inconsistent, wishy-washy Peter who had lied and denied just a few weeks earlier, was so bold in his response when he was controlled by the Spirit – note his defense in verses 9-12 carefully.

AND, as I continued reading, I discovered the ‘secret’ to being controlled by the Holy Spirit – it’s found in Acts 4:13.  The key is not in our education or pedigree; the key to being controlled by the Spirit is being with Jesus!

When I reflect on my own life, that’s certainly been true: the more time I spend with Jesus, the more likely I am to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

I want to be more like Him.  How ’bout you?

I shared this with our Tinley Park campus staff yesterday, but I thought it might be worth publishing: in my devotionals, as I read Acts 1:1, it jumped off the page at me.  Well, actually just one word jumped out at me – “began”.

That’s not what you’d expect the writer to say.  After all, he’s describing his ‘former account’ (the Gospel of Luke, by the way), in which he made a report of what Jesus (here’s where the surprise came: NOT ‘did’ or ‘had done’) ‘began‘ to do.

Then it dawned on me: he could only describe what Jesus began to do, because Jesus has never stopped doing!  (Selah)

But then the Holy Spirit made it more personal with me, and that’s what I’m passing on to you: what is Jesus doing in you lately?

So much of what Jesus has done in us or for us is in the distant past – He saved me in 1965; He filled me with the Holy Spirit in 1966; I remember when He did this…..I praise Him for the time He did that.  But is it possible that we’re now spending our time praising Him for the past, while He’s still wanting to do things in the present?

What has He done for you lately?

I don’t know if that speaks to anyone else, but that one-word in my morning devo has made me hungry to see Him do more in me now.

While doing my daily devotions one morning in Israel, Proverbs 9:6 jumped off the page at me – especially the last line about “walk in the way of insight and understanding”.  At first I really didn’t know exactly why it stood out.  I mean, that’s good advice for all of us, and I’m sure there are times that we all fail to do what we know from godly insight or understanding gained from experience we ought to do.

But it really came alive for me as I continued reading and reached Proverbs 10:17.  Read it slowly.  When we walk with insight and understanding (by heeding instruction) we are not only IN the way of life (for ourselves), but we become an avenue of life for others!

Wow.  Double wow!

When we live according to God’s Word, we not only find true life for ourselves, but we become a model that enables others to find true life.

Makes me want to do it every day of my life. How ’bout you?

Does that resonate with you like it did with me?

I’ve read the Book of Proverbs about 10 times this year alone (I’m reading a chapter a day, since there’s one chapter for each day of the month).  But somehow I never noticed chapter 7, verse 1 until my devotions one morning this week.

Notice, we are to “lay up” His Word “within us” – which means commit it to memory or somehow get it into our minds and hearts – “for use when needed”! That last phrase is the part that jumped out at me…..mark it down, there will be a time when you need God’s Word (we all do) – but please get this – when you most need God’s Word because of your circumstances, it is too late to store it up then. The ONLY way to have God’s Word in your heart and on your lips when you need it, is to store it up beforehand!

I know that’s simple and basic, but it was rhema for me this week.  Reminds me of Psalm 119:11 – again, we lay up the Word in our heart first, so we’ll be able to use it later!

Does that help you like it helps me?  Can you think of a time that a verse(s) you had learned earlier was right there when you needed it most?

In my devotions this week I was reading Jeremiah 29 when it happened again…..you know, when the verses jumped out at me.  I already knew that verse 11, one of my all-time favorite verses, was a part of the chapter….but I had forgotten the context.

You see, Jeremiah 29 was written regarding Israel being forcibly taken into captivity in Babylon.  They were about to be torn away from everything they had even known or held dear, and taken to a foreign country to a people whose language and culture was different than their own – yet God said to them in verse 7 that they were to pray for this heathen city, for as the city prospered, they would prosper!

After telling them not to let anyone (including their prophets) talk them out of this, he made the wonderful promise of verse 11.  Think of it: even as they’re about to go into captivity, He’s already assuring them of His good plan for their future!

Just as amazing to me were the verses immediately after His promise, as you’ll see in Jeremiah 29:12-14.

Makes me want to pray for Chicagoland…and America….and “require” God’s Presence “as a vital necessity”!

Does that speak to you like it did to me?

Funny how we can read things over & over again and then the next time we read it, BAM: we see something we never noticed before.  This morning in my devotions I came to Proverbs 5 (yep, a day behind, since I try to read a Proverb a day, corresponding with the day of the month, in addition to my other reading), when I came upon Proverbs 5:6.

Notice, in reference to this lady that Solomon refers to as a ‘loose woman’, he says “she loses sight of…the path of life; her ways wind about aimlessly…”

Does that hit you like it hit me?

How easy it is, especially in the crazy pace of life these days, for any of us (not just ‘loose women’) to lose sight of the path of life; i.e., to lose sight of what’s truly important; to lose our focus on what brings us satisfaction & joy in life.  And the result is that we just go through our days aimlessly, doing tasks, answering emails, making widgets, punching the clock – when all along there IS a path that would bring us life and peace – the ‘abundant’ life that Jesus promised.

Solomon went on to describe the end of those who wouldn’t receive instruction or discipline, whose heart wasn’t open to correction – and it’s not a pretty picture (Proverbs 5:9-23)

Anyway, don’t know if that speaks to you, but it left me more determined than ever to keep my eyes on the path, and not to wander around aimlessly, just doing stuff.

It’s also interesting that much of his wisdom had to do with our marriage & family relationship (see verses 15-20).  The secret to real life is relationships, and I’m already looking forward to this Sunday when we’ll look at an infamous couple in Scripture, who pushed all the wrong buttons in each other, with predictably sad results – so we can learn from their negative example what not to do, and what we can do instead to bring out the best in others.  Hope to see you here!

If you’ve been around CLC, you know that we close our services with “the blessing”, which most of the time is taken directly from Numbers 6:22-26 where God gave Moses the verbiage to use in blessing His people.

I’m sure for some folks, it’s just a routine tradition.  Honestly, I believe there is power released in our words, and I just like doing it week after week.

But this week in my devotional reading in the Amplified Bible, I read Psalm 80:19 and it made me sit up and take notice!

Here, in the words of Scripture, is a clarification (or amplification) about what it means to have the Lord shine His face upon you: “in pleasure; approval; and favor“.  In other words, every week, when we pronounce the blessing, we’re speaking that:

• God is taking pleasure in you!
• God’s approval is on you!
• God’s favor is with you!

That got my motor started today…..how ’bout you?

part of my devotional reading yesterday was Psalm 78 and boy, did it talk to me.  Here’s the gist of what happened:

• During their wandering in the wilderness, Israel complained about the manna that God provided them to eat miraculously.  (remind you of anyone you know?)

• When Moses promised that God would give them meat, because of their complaining, they said (v19), ‘can God furnish the food in the wilderness?’

• Here’s what got me – notice the next verse.  In other words, even though He had provided water for their thirst, they didn’t see how that related to Him providing food for their hunger!

• Do you get it?  Our needs and challenges have similarities. I immediately thought of David’s faith when presented with the challenge of 9′ 6″ giant, Goliath.  He DID make the connection of similarities in 1Samuel 17:37 – see it?  Lions have paws; bears have paws and people have hands!  The same God who delivered him from this will deliver him from that!

• It’s still true for you and me: the God who helped us with that challenge in the past will help us with this challenge in the present!

Does that talk to you like it talked to me?

I don’t think you’ll like this post, but it may encourage you nonetheless.

My devotions yesterday began with the book of Job.  You probably know his story – he was “the greatest of all the men of the East” (Job 1:3), with tons of sheep, oxen, camels, donkeys and servants.  Today that would probably translate to real estate holdings, a nice stock portfolio, a flush bank account, and lots of loyal employees.

Verses 8-12 jumped out at me, even though I’ve read them dozens of times – get this: God initiated the conversation with Satan and asked if the enemy had ever considered Job.  God was bragging to the devil about what a wonderful servant Job was!

What follows isn’t pretty.  Some of you may be able to relate.  The enemy showed consideration to Job by stripping him of everything – the sheep, the oxen, the camels, the donkeys and the servants.  And for good measure, he forced Job to attend the funerals of all of his 10 children.

Once again, God bragged to the devil about Job’s response (Job 2:3-6), and this time, the enemy’s consideration brought unbelievable physical suffering to Job – literally from head to toe (Job 2:7).

Let me cut right to the chase and say, could it be that what you are experiencing right now – whether pain, loss, heartache, or suffering – is not at all because God doesn’t care or that He is somehow letting you down or that you are being ‘judged’ for something you did – instead, could it be that God is actually pleased with you and perhaps bragged about you to the enemy?

If you’re having a bad day, or a bad week, or a bad month, or even a bad year – could it be that you’re getting consideration from the devil because God is so pleased with you that He couldn’t help but brag a bit?

I don’t think it was happenstance that allowed me to read Acts 5:41 next in my quiet time.  Maybe we’ve been counted ‘worthy’ to suffer.

In many respects, the last 12 months have been the most difficult of my entire life. But this much I know: if the early Christians could stay on assignment, so can I (Acts 5:42).

I am gonna stay on my assignment, because God has a plan for me just like He had for Job! (Job 42:12-17; Jeremiah 29:11)

How ’bout you?

I happened to read Nehemiah 4:14 in my devotions this morning, and it talked to me!  See if it talks to you, too:

• “do not be afraid of the enemy” – at the risk of oversimplification, that sounds like good advice for every single one of us, probably on every single day!

• “Remember the Lord” - now, that’ll preach!  But more than sermonizing, I find that I regularly need to remember & reflect & think back to HOW the Lord has worked in my life, time & time again.  He really is a GREAT God……but sometimes His greatness gets diminished simply because I fail to remember….usually because I’m too focused on the enemy or the problem or the situation I’m in.  Regardless of what’s going on in your life today, I dare you to think about how BIG your God is!

• (here’s where the Amplified Bible is so cool) “Imprint Him [on your minds]“ – see, to imprint implies making an impression by pressure, to stamp something.  Instead of letting the stresses & problems & circumstances pressure me about how bad things are, the Word is encouraging me to allow those situations to impress upon me how BIG my God is!

Don’t know about you, but I needed that today.

Just a little nugget from one of my recent devotions – it’s Hebrews 13:5 in the Amplified Bible (my pastor sometimes jokes that the Amplified Bible is ‘louder’ than other translations, but this time it really is!)

I especially want you to notice the promise in the last half of the verse: “God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.  I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax my hold on you!) Assuredly not!”

Is that reassuring or what???

According to the Greek scholars, there are three negatives preceding the verb in the last part of the verse – hence, the repetition, “I will not, I will not, I will not” let you down!

God knows that we sometimes struggle with those doubts, especially when hard-pressed financially, or emotionally – so I figured this has to be a ‘word’ for somebody besides me.  REST in His promise – HE is taking care of you and HE will NOT let you down!

My devotions yesterday morning were especially meaningful to me, but I haven’t had a chance to share until now:

The apostle James who wrote this Epistle was not only the half-brother of Jesus, but from what we read in Acts, he became one of the recognized leaders among the apostles, and was in all likelihood the Bishop of the church in Jerusalem.  As a pastor & leader of the world’s first mega-church, he was in a position to see human nature on display, even among believers.

Notice then that James 4:2 in the Amplified Bible paints the ugly but accurate truth that sometimes we still struggle with our selfish ways: jealous, covetous, envious and angry – not finding the gratification or contentment or happiness that we seek. Ouch!

Of course, he also points out that we don’t have because all-too-often, we haven’t asked (of God).  Ouch again!

Verses 3 and 4 and 5 pour on even more – and it’s not a pretty picture.

But I love verse 6!

In spite of all our failings and frailties, HE gives grace (undeserved favor!) continually (again & again) to the lowly – (and this is the part that jumped off the page at me) – those who are humble enough to receive it!

I said it to the Lord yesterday, and I’m saying it to you now: I always want to be humble enough to receive!  ”Lord, don’t ever let me get too big for my britches – too important in my own eyes – too anything – that I can’t receive from You!”

Can I get an amen?

My devotions earlier this week had me in Galatians, and as I read in the Amplified Bible, chapter 2, verse 8 really jumped out at me.  (I’m sure I’ve read it many times before, but never saw its truth so beautifully!) Notice:

• He motivated us – i.e., HE is the one who put the desire in our heart for whatever ministry passion we have;
• He also fitted us – i.e., HE not only gave us a desire for a certain area of ministry or service to fulfill our purpose here on earth, but then He ‘fitted‘ us – He gave us the exact abilities, giftings and experiences that would best suit us for that area of ministry!
• Finally, HE works effectively through us – i.e., when we are using our gifts to fulfill our heart’s desire, that’s when we are fruitful as well!  (Some people call it their ‘sweet spot’, and that’s what it is!)

What a good God!

SELAH.

What ministry desire to you have?  (Maybe you’re never even acknowledged it – or maybe the enemy has told you it’s just ‘you’ dreaming – but what is it that you really want to do for the Kingdom?)

What are you ‘fitted’ to do?  (I won’t be surprised if it’s the very thing that makes your heart beat faster!)

Where is God working effectively through you?  (Or maybe, if you’re not seeing ‘fruit’, you should go back to the first two questions – because if HE put the desire in your heart, then HE will enable you in that area, and you WILL be fruitful!)

Does that speak to you like it did to me?  If so, share your thoughts below-

My Bible talked to me today!

It was a passage I’ve read many times before, but it jumped off the page at me today.  Read it for yourself here (Romans 12:6-8).  All three verses are great, but verse 7 is the one that really grabbed me – especially the “give himself to” part.

I thought: “What am I giving myself to?”

For that matter, what are you giving yourself to?

I notice the passage specifically addresses that question to those with serving gifts, those with teaching gifts and those with encouraging (exhortation) gifts.  That’s probably why it grabbed my attention, because I fit into that category.

But it also begs a bigger question for all of us: what are you giving yourself to?

You know what I mean.  Not leaving anything on the field.  Giving 100%, and then some.  Putting it all out there.  In fact, studying and developing and honing your craft so that your gift is better now than ever.

Someone smarter than me said whatever ability we have is God’s gift to us.  What we do with that ability is our gift to God.  SELAH.

I’m going to give myself to teaching.

See you in church tomorrow – it’s EASTER, and I’m gonna teach my heart out!

Woo-hoo, we’re there!  Today we’ll finish the reading of the New Testament except for the final chapter, which we’ll do publicly tomorrow at the Tinley Park Convention Center (in a very special way – don’t miss!). Our final reading at the Bronze level is Revelation 3.  Here are my thoughts as I read:

• It was sobering to read vv. 1-3 and realize that we could be dead spiritually and not even realize (because of the enemy’s deception) – but thank God that Jesus gives us a “wake-up call” so we can turn around!  (I’ve had a lot of those in my life, how about you?)
• Verse 4 (and others like it) make me know that regardless of environment or circumstances, we can walk with the Lord!
• Is Revelation 3:7 a ‘word’ for someone today?  HE STILL OPENS DOORS! (verse 8 is encouraging, too!)
• Read verse 17 again – sad to think we could be so deceived.  One of my pastors in Bible school used to refer to verse 18 in his homespun Texas way and say, “I want a 55-gallon drum of that eye salve to smear all over my eyes, so I can see!” That was 39 years ago, and I now feel the same way!
• Read verse 19.  Selah.  Read it again slowly. I’m thankful for His correction.
• There’s probably no more fitting verse for my final comment than Revelation 3:20.  As a child, my parents had a picture depicting that scene – and it’s still true today.  Have you heard His voice through your reading these past 7 weeks? If you have, and if you’ve opened the door of your heart, then you already know how precious the fellowship with Him can be!  I pray this is just the beginning of a lifelong habit of working the Word into your life!

I can’t wait to see you at the Convention Center tomorrow!  Before then, any final thoughts you’d be willing to share with us from your reading today? Please comment below-

Almost there!  Our Bronze reading today is Revelation, chapter 2.  Here are a few random thoughts from my reading:

• In my years of ministry, SO many times I’ve heard people say, “God knows my heart!”.  Verses 2-3, verse 9, verses 13-16 and verses 19-23 make it clear He knows more than that! There is nothing about us that He doesn’t notice!  (I’m not sure if that’s comforting or frightening, but it is a fact!)
• Revelation 2:4 is an ‘ever-present’ danger for all of us.  I want my love for Him to remain red-hot!
• Verse 6 has been somewhat of a mystery for Bible readers, since the Nicolaitans are not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.  The most plausible explanation I’ve heard is that the word from Greek means “to conquer the laity”.  Others have said it’s the opposite, meaning “laity rule”. I know this: God hates the system that divides us into “clergy” and “laity”, because in the New Testament, He planned for all believers to be ministers! (Eph. 4:11-13 makes that especially plain.)
• Over and over again Jesus makes the statement that first appears in verse 7.  I want ears to hear!
• Verse 10 is comforting to know: even though we sometimes do suffer, God always puts a limit on the enemy!

How was your reading?  Please share any insights below so all of us can ‘work the Word in our lives’-

We’re now in the last book of our journey – today’s reading is from Revelation 1.  Here are a few thoughts from my reading:

• have to mention Revelation 1:3, since it was part of the inspiration behind this challenge.  Have you been blessed by the last 46 days?
• Don’t you love John’s description of our Lord in verses 4-5 and 8?
• Verse 10 is ‘cool’ to me, because no matter what day of the week it may be, it is “The Lord’s Day”, and we have the privilege of worshipping in the Spirit!
• The description in vv. 13-18 starts off awe-inspiring, and I understand why John fell down as though dead – but I love the truth and the promise of verse 18!

How was your reading today?  Would you share your insights with all of us below, so that we can all ‘work the Word into our lives’?

Our reading today is from what is arguably the most-potent but brief book in the Bible, as there’s a LOT packed into the only chapter of Jude.  Here are a few random thoughts from my reading:

• Love the action verbs/order of verse 1: God calls us; loves us; and keeps us safe!
• And I love Jude’s prayer/desire for us in verse 2 - do it, Lord!
• Verses 3-4 wasn’t just a need in his day; it’s amazing how often certain false teachings keep coming around!
• Whenever I hear people teach the doctrine of ‘unconditional eternal security’, it seems not to measure up in the light of Jude 5-7.
• After a lengthy explanation of people in Christian churches who live only to satisfy themselves & who have no regard for authority, Jude 17-19 warns us that in the last days there will be those who create divisions among us.  Lord, help us!
• Which is the context and backdrop for one good reason we all need to pray in the Spirit, to fortify ourselves (verse 20) – and doing so also keeps us in the center of God’s love (verse 21)
• Love the benediction of Jude 24-25!

How was your reading today?  Any insights to share with the rest of us, so we can all ‘work the Word into our lives?  Please comment below-

Our Bronze reading for today is the book of 3 John.  It’s a short letter, but contains some big concepts!  Here are my thoughts:

• reading verse 2 in the NLT sure has a different ‘feel’ than the KJV of the same verse.  Kinda made me wonder how one verse spawned so much of the ‘prosperity’ teaching we’ve heard in the last 30 years or so-
• As a father and a pastor with ‘children’, I totally agree with 3 John 4!
• Verses 5-8 provide a good basis for how we treat guest ministers at CLC.  I’m thankful for those with whom we partner!
• Abusive leadership in God’s house is just as awful today as it was in verses 9-10!  Lord, give us true shepherds and servant-leaders!!!
• Verse 11 is solid advice for anyone who has ever been hurt or disillusioned by leadership-

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below so we can all benefit-

1 John 3 is our Bronze level reading for today.  Here are a few insights that I had as I read:

• The first 3 verses of this chapter have long been special to me: verse 1 (especially the first sentence) because I never want to forget what a privilege I’ve been given; verse 2 because of (a) the present reality (‘we already are’!) and (b) the promise of finally being exactly like Jesus!; and verse 3 because of the clear motivation to holiness. Magnificent!
• Love 1 John 3:8 – especially the last sentence which tells us the purpose that Jesus came: to destroy the works of the devil. Here’s a little tidbit: the word ‘destroy’ there is the Greek word, “luo”, which means “to untie, or undo”.  In other words, Jesus came to undo everything the enemy has done to us!!!  Everything Adam lost in the Fall, Jesus has restored to us!
• Verse 9 has confused some believers (since they know they sometimes sin) – the key word is “practice” (sin is not our habitual lifestyle!) and the secret is that “the seed” of God’s Word keeps us from sin.  Someone smarter than me once said about the Bible: “This Book will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from this Book!” Tru dat!
• 1 John 3:16-18 lets us know that real love is known through actions.  I don’t want to talk a good game; I want to live it out, don’t you?

How was your reading today?  Please share your thoughts below to encourage others-

We’re in the home-stretch of reading through the NT as we begin our final week today, with a Bronze reading of 1John 1.  Here are my random thoughts:

• The introduction to the entire book in 1John 1:1 is a strong declaration of the Deity of Christ!
• John uses the concept of ‘light’ to describe our God in verse 5 – in Him is NO darkness at all.  That’s why we must practice what we preach (v. 6)
• I don’t see in verse 7 a demand or expectation that we are perfect, but I do see there the need for us to be authentic – our lives are open & honest before Him, and with each other!  That’s what enables us to receive forgiveness and be clean – while hiding our issues doesn’t fool anyone, and keeps us from the life God designed for us (v. 8)
• For believers, verse 9 is one of the most important promises in the Bible!  Thank you, Jesus!

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below to encourage others-

1 Peter 2 is our Bronze reading for today, and here are some things that came to me as I read:

• Since my wife & I have had 3 babies of our own, and in my brief time observing my grandson, verses 2-3 definitely cause me to ask: am I that hungry for God’s Word? Crave is a strong word, but it’s the right one to use there – what are you craving?
• Verse 9 has long been one of my favorites!  Think of it: a chosen people…..royal priests…..a holy nation…..God’s very own possession – that’s who YOU are!
• 1 Peter 2:10 is just as beautiful, especially since most of us reading it are Gentiles, who once had no ‘rights’ as God’s people – we weren’t even recognized, but NOW we are His people and He shows us His mercy!  Love it; love it; love it!
• The last half of verse 11 gives us sobering information: worldly desires actually war against our souls!
• May all of us always remember 1Peter 2:19-20!
• What could I possibly add to 1Peter 2:21-25?  Go back and read it slowly, then Selah.

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below so all of us can be encouraged to ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Our Bronze reading today is James 5.  Here are my random thoughts while reading:

• Some “end-times” presentations that I’ve heard (and given, in my younger days) seem intended to whip us into a frenzy – but James has a different idea in verses 7-8.
• James 5:13-15 is simple, and practical, and powerful!
• Hope you don’t get tired of hearing verse 16 – to me, it’s so powerful to realize that I confess my sins to God to receive forgiveness, but I confess my sins to others in order to be healed! All of us need people in our life to whom we can be accountable, and who will support us in prayer!
• Verses 17-18 are so encouraging, especially since God is no respecter of persons.  If Elijah could get results, you & I can get results, when we pray!
• James 5:19-20 describe the most important work we ever get to do: to partner with God in restoring people!

Did you receive insights as you read the Scriptures today? Please share them below so others can be encouraged to ‘work the Word in our lives’-

Today’s reading at the Bronze level is from James 2.  Here are my thoughts as I read:

• There may not be a better argument in God’s Word against discrimination, whether racial, gender, or class – than James 2:1-9.  To the point!
• Verse 14 lays out the Biblical position about “faith alone” (and repeated in v. 17, v. 22, v. 24, and v. 26) Then James bolsters his argument with several examples: meeting practical needs of others (vv. 15-16); mere mental belief (vv. 19-20); Abraham (vv. 21-23); and Rahab (v. 25)

How was your reading today?  Please share your thoughts below, as we all try to ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Hebrews 13 is today’s reading at the Bronze level – here are a few random thoughts that came to me as I read:

• Wish I had thought of using verse 3 in this past Sunday’s message about ‘compassion’ – this verse embodies it!
• Couldn’t help but notice the practical insights in short order: verse 4 regarding marriage; vv. 5-6 about materialism and real priorities; and verse 7 in regards to leadership in the body of Christ!
• Aren’t you glad for Hebrews 13:8?  That’ll preach all day long!
• Don’t overlook the truths of verses 15-16 regarding true worship: (a) we’re called to worship even when we don’t feel like it (sacrifice!); (b) true worship is not just in our heart, but must be expressed out of our mouth; and (c) real worship is a lifestyle, not just a Sunday event.
• Sure don’t hear Hebrews 13:17 used much any more in independent America (and I’d be the first to admit it’s been abused in lots of places), but it is still in Scripture, and it is given for our spiritual benefit!
• Is there a better benediction in Scripture than verses 20-21? Read it again slowly and enjoy!

How ’bout your own reading?  Any insights you can share with us below?

Our Bronze level reading for today is one of the most-loved chapters in all of the Bible, known as “God’s Hall of Fame”, Hebrews 11.  There’s so much to notice here, but let me just relay a few thoughts as I read today:

• No matter which translation you read it in (this is the NLT), Hebrews 11:1 is just classic!
• No matter what theories about the origin of man our educational system or scientists put forth, I’m placing my confidence on the explanation of Hebrews 11:3!
• Verse 6 is one that we dare not forget: God doesn’t necessarily respond to need; He responds to faith! Most of us have no trouble believing that He exists, but we sometimes struggle with the second part of that clause – i.e., that He is a good God who will respond to us when we seek Him!
• Can you read Hebrews 11:13-16 without being inspired?  I can’t! I haven’t yet received everything that God has promised me, but I’m still looking for it!
• I’ve always loved the explanation in Hebrews 11:17-19, since it sheds additional light on an OT passage that seems hard.  Such faith!  I want to use the same kind of reasoning/logic Abraham did – where everything else bows to God’s Word!
• In this age of “fair-weather Christians”, may all of us have the faith/thinking of Moses as shown in verses 24-26.  (We can, if we do what he did at the end of verse 27!)
• Hebrews 11:35-38 offers some comfort to those of us who experience the ‘other side’ of the coin – just because you suffer does NOT necessarily mean your faith is suspect!

There’s a lot more in this chapter, but I’ll stop there.  How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below as together we ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Our Bronze reading for today is Hebrews 6.  Here are my random thoughts from my reading:

• the first 3 verses refer to the ‘basic teachings about Christ’, but when I look at the list and think about the body of Christ in America, in my humble opinion, we DO need to repeat them again – sad commentary on how doctrinally weak we’ve become.
• Hebrews 6:4-6 is admittedly one of the most difficult passages in Scripture to understand (no need to send in your questions: “I don’t know”!) It could be taken figuratively, to mean that it’s very difficult rather than ‘impossible’, or if could refer to the fact that someone who has fallen away can’t start again at repentance (the beginning), but would rather have to pick up where they left off, and continue walking with the Lord. If you have insights on this passage, pass them along, please!
• I don’t ever want to become spiritually dull or indifferent!  (v. 12)
• I want to receive everything God has promised, like Abraham in v. 15 – unfortunately, I sometimes have trouble with the “waiting patiently” part.
• Hebrews 6:18 confirms that God has given us both a promise and an oath – both of which are unchangeable since it’s impossible for God to lie! That’s good to know – if HE said it, I can count on it!

How was your devotional reading today?  Please share your thoughts so all of us can benefit as we ‘work the Word into our lives’-

We’re entering the final 2 weeks of our reading thru the NT today, with our Bronze reading from Titus, chapter 2.  Here’s what came to me as I read:

• Verse 1 certainly speaks to me as a pastor: the way you live should reflect the way I’ve taught! In fact, if the Word isn’t changing the way we live, regardless of our status in life, something is wrong!  (Note: older men – v. 2; older women – v.3; younger women – vv. 4-5; young men – vv. 6-7; slaves (think employees) – vv.9-10)  The way we live can make our Gospel attractive to others! (or not)
• That idea permeates the whole chapter – and is summarized in vv. 12-13.
• Love the description of what Jesus came to do for us in Titus 2:14!

What stood out in your reading today?  Please share it below so we can all be encouraged-

I have a confession to make: somehow I completely missed blogging on Day 20 of our readings and no one caught it! So, if you’ll pardon me, I’m going to make up for that oversight today by posting two daily readings instead of one, to get us on-track for the home stretch.

The first Bronze reading is 1Timothy 6.  Here are a few random thoughts I had while reading:

• If these first 2 verses applied to slaves, what must it say to us as employees?
• Vv. 6-8 probably aren’t popular in our culture, but they contain truths that make for a happy life!
• Sadly, I’ve seen vv. 9-10 lived out in people that I’ve known and loved.
• Before you ‘write off’ v. 17 as not applying to you, keep in mind that you are wealthier than more than 90% of earth’s population!
• Here’s the real purpose of money: v. 18!
• I want to experience the ‘real life’ of v. 19!

The second Bronze reading is 2Timothy 3.  Here’s my thoughts:

• Be honest as you read it slowly: do vv. 1-5 sound like our current culture?  Sure sounds to me like we’re living in the last days!
• As leaders (or even as believers), we should never separate “how we live” from “what we teach” (v. 10).  In fact, that’s why we can trust! (v. 14)
• Finally, vv. 16-17 are classic verses to tell us the importance of the Scriptures in our lives!

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below to help us continue to ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Our daily reading at the Bronze level today is 1 Thessalonians 4.  Here’s what jumped out at me as I read:

• Is there a more pertinent passage in the New Testament for our day than 1Thess 4:3-8?  Notice: sexual sin violates God’s will for us (v.3); it dishonors us (v. 4); it’s beneath us as believers, since it’s indicative of a pagan lifestyle (v. 5); it cheats our fellow brothers & sisters (v. 6); it contradicts our calling (v. 7); and finally, none of this is mere human opinion, but rather God’s Word to us, AND He has given us His Holy Spirit to enable us to live up to this calling! (v. 8)  This passage is NOT to condemn us; it’s to help us live the good life God wants, and His grace enables, for us!
• 1 Thess. 4:13-14 opens a very important topic: what about those who have died?  Thank God for the comfort that permeates the rest of the chapter!
• Verses 15-17 give us hope and encouragement – whether we are alive until Jesus returns, or if we pass away before that time.  Great promise!
• Verse 18 is exactly what I intend to do with this teaching – how ’bout you?

Did you receive insights as you read today?  Please share them below so we can all benefit-

The Bronze level reading for today is Colossians 3, and man, is it practical! Here’s what stood out to me as I read:

• The first 3 verses address a very big problem/need for most Christians – the battle is won or lost in our thoughts!
• If we consistently practice verse 5, the Christian life is easy!
• Col. 3:13 takes care of all our relationship problems!
• Verse 15 gives us the overriding principle for making decisions, when the Word is not clear – peace is the umpire!
• The final verses of the chapter address our biggest needs, whether we are a wife (v. 18), a husband (v. 19), a child (v. 20), a parent (v. 21), or an employee (vv. 22-24)

Whew – good stuff!  How ’bout any insights you received from your reading today?  Please share them below to encourage others-

Today’s reading is Philippians 3 – here are a few random thoughts:

• Verse 1 is good advice from someone who should know, considering all that he went through.  I’d say it’s still a ‘safeguard’ for our faith today!
• Paul’s ‘pedigree’ in vv. 4-6 is impressive; but more impressive still is his statement in verse 7!
• Verse 9 says it so clearly (again) – it’s not our righteousness that counts, but HIS!
• Love verse 12!
• May we all be so determined as vv. 13-14, not only today, but always!

What insights did you receive from your reading today?  Please share with us below as we ‘work the Word in our lives’-

The Bronze reading on this 31st day of our ‘sprint’ through the New Testament is one of the most ‘beautiful’ chapters in Scripture, Ephesians 1.  Here are just a few thoughts to whet your appetite:

• is there a more tender or wonderful passage in the Bible than Eph. 1:4-8?  Go back and read it s-l-o-w-l-y!
• as wonderful as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is, verse 14 reminds us that it’s just the down payment that guarantees the rest of our inheritance!
• love the prayer of verse 18, and as Dr. Hayford reminded us this past Sunday, it’s one thing to see, but another thing to perceive! ‘Lord, enlighten our eyes!’
• Ephesians 1:19-20 gives us the incredible news that the power of the Holy Spirit that works in us is the very same power that brought Jesus out of the grave! Selah.
• If God has put all things under Jesus’ feet, and the Church is His body, doesn’t that mean all things are under us, too? (see Eph. 1:22-23)

What a great chapter!  What insights did you receive as you read today?  Share them below and let’s encourage each other as we ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Our Bronze reading for today is Galatians 6.  Here’s my random thoughts:

• verses 1-3 make it plain….and make sense, too!
• Galatians 6:6 comes to my mind each time I receive from someone’s ministry (like Jack Hayford yesterday!) I want to be a blessing by sharing with those who have impacted my life with God’s Word!!!
• Verse 8 is an important reminder:  I have a sinful nature AND a spiritual nature – whichever one prevails depends on which one I feed!
• Verse 9 speaks to the most common discouragements we all face struggle with from time to tome – don’t get too tired!  As the old-timer’s used to say, ‘keep on keeping on”!

How ’bout your devotional reading – anything you’d like to share with us, as we continue working the Word into our lives?

Our Bronze level reading for today is 2 Corinthians 8, which is a classic on the subject of generosity. Here are some random thoughts from my reading:

• How does this equation sound: “many troubles” + “very poor” = “abundant joy” + “rich generosity”?  As unlikely as it seems to our mind, that’s what verse 2 declares!
• Verses 3-5 are simply amazing – note the descriptive terms: these believers gave “far more than they could afford”; “of their own free will”; they “begged us for the privilege of sharing”; and they did “even more than we hoped”!!!!! A-maz-ing!
• I love verse 5 – because of its priority: giving ourselves first to the Lord; but also because of another truth: the Macedonian believers gave themselves to Paul, too! (And he asserts that God wanted them to!) Believe me, I know that flies in the face of our post-Watergate world where many of us have an inherent distrust for those in authority.  As a pastor, I’ve wept with those who placed their trust in man, only to be abused and disappointed.  But I still contend that God wants His people to submit to delegated authority, who are also in submission to HIM.
• 2Cor 8:7 makes it clear: there is a ‘grace’ of giving, and God wants us to excel in it, just as we do in other areas of Christian service.  I want to be an excellent GIVER!
• 2 Cor 8:9 – is it possible to say it any more beautifully than this?  Poetic!
• Verses 12-13 don’t get quoted often by televangelists, but it’s true nonetheless!
• 2 Cor. 8:20-21 is SO important – every Church should be so above-board, especially in the area of finances, not only so the Lord is pleased, but so everyone else can also see our integrity in these matters!  One of the things that I love about our guest today (Dr. Jack Hayford) is how carefully he has conducted himself all these years – he is “Mr. Integrity” in my book!

WOW…so much good stuff in one short chapter!  How was your reading today?  Any insights you can share with us, as we continue ‘working the Word into our lives’?

Our reading for today at the Bronze level is 1Corinthians 14, which is invaluable for showing us how the early Church handled the issue of spiritual gifts and their use in public settings.  Here are my ‘fresh’ thoughts as I read today:

• love how verse 1 encourages/challenges us to “desire the special abilities the Spirit gives” - other translations make it even stronger, “earnestly desire”. Do we?  Do you?  When was the last time we prayed that God would use us through spiritual gifts?
• 1Cor. 14:2-5 is such a sensible & logical appeal for the good of the entire church but in NO way does it diminish or minimize the value/benefit of us having a ‘prayer language’ (“tongues”) that we use devotionally for our own spiritual benefit (which is clearly seen in vv. 4, 14, 15, 17, 18)! I pray that you don’t miss the point – throughout this chapter Paul is addressing the concept of the greater good for the benefit of the entire assembly, but he clearly believed in and practiced the private devotional use of tongues for himself, ,and valued it greatly! (v. 18)
• Verses 32-33 also are quite clear, and when practiced, will eliminate virtually all of the ‘nonsense’ that sometimes goes on in Pentecostal/charismatic churches.  God is a God of order!
• I may as well address 1Cor. 14:34-35 (since someone is likely to ask about it if I don’t). Let me say that I’m not totally sure what it means, with the most logical explanation being that men & women were separated in public assemblies in that time, sitting on opposite sides of the room.  Since women in that era were usually not given the privilege of an education, some have speculated that the women often interrupted the meetings to ask their husband what the minister meant, and that Paul was trying to eliminate that confusion and bring order by suggesting that they ask those questions in private, at home.  What I do know is that if we take the whole of Scripture instead of this one passage, is that men and women are equal in God’s sight (Galatians 3:28) and that, without question, women have a role in the ministry of the Church today!
• Verses 39-40 give us a great summary of the whole chapter-

How was your reading today?  Any insights you’d care to share with us below?

Ahhhhh, today’s Bronze reading is a favorite of so many: the “love chapter”, 1Corinthians 13.  Here are my random thoughts:

• You already know how strongly I feel about the gifts & manifestations of the Holy Spirit and their role in the church today – but the first 2 verses make it very clear: love is more important than tongues, miracles, faith, or any other supernatural manifestation of the Spirit! In fact, verse 3 adds that love even excels over sacrifice or even martyrdom!
• 1 Cor. 13:4-7 is a great ‘reality check’ for marriage or any relationship – how does your love measure up?
• Verses 8-10 have sometimes been misinterpreted or even misapplied to teach that we no longer need the gifts of the Spirit since we have the full Bible (unlike the early Church who had only the Old Testament) – but verse 12 wipes out that argument completely – since having a Bible doesn’t mean that we have complete knowledge yet!  The gifts of the Spirit remain useful and fully operative until we are in heaven, where we won’t need tongues or prophecy, since we’ll have Jesus Himself!
• Verse 13 is a great summary of the whole chapter-

How about your reading today?  Please share your insights to encourage all of us as we try to ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Now we begin the second half of our sprint through the New Testament, with today’s Bronze reading of 1 Corinthians 2.  Here are my thoughts as I read:

• As a pastor, the first 5 verses certainly resonate with me, because it’s such an easy trap to fall into: trying to impress people with our wisdom or eloquence or technology or whatever, instead of having all their trust in the power of God.  At CLC, we always want to be a Presence-church!
• 1 Cor 2:9 is one of those verses that I’ve heard quoted all my life (the church of my childhood even sang a song about “Eyes not seen, ears not heard…”) – but it’s been misunderstood, as verses 10-12 so plainly show us.  Thank God for what HE has revealed to us!
• Verse 14 is another reminder WHY we must be born-again!
• And verse 16 is another great promise – with God’s Word & His Spirit, we have the mind of Christ!

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below so we can ‘work the Word into our lives’ together-

Hey – we’re HALF-WAY through the New Testament, with today’s reading in Romans 10 (at the Bronze level). Here are my random thoughts:

• don’t verses 1-4 describe a common problem even in our day & age?  So many people don’t really understand God’s way, so they’re trying to earn salvation their own way (reminds me of the Sinatra song, “I did it my way!”).  Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), Jesus has already done everything necessary for us – we just need to trust in HIM!
• I wasn’t brought up believing in the importance of “confessing the Word”, but I can’t help but notice in Romans 10:8-10 that each verse mentions the important role of our mouth in the process of salvation!
• Verse 15 made me pause to thank God for the messengers who have brought Good News to me over the past 50 years!  (In fact, one of my favorites will be at CLC this Sunday – can’t wait!  Pass it on!!!)
• Romans 10:17 is one of the most familiar verses in the whole New Testament, but reading it again just now made me think of something I heard my pastor say recently, “The Bible doesn’t say faith comes by hearing.  It says faith comes by hearing, and hearing!” (His point is that it usually takes repetition for us to ‘get it’.  I’m glad we have the opportunity to hear it and hear it and hear it again!

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights below so we can all enjoy ‘working the Word in our lives”-

Our Bronze reading today is Romans 8.  Here’s a few thoughts that jumped out at me:

• Romans 8:1 may be the most familiar verse in the whole chapter, but as many believers as I’ve met who still struggle with Satan’s taunts of condemning thoughts, it’s one we still need to grab hold of!  Believe it – no condemnation if you are in Christ!
• As I read verse 5, I was struck by how straightforward and simple it is – and the choice is ours: be dominated by our sinful nature, or be controlled by the Holy Spirit.  I want to be controlled by the Spirit!  (especially after reading verse 6!)
• vv. 12-13 press that issue a little further, and remind me again that the choice is ours!
• Even though as a charismatic (with a classical Pentecostal heritage) I’ve majored on the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, I can’t help but feel v. 14 may be of even greater importance!  In other words, it’s not a one-time experience with the Holy Spirit that’s so important, it’s an on-going relationship, being led by the Spirit daily!
• Just in case you didn’t know: ‘Abba’ in verse 15 is the common term that would be used by a little child for his father – more like our English, ‘papa’ or ‘daddy’!
• I can relate to vv. 22-23 – no need to even add my commentary!
• Romans 8:26 gives us one more reason why everyone should have a ‘prayer language’!
• I could go on & on, there’s just so much good in this chapter – but let’s me stop with vv. 35-39 and ask, is there a more beautiful passage in the entire Bible than this?  It reminds me of an old, old song I haven’t heard in years:

O, love of God!  How rich and pure; how measureless and strong.  It shall forevermore endure, the saints and angel’s song!

How’s your reading?  Would you share any insights below, so all of us can be encouraged as we ‘work the Word into our lives’?

Romans 3 is our Bronze level reading for today, and here’s what I noticed there:

• one of the many reasons that I believe Christians should stand with Israel is found in verse 2: they were entrusted with the whole revelation of God!  Think of it: we wouldn’t have a Bible without the Jewish people!
• Romans 3:4 is one of those truths we all should adopt as our personal philosophy!
• Romans 3:9-12, 23 displays the age-old truth: none of us can be right with God by our own efforts!
• Romans 3:22, 25-26 show us just how simple God’s plan is!  Think about it: how hard we strive to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness or favor – but the truth is, there’s NOTHING we can do to attain it…..Jesus already took care of it for us!

How was your reading today?  Any insights you’re willing to share with the rest of us, as we seek to ‘work the Word into our lives’?  Please comment below-

On this first day of our fourth week of reading through the NT, we’re at Acts 19, which contains the final detailed account of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, along with more interesting glimpses into Paul’s ministry.  Here’s what I noticed today:

• first, I can’t help but point out that the gift of the Holy Spirit IS an experience subsequent to salvation, and that as believers we can know whether or not we’ve had this experience – otherwise, Paul question in vv. 1-2 would make no sense whatsoever!
• I also feel the need to point out again the connection between water baptism & the baptism of the Holy Spirit (vv. 3-6).  We’re seeing in Acts that the normal Christian ‘initiation’ (got that term from Pastor Jack Hayford, who will be our guest THIS Sunday!) is repentance, water baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  If it was the norm then, it should be the norm now! (You can schedule your water baptism or pray to receive the Holy Spirit at any CLC service – just let us know!)
• I’m encouraged by verses 9-10 to know that the entire province of Asia (modern Turkey) was reached with the Word in just two years! I’m also stirred by the knowledge that Turkey today is almost entirely Muslim – would you take time to pray for our friends there, as this is one of the countries that we feel is a ‘God-assignment’ to CLC.
• Note Acts 19:11-12 – Is it just me, or does “unusual miracles” seem redundant?  Perhaps miracles in the early church were so common, the writer had to designate these as ‘unusual’.  I say, “Do it again, Lord!”
• Love vv. 18-20 – isn’t ‘life change’ what it’s all about?
• The final story in the chapter is interesting in that not a lot has changed in the last 2,000 years: people are still self-centered (verses 24-25), and, more often than not, the crowd doesn’t really know what’s going on (verse 32).  Aren’t you glad God knows, and He has a plan for us!

What stood out in your reading today?  Please share your thoughts with us below as we continue working the Word into our lives!

Acts 10 is our Bronze reading for today.  After the death & resurrection of Christ in the Gospels, this is perhaps the most important chapter in the Bible for us Gentiles, for prior to Acts 10, the entire Church of Jesus Christ was Jewish.  This chapter records the first Gentile to be added to the church, and the open door for all of us!  Here’s a few assorted thoughts:

• when you read Cornelius’ pedigree in verse 2, it makes vv 5-6 remarkable – that is, in spite of the fact that he was devout and God-fearing and a family man who prayed regularly and gave generously, there was still more he needed to do! He would have been qualified to serve in leadership at most churches today (maybe even as pastor!), but God’s evaluation is that he needed more…..because good works won’t save anyone!  (see John 3:3-5)
• As we’ve seen elsewhere in the NT, I love how God works on both ends of the line at once – with precise timing, as we notice in Acts 10:9-20.
• Even though the instruction to hear from Peter was given to Cornelius personally (see 10:22), I love his willingness/eagerness to share with his family & friends (v. 24).  May each of us be so willing & eager to share the Good News with those close to us!
• Some of the ‘best news’ in the Good News is found in Acts 10:34-35, 43 – God doesn’t play favorites; anyone can come to Him!
• Verses 44-45 describe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the first time upon Gentiles, and the resulting amazement of the Jewish believers about it.  Yet they couldn’t deny the reality, since they heard the Gentiles speaking in tongues (v. 46), which they identified as the same experience they had received at Pentecost (v. 47; Acts 2:4)
• Finally, once again we see the importance the early Christians placed upon water baptism (vv.47-48).  Since the challenge to read through the NT was issued in part because of James 1:22-23, let me ask a bold question: have you been baptized in water since believing on Christ for salvation? If not, in light of what we’re seeing in the history of the early Church, why are you waiting?  I urge you to email us or call our office today to schedule YOUR baptism!

Enough preaching!  What stood out in your reading today?  Would you share it with us below, so others can be encouraged to ‘work the Word into their life’?

The bronze level reading for today is the 8th chapter of Acts.  Here’s a few tidbits I noticed today:

• The first thing that struck me was how, even though Jesus clearly instructed the disciples to take the Gospel to all the world (Acts 1:8), they all stayed in Jerusalem until persecution came, and it was the persecution that finally got them to take the message elsewhere (Acts 8:1, 4).  Kinda made me wonder if God sometimes has to allow uncomfortable situations in our life in order to motivate us to obey His will?  Just a thought-
• I love verse 8 – whenever the Gospel comes in power (as demonstrated here by deliverance & healings), it brings great joy to a city!  ‘Lord, may Chicagoland experience joy because of what You do among us at CLC!’
• Acts 8:14-17 serves as historical indication of how important the gift of the Holy Spirit was in the early Church, in that the apostles weren’t content with the report of many new believers in Samaria – instead, they sent Peter & John on a mission to introduce them to the Holy Spirit!  It’s also a stark reminder of how far some churches have strayed from that original priority & emphasis.  I’m committed that CLC will always emphasize the importance of being baptized in the Holy Spirit, and challenge all believers to never settle for less!
• I noticed a detail in Acts 8:23 that I hadn’t considered before: Simon the sorcerer was bitterly jealous of the apostle’s ministry.  Peter’s strong reply (what he literally said is, ‘take your money and go to hell’) emphasizes the seriousness of our motives before God.  It made me stop for a heart-check: am I jealous of others….their giftings or anointing or success? I certainly don’t want to be!
• Verses 26-40 contain one of my favorite stories from Acts – with so many lessons for us (Philip’s sensitivity & obedience to the Holy Spirit in leaving a great revival to go to a desert; the beauty of the Spirit’s orchestration of this meeting – not only prompting Philip, but preparing the eunuch, too; and the fact that water baptism was somehow included in Philip’s preaching of the Good News – unlike so many modern churches / believers, where baptism has been relegated to an ‘optional’ experience instead of being part of the Christian initiation)

I’ll stop there – what stood out for you in your reading today?  Please share below so others can be encouraged to ‘work the Word’ into our life, too!

Acts 2 is our reading for today at the Bronze level, and it’s one of my all-time favorites, the ‘birthday’ of the Church of Jesus Christ!  Since I’ve preached from it so many times (it was our ‘sugar-stick’ in my original faith family), I’ll try to keep it fresh today instead of resorting to memory:

• Acts 2:1 immediately grabbed my attention, since this special event/birthday was planned from eternity past, and God could have chosen to fill His followers in their homes, scattered all over Jerusalem – but He didn’t! Instead, He chose to come where they were meeting together – and I think that was partly to show us how much He wants to meet with us when we gather together for worship!  (see also Matt. 18:20)
• when it comes to our ‘prayer language’, Acts 2:4 shows us that the Holy Spirit gives us the ability, but it is still up to us to do the speaking!
• One of the most common misconceptions about the purpose of speaking in tongues comes from vv.5-12, which has caused some to think that tongues were only used to preach the gospel to foreigners.  However, vv. 14-18 clearly rules out that theory, as Peter lifted up his voice (in only one language, most likely Aramaic) and people were able to understand him.  In fact, the speaking in tongues primarily resulted in confusion (v 12), whereas Peter’s preaching resulted in salvation! (v41)
• Acts 2:39 is a huge promise, in that the gift of the Holy Spirit is promised even to us Gentiles, for as long as God is calling people to Himself!
• Chapter 2 closes with a wonderful description of how it can be/should be in every local church – we’ve got a ways to go, but it’s my goal!

How was your reading today?  Please share your insights with us below, so all of us can work the Word into our lives!

John 17 is our Bronze level reading for today, and what an awesome chapter it is!  We usually refer to the prayer in Luke 11 that begins with “Our Father” as “the Lord’s Prayer”, but it’s really a model for our prayers – whereas John 17 really is the prayer that Jesus prayed shortly before going to the Cross to purchase our salvation!  Here’s a few of the tidbits I enjoyed:

• John 17:3 puts it as succinctly as it can be said!
• John 17:4 tells how YOU can bring God glory….the question is: are you? (That’s my goal in life: to complete my assignment!)
• John 17:9, 20 makes it clear: Jesus prayed (and is praying) for YOU and me!  (that is, if you have believed on Him because of the writings of the New Testament)
• Remember John 17:15 when life seems tough; and don’t forget John 17:18 – there is a purpose for you to fulfill on earth.  (That’s what John 17:4 is all about, too)
• Finally, I LOVE John 17:26 – He not only has revealed; He continues to reveal the Father to us – through the Word!  Let’s keep reading & working it into our lives!

What stood out to you today in your reading?  Please share below with the rest of us, so we can all be encouraged together!

Today’s ‘Bronze’ reading is John 14, which is a favorite for many.  Here’s what stood out for me:

• Maybe it’s because of all the talk lately about ‘relationship’, but I love Jesus’ message in verse 3 – that we will get to be with Him forever – never to be separated again!
• Of course, John 14:12 is one of the great promises of Scripture: that we can do the same works that Jesus did! (As to ‘greater’ works, I think that can be ‘greater’ in terms of quantity, since there are now millions of Christ-followers in the world, as well as ‘greater’ in regards to quality, since we have the incredible privilege of bringing people to eternal life in Christ!)
• And that promise is followed by this one in vv. 13-14!  Remember: one of the reasons for this challenge is to help us know what belongs to us – so let’s start claiming this one!
• Verses 16 and 26 introduce us to the wonderful truth about “The Helper” – the Holy Spirit!
• Finally, what better gift could Jesus leave us that this (verse 27)

What did you ‘hear’ as you read today?  Share with us below, and let’s encourage each other as we ‘work the Word into our lives’!

Well, if it takes 21 days to establish a new habit, we’re entering the important third week today by reading John 10 (at the Bronze level).  Here are a few tidbits from my reading today:

• A few years ago I was frustrated & asking prayer from a friend that I could hear God more clearly, when he pointed out John 10:4-5 to me, and helped me to start making a more positive and BIBLICAL confession – “I am God’s sheep, and I do hear His voice”.  It’s helped me, and I hope it helps you, too!
• I also love John 10:11-13 where Jesus distinguishes a hireling from a true shepherd.  Not only am I thankful for Him as a true shepherd, but I also want to follow His example by being a true pastor to CLC.
• Of all the Gospels, John is perhaps the one who addresses the deity of Christ more than any other.  I especially like John 10:24 and 10:30, as the people asked Jesus to tell them plainly and He soon replied, “I and the Father are one”!  (doesn’t get much plainer than that!) In fact, it was so plain that they were ready to stone Him for blasphemy, because they clearly understood who He claimed to be (John 10:31-33)  (Kinda hard to understand why even liberal theologians miss that – Jesus IS God!)
• Finally, I love the testimony concerning John the Baptist in John 10:41-42.  If you know me, you know that I believe in the miraculous, and we pray regularly for signs & wonders at CLC.  But it’s far more important to me than any healing or miracle that might ever be manifest here, that it could also be said of our ministry, “everything he said about Jesus is true” and, as a result, MANY would believe on Jesus!

How was your reading today?  Please leave your insights below so we can encourage each other to ‘work the Word into our lives’!

And if you’re reading this on Sunday morning, come on out to CLC – I’m ready to PREACH today!  Can’t wait to see you all again-

John 6 was the assigned Bronze reading as we finish the second week of reading through the New Testament today.  Here are my random thoughts as I read:

• One of my favorite quotes from my pastor is, “When God asks you a question, He isn’t looking for information”, as we see clearly in John 6:5-7.  Unfortunately, Philip didn’t know that, and he failed the test, just as we often do.
• In the next few verses, despite not having much faith for the moment, Andrew still did what he always does in the Scriptures – he brought someone to Jesus! I realize that I’ve pointed this out before, but only because it speaks to me each time…..how I wish all of us could be like Andrew!  Even when we don’t have all the answers…..even when our faith may be small…..no matter the situation, may we bring men to Jesus!!!
• Wow….I was so struck by John 6:29 – is there any other verse in the Bible that says it so well?  As American’s, we are so prone to try to work for it, to somehow earn it for ourselves.  But God says the only work God wants from us is to believe Him!  (see Hebrews 11:6)
• Finally, as we bring this second week of reading to a close, let’s remind ourselves of the truth of John 6:63!  There’s no better reason for us to be reading the New Testament, and nothing more important for us to do, than to ‘work the Word into our lives’!

Share with us some of your insights from this week’s reading, and let’s encourage each other to continue ‘working the Word into our lives’!

Our Bronze reading today contains both one of the most-quoted verses AND one of the most important stories in the New Testament: John 3:16 and Nicodemus coming to Jesus and learning about the New Birth!  Here’s what else I noticed in my reading of John 3:

• it’s interesting that I’m writing this from Davao City, Philippines, which is the headquarters for a pastor I preached for and new well back in the 80′s, but who now leads a multi-million member cult who consider him the “appointed son of God”.  While his claims are both laughable and sad at the same time, I’m happy to proclaim that JESUS is truly the “one and only Son of God” (John 3:16)
• Probably all of us have heard the expression about “lifting up” Jesus in the context of worship, and the idea that “if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me”, but you may not realize that John 1:14 was actually a reference to Jesus being “lifted up” on the cross, just as Moses lifted up the serpent on a bronze pole (see Numbers 21:9 and John 12:32-33)
• Finally, I couldn’t help but notice the secret of success hasn’t changed – and it’s my desire for the rest of my days: John 3:30!  How ’bout you?

Please share your thoughts about your reading today, and let’s encourage each other as we ‘work the Word into our lives’-

John 1 is our Bronze reading for this Thursday, and it’s one of my favorite chapters.  Here’s a few devotional thoughts to whet your appetite for more:

• Verses 1-4 and 14 declare a truth that never gets old: that the mighty God of the Old Testament (in fact, even before the Old Testament) came in the person of Jesus Christ, and made His home among us! Love it!!!
• John 1:16 says it better than I could ever say it…read it again and reflect on it’s truth in your own life.
• John 1:19-23 is another one of many ‘proofs’ of the deity of Christ, since John quoted Isaiah 40:3, which is clearly a prophecy of the coming of our GOD!
• John 1:42 is the first mention of one of those ‘neat’ Bible facts: every time Andrew is mentioned in Scripture, he was bringing someone to Jesus! May God put some of Andrew in each one of us – in fact, may He use you to reach your “high 5″ this Easter!
• I love the excitement I can hear in Philip’s voice in John 1:45-46, when he said, “We have found Him”! Even after he was met with Nathaniel’s skepticism, his reply has the wisdom of the ages: “come and see for yourself”! Reading it again today reminded me how thankful I am to have found Him, and I’m just as convinced as Philip was – if anyone will try, they will see for themselves!

What stood out today in your reading?  Share your comments below & let’s encourage each other as we ‘work the Word into our lives’-

Today’s Bronze reading is Luke 24, which is primarily the account of the Resurrection and Ascension.  Here’s what stood out to me:

• I was first struck with verses 6-7 – it seemed strange to me that the disciples would have failed to catch the significance of Jesus promising them that He would rise from the dead (not exactly an everyday occurrence) – but they had forgotten, until the angel’s reminder – and then they remembered (Luke 24:8)
• But as I reflected, I realized how many times I fail to grasp or soon forget some of the important ‘truths’ the Lord shows me – so I’m without excuse.  May we all be more alert to retain what God reveals to us!
• Verse 11 really jumped out at me: how many times do some of the promises of God’s Word seem “too good to be true”? I pray that you & I will believe anyway - after all, if God said, that should be good enough!
• I can only imagine what it would be like to have Jesus Himself teach a Bible study about the coming of Messiah!  (Luke 6:32) That’s one heartburn I wouldn’t mind having!
• The more I read, the more I was struck by how often even those closest to Him struggled with doubt and unbelief (vv. 4, 11, 12, 21, 25, 37-39, 41)  Actually, I was encouraged by this inclusion in the Gospel, because that means there’s hope for you & me!
• Finally, I was reminded once more of how important it is for each of us to be empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49).  After all, His closest followers who spent three years with Him, day and night, were commanded not to begin their ministries until they received!  At CLC, more than ever before, we believe in the full ministry of the Holy Spirit – since only His Presence can transform our lives!

How’s your reading?  Did anything stand out today that you’d like to share with the rest of us, to encourage us in the Word? Leave your comments below.

Luke 15 is probably most ‘famous’ for the parables of “lost things”:

• the lost sheep (vv. 3-7) represents those who are lost because they strayed away from the flock.  They were ‘saved’ at one time, but for whatever reason, were drawn away by the enemy and became prey because of their isolation.  They don’t know how to find their way back to the fold, so they need someone to come and search for them.  Thank God for shepherds who search for them & find them!  (And their value to the Kingdom that causes rejoicing in heaven when even one is restored!)
• the lost coin (vv. 8-10) speaks of those who are lost but don’t know it – so they certainly have no clue what to do about it. So many people all around us have no idea what they are missing, or that God actually has a purpose for their life.  Like the coin, they became lost through no fault of their own (Adam’s sin – see Romans 5:17), but they still need to be found – and that will likely ONLY happen if someone like you reaches out to them in love! May God give each of us a heart for lost people!
• the lost son (vv. 11-32) reminds us of those who are lost, and know they are lost, because they chose to walk away from Father’s house.  They perhaps are still enjoying the ‘fleeting’ pleasures of sin temporarily (Heb. 11:32), or they may have already discovered how hard is the way of a transgressor (Proverbs 13:15).  Either way, we pray that they will come to their senses, and find their way back to Father’s house! (Luke 15:17-19)
• the elder brother, who was ‘lost’ in the house (vv. 25-32).  I’m going to be talking about him this Sunday at CLC, so I’ll hold most of my remarks until then.  But suffice it to say his story is perhaps the most sad at all, since he was right there with His Father, and still missed out on all the benefits that belonged to him!  May God help us to work the Word into our lives so that Deuteronomy 29:29 is fulfilled in us!

How is your reading this week? Please share your insights below & let’s encourage each other in the Word-

I hope you’re not growing weary or falling behind – just like our season of prayer & fasting, it takes discipline & persistence to make time to read the Scriptures each day – but the rewards are SO great, as we “work the Word in our lives”! Here are my thoughts about Luke 1:

• I’ve always appreciated Dr. Luke’s introduction in verses 1-4 as to how he “carefully investigated” the eyewitness accounts concerning Jesus, and laid out his research carefully, so we can be certain of the truth of what we’ve been taught!  Love that!
• Have you ever thought of how many times in Scripture some famous person was born to parents that previously could NOT have children (Luke 1:7)?  I think it’s recorded over & over again for us, to help us realize that nothing is impossible with God! (Luke 1:37) A stronghold occurs when we accept anything that is contrary to God’s will as being unchangeable!  (boy, I sense someone needed that ‘word’ today!)
• After the wonderful promises personally delivered to him by the angel (vv. 8-17), Zachariah’s response in Luke 1:18 is my pastor’s text for “Get the HOW Out of Here!”, and that’s still good advice for all of us – we don’t have to figure out how God will fulfill His Word; we just need to believe!
• Mary’s response to the angel in Luke 1:38 must be part of the reason God chose her to bear His Son – despite the misunderstanding & reproach that a pregnancy outside of wedlock would mean & regardless of the stares & ridicule she would receive, Mary agreed with God.  That’s the secret of Biblical confession – it’s not just a positive mental attitude, confessing something good as opposed to something negative – it’s “saying the same thing as” what God has said that causes our heart to be receptive and enables Him to bring His Word to pass in our lives!  SO BE IT, LORD!  (for more on this principle, see 2Cor. 1:19-20 where the process is clear: God makes a promise; Jesus says ‘yes’ for it’s fulfillment, and we say, ‘Amen’, so be it Lord!)
• No reading of Luke 1 would be complete without Mary’s “Magnificat” – her song of praise to the Lord for His promises.  Read it here and rejoice!

We begin the second week of our Read Through the New Testament challenge in Mark 16.  Here’s what stood out in my reading:

• verses 3-4 remind me of the many times we worry or stress about something or other, only to find that God has already taken care of it for us!
• Mark 16:7 is one of the most tender & telling moments in Scripture, as Jesus makes it a point to include Peter by name despite the fact that he had just denied even knowing him three times!  Has the enemy told you that you’ve failed and Jesus no longer loves you? Hold on to Mark 16:7 and tell the devil he’s a liar! (see Romans 8:1)
• Mark 16:12 reminds me that sometimes I “miss Jesus” because He comes in a way that I don’t expect….how about you: has He ever appeared in a different form to you?
• I’m so thankful for the promises contained in verses 17-18.  As believers, we can expect authority over demons, and the intimacy of a personal prayer language as well as the promise of supernatural protection and the power to heal the sick! Let’s not ever stop believing for the manifestation of these enablements of the Holy Spirit!
• As a pastor, I also claim the promise of Mark 16:20 – that God IS working with me as I preach, to confirm His Word with signs following!

What were your favorite insights today?  Please leave your comments below and help others to “work the Word into their lives”-

Mark 10 is our Bronze reading as we come to the end of our first week of reading through the New Testament.  I hope that you’ve enjoyed “working the Word into your life” and that this first week has already brought new insights to you.  Here’s what stood out to me today:

• first I noticed once again how Jesus answered a question by asking a question (verses 2-3).  It’s a method He seemed to employ often then and now, and as my pastor always says, “When God asks you a question, He isn’t looking for information”.  How many times does He question us in order to get our attention…..and help us with something we already know within ourselves, even if we are sometimes reluctant to admit it!
• Verse 27 also reminded me that I should always look beyond the obvious.  It’s easy to see the impossibility in various situations & circumstances – the challenge is for us to recognize that what is humanly impossible doesn’t stop God, for with God all things are possible!
• Is there something you’re facing this week that you needed that reminder? If so, grab ahold – it’s a promise that belongs to you! (Deut 29:29)
• Verses 35-45 were downright funny to me….at least in the sense that it seems human nature never changes.  First came the undisguised ambition & ego, to ask for prominent places in the Kingdom…..then came Jesus’ rebuke…..and then is my favorite: the indignation of the other 10 disciples toward James & John, when in reality, the 10 probably wished they had asked first!
• Then Jesus taught us in that one-sentence sermon about “servant-leadership”.  It’s the ONLY kind of leadership in Christianity, even though we often forget and revert to our power plays and ambition and desire for ‘perks’ – but Jesus hasn’t changed: if you want to lead, you must serve!
• Then in the final story of the chapter (verses 46-52), Bartimaeus demonstrates the kind of persistent faith that stops Jesus in His tracks and gets His attention, every time.  I love verse 50, at least as it’s been explained to me, that blind people in that day wore a special garment to identify themselves to society, much as a blind person today might use a white cane or a guide dog.  But when Jesus called for Bartimaeus, he threw off that garment, as if to say, “I won’t be needing this anymore!” – I love that kind of faith!  I want to have that kind of faith!

What stood out for you in your reading?  Please leave your comments below and let’s encourage each other in the Word-

Matthew 25 is our Bronze reading for today, and it contains 3 of Jesus’ most familiar parables.  Here’s my devotional starter for you:

• the parable of the Bridesmaids seems to boil down to the issue of “oil”, with the foolish bridesmaids not bringing “enough”, and the wise bridesmaids bringing “extra” oil for their journey.  Since oil is a common Bible symbol for the Holy Spirit, I’m reminded that my experience with the Lord must never become just ‘historical’; but I must maintain it’s freshness in a daily relationship with His Holy Spirit.  MORE, Lord!
• the story of the three servants has many lessons – not the least of which is that God expects a return on the investment He has made in us.
• what especially jumped out at me was verse 25 and what a poor motivator fear always is.  It seems anytime we act out of fear, we do the wrong thing.  May God help us to deal with our fears, and replace them with trust in Him.
• Remember, the amount of abilities we have is not of crucial importance; it’s our faithfulness in using our abilities that is! (see vv. 14-30)
• The final parable of the group is a sobering reminder that how we treat others is in fact how we treat Jesus (verses 41-45). Lord, help us be aware of people around us, and their needs, that we might truly make a difference in someone’s life today, and every day!

How was your reading? Share some of your insights below, and let’s encourage each other with the Word.

The Bronze daily reading today is Matthew 18.  Here’s what I especially liked there:

• As you may recall, I’ve been using the Amplified Bible for my devotions this year (by using a different translation each year, I’ve found it helps to keep it ‘fresh’ for me, and that I’m not as likely to ‘zone out’ while reading familiar passages).  At any rate, verses 3 and 4 both expand on what it means to “become like a little child”: trusting, lowly, loving & forgiving. Selah.

Trusting: certainly little children trust easily, without any of the skepticism or cynicism that seems to accompany adulthood.  May we be so trusting             of our Lord!

Lowly – little children never act as if they have a reputation to protect.  They don’t struggle with pride or egotism, as do many of us.  I want to be                       humble like a child in my walk with the Lord!

Loving – do you have stories about the simple love of a child?  I have plenty, both from my own three children, as well as others I’ve observed.  OH,                 to be loving – without any complications – just simply loving toward Jesus AND others!

Forgiving - I’ve seen it so many times: a child can get angry or having a ‘fight’ with a playground friend one minute, and literally moments later                    walk hand-in-hand or arm in arm, as though they understand that life is too short and relationships too important to hold onto a grudge.  Who do               you need to forgive today? What are you waiting for? Let’s be as forgiving as a little child!

• Matthew 18:10-14 reminded me all over again of the VALUE of each person on earth (shameless plug here: that’s the subject this Sunday at each CLC campus, as we look at the foundational principles upon which our church is built) - whether they are young, or lost, or a believer who has strayed – in the words of the Sunday School song, “red & yellow, black & white, they are precious in His sight!”
• No matter how many times I read it, the last story in the chapter always reminds me of just how important it is for me (us!) to release those who have wronged us.  As someone smarter than me has said, “if you’re not willing to forgive others, I hope you never need to be forgiven by the Lord”!

How ’bout your reading today? Please share your thoughts with us below, and let’s encourage each other in the Word!

The bronze reading schedule for today is Matthew 13.  Here’s what stands out for me there:

• First, this parable of the soils is a universal parable.  By that I mean that everyone on planet earth fits into this parable, in one of the four classifications of soil.  Not only that, but it is a key parable, because Jesus indicated that if we didn’t understand this one, we wouldn’t be able to understand any parable (Mark 4:13)
• Not only that, but it seems to me that each time we hear the Word of God, we fall into one of those four categories of soil.  In other words, the classification is NOT a one-time only event; rather, one time as we listen we may be ‘wayside’ ground; another time as we listen we may be ‘good’ ground.  I want to learn to listen & receive everything that God has for me each time someone delivers His Word!
• Perhaps my favorite parable of all the ones Jesus told is the parable of the treasure hidden in the field (Matthew 13:44).  For years I understood the traditional (but misguided) idea; i.e., that Jesus is a treasure and that we should be willing to sell everything we own (figuratively) in order to buy Him!  But that interpretation breaks down in so many ways it’s almost laughable – Jesus isn’t lost (hidden); we were!  And even if we sold everything we have, we couldn’t purchase Him!  NO, this parable is not about what we do; it’s about what He did.  In this entire world of 6+ billion people, HE found us (remember: the field is the world, according to Matthew 13:38).  And after He found us, He went and sold everything that He had – gave up everything He enjoyed in heaven (Phil. 2:5-8; 2Cor. 8:9), came to this earth in the humble form of a man, and then gave Himself on the Cross for us.  He purchased the entire world, just so He could obtain the treasure, hidden among the world, His Church, the apple of His eye!  Woo, that’ll preach!

How about your reading? Share your insights below, and let’s encourage each other in the Word today!

Some 30 hours and 3 flights after we left CLC on Sunday afternoon, we arrived safely in General Santos City for a Global Advance Pastor’s Conference with approximately 1,000 pastors and church leaders in attendance.  Chris & I did our signature message, encouraging husband and wives to work together in ministry, and I don’t ever recall it being better received than today – this is one enthusiastic bunch!  All of the sessions were terrific – as soon as I get some new batteries for my camera, I’ll post some pics so you can see for yourself.

But this is also Day 3 of our Read thru the NT Challenge, and here’s what stood out for me personally - (As I said yesterday, I’m reviewing the chapters at the Bronze level reading, even though most of you will have read beyond this point already):

• I love Jesus’ definition of the spiritual “poor” in Matthew 5:3 – “those who realize their need of Him”. I pray that CLC is always a POOR CHURCH, full of poor people!
• Note again how meticulously God will keep His Word to us, according to Matthew 5:18 – if it’s revealed here, it belongs to us!  (Deut. 29:29)
• And all of us should notice Matthew 5:23-26 if we want a life of peace & joy – the importance of forgiving & being forgiven in all our relationships!
• Finally, I couldn’t help but notice again in Matthew 5:43-47 God’s call for us to care about people – all people!  That’s a core value of CLC that we’ll talk about this Sunday at each campus, so invite a friend to join you!

Now, what stood out in your reading?  Share with us below so we can encourage each other in the Word!

Today I want to share a few thoughts from Matthew 4 – even though most of you will be reading further than that today, for the sake of those who are following the ‘bronze’ level in our “Read Thru the NT in 50 Days” challenge, I’m going to stick with the second daily reading for them:

• As I read Matthew 4:2-3, I couldn’t help but think that fasting makes us sensitive to the supernatural – both good and bad!  I may be a few days or weeks late for some of you, but it’s entirely possible that our recent season of 21 days of fasting & prayer caused you to attract attention from the enemy! As much as I hope that’s not the case, the good news is that his strategy is defeated, and every temptation rendered helpless, when you use the Word, just as Jesus did in Matthew 4:4.
• In fact, part of the whole “working the Word into our lives” strategy is so we WILL have the word in our heart and in our mouth when the enemy comes against us with his lies!  The Word works!
• Another truth that jumped out at me was Matthew 4:14-16.  In fact, in just the first 2 days, we’ve already seen several instances (Matthew 2:6, 15, 17-18, 23) that demonstrate this truth: how carefully God watches over His Word to fulfill it! (see Jeremiah 1:11-12)
• The next tidbit I saw was Matthew 4:19 – that God’s heart (and ours) is always about people! (that’s the first value we’ll look at in our ‘Back to the Future’ series – so don’t miss next Sunday at CLC!) As we’re working the Word into our hearts, may we also develop a heart for reaching others – and the skills to do so, which is what Jesus promised as we follow Him!
• Finally, I love what Matthew 4:23-24 tells us about Jesus’ ability to heal every kind of sickness and disease, and more importantly, the fact of Hebrews 13:8 (even though we haven’t read that far yet) – that Jesus STILL does that today!

How ’bout you?  What stood out for you in your second day of reading through the NT?  Please share it below, and let’s encourage each other in the Word!

I’m so excited about reading thru the New Testament with you in the next 50 days, I can hardly stand it!  After our recent time of fasting & prayer, I’m expecting insight & revelation for each of us as we “work the Word into our lives” (Luke 6:46-49, TM)

Today’s reading included Matthew 2, and here’s just a few things that stood our for me:

• Did you notice how quickly/easily the priests and teachers knew the answer to Herod’s question as to where Messiah would be born?  Even though it was only recorded in one obscure prophecy (Micah 5:2), they still had the answer immediately!  Would to God each of us would be SO acquainted with this Book!
• However, while they knew the correct information, not one of them had made the trip to Bethlehem to check it out!  Do you know how far it is from Jerusalem to Bethlehem?  Less than 5 miles! (You’ll see for yourself if you make the trip to Israel with us this November – details here) My heart says it’s far more important to ACT on what we know, than just to store information like a computer!
• The last tidbit I’ll point out is how often God used supernatural means to speak to His people – note verses 9, 13, 19-20, 22. May each of us be just as sensitive to the voice of His Spirit today!

What stood out to you as you read today?  Leave your comments below, and let’s encourage each other in the Word!

Geaux Saints!

My devotions on Tuesday morning were pretty sweet, and I especially loved my reading in Exodus 33:11 and Exodus 33:13.

I’m sure our recent fast caused this to jump off the page at me, but verse 11′s description of Joshua not being willing to depart from the place of intimacy with the Lord sure spoke to me.  How many times are we in such a hurry to get on to the next item on our ‘To Do” list, that we miss those times of just lingering in HIS Presence? I pray that you will find some unhurried moments to just linger with Him, ala 2Corinthians 3:18.

But then verse 13 is what really got me.  I’m using the Amplified Bible for my devotions this year, and the way it expands on the meaning of ‘knowing’ the Lord speaks to me: “that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly]“

Progressively.  Not stuck in a rut.  Not staying the same.  Not a hum-drum, go thru the motions kind of relationship.  No!

Deeper!  More intimate!  With greater perception!  With clearer understanding!

I’m not Moses, but that’s what I want!  The fast may be over, but the pursuit isn’t!

How about you?

On this last day of the fast, I want to encourage you about what happens afterwards. In my personal experience, during the fast itself I’ve not usually experienced the insights and answers to my prayers like I’ve wanted – they’ve usually come in the days and weeks following the fast.  In fact, I really expect that you will see and hear things from the Lord in the days ahead like never before!

I’m also believing that your personal devotional times in the future will include times like I talked about last Sunday from James 5:17 where it was said of Elijah, “in praying, he prayed”!

Don’t be surprised if you hear the Lord calling you from time to time throughout this year to do a personal fast – it doesn’t need to be 21 days necessarily; it may be for 3 days, or even for 24-hours – but my honest expectation is that this corporate fast has launched us into a culture of fasting & prayer, and that we will never be the same again!

Don’t think for a moment that the enemy won’t come against that, because he also knows the power of prayer & fasting – but we are not ignorant of his devices (2Cor 2:11) - and we’re going to press our way in!

Here’s what we’re praying in unity throughout CLC today:

Increased works of the Holy Spirit among us at CLC - (Acts 4:29-31; 1Corinthians 2:1-5, 1Corinthians 14:26; Mark 16:17-18)

• pray for our worship team, that they never merely entertain us, but rather lead us into His Presence every time we come together!
• pray for our pastors & guest speakers, that they bring rhema words to us, rather than mere words of human wisdom.
• pray for gifts & manifestations & demonstrations of the Holy Spirit among us, through healings, miracles, signs & wonders! (Acts 4:29-33)
• pray that even people who visit our services will sense & know that God is at work here (1Cor 14:24-25).
• pray that everyone in our CLC family will be baptized/filled with the Holy Spirit! (Acts 19:1-6)
• pray that all of us who are Spirit-filled will grow deeper in the things of the Spirit!

In fact, as we come together today for this breakthrough Sunday, let’s come expecting all of this!

For the final devotion from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

Don’t forget today’s “ENCOUNTER” service as we close the fast at each campus – 6pm in Tinley Park; check with your campus for starting time.

In this third and final week of the fast, I want to encourage you about your prayers. In my personal experience, sometimes on an extended fast itseems that my prayers aren’t really ‘connecting’.  In fact, I’ve sometimes been discouraged while fasting over the thought that I really wasn’t getting anywhere in prayer at all. But Jentezen Franklin encouraged me when he said that “fasting is prayer, and when we’re fasting, we’re sending up prayer 24 hours a day!”

I’m also believing this final week will include times like I talked about Sunday from James 5:17 where it was said of Elijah, “in praying, he prayed”!

Here’s what we’re praying in unity throughout CLC today:

our Nation, the United States of America – (2Chronicles 7:14; 1Timothy 2:1-4; Habakkuk 3:2)

• pray for President Obama, that he be surrounded by godly counsel.  Let’s ask the Lord to turn his heart to seek God and His ways for our country.
• pray for his staff, cabinet officials, and entire administration – that they also would stand for righteousness and justice.
• pray for our elected officials in Congress – that God would hear our cries and bring revival to that institution, so they could legislate.
• pray for our State governing officials, and our local municipalities, that even at the grassroots level there would be a shift and turning toward godliness and righteousness.
• pray for an AWAKENING in our land – that Americans would turn away from sin and turn to the Lord.
• pray for our educational system, that God would supernaturally send revival to instructors and students alike.
• pray for our media, that changes could come from the born-again believers in that industry.
• pray for the entertainment industry, that men & women of fame would surrender to the Lordship of Christ, and that their influence would bring about the salvation of many others.
• pray for a revival of righteousness and generosity in the business community, that men & women of God would use their giftedness in compassionate service toward others.  Pray for a restoration of prosperity in these hard economic times!

God has not given up on America, and it’s not too late – we can turn around through prayer!

For more devotions from the network of churches that are fasting with us, click here.

• In this third and final week of the fast, I want to encourage you about your prayers. In my personal experience, sometimes on an extended fast itseems that my prayers aren’t really ‘connecting’.  In fact, I’ve sometimes been discouraged while fasting over the thought that I really wasn’t getting anywhere in prayer at all. But Jentezen Franklin encouraged me when he said that “fasting is prayer, and when we’re fasting, we’re sending up prayer 24 hours a day!”

I’m also believing this final week will include times like I talked about Sunday from James 5:17 where it was said of Elijah, “in praying, he prayed”!

Here’s what we’re praying in unity throughout CLC today:

Revival in our next generation - (Psalm 78:4, Psalm 78:6; Psalm 102:18; Joel 2:16; Joel 2:28-29)

If you’re interested in more about this, here’s an outstanding article about why it’s so important that we reach the next generation – page one / page two

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

Like most of you, I’ve been reading my Bible daily through this fast, waiting for rhema words from the Lord.  Yesterday, I finally heard one – in Exodus 14:8.  It’s a wonderful story – how the Lord brought the Jewish people out of Egypt after 430 years of slavery, and the Scripture said He brought them out with “a high hand”; i.e., not as a broken, discouraged group of ex-slaves, but as champions, celebrating their victory!

But  I’m using the Amplified translation for my devotions this year, and the “proudly & defiantly” is what stood out for me. In other words, when these former slaves came out of Egypt, they came out defiantly!

Maybe it spoke to me in the afterglow of last Sunday’s message about “How to Get Your Prayers Answered!”, but I just really sensed the Lord saying to us that we don’t need to be timid or bashful in our prayers; we don’t have to let the enemy push us around or browbeat us of our past anymore; we can come out defiantly and press our way into the Kingdom!  (see Matthew 11:12)

I’d love to know what YOU are hearing from the Lord during this season of fasting – would you leave a comment below, so we can all be encouraged?

In this third and final week of the fast, I want to encourage you about your prayers. In my personal experience, sometimes on an extended fast itseems that my prayers aren’t really ‘connecting’.  In fact, I’ve sometimes been discouraged while fasting over the thought that I really wasn’t getting anywhere in prayer at all. But Jentezen Franklin encouraged me when he said that “fasting is prayer, and when we’re fasting, we’re sending up prayer 24 hours a day!”

I’m also believing this final week will include times like I talked about Sunday from James 5:17 where it was said of Elijah, “in praying, he prayed”!

Here’s what we’re praying in unity throughout CLC today:

Property / buildings for expansion! – (Psalm 37:4; Isaiah 54:2-3; Acts 6:7, Acts 9:31, Acts 16:5)

• In Lisle, we think we’ve located the ideal rental property, but we still need favor with the owners – in fact, we’re expecting their decision on Monday, the day after our fast concludes – so let’s press on in prayer, to see the desire of our heart there!
• In Shorewood, the building we lease is situated in an out-of-the-way place, making it more difficult to attract visitors, and we have inadequate parking.  There are other possibilities, but financially they are out of our reach.  Pray for financial increase/miracles and favor in acquiring a new place!
• In Tinley Park, the need is obvious, as we’re out of classrooms, auditorium space & parking spots.  We’ve recently located a parcel of land that we think is perfect, but we need FAVOR with the owners, to make it happen financially.  God is a God of miracles – so let’s press in today!
• Our South Bend location has adequate space, but as we all know, the church isn’t a building; the church is people! So Pastors Doug & Shanna Neal are asking for our prayers for the leaders in South Bend, for their growth and development.
• And don’t forget – our vision is to continue expanding until there are at least “12 spokes” coming out of CLC!  Pray that we’ll have ears to hear and eyes to see where the next campus opportunity may be.

I hear the Lord saying “INCREASE!” and “FAVOR!”

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

In this third and final week of the fast, I want to encourage you about your prayers. In my personal experience, sometimes on an extended fast itseems that my prayers aren’t really ‘connecting’.  In fact, I’ve sometimes been discouraged while fasting over the thought that I really wasn’t getting anywhere in prayer at all.  But Jentezen Franklin encouraged me when he said that “fasting is prayer, and that when we’re fasting, we’re sending up prayer 24 hours a day!”

I’m also believing this final week will include times like I talked about Sunday from James 5:17 where it was said of Elijah, “in praying, he prayed”!

Here’s what we’re praying in unity throughout CLC today:

Favor / Influence / Community Impact – Luke 2:52; Acts 2:46-47; Acts 4:32-35

Jesus was our example, and the early Church certainly modeled it, so may CLC also have favor with God and man!  May our influence in each community our campuses serve increase, that we could truly bring ‘heaven on earth’!

As you pray today, pray for:

• favor with city officials and vendors with whom we do business.
• favor with the media, that the public could hear what Jesus is doing through CLC.
• influence among the poorest and neediest in our communities – that we could literally and truly fulfill Matthew 25:34-40.
• the food pantries that we operate in Shorewood and Lisle, and the thrift store in Lisle, and for the precious people that we serve.
• that our hearts would be enlarged with greater compassion to serve, and for NEW opportunities to serve in each community!

As we begin our third and final week of the fast, I want to encourage you about your prayers. In my personal experience, sometimes on an extended fast it seems that my prayers aren’t really ‘connecting’.  In fact, I’ve sometimes been discouraged while fasting over the thought that I really wasn’t getting anywhere in prayer at all.  But Jentezen Franklin encouraged me when he said that “fasting is prayer, and when we’re fasting, we’re sending up prayer 24 hours a day!”

I’m also believing this final week will include times like I talked about Sunday from James 5:17 where it was said of Elijah, “in praying, he prayed”!

Here’s what we’re praying in unity throughout CLC today:

• Leadership at CLC – 2Thessalonians 3:1-2; Romans 15:30; Exodus 17:8-14; 2Timothy 2:2

I agree with John Maxwell when he says, “everything rises and falls on leadership” - certainly CLC is not about me and Chris alone.  If we are to fulfill God’s vision for this ministry, it will ONLY be because of gifted and faithful leaders who come alongside us.  So as you pray today, pray for:

• our current ministry leaders > for their walk with the Lord; their integrity; their finances; their family; their health; increased vision & anointing
• MORE leaders to arise > at each campus, we need additional capable & gifted leaders to step up (pray that we’ll recognize them and call out their potential so they can become all that God is calling them to be)
• growth and development of our leaders > that none of us settle in and become stagnant, but that we stretch & grow in our leadership!
• next generation leaders > for our youth & children’s ministry leaders at each campus
• worship & arts leaders > at each campus, for capable people who can lead us into His Presence each week
• campus pastors > Jaime & Jeannette Flores; Dan & Pat Johnson; Doug & Shanna Neal; Eric & Kristen Stone
• associate pastors > Steve & Shae Wasmundt; Jim & Cheri Garrett
• senior pastors > Chris and me

Thank you for holding up our arms in prayer today!

ONE URGENT REQUEST: we’ve finally located a potential building for our next campus launch in the Lisle-Downer’s Grove area, and the owners are meeting tonight to decide whether they’ll rent to us.  PRAY FOR FAVOR!

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

As we conclude the second week of our fast today, I’m still excited!  For many of us at CLC, this is the longest fast we’ve ever experienced personally, and I’m thrilled at the good reports I’ve received from each campus.  (I’m amazed at how well it’s gone for me, too – no weakness or aches or even hunger since the second day!)

But I think I’m most excited about the final promise that I want to share from Isaiah 58:12, especially, “thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations”.  What does that mean?

Simply put, our fasting does not affect only us.  As we fast, we are beginning to lay a spiritual foundation in our family for many generations!  I’m not just fasting for me; I’m fasting for my children.  I’m fasting for my grandchildren that aren’t even born yet!  If Jesus tarries, I will have laid a foundation through my devotion that God will build upon because He found an inroad into my family!

Fasting can break any demonic attachments on your family.  Fasting can break any generational curses on your family.  Your fasting lays a new foundation of blessing that will be transferred over to your children and your children’s children!

Personally, I think we’re already seeing that, just from the testimonies I’ve heard about families participating in this fast together in unity. In fact, I expect that this fast will have a lasting impact on us, individually and corporately.  Some of us will feel called to incorporate seasons of fasting in our own devotions, without it being a church-called effort.  Some of us will receive insight and guidance in the days ahead (as a result of the fast) that will change the direction of our lives.  Many of us will make lifestyle changes in our eating habits, that will improve our health and lengthen our life, literally.

Gotta stop preaching here so I can go to church and preach three times there! Remember, CLC: we’re in this together!

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

As I mentioned Sunday in service, the excitement of beginning the fast is over now, and the excitement of reaching the end of the fast isn’t here yet, so this middle week is when we really must be determined to persist!  So I’m going to use the classic passage of Scripture regarding fasting, Isaiah 58, to look at the promised benefits that we have a right to expect when we fast, in the hopes of encouraging you to press on.

First, read Isaiah 58:3-7 – it’s important that we keep in mind the kind of fast that God is really looking for from us.

But when we fast for the proper motives and in the right attitude, notice this sixth promise found in verse 11, “And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places”.

This may be one of the greatest promises related to fasting – ‘continual guidance’!  All of us are faced with decisions and choices every day – and some of them are not routine.  In fact, sometimes the more we stand to lose or gain with a particular decision, the more difficult it can be to choose.  None of us has a crystal ball, to see what the future holds.  But God knows!  He sees further down the road than we do, and somehow, this verse promises that He will continually guide us as a result of our fasting.

I suspect He’s always trying to guide us, but perhaps it takes fasting to ‘unstop our ears’ or ‘unclutter’ our minds so we can hear Him clearly.  I know that’s one of the primary reasons I’m fasting, because I need/want to hear HIS voice above all the other noises in my life!  How about you?

I also like the part about “satisfy you in drought and dry places”, because, if you’re like me, you’ve had your share of those times, too.  In fact, I think it’s part and parcel of the same promise – i.e., even when it seems that we’re walking in a dry place and we’re not sensing His manifest Presence, even then, He is still guiding us – Psalm 37:23-24; Psalm 32:7-9

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

As I mentioned Sunday in service, the excitement of beginning the fast is over now, and the excitement of reaching the end of the fast isn’t here yet, so this middle week is when we really must be determined to persist!  So I’m going to use the classic passage of Scripture regarding fasting, Isaiah 58, to look at the promised benefits that we have a right to expect when we fast, in the hopes of encouraging you to press on.

First, read Isaiah 58:3-7 – it’s important that we keep in mind the kind of fast that God is really looking for from us.

But when we fast for the proper motives and in the right attitude, notice this fifth promise found in the first part of verse 9, “Then when you call, the Lord will answer.  ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.” What does that mean?

It simply means that proper fasting enables us to get past the usual hindrances to prayer, so that God can respond to us quickly!

The problem with delayed or unanswered prayer is not because God is reluctant; it’s usually because “I” have issues.  Perhaps I’m passive or I’m timid or even double-minded, thinking that I’m not worthy of God answering my prayer.  At other times I’m struggling with my own doubts or unbelief.  Or maybe the request is so big or so important to me that I just can’t believe that God will do it for me. Or maybe I’m just inconsistent or even lazy when it comes to the work of prayer.

The good news is that when I add fasting to my prayers, it enables me to cut through all of those hindrances, so that I get an immediate audience with the Lord – and His promise is that “when I call, He will quickly answer!”

Remember what my pastor used to tell us: “it doesn’t work just because it’s in the Bible.  It works when you believe it and apprehend it for yourself!”

So claim it.  Expect it to be true in your life!  When you call, the Lord will answer speedily!

What prayers have been delayed for you in the past, that you’re believing for now?

Have you already seen answers during the fast that you’d like to share, to encourage others?

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.

As I mentioned Sunday in service, the excitement of beginning the fast is over now, and the excitement of reaching the end of the fast isn’t here yet, so this middle week is when we really must be determined to persist!  So I’m going to use the classic passage of Scripture regarding fasting, Isaiah 58, to look at the promised benefits that we have a right to expect when we fast, in the hopes of encouraging you to press on.

First, read Isaiah 58:3-7 – it’s important that we keep in mind the kind of fast that God is really looking for from us.

But when we fast for the proper motives and in the right attitude, notice this fourth promise found in verse 8, “the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard”. What does that mean?

Ever heard the expression, “I’ve got your back”? Well, HE does!

One of the promised benefits of fasting is that God becomes your ‘backer’!  Think about that: HE’s backing you.  HE’s backing your business.  HE’s backing your family.

And when the enemy comes in, God, your backer, will stand up and say, “I’ve got your back and no weapon formed against you shall prosper“!

Expect it today!

Where do you need His backing the most?  Share your comments below, and we can pray for each other as we press on in this fast!

For more devotions from the network of churches fasting with us, click here.