Trip

Cathy and I are leaving this morning for missionary renewal/school of missions. We will return on Friday. I will take a blogging break. The devotions will continue on Saturday. Hope you have a great week. God bless. Pray for Cathy and I as we travel. Thanks.

June 30 devotional

Scripture

2 Kings 17:13-17 “Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah. But the Israelites would not listen. They were stubborn as their ancestors and refused to believe in the Lord their God. They rejected his laws and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them. They defiled all the commands of the Lord their God and made two calves from metal. They set up an Asherah pole and worshiped Baal and all the forces of heaven. They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and used sorcery and sold themselves to evil, arousing the Lord’s anger.”

Observation

Do we still believe in the Lord’s anger? God gave Israel a choice. He set before them blessings and cursings. He said if you love me and keep my commands, I will bless you abundantly, but if you reject me and my ways, there will be curses. The nation of Israel choose the curses. This passage tells the depth of sin they entered into. God loved them so much he sent prophets to warn them and to call them back to God but they rejected them and refused to listen. Eventually God sent their enemies to defeat them. They experienced God’s judgment.

Application

There are consequences to my actions. My disobedience has a cost. I cannot believe that I can continually disobey God and nothing will happen. The New Testament teaches that I will reap what I sow. If I choose to disobey God and live in sin, I will reap a whirlwind. I will face the consequences. Why doesn’t the church believe that today? Why do I and others insist on doing things the hard way? God I don’t want to be like the Israelites. I want to love you to the point, I will obey you. Change my heart. Holy Spirit do not allow me to go down that path. I believe your Word to be true. I believe there are consequences to my actions. I want to choose the path of blessing. I want to live my life your way and by your principles.

Prayer

Father, I pledge my allegiance to you. I am your servant. You are my master. I will obey your commands. Keep my heart pure. May my heart be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I do not want to be like the Israelites who continually rejected the warnings of the prophets. I want to heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit. Give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation that I may know you. I desire to obey you. I love you. Increase my love!

June 29 devotional

Scripture

Acts 19: 17-20, 26 “The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. A number of them who had been practicing magic brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect. Verse 26 “As you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t gods at all. And this is happening not lonely here is Ephesus but throughout the entire province!”

Observation

The revival in Ephesus had a profound effect upon the community.

1) People who were involved in witchcraft burned their materials in a public bonfire. The worth of the books was several million dollars. Notice that Paul did not guilt them into burning the books, it was the conviction of the Holy Spirit. When there is true revival, there is conviction of sin. People will experience the Holy Spirit dealing with their lives and voluntarily get rid of sin.

2) People stopped buying the idols. One silversmith lost so much business that he started a riot. His greed fought against the revival. When there is true revival, people’s purchasing habits will change. What they once spent money on, they will no longer buy.

Notice that the silversmith said this was not only happening in the city limits but the whole province was being changed by the move of God.

True revival will change a community. Bars will close because of a lack of business. The crime rate will drop. Drug dealers will go bankrupt. The jails will be empty. Life will change. We call this transformation. A spiritual awakening will transform a community.

Application

This is what we need today in America. We need a spiritual awakening that will lead to transformation. We do not need another church or government program. We need revival. We need transformation. How do we experience revival? If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land. We must call upon God for transformation. We need to change the spiritual climate of America.

Prayer

Father I ask that you send a revival to every church and a spiritual awakening to America. I ask that it will lead to transformation. That the very nature of our community will change. Send a fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh and anew today. I want to be a change agent for the kingdom of God. I want to experience a change of the spiritual climate of Henderson County.

School of Missions/Missionary Renewal

Cathy and I are going to school of missions/missionary renewal on Tuesday. It is part of my responsibilities as District Missions Director. Here is our schedule:
Tuesday night Great Lakes Regional DMD dinner. This is an idea exchange.

Wednesday- attend training hosted by John Bueno. I will speak to the District Superintendents in the afternoon. Wednesday night is district dinners. Cathy and I host all the KY missionaries present.

Thursday- breakfast with Dara Brannan, attend training and district leadership luncheon. The week ends with commissioning service in the evening.
Cathy and I will be home on Friday.

June 28 devotional

Scripture

Acts 19: 9-12 “But some rejected his message and publicly spoke against the Way, so Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he began preaching daily at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia- both Jews and Greeks- heard the Lord’s message. God gave Paul the power to do unusual miracles, so that even when handkerchiefs or cloths that had touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and any evil spirits within them came out.”

Observation

This is one of the greatest revivals recorded in scripture. It lasted two years and the entire region was reached for Christ. The revival cut across racial lines as both Jews and Greeks heard the message of Jesus. What were some of the characteristics of the revival?

1) It was born out of persecution. People rejected Paul’s preaching and spoke against believers.

2) Paul persisted. He moved to another location and held services

3) The Word was preached. Paul preached daily for two years!

4) There were unusual miracles. I love the word unusual. That means that there are normal miracles and unusual miracles. I want to experience that! These miracles included healing and deliverance.

Notice the phrase that “God gave Paul the power to do unusual miracles.” Paul did not earn the power. He did not earn it through fasting and prayer. He did not purchase it by giving a large offering. God gave it to him. The anointing is not a thing that can be earned or purchased. It is given by God to a person who is doing the work of God. What was Paul doing? He was preaching daily. As Paul preached the word of God, God gave Paul power to do unusual miracles. If we want to see God’s power today, we must be about doing God’s work here.

Application

This great revival was born out of persecution. Paul was persistent. He didn’t quit when he faced opposition. Paul preached the Word of God. The Bible was central to the revival. God confirmed the word through healings, miracles, signs, and wonders. This is how revival can come today.

Prayer

Father I ask that you send a fresh outpouring of your Spirit upon First A/G and Henderson, KY today. Send a revival to every church and a spiritual awakening to our community. May it lead to a total transformation. I believe as it was in the Book of Acts, so should it be today. God let it happen today. I know I cannot earn it or purchase it but I ask for it. Give it to us today. Send your Holy Spirit upon us. Revive us. May the message of Jesus be spread throughout our region. In Jesus name.

June 26 devotional

Scripture

Proverbs 17:27-28 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Observation

Do you want to look smart? All you have to do is keep your mouth closed! This word of wisdom says that a wise person remains silent. They are not always talking. They do not have to always give their opinion on every subject. The only talk when they have something to say, something to contribute. I know a person who acts like a genius on every subject. He thinks he knows everything. People avoid him like the plague. He is annoying. I know other people who have wisdom and knowledge. They do not have to try to impress people. They contribute to the conversation. They help you make good decisions. They come across as intelligent people. The Bible says even a fool looks wise when he is not talking but when he talks he reveals his true nature.

The first thing a wise person does is only talk when they have something to say, to contribute. The second thing they do is keep their temper in check. They do not fly off the handle. They do not lose their temper. They are even-tempered. They are not up and down people. When you come into their presence, you do not have to worry what mood they are in. They are steady and solid.

Application

I want to be wise. I want to learn to keep my tongue in check. I do not want to go around trying to impress people with what I know. It only makes me look foolish. I want to keep my temper in check. I do not want to fly off the handle or be moody. I want to be steady, solid, dependable. I speak only when I can contribute. I want to be slow to anger, slow to speak, quick to listen. Those are great words to live by.

Prayer

Holy Spirit keep my tongue in check. Fill me with your Spirit to the place I can control my tongue. Develop the fruit of patience in me. I do not want to lose my temper with others. Produce kindness and meekness in me. I want to be like Christ. Forgive me for the times I have failed. I have lost my temper and said the wrong thing way too many times. Change me. Make me like Christ. I want to be wise and full of understanding. I do not want to be a show off. I do not want to act like an expert. Keep me humble. I want to be slow to anger, slow to speak, quick to listen.

June 22 devotional

Scripture

Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

Observation

I know people who have a broken spirit. It crushes them. They become bitter, angry people and it destroys every area of their lives. It especially has a devastating effect on their relationships. It saps them of all their strength. The remedy for this is a cheerful heart. Something has to happen inside of them. We believe in physical and inner healing. The Holy Spirit can heal their spirit and give them a cheerful heart. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. You do not receive a cheerful heart or joy from your circumstances or the way people treat you. It is a byproduct of your relationship with God. Spend time with God and His Word and the Holy Spirit will produce joy in you. A cheerful heart is good medicine for a broken spirit.

Application

I cannot look to circumstances or people to make me happy. That is a recipe for disaster. I will always end up disappointed and hurt. My hope must be in God. I have had people place their hope in me because I am a pastor but I always end up letting them down. I am human. I fail. I make mistakes. I and everyone else must put their hope in God. He never fails. He never lets us down. Joy and a cheerful heart come from God. It is produced in me by the Holy Spirit. When I am hurt and disappointed, I turn to God as my refuge and strength. When my spirit is broken, I run to him. He gives me joy and a cheerful heart which is medicine to the spirit.

Prayer

Father, I ask that you produce joy in me. I ask that the Holy Spirit give me a cheerful heart. Do not let me to become downcast. Remove a spirit of heaviness from me. Give me joy. When I enter into the presence of others let them see and experience the joy of the Lord in me.

June 21 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 139: 1-6 “O, Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything a bout me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!

Observation

I agree with the statement that truths about God are too wonderful and great for me to comprehend. God is greater than my mind. God knows everything about me He knows where I have been and where I am going. He knows what I have said and what I am going to say. My first reaction to that is embarrassment. I don’t want God to see and hear everything I have said and done. Then I realized that in spite of my shortcomings and failures, God still loves me. This is a wonderful picture of God’s love. He already knows and sees all my sins and still loves and accepts me. Isn’t God wonderful! This is also a great picture of God’s protection. He is always watching over me. He knows where I am and where I am going. He is there protecting me from the enemy and from future danger. Lastly I love the statement that God has placed his hand of blessing on my head. He not only loves and accepts me. He protects me and He blesses me. He gives me gifts I do not deserve. He goes beyond mercy and gives grace. Praise the Lord! I am travelling along life’s path with the blessing of God upon me. What can be better than that?

Application

This verse gives me confidence. I am confident in God’s love and acceptance. I am safe in his protection and I live in his blessing. Life is not to be feared but lived. I live life to the fullest. He came that I might have an abundant life. When I think of all the places I have gone and things I have done, this is true for me, I am living life to the full. When I look at my family and all the love I have received, I am living life to the full. When I examine what God is doing at First A/G and see all the blessings we are experiencing, I am living life to the full. I want to live my life to the max. I will live life to the full.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for being you. I thank you for your love and acceptance. I thank you for your protection. You both precede me and follow me. You are there watching over my life. I thank you for your blessing. I could not earn it and can not purchase it. You gave me your blessing. I love you so much. This passage makes me want to please you more than ever before. I love you. I thank you. I am grateful to you.

Mission trip

Cathy and I are leaving tomorrow for Ecuador. We are suppose to be at the airport at 8:30 a.m. We will work construction and minister to local churches and pastors. I will be taking a blogging break. I will pick back up on June 22. Please keep us in prayer. Pray for our safety. Pray that the group will be a blessing to those we minister to. Pray that God will minister to each team member. These trips are life changing. Thanks.

Today's Bible reading June 11

Scripture

1 Kings 8: 23-26 “He prayed O Lord, God if Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven of earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will. You have kept your promise to your servant David, my father. You made that promise with your won mouth, and today you have fulfilled it with your own hands. And now. O Lord, God of Israel, carry out your further promise to your servant David, my father. For you said to him, if your descendants guard their behavior as you have done, they will always reign over Israel. Now, O God of Israel, fulfill this promise to your servant David, my father.

Observation

Solomon kept repeating the word promise. Solomon’s prayer was based upon promises God had already made. Solomon was basically saying, you promised to do this, now please keep your word. That is a powerful basis for prayer. Pray the promises of God. Ask God to do what he already said he would do. God is faithful. He will keep his word. His promises are yes and amen. Pray the promises of God. Pray the word of God. I can have complete assurance and confidence that those prayers will receive a positive answer.

Application

To pray the promises of God, I have to know the promises of God. It starts with learning and study. I must know what promises apply to me. As I learn the promises of God, I then must ask in faith. I must ask God to do what he already said he would do.

1) Learn God’s promises. Get a Bible promise book and study the promises of God.

2) Pray God promises. I have to do what Solomon did and pray the word.

3) Believe for an answer. God is faithful. His word is true and sure.

Prayer

Father, I thank you that your word teaches me how to pray correctly. I stand on the promises of God. Your word is true and sure. I know as I claim the promises in your word, I am sure to receive answers to my prayers. Thank you for that assurance. Thank you for my answers. You are a good God.

June 10 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 128: 1-4 How happy are those who fear the Lord- all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life! Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees. That is the Lord’s reward for those who fear him.

Observation

The passage teaches that God rewards certain people. I want to know 1) who does he reward and 2) what is the reward.

1) The Lord rewards those who fear him. Verse 1 says those who fear the Lord- all who follow his ways. So what does it mean to fear God? It means to obey Him. If I fear God, I will obey His word. Fear means respect and reverence. It means I understand God’s authority over my life. If God can reward me, he can also discipline me. He has that authority over my life. He is the boss. I love God for his mercy and grace. I also respect God’s authority as Lord over my life.

2) The reward to me for respecting him is to bless my family. My wife and children will know the favor of God. The verse speaks of vigorous which indicates healthy. The olive tree indicates fruitfulness and success. When I live my life God’s way and by His Word, my family reaps the benefits! That is a great truth.

My life will be rich and happy. This does not mean I will never face difficulties or be persecuted for my faith. It may mean wealth and things but I think it is referring to relationships. My life is rich when it is rich in relationships. Relationships bring richness to my life more than things. I get bored with things, even expensive things. They will always produce a bigger and better thing. But relationships make my life worth living. God promises that if I live by His word and respect his authority over my life, he will bless my family and all of my relationships. That is a great promise.

Application

The condition to this promise is that I fear the Lord and follow his ways. Jesus is my savior and Lord. He is the supreme authority over my life. He is the boss. He is my master. He has final say. I show my respect to Jesus through obedience. I obey His word. His word is the Bible. As I obey and live by the Bible, my relationships will prosper. It is as simple as that.

Prayer

Father, I make Jesus Lord of my life today. He is my master. I am His servant. I ask that you give me the faith, courage, respect, and love to obey all of His commands. I ask that you bless Cathy. I ask that you bless Ross, Sarah, Charles, and Tyler. My all of my family and all of my relationships know the blessing and favor of God. Amen.

Home with the family

I had dinner tonight with the family. Everyone was here except Charles. Nights like this you really miss the one who is not there. I know he is doing well but it is not the same. Cathy fixed tacos. They were good. Tyler and Sarah are going to Jesus Culture as youth leaders. I am picking out clothes for the mission trip to Ecuador. It is a good nigth. Getting lots of things done.

Jinxed

Last night I went to a ballgame of one of the church's teenagers. They were undefeated until last night. I watched their first lost. In fact every time I have gone to a game of one of our youth, they have lost. I am starting to feel jinxed. People used to want me to come to their games, now they beg me to stay away. They want to win!

I love our church and I love being a pastor. I want our youth and children to know that they have a pastor who cares, who loves them, and is interested in their lives. That is why I go to the games. Plus I enjoy it. I just wish they would win.

June 9 devotional

Scripture

Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.”

Observation

What I want to do is not what is important. The important thing is “What is God doing?” If I want to be successful in life I must conform to God’s will, not ask God to conform to mine. This passage says unless God is building it, my labor is useless. Unless God is protecting a city, those guarding it are working in vain. It will do no good. It will accomplish nothing.

The reverse is also true. When I am working for God, I will be productive. I adjust my life to God’s will and the work will be successful. I must know what God’s will is and then adjust my life to it. I obey God’s will and then he will give me success.

Application

The success cycle looks like this:

1) Depend upon God

2) Seek God

3) Hear from God- know his will

4) Obey God

5) Persist in obeying God

6) Achieve God’s will in His power

7) Give all the glory to Him

It starts with dependence. If I truly depend upon God, I will seek Him. If I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him. When I find God, he will reveal His will to me. I have to adjust my life to His will. When I obey God’s will, he will give me success. Then God receives all the glory.

Prayer

Father, I acknowledge my complete dependence upon you. I can accomplish nothing without you. I need you. I seek your will. Guide me. Show me what you want me to do. Give me the faith and courage to obey you. Empower me to persist and not give up. Advance your kingdom on this earth. In Jesus name.

June 8 devotional

Scripture

Acts 6: 2-4 “So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. “We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God not administering a food program, they said. Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business. Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the Word.”

Observation

The Apostles had their priorities straight. They knew what was important and they stuck too it. They refused to be distracted. They refused to allow the urgent to get in the way of the important. They knew their priorities and they ruthlessly stuck with them.

Their main priority was preaching and teaching the word of God. They spent time in study and preparation. Then they taught the word as much and too as many as possible. They made teaching and preaching their main responsibility.

They also spent time in prayer. Time with God was most important. They had to know the God they were teaching about. They spent time with God and in His Word.

Application

This has to be my top responsibilities as well. I must make preaching and teaching my number one priority and my main responsibility. I have to be ruthless about it. I must carve out main time to study and for preparation. I cannot allow the urgent and the wants of the people to dictate and dominate my time. I must be disciplined in the word.

Prayer

Father, help me in this area. I am a pastor. I am a shepherd of sheep. The sheep need me. I must spend time with the sheep. I must develop leaders. I must help the hurting but according to this scripture, my priority is prayer and the word. The sheep need to be spiritually fed. That is more important than human needs or others can meet the human needs. I am called to preach. I am called to meet the spiritual needs. It is not a matter of importance but who is supposed to do what. Others in the church can meet the physical need. I am to pray, preach, and teach.

Today's Bible reading June 9

Scripture

Acts 5: 12-14 “Meanwhile, the apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared to join them, though everyone had high regard for them. And more and more people believed and were brought to the lord- crowds of both men and women.”

Observation

This is what life is supposed to be about. This is normal Christianity. We have lost it but this is what it is suppose to be. Miracles, signs, and wonders were the norm. Christians meeting together was the norm. Crowds being saved were the norm. Christians having a good reputation among the people was the norm. This is normal. What we have is abnormal. We must strive to get back to the “Book of Acts Christianity.” We must go back to dependence upon the Holy Spirit. We must go back to the supernatural being normal. We must raise our expectations. One of our favorite sayings at First A/G is “as it was in the Book of Acts, so should it be today.”

Application

I must raise my expectations. I must believe for miracles. I need to settle for anything less than the Book of Acts. I need to believe and act in faith.

Prayer

Father, I ask that you restore the supernatural to the church. I pray for the day that we see many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. I pray for the day that we see crowds of both men and women brought to the Lord. That is normal Christianity. That is the way it should be. Revive your church. Restore signs and wonders. Restore healings and miracles. Let it begin today.

Bible reading for June 4

Scripture

Acts 2: 17-18 “In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophecy.

Observation

These are the last days. The next event on God’s calendar is the return of Jesus. Peter quotes the book of Joel, to tell us what will happen in these last days.

1) God will pour out his Spirit upon all people.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the main event of the last days. After Jesus death and resurrection, the next step in God’s plan was and is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is not a little detail. It is not some insignificant event. It is the main sign of the last days.

2) Notice who the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for.

A) All people

B) Sons and daughters

C) Young men and old men

D) All my servants

E) Men and women alike

This means young and old, rich and poor, male and female. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for everyone. Dreams and visions are for everyone. Prophecy is for everyone. Pentecost was a day that set women free. I am so glad that I am part of a movement that honors the ministry of women.

Application

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a sidebar of the Christian faith. It is the main attribute of the last days. God said after Jesus ascended into heaven, that he would pour out his spirit. It must be preached, emphasized, defended, proclaimed, and experienced. I need a fresh filling of His Spirit today. First A/G needs a fresh outpouring today. My family needs a fresh touch today. We need and depend upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit. A church is not a New Testament Church unless it is a Pentecostal church

Prayer

Father I ask for a fresh filling. I desire the Holy Spirit’s work in my life to be complete. I ask for a fresh outpouring upon First A/G. I ask for a fresh outpouring upon Henderson, KY. Send your rain. Send your power. Send your love.

Give us the Holy Spirit. Empower us to be witnesses. Confirm your word with signs and wonders. May the gifts of the Spirit be in operation. Enable First A/G to be a Pentecostal voice in doctrine and experience in Henderson, KY.

Update

Cathy is home. She had a great time. She said the service went great. Thanks for all your prayers. Tonight in our prayer service I will teach on how to maintain your faith. It is going to be a great service. This Sunday is communion Sunday and I am teaching on the "Purpose of communion."

Bible reading for June 3

Scripture

Acts 1: 11 “They said, Men of Galilee, why are you sanding here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!

Observation

This is a great promise from the Bible. Jesus had just ascended into heaven. Verse 9 says “It was not long after the said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into the sky.”

The disciples were in awe and amazement. They kept staring into the sky looking for Jesus. The angels came and said quit looking for Jesus. He is gone. He is with His father in heaven. Jesus had taught them this would happen. Jesus had to go to heaven so he could send the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Then the angels gave the great promise that Jesus would come again. He would return to this earth for his church, for his bride. We will see him again. Jesus is coming again. He is the soon coming king.

Application

Most people ask when Jesus is coming again. This is the wrong question. The Bible teaches that we will not know the times or season of his return. The right question is am I ready for his return. It is not a matter of when but am I living a life that is prepared for his return. Am I ready to meet Jesus? Am I living a God-pleasing life? Jesus told a parable of ten virgins. Five were prepared for the grooms coming, five were not. I want to be prepared. I don’t live in fear but in expectancy. I don’t fear Jesus coming. Fear is not a good motivator to live a godly life. Expectancy is. I want to be ready for Jesus because I expect he is coming soon. I want to be pleasing to him because I love him. It is just like when company is coming and you really want to see them again. You get everything ready for their visit because you love them and are expecting them to come. It is the same way with Jesus. I love him and I expect his soon return.

Prayer

Father I want to be prepared for the return of your son. I want everything to be right and in order. I want to please him. I do not fear his return. I delight in it. I anticipate it. I want to be with my father. I want to be ready. Remove anything from my life that is displeasing to you. Prepare me for your son. I want to be without spot or wrinkle. I love you very much.

Pray for Cathy

Please pray for Cathy today. She is speaking tonight at a youth camp. She is having some difficulty with her throat and voice. There are around 100 students there and we want to see God move by His Spirit. Thanks.

Bible reading for June 2

Scripture

Proverbs 16:16 “How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver.”

Observation

This simple Proverb has a lot of wisdom in it. Gold and silver are symbols of something very valuable. You want to obtain them. You are willing to work hard for them. You would search for them. Gold and silver have great value and you have a great desire to obtain them. The Proverb teaches us that wisdom and understanding has greater value than gold and silver! Let that sink in for a moment. The greatest thing you can obtain, according to this Proverb, is wisdom and understanding. Wisdom is the ability to solve problems. Understanding gives you insight to the causes of the problems and people. If you know the causes of the problems in life and have the wisdom to solve them you will be a success. If you understand people and have the wisdom in how to deal with people correctly, you will be a success. Wisdom and understanding will provide for you a successful life.

Application

I seek wisdom. I work hard to become wise. I desire understanding. The application of this proverb is to be on a personal growth plan. When you stop growing, you stop leading. Personal growth is the key to success. I grow everyday in wisdom and understanding. How do I do this?

1) By what I read. Books can increase my wisdom and understanding.

2) What I listen to. CD’s, podcasts, etc can increase my wisdom and understanding.

3) Who I spend time with. Spending time with people more mature and wiser than I am an increase my wisdom and understanding.

4) Where I go. Going to conferences or other continuing educational opportunities can increase my wisdom and understanding.

I can learn every day. I can apply what I learn every day. Being on a personal growth plan is vital to my personal success.

Prayer

Father I want to learn. I desire to grow. Do not let me get stagnant or complacent. I want to learn something new everyday. In 10 to 15 years I want to be a totally different person. Help me to be disciplined in my growth plan. Keep me diligent. I want to grow in my capacity so I can be more useful for the kingdom of God.

Bible reading for June 1

Scripture

2 Samuel 19:9 “And throughout the tribes of Israel there was much discussion and argument going on. The people were saying, “The king saved us from our enemies, the Philistines, but Absalom chased him out of the country. Now Absalom, whom we anointed to rue over us, is dead. Let’s ask David to come back band be our king again.”

Observation

The people are fickle. One moment they want David to be their king and then they turned their affections to Absalom. The next thing you know they want David to be their king again. Before this they followed Saul but sang praises to David. Their affections towards their leaders were constantly changing. It really depended on which one they thought would do the most for them. Who made them happy was the criteria. Americans are like this. We tend to vote not by our values but which candidate will promise us the most, which one is more likeable and gives the best speeches. We are fickle when it comes to leadership.

Application

Everyone in leadership needs to understand this. You can not go by who likes you today and who is upset with you. As spiritual leaders we must make pleasing God our number one priority. People are choosy and nitpicky. God is not. God is not like man. God chooses leaders based upon His criteria. God looks at a person’s heart. God stands by His leaders. I cannot make pleasing people my aim. It will never work. I have to decide what is right. I am to discern what the will of God is and do that. That is what determines my actions and then I stand by them. I let the chips fall where they may. If I allow myself to become a people pleaser my life will always be unsteady because people are inconsistent. I will be up one day and down the next.

Prayer

Father give me the courage to always do what is right. Give me the courage to always be obedient to you. Give me the strength to stand against popular opinion and to stand for righteousness. Give me the courage to always stand on your side and be faithful to your standards. I don’t want to be a politician, making my decisions by the poll numbers. I want to be a man of character. I want to be pleasing to you. I want to be the kind of leader that does what is right regardless of the cost. I want to lead your people in a God honoring way. I want to love them and minister to them but I do not want to be a needy leader. I do not want to need their approval. I want to do what is best for them. I want to lead them into the will of God.