#898 - DO YOU BELIEVE THIS ABOUT PRAYER?

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But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?...Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people...And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people. Exodus 32:11-14

Moses’ petitions impacted God’s intentions.
Moses’ intercession ignited God’s compassion.
Moses’ requests influenced God’s response.

There are many aspects to God’s sovereignty that are certainly a mystery, but what I see clearly in this passage is this…

OUR PRAYERS CAN DRASTICALLY ALTER GOD’S PLANS.

Pleas that proceed from our mouths can actually move God’s heart and, in turn, re-direct God’s hands!

God forbid we become so spiritually mature that we abandon the childlike faith necessary to pray prayers like this.

What one prayer can/should you be passionately praying to show you believe that your words can impact God’s ways?

#897 - DON'T LET YOUR IMPATIENCE LEAD TO THIS

When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. Exodus 32:1-5

All it took was 40 days.

Though God had just powerfully and demonstratively delivered them out of 400 years of slavery, when faced with Moses’ delay on Mt. Sinai for just 40 days…

They replaced the powerful, invisible God they couldn’t see for a powerless, visible god they could. They abandoned the God who fashioned them for a god that they could fashion. They exchanged the eternal for the temporal.

We, unfortunately, often, do likewise. We succumb to the same sin.

We become frustrated with God’s “delays.”
We forget God’s former faithfulness.
So, we fashion an idol.

This sin is, exactly, what Paul referenced in his letter to the Romans.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:21-23

UNCHECKED IMPATIENCE AND INGRATITUDE OFTEN INITIATES IDOLATRY.

Be aware of the comfort you create when your Creator makes you uncomfortable!

#896 - AN ANCIENT TEST

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Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not." Exodus 16:4

For the nation of Israel, God’s provision had a duel purpose.

Food and formation.
Sustenance and sanctification.
Hunger assistance and holiness assessment!

What was the goal of the test?

Come to me…daily.
Rely on me…daily.
Obey me…daily.

TRUST. ME. DAILY.

Maybe, this is also one of the purposes of God’s provision in our lives today. Maybe, God is not finished using provision as a test. Maybe, this is why Jesus teaches his disciples to pray…

“Give us this day our daily bread...” Matthew 6:11

“More” isn’t bad—it just doesn’t teach us to trust God like “exactly enough” does.

#895 - AN UNDERESTIMATED SIGN OF STRENGTH

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And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13

I know you want to fight back.
I know you want to speak up.
I know you want to lash out.

You can’t see yourself “surviving” if you don’t.
You can’t see justice “prevailing” if you don’t.
You can’t see the Church “overcoming” if you don’t.

But, maybe the word of the Lord to you in this current season is…

BE SILENT.

In the life of a citizen of the Kingdom of God, sometimes “taking a stand” means “shutting your mouth.”

There is more than one occasion in the Scriptures where radical silence preceded supernatural victory…

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7

#894 - NEED DELIVERANCE?

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Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. Exodus 13:3

For with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. Exodus 13:9

By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. Exodus 13:14

…for by a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt. Exodus 13:16

The phrase is repeated because the truth needs to be remembered.

Nothing can keep you STUCK IN what God's strong hands have determined to bring you OUT OF!

God is a Deliverer.

REMEMBER.

#893 - WOULD YOU GIVE THANKS FOR THIS?!?

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But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Exodus 7:3

Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. Exodus 11:9

God's "delays" derive from His desire to more demonstratively display His dominion.

Give thanks, today, for what seems like a prolonging of God's plan. A perfect, pre-determined presentation of His power is the point!

HOLD. ON.

#892 - FOUR FACETS OF THE COMPASSION OF GOD

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During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Exodus 2:23-25

  1. God heard their prayers.

    • Every cry. Every groan. Every care. Every prayer you pray…God hears them all.

    • “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14

  2. God remembered His promise.

    • Every covenant. Every promise. Every commitment. Every guarantee that God has ever made…God remembers them all.

    • “He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations…” Psalm 105:8

  3. God saw His people.

    • God isn’t blind. God isn’t ignorant. God isn’t unaware. Every person, in every place, during every time…God sees them all.

    • So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Genesis 16:13

  4. God knew His plan.

    • Every detail. Every twist. Every turn. Every way God’s perfect will is going to be fulfilled…God knows them all.

    • “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:20

God hears. God remembers. God sees. God knows.

TRUST.

#891 - AN ABSOLUTE GEM FROM THE BOOK OF JOB

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For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.
Job 23:14

“He will complete…”

  • Not me, God.

  • Because God will complete it, I don’t have to be anxious about it being incomplete.

“what he appoints for me...”

  • Not what I appoint for myself, but what God does.

  • Because God has something appointed for me, I don’t have to strive to appoint things for myself.

“and many such things are in his mind.”

  • Not a few things, many.

  • Because God has the things He has appointed for me on His mind, I don’t need to constantly have them on my mind.

  • Because there are many on God’s mind, I don’t need to be frustrated by the few in my hand.

#890 - WHEN A MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY DOESN'T WORK OUT

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So, things didn’t work out for me at Hope Church in Las Vegas. What I hoped was going to be a long-term assignment and opportunity…wasn’t. Where I thought I’d be able to make a significant contribution to a church’s culture and mission…isn’t.

But, here are a few things that I must continue to believe are true…

  1. OUR GOD IS STILL WORTHY OF MY ADORATION. Though circumstances change. Though expectations aren’t met. Though you weren’t what people wanted you to be. Though people weren’t what you needed them to be. Though there is sadness. Though there is regret. Though there is disappointment. God is immutable. God is sovereign. God is holy. God is just. God is love. God is faithful. Therefore, God is worthy of me giving Him great praise even in the midst of great pain.

  2. A CHURCH IS STILL NEEDING OF MY CONTRIBUTION. The Church is still a great body with many body parts. I am still particular body part with a specific function. Though I may not have been the best fit for a particular local body of believers that in no way disqualifies me from being a better fit in another body of believers. A bad fit in one place doesn’t make me unfit for every place. I must believe, what wasn’t preferred in one church will be perfect for another!

  3. THE GOSPEL IS STILL DEMANDING OF MY PROCLAMATION. The finished work of Jesus Christ. Propitiation. Expiation. Justification. Redemption. Adoption. For every tribe. For every tongue. For every nation. In every neighborhood. In every place. Until every one has heard and until more have received—clear, creative, and compelling gospel proclamation must remain my duty and my delight.

#888 - I FEEL CONVICTED TO WRITE ABOUT...

At some point. Not sure if it’s now or later. Not sure if I need to learn the lessons more or not. But, I can’t get away from the deep conviction that I need to put into words what God has taught me about the following aspects of humility.

IT REQUIRES HUMILITY TO…

  • Confess and repent of sin and struggle in the sight of a Holy God.

  • Confess and repent of sin and struggle in the context of community.

  • Articulate praise and adoration to God for who He is.

  • Articulate encouragement and affirmation to others for who they are.

  • Express thanksgiving and gratitude to God for what He’s done.

  • Express thanksgiving and gratitude to others for what they’ve done.

  • Submit and follow the leadership of God.

  • Submit and follow the leadership of others.

  • Receive the forgiveness of God.

  • Receive forgiveness from and extend forgiveness to others.

  • Ask God for revelation and understanding of blind spots.

  • Ask others for insight and feedback about blind spots.

  • Seek God’s counsel for wisdom and guidance.

  • Seek others’ counsel for wisdom and guidance.

  • Wait patiently for the will of God to come to pass in your life.

  • Wait patiently for the will of God to come to pass in others’ life.

  • Give generously to God.

  • Give generously to others.

  • Speak up.

  • Be silent.

  • Leave.

  • Stay.

This is a lot to think through and write about, but I’ve faced the consequences of having pride in all of the areas listed above, and if there is any way I can prevent someone else from experiencing the pain that pride has caused me, I’d love to be able to help! Stay tuned!

#887 - I SHOULD BE PATIENT BECAUSE...

  1. My knowledge is limited. The things I want so badly to happen or have sooner may not even be God’s will for my life!

  2. My character needs developing. Very few things are responsible for strengthening my character and integrity like having to wait.

  3. My motives require purifying. By not getting what I want, my reasons for doing what I’m doing have to be less about what I can potentially gain and more about obedience to God.

  4. My God is ultimately sovereign. If what I desire is His plan for my life, nothing can thwart or stop His plan from coming to pass.

  5. My God is infinitely powerful. God has every ability to move whatever mountain must be moved for His will to be done in my life.

  6. My God is perfectly loving. God knows exactly what I need, exactly when I need it. And because He loves me, He will get to me what needs to get to me at just the right time, and in the most loving way possible. I trust that God’s perfect love that drives both His generous giving and His gracious withholding.

#886 - TODAY I RECEIVED A VERY SPECIAL GIFT FROM GOD

Two people from my past.
Reached out. By text and by phone.
One whom I began ministering to in 2013. The other, I ministered to as far back as 2008!
Both, specifically, thanking me for how my investment into their life has made a life-changing difference.

I didn’t know how much I needed this type of encouragement till I received it.

God is so gracious and kind. I’m His child and He knows how to get me exactly what I need at exactly the right time. And, sometimes, He DOUBLES the portion!

Only God.

#885 - A SOMBER BUT NECESSARY ADMISSION

I am not as sanctified, holy, righteous, spiritually mature, loving, self-controlled, patient, and grateful as I think I am currently capable of being.

By this stage in my relationship with Jesus I should be more of all of the things I’ve mentioned above. So much more. Unfortunately, I’m less.

Regardless of my Bible knowledge. Regardless of my job title of “Lead Pastor.” Regardless of my ability to passionately preach/teach about such things. Regardless of how long I’ve been following the ways of Jesus…

I still find myself so un-like Jesus. So un-sanctified. So un-holy. So weak.

This is my reality. I. AM. WEAK.

Thankfully, it’s the acknowledgement of this reality that perfectly positions me to be the blessed recipient of one of the most beautiful promises in all of God’s Word…

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬

#884 - A HABIT I’M ENDEAVORING TO DEVELOP

To give my very best mental and emotional energy to the conversation I’m currently having.

To be fully present with the person I’m with.

To not have my mind of the next meeting. To not have my mind on the next conversation. To not have my mind on the past. To not have my mind on the future.

No cell phone. No notifications. No obsession with the time. Just. Present.

As God sees me. As God gives His attention to me. As God, at every moment, is fully present with me.

Lord, by the power of your Holy Spirit, please help me to give this gift to others.

#883 - I WANT TO PASS THESE TESTS

Of being humble. Of being patient. Of being present. Of waiting for my turn. Of submission. Of gratitude. Of living in the limelight with meekness. Of living in the shadows with faithfulness. Of talking less. Of praying more. Of giving my marriage more of my emotional energy than I do my ministry. Of expectantly looking to the bright future that God has in store for me (whatever it may be) while joyfully giving the very best of who I am to the great responsibility currently in my hands.

A lot of tests to pass.

Lord, help me. Apart from You, I can do nothing.

#882 - 10 RANDOM REFLECTIONS ON RELATIONSHIPS

  • Being rich in relationships is an undervalued form of wealth.

  • Grieving how the nature of relationships change, as the seasons of our life change, is healthy and necessary.

  • Sometimes, physical absence in a relationship is a requirement for spiritual growth.

  • The moment we value physical presence in a relationship over spiritual growth, we have made that relationship into an idol.

  • A true test of the strength of a relationship is removing physical proximity.

  • The strongest relationships in my life have two things in common: shared experiences (both joyful and sorrowful ones) and time (years I’ve known the person).

  • You can’t fight to maintain and strengthen every relationship in your life, but if you’re not fighting for any relationships, that’s probably a problem.

  • Lack of relational health and lack of emotional health are inextricably intertwined.

  • Enjoying good food together and building strong relationships go hand in hand.

  • Cherish the moments. Take no meaningful relationship for granted. Tomorrow is not promised.

#881 - ABOUT THE FUTURE

I don’t know what it holds. I don’t know what it will bring. I don’t know where I will be.

But, what I do know is this:

There are certain people that I strongly desire to be a part of my future in a significant way.

Present. Engaged. Involved. Me making memories with them. Them making memories with me.

Sharing significant moments. Doing significant ministry. Living significant lives.

As I’m getting older, I’m becoming more and more convinced…

The true, deep joys of life come less from what you’re doing, and more from who you’re doing it with.

Heavenly Father, you know the handful of people that are coming to my mind as I write this. As I delight myself in You, please stay true to your promise and give me the desires of my heart! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

#880 - WHEN INSPIRATION COMES

Though creatives should be constantly creating, regardless of how inspired they feel, there are certain times when inspiration, ideas, and creativity come over a person in an abundant way.

When it does, my advice is this: take advantage.

Create. Re-Create. Write. Re-Write. Design. Re-Design. Make the immaterial material.

When inspiration comes over you in an unusual way…WORK!

Because it’s been my experience that as quickly as inspiration comes, unfortunately, inspiration leaves.