Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Security becomes so consuming all of our adult lives. School, first job, house, marriage, kids (there goes everything until college), kid’s college, 401K’s, IRA, retirement, rising health care costs, assisted living, well you get the picture.
Now how does God teach respect for him over worries about security? The tithe for starters. 10% of what we live on to expand his Kingdom forward. If we wait until we can afford to give generously to God’s mission, there will never be a good time. And we will never learn to trust in God fully.
For your sake, pray for God to increase your generosity.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
ready
Luke 12:37
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.
When we are always ready to serve, our influence is at the ready. We don’t even have to look for opportunities. God will place plenty right in front of us. Whom he trusts he expands.
Pray for God to expand your opportunities to serve.
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.
When we are always ready to serve, our influence is at the ready. We don’t even have to look for opportunities. God will place plenty right in front of us. Whom he trusts he expands.
Pray for God to expand your opportunities to serve.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
with faith
Luke 1:48
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
God pays attention to true humility. It is actually a great form of confidence (con + fides, with + faith). It is a sign that you have faith God is in charge and how you are serving is important to him.
Realize you can’t fake humility or confidence because God knows.
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
God pays attention to true humility. It is actually a great form of confidence (con + fides, with + faith). It is a sign that you have faith God is in charge and how you are serving is important to him.
Realize you can’t fake humility or confidence because God knows.
Monday, February 25, 2008
greatest
Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
Jesus already knew they were arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus can understand this question because he is the greatest. Sorry, Muhammad Ali, but it is Jesus, after all. So, if you really want to be at the front of the line, make sure you serve your way all the way up.
Pray for humility to make progress in your life.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
Jesus already knew they were arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus can understand this question because he is the greatest. Sorry, Muhammad Ali, but it is Jesus, after all. So, if you really want to be at the front of the line, make sure you serve your way all the way up.
Pray for humility to make progress in your life.
Friday, February 22, 2008
law
Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you will be your servant.
I recently toured the nation’s capitol building and when I walked into the House Chambers I was intrigued. All around the border of the ceiling were bas-relief faces of famous lawmakers from various eras. They are all side views, except one.
Staring straight ahead above the upper central entrance to the House for visitors, looking down directly at the Speaker of the House and the main podium is the face of the lawgiver- Moses.
Now I don’t know the story of every person that is represented around the House ceiling, but I do know Moses. And I know he is a friend of God and a servant of all those he led. Not a bad image for some of the leading lawmakers of our nation to see while in session...
Pray for your congressman or significant legislator if you live outside the U.S.A.
The greatest among you will be your servant.
I recently toured the nation’s capitol building and when I walked into the House Chambers I was intrigued. All around the border of the ceiling were bas-relief faces of famous lawmakers from various eras. They are all side views, except one.
Staring straight ahead above the upper central entrance to the House for visitors, looking down directly at the Speaker of the House and the main podium is the face of the lawgiver- Moses.
Now I don’t know the story of every person that is represented around the House ceiling, but I do know Moses. And I know he is a friend of God and a servant of all those he led. Not a bad image for some of the leading lawmakers of our nation to see while in session...
Pray for your congressman or significant legislator if you live outside the U.S.A.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
servant leader
Matthew 20:26
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
Is it possible to have completely pure motives when you serve others? Who is to say? We might never be aware of this. So, do we wait until our hearts are pure before we act? Is that what Jesus is saying in this passage? No. Serving is the way to gain influence as a leader. This is so contrary to what the world thinks. Being served is the sign of great leaders. Who is most feared or most adored and has people cater to them or obey them as a result.
Pray to God to begin expanding your image of servant leadership.
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
Is it possible to have completely pure motives when you serve others? Who is to say? We might never be aware of this. So, do we wait until our hearts are pure before we act? Is that what Jesus is saying in this passage? No. Serving is the way to gain influence as a leader. This is so contrary to what the world thinks. Being served is the sign of great leaders. Who is most feared or most adored and has people cater to them or obey them as a result.
Pray to God to begin expanding your image of servant leadership.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
enemy
Matthew 20:28
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
“Son of Man” in capital letters is one way Jesus speaks of his divinity. God “comes down” to earth to serve and give his life for all, including his enemies. Another reason why the Christian view of reality is so compelling.
In other religions and philosophies, as well as a classic Darwinian view of the world when you have an enemy, you either kill him, subdue him, pretend that he doesn’t really exist, or join him. An interesting variation is to allow your enemy to subdue you or kill you in order to shame him into changing (think Ghandi). It is only Jesus who dies for the sake of his enemy. In this sign of weakness comes his greatest power. The power of forgiveness and freedom available for all who come to him.
Pray for an openness to seek the good news of Jesus.
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
“Son of Man” in capital letters is one way Jesus speaks of his divinity. God “comes down” to earth to serve and give his life for all, including his enemies. Another reason why the Christian view of reality is so compelling.
In other religions and philosophies, as well as a classic Darwinian view of the world when you have an enemy, you either kill him, subdue him, pretend that he doesn’t really exist, or join him. An interesting variation is to allow your enemy to subdue you or kill you in order to shame him into changing (think Ghandi). It is only Jesus who dies for the sake of his enemy. In this sign of weakness comes his greatest power. The power of forgiveness and freedom available for all who come to him.
Pray for an openness to seek the good news of Jesus.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
in God's eyes
Matthew 12:18
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
Jesus is the beloved servant who is a model for his followers. Through this servant leader focus, we are able to see the power that becomes available to influence the world for good. He can proclaim that fairness will come to all people groups because he is the source of the blessings. It pleases God that we live our lives for others, and that our own lives are expanded as a result.
Pray for God to continue to rid you of the need for human affirmation as you serve.
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
Jesus is the beloved servant who is a model for his followers. Through this servant leader focus, we are able to see the power that becomes available to influence the world for good. He can proclaim that fairness will come to all people groups because he is the source of the blessings. It pleases God that we live our lives for others, and that our own lives are expanded as a result.
Pray for God to continue to rid you of the need for human affirmation as you serve.
Monday, February 18, 2008
wealth
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The essence of our connection with God is trust. You either trust God with your life or you don’t. For most human beings, the competing force for trust in our lives is security. Overwhelmingly, wealth is at the core of this.
This is why almost half of Jesus’ teachings are about money. He has way more to say about this than prayer, serving those in need, or Bible study. A proper view of our finances and how they can be used as a blessing is a key core teaching. Jesus knows we can say we trust him a million times over but looking at our generosity and how we use our resources speaks volumes about whether we come out of a mentality of scarcity or abundance.
Pray for God to rid you of financial fears and increase your spirit of generosity.
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The essence of our connection with God is trust. You either trust God with your life or you don’t. For most human beings, the competing force for trust in our lives is security. Overwhelmingly, wealth is at the core of this.
This is why almost half of Jesus’ teachings are about money. He has way more to say about this than prayer, serving those in need, or Bible study. A proper view of our finances and how they can be used as a blessing is a key core teaching. Jesus knows we can say we trust him a million times over but looking at our generosity and how we use our resources speaks volumes about whether we come out of a mentality of scarcity or abundance.
Pray for God to rid you of financial fears and increase your spirit of generosity.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
encouraged
Daniel 6:20
When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”
Daniel works for King Darius of Persia. Daniel is a blessing and the King is saddened that he is tricked into declaring a law that all people have to worship him. If you don’t worship the king you die. Daniel appreciates Darius but he will not bow down to him. Reluctantly, the King has Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. The King is rooting for God to rescue Daniel.
Often, it is interesting when my non-Christian friends want me to be blessed in my life by God. Or they are so encouraged by the work our church is doing in the community. They don’t have to be on the same team to root for victory in bringing blessing and sharing compassion.
Look for ways to connect with friends of another faith and encourage them.
When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”
Daniel works for King Darius of Persia. Daniel is a blessing and the King is saddened that he is tricked into declaring a law that all people have to worship him. If you don’t worship the king you die. Daniel appreciates Darius but he will not bow down to him. Reluctantly, the King has Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. The King is rooting for God to rescue Daniel.
Often, it is interesting when my non-Christian friends want me to be blessed in my life by God. Or they are so encouraged by the work our church is doing in the community. They don’t have to be on the same team to root for victory in bringing blessing and sharing compassion.
Look for ways to connect with friends of another faith and encourage them.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
blaze
Daniel 3:17-18
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
They have the coolest names in the Bible. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” They won’t worship King Nebuchadnezzar, no matter what. They have something else besides cool names. Trust and confidence. They are faithful in the midst of temptation to follow another god and save their skin. They succeed. When the devil doesn’t have anywhere to hold on, you don’t get dragged down. You soar.
Spend time today thinking of the power God has available to you as you grow in trust and confidence.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
They have the coolest names in the Bible. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” They won’t worship King Nebuchadnezzar, no matter what. They have something else besides cool names. Trust and confidence. They are faithful in the midst of temptation to follow another god and save their skin. They succeed. When the devil doesn’t have anywhere to hold on, you don’t get dragged down. You soar.
Spend time today thinking of the power God has available to you as you grow in trust and confidence.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
empowerment
Jeremiah 45:5
5 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”
When you are serving others for the sake of your own glory, you have your reward. Affirmation from people and a sense of power. When you are serving others for their sake, you have God’s affirmation and a sense of empowerment. These are two completely different scenarios. Which one do you want to be part of?
Pray for focus outside of yourself.
5 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”
When you are serving others for the sake of your own glory, you have your reward. Affirmation from people and a sense of power. When you are serving others for their sake, you have God’s affirmation and a sense of empowerment. These are two completely different scenarios. Which one do you want to be part of?
Pray for focus outside of yourself.
Monday, February 11, 2008
prosperity
Jeremiah 29:7
7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
God’s people are forced into exile in the city of Babylon. They want to live outside of town and would rather have nothing to do with the city, but God tells them to move right into the heart of the city and be a blessing. As the city prospers they prosper. As they prosper, the city prospers. In media, economics, politics, just about any arena you can think of, as goes the cities, so goes the world. God has a strategy. Living in Los Angeles, of course I totally agree.
Pray for urban Christians to be a blessing to their communities.
7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
God’s people are forced into exile in the city of Babylon. They want to live outside of town and would rather have nothing to do with the city, but God tells them to move right into the heart of the city and be a blessing. As the city prospers they prosper. As they prosper, the city prospers. In media, economics, politics, just about any arena you can think of, as goes the cities, so goes the world. God has a strategy. Living in Los Angeles, of course I totally agree.
Pray for urban Christians to be a blessing to their communities.
Friday, February 08, 2008
rebuilding a life
rebuilding and renewal are about prayer and confidence
learning from Nehemiah about transforming our lives
learning from Nehemiah about transforming our lives
genuine
Isaiah 58:3
3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
We can try to look good to God but that is just plain silly. God judges our hearts and the actions that come out of our hearts. Fasting and other spiritual practices can be helpful to keep our focus on God, but as a means to measure personal worthiness they are anti-spiritual.
Pray for God to keep you genuine in your faith practices.
3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
We can try to look good to God but that is just plain silly. God judges our hearts and the actions that come out of our hearts. Fasting and other spiritual practices can be helpful to keep our focus on God, but as a means to measure personal worthiness they are anti-spiritual.
Pray for God to keep you genuine in your faith practices.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
restoration
Isaiah 49:6
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
We are called to join the Messiah, Jesus, and bring restoration to all peoples of the world. The good news is for everyone. The Gospel speaks to all cultures in a way that no other worldview has even come close.
Pray for Christians from other cultures that are coming to the United States to spread the Gospel.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
We are called to join the Messiah, Jesus, and bring restoration to all peoples of the world. The good news is for everyone. The Gospel speaks to all cultures in a way that no other worldview has even come close.
Pray for Christians from other cultures that are coming to the United States to spread the Gospel.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
women
Proverbs 31:15
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her employees.
The ideal wife from Proverbs 31 is actually quite a progressive picture. She is the emotional hub of her household, and is also heavily involved in real estate, manufacturing, and investment. Read Proverbs 31 to see how the biblical woman has key economic influence, as well as in the home. What does this say to us today?
One thing that is clear is general ignorance of the radical empowerment of women in scripture. The view of women in the New Testament, for example, is light years ahead of other ancient cultures. Taken contextually, it is astounding. If your view of women in the Bible is barefoot and pregnant, think again (though being barefoot can be very comfortable and pregnancy leads to the amazing gift of children).
If you are a guy and married, make breakfast for the family tomorrow. If you’re not, pray for the significant women in your life.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her employees.
The ideal wife from Proverbs 31 is actually quite a progressive picture. She is the emotional hub of her household, and is also heavily involved in real estate, manufacturing, and investment. Read Proverbs 31 to see how the biblical woman has key economic influence, as well as in the home. What does this say to us today?
One thing that is clear is general ignorance of the radical empowerment of women in scripture. The view of women in the New Testament, for example, is light years ahead of other ancient cultures. Taken contextually, it is astounding. If your view of women in the Bible is barefoot and pregnant, think again (though being barefoot can be very comfortable and pregnancy leads to the amazing gift of children).
If you are a guy and married, make breakfast for the family tomorrow. If you’re not, pray for the significant women in your life.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
help
Proverbs 3:27
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
Who needs help? This is an honest question when you look at all the needs in the world. “Whose life could I personally influence in a positive way?” is another way of asking this question. Perhaps it is a matter of how open someone is to my influence.
Pray for God to place the needs of someone in your radar today.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
Who needs help? This is an honest question when you look at all the needs in the world. “Whose life could I personally influence in a positive way?” is another way of asking this question. Perhaps it is a matter of how open someone is to my influence.
Pray for God to place the needs of someone in your radar today.
Monday, February 04, 2008
vocation
Psalm 134:1
1 Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.
Even night watchmen in the temple of Israel worship and praise God. It is interesting to think of the faith response of those who receive wages for ministry. Working with a church community in this way can be most satisfying. It can also be frustrating because of the deep connection between work and soul that is part of it.
Pray for staff at your local church community that they might have the joy of the Lord.
1 Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.
Even night watchmen in the temple of Israel worship and praise God. It is interesting to think of the faith response of those who receive wages for ministry. Working with a church community in this way can be most satisfying. It can also be frustrating because of the deep connection between work and soul that is part of it.
Pray for staff at your local church community that they might have the joy of the Lord.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
church featured
Friends-
Our church is featured in today's Los Angeles Daily News on page 4 with a picture. Here is the online article.
Our church is featured in today's Los Angeles Daily News on page 4 with a picture. Here is the online article.
Friday, February 01, 2008
best use
Psalm 113:1
1 Praise the Lord!
Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!
There are three praises here. Do you think our service is a sign of praise? Of course it is. When we serve God through serving others and funding his mission in the world, it is the strongest way we have of putting our time and money to the best use possible. God takes what we give of our resources and expands it tremendously. He is the loaves and fish guy after all.
Pray for God to increase your generosity of service and financial giving to his Kingdom Work.
1 Praise the Lord!
Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!
There are three praises here. Do you think our service is a sign of praise? Of course it is. When we serve God through serving others and funding his mission in the world, it is the strongest way we have of putting our time and money to the best use possible. God takes what we give of our resources and expands it tremendously. He is the loaves and fish guy after all.
Pray for God to increase your generosity of service and financial giving to his Kingdom Work.
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About Me
- Dana
- Pastor from LIFEhouse Church in Northridge CA, focusing on the theme, "How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk."
