“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22)

May 20, 2011

Get advice before you act. Cultivate a personal board of advisors for your life decisions. Choose those whose lives exemplify wisdom. Then, be humble enough to follow their counsel.

“And in that place many believed in Jesus” (John 10:42)

May 19, 2011

In some “places” Jesus was rejected, but in the land where John the Baptist had preached, they believed. I wonder what it is about some “places?” Was it John’s plowing that made them ready to receive Seed? I pray that the “place” we are now will be receptive to the Gospel!

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14)

May 18, 2011

One of the seven “I am” statements in the gospel of John. Jesus describes the relationship between Himself and His followers as one of “knowing.” This implies intimate, relational knowledge. Christ calls us not to a religion, but to a relationship.

“This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3)

May 17, 2011

What Jesus said of the man born blind before He restored his sight. Difficult circumstances are not easily diagnosed. What if God has trusted us with a trial, so that He might display His power in us? Would you pray “Lord, be glorified in my life” regardless?

“I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am'” (John 8:58)

May 16, 2011

Jesus claimed pre-existence to Abraham and more. By using the phrase “I am,” he claimed to be God. This is the Name that God gave Moses at the burning bush. Not “I was.” Nor “I will be,” But “I am.” Self-existent. Eternally present. God.

“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone” (1 Samuel 17:50)

May 15, 2011

A servant shepherd defeats a giant gladiator. These are the stories that God wants to write into our lives, if we have the heart to pursue Him. Who are the giants shouting destruction today? Who in God’s camp has the heart to answer?

“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)

May 14, 2011

And the Lord is the only One that can change the heart. Ask His help in your parenting and pastoring. Aim at heart change rather than just outward obedience. Ask “Lord, change our/their hearts!”

“A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence” (Proverbs 15:5)

May 13, 2011

Are you teachable? Wise followers of Christ listen to their spiritual mentors. At WCC we look for F.A.T. disciples- Faithful, Available, Teachable. Are you a FAT disciple?

“The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)

May 12, 2011

What Samuel told Saul when he didn’t wait on the Lord’s servant at Gilgal. God still looks for leaders based on character rather than competence. He still delights in lifting up the least to greatness. Is your heart for God large enough and your stature small enough for God to use?

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1)

May 11, 2011

When we answer anger with anger, we throw fuel on the fire of their response. When we answer with gentleness, we turn down the temperature. Be filled with the Spirit and bear spiritual fruit. Gentleness and self-control, for instance.