Fresh Blog

Yield

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:41:07 -0500

Scripture
“The king said to them, ‘Whatever seems best to you I will do.’” - II Samuel 18:4

Observation
David yielded to the counsel of his men.

Application
Today’s application is simple: even the best, the greatest, the wisest, and the strongest should humble themselves and listen to the advice of others. Staying home, David’s army still won convincingly. Absalom, meanwhile, got caught in a tree, which very easily could have happened to David had he gone out.

Prayer
Lord, there can be so many voices competing to give me advice. Help me discern which one(s) to follow.

“What Do You Want Me to Do for You?”

Tue, 3 May 2011 13:00:29 -0500

Scripture
“Jesus called them and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’” - Matthew 20:32-33

Observation
Jesus offered help and the blind men knew exactly what they wanted.

Application
What do I want? If Jesus came by today and offered his help, for what would I ask? For what should I ask? It seems silly, but I can’t think of what I would say if I had a split-second to respond to Jesus’ offer. Does this mean that I have it all? Does it mean I am not relying on God’s provision enough? Am I satisfied with what I have when I should be longing for more (i.e., am I underachieving, relative to what God wants for me)? Do I trust God to provide anything or are there certain areas I have made “off-limits” to his power?

Prayer
Lord, teach me what to want and give me faith to ask for it.

For Christ’s Sake

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:01 -0500

Scripture
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - II Corinthians 12:10

Observation
“For the sake of Christ” is the only reason I should be content during the tough times life may throw at me.

Application
So often I think that the reason to be content is that something good will come out of a bad circumstance. I hold out hope, waiting for the reward for my perseverance. Christ is the reward. It reminds me of the song, “You are My All in All.” Christ is my strength and Christ is my treasure. Christ is my All.

Prayer
Lord, do not let me be satisfied with the consolations of this world. Make me thirsty for Jesus and fill me with the Holy Spirit when I am in need. Amen.

Tent

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 13:10:02 -0500

Scripture
“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling...” - II Corinthians 5:2

Observation
Paul is writing about the differences between the physical realm in which we live and the eternal home for believers.

Application
A few weeks ago, I began to take note of the difference between the things about which I get emotional and those that cause less reaction (though the latter items still may cause me to care deeply). The theme that has emerged is the conflict between earthly reality and spiritual reality. The implications of the death of a believer, for example, usually do not cause me to get too emotional because I know that their salvation is assured. Being with those still on this earth grieving for the loss, however, may cause me to shed tears.

When my son is crying, there is often no way to calm him. I can get very emotional because I know God cares about him, but nothing seems to be happening to physically comfort him. It is as if I can feel the conflict between this fallen world and the holiness of heaven.

Prayer
It is comforting to know that, ultimately, Christ wins. Heaven is what matters. Earth and heaven are both real, but only God’s realm will last forever. Thank you, Lord.

Degree of Difficulty

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:26:05 -0500

Scripture
“The Lord said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'” - Judges 7:2

Observation
Gideon’s army went from 32,000 down to 300 for no other reason than God’s glory. God’s degree of difficulty for human success multiplies his glory infinitely.

Application
Whether a task is simple or complex, easy or difficult, a successful outcome should yield the same result: God be praised. Similar to how Gideon had tested God with the fleece in chapter 6 to make sure it was really God talking to him, God put himself to the test to make sure Israel knew that he would be the one to give them victory over the Midianites.

Prayer
How appropriate to think of Christ’s victory as Easter approaches! Praise be to Jesus for his triumph over death. That is a victory I cannot claim for myself—only through Christ.