Walk by Faith Archives - Page 6 of 8 -

“Catching the Wave”

Date: 01-30-15

Text: — Nehemiah 2:13-15 — ¹⁷Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” ¹⁸ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Sometimes casting a vision is as simple as catching a wave.

My Thoughts:

Sometimes casting a vision is as simple as catching a wave of opportunity. I’m not much of an expert on body surfing, but I have done it a few times, and even fewer successfully. What I quickly learned, however, is timing is pretty important. Timing my approach to get to the right place on the crest of the wave was the key. I’m sure the principle is the same as board surfing. Never mastered it, but I understand it.

Nehemiah caught a wave of opportunity after his inspection of the wall. Apparently, he said a lot more than he recorded here, but one thing is for certain about what he did say: He clearly identified the problem and offered a compelling solution. He shared the burden of his heart at a time when the Lord had opened the door of opportunity. He did not hesitate; he did not stutter. He ‘cast a vision’ of hope and promise—all based in a confidence that came from a life of prayer.

Lifestyle worshipers, for some of us, it is hard to know when the time is right, but I am convinced when we are in ‘constant’ prayer, an opportunity will open for us and the Lord will make a way for us to cast the vision of our burden! Being vigilant in prayer and alert to the circumstances takes a clear mind—a mind that is not worried or concerned of the ‘what ifs’, inadequacies and weaknesses of our ‘selves’, but a mind that is focused on the Holy One’s strengths. For in our weakness His strength is made perfect and complete.

Join me in catching a wave of opportunity being alert to its timing through prayer. Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

— 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV84)

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

— Colossians 4:2 (NASB95)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

— Ephesians 6:18 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, keep me ever vigilant and alert to the opportunities You afford me to act on the vision You have burned in my soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Troubleshooting”

Date: 01-28-15

Text: — Nehemiah 2:13-15 — ¹³By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. ¹⁴ Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; ¹⁵ so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Systematic inspection offers a better perspective of the damage.

My Thoughts:

Being one who loves doing things systematically, I really enjoy watching a professional troubleshoot a problem. Be it an automotive issue or an electrical problem, the way the pro goes about it is simply fascinating. Recently, I was at my sister’s house. She noted a rather large water bill and asked if I could help her hunt down the like. Well, through a series of trial and error, I determined it had something to do with the hot water line. However, it wasn’t until my nephew, a trained electrician, came over, we were able to verify it and determine its approximate location. My nephew took his electrician training and used it to troubleshoot the water leak. It was fascinating to watch him start at the source and eliminate many possibilities that I didn’t even consider. What a pleasure to see someone who knows what they are doing do it!

Nehemiah was a professional. He took his cupbearer training and applied it to the rebuilding of the wall by first troubleshooting the problem. In the above passage, he is seen systematically inspecting the wall, making the circuit where possible and getting a better perspective of the damage….

Lifestyle worshipers, in our “An Awareness Walk,” (aka “A Nehemiah Walk”), it is wise to take a systematic approach as any troubleshooter would. Take the skills you have acquired in another field and apply them to your current situation. Get perspective, too, and properly assess the damaged of the situation you are concerned about.

I know for some this systematic approach may seem awkward and almost Spirit-Squeezing, but I’m sure He will enlighten you through the process and give you insight into the matter before you. Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

— Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV84)

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV84)

For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?”But we have the mind of Christ.

— 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and insight into my situation. May He grant me insight and perspective. Forgive me for acting hastily and in an uniformed manner. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Even in the Daily Grind”

Date: 01-25-15

Text: — Nehemiah 2:1-4 — ¹In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before; ²so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”I was very much afraid, ³ but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” ⁴ The king said to me, “What is it you want?” [NIV84]

The Big Idea: We may not see how He will make a way, but this does not limit Him..

My Thoughts:

My wife, Kathy, and I had a different plan. We flew to Phoenix to go to a conference and see my sister. Much like any day we make plans Then something comes up. In our case, it was my mother-in-law’s passing. Oh, we knew she was weak. But she was recovering from a fall; or so we thought. After we had landed in Phoenix and were driving to my sister’s, we got a text from Kathy’s brother: “Mom, went home to be with Jesus.” Needless to say, we were overwhelmed with emotions. Joy of knowing this truth; sorrow that we will miss her….

Then there was the rest of life that was planned, and I personally was not prepared to attend a memorial service let alone participate in one. I had packed very, very light—including merely two pairs of somewhat casual pants…. But the Lord made a way! After trying on several different sweaters and sport coats, we found something presentable to wear. I wrote some notes on an app on my iPhone and I was ready…. But as we approached the cemetery where the graveside service was to be, my iPhone went dead. “Okay, Lord, bring to my mind all You want me to say.” Oh, did I forget to mention I was leading the service?

Lifestyle worshipers, in the daily grind through the routine of our lives have you experienced what I just did: The Lord made a way. Just like He did with Nehemiah before the king. We may not see how He will do it, but this does not limit Him.

In truth, I was pretty much at peace on all levels. After the graveside service, one of my nieces came up to me and asked, “How do you remember what to say?” I replied, “A lot of prayer, I had Psalm 27 memorized, and the Lord brought to my mind all He wanted me to say.” I know a similar “way” can be found for you. Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

— Matthew 6:2627 (NIV84)

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

— 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV84)

[The Sadducees] arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

— Acts 5:18-19 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness, especially seen in situations where I cannot see “the way”. I bless Your Name for not letting me be put to shame. You are merciful and kind. May I walk in the Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing You will make a way. In His Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Pride Prevention”

Date: 01-13-15

Text: — Psalm 34:4-5 — ⁴I sought the LORD and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. ⁵Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [NIV]

The Big Idea: Don’t let pride prevent you from seeking the LORD’s face.

My Thoughts:

A lot of times it is simply pride that keeps us from asking others for help. I know I even disguised my pride by saying, “I don’t want to bother anyone or be an imposition.” Sometimes I suggest to myself that I can get it done faster without asking for help, but I soon discover the truth of the old proverb, “Many hands make light work.”

But the larger truth is, if I am hesitant to ask for ‘help’ from people, I am definitely hesitant to approach the LORD for ‘help’. But when I let down my pride, as the Psalmist David did, the Lord will answer and deliver me. Suddenly, my face is radiant and the shame is removed.

Lifestyle worshipers, don’t let pride prevent you from seeking the LORD’s face—or help from your brothers & sisters. Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him! Revere Him, all you descendants of Israel! For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help. From You comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear You will I fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise Him— may your hearts live forever!

— Psalm 22:23-26 (NIV84)

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

— Matthew 18:4 (NASB95)

Heavenly Father, I humble seek Your face. Deliver me from my fears of abandonment and loneliness. Restore the joy of Your Salvation in my soul so that I may rejoice with my brothers & sisters. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“When is the Right Time?”

Date: 01-03-15

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1-2 — The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Something can be fixed too soon.

My Thoughts:

I like getting things done quickly. “The sooner the better,” I often like saying. But I have learned over the years that I can try to fix something too soon, especially when it come to relationships that involve deep emotions. …

Nehemiah knew of Ezra. He knew he was rebuilding the temple. He may have even been aware that there had been a delay, and two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, were raised up by the LORD to motivate His people to finish the task. And it is interesting to note that it was a little over 10 years later that Nehemiah gets the news from his brother Hanani recorded for us in the verses above. You would think the Lord would be in a hurry to fix things, but apparently not….

As Lifestyle worshipers, are you acutely aware that fixing things too soon may spin out a new set of issues that need to be fixed? But when we wait on the Lord, His timing is perfect—with its own set of issues still needing to be fixed. The former issues are often self-inflicted; the latter are divinely appointed. Not to say that the LORD isn’t in control of the others; but it is to say it is the harder way.

So when I am tempted to fix something, I first check in with the LORD and wait on Him for His “go” / “no go” instructions. I find this is far better than wading through a swamp of issues I created by my impatience. Have you found this to be so, too? Let me know your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

— Luke 8:15 (ESV)

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

— Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? … Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

— Isaiah 40:27, 30-31 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, as I wait on You, I put the Lord Jesus Christ on as my Slippers of Patience, the Right Slipper of Forgiveness and the Left Slipper of Forbearance. In His Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“What’s In a Job Title?”

Date: 12-31-14

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1 —O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Do not let your job title hold you back from fulfilling what the Lord has laid on your heart.

My Thoughts:

Nehemiah closes off the first chapter with his job title, “I was cupbearer to the king.” Yes, he was highly trusted. He would taste the wine and the food before the king would eat it. He was the poison detector, if you will. A high risk job, eh? This means, on one hand, he was highly trusted, but on the other, highly expendable. I wonder if Nehemiah made friends in high places to prevent any poisonings; what do you think?

Many have pride in their jobs, but some live for the job title, the glamour of high powered titles like CEO, CFO, president, vice president, ‘pastor,’ reverend, etc…. But as Jesus said over his shoulder to the Pharisees, “Surely they have their reward” (Mt. 6:5 ESV).

As Lifestyle worshipers, we need not live for the job title; nor do we need to be held back by “it”. I have personally seen that janitors have a larger ‘pastoral’ role in some church settings than the pastor himself. So to all of us who feel expendable, take note of Nehemiah: Do not let your job title hold you back from fulfilling what the Lord has laid on your heart. He had the humility and the courage to act on the burden for his people. The Lord gave him favor with the king and with the people, and I’m sure that whatever situation we may find ourselves in, when the Lord prompts us to do something, He will not only empower us, He will also grant us favor with both those over us and those we will lead.

I pray this same confident blessing to you as you start this New Year with a renewed hope!

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

— John 15:15-17 (NIV)

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.”

— Luke 1::46-48 (NIV)

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

— 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, may I be faithful with the ‘job title’ You have placed on me. By the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, may I accomplish what You have designed me to do. In His Name, Amen.

“Not Only An Academic Pursuit”

Date: 12-21-14

Text: — Matthew 2:10-12 — ¹⁰ When [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: It is critical what we do with divine revelation.

My Thoughts:

Too many make religion one of two extremes: (1) It is merely an academic pursuit. It is all about the facts and figures and logic; (2) the other is it is a totally mystical approach, with the spiritual realm disconnected from the physical realm. Truly, the Magi’s search was a Both/And search. The stars and their “message” were truly discovered through facts, figures and logic. And to some extent, the gifts they brought were of the same logic. But when all these facts and figures and logic assembled to see this child, no words could capture what they experienced except: “they bowed down and worshiped Him” (v. 11). No record of what was said was preserved. No account of their feelings or emotions was presented. Simply: “…and worshiped Him.”

Lifestyle worshiper: Have you found your pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ as one of the two extremes? Perhaps you can join me this season in a balanced, Both/And journey. We need the facts of His virgin birth, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born in Bethlehem and the like; but we also need that inexpressible experience of being in the presence of the Holy One, the Messiah.

Have you found that the former is only enhanced and magnified by the latter, and that the latter often leaves you speechless, words failing to capture the Holy moment? Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. … And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began.

— John 17:1, 5 (NIV84)

Therefore God exalted [Jesus] to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

— Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV84)

Though you have not seen [Jesus], you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

— 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for making my pursuit of Your Son merely an academic exercise. May I realize that His Life is not separate from facts and figures but enhanced and magnified by the spiritual. Lord Jesus Christ, as I draw closer to You in my pursuit, may I relish those moments where words cannot capture my adoration of You empowered by Your Holy Spirit. Glory to YHWH in the Highest! Praise Your Holy Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Same Information; Two Responses”

Date: 12-20-14

Text: — Matthew 2:7-13 — ⁷Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. ⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” ⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. ¹³ When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him.” [NIV84]

The Big Idea: It is critical what we do with divine revelation.

My Thoughts:

As a pastor and a minister of the gospel for almost 40 years it has fascinated me at the responses I would get from the same information: Some positive and joy filled; some contemptuous and hateful. I know it is not a surprise; Jesus warns us about this, but it still fascinates me nonetheless.

Lifestyle worshiper: Have you found this to be so, too? Perhaps you have discovered as I have that it is critical what we do with divine revelation: Our destinies depend on our decision.

The Magi took the information the scribes offered, made a diligent search, and worshiped the Child. King Herod heard the same information and order the execution of all children in Bethlehem two and under. This latter decision is extreme, to be sure, but what about the decisions short of worshiping the Child-King? Are their destinies any different than Herod’s (who, by the way, died a painful death)? Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

— Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV84)

Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. — 1 John 2:6 (NIV84)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. — James 1:22 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, as I commit myself to follow the true Light , the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray I am singleminded. Keep my feet firmly walk ing in the Light as He is in the Light. May I hear His voice alone and obey His promptings. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Which Star; Which Light?”

Date: 12-17-14

Text: — Matthew 2:1-2 — ¹After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Take an honest inward look to answer these questions.

My Thoughts:

There are many lights in the sky. There are many voices in the crowd. But which do we follow? To which do we listen?

Lifestyle worshiper: we need to take an honest inward look to answer these questions. Sometimes the voices we listen to are from the past—past failures, past guilt, all of which have been confessed and forgiven. Some of the lights we follow are bright enough to offer some guidance, dimly lighting our way, but do we join the magi in follow His star (v. 2)? The Light of this Star is faithful, leading on paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. It leads us to the Voice that calms the sea and forgives the adulteress. “This Voice that is calling you and me.”

Is your light bright enough? Is it His Star? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

— John 8:63 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

— John 8:12 (NIV84)

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

— Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, I commit to follow the true Light that has come into the world, Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray I faithfully walk in the Light as He is in the Light. May I hear His voice alone and obey His promptings. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

No Joke, Really”

Date: 12-16-14

Text: — Matthew 2:1-2 — ¹After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Open your eyes and pursue the Light in your winter.

My Thoughts:

It has been joked about and maligned a lot, but it is really no joke, at least not to the wisemen. In their long pursuit over hundreds of miles, they moved toward the light: They traveled by faith in the dark searching for the Light of the World as they followed the lights of the heavens.

(Now we know that the stars do not tell the fate of people but the Story of God, the creator, and this is what the wisemen unveiled as they interpreted the glory the heavens reveal. (See Psalm 19:1ff.))

Lifestyle worshiper: Are you pursuing the preverbal Light in your winter? Are you getting closer to the Light?

In one of Larry Norman’s songs he said, “You can’t see nothing when you close your eyes.” Indeed, it is heard to see the Light with our hands over our tightly closed eyes in fear of the dark. But when we open our eyes, they slowly become accustomed to the dark, and, in fact, the slightest light becomes ever so bright. And sometimes that slight, small light is merely a very bright light in the distance. We just need to walk through the darkness by faith towards it. It is then we will see what the Light reveals: The reward of our pursuit of the Light through our winter. Join me by opening our tightly closed eyes, and taking that first step of faith in the darkness toward the Light. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

— John 1:4 (NIV84)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

— John 8:12 (NIV84)

When [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

— Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, strengthen my feeble knees as I take firmer steps toward Your Son, the Light of the World. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike