Wisdom for Living Archives

“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

“How Bad Is It, Doc?”

Date: 01-27-15

Text: — Nehemiah 2:11-12 — ¹¹I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days ¹² I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: When we examine our situation in more detail, the solutions then can be more laser focused.

My Thoughts:

You enter the doctor’s office, and ask, “How bad is it, Doc?” She looks at you and says, “You probably have a sprained wrist. Just take two tylenol, ice it for a few days, and wrap it with an ace bandage; you should be fine in a few weeks.” Mind you, you just sat done on the table. No other examination was done. The doctor merely looked at you! How would you feel? Cheated? Put out? Or worse…?

Nehemiah would agree with your feelings. A closer examination of the damaged area would yield a more accurate assessment of the situation. After arriving in Jerusalem, he set out by night to examine the damage. He did this in order to have an accurate assessment of the situation.

Lifestyle worshipers, have you done “An Awareness Walk,” aka “A Nehemiah Walk” lately? Have you taken the time to assess your broken relationships? Damaged image? Your personal decisions? Or other issues the Holy Spirit has been poking you on? It is only then that you can see how bad it really is….

I know it can be unnerving, even a life wrecking experience, but I also know when we examine our situation in more detail, the solutions then can be more laser focused. Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.

— John 7:24 (NIV84)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

— 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NIV84)

He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.

— Proverbs 18:13 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and insight into my situation. I know You are working out all things for the Good Forgive me for acting hastily and in an uniformed manner. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You?”

Date: 12-02-14

Text: — Jeremiah 29:19 — For they have not listened to My words,” declares the LORD “words that I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets. And you exiles have not listened either,” declares the LORD. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Before we start pointing fingers or elbowing our mates, let us ask ourselves, we must ask ourselves the same question.

My Thoughts:

If you’re a parent, I’m sure you can relate to the LORD here. He has told His children time and again to live righteously. He has sent them messengers to reveal how they were really living and how they ought to live. But, as recorded in Jeremiah 29:19 (noted above), “They have not listened.” Can you hear Him saying, “How many times do I have to tell you?”

Lifestyle worshipers, before we start pointing fingers or elbowing our mates, let us ask ourselves, “How many times does the LORD have to tell us how to live righteously? How many times does He have to point out how we are living and need to change (aka repent)?” An honest heart search will reveal much. I know in my life it has.

This has been especially so during this past Thanksgiving. I put on our church’s kiosk the saying, “A thankful heart has no room for resentment.” I did so for two reasons: (1) It is true; and (2) I needed to hear this. The LORD has been revealing to me how resentful I have been and that the remedy was a thankful heart. Have you, too, discovered that a thank-full heart has no room for resentment? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. — Colossians 4:2 (NIV84)

First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him..

— 1 Timothy 2:1 (NCV)

First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.

— Colossians 3:15 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, continue Your healing work in my Life, removing those resentments, large and small. In Your Mercy, heal over the scars, and in Your wisdom grant me the grace to live with the ones You have chosen to leave behind. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Very Essence of His Nature”

Date: 11-15-14

Text: — James 5:11 — ¹¹ Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. [ESV]

The Big Idea: St. Paul tells us that, “Love is Patient, Love is kind.”

My Thoughts:

Do you ever wonder why the Lord is slow? The Scripture is clear that He, Himself, is slow to anger. He appears to be slow in His return. And we have witnessed that He doesn’t always answers our prayers as quickly as we would like. So why is He “slow”?

Perhaps you can come up with a few more answers, lifestyle worshipers, but I have found a few reasons: (1) He is slow in order to teach us patience. His very nature is Patience, that is, if He is Love, and St. Paul tells us that, “Love is Patient, Love is kind…” (1 Cor. 13:4 NASB). The first characteristic is “patient”; (2) He is slow, but not as we count slowness on two levels: (a) The skill craftsman doesn’t always looked hurried, and to some he is down right slow, but in the end he will get the job done faster and more perfectly because he skillfully took his time. So, too, it is with our Lord; (b) He is slow because He desires to give as many as possible the chance to be in a saving relationship with Him, and many take a lot of time. I know I did….

This, Lifestyle worshipers, is what James is referring to in the above verse: Our Lord is ‘slow’ (aka patient) to demonstrate how compassionate and merciful He is in the core of His being for out of this patience comes the fulfillment of His compassion and mercy.

Do you see but a glimpse of why He desires us to be patient, too? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

— Matthew 6:32-34 (NIV84)

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to repent.

—2 Peter 3:9 (ISV)

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

—Romans 11:25 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, as I wait on You to fulfill Your good purposes in my Life, I freshly yield to the Lord Jesus Christ as my Slippers of Patience. May my walk with Him be charactered by the very essence of Your Love Nature, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Keeping It Simple”

Date: 11-14-14

Text: — James 5:12 —Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The extended resume or any reinforcing words are only needless.

My Thoughts:

Sadly, I have a vivid memory of starting out as my oldest daughter’s softball coach. As I introduced myself to the team, I offered my extended sports resume. I did this thinking I would impress the parents. But it didn’t take long to sense it was having a reverse effect. I had to do a lot of back peddling.

This is what happens, lifestyle worshipers, when we do not keep it simple. A simple “Yes,” or “No” is all that is needed. The extended resume or any reinforcing words (be they four letters or more, like “I swear this is true”) are not only needless, they could be far worse. James is only echoing our Lord Jesus, Who also said, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Mt. 5:37 NIV84).

One way to keep it simple is to simply keep our word, be it a “Yes” or a “No.” Then we will be known as people of integrity and have no need to reinforce anything we say with any oath or resume.

What ways have you found best to keep it simple? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.

— Matthew 5:36 (NIV84)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

—Ephesians 4:29 (NIV84)

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

—Colossians 3:8 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, keep me from becoming indignant as I put You on as my Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. May I be a peacemaker who sows in peace waiting on a harvest of Righteousness. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Temper’s Fuel”

Date: 11-04-14

Text: — James 4:1-3 — ¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Lifestyle worshipers, demanding our own way, using our temper to explode and intimidate is neither wise nor godly.

My Thoughts:

I am fascinated that James connects ‘fights and quarrels’ (to me a flaring temper) with our “desires that battle within” us (v. 1). It appears that these desires fuel our tempers, our anger. The Greek word for ‘desire’ is where we get our word “hedonism.” And, yes, it means the same thing: a profound sensual lust, which goes well beyond the sexual and apparently explodes into fights and quarrels.

Lifestyle worshipers, demanding our own way, using our temper to explode and intimidate is neither wise nor godly. It is, as James says of ‘earthly wisdom,’ “unspiritual, of the devil” (3:15). So one way to bridle our temper is to starve its fuel: harness, diminish or eliminate our sensual desires. What are some ways you have starved your temper’s fuel? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

— 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NIV84)

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

—1 Corinthians 13:3-5 (The Message)

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out

—Proverbs 17:14 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, by the shed blood of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and through His power, I confess that I have fueled my temper by lusting after _____________ (e.g. control and power). I have sinned grievously against You. I ask You, Lord Jesus Christ, to bear the consequences of my actions. Remove the pain and shame I have caused Your Name. Be that part of my life that has been disobedient and in bondage to this lust. I release myself into Your hands. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Healing of Confession”

Date: 11-01-14

Text: — James 5:16 —Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: I have found that in the moment of confession followed with “I forgive you,” or “you are forgiven,” there is deep soul healing.

My Thoughts:

I have found healing in confessing to others my sin. And as a pastor/counselor I have found that in the moment of confession followed with “I forgive you,” or “you are forgiven,” there is deep soul healing. Have you found this to be so, too?

Lifestyle worshipers, do you connect the “powerful and effective” prayer of v. 16 above to “confess your sins to each other” in this healing process? I do. But to be so vulnerable seems to have its own set of factors and wounds and awkwardness. So as public the sin so public the confession and as private the sin so private the confession. This may dispel some fears and awkwardness, but alas confessing our sins doesn’t appear to be free of such. Or do you think the promise of healing and freedom overcomes such?

Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

— Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV84)

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

—Luke 19:8-10 (NIV84)

Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.

—Acts 19: 18 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, by the shed blood of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and through His power, I confess I have been fearful of confessing those sins that need to be confessed to my brothers and sisters. I have sinned against You and denied myself the healing and freedom that comes from this confession. I ask You, Lord Jesus Christ, to bear the consequences of my actions. Remove the pain and shame I have caused Your Name. Be that part of my life that has been disobedient and in bondage to fear. I release myself into Your hands. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Aware of His Will”

Date: 10-25-14

Text: — James 4:13-16 — ¹³Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. [*NIV84]

The Big Idea: Seeking the general will passages is a good place to start.

My Thoughts:

Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions while I was in college ministry was, “How do I know what God’s will is for my life?” I tried to avoid giving a trite answer, but I believe we must move from the known and revealed to the unknown and yet to be revealed. So much of my counsel was, “Let’s look at what the Scriptures reveal is obviously God’s will — in general, and then trust Him to make His more particular (i.e., specific) will for us know as we live the general.”

I don’t know which verses you would find primary in answering this question, Lifestyle Worshipers, but the one I frequently use is Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.*” When we are seeking the Kingdom and the King of the Kingdom (that’s what “His Righteousness” means—see Jer. 23:6), then His will will be revealed with each step as we follow in Jesus’ steps.

Still too general? Along with Heartwork’s homework for today (i.e., talking to a mentor or a seasoned Believer, asking them how they depend on the Spirit’s guidance), you can also search the Scriptures for references to: “this is God’s will for your life” kind of statements.

Now, I know when this question, “What’s God’s will for my life,” is asked, a more specific answer is expected, like whom God wants me to marry, or what career He wants me to pursue, but don’t you think seeking the general will passages is a good place to start? As we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts (Ps. 37:4). (Oh, and as you seek the King and the Kingdom, don’t you think your desires will ‘super’ naturally match up with His?) Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own. — John 7:17 (NIV84)

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, —1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (NIV84)

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, as You always obey Your Father, obey the Father in and through me. Reveal to me Your specific will for my life as I faithfully follow in Your footsteps. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Gets the Facts First”

Date: 10-21-14

Text: — James 4:11-12 — ¹¹Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? [NIV]

The Big Idea: Leave the judging to the Lord.

My Thoughts:

In this morning’s Heartwork Devotion, we are told the story of the Jr. & Sr. high school students from Third Church in Pella, Iowa who got together with Heartwork to raise money for an orphanage in Uganda. They not only met their financial goal, they apparently doubled it. We cheer them on for this wonderful effort in Kingdom living!

Lifestyle Worshipers, have you prejudged the youth of today? Or have you seen all the facts before making a judgment? This morning we are hearing about this sacrifice of a dedicated youth group, but if you look around, particularly in our church, the youth are very involved in living the Life Jesus designs for them. No, it may not be as far a reach as Third Church’s youth, but then, you just may be surprised at what you do see, especially when you get the facts first. …

So whether it is prejudging youth or prejudging any brother or sister in Christ (or out), don’t you think it is best to leave the judging to the Lord? I do? How about you? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.

— Proverbs 18:13 (NIV84)

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.

— John 7:24 (NIV84)

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

— 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, may I bless and not curse what I do not know or understand. Grant me the wisdom and patience to wait for You to reveal what is needed to understand others better. In the meantime, Lord Jesus, Love them through me. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Mid Terms”

Date: 10-19-14

Text: — James 3:5-6 — ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The test is designed to see not only how well we have understood the material, but if we can apply the knowledge we have obtained.

My Thoughts:

If we go too long before we are tested, the knowledge we have obtained may slip away: The old, “Use it, or lose” Proposition. Thus, there are midterms in some of our classes. Yes, there are still daily pop quizzes, but the midterm tests how well the accumulated knowledge has be understood….

Lifestyle Worshipers, our midterms—as with the daily pop quizzes—are designed more as a practicum, much like being in a science lab or a gym glass. The test is designed to see not only how well we have understood the material, but if we can apply the knowledge we have obtained. We are now a little over half way through our annual Prayer & Fast Month. Because this year we have coupled this with the Heartwork devotions, I am curious as to how it is going. Several of you have shared with me about your fasting, and a few have talked about the Heartwork devotions. I know a couple of you who are using less technology and even walking places—and not just for health reasons!

So then, let us spur one another on by sharing how this has been going. I know for me, I am amazed at how the Heartwork Devotions are dovetailing with the passages in James I am presenting. Further, my fasting is offering me opportunities to really stop and ponder what I am doing and why I am doing it. I have made some changes, but I’m sure many more are in the wings. How about you? How would you respond to such a midterm? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

— Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV84)

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

— Matthew 5:43-46 (NIV84)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit , the Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. May He honor the Lord Jesus Christ in everything I think, say and do. As He continues to transform my mind to be more like Jesus, may I act on His promptings and so bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike