Power

I suspect that any one of us can be in danger of falling to power. Most of us don't think we have any power, but most of us do have influence somewhere and or somehow. Influence is power. Each of us can have some degree of influence and power in our home, on our job, and in our community.

The devo's challenge to accountability is essential for me and (really) for all of us. Good honest accountability can help keep influence and power from going to our head. In fact, I think this relates to Romans 12:4-5, where we are challenged to not think more highly of our self than we ought. The Apostle Paul warns us about this because at times our gifts cause us to have extra influence and power and that can be dangerous.

We might fall into this danger in our relationship with an employee, our wife, our children or even a friend.

Jesus tells us that the greatest among us the the servant of all.

If we don't manage our own tendencies to fall to the danger of power, God will. "The arrogance of all people will be brought low. Their pride will lie in the dust. The Lord alone will be exalted!" Isaiah 2:17

Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up!

God bless you,
PJ

I'm back... think about burn out!

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long. I last wrote on October 06. I have been playing nurse for my wonderful wife who had surgery about two weeks ago and I have been a little overwhelmed. What a day to return and find the devo is about "burnout".

Today and tomorrow are about burnout. Today, deals with "What is burnout?" and tomorrow, "How can I avoid burnout?"

First of all... I found the definition very good; "when reality persistently falls short of our expectations." Very often I expect to accomplish more than I can realistically accomplish. I tend to be a workaholic and struggle with guilt when I don't go to work early, stay late and work on my day off. So, I struggle with some burnout issues.

So, what do we do? That is what we see in the devo for October 25, tomorrow. The three steps to help are; 1.) take care of your body, 2.) connect with other people, and 3.) do what you are supposed to do, today.

I am working on avoiding burnout and staying strong for the long haul. How about you? What makes you burn out? What can you legitimately eliminate? Are you taking care of your body? Are you feeding your soul?

I am working to do better at this, how about you?

Go back and reread Isaiah 40:30-31

God bless you!

Pastor Joe

Repentance

It seems to me that pride is the biggest obstacle to our repentance! Repentance requires us to say, "I am wrong!" You have probably noticed that most men fall into the category of refusing to ask for directions. We joke about it and laugh about it, but it is true! The reason it is true is because we have this fundamental sense of refusing to think we are wrong. Frankly, that is pride.

Repentance requires that I swallow my pride and say, "I am wrong!" We have to continue to swallow our pride and repent if we want to continue to grow in our relationship with Christ.

In reality, asking for directions from God and following his directions is like repentance... How are you doing for finding your way?

God bless you,

PJ

God's Anger

Wow, my life has been too busy. It has been a long time since I posted a devotional blog. Please forgive me! Because of recent travel to South America and hearing the stories of Christian women and men, this devotional today takes on a new perspective. Yes, God's anger will burn, certainly against the ungodly and God will be the one who judges. In Romans 12:19 declares that God will repay the evil. I think there may be a caution to suggest that if we are obedient that blessings will come. Yes, we do recieve the blessings of heaven and eternal life with God, however there are faithful Christians all over the world who are not recieveing the things we generally think about regarding blessings. While it is true that God removed his hand of Divine protection, that in itself and alone is not a sign of God's favor. Some of God's most faithful people have faced some of life's most unkind responses and yet God loved them very much. Hebrews chapter 11 informs us of faithful Saints who missed the wonderful blessings of this life... there real blessing was heaven. Yes, we need to stay faithful in our love and obedience because our reward is heaven not earthly blessings. I don't want to face the disappointment or anger of God, I am going to do my best to stay faithful. But earthly blessings are not going to be my measure for the favor of God.

God bless you!
PJ

Impatience

I suspect that you have been impatient before. I've paced the floor waiting impatiently for someone. I've also waited impatiently in the car before. I confess, I have been impatient. The writer of the devo today did not mention this, but I think pride has a great deal to do with impatience. I think my plan, my time and my way is more important, so I pridefully insist on it being my way and when it is not, I am impatient. God will allow us to learn patience by waiting and likely He will give us enough repeat opportunities to really get it. I am trying to practice patience and use such opportunities to help me grow in Christlikeness.

How about you?

God bless you,
Pastor Joe

I need more patience!

Wow, I have to ask everyone for patience with me. I have been delinquent in my devotions and blogging. Don't give you, keep returning to your devotions.

I really like the commentary from the devo; "patience and perspective go hand in hand... this allows you to wait patiently and learn when things don't go your way". Most of my impatience comes when I am most self focused.

God help me to see your perspective and stop measuring everything against my desires but to see what you want me to see and live for you!

What makes you feel impatient? Look for God's perspective and grow!

God bless you,

PJ

Joy... again

I reflected on the issue of "where joy comes from" yesterday. However, this is so very important to capture. Our joy comes from God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 4:7 (NIV)
7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

Psalm 19:8 (NIV)
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

I choose God, therefore, I am chosing the "joy of the Lord". I know where it comes from! I choose God in all the hardships of life and therefore, I choose joy! How about you? The longer I serve Him, the more I get to know Him and the more I trust Him... the more joy I have in my heart.

God bless you,
Pastor Joe