Wait on the Lord

McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell . . . the list goes on. The internet, ESPN, Fox News, CNN . . . all have contributed to the way our society views the days we live in. We live in a "now" world. We want what we want now, the art of waiting is all but forgotten in our society. However, this mode of thinking is contrary to scripture. I'm convinced our "now" thinking is very detrimental to growing in Christ. It causes us to look beyond what God is doing in the present, and makes us want tomorrow - today. Credit cards are a case in point, credit cards gives us now what we should wait for. This mode of operation has contributed greatly to the economic troubles we face today. We simply don't want to wait for anything. Isaiah 40:29-31 says,

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait on 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.

If you find yourself in despair, if you have lost hope, if life seems to put more weight on you than you can bear, begin to survey your life, and ask, "Are you overlooking today in anticipation of tomorrow?" Perhaps God has placed you in this phase of life for Him to teach you to wait on Him. There are promises attached to the scripture; if you need strength, wait on God. If life seems to be in a free-fall, wait on God. If you desire to live for Him and not grow weary, wait on God. God wants to do something great in the now moments of your life . . . just wait on Him.

Be watching next week for Part 2 of this devotion.

Get Out of the Rut

Many times in the lives of Christ-followers, we get into a spiritual rut. Many things create these ruts: a new chapter in life, a significant event, a lost dream, or great disappointment. Perhaps, however, one of the greatest causes of spiritual ruts is simply lazy or careless Christians. People who become complacent in their spiritual journey. If we're honest, everyone of us have been there at some point. It's a dangerous, extremely dangerous place to find ourselves in our spiritual journey. A. W. Tozer says, "There is not much that can be said in favor of lazy or careless Christians. God never told anyone to do anything that he or she could not do." In Matthew 12 there is a story where Jesus passes by a man with a withered, deformed hand. Some say it was paralyzed. Jesus looks at the man and says, "Stretch out your hand." The man believed that Jesus was the Christ, stretched out his hand and instantly God healed him. Perhaps the very fact that he stretched out his hand was a miracle. But, Jesus knowing His power asked the man to do the unlikely so that Jesus could show His strength. As Tozer says, "God has never asked anyone yet to do anything that He was not enabling the person to do."

What is God asking you to do? What impossible thing is He asking you to do? Remember, if it's up to you, you can't do it, but God can. Are you in a spiritual rut today, begin trusting God to do the impossible. The only thing He is asking of you is obedience. Begin to live the incredible life of a Christ-follower, step out and I know God will lift you out of your spiritual rut.



Rut, Rot or Revival. Tozer, A. W., Christian Publications, Camp Hill, PA, 1992.

ConnexionKidz Bowling :: Super Father's Day

The In Crowd

Grace is invaluable to a Christ follower. Without grace we recognize our demise and realize all of our shortcomings. Grace is critical - it is the free and unmerited favor of God that is extended to all who will receive. That's huge! We don't deserve His grace and we don't qualify for His grace . . . it is free and we are not entitled to it. As Christ followers we write about grace, sing about grace, talk about grace, we say 'grace' before meals, we thank God for His grace, but often we fall short of extending His grace.

I, for some weird reason, like the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada.' It's the story of a young magazine columnist, Andy, who is a determined lady who knows her values and her stance on societal issues - until she becomes entrenched in the society she always stood against. Little by little her values began to change when she was pressured by the other side . . . soon she was a part of the 'in crowd' and never realized she had change. 

Acts 20.24 says, 'However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.' We have a task - it's not to just talk, sing and thank God for His grace - it's to testify of His grace. Testify means to serve as evidence or proof of something's existence . . . it means to be an example of something. 

The way I see it Christ followers [myself included] can begin thinking we are a part of the 'in crowd' and forget that we still can't merit God's grace . . . it is free and unmerited and only comes through Jesus Christ. No matter how long we know Him - we still need His grace. We're not on the inside looking out - we are an extension of Jesus Christ on earth and we need to make every effort to testify of the gospel of God's grace. I'm not suggesting we need to let everything pass by and accept 'whatever', but too often Christ followers can play judge rather than testify of grace. Our task it not to judge - it's to testify.

Where are you on the grace spectrum? Have you received God's grace? Are you showing [testifying of ] God's grace? What ways do you play judge, and what ways do you testify? Do your actions ever indicate you are an 'in crowd' thinker? Please share.

Your worst days are never so bad that you're beyond the reach of His grace. And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of His grace. Everyday should be a day of relating to God on the basis of His grace alone. -Jerry Bridges

This Week at ConnexionChurch.tv from Joe Francisco on Vimeo.

Adequate or Inadequate?

Life presents us with huge challenges . . . and when challenges come our way we often measure ourselves against the standard of "adequacy or inadequacy." In other words, we take on challenges we feel adequate for. When we don't feel adequate we take a different direction. Sometimes a facade goes up; we say, "That's not my calling." or "I don't feel led to do that."  At times those statements are true, but many times we keep challenges or opportunities at bay because we don't feel adequate to meet the challenge.

Feelings of inadequacy are a very sharp, two-edged sword. When we feel inadequate about something it can keep us from stepping out in faith. Our fear of failure or disappointment, because of a sense of inadequacy can paralyze us to the point we let incredible opportunities pass by. When we only pursuit things that we feel we are adequate to accomplish, it often negates God from showing His strength and power to do the impossible . . . we stay contained in the world of 'lesser'  . . . less of God and more of us.  

That's the opposite of how Jesus told us to be, John said, "I must decrease and He [Christ] must increase." The other edge of inadequacy is God's reality. When we feel inadequate to do what God has asked us to do we are actually in a great position. Its a place of humility and reality, a place of recognizing our limitations and faith-ing that God can do the impossible. Its a place where we begin to recognize God's awesome strength and limitless power . . . its the recognition that nothing is impossible with Him.

Today, God may be asking you to step out in faith, and you may feel inadequate to accomplish the task.  Truth is, you probably are inadequate . . . adequacy doesn't require faith. But just as my friend Thom reminded me of a few days ago, Moses felt inadequate, but God chose him anyway . . . and He's choosing you. Your sense of inadequacy will either paralyze you spiritual or it will cause you to trust Him more.  Afterall, isn't that where He wants us to be . . . fully devoted to Him. Step out today, let your sense of inadequacy push you toward God and watch what He can accomplish through you.

Application ::

- Are you battling with a sense of inadequacy?

- Which way is it pushing you?

- Have you asked God for the strength to trust Him in those situations?

- How has your faith grown through inadequacy?

Would like to hear how God is working in your life, please share.

Just Another Thought

I mentioned in the last blog that we often become discouraged and even disillusioned in our walk with Christ when we base how well, or not well, things are going based on our personal expectations. When our expectations aren't met we often think God is not working. We become frustrated and our decisions and thoughts can take a turn that God is not in.  God has never asked me if my expectations are being met - He has asked me to stay the course, follow Him and trust Him.

Here's something else about expectations.  Sometimes we try to live by the expectations others have for us. It's another dangerous place to be. When we do that we no longer ask God what He wants - instead we make decisions based on what others expect of us. We begin to live our life based on people, not God. We even begin to doubt ourselves thinking we can never live up to the expectations others place on us. We literally paralyze ourselves in accomplishing God's plan for us when we live by expectations. Again, I encourage you today quit living in your Expectations or the Expectations of others - begin living Expecting God to work in you first and then through you.

Peter is a great example. He expected to live true to Jesus no matter the cost. Jesus told Peter that before the day ended he [Peter] would deny Him. Peter said no way, I'l never do that . . . until after it happened and the words of Jesus rang out in his memory. Peter tried to live in his own power, and in his expectations. Jesus showed him how important it is to live 'In Christ' and not our expectations.

Team Hoyt is another expample, have you ever heard of them? It's a father/son duo running team. They have completed hundreds of marathons, 10K's, Ironman competitions and other running exploits. They have even run across the US. The kicker is only one of them can run. Dick the dad runs, while Rick the son is confined to a wheelchair.  Dick is the strength and Rick is the heart. Rick sustained life threatening injuries during childbirth and has never been able to run or walk. No one gave him hope to accomplish anything in life - but he decided he would not live up to Expectations, he's lived well beyond the Expectations people have had for him. He graduated from High School and college and Team Hoyt began running and they haven't stopped since. What an incredible illustration for us, if we will dream Expecting God to do great things and rely on His - Jesus - strength, no Expectation will stop us when God is in control.

Application

1. Are you living confined by Expectations - let them go and Expect God to do great things!

2. Do you feel discouraged or frustrated because things haven't gone like you expected? If so, God has brought you to this point to show you that you can't accomplish His plan - give God the helm of your life again.

3. List what you are Expecting God for and begin to pray for them. In the meantime, trust Him, enjoy the journey, make yourself completely available to Him and watch the favor of God at work in your life.

just a thought . . .

I've been thinking a lot lately about expectations.  Last week we talked about discouragement, and I've discovered in life that there is one sure way to bring discouragement to our life . . . to base our thoughts, and decision making, on our expectations.  Expectations are good, but we trek on risky ground when we make decisions based on our expectations. Often our expectations are full of self . . . looking out for what we want and not what God wants.  It takes faith for a person to look candidly at their expectations and say, "God, what are You up to  . . . what are You trying to teach me?"  

Here's the twist, if you are walking through life based on your expectations, I challenge you to begin asking to God to remove your Expectations and exchange it for an attitude of Expecting . . . we'll call it 'Expecting God.' When we do this it takes all the weight off of us and places it on Him which is what He tells us to do, "Cast all your care on me . . ." Expecting God means we are walking in faith that He is faithful regardless of what circumstances or situations tell us.  Expecting God causes us to come to Him with joy and peace because we realize we can't make things happen, it's all up to God. Expecting God helps us to hear God's Word and say Holy Spirit work Your Word in my life.  Expecting God brings hope to hopeless situations.  When we walk through life with our pre-conceived expectations, discouragement, frustration, disillusionment and disappointment set in . . . we make bad decisions based on selfish motives and keep God from showing us His power. When we walk through life Expecting then we can't wait to see what happens next, we realize our insufficiency and we witness God in all His grandeur.

Today, are you walking through life with expectations that never seem to be met -  or are you walking through life expecting God to do what you can never do, expecting Him to move in the most hopeless situations, expecting Him to be where He doesn't appear to be? Who thought God would be in a bush, yet He set it on fire and things were never the same. Elizabeth Barrett Browning says, "Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God. But only those who sees takes of his shoes, the rest just sit around and pick blueberries." I want to see God at work in the lives of people and it rarely looks like my expectations. God is calling you to a life of 'Expecting God' to work incredibly in our lives, in our church - what stops Him most of the time is when He doesn't meet our expectations.  Exchange your expectations for Expecting God and see what a difference it makes.  I'll follow up tomorrow with a cool story about letting go of our expectations and Expecting God to do awesome things.  Keep watching . . . until then:

- Make the exchange - let go of your expectations and exchange it for a faith of Expecting God.

- What are your expectations? Are they being met?

-Wouldn't it be nice to know that God doesn't always work through our expectations, we just need to Expect God!

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all. - Helen Keller

this week at ConnexionChurch

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Keep Pedaling!

It's amazing how God works in life. The right words, at just the right time seems to me to be how God works most of the time.  I've been thinking a lot lately about surrender and how that is what God asks of His followers - a constant surrender to Jesus.  This morning I received this dvo from David Jeremiah, it spoke to me and I wanted to share it with you.  God bless and as you'll read below . . . keep pedaling!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.
Psalm 37:23

Recommended Reading Jonah 1-3

An unknown author once described his journey of giving God control of his life as a tandem bike ride with Christ in the front. He said, "When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long trails up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on!! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I'm beginning to enjoy the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says..."Pedal." 

Though we may fear and doubt where God is taking us, when we give Him control, our life will never be the same. We'll begin to find adventure in the midst of adversity, and peace during times of pain. All we have to do is let Him steer our life while we simply pedal.

Give your life to God; He can do more with it than you can!
Dwight L. Moody

What A Day . . .

I'm sure your familiar with the old saying, "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!"  I don't hear that as much as I used to, but I know it's still true.  Another thing I know is, God is always in control and is always watching over us.  I've was looking in Psalms a few days ago and ran across Psalm 33.13-14, "The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne He observes all who live on the earth."  In 34.17 it says, "The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help."  It's awesome to know that God is that close to us.  He knows our concerns, our struggles our worries.  He cares about our hurts, trials and discouragements.  I was talking to a friend today and he reminded me of James 1.2-4, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles [insert your trouble here] come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be perfect and complete needing nothing."  Often we want perfection and completion without the endurance, but that's not what the Bible says will happen.  Our completion [needing nothing] will come from endurance, and endurance can only be built in the trials, struggles and discouragements of life . . . the testing of our faith.

Today you may be going through a tough time . . . whether its at work, home, family, church, or wherever it may be.  Just know God is close and He's looking down on you.  He hears you when you call for help.  He's not far away.  He's concerned about your life.  He knows your concerns.  Just don't back-out, give up or quit before the He builds in you the endurance you need.  When you allow that struggle to fully work itself for God's glory, then, and only then, will you begin to be complete in your pursuit of Him.

- Are you going through a test of faith?

- Are you giving it to God or trying to work it out yourself?

- Are the lack of answers causing you to doubt God?

- Please share, I would like to hear from you.

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

Prayer enlarges our vision.

Isaiah 54.2-3

"Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! 3 For your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

God loves people! Many people view God as being distant and not caring about what happens to us, but that is not an accurate view of God. God has done everything necessary through Jesus Christ to reach out to mankind. His hope is that we will reach out to Him. God wants to hear from His people - His desire is to help us, protect us, guide us and care for us. If you view God as waiting to pounce on every mistake you make, know He loves you and that is not His nature. My prayer is that during this time of prayer and fasting. He will change your mind and help you see Him as a caring Father. If you are dealing with something that needs God's protection, carry it to God in prayer. Nothing is too great or small that He will not care for you. Have a great day knowing God cares for you.

Ezra 8.23

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer.

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting - January 11-31, 2009

We're partnering with over 300 churches in 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. This is an exciting time in the life of ConnexionChurch.  Over the next 3 weeks I'll update this blog daily with and encouraging word and scripture.  If you have been unsure about participating and would like to, know that you can begin at anytime, even if its one day each week.  Participating in the entire 21 days is encouraged, but start where you can and see what God does in your life and the life of ConnexionChurch.  

If you would like to visit the Awakening blog you can do that at awake21.org.  God Bless and we're praying for you.

_______________________

Prayer Prepares Our Future

Philippians 3.13-14

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

The Power of Relationships

It's always hard to see fellow ministers fall. Not only the person that failed and the struggle they and their families go through, but the body of Christ suffers, too. One such pastor that inspired me and my desire to see a church grow in relationships is Ted Haggard, former Pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Its unfortunate what he has put himself through, but none-the-less, his insight into the power of relationships is life-changing.  Here's an excerpt from his book Dog Training, Fly-Fishing and Sharing Christ in the 21st Century:

"It has always interested me that all of the Old Testament prophets were unable to fully communicate the truth about God, so He had to come in person to demonstrate what He was like. He showed us His character through relationships with a few fisherman, a couple of tax collectors, some Pharisees, a harlot, and a thief on a cross. The revelation of the divine by means of His incarnation in the form of a man is an incredible concept, and I think it continues today as the principal role of the body of Christ. We can’t merely teach godliness; we have to embody godliness. I believe God so insists on this idea that He won’t allow His character to be ingrained into our lives without it being imparted and refined through relationships."

Never underestimate what God wants to do through you! He created you with passion, and abilities so that you can impact the life of someone else. Never underestimate where you are in life, if Jesus could use the disciples He can use any of us. Through relationships we will grow, alone we will always be who we are right now. I want to grow . . . let's grow together.