Well, I have to apologize for missing a few days. I'm back! Did you miss me? Prolly not. Anyway...
I also want to add that after visiting with my doctor today, I was advised not to undertake that thing we talked about on Sunday at Pleasant Green, at least not until my headaches are better controlled.
Today's Texts: Proverbs 23-24, Deut. 23:15-25:19, Amos 9, Matt. 5:1-16.
As I read today's texts, the passage from Deuteronomy stood out. Moses teaches that we are to consider those less fortunate than us. He commands the Israelites to leave some of their crops for the less fortunate. They aren't to collect every last kernel, every last grape, every last olive. They are to leave the field after one pass.
I think sometimes today we tend to forget this passage because most of us don't have wheat fields, olive trees, or vineyards. But we do have incomes. We do collect checks. If we apply this passage to our lives today, we have to "leave" some for the less fortunate. I'm not even convinced that this is talking about our tithe. The tithe is usually taken off what is harvested. I believe we should be "leaving" money beyond our tithe for the less fortunate.
Southland Church has a program that I believe deals with this concept. They created the "Dollar Club". Here's the idea: each member is encouraged to bring an extra dollar and put it in the offering. A dollar. Not much of a sacrifice for most of us. Just like the Israelites leaving their fields after one pass. There wasn't much left, but it met a need.
Anyway, the church assumes that each person in attendance each week has put their dollar in and then they take that money and give it to someone less fortunate. What was just a tiny contribution (a dollar) is added to 10,000 other dollars per week and used to bless the poor and needy. Awesome! I believe this is what Moses, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was talking about.
I want to be a part of something like this! Those of you Pleasant Greeners: do you think we could do something like this? Are there enough poor and needy people in Harrison County to bless? Can we "leave the field after one pass" and sacrifice an extra dollar each week? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Other readers: is there a ministry that you can get involved in that meets this need? I encourage you to find it and "leave the field after one pass."
Leaving after one pass,
Josh
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A PP'sPs about Anger
Today's Texts: Proverbs 13-14, Deut. 19, Amos 3, Matt. 1:18-2:12
Well, once again I've been convicted by God's Word. As I was reading the passage in Proverbs, I was noting the comparing and contrasting of the righteous vs. wicked and acknowledging that I need to seek wisdom more diligently. Then I got to the part that mentioned handling anger.
As you may or may not know, I have an issue with anger. I have always had a temper, since I can remember. Because I realized early on in my ministry that I had a temper, I was usually able to keep it under control (unless, of course, I was driving or on a golf course!). However, for some reason, lately (I believe it has to do with my headaches) I have really struggled with getting angry. It almost seems impossible to control my temper these days.
As I read this passage, however, I was convicted about my lack of control regarding my anger. If my goal is to find wisdom and understanding, I must learn to control my temper, because the text says that a "hasty temper" welcomes folly.
Lord, give me the strength to control my emotions and be slow to anger. Amen.
Seeking to be less angry,
Josh
Well, once again I've been convicted by God's Word. As I was reading the passage in Proverbs, I was noting the comparing and contrasting of the righteous vs. wicked and acknowledging that I need to seek wisdom more diligently. Then I got to the part that mentioned handling anger.
As you may or may not know, I have an issue with anger. I have always had a temper, since I can remember. Because I realized early on in my ministry that I had a temper, I was usually able to keep it under control (unless, of course, I was driving or on a golf course!). However, for some reason, lately (I believe it has to do with my headaches) I have really struggled with getting angry. It almost seems impossible to control my temper these days.
As I read this passage, however, I was convicted about my lack of control regarding my anger. If my goal is to find wisdom and understanding, I must learn to control my temper, because the text says that a "hasty temper" welcomes folly.
Lord, give me the strength to control my emotions and be slow to anger. Amen.
Seeking to be less angry,
Josh
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A PP'sPs About Choices
Today's Texts: Proverbs 11&12, Deut. 18, Amos 2:6-16, Matt. 1:1-17
This morning I was drawn to the chapters in Proverbs. The author is presenting choices and the ramifications of those choices to the reader. If you choose wickedness, you will come to ruin; if you choose righteousness, you will be blessed. These chapters confirm what we will read in a few weeks from Deut. 30 where Moses presents the same question: will you choose to obey or to curse? If you choose to obey, you will have life; if you choose to curse, you, too, will be cursed with death.
In the Proverbs texts, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. And the pudding is our tongue first and then our actions. What are we saying? How are we talking to others? Our family, our coworkers, our boss, our neighbors? Are we uplifting with our tongues, or are we "downlifting" (see yesterday's post)? I know I could be much more uplifting with my tongue. Lord, give me words of sweetness and not words of bitterness.
The author continues to define the pudding proof with our actions. Are we kind? Are we generous? Are we diligent? Do we do what we say? (That's a big one!) He adds in 12:1 that this endeavor may require discipline. What will our response to discipline be? Will we love it? Or, will we hate it? According to the author, we must love it!
So, I commit to seeking righteous choices, both with what I say and with what I do, acknowledging that discipline may be required. Bring it on!
Seeking discipline,
Josh
This morning I was drawn to the chapters in Proverbs. The author is presenting choices and the ramifications of those choices to the reader. If you choose wickedness, you will come to ruin; if you choose righteousness, you will be blessed. These chapters confirm what we will read in a few weeks from Deut. 30 where Moses presents the same question: will you choose to obey or to curse? If you choose to obey, you will have life; if you choose to curse, you, too, will be cursed with death.
In the Proverbs texts, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. And the pudding is our tongue first and then our actions. What are we saying? How are we talking to others? Our family, our coworkers, our boss, our neighbors? Are we uplifting with our tongues, or are we "downlifting" (see yesterday's post)? I know I could be much more uplifting with my tongue. Lord, give me words of sweetness and not words of bitterness.
The author continues to define the pudding proof with our actions. Are we kind? Are we generous? Are we diligent? Do we do what we say? (That's a big one!) He adds in 12:1 that this endeavor may require discipline. What will our response to discipline be? Will we love it? Or, will we hate it? According to the author, we must love it!
So, I commit to seeking righteous choices, both with what I say and with what I do, acknowledging that discipline may be required. Bring it on!
Seeking discipline,
Josh
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A PP'sPs About Evil
Today's Texts: Proverbs 10, Deut. 16:18-17:20, Amos 1:1-2:5, Philemon vv. 23-25
I want to begin by going back to yesterday's post and acknowledge that for some, the storm has not yet passed. I want to first assure you that if I'm aware of your particular storm, I am praying for you as you endure. Second, I want to also assure you that, somehow, some way, your storm will pass. Finally, I want to assure you that regardless of the length or severity of your storm, God is with you. I'll say it again: God is with you. He IS your refuge.
Now to today's texts.
Once again, I am drawn to the text in Deut. In this passage, God is making sure that His people know and understand how bad evil is (This idea is confirmed in Amos. Wow!). God, through Moses, is warning the Israelites not to accept evil in their society. It must be exterminated.
Once again, I am convicted by God's Word. I have become entirely too accepting and approving of evil's influence in my life, primarily through the trash that I willingly watch on TV. Just because it's funny or entertaining, doesn't mean it's okay. I could be doing so much with the time that I expose myself to "downlifting" (the opposite of "uplifting") stuff.
The bottom line is confirmed in 17:1. God requires and deserves our very best. Is allowing ourselves to take in the shows, movies, music, relationships, etc. that downlift instead of uplift giving our very best?
God, give me the strength and motivation to exterminate the evil that I've allowed into my life. Continue to make me wise through your Word, moving me further and farther away from Folly. Amen.
Seeking to give my very best,
Josh
I want to begin by going back to yesterday's post and acknowledge that for some, the storm has not yet passed. I want to first assure you that if I'm aware of your particular storm, I am praying for you as you endure. Second, I want to also assure you that, somehow, some way, your storm will pass. Finally, I want to assure you that regardless of the length or severity of your storm, God is with you. I'll say it again: God is with you. He IS your refuge.
Now to today's texts.
Once again, I am drawn to the text in Deut. In this passage, God is making sure that His people know and understand how bad evil is (This idea is confirmed in Amos. Wow!). God, through Moses, is warning the Israelites not to accept evil in their society. It must be exterminated.
Once again, I am convicted by God's Word. I have become entirely too accepting and approving of evil's influence in my life, primarily through the trash that I willingly watch on TV. Just because it's funny or entertaining, doesn't mean it's okay. I could be doing so much with the time that I expose myself to "downlifting" (the opposite of "uplifting") stuff.
The bottom line is confirmed in 17:1. God requires and deserves our very best. Is allowing ourselves to take in the shows, movies, music, relationships, etc. that downlift instead of uplift giving our very best?
God, give me the strength and motivation to exterminate the evil that I've allowed into my life. Continue to make me wise through your Word, moving me further and farther away from Folly. Amen.
Seeking to give my very best,
Josh
Monday, June 14, 2010
A PP'sPs About God's Provision
Today's Texts: Proverbs 9, Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17, Hosea 14, & Philemon vv. 8-22
As I was reading the passage from Deuteronomy, I couldn't help but be reminded of God's grace and provision through my Egypt Experience: Christy's passing. The only reason I am where I am today is because of the gracious rescuing hand of God; there's no question. According to today's passage, I should be regularly and intentionally offering up my gratitude to Him for rescuing me from despair. Guess what? I don't! Not regularly enough and not intentionally enough. This passage has reminded me to offer my gratitude as an act of worship; He is to be praised!
Further, according to Romans 12:1-2, that act of worship out of gratitude is accomplished through the transformation of my mind from one of Folly to one of Wisdom (Proverbs 9).
Oh, Lord, give me your Wisdom and keep me far from Folly!
Seeking to worship in incalculable gratitude,
Josh
As I was reading the passage from Deuteronomy, I couldn't help but be reminded of God's grace and provision through my Egypt Experience: Christy's passing. The only reason I am where I am today is because of the gracious rescuing hand of God; there's no question. According to today's passage, I should be regularly and intentionally offering up my gratitude to Him for rescuing me from despair. Guess what? I don't! Not regularly enough and not intentionally enough. This passage has reminded me to offer my gratitude as an act of worship; He is to be praised!
Further, according to Romans 12:1-2, that act of worship out of gratitude is accomplished through the transformation of my mind from one of Folly to one of Wisdom (Proverbs 9).
Oh, Lord, give me your Wisdom and keep me far from Folly!
Seeking to worship in incalculable gratitude,
Josh
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A PP'sPs About Refocusing
It's time to refocus.
In the past, this blog has been an attempt to inform and reflect regarding my personal life and the issues that I've endured. It has allowed me to mourn, vent, dream, and praise. Now on the other side of the storm, I've decided to refocus my thoughts and expressions.
One of my personal struggles as a Christian and especially as a pastor has been faithful reading of God's Word. I'm not a big reader in the first place, so it has always been a fight to keep myself in a consistent habit of reading my Bible. Lately, God has been convicting me of this. I've been praying for motivation and have been blessed over the past several weeks as the habit of daily Scripture reading has been reestablished in my life. (I know, I should be ashamed of myself as a pastor for not reading the Word every single day. Trust me, I am!)
So impressed by the importance of reading God's Word regularly, God led me to preach on the subject on Sunday. To further motivate me and the church and to encourage unity within the church, I have decided to commit to posting daily on this blog my thoughts and feelings regarding the assigned passage for the day (We are using the reading schedule in the back of the ESV Study Bible).
So, the focus of this blog will shift from my personal issues to pastoral reflections on God's Word for public discussion and potential edification for all involved. I invite anyone who stumbles across this blog to comment and interact with us and God's Word. My ultimate goal is the glorification of Almighty God and the edification of His people.
Thank you to all who read and commented over the past few years. More importantly, I want to thank you for your prayers. God has been faithful and has blessed abundantly.
To God be the Glory,
Josh
In the past, this blog has been an attempt to inform and reflect regarding my personal life and the issues that I've endured. It has allowed me to mourn, vent, dream, and praise. Now on the other side of the storm, I've decided to refocus my thoughts and expressions.
One of my personal struggles as a Christian and especially as a pastor has been faithful reading of God's Word. I'm not a big reader in the first place, so it has always been a fight to keep myself in a consistent habit of reading my Bible. Lately, God has been convicting me of this. I've been praying for motivation and have been blessed over the past several weeks as the habit of daily Scripture reading has been reestablished in my life. (I know, I should be ashamed of myself as a pastor for not reading the Word every single day. Trust me, I am!)
So impressed by the importance of reading God's Word regularly, God led me to preach on the subject on Sunday. To further motivate me and the church and to encourage unity within the church, I have decided to commit to posting daily on this blog my thoughts and feelings regarding the assigned passage for the day (We are using the reading schedule in the back of the ESV Study Bible).
So, the focus of this blog will shift from my personal issues to pastoral reflections on God's Word for public discussion and potential edification for all involved. I invite anyone who stumbles across this blog to comment and interact with us and God's Word. My ultimate goal is the glorification of Almighty God and the edification of His people.
Thank you to all who read and commented over the past few years. More importantly, I want to thank you for your prayers. God has been faithful and has blessed abundantly.
To God be the Glory,
Josh
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A PP'sPs about Life
Wow!
What a crazy few months!
I must apologize for failing to post anything recently. I know that all two of you have been eagerly anticipating my next post. Sorry for the delay.
I'm at a loss as to where I should start! First off, wedding plans are going well. Many people in multiple states have been instrumental in getting us where we are...16 days from the wedding!!! Whoa! It's getting very real! Kristen and I went and applied for our marriage license last week. That really made it real! But, I couldn't be more excited about spending the rest of my life with my HHH! (Half-Hispanic Hottie!)
On a more somber note, the joy of our day will be tempered by the fact that Kristen's mom, Lannie, will not be with us physically. If you had not heard, Lannie was freed from her pain and suffering on July 22 as her Lord and Savior called her home. We have every confidence that her spirit will be with us and we anticipate her presence on that day.
As can be expected, the last 5 weeks have been very difficult for Kristen. She was very close to her mother and had a special relationship with her. She was by her mother's bedside from the beginning of her diagnosis to the final moments. Because her love was so strong, so her grief has been equally potent. To make matters worse, just a few weeks after the funeral, Kristen had to get back into "teacher" mode; a task that has proven quite challenging. Not only has she had to put her energies into a wedding that seems less joyful, but she has had to gear up for a semester with 7 special-needs children on top of her regular students, a surprise she had not anticipated. Needless to say, she could use your prayers as she treads through the next weeks and months.
As for me, facing death again after a relatively short time has been more difficult than I anticipated. Adding to my emotional strain is the task of packing up a home that I built and shared with Christy. Having to pack, give away, or sell stuff that I had forgotten about has been quite emotional. A roller coaster analogy doesn't even begin to capture the emotional journey I've been on over the last several months. However, through it all, I have experienced a peace that truly does pass all human understanding. What a faithful God!
Well, that pretty much catches you up on where we are at this point. I want to continue to express my appreciation for all of you who have kept Kristen and myself in your prayers. They are felt and effective!
Ready to see the Bride,
Josh
What a crazy few months!
I must apologize for failing to post anything recently. I know that all two of you have been eagerly anticipating my next post. Sorry for the delay.
I'm at a loss as to where I should start! First off, wedding plans are going well. Many people in multiple states have been instrumental in getting us where we are...16 days from the wedding!!! Whoa! It's getting very real! Kristen and I went and applied for our marriage license last week. That really made it real! But, I couldn't be more excited about spending the rest of my life with my HHH! (Half-Hispanic Hottie!)
On a more somber note, the joy of our day will be tempered by the fact that Kristen's mom, Lannie, will not be with us physically. If you had not heard, Lannie was freed from her pain and suffering on July 22 as her Lord and Savior called her home. We have every confidence that her spirit will be with us and we anticipate her presence on that day.
As can be expected, the last 5 weeks have been very difficult for Kristen. She was very close to her mother and had a special relationship with her. She was by her mother's bedside from the beginning of her diagnosis to the final moments. Because her love was so strong, so her grief has been equally potent. To make matters worse, just a few weeks after the funeral, Kristen had to get back into "teacher" mode; a task that has proven quite challenging. Not only has she had to put her energies into a wedding that seems less joyful, but she has had to gear up for a semester with 7 special-needs children on top of her regular students, a surprise she had not anticipated. Needless to say, she could use your prayers as she treads through the next weeks and months.
As for me, facing death again after a relatively short time has been more difficult than I anticipated. Adding to my emotional strain is the task of packing up a home that I built and shared with Christy. Having to pack, give away, or sell stuff that I had forgotten about has been quite emotional. A roller coaster analogy doesn't even begin to capture the emotional journey I've been on over the last several months. However, through it all, I have experienced a peace that truly does pass all human understanding. What a faithful God!
Well, that pretty much catches you up on where we are at this point. I want to continue to express my appreciation for all of you who have kept Kristen and myself in your prayers. They are felt and effective!
Ready to see the Bride,
Josh
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