Day 39 - The New You (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35)

Some of you have been praying and reading for thirty-nine days! Way to go - only two more days left!

That is both a congrats and an encouragement to keep going... keep going in your pursuit of God, your efforts in prayer, your willingness to read God's word.

I wonder what life would be like if every Christ-follower you know would follow through and passionately pursue God. What would it look like if your church, your group of friends, or even just your family really took God seriously.

What if every man, woman and child not only opened their hearts and minds to the greatness of God and the love of Jesus Christ - but they actually made HIM their top priority?

Can you imagine the kind of impact a group of people like that could have in their neighborhood? In their families? In their school district? In their facebook network?

Well, there was once such a group of people... today's reading is about them... take a moment to read Acts 2:42-47 (below), and see what a contagious passion for God can do...

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

There you have it.

A group of people so sold out to God, so committed to prayer and denying selfish living...

And the world took notice.

They "enjoyed the favor of all the people." Can we say that about Christians today?

The Lord "added to their number daily." Can we say that about Christians today?

What do you think made these people, and their way of life, so attractive?

Day 38 - The New You (2 Peter 1:3-11)

Click here for today's reading.

2 Peter 1:3-11.

Love the passage. Need those words. Must keep growing. Don't stop.

Notice Peter's mention of the old identity in verse 4, challenging you to "escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." I think everyone wrestles with (or just gives in to) evil desires. Greed. Lust. Jealousy. Pride. Anger.

Oh yeah.

But following Jesus is NOT just about leaving those things behind. Let's never make Christianity about the "do's and don't's."

Following God, more importantly, means that we get to start something incredible.

Look how Peter describes this new life earlier on in verse 4 - "you may participate in the divine nature."

Are you serious? I get that kind of connection with God? "Participate in the divine nature."

The divine nature - the new life in Christ - involves increasing faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness.

Who wouldn't want that stuff? Why don't we pursue that stuff with all our intensity and heart?

Dear God, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to know you, learn from you, pursue you... help me continue to grow in those areas... today it seems like more perseverance would be helpful, but I know that I will always be growing in those areas, as long as I am connected with you.. I look forward to that "rich welcome" in your eternal Kingdom!

Day 37 - The New You (John 3:1-21)

Sometimes in our society, the phrase "born again" gets a bad rap. This phrase has become a stereotype or cliche for people who mean well but are out of touch with the realities of life. "Born again" comes with the connotation or background of someone putting spiritual pressure on you and "bashing" you with words from the Bible.

When Jesus coined the phrase, "born again," it was a much different set of circumstances.

He was approached by an older gentleman who was at once worn down by the burden of the spiritual laws, and curious about the miraculous powers demonstrated by Jesus.

Nicodemus (pictured) approaches Jesus in today's reading of John 3. He has seen Jesus turn water into wine, and heard rumors of other healings and powers. He basically tells Jesus, "Nobody could do the things you are doing without God's power and blessing."

For all we know, Nic is looking for a dose of that same power in his own life.

Jesus seizes the moment to tell him about a much better demonstration of God's power - a completely new life. A fresh start. A second chance. A new upgrade from God, a "life to the fullest." All these things and more are captured when Jesus tells him, "You must be born again" (3:7).

Yes, you must start over. You must stop playing the game like everyone else. Stop trying to figure it all out on your own. Stop creating God in your own image. Stop trying to impress others or appease your own guilt. Stop living as if God is some distant, cosmic judge, ready to pounce on you at will when you mess up.

Start over. Believe in Jesus. Whoever believes in Him - depends on Him - seeks to know Him and trust Him - you're going to find NEW LIFE, ETERNAL LIFE - starting now.

Jesus explains that God didn't send Him here to condemn me, but to save me. I was already "condemned" because of my own sin... God sent Jesus as the rescue plan... as the "new life" plan... the incredible role model, mediator, and sacrifice for my sins and yours.

The New You starts and ends with Jesus Christ.

Dear God, it's so awesome to read again those familiar words, that you "so loved the world," that you sent the greatest leader and lover of all time into our world. Jesus, thank you for bringing new life, new birth, new death -- a life that will last forever. Thank you for not condemning me every day as I deserve, but for treating me with patience, love, and grace. Please help each of us today, Lord, to be reflections of your grace... Help us be good examples of this "born again" life - it really is a terrific thing!

Day 36 - The New You (Psalm 40)

God has made the first move, but I must respond.

God offers a friendship. Just like any healthy friendship, I have to make some effort too.

God is the "strong one" in this relationship, and His commitment to me is certain and clear.

It is my commitment level that comes and goes.

Today, the reading in Psalm 40 shows some of the effort that David makes in his pursuit of God.

Even as the song starts out, "I waited patiently for the Lord..." How many people today are doing that? How many times do I just focus my thoughts and begin to pray, and wait on God for something...

It's healthy to remember that God doesn't operate on my time schedule.

It's also healthy and right to remember that God is worth waiting for, however long it takes.

Unfortunately, most people expect God to serve up answers to prayer and serve them "your way" just like a Whopper Jr. at a drive-thru Burger King. And, if God isn't giving answers when we want them or how we want them, we turn to other things to make us happy..

Look at the attitude David takes while waiting... Verses 7-8 have him saying things like... "Here I am (Lord)... I desire to do your will, O My God... your law is within my heart..."

Sounds like David is serious about pursuing a deeper relationship here...

"Here I am..." (willing to make yourself available, honest, and ready for whatever God might want to do in your life...

"I desire to do your will..." (sounds like the words of Jesus in the all-famous "Lord's prayer" - "your kingdom come, your will be done..." - am I willing to ask for, pray for, and make myself available for God's will and purposes here on earth?)

"your law is within my heart..." (David has transformed his heart and mind by reading, memorizing, studying, and reflecting on God's word - the Bible. If you're serious about being close with God, why would you NOT read His words to you?)

Dear God, please help me pursue you with the humble heart of David. Teach me to WAIT for you... to be patient... to continue to seek your presence, your will in my life, and your guidance through the truth in Scripture. Thank you for always making the first move - for pursuing me through my life, my circumstances, my friends - and through the Bible. You have made your desires and love very clear. Help me to continue to pursue you personally through prayer...

Day 35 - Dear God, I'm Yours (Reflections)

The white flag. It's a symbol of surrender. When you realize you cannot (or should not) fight this battle any longer, you raise the white flag.

You give up control.

You admit that someone else is better than you.

Joshua raises up the white flag of faith in this passage. "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).

In Israel, many of Joshua's friends had turned to worship other gods. "Gods" from Egypt, other "gods" from Canaan and "gods" of the Amorites. In those days, people made up different gods to symbolize different things - money, power, fertility, love, nature - you name it!

In comparison to God in Heaven, all other "gods" fall far short.

Here in 2009, it's common for people to worship the gods of pleasure, comfort, selfish desires, and security. We surrender time, money, thoughts, and physical effort trying to meet our own needs in these areas.

Joshua has had enough of that kind of living. He challenges his people (and us) - "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..."

Who will you choose?

Every day, you and I face choices... opportunities, really, to serve God or to reject God.

Joshua has made the choice to serve the Lord. The word itself ("Lord") means 'leader,' 'ruler,' 'owner,' 'master,' and 'overseer.'

Who will you choose?

Dear God, teach me what it means to make you the complete 'master' over my heart and decisions and priorities. I know that my life and my circumstances are controlled by your will and your oversight of the universe. Help me surrender my own self-made plans and hopes to you, and seek first Your kingdom and Your ways for me.

Day 34 - Dear God, I'm Yours (1 Corinthians 9:19-27)

Most people would agree that it's a good thing to care about others. To give to people in need. To feed and clothe the homeless. To pray for those that are hurting.

In today's reading, the Apostle Paul reveals his desire to meet people's greatest need.

If necessary, he's willing to make himself a "slave to everyone."
If necessary, he's prepared to "become weak" in order to help those that are weak.
If necessary, he's willing to "become all things to all men" in order to rescue others.
If necessary, he's putting himself through "strict training" so that he is ready whenever he's needed.

I wonder how the world would be different if all Christ-followers had a similar level of commitment.

I wonder how my church would be different if we shared Paul's intensity and sacrifice for the sake of reaching people who are far from God.

I wonder how my neighborhood would be different if I seized opportunities every day to make connections with them - to "become all things to all men" for the sake of someday sharing the GREAT NEWS about Jesus.

If you approach God in prayer, and tell Him honestly, "God, I'm yours..." If you do this on a regular basis, you're eventually going to love Jesus and desire to serve Him on every possible occasion. You'll take up His mission to seek and save people who are far from God. You'll embrace the kind of passion and focus Paul has, with a willingness to do whatever it takes to win others to faith in Christ.

Here's a question for you...

What person in your life went out of his (or her) way to share Jesus with you? What friend has really helped you see more clearly the good news, the amazing love that God has given to you? I'd be interested to hear any stories (in the 'comments' link below) about how God has used someone else in your life to help you grow closer to Him!

Dear God,

Open my eyes to see the people around me, and recognize how they need You in their lives. Open my mind to think about ways to connect with them, serve them, encourage them, talk with them, build a real friendship with them. Open my heart to ways that I can represent the lifestyle and compassion and joy that Jesus Christ himself would demonstrate with others.

Make me willing - like Paul - to become a servant to all... even to enter "strict training" because I know that the most important thing I do is to represent Jesus to other people whenever I can.

Day 33 - Dear God, I'm Yours (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Hebrews 10.

This is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. Click here.


In fact, this passage is yet another reminder of the two greatest commands. The two greatest joys, privileges, and responsibilities for human beings.

Love God, and love people.

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, you and I can enter God's presence with confidence. We can talk to Him without feeling shame. We can spend time with Him feeling a sense of freedom and peace, rather than guilt and shame.

Clean hands, clean conscience - it's all a gift from God.

And, because of God's goodness to us... we can be good to others.. That sounds too cliche. It's harder than that. It takes work to love someone well. It takes focus and thought to consider what THEY need.

Considering what others need is more important than merely giving them what I think they need... or what I want to give them.

Just as Jesus' life was not all about Himself (but for others)... my life should not be about myself (but for others)!

Easier said.

That's why I need to "consider" how to spur others on. Above, there's a picture of a "spur" - it pushes, encourages, communicates to the horse - "Giddy up, it's time to go! Time to move forward! Time to run, baby!"

I need friends that encourage me, push me, inspire me, and get in my face, saying, "let's go, Underwood."

And I need to be that kind of friend as well.

Dear God, thanks for the confidence and clear conscience I can have before you. Thanks for the freedom to talk (or blog) to you whenever and about anything. Please help me to take that confidence and faith and use it to encourage others. Starting with Jennie and my kids, help me to spur people on toward love and good deeds... Thank you, Lord, for this terrific reminder in these verses. Help me be a Spur in someone else's life!