1Timothy Five

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."
-----1 Timothy 5:1-2

Paul is writing this letter to his younger protege, Timothy. Apparently, Timothy potential was so high and his relationship with Paul so endearing that Paul will ask him to travel to meet with him before he dies (this happens at the end of 2 Timothy).

Timothy was sent by Paul to the church of Ephesus were he served as a church leader to counter false teachings that was popping up. This advice we see in how to interact with people is insightful only if applied.

Paul writes to Timothy but also to us. In a world where love should abound over all things. These relational guidelines are a must:

Older men are to be treated as fathers because of the wisdom of life experiences.

Younger men are to be treated as brothers because of the influence young can have with them.

Older women are to be treated as mothers because of they have sacrificed so much in their lives.

Younger women are to be treated as sisters because they are precious jewels to be protected at all costs.

"Father, help me interact with people in a way that glorifies You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy Four

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
----- 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Our pursuit to a deeper relationship with God is referred to as training a few times in the new testament. Today as I think on these words a few thoughts arise:

1. Just because I was physically fit three years ago does not mean I will stay that way.

2. The accumulation of skipping reps or cutting short the exercise will eventually have an effect on me.

3. Getting rid of some excess weight will be easy at first but more difficult later.

4. To be healthy I need to change the patterns in my life (eating, exercise, sleep).

5. I am at my best when I stay away from junk.

The good news is that these thoughts also apply toward my spiritual walk as well.

"Father, help me train to reflect You in my life."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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1 Timothy Three

"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory."
-----1 Timothy 3:16

The story of God is the greatest mystery in the world. Love defeating sin. Captives set free when we deserved punishment. Jesus ransoming His life for the hearts of those He loves.

Let verse 16 wash over you today as you pursue the God you serve with reckless abandon.

"Father, help me see more of You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

1 Timothy Two

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
-----1Timothy 2:1-2

I am reminded today of the importance and the urgency to praying for those that lead this great nation. Public office can be such a polarizing position. When people agree with the call you make they can carry you on their shoulders shouting praise to you. When they disagree with the decisions you make, you are transformed into a blow-up punching clown.

Regardless if you are a Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Anti-war, Pro-War there are men and women in office right now that need more wisdom than is humanly possible. Paul instructs us to pray for these men and women. I may not be able to propose a bill on the senate floor, but I can pray for the ones that will do so. It is my part in the greatest democracy in the world.

"Father, help those in authority follow You today in the decisions they make."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

1 Timothy One

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
-----1 Timothy 1:5

Paul is instructing Timothy to stay in Ephesus and protect the church from the assault of false doctrines resonating in the community. Timothy was to have conflict with these people because their actions were creating controversies leading to dissension in the church.

What I find interesting is the goal was not being right but showing love to this young church.
Paul gives us insight to where love comes from:
a pure heart,
a good conscience and
a sincere faith.

Keeping the heart clean and your mind focused on good things will open your heart to seeing more of an opportunity to helping others. A sincere faith promotes a willingness to build God's kingdom and not yours.

"Father, help me pursue love today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty-Four

"And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."
-----Luke 24:53

Worship is our response to the revelation of God. This is a natural reaction in the heart of believers. When we feel God's presence or see Him doing something amazing the Holy Spirit celebrates in such a way that we are aware that God is near.

The disciples here are a great example of this. What we must remain mindful of is seeing Him at work in and around us. We serve a living God who is at work doing the most amazing things.

"Jesus, please open the eyes of my heart that I may see You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty-Three

"And the curtain of the temple was torn in two"
-----Luke 23:45

The symbolism of the curtain tearing in two is a great indication of the relationship God desires to have with us. No longer will there be a middle man when it comes to knowing what God wants you to do. No longer will there be a middle man when it comes to confessing your sins and seeking forgiveness. No longer will there be a middle man to evaluate if your offering is 'good enough'.

God looks at the heart of man. Because of the death Jesus experienced on the cross we now can enter into God's throne room with reverent boldness. Praise be to God for His indescribable gift.

"Jesus, help me understand more of the significance of the curtain tearing."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Twenty-Two

"An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him."
-----Luke 22:43

Jesus is agonizing in the garden. A familiar passage to me. I often go back to the last week of Jesus' earthly reign because it is so amazing to me that He would choose this path knowing the pain that lies ahead. It wasn't until recently that I saw the words in verse 43.

The angel comes down and gives Jesus strength. I wonder what this looked like? Sometimes I get the image of Popeye eating a can of spinach and Jesus' forearms blowing up with anvils inside.

For me when I feel God strengthening me it comes in the form of peace. When I feel I am in agony it is usually due to a conflict I have in my life. Either with someone else or in my own heart. I believe God speaks, especially in moments of turmoil. And I believe as He is speaking we feel the protection of His shield. And it is good.

"Jesus, thank You for experiencing the agony I deserved."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Twenty-One

I love hearing people debate the return of Jesus. We tend to speak with such authority as if we have found a new angle to a discussion that is over 2,000 years old. I have wasted many of breaths, trying to convince others to see it my way. I am coming to the conclusion that we will all see eventually what will happen. Some will say, "I told you so." Some will say, "I was way off."

The important part here is the eager anticipation of seeing Jesus come back and restoring the kingdom. It will be Heaven on Earth and Jesus reign will be established forever.

"Jesus, thank You for coming back for us."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Twenty

This morning as I read these words I am reminded of a simple yet profound thought:

"The truth shall set you free."

Jesus uses the truth as His defense here and the the religious leaders could do nothing about it. We rely to much on deception and manipulation to get our way. Maybe the issue here is our priorities? When God becomes the priority, the Truth always delivers.

"Jesus, help me rely on Your Truth today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Nineteen

"All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner'.'"
-----Luke 19:7

Once again we see a familiar scene!

Man sees a condition, Jesus sees a heart.
As Jesus announces to Zacchaeus that they would be dining together the people could not see past what they saw in Zach's situation.

We are all sinners.
Some of us are blatant ones,
some are on the road to recovery,
some fight daily temptations.
Those who place their trust in Jesus have hope.
He is not finished with us!!!

"Jesus, help me see others through the lense of compassion."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Eighteen

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'"
-----Luke 18:13

Humility matters. Especially when it comes to reflecting the life Jesus lived. It can be so easy to live in the world of self promotion. In fact, if you do it long enough you may even start believe your own hype. I think that is what we are experiencing here with the Pharisee.

My desire is to be that of the tax collector. That I would remember the state I was in and the change I received because of God. And as others experience me they would see a life of gratitude and praise toward my Heavenly Father.

"Jesus, help me wear the clothes of humility over my own praise."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Seventeen

"Where there is a dead body, there the vulture will gather."
-----Luke 17:37

As Jesus speaks about the coming of the Kingdom of God we read a statement that parallels into many areas of our lives. Verse 37 reminds me of the influence that community will have on us.

There are two kinds of community: Constructive and Destructive. The amount of time we spend in those environments will navigate us in becoming these types of people. For example: If you stay in a destructive community long enough you will become a destructive person.

Be watchful of circling vultures in your sky. They may be warning you of what lies down the road you are traveling.

"Jesus, help me be a person that offers freedom, not bondage."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Sixteen

"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
-----Luke 16:13

Wealth has less to do with money than one will tend to believe. Our society will try to convince you that the pursuit of money will lead to stuff which in return will lead to fulfillment. Stuff leads to stuff.

Our choice this day is in which do we believe will bring us the ultimate fulfillment. God has made you wealthy by His immediate presence in our lives.

"Jesus, help me see the truth in Your word."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Fifteen

I am a sheep
I am a coin
I am a son
Jesus loves me enough to go searching for me when I got lost. And when He found me there was a great party in my soul.

"Jesus, thank You for finding and rescuing my soul."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Fourteen

"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
-----Luke 14:27

As Christians, we are all called to play our part in God's story. You have been gifted with tools that is to be used for something greater than helping you build 'bigger barns'. We are called to follow Jesus with our whole hearts. He has told us of the cost of following Him from the beginning... ALL OF YOU FOR ALL OF HIM.

"Jesus, help me pull my weight in the family."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Thirteen

"What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
-----Luke 13:20-21

Keeping our eyes open for 'God at Work' signs is an incredibly rewarding event to experience. The things that God is doing is all around us. We get to see this when we live with the eyes of our hearts open. I long to make it a point to see Him meet the needs of others around me. My desire is that He would use me to do so.

"Jesus, help me see You working in the hearts of others today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Twelve

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
-----Luke 12:48b

The free gift of God does come with a price. All of you for all of Him. As God grants us special gifts we must realize that it is for His glory and His purpose. One day we will give account for the stewards we were with the gifts and opportunities that God has granted us. My desire is to use the gifts that I have been entrusted with and remember the urgency in using them.

"Jesus, open my eyes to understand more of this verse today."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Eleven

"Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and a house against itself will fall."
-----Luke 11:17

I understand the context around Jesus' words here. I realize He is making a case that He is not on Team Satan and is explaining the absurdity of the accusation. This morning however, I am reminded of a few truths that will occur when we are an active part of any team.

Here they are:
1. In order for a team to be a team more than one person must be committed to the same cause.

2. Any time there is more than one heart, there is the possiblity of more than one opinion.

3. The words of Jesus is true: Any team divided against itself will be ruined.

4. Constructive conflict resolution is important when striving for a goal.

5. Most teams that meet their ruin do so because of a lack of dealing with issues in a proper manner or in a realistic time (the damage is beyond repair).

6. It is entirely possible to be many hearts and one vision.

"Jesus, help me strengthen any team I am on because of the effect You are having in my life."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Luke Ten

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
-----Luke 10:18-20

I wonder how the disciples took the declaration that Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Did Peter and John give each other strange looks? Did Bart chuckle a little only to catch himself as he straightens up to see Jesus looking at him? Did Thomas speak up from the back with a mumbled, "I DOUBT IT"? There was war in heaven. In that war events were set into motion that we experience still today.

Jesus lists some incredible authority powers here and reaffirms the disciples that nothing will harm them. But He says, that is just 'stuff', and to not brag about it. He instructs them that in it all, when they rejoice, let it be because they are God's children.

"Jesus, thank You for choosing to rescue me from the ordinary."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Nine

"Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him."
-----Luke 9:32

Talk about a wake up call. I would imagine seeing Jesus in all His glory would evoke a bit of a change. 'THEY BECAME FULLY AWAKE'. I tend to sleep walk through life sometime. I wonder if others do as well? What I find in scripture is when people experience Jesus something in their soul wakes up. They are changed.

Today, I will make it a point to keep my eyes open and stay awake to seeing Jesus at work around me.

"Jesus, open my eyes to seeing You at work."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Eight

“Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have not root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.”
-----Luke 8:13

5 Steps to ‘Rooting’ yourself in Christ

1. Daily reading and applying God’s word.

2. Looking for ‘God at Work’ moments around you.

3. Choose love over condemnation of others.

4. Pre-decide the choices you must make in moments of temptation.

5. Choose the way of Christ regardless of circumstances.

“Jesus, help me be soil that grows Your love and reflects a life of freedom.”

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Seven

“…she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears.”
-----Luke 7:37-38

This ladies brokenness over her sin is convicting to me. I believe the truth that we are saved by grace. However, at times I take this to unrealistic extremes. Here we see a scene of a lady that knows that the things she has done and realizes the One she has done them to.

To quote the words of John Piper: “Long before sin is a damage to man, it is a dishonor to God.” I do not wish to take sin lightly. It has the power to kill relationships, opportunities and dreams.

“Jesus, break my heart for the sins in my life. Help me find restoration and freedom in You alone.”

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Six

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
-----Luke 6:36

How about wearing the garment of mercy today as you interact with the uncertainties life brings. When pressure is applied in our lives what is inside our hearts will naturally flow. That is why reminding yourself to practice mercy is so important. God’s mercy has rescued you from slavery. Stop for a minute and think about that. GOD’S MERCY HAS RESCED YOU FROM SLAVERY.

Because He is merciful with me, I choose today to be merciful with the ones He sends me to.

“Jesus, help me have the kind of compassion You have for me with others.”

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Five

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
-----Luke 5:31-32

Stop for a minute and forget about the scene.

Forget about the religious leaders and their reluctance to live around 'sinners'.

Forget about the tax collectors and others sitting around the room celebrating a great feast.

Forget about the disciples and their standing on along side the walls, not really sure what religious people are suppose to do in this situation.

Think about the man that said these insightful words.

Jesus looks up at them and without apology gives us direction in dealing with diversity.

PEOPLE MATTER.

"Jesus, thank You for loving me when I should have been unlovable."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Four

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil."
-----Luke 4:1-2

Satan is relentless in his pursuit to attract you away from God plan in your life. He knows that your heart is the key to your allegiance. As Christians we have given our hearts to Jesus.

Here are some things to remember as you protect your heart:
1. Be aware of your energy levels. (When you are tired sin seems less severe.)
2. Be aware of patterns that lead you toward unwise choices.
3. Have people in your life that will ask you tough questions.
4. Be honest with those people.
5. Start every morning committed to building God's kingdom and not yours.

"Jesus, thank You for showing us how to handle temptation."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke Three

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
-----Luke 3:8

I think if Jesus ran for the President of any country He would have added John the Baptist as His running mate. What great insight John displays in this statement. Better yet... what truth.

The true state of repentance is not committing the same sin that you just confessed. If you are looking for an expert in this area then find another blog. I tend to be really good at falling in the same old traps. John contends that having an uncle in the family of God is not enough. I have heard this reasoning from a lot of people that claim their allegiance to Christ based on the church their parents dragged them to when they were kids.

Our relationship with Christ is just that... a relationship. Jesus loves you to much to allow sin to remain in your life like a glob mustard on the corner of your mouth. Sin is a serious matter that I believe we over look because of the effort it requires us to produce change.

True repentance produces the fruit of a life that directly reflects that of Jesus Christ.

"Jesus, help me produce the fruit that reflects You."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Luke Two

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
----- Luke 2:34-35

Simeon nails it on the head here. As he prophesies about Jesus I am amazed at the accuracy of his statements. It is said that the Holy Spirit was upon him. I believe this offers great insight into the work of the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit does amazing things when we are acceptable to it's leading. Our job is staying aware in moments when it is time to experience the work of God in our lives. Simeon does it here and from hindsight we see the accuracy of what God revealed to His heart.

"Jesus, help me today experience the Holy Spirit where it is most at work."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Luke One

"As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy."
-----Luke 1:44

The expectancy of Jesus is a beautiful scene to encounter. Mary will stay with Elizabeth for about three months. I wonder how much the fact that she was an unwed mother to be played into this decision. Word of her pregnancy was out in town. I would imagine a three month vacation from the looks, the whispers and the conspiracy theories had to be a pleasant retreat.

John leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Jesus is near him. How excited do you get when Jesus is near? What are your immediate thoughts? There is strength in being in the proximity of Jesus. When He is near in scripture, GREAT THINGS HAPPEN. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

"Jesus, restore unto me the joy of who You are."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Eight

"They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshipped Him."
-----Matthew 28:9

They fall at the feet of Jesus in fearful joy. I choose at the beginning of this week to make it a point to pursue Jesus. And the moments where He is evident I wish to fall to my knees and allow His presence to engulf me. Worship is our response to the revelation of God. Meaning when God chooses to give us a glimpse of His glory our response is simple... WORSHIP.

"Jesus, help me this week to making You my heart's cry."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Seven

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit."
-----Matthew 27:50

We have just encounter the shame of man kind and the beauty of God's redemptive story in one compassionate act. For the Chief Priests this seems to be a bad day. They just can't seem to get the right call. I found it interesting their reluctance of putting the money from Judas back in the treasury because it was considered 'blood money'.

Jesus shows us the extent of His love for both His Father and for us. We should carry this scene with us always. It should work through our decision process and the way we see other people.

"Jesus, THANK YOU."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Six

The stage has been set for the most significant act. This is the part of the movie when the music is either going super fast or we are listening to that slow motion kind of song. Jesus has been arrested, Judas has betrayed Him, Peter has denied Him.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Jesus will not get out of this one alive.
At least not for three days.

I am thankful today that He cared enough about me to pay the price that I could not.

"Jesus, You are indescribable."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Five

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
-----Matthew 25:40

Making a difference in some one's life is important. Because influence is possible for any one person, changing the life of another is not out of the question. What I find is that we tend to try to help those that can help us. Ignoring those that are powerless, underesourced and out casted by society.

Jesus gives us great insight into how we are to represent Him to our world. Reaching out to what He calls, "The least of these" are all around us. This is no coincidence. God will send you to people that He wants to reach out to them. He chooses You to take part in this very important task.

"Jesus, open my eyes to see all the people You are sending me to. Help me see them through Your eyes."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Four

I am reminded today just how finite my comprehension of things are. As Jesus talks about the things that will happen at the end of the earth, I am reminded of all the conversations I have had in the past attempting to explain it all as if I had seen the charts and graphs from heaven.

Though I do not fully understand all the steps.
I know the Savior.
Today, that is enough for me.

"Jesus, thank You for Your living presence in my life."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Three

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!"
-----Matthew 23:13,15,23,25,27,29

Jesus uses what appears to be a new word here. It is not recorded anywhere before in scripture. He uses a word that is translated in the Greek---'ouai' (oo-ah'ee). This word means an exclamation of guilt. I have read this passage in the past and took it to mean Jesus was chastising the teachers and the Pharisees. I believe differently now. I think Jesus is looking at these men and it in effect saying, "Guys, you are not getting it and it is breaking my heart."

This morning I am reminded that at times I don't get it. Some excuses may be legit but most are because I know better and choose a different path. I will make it a point today to be mindful of what Jesus wants me to keep as a priority. I want to 'get it' right every time for Him.

"Jesus, help me see the paths You are choosing for me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty Two

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
-----Matthew 22:37-40

These verses offer a significant paradigm shift for the church. As people search for the meaning of life they don't have to search far if they read Matthew 22. God created us to have love for Him and love those He sends us to. As humans have a knack for making everything over complicated. Some even say this outlook to life is oversimplifying the process. Regardless, Jesus speaks plainly into our hearts this morning.

If we love God with all of us. The response to experiencing His love, will open our eyes and hearts to others.

"Jesus, thank You this morning that You have given us such a significant mission. Help me follow You and not the rules of man."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty One

"A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches form the trees and spread them on the road."
-----Matthew 21:8

What a beautiful picture of an exalted King being acknowledged by His subjects. The thought that people were spreading their cloaks on the road shows how important Jesus was becoming in the land. However, in just a few days we will see these same people give into the political pressures and crowd the streets to witness His punishment.

I believe this both an accurate picture and warning to us a few thousand years later. There is a tendency in us to follow Jesus of convenience. When pressures rise though we tend to rely on self more than the promises of Jesus. I think the warning falls in seeing people fail and learning from their missteps. My desire is to be a man that follows Jesus into the most dangerous adventurous and fight fiercely until my final breath.

"Jesus, give me the strength to stand for You when my insecurities scream to do the opposite."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Twenty

"So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius."
-----Matthew 20:10

Have you ever played the, "It's not fair" game? These guys played it to perfection. I am a big believer in expectations and understandings. As long as the expectations are the same then the two parties have an understanding. At the point when one party would like to renegotiate an item. A new expectation and understanding must be met. This keeps the playing field level.

What the early workers forgot was what they agreed to work for was what they were paid. It is a dangerous thing when we start to compare ourselves to the way see other peoples worth. Even more dangerous when we compare ourselves to their standards. God has set the perfect standards to live by. He is just, compassionate, bold and loving.

"Jesus, help me today to remember You receive each of us with different circumstances."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Nineteen

"When the young man heard this,
he went away sad,
because he had great wealth."
-----Matthew 19:22

This young man knew about priorities and what mattered most. He longed for eternal life. Just was not willing to pay the price for it. He seemed to be pretty good at playing the game of life by most of the rules but when Jesus said to sell all he had, there in lied the deal breaker.

The comfort of 'stuff' may make it easier to pay bills but that treasure has it's limitations. It only works on this side of eternity. Keeping a healthy perspective on what matters most will lead to fulfillment.

"Jesus, help me be willing to sell everything for the sake of Your name."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Eighteen

"In the same way your Father in Heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."
-----Matthew 18:14

What a thankful thought on this Thanksgiving day. God will seek you when you wander away. When He finds you He will celebrate over you with His love.

"Jesus, thank You today that You sought after and fought for my heart."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Seventeen

Jesus' transfiguration is one of my favorite lessons in the gospels. This is all about a "God Moment". Peter wants to build shelters and stay there forever. I can't blame Him. When I have found myself in my own "God Moments" my desire is for them to last forever.

What Peter and I take out of the equation is that God continually leads us into more intimate moments with Him. What is to say that the next day that Peter would not experience something far greater than this moment. In fact by the end of this gospel, Jesus will have made way for the most intimate of all relationships with Jesus. His life will pave the way for the Holy Spirit. Talk about Immanuel (God literally with us).

"Jesus, thank You for continually showing us deeper moments of intimacy in our relationship with You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Mathew Sixteen

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
-----Matthew 16:26

I love the movie "First Knight". The story King Arthur and his knights are an inspiration to me. In the movie there is a scene where Lady Guenevere is speaking with her advisers about Lord Malach's raiding of villages. She uses a statement that I am reminded of from Jesus' here. She states, "What does he want? To be the king of a graveyard?"

The flaw of the American Dream is that we tend to think that it is about 'stuff' and not being people of significance. We pursue the collection of things so we can show it off at Thanksgiving and Reunions. All the while forfeiting the character that will last so much longer in the realm of eternity.

Jesus, warns us here that authentic living is the route to choose over gaining the stuff of the world. This line of thinking goes against societies standards. And maybe with good reason.

"Jesus, thank You for setting a clear vision for how we are to live."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Fifteen

"Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of tradition."
-----Matthew 15:6

This is an intriguing verse. I am not entirely sure how to take it or all that it means. This is where I believe meditating on the word is incredibly valuable. When I see verses like this one, I like to write it on a card and carry it with me a few days. I will pull it out from time to time and try to look at it from different angles. What I find is it helps me keep a God focus during my day.

"Jesus, help me understand deeper the meaning of Your words."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Fourteen

"The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison."
----- Matthew 14:9-10

Two topics of thought:
1. Be aware when image management overrides authentic living. We are seeing a perfect example of teenage peer pressure. Herod did not want to lose face here in front of the girl he is wanting to impress. So he decides to do something that he did not want to do because of the uncertain outcome. Sometimes leaders have to lead and make decisions that don't make sense.

2. Our story is not as safe as the flannel boards of Sunday School will lead us to believe. When one does something significant for the Kingdom of God they are usually met with hostility and criticism. Sometimes to the point of death. That is why this is a Lordship and not a religion of convenience.

"Jesus, thank You for making such a difference in the life of John the Baptist that He would be willing to die for You. Help me live with His passion."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Thirteen

Matthew Thirteen is a chapter that is has been speaking to my heart the last few weeks. I was brought up with the belief that life with Jesus begins when we enter eternity. For the past couple of years I have been exploring the word of God and am realizing that the adventure of life with Jesus begins the moment we ask Him to be Lord of our lives.

That is why Kingdom living is so important. Understanding that the ground we walk on has a King will reflect how we live as servants. Our unseen King has reigned supreme since the beginning.

The thought that begs to be answered is... Do I have a Jesus that has a cool title and can do some neat tricks, or do I have a Lord that rules over us and requires mercy and sacrifice?

Many think this is unfair for Jesus to ask. They feel it takes away individuality. This is a lie we convince ourselves of. We love Jesus because He first loved us.

"Jesus, show me today glimpses of Your Kingdom."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Twelve

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."
-----Matthew 12:34

Your heart can only hold so much emotion. Eventually it will come out of the mouth and both the world and you may be surprised by what it says. Keeping an accurate inventory of what you are holding in your heart is very important. Ridding your heart of destructive emotions is vital.

The heart is tricky, for in it we hold: love, hate, intimacy, isolation, dreams, fears, pleasure, frustration as well as a dichotomy of others emotions. The enemy knows this can be one of the easiest ways to side track us.

That is why the battle for our hearts is so fierce.
Fierce enough for Jesus to pay a ransom for it.

***** A great book about this concept is,
"It Came From Within" by Andy Stanley

"Jesus, thank You for giving direction in taking care of my heart. Thank You even more for caring about my heart."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Eleven

"Come to me, all you who are wary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
-----Matthew 11:28-30

My prayer today is that these words would wash over me and you. Jesus came to give rest to our fret. Take a deep breath on purpose today. Rest in the shelter of His wings. He cares for you.

"Jesus, help me be gentle and humble today as I rest in the shelter of Your protection."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Matthew Ten

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
-----Matthew 10:42

The reward here is an intimate relationship with Jesus, both present day and eternally. I find this reward worth searching after, as if it were the Holy Grail (in some respects it is). I live and breath because of this very reward. Jesus paid a debt that I could not, because of His love for His Father and for me. This precious treasure is to not be taken for granted, or manipulated. It is that priceless.

As we read about 'giving a cup of water to the little ones,' context does play a part. These people didn't have faucets in 3 or 4 rooms in their houses. Much less, plumbing to bring the water. They carried empty jars to a well (sometimes miles away) and brought back full jars of water. Though it was a cup of water it took some sacrifice.

I am reminded this morning that God sends me to people in need for a reason. He wants to reflect His love on them, through me. I long to stay attuned to His song because of His majesty.

"Father, thank You for sending us to play a significant part in Your story."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Nine

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor,
but the sick."
-----Matthew 9:12

I love the calling of Matthew. Even more, I love the celebration at Matthew's house. Jesus was not afraid of people with dirt. It didn't seem to be His concern of them 'infecting' Him with their impurity, as a possible deal breaker.

I also love how crazy this is driving the church people. These hall monitors were having difficulty finding a logical reason for a Rabbi to be found off the 'church bus' slumming it with the lowly.

Get ready..... Jesus is about to speak.... this is amazing....
Jesus replies, that the need to help the sick, outweighs the need for the country club membership. (littleBAG version)

As I watch the scenes of Jesus unfold here,
I am challenged to remember two things:
1. other people exist
2. other people need Jesus

"When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were HARASSED and HELPLESS, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few; Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send our workers into His harvest field.'"
Matthew 9:36-38

"Father, help me remember that You made me to help work the harvest before I enjoy the feast."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Matthew Eight

"Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they say him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region."

-----Matthew 8:34

Here we read as Jesus releases demons out of two men that were prohibiting others from passing through the tombs. The demons go into a herd of pigs which immediately take a flying leap off a cliff. The pig herders (if that is actually a title) run into town to give a report. Then the whole town comes out to meet Jesus.

I would think they are on their way to praise or thank Him. Maybe give Him the key to the city and schedule a town holiday (Jesus day). But they don't. What we see is them pleading with Him.

Not that they would be made right in His eyes.
Not that they are repenting for the Kingdom is near.
They are pleading that He would leave town.
And do it quickly.

The study notes in my Bible offer some interesting insight:
"Unlike their own pagan gods, Jesus could not be contained, controlled or appeased. They feared Jesus' supernatural power, a power they have never witnessed before."

Because they could not manipulate the circumstances or the outcome with Jesus they don't want Him to have a say in their lives. We to are in danger of doing this. We choose sin and try to hide from Him. We quench the Spirit because we fear the response of man.

ARE YOU TRYING TO CONTROL JESUS IN YOUR LIFE?

We claim on Sunday mornings that He is Lord of our lives. History tells us that Lordship is a seven day, twenty-four hour kind of gig. I long to allow Him to be Lord in every situation of my life. His power is great, and at times is to be feared. His love for me, however, is the greatest power of all.

"Jesus, help me live in Your kingdom and submit to Your authority this week."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Matthew Seven

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
-----Matthew 7:20

This is a statement is simple and profound at the same time.
I like to say it is 'simply profound'.

The thing about fruits are...
AN APPLE IS AN APPLE, AN ORANGE IS AN ORANGE.
If an apple tries be an orange it may wear the skin but when bit into it tastes like an apple.

We can so much of the time attempt to be the facade we want others to know us as. But this is image management and not authentic living.

If you are recognized by the fruit you are producing the question on the table is...
WHAT KIND OF FRUIT ARE YOU?
Are you a source of nourishment or are
you spoiled fruit causing others to be sick?

"Father, help me produce the kind of fruit that reflects You well."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Matthew Six

"...they have received their reward in full"
-----Matthew 6:2,5,16

"then Your Father...will reward you."
-----Matthew 6:6,18

Jesus is dealing with a major pitfall that we humans tend to suffer from...THE DESIRE FOR PRAISE FROM OTHERS. He identifies three areas people of his day tended to do this in Matthew 6. In their dealings with the needy, in their prayers, in their fasting. We can tend to do it in very similar ways.

What stuck out was as Jesus spoke about rewards the tense changes dramatically. When we do things for the praise of fellow man the reward we receive is paid in full ('paid' being a past tense word). I find this to be true... we live in a 'what have you done for me lately' society. The rewards of yesterday seem quickly forgotten.

However, when we pursue the praise of our Heavenly Father we will receive a blessing ('will' being in the future tense). I think we are talking about the continuing blessing of His presence in both the present and the future tense. This is great news. His blessings will only get better as we near the day when He let's us see His Full Glory.

The praise of men is as fleeting as junior high girls friendships.
The glory of God transcends all era's, societies and circumstance.

"Father, thank You for the reward being worth the wait."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Five

I am sitting here this morning at the kitchen table with my son, Barak. I am working, he is eating and watching SpongeBob (I know what is wrong with this scene). As I think about the man I hope he becomes, this chapter offers great insight. It serves as a road map to parenting. Some of the greatest lessons are observed pupil to mentor, child to parent, son to father. If I make the choice to live out the words of God, then there is a better chance Barak will exhibit similar qualities.

We read this morning quite possibly the greatest lesson ever verbalized. It is entirely possible to take the rest of the month to meditate on this chapter and we would still be finding "nuggets" going into December. But meditation that leads to inaction is a waste of time. Jesus does not give us these words as "good ideas." These instructions and statements are meant to lead to action.

"Jesus, help me today to find direction in Your word."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Four

"At once they left their nets and followed Him."
-----Matthew 4:20

I am reminded this morning that I still have a ways to go as I take steps to following Jesus. Here we read about four brothers whom Jesus gives a singular command to. And they drop everything and follow Him.

I must confess, that much of the time if I feel Jesus is leading me in a direction I am not entirely comfortable in, I tend to require many prodding's and almost a one way road. I long to have a relationship with Jesus where He says go and I am on the road before the end of the sentence.

At once!!! No second guessing. No justifying why the plan won't work. No bargaining with the Almighty. Just going and following.

"Jesus, I confess that at times, I don't drop everything to follow where You are leading. I long to do Your will on the first time around."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Three

"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'"
-----Matthew 3:1-2

How true were his words on this day. He announces to everyone to repent for the kingdom of heaven is near and today he will baptize Jesus Christ. What a captivating scene.

I feel weird about calling John "the Baptist". He acted nothing like most Baptists. He looked almost nothing like most Baptists. He ate almost nothing like most Baptists. (I understand that Baptist was a descriptive term for what he did. He baptized people.)

What descriptive term could be used for you? Jim the slacker? Frank the schemer? Sue the closed minded? Harry the greedy?... Michelle the compassionate? Tyler the giver? (Your name here) the child of the living God?

The Kingdom of heaven was near that day, as it has been every day since. Anytime that Jesus is in the vicinity, we experience the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)
For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them."

"Father, thank You that Your Kingdom is near."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew Two

"Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'"
-----Matthew 2:22-23

For as much of a reputation Jesus will receive for being a renegade rabbi, I find it interesting just how many prophetic words He fulfilled in His life about the coming Messiah. The church ridiculed and denounced the work of His ministry because they felt He was breaking all the rules. But as we will see, Jesus came not to break man's rules but to fulfill God's laws (which are far more significant).

Matthew 5:17
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

I am reminded this morning that God will steer circumstances in a direction that will give Him the most glory for any situation. Just as God told Joseph to become a Nazarene, He is telling us to do something significant for His story. The question remains: Are we listening?

"Father, thank You for sending Your Son to fulfill what we could not."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Matthew One

"When we pull back the curtain on His life, we discover that Jesus knows what it's like to the marginalized. He knows that it's like to have society shove you to the side of the page, to not really be accepted, and in the end, to be totally rejected. He can identify with life in the margins, becasue when God came down to eart in the person of Jesus Christ, the margins is where He landed."
----- Excerpt from Rick McKinley's "Jesus in the Margins"

Jesus has never been a stranger to controversy. His birth became a scandal. This illegitimate child by society's standards is about to be born with the details receiving great skepticism.

Either three things could be true:
1. Mary and Joesph had sex before they were to be married.
2. Mary had sex with some other man before she was to be married.
3. Mary conceives her child through the Holy Spirit.

To be honest, the third option seems to be the least logical. However, it turns out to be the most true. Nazareth was a blue collar rural town. I grew up in Azle so the correlation is a lot the same. One thing I know about growing up in smaller towns is... NEWS TRAVELS FAST. I can see a scene where the ladies at the Nazareth Salon would be having a field day on this one. Like I said before, Jesus has never been a stranger of controversy.

This tells me one big thing... He cares that much for me and you. To go through that much trouble to declare His Father's justice and to break our hearts free from bondage. To borrow from a line from an elementary school girl..."He likes me, he really likes me!!!"

"Father, thank You for Immanuel."


Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Fifty

"...'Don't be afraid.
Am I in the place of God?'"
-----Genesis 50:19

What a pertinent question to ask ourselves today... Who am I going to try to be? God or Child of God. Realizing this is everything as we interact with a world filled with broken, flawed, illusion driven people. When I attempt to be God in my life the dangers can lead to some tricky situations. The things I do, how I see people, how I view sin is all perverted from our original design. I believe the dangers is the same for everyone.

We have been created as the offspring of our Heavenly Father to be a reflection of His love to His world. He doesn't need me to enforce His wrath against sinful people. What I find is that once I take off the sash of "God's Hall Monitor" the goal is simplified to one singular concept...LOVE!!!
Love Him who makes the tough calls with me.
Love those He sends me to.

"Father, thank You for simplifying my mission.
Thank You for caring about the heart of all of us."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Nine

As Israel gives his blessing to his sons we see an interesting thing happen. His blessing is not flatering to all the sons. Israel's boys seem to be a motley crew of men. Some would be defined by their wrongdoings, some would get a pass for it. I could imagine some brothers walking away from their last few minutes with Israel feeling they have gained a great gift. I can also imagine some walking away wishing they had made different decisions in life.

I like how Israel is truthful with his boys. He tells them honestly (almost brutally honest) what will come of their tribes and how their lives will be effected not from what they did in the past but the men they had become.

There is very little that I can do about my past. I have to live with the consequences of both wise and unwise choices. However, my past does not define the man that I am becoming. I am reminded this morning that there is always time to take the 'next right step'.

"Father, I long to take steps in Your direction today."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Eight

"Israel said to Joseph, 'I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.'"
-----Genesis 48:11

I am happy for Israel here. I couldn't imagine being separated from my son, much less going through the grief of thinking he was dead. This has to be a joy-filled encounter. What matters greater to me is the orchestrator of this meeting. God took what was ugly and made it beautiful. HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD.

"Dad, thank You that You have a plan in the middle of my worldly chaos."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Seven

The story of Israel is wrapping up.
He will pass away at the end of chapter 49.

This reminds me of a few things that I try to keep in mind about finishing my life well:

1. There is the old adage, "keep your friends close but your enemies closer." Life is too short to spend a majority of it, in enemy lookout control. I want those closest to me, to be the ones who know my dreams and are committed to challenging me to fulfilling them.

2. At the end of my run, most of the battles I have fought will not be as significant as they felt at the time. In "The Contrarians Guide To Leadership", Stephen Sample titles a chapter... "Know which hill you are willing to die on." If I am going to have conflict with another person, I want it to mean something. Much of the time I give way too much thought to petty squabbles.

3. I live for four smiles. My God, myself, my wife and my mentor. This approach to people pleasing, simplifies my attempt to succeed. When you allow everyone to define what success is for you, you'll be trying to achieve success in so many avenues, it will be like going 90 miles per hour and traveling nowhere.

4. Situations that look like the end of the world will rarely ever actually "end" the world. So, I will take a deep breath and "try" to keep a cool head in all situations.

5. Finishing well is important. Israel does some things in his life, that as we read it we think... "this person is being used by God?" We are all a collection of victories and defeats, strengths and weaknesses. The key is learning from the defeats and weaknesses, while keeping a healthy perspective in the victories and strengths.

This is important to me because, at twenty six I can pre-decide my actions in the midst of situations that tend to be more reactive, and can cause great trouble.

"Father, You are the reason for the joy I have. Thank You that Your word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Six

Jacob and the clan are traveling to the land of Egypt. I find it interesting as God assures Jacob, that He will go down with them, and will surely bring them back. They won't make it back to the land of Canaan for many generations. After Jacob's sons pass away, we read in Exodus 1 that the nation of Israel is abundant in numbers. A new King arrives on the scene, and places an entire nation of people into slavery. Awhile later, we see Moses leading the people out of Egypt, (but that is for another day).

I am reminded this morning that God's timing may be different than the expectations of mine. He has always followed through on His word in scripture. Because He is the God of yesterday, today and forevermore and does not change, I can live knowing that His promises will always come through.

The difficult part of this is trusting in His timing over my desire for the quick and easy. He is and always will be faithful to what He promises us. He led them back home and on the way, builds an intimate relationship with His chosen people.

"Father, help me today rely on Your timing over mine."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Five

An amazing reunion unfolds today as Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. I find it rather fitting, that they would be terrified at the realization, of them looking at what they can only assume is a ghost. This was a long time coming for Joseph. I am blown away by his assurance, that God is going to take care of him in the midst of severe tribulation. Joseph had his freedom taken from him, and yet he explains to his brothers how necessary it was, for God to lead them to this conversation.

God truly is amazing.

"Father, thank You that Your plans cannot be thwarted."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Four

Judah offers his life in place of Benjamin. He is willing to take the form of a slave, the punishment for his younger brother, and ultimately do what his father has asked him to do (bring Benjamin back to him because his is precious to him).

I do not believe this is just a coincidence. Judah family line includes some of our greatest blblical hero's. David, Solomon, Ruth to name a few. Oh yeah, this other guy to... maybe you have heard of Him. Jesus of Nazareth. The Messiah, the Christ.

Judah offers to become a slave in place of Benjamin.
Jesus offers His life in place of ours.
He takes the punishment for the things we have done wrong toward the King Eternal.
So we can be close to this King and experience the greatest of all the Kingdoms, because we are precious to Him.

"Jesus, thank You that sin could not defeat You. Help me to walk in the light of Your ways and shine the way You are calling me to."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Three

What a beautiful thing is about to happen.
As we get to experience these relationships
that are being restored I am reminded of 5 things:

1. All relationships that matter require maintenance.

2. The best relationships we have hurt the most when there is conflict.

3. Conflict does not necessarily mean the end of the relationship.

4. Putting up facades in relationships will only hinder authentic growth.

5. God created us for relationship with each other.
But more importantly He created us for relationship with Him.

"Dad, thank You for speaking to our hearts about how significant relationships are."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - Two

"They said to one another, 'Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us.'"
-----Genesis 42:21

Ever have something you did come back to haunt you?

Maybe it was revealed in public for all to see.

Maybe it is a nagging feeling that you did something that you are not very proud of but can't shake it no matter how hard you try.

I think this is one of those experiences for Joseph's brothers.

Years have passed since they sold Joe into slavery. At least a decade since that day in the fields when every one's lives were forever altered. The brothers are experiencing a distressing situation and for lack of better words confess, "We are getting what was coming to us for Joesph."

The best ways for us to not suffer from seasons like this is not to commit the acts that lead us down these roads. I know, EASY TO TYPE, HARD TO LIVE. I choose to take this one step at a time. I want to be able to look into the future with excitement. Not looking over my shoulder for the past to catch up to me.

"Father, help me live each moment for the glory of You."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty - One

"God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do."
-----Genesis 41:28

I can hear your thoughts... o.k., maybe I can't hear your thoughts. But I can guess after reading this verse that you may be thinking something along the lines of... "It must be nice that God would let Pharaoh know what He was about to do, I wish God would do the same for me." Frustration grows when we feel we have been blindsided by life. We tend too much of the time, to take it out on God. We claim to lose faith over matters of preference. Because God did not want to play football and we did, we take our ball and go home claiming that He has "wronged" us.

Many times God gives us warning signs for what is to come. In both seasons of abundance and bareness. He especially speaks when we are doing things that are unwise. His Word is a great case study of how He is calling us to live. We have the luxury of seeing very similar situations that we face in our lives. We get to live in hindsight, knowing the outcome to many of these challenges.

God actively speaks to us TODAY!!!
The question is, are we listening?

"Father, open my ears to be tuned into what You are telling me."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Forty

Joseph is in prison.
The people he helps forget about him.

The beauty of hindsight is that we know this simple truth:

Hallelujah, God is near!!!
In the mist of turmoil, He is near.
In the dungeon, He is near.
In the storm, He is near.
In the sunset, He is near.
In the land of abundance, He is near.
In the land of scarcity, He is near.
In all circumstance we find ourselves in, He is near.
Hallelujah, God is near!!!

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Thirty - Nine

"Look, she said to them, 'this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us!'"
-----Genesis 39:14

This HEBREW!!!

I was born well after the persecution of the Jews in Germany during the Holocaust.

The civil rights movement with Dr. King
was after my time.

My generation does not grasp racism the way the ones before us have. We live in a society for the most part, where the color of your skin, or your sexual preference is no longer a deciding factor in your inclusion into the real world. I think we have realized that we are all real people, living in a real world. Some can believe that the world is like that Coca Cola commercial where everyone is in harmony and swaying in perfect unison. But I am not sold on that image (no matter how much I long for it).

Potiphar's wife this morning, reminds of an ugly truth that I feel we face today. Stereotypes can at times be just a dangerous as racism. The Egyptians did not have much respect for the Hebrews. In fact, in a bit further into the story, the Hebrews are slaves to the Egyptians.

Labeling people with Stereotypes breeds suspicion. God was with Joseph. God was blessing everything Joseph was a part of. There was nothing apparent here that indicated Potiphar's skepticism of Joseph. But once you throw the words "This Hebrew" into the mix, everything changes.

People are people. With dreams, fears, victories and defeats. Be careful that you don't paint every person with the same brush on the basis of skin color, economic status, sexual preference, education level, or whatever else you tend to judge people on. People matter to God... so much that He would send His own Son to set them free from the bondage of sin and death.

"Father, help me see people with Your eyes, and as You send me to them, help me love them with Your heart."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Thirty - Eight

"Judah said, 'Bring her out and have her burned to death!'"
-----Genesis 38:24

It is interesting how Judah's perspective changed when he realized he had played a major role in Tamar's pregnancy. He goes from a desire to burn her to considering her more righteous than he is. When we feel that we have been wronged it is easy to jump to the most outlandish of conclusions.

But what happens when we find ourselves on the other side of that coin?

What happens when we helped someone wrong ourselves?

Judah was willing to give away as a pledge, the seal to his family line. This is not just any little thing to give away. This was his identification for his family heritage.

Much of the time, taking part in sin will cost you something dear to you. A relationship, an opportunity, your self pride. It is easier to play the part of the victim. Judah tried that, until he realized that he too had played a significant role. Be careful when you are to the point where you want to burn someone to death for something they did to you. You may be just as guilty.

"Father, help me today, to see sin how You see it. Let me know how incomplete it truly is."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Genesis Thirty - Seven

Jealousy can cause one to do things that they would not otherwise do in 'sane' situations. Here we find Joseph's brothers with so much jealousy towards Joseph that it turns into hatred. This is always a risk.

Jealousy is a creature that begins small in the heart. Many times it is birthed from something so small that we do not originally address it. However, as time passes it gains power, grows, and eventually if left unchecked will take over the whole self. This is what we see with the brothers here. Their jealousy of Joseph has led them down a road of being willing to sell him into slavery.

Verse three states that Israel loved Joseph because he was born to him in his old age. It wasn't anything Joseph did. Just because of who he was. Jealousy is often misdirected. The brothers should have been jealous that Israel did not love them as much. Not because of a love that Joseph received for just being loved. Perspective in the face of jealousy means everything.

Andy Stanley wrote a great book with some great insight about jealousy. "It Came From Within". You should pick it up at Amazon.com.

"Father, help me today keep any bit of jealousy in perspective to Your indescribable gift."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Thirty - Six

Esau finds himself in a predicament. The land is filling up because Jacob and him have to many possessions. Instead of seeing a war, we see Esau move.
Sometimes family does things that are uncomfortable, to help others in the family succeed. Esau seems to genuinely care for Jacob and will do just about whatever he can to help him be prosperous.

I have a brother (two years younger). As I sit here typing these words I can see why Esau would do this for his little brother.

Love... pure and simple.

Esau loved his brother regardless of the past or if you think he should. There are just some things that don't require a reasonable explanation. I love my brother.

"Father, thank You that we have the opportunity to experience relationships in our lives like these."

Heart and Soul
BAG
<><

Genesis Thirty - Five

"So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem."
-----Genesis 35:4

There is a tendency in me to chase the illusion of gods that I think will give me fulfillment. Every time I do this I find myself still searching. That is except when I pursue my Heavenly Father. He has never left me searching for something else. What does not make sense is that I would still chase foreign 'fake' gods even today.

I love what Jacob and his family does here. They bury their foreign gods and left the area that could do them harm. This will only work if you refuse to never come back to the hole.

James 4:7-8
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Com near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

"Father, there is no other God but You. There is no other more beautiful."

Heart and Soul
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Four

To be honest. I am not sure how to take this chapter.

On the one hand...
Jacob's sons acted deceitfully. Simeon and Levi routed the men of Shechemites and the son's took things that did not belong to them. This is wrong.

On the other hand...
Dinah was raped, and to add the insult onto the injury, he comes back and asks to be rewarded by marrying her. I can see their reaction to be justified. I am not an advocate for revenge, But I am an advocate for justice.

Revenge however, never seems to be as satisfying on the other side. We tend to find that the 'victory' is not as sweet.

But Shechem did something that by our standards deserves punishment. I know the preacher side of me should type that we should allow God to be our vindicator. That He will always come to our rescue. That revenge is not the answer in any situation. Like I said, to be honest with you, I am not sure how to take this chapter.

"Father, help me understand more deeply how to trust in You in all circumstances. Let me lean not on my own understanding but be rooted in the security of Your sovereignty."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Three

"But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him, And they wept."
----- Genesis 33:4

Yesterday we read about Jacob's fear of seeing his brother again. In fact he went as far as trying to buy his love back. Esau had been wronged and taken advantage of by Jacob years earlier. When they parted ways, they were not on the best of terms. However, it appears that time does heal some wounds. Surely Esau being mad at Jacob, would still be justifiable. But as we read from verse 4, this is not true.

I am inclined to think this morning on what would cause this reaction from Esau.

Here is what I am thinking:
Esau valued Jacob over the stuff. Esau meets Jacob with 400 men, so clearly, he was not doing too shabby in the material side of things. I wonder if we had a chance to read the story of Esau here, if we would see a man realizing what is important in his life.

Here, we are allowed to see an encounter of two brothers.
One fearing the other one, due to uncertainty.
The other, only being certain that he is ecstatic to see Jacob.

Relationships are more rewarding, and can take you further in this world than stuff ever could.

"Father, show me today some relationships you are leading me to mend."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - Two

"Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
-----Genesis 32:28

I have been dealing with an issue about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that I could not get my head around. These men seem to thrive in the art of deception. Each time we see it happen in scripture, they walk out the other side with God blessing them. I have not been able to figure out what is going on here. What am I missing? This doesn't seem fair. Why are people doing things in deception, being rewarded by God?

Then it hit me. I was reminded about this verse a few weeks back:

"...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give them to anyone he wishes."--Daniel 4:32

It hit me. It is not my job to approve how God distributes His blessing. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are not deceptive people in God's eyes. They are first of all people who God loves, that just so happen to use deception in their weakest moments. I can relate to that.

I feel this is the beginning of a paradigm shift for me. Once again my job is simplified. My role in the story of God is not His auditor. My role is His child. It is clear in Jacob's story here, that God is working on Him and is not finished doing something incredible through his family. In verse 28 God gives Jacob a new name, ISRAEL.

The moment I met my heavenly Father, He gave me a new name...

His Child!!!

"Father, You alone are God and You pour Your blessings on those You choose."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Genesis Thirty - One

"Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. then he left and returned home."
----- Genesis 31:55

It is possible to have conflict and not go to blows. We live in a short fuse society and for the most part, are brought up to believe that "he who throws the first punch wins." This is not true. He who throws the first punch only throws the first punch. There is a way to have constructive conflict with such a one in our lives.

Here are a few thoughts about this:

1. Conflict is inevitable in any
lasting relationship.
As strange as it sounds, the greatest relationships I have had in my life at some point also had the greatest conflicts. There is a bond formed after the conflict is resolved.

2. Honesty is the HOV lane for resolving conflict faster.
When we choose honesty over deceit, we can get to the root of the issue faster.

3. Conflict does not have to end
in the death of a relationship.
Just because a disagreement happens does not mean that you should start taking applications to replace that person. Remember, we are not in junior high anymore (that is unless you are in junior high and reading this. If you are in junior high, then assume that I meant to type elementary school in the place of junior High.)

4. There is a way to glorify God and
have conflict with others.
Not all of your disagreements are moral imperatives. You don't always have to win while annihilating your opponent. There are some battles worth losing if they keep the relationship going.

How we have conflict with others will reflect the love of our Savior. We are created as relational beings. To be relational involves more than one person. Any time there is more than one person involved, you have a difference in opinion. This may lead to conflict.

"God, open my eyes to be aware of Your Spirit as I have conflict."

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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