Freedom starts with personal responsibility.

Scripture:

Luke 12:47-48

47 “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. 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.

Observation:

There are different levels of responsibility in God’s kingdom.  When I know what should be done but fail to get it done, I have a harsh punishment waiting me.   God is demanding much from me if he has given me much.  The word used here is entrusted.  God is “entrusting” me with much and I am expected to do much with what He has given to me.  This speaks about personal responsibility.  This is a Biblical reality-God is holding me responsible for what he has given to me.

Application:

Am I taking my responsibilities seriously?  Do I look at what I have as from God?  Health, time, family, income, relationships, church, gifts, homes, marriage, body, etc. are all things I have been given that are under my stewardship.  What am I doing with these resources?  How many years, months, weeks and even days have gone by where I know I have missed what I should have been doing?  We are surrounded by much victim talk in our society, it is so easy to blame everything and everyone else without taking personal responsibility.

Thank God for his grace and love and mercy, but I don’t think that means much is still not required of me.  I know I will never be as disciplined as I wish, but what am I doing with today?  What IS God requiring of me?  Am I willing to change and to rearrange so I can see my “talents” grow instead of being buried.

Prayer:

Lord, I need your help today.  I know what things I should be doing, but I fall so short in accomplishing them.  I don’t want another year to go by without arranging my life in such a way where you are glorified.  I want to “beat my body into submission”.  I don’t want to do this in a legalistic way because I’m somehow earning your favor, but because You have entrusted me with so much and I’m responsible for what You have given me.  I don’t think I’m taking responsibility like I should many times.  Television, movies, laziness takes priority too often.  I haven’t been willing to cut off the things which hold me back.   Help me to get radical in my approach to personal responsibility.  Lord give me total freedom in all areas of my life.  You have truly set me free and I want to walk in that freedom today.  Completely.  Amen!

Family Matters

Scripture:

1 Samuel 2:29 ‘Why do you kick at My sacrifice and at My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me, by making yourselves fat with the choicest of every offering of My people Israel?’

Observation:

This is a sad story about the wickedness of Eli the priest’s sons.  Here is a man of God knowledgeable in the Law of God, yet his sons are wicked above all the people of Israel.  The Bible calls them “worthless men”.  They took advantage of the people and were involved in major sexual immorality, maybe even rape.   At the very least they definitely abused their position of leadership.  Eli failed miserably not only his family but the whole nation of Israel.  He was so unaware of what was happening he had to hear about it from all the people (unless he chose to ignore it and only was embarrassed that people were talking about it).

And we see how God saw Eli as guilty in this matter by partaking of the stolen meat making himself fat from all the choice meats.  This really is sad.  Here Eli honored his sons above the Lord and caused great damage because of it, damage which would last for generations to come.

Application:

If I really want to honor my family, I must first learn to honor the Lord.  By following closely all His commands and remaining obedient to His ways am I able to really lead my family and bring true honor to my household.  When I get that backwards and allow the immediate wants and needs and behaviors of my kids to run the house I am in danger of really destroying them.  When I am out of godly order and balance in the home everyone suffers.  This is especially true as a leader in ministry.  God has a great vision for my family to walk in His ways and to honor Him.  I have the opportunity to raise a generation who will follow hard after the Lord.

Prayer:

God, help me be the father I need to be.  I pray I wouldn’t lead my family from a place of convenience or laziness.  Give me wisdom and strength to stand up and be the dad I need to be.  Help me to lead by example and to speak into the heart of my children.  May I never put “family loyalty” above my loyalty to you.  May I never be so quick to hide the dysfunctions of my family to the point where it causes damage for generations to come.  Please allow the blessings of walking with you and raising a godly heritage pass on from me to my kids and to their kids and beyond for generations and generations.  Help me to establish a deep family root of godliness in my line.  May the Casteel family be one dedicated to serving You all the days of their lives.  This I pray in Your name-Amen.

Side by side ministry is the best!

Scripture:

Romans 1:11-12

11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Observation:

Paul has so much to pour into the believers.  He is called by Jesus Christ to be His special messenger to the Gentile believers, yet Paul sees the important role the believers play in his own spiritual development.  Paul is not simply bringing the Word of God from a distant, high position.  He is sharing life with his disciples.  This was true with Jesus as well.  Paul puts himself on equal ground (if not on lower ground at times) with those whom he is ministering, never coming in as a mystic or an oracle delivering a message without delivering his own life as well and while valuing what he is receiving from the people.

Application:

I must really evaluate how I think about ministry.  Am I simply doing a job? Ministry without real, vulnerable relationships is not ministry at all.  Ministry starts with love and care for those around me.  I must walk in humility and grace.  It is right to stand on the  authority of God and Scripture, never compromising the truth even if that is offensive to some. But that doesn’t mean I carry some great authority and greatness in an of myself. I am a sinner who has been saved by God’s grace, not by anything of my own doing so that I may not boast.  To lead others is to share life and truth with others.  It’s not all about giving but healthy ministry involves receiving encouragement as well

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving your people to one another.  Help me to minister in such a way that moves beyond the superficial and into real life.  Help me to avoid the “presentation” trap and to really walk in the living life model as seen in Paul and in Christ.  Thank you for making it so simple and real.  Help me to see more opportunities to truly minister your love and truth to those around me.  Amen

Forgiven much? Forgive much!

Scripture:

Luke 7:41-43,47

41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.42 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Observation:

God demonstrates his grace and love to all people.  Some receive it with thanksgiving some reject it.  The one who had a small debt forgiven was not as grateful as the one who had been forgiven much.  He who is forgiven little, loves little.  The reality is, we are all in need of much forgiveness. Unfortunately, instead of acknowledging my need of “much forgiveness” I instead am prone to judge others pointing out their great failures.  Instead of elevating myself to a holier standing before God, this sinful attitude actually keeps me from receiving from the Lord.  Instead of receiving grace and mercy I receive judgment from God in the same manner I have judged others.  I am capable of rejecting the just work of God on my behalf through Jesus Christ.  If I am well (in my own eyes) I am not in need of the good physician.

Application:

I need to be slow to pass judgment and quick to show compassion.  How do I view others in light of what Christ has done for me.  Do I sit at the table with Christ, judging his words and his works to see if I approve of them?  Do I look for ways where I don’t need to apply His word to my own life or am I on the floor worshiping at His feet because of the great burden of sin that has been lifted off of me?  Do I remain cold and judgmental and hard of heart or am I broken before my God deeply grateful for His undeserved mercy?  I need to observe my attitude towards others and recognize where my heart is.

Prayer:

Lord help me to recognize my own sin and misery before You.  Break my heart over my sin and the way I have treated others in my heart.  I’ve been concerned about the condition of others’ life forgetting to look into my own life and see the bounty of wickedness that still remains.  Cleanse me O Lord, make me white as snow.  Thank You for forgiving me “much” may I never forget all You have done on my behalf and help me to extend that mercy and grace towards others, not just those I like, but those for whom it is difficult for me.

This should not be.

Scripture:

Luke 6:46-49

46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?47 “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.49 “But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Observation:

The question posed by Jesus is a deep and convicting question. I can’t call Jesus Lord but not do what he says.  It doesn’t fit.   I’m quick to call Jesus Lord but do I am I fully obedient?  The one who does walk in obedience will stand strong no matter what the adversity.  Am I well built?   But the one who has heard and not acted accordingly immediately collapses in the time of adversity and it caused a great ruin.

Application:

What do I need to do to align my words with my actions?  Am I headed towards a great ruin or am I standing on a solid unmovable foundation?  Leading an undisciplined life, a disobedient life has led to frustration and unaccomplished goals.  To live a life like this is really the epitome of hypocrisy.  I’m quick to say, “Lord, Lord,” but not as quick to obey.  I have filled my life with lots of spiritual talk and church-isms but never truly walking in “the Way”.  That way requires dying to self and letting go of immediate pleasures and instant gratification.  It means learning to say, “No” to what I want right now so I can say “Yes” to what God wants to do in and through my life.

It is the difference between “Be-ing” and “Do-ing”.  If I want to “Be” a man of deep character or if I want to “Be” wealthy and healthy I can’t “Do” whatever I want.  When I’m living in the Doing, I’m constantly selling the Being short for what I want to Do right now.  If I want to Be self-disciplined then when what I want to Do is sleep in, I can’t or else I’ll end up Being lazy, etc. etc.

Prayer:

Lord, I need the complete work of Christ in my life. I can’t even obey correctly.  Thank you for your grace and for working in and through my life.  Please continue to work in and through me.  I ask for your help in letting go of an undisciplined life of “Doing” so I can “Be” who I need to be.  I know this area has to be taken care of if I’m going to enjoy the rewards of a life of real character.  It’s the little choices that make such a big difference.  I don’t want you looking at me and saying, “Why do you call me Lord, but do not do what I say?”  This shouldn’t be!  Help me to walk in obedience today.

Some more salt please

Scripture

Acts 14:19-23

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Jeremiah 23:36-39

36 But you must not mention ‘the oracle of the Lord’ again, because every man’s own word becomes his oracle and so you distort the words of the living God, the Lord Almighty, our God.37 This is what you keep saying to a prophet: ‘What is the Lord’s answer to you?’ or ‘What has the Lord spoken?’38 Although you claim, ‘This is the oracle of the Lord,’ this is what the Lord says: You used the words, ‘This is the oracle of the Lord,’ even though I told you that you must not claim, ‘This is the oracle of the Lord.’39 Therefore, I will surely forget you and cast you out of my presence along with the city I gave to you and your fathers. 40 I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace—everlasting shame that will not be forgotten.”

Mark 9:49-50

49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

Observation:

A life lived for the Lord is pretty…exciting, dangerous, scary, demanding, rewarding..?  The life of the Apostles after Jesus was risen and ascended was so drastically different from their life when Jesus was with them.  They became changed men.  Paul, who strongly persecuted the church became the persecuted (as Jesus said he would show him how much he must suffer for His name). The traveled around strengthening the disciples encouraging them to remain true to the faith.  Contrast that with the wicked prophets Jeremiah is speaking out against. They have the title of someone speaking for the Lord, but they are actually in opposition to God.  They aren’t strengthening the people of God but rather telling them what they want to hear.  They claim everything they say and dream is from the Lord, so much so it becomes a regular part of the speech to ask what God is saying but no one is actually speaking for God.  They are headed for disaster as they run in the opposite direction from God’s true Word.  God judges them for their wickedness.

Application:

We know God will bring fire in our lives.  Everyone will be salted with fire, but what will happen in response.  Do I avoid the hard things of living for the Lord and turn to a bland, unsalted life?  Am I willing to be like the Apostles and truly live for the Lord even in the midst of hardship and trouble?  Or will I be like the prophets of old and build up a wall of false comfort around myself, believing whatever I want to believe is from the Lord?  Do I tell myself the Lord is in this thing and that always speaking for the Lord, never truly listening to the Lord?  What will I be more likely to face: persecution from wicked men or judgment from a righteous God?

Prayer:

Lord, I see how quickly your own people have turned from the truth time and time again.  These false prophets You speak out against are telling themselves whatever they want to hear and claiming the words are from You. The picture of Paul and Barnabas is one of men radically committed to serving God no matter the cost.  Where do I stand Lord?  What am I committed to-comfort or calling?  Forgive me for being like the false prophets so many times.  I am dulling my senses with what makes me feel good. I want to be salty again God.  I want to be salted with the fire of the Living God and see a radical change in my heart and my life.  I have been pursuing my own comfort and feelings?  How do you judge my heart Lord?  How salty am I?  How useful am I to You?

Why am I not filled with joy?

Scripture:

Acts 13:47-52

47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.50 But the Jews incited the God‑fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Observation:

The disciples felt the Lord telling them to set apart Paul and Barnabas for a missionary journey to the Gentiles. In verse 47 it is clear they know their mission, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” – They have a clear mission and they are confident in that mission.  Those whom they are ministering to are filled with joy and turn to the Lord for salvation.  But in the midst of all of this they run into persecution and resistance from the leading Jewish officials and prominent families of that region.  They are basically run out of town and so, like Jesus taught them, they shake the dust off their feet and go on their way “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Application:

Is ministry a joy for me?  Do I have clarity of vision and purpose?  Am I able to see past frustrations and resistance and even persecution because of the clear calling on my heart?  I don’t think so.  I feel I am in a time of uncertainty.  Ministry can become frustrating and unclear.  I am trying to regain vision and purpose but quite honestly I’m not totally sure where I’m supposed to be going.  Unlike the apostles in this situation I don’t have a clear vision.  I am not having a renewed filling of joy and the Holy Spirit.  Instead of being “on purpose” I feel as if I’m wandering a bit.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for allowing me to recognize this and for bringing this to my attention.  When I see the work and the life of the apostles, it is clear how far I am from walking in true dynamic ministry.  I don’t know if that means I need to be on the mission field (although I’m not opposed to that) but I do need to be on mission.  God help me to cut away the things and the attitudes that keep me from being effective and purposeful for you.  Forgive me for falling into discouragement so quickly.  What are the things on my heart that I need to pursue?  What are the time killers and ministry distractions I need to let go of?  I pray for your wisdom and clarity today.  Thank You Lord for all You have done in my life.

What Have I Done With The Word?

Scripture

Mark 4:14-20

14 The farmer sows the word.15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop–thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.”

Observation:

The Word of God is being sown all the time.  How do I respond?  I guess I can look at the fruitfulness in my life.  Is there any fruitfulness?  Can I lose the harvest in my life because I neglect the Word?  Possible responses: 1.  I don’t receive it at all because Satan interferes and the Word makes no root at all in my heart.  2. I receive the Word with joy.  I’m excited about what I hear, but it is a shallow understanding as soon as things get tough I turn from the things of God. 3.  I hear the word and and have a deeper understanding, but I allow other things to grow up with the Word: deceitfulness of wealth and desires for other things choke the Word.  4.  I receive the word accept it and it produces a crop.

Review: my possible responses:

– Satan keeps me from the Word completely

– I’m shallow and not willing to stand on the Word in tough times

– I understand the Word let it grow but allow greed and covetousness grow alongside the Word and choke it’s affect in my life

– I accept it as it is and allow God to totally change me and those around me.

Application:

So, where do I believe I am?  Who knows how many times Satan has blocked God working in my life because of sinfulness and hardness of heart?  Do I abandon the things I know to do as soon as things are hard?  When facing persecution or the fear of persecution or being stretched out of my comfort zone or because of temptation I know I have missed the fruitfulness of God’s Word many times.  What about greed and covetousness?  What is a priority in my life now?  What am I willing to give up to get God’s word in my life?  What comes before God’s Word?  Wow! A lot.  It isn’t hard to see how often I lead a life of comfort and apathy.  It’s easy to get excited but to remain shallow.  It doesn’t take long to fall into building my own self instead of the Kingdom.

Prayer:

God forgive me for having a hard, shallow and weed filled heart so many times.  I pray the true fruitfulness of the Word will take root in my heart.  Help me to love the Word to make time for Your Word and to be willing to be transformed by Your Holy Spirit.  Work in my O Lord I pray.

How Do I Respond?

Scripture:

Joshua 24

14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!

23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”

Observation:

I have read this passage a few times in my life.  I am very familiar with the phrase, “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”  The people were clearly being reminded of their covenant relationship with God.  There was no serving God half way.  He brought them so far and dealt with the previous generation severely for a good purpose.  They had not arrived at a resting place spiritually.  There was still much to do and generations to continue carrying on the legacy as “God’s people.”  This required great faithfulness. God is faithful his people are not. But what can be learned from this?

1 Corinthians 10:6 “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”

Application:

Will I learn from their example?  Am I all talk yet filled with a continual disobedience and lust for sin?  Am I willing to completely cast off idolatry?

Prayer:

Lord, you have saved me by your grace and good pleasure.  I am walking in light because you rescued me from darkness.  What is it you want to accomplish in my life.  How can I walk with confidence like Joshua?  Examine my heart and lead me in your everlasting ways.  I don’t want to be led to your promises only to reject them for wickedness.  Give me strength today and tomorrow to finish the race set before me.

Quickly…when the timing is right.

Scripture:

Isaiah 60:22 The least of you will become a thousand,
the smallest a mighty nation.
I am the Lord;
in its time I will do this swiftly.

Observation:

God, through Isaiah has just made a prophecy about the future glory of Zion.  He is painting a picture of peace and power and stability and strength.  He talks about all the good things His people can expect.  The chapter starts out with “Arise shine for the light has come” which I think is speaking of Jesus, the light of the world coming to redeem men.

God is making great promises about the future of His people.  In the verse above God makes an interesting statement, “I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.”

“I am the Lord…” that gives the promise credibility.  I can trust in the words spoken because they are from the Lord himself.  This promise is established on His character.  But then there is the focus on timing, “in its time I will do this swiftly.”  God is going to bring this about “in its time”.  God’s timing is not always the way I’d like it to be.  I like the “I will do this swiftly” part, but not the “in its time” Usually, now always seems like the best timing.  God will do what he promised and He will act swiftly but only when the timing is right.

I know Jesus Christ has promised to return one day and to set things right.  When He does it I imagine he will move swiftly and powerfully and the whole world will be amazed, but it will happen in its timing, not mine.

Application:

Trust and wait. Do I believe God’s word?  Do I believe His promises?  Can I trust that the Lord is good and faithful to His word?  Yes. What does he have for me today while I wait for his promises to come to pass?  How do I walk in hope and anticipation and in faith while I wait on Him?  I need to walk with him for one.  I need to quit living like God is as far off as all of His promises.  I don’t have to wait until death to be walking with God.  He is with me now and even though it may be some time before I experience all the outward workings of His promises I can enjoy the inward working of His Spirit today.  Besides, walking in the Spirit in the age of the church after knowing Christ IS the fulfillment of His promises long ago.  The prophets looked forward to this time.  I am living in the fulfillment of so many promises.  I need to be a student of the Word so I can rejoice in the promises that have come to pass.  My faith will be built up as I look forward to even greater fulfillment to come.  When I simply live for myself today I miss out in the great things the Lord has done and I miss out on building my faith as I look forward to greater fulfillment ahead.

Prayer:

Lord, increase my faith.  Help me to open the Word with joy and excitement as I celebrate what Your mighty hands have done.  Help me to live out the command in Deuteronomy to talk about the mighty things of God with my children, to bring to memory Your faithfulness.  Help us to let go of the things that don’t matter or are of little importance to have our focus where it should be.  Help us to not forget what has gone before and to look with excitement towards what is yet to come.  Give me a bigger “faith vision” eyes that see the Redemptive hand of God at work in history. Help me to engage more in the discipleship process of my kids so we can walk in faith and love and hope in You.  Change my perspective as I live out my life.  I am living under the loving, sovereign hand of the Mighty God!  Be praised oh Lord today. Amen