worth it?

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1278Ecclesiastes 1:1-3

The epitome of wisdom is to look deeply into the lives of human beings and see the secret that we refuse to accept: most of the things we strive for and worry about are not worth it.  To ask the question of eternal value is to slap human history in the face.  Yet, to be honest to God and ourselves, we must ask it.  The Preacher had lots of time and money, so he delved deeply into life.  He tried to satisfy every urge, and explore every possibility.  In the end, he found all the answers he was looking for – but was left with a nagging question: is it worth it? 

LORD, help us to find our purpose in your.

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red barrens

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1277Micah 7:1-13

When I lived in Maine, I enjoyed looking on the bright red blueberry barrens, after harvest.  It was an awesome sight to see miles of crimson bushes.  Yet, it meant that there was no fruit left. The berries had already been harvested.  This is how Micah saw his people.  There was no righteousness left, no fruit for his master.  Even his loved ones – even the one who lies in his arms – everyone was asking him where God was.  Micah chose to wait for the LORD to reappear.

LORD, make us people who trust you, who dare to wait for you to show up, even when everyone around us is denying your existence.

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trophy wives

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1231Proverbs 31:10-31

King Lemuel lived in a world (much like ours) where women were usually seen as objects to be used and looked at.  His mother taught him better.  She taught him to look for a wife of true excellence.  The real trophy wives are the ones who do good for others: their husbands, their kids, the needy around them.  They spend their lives not on vain things, but on helping others, because they fear the LORD.

LORD, give us the wisdom to choose, or be – real trophy wives.

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case closed

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1230Micah 6

The LORD calls on his people to prepare their case, and he will argue his.  He had established his nation in order to declare his glory, but they had shamed him.  All the animal sacrifices in the world cannot atone for that.  The LORD simply wanted his people to do good works – to be just, kind, and humble before him.  That would bring him glory.  Instead, they followed their corrupt kings and filled the land with deceit and violence.  Case closed.  Punishment deserved.

LORD, we want to bring glory to your name.  Teach us how to be fair, kind, and humble before your greatness.

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bucket list

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1219Proverbs 30:1-31:9

Agur’s bucket list is simple.  Hew does not ask for a bunch of stuff because he knows that stuff does not satisfy.  He asks for character that lives above reproach.  To be honest and “normal” is to fulfill one’s destiny as a human being.

LORD, give us honest words and righteous character.  This is what we ask for.

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full story

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1217Micah 5

When the Messiah comes, his rescued people will no longer need battle preparations, but will live in peace in their own land.  They will also participate in his dominion of the nations.  This Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, and will be great to the ends of the earth.  Micah combines aspects of Christ’s first and second comings.  He sees the Lord’s advents from a distance.  The LORD also sees our lives that way.  He sees the struggles you now face in the present.  But he also sees your eternal victory in the future.  He believes in you because he loves you.  And he also knows the full story.

LORD,  give us the insight to believe in our full story.

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neck exercise

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1501Proverbs 29

A stiff neck is one that refuses to move, even when there is cause for it.  This is how the sages described a person who was rebuked many times for engaging in destructive behavior, yet never changed.  Perhaps some of your friends have been pointing out a need in your own life for a change.  Perhaps you are hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting you to do so.  Listen!  Turn before it is too late.  A neck broken beyond healing is death.

LORD, forgive us for our stubbornness.  Help us o change.

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gathering the assembly

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1504Micah 4

This promise needs to be read in the context of the threat from the LORD in Micah 3.  Mt. Zion must first be reduced to rubble in judgment, then the LORD will restore it and make it into the mount where people come to learn about him and his ways.  The LORD will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away. God has only one assembly that he gathers from among the nations.  Are you his?

LORD, we submit to your judgment for our sins.  Redeem us – those you had cast off.  restore your kingdom, LORD.

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sharpening friends

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1229Proverbs 27-28

One of the tests of real friendship is the courage to rebuke when your friend needs it.  We are all fallible, and the LORD sometimes calls on us to point out the rough spots in the lives of those closest to us.  If we have built a relationship that ensures our friends of our faithfulness both to the LORD and to them, they will understand where our criticism comes from.  But we have to risk it, even if they do not understand.

LORD, give us the love for our friends to sharpen them when they need it.  Also, give us the wisdom to accept sharpening when our friends need to rebuke us.

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plowing Jerusalem

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1228Micah 3

Micah spoke out against a corrupt leadership.  The priests, prophets and political heads were stirring up the people to war against those who refused to give them tribute or bribes.  As such, they were devouring their people.  The greed and violence was so prominent that the LORD had determined to plow the whole city of Jerusalem like a field.  God cannot stand it when people who call themselves by his name take advantage of each other for their own profit.  He will judge them.

LORD, forgive us for making choices on the basis of selfish gain.  Teach us to deal honorably with each other because we are yours.

Posted in church, consideration of others, greed, leadership | Tagged | Leave a comment