iTrain30

Reading for Day 30
September 30

Col. 4:16-18
Psalm 25:1-15
Prov. 6:6-11

Psalm 25:4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.

I think this is a great summary prayer. My desire truly is for God to show me the right path. This would be true for me personally including, shat I think, who I am and what I do. This would be true as I live out the different roles of my life; husband, father, son, brother, friend, pastor. To see a prayer like this in scripture assures me that God does show the right path and the right road to those who are seeking.

I pray that this 30 days of devotion will not end here. The reason for this exercise was to establish the personal discipline of a daily quiet time. Thank you for coming along this journey with me.

iTrain30

Reading for Day 29
September 29

Col. 4:7-15
Psalm 24:1-10
Prov. 6:1-5

Paul closes out the book of Colossians by mentioning 9 fellow workers by name. Paul is not shy about the love he has for these people. He sends Tychicus to find out about them. He describes Tychicus as a beloved brother, a faithful minister and a fellow servant. He then goes on to mention Onesimus and describes him as a faithful and beloved brother. He goes on to talk about the others and how there is this interconnected concern that is expressed not only in letters but through constant prayers for each other. Paul values people and relationships.

This passage reminds me that the people God has put around me are important and I should not take this blessing for granted. The greatest fellowship we have is with those who join us in serving the Lord. God is so good to surround me with great people. I truly love them and thank God for the great fellowship we enjoy.

God often brings people to my mind for prayer. Emails are a great way for me to pray for special requests. Our prayers for each other really do make a difference.

Well we have almost made to the end of our iTrain exercise. I have very much enjoyed this. I hope this has helped to establish your more firmly in your discipline of daily personal devotion. It has helped me stay on track personally. Your comments have been great to read. I don’t know that I have ever been a part of a personal devotion group like this before. I loved it. Thanks for coming along on this journey. I will miss this when we are done.

Reading for Day 30
September 30

Col. 4:16-18
Psalm 25:1-15
Prov. 6:6-11

iTrain30

Reading for Day 28
September 28

Col. 4:1-6
Psalm 23:1-6
Prov. 5:22-23

There is something amazing about Psalm 23. The idea of having God shepherd us is very securing. His promise is to provide all we need, green pastures and calm waters. He renews strength and leads us down right paths. The darkest valleys of life may scare us but He promises to walk with us. He will tap us with his staff to correct and guide us. There is great comfort from the rod’s constant nudging because it means my Shepherd is still with me. I can deal with the conflict of enemies and find peace in the middle of it all to sit down to a banquet. He blesses me to the point that my cup runs over. And surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Now that brings me a great sense of security when I face the uncertainty of the future. How great is it to have a God who is this involved in my life. A God who cares enough to do all this for me. This Psalm is surely one that deserves to be memorized. That way it can go with me everywhere.

Reading for Day 29
September 29

Col. 4:7-15
Psalm 24:1-10
Prov. 6:1-5

iTrain30

Reading for Day 27

September 27

Col. 3:18-25
Psalm 22:19-31
Prov. 5:15-21

Reading through Colossians 3 we discover a new life and a new focus.

When we come to Christ some radical things take place. All of a sudden we are not helpless to navigate life with our power alone. In fact, the entrance of this new power is described as putting off the old man and his ways and putting on the new man.

This new man thinks differently and is like the one who created us. This is no simple revision of who we are. The difference is described like this, we died and are now hidden in Christ. This is new life.

We are also given a new focus. Ordinary things we do and say are to be done in the name of Jesus. These ordinary things if done with this new focus can be done not only for the people around us but for the Lord Christ. So when I love my wife and parent my kids I do it for them but I should also know that doing a good job in these areas also pleases the Lord. He wants me to be a great husband and father. When I do the ordinary jobs that go with my weekly tasks I do them for the Lord. The mundane, ordinary and sometimes tedious and routine things can take on greater meaning when I remember that I do them for the Lord. So how do I serve the Lord? I serve the Lord in everything I do. God wants me to get it right and to be the best I can be and when I do this, I am serving the Lord.

God leads me to be all I can be everywhere I am. This is something to think about.

Reading for Day 28
September 28

Col. 4:1-6
Psalm 23:1-6
Prov. 5:22-23

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Reading for Day 26
September 26

Col. 3:1-17
Psalm 22:1-18
Prov. 5:7-14

Written hundreds of years before Christ Psalm 22 weaves together amazing details that later appear as part of the story of Jesus.

“My God, My God why have you forsaken me.” These words of Jesus on the cross are in fact a quote from this passage. There are details that fulfill the prophecies in this passage. He was despised, mocked, his heart melted, bones were out of joint. One of the amazing attention getters of the Bible are the details of the life of Christ clearly recorded hundreds of years before they were acted out in His life. The plan had been clearly laid. The fulfillment of the details proves that there was a divine plan. Jesus was who he said he was.

Within this Psalm are so many common human experiences. There is the question that goes up to God, “Why have you forsaken me.” The silence of God is something we all have experienced in our lives. When we get to those times, Jesus understands. Jesus understood what it was like to be despised and mocked. He understands physical pain and hurt. He is an intercessor who can understand us.

The amazing thing about Jesus is that while He was God He chose to endure these tough experiences in order to save mankind. This is why we love Jesus. He paid for us. He understands us. We can look to Him as our Savior. That is why I love Him so much.

Reading for Day 27
September 27

Col. 3:18-25
Psalm 22:19-31
Prov. 5:15-21

iTrain30

Reading for Day 25
September 25

Col. 2:16-23
Psalm 21:1-13
Prov. 5:1-6

NOT RULE KEEPING BUT LOVING THE ONE WHO RULES

Colossians speaks to the tendency within us to shift our focus from the living Christ to rules and regulations. We are very prone to develop and impose rules and from there we judge who is spiritual and who is not. We also grow to believe that our source of spiritual strength and growth comes from our ability to keep the rules. The truth is that we grow when we are nourished by Christ.

“For we are joined together in his body by his strong sinews, and we grow only as we get our nourishment and strength from God.”

Getting our nourishment from Christ is about a living relationship.

One area that illustrates this truth for me has been this idea of daily Bible reading and devotion. I can so easily move from an attitude where I am seeking God and wanting to know Him better into a kind of “get the reading done so I can feel good about myself”. Now the discipline of personal devotion is a great thing, but it can loose its power when we shift the focus from seeking God to fulfilling our duty. I guess it all comes down to the heart issue of why we are doing what we do. Now this is not to say that we can violate the clearly established boundaries of righteousness if we don’t feel like doing what is right. We just need to remember that we grow not from rule keeping but from learning to love the one who rules.

Reading for Day 26
September 26

Col. 3:1-17
Psalm 22:1-18
Prov. 5:7-14

iTrain30

Reading for Day 24
September 24

Col. 2:6-15
Psalm 20:1-9
Prov. 4:20-27

I love bleach. Cleaning the kitchen I love to take out the cleanser with bleach and sprinkle it out over the dirty, stained sink. And then like magic before my eyes, the ugly stains fade away and the sink is beautifully clean again.

So what is the solution for the dirty stains in our lives that come as a result of sin? Colossians puts it so well.

Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

And the place of cleansing is clearly stated. All of the ugliness of our sin was nailed to the cross and we are forgiven.

God paid so much for us. Sin is that ugly and He loves us that much.

Reading for Day 25
September 25

Col. 2:16-23
Psalm 21:1-13
Prov. 5:1-6

iTrain30

Reading for Day 23
September 23

Col. 1:24 - Col. 2:5
Psalm 19:1-14
Prov. 4:14-19

Psalm 19 is so fascinating. It starts with the general revelation of God through the creation, verses 1-7. It then goes to the special revelation of God through the Bible, verses 8-11. Lastly it goes on to talk about the personal revelation that comes to us through the work of the Holy Spirit, verses 12-14.

So to apply this Psalm, I will look up into the blue sky and take notice of the beautiful green trees whose leaves are starting to turn color. The more I read about the intricate design of creation the more I marvel at the handiwork of God.

Then I will take time to read the Bible. I want to have my soul converted, to become wise, to rejoice deep within and to have my eyes enlightened. It is truly more valuable than gold.

Lastly, I will meditate on what I read and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work of personal application within me. I know that it takes God’s work to help hidden things get rooted out and dealt with.

Lastly, I come to one of my most prayed prayers. A prayer in times of weakness, of temptation, or to start the day off right.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

God reaches out to me in the big picture of creation. He speaks very clearly through His Word. He also speaks so personally to me as I meditate on scripture in His presence. Thank God for these truths.

Reading for Day 24
September 24

Col. 2:6-15
Psalm 20:1-9
Prov. 4:20-27

iTrain30

Reading for Day 22
September 22

Col. 1:15-23
Psalm 18:37-50
Prov. 4:11-13

Col. 1:3-6 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

Last night in our small group we did as we usually do, divide the men and women for a time of prayer. We shared what our weeks had been like and then naturally went into what concerns we needed others to pray with us about. Sometimes the requests are very specific. Other times they are general conerns; family, finances, health or relationships. There are even those very personal needs that are represented by something like “an unspoken prayer need”. The great thing is that while people share according to their level of comfort, everyone declares they need the prayers of others. There is a unity, a compassion, a concern, a bearing of each others burdens that feels a lot live loving each other.

Paul in the first few verses of Colossians kind of declares the starting point of their fellowship.

We all begin by thanking our Lord Jesus Christ who is the reason we are even together. No one has touched us so deeply, given so much, changed our lives so profoundly and given us hope like Jesus Christ. Our relationship with Christ is the starting point. Someone who loves me, loves you. Someone I love, you love and so that makes us love each other.

I look up to Jesus and across the table at you and can’t help but want to pray for you.

When I hear of your faith – I am inspired. Some of the greatest expressions of faith I hear come from people who are still in the middle of some trial or difficulty. They may still be confused and struggling to understand what God and is doing and why He is allowing something, but they are still holding on in faith. When they begin to share what they are learning I gain new perspectives and in some way, learn right along with them. When they give thanks for what troubles them, I see a peace that passes understanding demonstrated before my eyes. We pray for things to change and the trouble to pass, but we are not discouraged because their faith in God and trust in Him somehow gets showcased more profoundly in the middle of it all.

And then the hope of heaven shows up in our prayers as well. It hurts to see people loose a love one to death. Our hearts hurt and we grieve right with them. But we also experience a fresh and powerful grace because of the hope of heaven.

What Paul writes about many years ago still shows us in my small group. We must be on a good path.

Reading for Day 23
September 23

Col. 1:24 - Col. 2:5
Psalm 19:1-14
Prov. 4:14-19

iTrain30

Reading for Days 21, 22, 23

September 21

Col. 1:1-14
Psalm 18:16-36
Prov. 4:7-10

September 22

Col. 1:15-23
Psalm 18:37-50
Prov. 4:11-13

September 23

Col. 1:24 - Col. 2:5
Psalm 19:1-14
Prov. 4:14-19

I apologize for dropping the ball yesterday. It was a day that began early and continued until I dropped into bed. It was only after an early morning meeting today that I realized forgetting to post yesterday. The readings for today and tomorrow are posted above. I will have more to say later today.

iTrain30

Reading for Day 20
September 20

Eph. 6:10-20
Psalm 18:1-15
Prov. 4:1-6

One of the great things about fall is the high school football games. A couple of Fridays ago was Robert's first home game. The girls and James and I were excited to watch the game.




The one thing about playing football is that you can't play the game and not expect to get hit. Even the way the players are dressed makes it clear that everyone has to be ready to be tackled. You can't get on the field without the pads and the helmet. It is just part of the plan. It is amazing to watch the football players take hit after hit and get up and keep playing. They can do this because they have the mindset to get ready for the hit. They have gone through the conditioning and they are wearing the right equipment.

Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that we are all on the team and we need to get ready for the game. Only this is more than a game, it is a war. And so he leads out with "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." He prepares our mindset by telling us in advance that we are going to have to get ready for the hits from the devil. He tells us to be strong, get conditioned and be ready for the struggle. Lastly, he tells us to put on the uniform, the armor of God.

Sometimes, I forget that life is not a picnic but rather a battleground. We can make it if we can be "strong in the Lord" and in the "power of His might". We are not left alone to fend for ourselves. Christ lends us His power and strength. We can survive and win the challenges because of who stands with us.

Reading for Day 21
September 21

Col. 1:1-14
Psalm 18:16-36
Prov. 4:7-10

iTrain30

Reading for Day 19
September 19

Eph. 6:1-9
Psalm 17:1-15
Prov. 3:33-35

Where do we go when we are stuck in the lonely spot of being unjustly criticized and condemned? We may be moved by our emotions in the wrong directions of unhealthy talk or even vengeance. David as he models so often in the Psalm goes to God. God knows the truth. There is nothing hidden from Him. One of the greatest things David shows us is honesty and transparency in the presence of God. In verse one David talks about being honest with himself in the presence of God.

“Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.”

Sorting through the expressed falsehoods and accusations that go with this kind of experience is tough and yet vital. David continues with

“You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing amiss, for I am determined not to sin in what I say.”

What criticisms are true, where did I go wrong, what do I need to correct and what are untruths. To honestly evaluate things is tough. It is also an effort to not allow the lies to stick inside of us. Where do we go for justice? Who can be our advocate? Who knows the truth? David processes these things in the only place of real justice, God’s presence. And there he gains strength as he requests to be guarded like the apple of God's eye. Now it seems a bit presumptuous to ask to be the apple of God’s eye. And yet that is a wonderful truth that we need to claim. We are precious to God. We do matter to Him. We are the apple of His eye. And this can be very strengthening when we are being attacked. Our enemies see no value in us. David boldly asks to be guarded as the apple of God’s eye. David finds refuge from the chaos of all of this in the shadow of God’s wings. When the rest of the world misjudges us we can be at peace in the shadow of God’s wings. When you think of it, God’s opinion of the situation and us matters more than any other. To sense His favor and vindication can give us grace to respond supernaturally. The most vital relationship we have is our relationship to God.

Reading for Day 20
September 20

Eph. 6:10-20
Psalm 18:1-15
Prov. 4:1-6

iTrain30

Reading for Day 18
September 18

Eph. 5:22-33
Psalm 16:1-11
Prov. 3:27-32

As I read Ephesians today I am struck by the active role God plays in the church and in our lives subsequently. This passage gives us amazing insight into the heart of God regarding the church. I don't read that Christ scolds the church, tolerates the church, is disappointed by the church. What I do read is that Christ loved the Church. He gave Himself for her so that He could sanctify and cleanse her. Christ is actively working to remove any spot or wrinkle so that we can be presented holy and without blemish. So God is working in us. He takes great interest in His Church. He works to purify and cleanse the church - admittedly a big and ongoing job. But because of His love for the Church, He is willing to do this. I also read that the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church. He considers us part of His body and flesh and bones. What a commitment to the church. Sometimes we can grow the believe that church is all about what we are doing and we pray for God to bless it. Really, it is more about what God is doing.

• So Christ loves the Church.
• Christ is not turned away by the spots and wrinkles. These blemishes do not cause Him to turn away. They actually move Him to action. He is very committed to making us presentable.
• Christ nourishes - or gives us what we need to grow.
• We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

We are in a dynamic and hope-filled relationship with Christ. He loves His Church. We can expect God to be at work our of His great love and that is great news.

Reading for Day 19
September 19

Eph. 6:1-9
Psalm 17:1-15
Prov. 3:33-35

iTrain30

Reading for Day 17
September 17

Eph. 5:1-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Prov. 3:21-26

This past week in our small groups we studied about the Bible. One of the things that proves that God inspired the writing of scripture is the "internal consistency" of the Bible. As we have been reading small portions from the New Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs we have had a chance to see how consistent the message of the Bible really is.

In Psalms we hear about dwelling in the God's holy hill. In Ephesians we are instructed to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God wants a relationship with us. Proverbs echo's the call to right living that is found in both Psalms and Ephesians. Sometimes we overlook the fact that these same themes are repeated with great consistency through the Bible. The reason for this, God Himself wrote the Bible. He used different men at different times in different circumstances and still the major themes are consistent. We always meet a God committed to righteousness. A God who reaches out to mankind with compassion. This is great stuff. We can have confidence when we read.

Reading for Day 18
September 18

Eph. 5:22-33
Psalm 16:1-11
Prov. 3:27-32

iTrain30

Reading for Day 16
September 16

Eph. 4:17-32
Psalm 14:1-7
Prov. 3:19-20

There is something great about buying and wearing a new shirt. Old shirts get stained, torn, nubby, faded and just not so good. I like the look and feel of a new shirt. I love this passage in Ephesians. To think that it is possible to PUT OFF THE OLD MAN and to PUT ON THE NEW MAN is just amazing. This passage is one of the most practical, convicting and hope-filled sections of scripture. We don't have to be dominated by the old nature. The lusts of our flesh that lead us wrong decisions. There are several simple and yet life changing commands.

• Stop the lying and speak the truth.
• Be angry and do not sin. Anger does not have to dominate us.
• Don't let the sun go down on your wrath. Cindy and I agreed when we got married that we would never go to sleep mad at each other. By God's grace, we have been blessed by this simple decision. No grudge holding or silent treatment that lasts for days. Simple accounting, everything goes back to zero everyday. Grace pours out and covers it all. I know this is God's work and rejoice in His gift.
• No stealing, but hard work. Not getting what we did not earn but the goal of earning enough to give. What a change in focus. Transformed from takers to givers.
  
• No corrupt communication. This is kind of a blanket statement that overcomes any legalistic list of words not to say. The goal is to let words be about building up not bringing down.
• Get rid of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, mean spirited words and malice.
• Be all about kindness and forgiving. We are not perfect and from time to time sparks will fly. While our old man wants to fight, and hold on to hurt and anger, God leads us to a great door of freedom and renewed fellowship. A simple word with big effects - forgive. Just like Christ has forgiven us. None of this is easy, but what a git to have the hope of living above the fray.

One of the most stirring verses is 30, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God". God wants great things for us. When we live lessor lives than what He wants to give us, we loose and He is grieved for us. God has a profound sadness for us when we don't take advantage of the NEW MAN.

I remember that there came a time in my life when one of the greatest motivations was to please my parents. To look in their eyes and see they were disappointed in me hurt. And so today, I confess where I have gone wrong and ask God to give me His supernatural strength to put on this NEW MAN.

And so it serves us well to ask the Holy Spirit each day if there is something that grieved Him and make it right and ask for His help.

Reading for Day 17

September 17

Eph. 5:1-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Prov. 3:21-26

iTrain30

Reading for Day 15
September 15

Eph. 4:1-16
Psalm 13:1-6
Prov. 3:16-18

I really appreciate what Gary Brown had to say about his friend. I would like to remind you of his comment.

I asked a good friend of mine after Christmas once if he got "everything his heart desired for Christmas," and with a gentle smile he responded, "I already have it." We have the greatest treasure, already, through Christ and His word (forgiveness and eternal life)! No need to search for fulfillment in things (stuff), etc.--Thank you Lord!

What a great expression of Proverbs 3:13-18.

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her."

His words give testimony to the truth of these verses. Wisdom is where it is at; happiness, our desires satisfied, length of days, riches and honor, pleasantness and peace. This pursuit of God with a willingness to learn and change and to be transformed by Him is what we are doing through this iTrain30 exercise. I want to thank those of you who are with me on this journey. I am encouraged by your comments and inspired by your insight.

As I think about my children and the people I love it dawned on me that pretty much that this passage is what I hope for them. In brief, I pray that they will go after Wisdom.

Reading for Day 16
September 16

Eph. 4:17-32
Psalm 14:1-7
Prov. 3:19-20

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Reading for Day 14

September 14

Eph. 3:14-20
Psalm 12:1-8
Prov. 3:13-15

Ephesians 3:20-21 is one my most often recited verses. I often pray this verse back to God as I dream for our Church. I dream of the building filled all the way to the balcony. If I was going to dream big, I would ask for God to use us to reach people with the gospel and then see the chain of evangelism reach within their families and friends. I have seen God do this recently in a family who is in our church. My big dream is that this story would be repeated hundreds of times. If I dream big about my family, I pray that my children would walk close to the Lord and serve Him great passion and carry the message into the next generation. And so I will go to bed with this verse on my mind and will probably recite it before I get out of bed tomorrow morning. He is a God who is that powerful.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

"Lord come and manifest your presence among us. Do your work through us. Let us be your church. Let us raise up a godly generation to keep the message of your great love and wonderful salvation going."

Reading for Day 15

September 15

Eph. 4:1-16
Psalm 13:1-6
Prov. 3:16-18

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Reading for Day 13

September 13

Eph. 3:1-13
Psalm 11:1-7
Prov. 3:11-12

Do you ever feel like up is down and down is up in our world? The morality that our culture once acknowledged seems to be getting challenged at every turn. It very much feels like foundational truths are collapsing. When we talk about the Biblical truths that guides our lives we seem out of touch and old fashioned. It is easy to feel intimidated because many times we are in the minority. Psalm 11 reassures us that the Lord still rules from heaven, from His holy Temple. He is still in charge and His ways are right.

The tragedy is that the further our culture gets from the truth that God has established, the more pain, suffering and desperation will be experienced in our world. This is a great opening for us to be the light in the darkness. Our challenge is to be this light with grace and love.

Reading for Day 14

September 14

Eph. 3:14-20
Psalm 12:1-8
Prov. 3:13-15

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Reading for Day 12

September 12

Eph. 2:11-22
Psalm 10:16-18
Prov. 3:9-10

Hearing from the Lord is a funny thing. Sometimes you read and it comes so easily. The words on the page of your Bible seem to go bold and italics all at the same time. The word captures your thoughts, heart and spirit in a flash. Other times you read and while the power of the word is not diminished, there is not a great moment of inspiration. You may have had one of those times since starting our iTrain exercise. Today, I kind of had one of those moments. My greatest moment of inspiration really came with yesterday's reading and it is still has me. So I will start there.

Ephesians 2 starts with one of the greatest descriptions of human beings. We are either dead or alive. Jesus made us ALIVE. We were dead in trespasses and sins, trapped in the sinful thoughts and actions and having a spirit of disobedience. And then we met the grace of God. God who is rich in mercy and motivated by His great love saved us. FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED. And because of love and mercy and grace we sit together with Christ Jesus. Jesus now shows us the "exceeding riches of His grace". We are overwhelmed by His kindness. Now that is something to celebrate.

I pray that we will be aware of His kindness today.

Reading for day 13
September 13

Eph. 3:1-13
Psalm 11:1-7
Prov. 3:11-12

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Reading for Day 11
September 11

Eph. 2:1-10
Psalm 10:1-15
Prov. 3:7-8

It is September 11. This is a day that we are reminded that we live in a world of evil. Psalm 10 talks about the burden of evil that every generation since the fall has had to deal with. We are no exception. This Psalm begins with "Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?" When evil prevails we struggle. And then in verse 14 the writer takes a turn in his thoughts. He remembers that in fact God has seen and is active against evil. "But You have seen, for You, observe trouble and grief, To repay it by Your hand." God is not aloof and uninterested. He does see and observes trouble and grief and He cares.

Watching the coverage of the memorial ceremonies today, the camera picked up a mother hugging her son who would have been in his early teens. This boy lost a loved one when he was very young. Today as he remembered, the tears would not stop flowing as he held on to his mother and wiped the tears that would not stop. God saw that also. I am not certain, but assume that this boy most likely lost his father. This Psalm goes on to declare that God is a helper of the fatherless. Today God is watching and today, God is the helper we need. I thank God that He has limited the onslaught of evil since September 11, 2001. There have not been other September 11 days for our nation. This is evidence of the goodness of God to hold back evil. I pray for our President, the Vice-President, Cabinet, our military and other leaders of our nation. They carry bigger burdens for us than we often call to mind. Thank God for his blessing America.

Reading for Day 12

September 12

Eph. 2:11-22
Psalm 10:16-18
Prov. 3:9-10

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Reading for Day 10

September 10

Eph. 1:15-23
Psalm 9:13-20
Prov. 3:1-6

Sometimes our prayers for people can be shallow. We often use the phrase, “and bless” so and so. Our prayers for each other can be taken up with important, but kind of temporal requests for money, health, relationship problems and the like. It is so interesting to read exactly how Paul prayed for these saints in Ephesus. These are not the run of the mill prayer topics. They run deep – here are some of them.

Paul gives thanks and then asks for the following:

• That they would have the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
• That they eyes of their understanding would be enlightened.
• That they would know what is the hope of His calling.
• That they would know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance as saints.
• That they would know the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe. This is the power that raised Jesus at the resurrection and then elevated Him to the right hand of the Father above all principality and power and might and dominion and above every name in this age and in the ages to come.
• This power is in Christ and the focus of Christ is the Church. We are the Church and we are His body.

Now today I am going to pray this prayer for you and our Church. How about if you we all pray for our spouses, children this way. Pick out a few people in church and pray this prayer for them. Then lets all pray for our Church. This is the key to our Church being all God would want us to be.

Dear God, I thank you for my wife and children, my church family. Now God I pray that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened. What a great thing this kind of supernatural enlightening would be for my kids and for all of us. I pray that we would all be more aware of the hope of Your calling. Your calling is not a burden, but it is the source of our great hope. God help us all to know and remember that we have been adopted into Your family and ours are riches of glory – an inheritance that is amazing. God help us to have a greater awareness of Your power in our lives and in our Church. Amen.

Reading for Day 11

September 11

Eph. 2:1-10
Psalm 10:1-15
Prov. 3:7-8

iTrain30

Reading for Day 9

September 9

Eph. 1:1-14
Psalm 9:1-12
Prov. 2:16-22

Have you ever had fickle friends? You know they get a plan going and invite you to go along. Your anticipation and excitement builds and then at the last minute they tell you that there is not room for you. Sorry. Sometimes people you love and grow to trust stop loving you. They change their mind about you and it hurts. It also leaves us with a new insecurity. People who have been abandoned, betrayed or just forgotten often have a hard time trusting.

Ephesians 1 is a beautiful passage where we see this love of God directed toward us as something that is not going to change. The spiritual blessings God directs toward us through Jesus Christ are not temporary or changeable. We have been CHOSEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, we have "according to the good pleasure of His will" been adopted. I love the “good pleasure of His will” because that means that God wants us. It is not just a sense of duty but there is this divine enthusiasm to adopt us. We are also ACCEPTED in the Beloved. Acceptance is something we all long for. And so if God’s accepts me what more can there be. It may hurt when people don’t accept us, but somehow since God has accepted me I can survive. The rich language goes on and on in this passage.

What I take away from this is a great sense of security in my relationship with God. He did not choose me on a whim that will pass. I am part of His eternal plan of the ages. This relationship I have with God is firmly established. I can trust and rest and rejoice in this. This is great stuff.

Reading for Day 10

September 10

Eph. 1:15-23
Psalm 9:13-20
Prov. 3:1-6

iTrain30 – I want to thank those of you who take time to offer a comment or just say that you are reading. This has been a great experience for me personally. There is something very amazing about having personal time with the Lord, knowing that others are there with me. The accountability and encouragement is great.

If you have gotten sidetracked, I encourage you to jump back on board. If you are just beginning, welcome.

iTrain30

Reading for Day 8

September 8

Phil. 4:10-23
Psalm 8:1-9
Prov. 2:6-15

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” There are a lot of reasons to need to remember this verse. There are times I have to do things I have never done before. There are times when I have to do things I don’t like. There are times I have to do things that are hard. There are times when I have to do things and I am tired. To think that Christ is at my side to give me strength makes a big difference.

This comes the same day that Psalm 8 reminds us of how great God is. And to think that God is mindful of man is amazing. And then in Philippians this God sends Christ and He gives us strength in all things.

A great God who is mindful of us and personally involved in giving strength for whatever comes our way. Life in relationship with God is the best.

Reading for Day 9

September 9

Eph. 1:1-14
Psalm 9:1-12
Prov. 2:16-22

Today I went up to Kansas City to speak at a Pastor's Fellowship Meeting. Joey Candillo was the host pastor. He shared his testimony of how he was in prison and walked into hear a chaplain. He described how a great guilt came over him and he began to cry. The chaplain shared the gospel and asked if anyone wanted to be forgiven. He went forward and prayed for forgiveness and he described how he got up from his knees and felt as if a weight of bricks had been lifted. He said everything changed. He smiled so much the prison authorities asked him what kind of drug he was on. After getting out of prison he went to Eastside Baptist and asked Pastor Otis Nixdorf if he could attend church there. From there he went to BBC. After college he started a church in the inner city of KC. There was a Baptist Church near them that had dwindled down to 15 members. They approached Joey about merging churches and the rest is history. We met in that church today. It is a historic turn of the century building. Amazing how God works. He is mindful of us and gives strength to those who are in Christ.

iTrain30

Day 7
September 7

Phil. 4:1-9
Psalm 7:1-17
Prov. 2:1-5

Before we go to our iTrain discussion, I just want to thank God for the great day we had this Friend Day at High Street. I loved walking around church and being introduced to the friends who had been invited. Some people made decisions to accept Jesus Christ. There is nothing sweeter than that. We also enjoyed a wonderful time during the “Cardboard Testimony Parade”. It is amazing how profound summary statements of how God has made a difference in our lives scribbled on simple cardboard can be. I was truly blessed to be able to celebrate God’s goodness with others. No doubt the witness presented will continue to impact people in the coming days and weeks.

Philippians 4:1-9 is one of the riches passages.

It is clear that Paul loves the people he is writing. He begins to give some important instructions.In rapid fire fashion he reminds us of the following:

• Move toward unity.
• Help each others move toward unity.
• We are all fellow workers and our names are in the Book of Life
• Rejoice always. This is important – rejoice.
• Be gentle – The Lord is at hand. God is watching every conversation and encouter and He is looking for gentleness.
• Don’t worry. Pray with thanksgiving – this is the way to let peace guard your heart.
• Be careful what you think about.

These few statements put into practice could revolutionize our lives. I need to give them all more attention.

Reading for Day 8

September 8

Phil. 4:10-23
Psalm 8:1-9
Prov. 2:6-15

iTrain30

Reading for Day 6
September 6

Phil. 3:12-21
Psalm 6:1-10
Prov. 1:29-33

When I was in Bible College, I would see some of my hero Pastors and assume that they had made it. They had it all together, the struggles were passed. Like a 5 Star General reaches this highest rank they had made it to spiritual maturity and would be able to coast on into eternity. One of my greatest disappointments is that life never gets us to a place where all is well and we are perfect. I find Philippians 3:12-21 to be one of the most encouraging passages in scripture. First because Paul is so real. He admits that he, the great Apostle, had not reached perfection. Secondly, his struggles, failures and disappointments do not send him into a tailspin of discouragement or depression. Thirdly, he remains hopeful and forwardly focused. He kept his focus straight ahead. He would stay in the struggle and held on to hope. God was still working, the plan was still ongoing. He would lean into the struggle "press hard" with confidence knowing that God was helping him. God had a plan and it would be worked out in his life. Lastly, he stays future focused. Unlike those who were earthly minded he lived as a citizen of heaven. He looked forward to the future transformations that Jesus Christ would accomplish. Paul was a real person and a great man of faith. Nothing kept him down.

A positive attitude that flows from these scriptural truths is very powerful. I need to be more like that. So where I see sin and failure in myself, I will confess my sin and keep pressing forward toward the plan of God in my life. If I keep moving forward I cannot be defeated. What a great truth to meditate on today.

Reading for Day 7
September 7

Phil. 4:1-9
Psalm 7:1-17
Prov. 2:1-5

FRIEND DAY IS TOMORROW. I am so encouraged by the buzz that I am hearing. People have invited friends and there is a sense of great expectation that I have not seen before. We need to make our final phone calls and visits. Please set aside a moment and pray for our service tomorrow. If you can, sit with your spouse, kids or a friend and ask God to bless our service tomorrow. The Gospel will go out in several ways. The cardboard testimony parade is very powerful. Aaron Cavin has been doing a great job this week. He will present the gospel in his message. We are moving in obedience to be witnesses and surely God is pleased with High Street.

iTrain30

Reading for Day 5
September 5

Phil. 3:1-11
Psalm 5:1-12
Prov. 1:24-28

My brother was talking to one of his teachers one day about the simple gift of salvation that comes through faith alone in Jesus Christ. His teacher had been for many years devoted to her religion (a Christian religion). She had built the rituals and routines of her church into her life in a way that included a lot of dedication and sacrifice. She was intrigued with her student’s simple understanding of salvation in Jesus and the confidence and assurance of salvation that included heaven and an eternity with God. After all her efforts she did not have assurance and confidence. After a thoughtful pause she said something like; if I accept what you have to say, everything I have done up to know will have been wasted and I can’t do that.

The Apostle Paul in Philippians 3 came to the exact same place of understanding as this teacher and his response was “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” He was willing to take the loss and move forward.

One of the biggest challenges for each of us is to be able to understand where the truth ends and our rituals begin. Change has never been easy for us in the church. It was not easy for Paul either. We are challenged to stay focused on Christ and allow other things fall away when necessary.

I am challenged to make sure that I am not holding on to something that prevents me from moving forward in Christ. Total surrender is the goal.

Reading for Day 6
September 6

Phil. 3:12-21
Psalm 6:1-10
Prov. 1:29-33

iTrain30

Reading for
Day 4 September 4

Phil. 2:12-30
Psalm 4:1-8
Prov. 1:20-23

Small things jump out at me today. In Psalm I read the last verse that says, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, Make me dwell in safety.” This week I had occasion to tell the stories of living through coupe tats, with soldiers firing and tanks in the streets of Manila. The questions of safety and “would we be ok tonight as we sleep?” were very real. There is a very real peace that comes with understanding that God alone keeps us safe. And He is a God I know and a God who knows and cares for me. What a relief to actively lean on God and admit the obvious – “God is in control and I am not”.

I also read in Proverbs how I need to turn at wisdom’s rebuke. I need to remember that I don’t know everything and that my perspective is naturally faulty. The next verse is a great promise, “I will pour out my spirit on you, I will make my words known to you.” Listening to God is the best skill we can develop and a most important discipline. Listening is not something we do easily. Active listening is hard work.

Lastly, when Philippians talks about how it is God who works in me to “will” and “do” His good pleasure. I open myself up to hear from God today and to allow Him to put help me desire the right things and then do them.

My goal is to listen today.

Reading for
Day 5 September 5


Phil. 3:1-11
Psalm 5:1-12
Prov. 1:24-28

Thanks for your Prayers

I received a text from my sister this morning telling me that her father in law passed away. I want to thank all of you who have prayed for Ray Lontoc in the last few weeks and days. Thank God the Hooge's obeyed God's call to take the gospel to the Philippines. Because of this Ray Lontoc was not defeated by death, but delivered to new and eternal life through death. He loved God and it must have been a great moment for him to step into His presence.

iTrain30

Reading for
September 3 – Day 3

Phil. 2:1-11
Psalm 3:1-8
Prov. 1:10-19

Some of the of the toughest things to deal with in life are “friendly fire”, the betrayal by a friend or family member. Psalm three was written as David fled after the rebellion led by his own son Absalom. Few things hurt and confuse us to the core of our being than this kind of thing. It can rock us spiritually, emotionally and even impact us physically. This kind of turmoil can easily consume our thoughts, make it hard to sleep and basically rob us of peace. We can come to think that only when everything goes back to “normal” or when our betrayers change their heart toward us, when our critics change their opinion about us can we be ok again.

David would carry the hurt of having his own son betray him to his grave. Because of the personal element of this rebellion there was no way out that seemed good. There was no happy ending to this story and things never went back to “normal”. David walks down this path of great turmoil and finds strength in his relationship with God. His attention turns away from his betrayers and also from his self and he focuses on God. God is faithful and loyal and trustworthy even when people are not. It was in the shadow of his faithful God that he rests. He even says, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.” David finds his peace in God.

Seldom are we conflict or problem free. We can have a “peace that passes understanding” when we walk with God. That peace gives strength and clarity to deal with the challenges. I love walking with a God who is faithful and trustworthy. Romans boldly declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Reading for
Day 4 September 4

Phil. 2:12-30
Psalm 4:1-8
Prov. 1:20-23

A special thanks to all of you who take the time to add a comment. The shared thoughts and comments add so much to a personal devotion time. Please keep them coming.

iTrain30

September 2 - Day 2

Phil. 1:12-30
Psalm 2
Prov. 1:7-9

"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." That is such a powerful statement and unique perspective on life. Paul was uncertain what would happen to him. There was that looming possibility that his life and ministry would come to an end. They say that hope is the most powerful fuel on earth. How do you have hope when death threatens to end everything. Paul did.

As I read today, I thought of my sister's father in law who is gravely ill with cancer. His name is Ray Lontoc. The Lontoc family was one of the first ones who came to faith after the war under the ministry of Frank Hooge. I have known him pretty much my whole life. He is a godly man who loves God, has faithfully served in the church and loves the Bible. It was reported to me that when he was diagnosed and the doctor was discussing treatment options his response was, "Doctor, if I have an appointment with God, I don't want to be late." What a confidence and hope even in the toughest of times.

I need to sieze hope today and remember why I am living - "for Christ". Paul had a clear understanding that life on earth was not all there was. He did not live life on earth in a short sighted temporary way. Everything he did was for "Christ".

If you are reading this please take a moment and pray for Ray Lontoc and his family. These are very difficult days for them. Paul in this chapter commented "for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." Praying for each other does matter. Maybe there is someone God will lead you to pray for as your read this. That is a very important assignment.

Reading for September 3

September 3

Phil. 2:1-11

Psalm 3:1-8

Prov. 1:10-19

Thanks for all of the comments. Please keep them coming.

iTrain30

Day 1
September 1

Phil. 1:1-11
Psalm 1
Prov. 1:1-6

Psalm 1 is one of my favorite Psalms of all. It is one of my greatest motivators to discover God through His Word. The contrast between the tree and the chaff blown by the wind is pretty stark. The tree that is planted by the river, brings forth fruit and its leaf does not wither. Like that tree, those who refuse to be carried by the current of influence that comes from the ungodly, sinners and scornful will prosper.

We live in a fog of information and communications. These voices are powerful influences. It is important for us to carefully sift through these messages that can very subtly pull us in wrong directions. I love this information age and the ability to communicate with so much ease. This Psalm reminds me to stay aware and and to keep the constant flow of God's truth going. This is done through the activities of church and this kind of personal Bible study. I often have to identify wrong thinking and distractions. Life is a battle not a picnic. Thank God for the way He alerts us to this battle. I praise Him for His patience, forgiveness and mercy toward us.

I also love to think that God actively watches over me and helps me in my effort. “The Lord knows the way of the righteous.” I don't always think of myself as "the righteous". I don't always get everything right. This Psalm identifies the righteous as those working to pay attention to God's Word.

Here is the reading for day 2 of iTrain30.

September 2

Phil. 1:12-30
Psalm 2
Prov. 1:7-9

Thanks to those who have left comments about your reading. It is encouraging to read them.