Stay Filled

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6, NKJV

Let’s face it, our schedules are about to be jammed packed for the next 5 weeks. For most of us, this is by far the busiest season of our lives-- our calendars are about to be filled. Today’s text is a reminder that even though our calendars are full of meetings, holiday parties and gatherings with family and friends, sometimes we can still feel empty. Nothing can ever replace our need to have time with God.

The fact that you are reading this is a good sign that you don’t want that to happen to you. Jesus encourages us to stay hungry and thirsty for Him. He also said the result of seeking Him, is a life filled with blessings. That’s a pretty cool promise.

Do you remember what He said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (NKJV)

He knew that there would be many things in life that would call for our attention and try to distract us. Many things that we could and would seek after. Now don’t misunderstand what Jesus was saying. He wasn’t saying that we shouldn’t seek after things, He was merely saying that our priority, the first thing, should be seeking after Him. Again, you see the results of this are pretty obvious, it’s a life filled with Him.

So, I want to challenge you to an experiment. Are you up for a little seeking? Are you hungry and thirsty enough for a little spiritual exercise? Would you be willing to take a little spiritual journey with me starting on Monday, November 26th? By the way, that’s 30 days before Christmas. Let’s do two things. First, let’s commit to read through the book of Proverbs, reading one chapter per day leading up to Christmas. Then, let’s commit to pray three times per day, not long prayers, just a short one-- no longer than a minute. Put a reminder in your calendar to pray at 9:00am, 12:00pm, and 3:00pm. At 9:00am - pray for the nation, at 12:00pm - pray for your families, and at 3:00pm - pray for one of your friends. Every time that little “beep” goes off it will be our reminder to take a minute and pray.

You up for it? A Proverb a day, followed by three short purposeful prayers throughout the day. Let’s see if doing something so simple and easy will help us stay filled with God this busy holiday season!

Being A Godly Leader

"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28, NKJV

I love leaders and I love to watch them lead. Although they are all gifted differently their gifts all come from the same source— God.

Today's text lists a variety of gifts within the Body of Christ; did you notice that leadership is one of them? It's found in the word, "Administrations." In Latin, the word administration means, "to steer." It is a great and simple definition of what a good leader does, they steer the organization.

Sometimes people misunderstand the importance of administrative positions within a church and think they are not very spiritual. However, spirit-led leadership is essential and it is what guides the church to success.

I want to share with you three things that successful Godly leaders bring their organizations.

#1 - They Chart The Course

A good ministry leader understands that people often come with their own agendas and their own vision, so it’s the leaders job to get everyone on board with one vision. Then, they need to steer the ship properly. To do this successfully they know three things:

They know where they are going. What's the target that everyone is shooting for?

They know what they need to get there. What human and financial resources will it take to get there?

They know who needs to be where. Who is on the team and how can they be best utilized?

#2 - They Seek Wisdom

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7, NKJV

What kind of wisdom is this verse talking about? We find the answer in James 3:17:

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” NKJV

Wisdom from above is of great value to a leader. That kind of wisdom is purse, it's peaceable, it's gentle, not pushy, and it's extremely fruitful to the organization. To be successful in any leadership position you have to get wisdom and understanding, and then operate in it. This word "understanding" is an interesting one; it means to “separate mentality.” To do this requires three things:

Think Strategically. Break things down into smaller pieces.

Think Systematically. Whatever systems you create make sure that they are so simple, anyone could do it— repeatedly.

Think Successfully. Always think win not lose, think yes not no. As a leader, people will follow your confidence and enthusiasm.

How do we get this kind of wisdom? Well, according to God it's pretty simple: just ask for it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5, NKJV

Isn't that awesome? God just told us that if we're smart enough to know that we don't know everything, we can ask Him and he will give us all the wisdom that we need.

The other way we get wisdom: seek the counsel of others.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14, NKJV

My wife and I, for decades, have sought the counsel of people who are doing what we're doing but are just further down the road. It's amazing what you can learn from other people's successes and even from their mistakes.

#3 - They Maintain Organizational Focus

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper where you go.” Joshua 1:7, NKJV

Godly leaders understand that people and circumstances will often try to pull the leader, as well as the organization, off course. So they are constantly helping their people maintain focus. They help keep everyone's eye on the ball.

So today, let's thank God for the grace that He has given the leaders in our life and let's pray for them.

Finish Strong!

"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24, NKJV

Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of people who start out strong, but don’t finish strong? In this verse God is reminding us that there are a lot of things, situations, conflicts, even people that try to “move us” off course. But God designed us to finish our races and do it with joy so that our lives are a testament of the gospel of the grace of God. So, today I want to share with you 8 things that have helped me to stay focused on my race. I hope you find them helpful. By the way, these are not necessarily in order, because whichever one is needed at the time—is the most important at the time:

(1) Be Led by the Holy Spirit

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14, NKJV

Jesus told us that He wouldn’t leave us alone but that He would send another just like Him. So, don’t forget that the role of the Holy Spirit is to help guide us through every decision we make. He won’t shout at you, but He will nudge you when you need it. I’ve been living off the Holy Spirit’s nudging for 30 years.

(2) Pray Always

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV

Wow, a pretty small sentence with an extremely powerful message. God wants us to know that He is always there, ready to hear, and ready to respond, if we’ll pray—about everything. And when you’re done, pray more.

(3) Read The Word

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4, NKJV

The Bible is God’s primary method of communication, so if we want to hear from Him on a regular basis, then we need to read the Bible on a regular basis. We need to get His Word off those pages and into our hearts. It’s not just going to happen…so come on, crack the book and read it! It won’t read itself.

(4) Walk by Faith

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV

There are lots of things in life that can distract us from finishing our races. So we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and learn to trust in what we believe more than in what we see. Circumstances can shout you down, emotions can drag you down, but living by faith can’t keep you down!

(5) Live For An Audience of One

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”  Colossians 3:23, NKJV

Have you figured out yet that people are fickle? One day they are with you and the next they are gone…bye-bye, see you, don’t want to be you. Or else they love you one day and despise you the next. So no matter what you do, remember to always live for an audience of One. Because on the last day of your life you will stand alone in front of Him, and Him alone…so we might as well be living for Him now.

(6) Focus on the Family

“…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15, NKJV

Time spent with your family is never wasted time. People come and go in life, but you’ll always have family. As we reflect on 20 years of ministry our greatest fruit are the four kids that God allowed us to raise here at home. So, don’t build your business or your ministry on the backs of your spouse or your kids. You can reach for the stars, but always keep one hand at home.

(7) Walk in Love

“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8, NKJV

Jesus told us that a fulfilled life is one that’s built on loving God and loving people. I don’t know about you, but I’ve failed in a lot of ways. But love never fails, it bears all things, it believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. So, when all else fails, love God with all your heart, and turn around and choose to love the people that God has placed in your world. Because love works, love wins!

(8) Stay In Your Lane

“…But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12, NKJV

Every sprinter knows that if they run outside of their assigned lane they will be disqualified. But don’t we do that all the time? We’re always comparing ourselves to other people, and then we get our eyes on who we aren’t rather than who we are…on the gifts we don’t have rather than on the ones we do. God made every one of us different for a reason, so let’s celebrate our uniqueness, stay in our lanes and finish strong!

Get Some Rest

“And He said to them, “ Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31, NKJV

Have you ever found yourself so busy that you didn't even have the time to eat? I think many of us do and unfortunately we rarely use the kind of wisdom that Jesus shows us here in today's text.

His ministry was cranking, the demands of the people were great but Jesus knew that if He or His disciples were going to be effective then they were going to need some rest. Jesus knew the importance of rest and that you can't help anyone if your tank is empty. Getting rest is nothing new, we first see it in the book of Genesis when God rested on the seventh day. Did God need rest? I don't think so, He's God, He never slumbers or sleeps, but He did show us a pattern for work and for rest.

For thousands of years, Jewish people have practiced resting on the Sabbath. Beginning on Friday evening and lasting until Saturday evening, it is a time for them to take their eyes off the busyness of life and put their focus back on The Lord.

Beth and I have always been firm believers in taking time to rest. None of us were designed to live constantly under the stresses and demands of life. So we have unapologetically taken appropriate levels of time off over the last 21 years of our ministry. We needed the rest and so does the congregation that we have the privilege to serve. We're no good trying to minister from an empty well. We all need rest-- our bodies need it, our minds need it and our emotions need it. That's one of the reasons that we like to get together with friends that we can laugh with. God tells us that laughter is like a medicine and that it ministers to our souls and is health to our flesh.

We spent this week in the Palm Springs area. We talked, we took walks, we prayed together, we explored, met with some friends, and yes we laughed a lot. But most of all we got some rest from our normal go-go-go lives. Jesus was spot on about needing to get away, there's something refreshing about getting out from under your normal environment so you can find rest.

So when was the last time that you scheduled some time to get away and rest? If it's been a while then I want you to heed the words of Jesus and, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." And don't feel like you have to apologize for it. Get away for a few days, rest, laugh, pray, read your bible, and let God help you put your life back into balance. Get some rest, that's an order!

It’s Good Work

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop he desires a good work.” 1 Timothy 3:1, NKJV

Did you know that the month of October is “Pastors Appreciation Month”? With that in mind, today’s devotional is a shout out to our pastor friends around the country and around the world. We appreciate who you are and what you do, it’s good work.

After graduating from Bible School we met with one of our instructors for some counsel as we sought God’s will for our future. We had some options facing us to either stay in the business world or pursue a future in ministry. This seasoned minister listened to us share our story and then asked a question that would change our lives forever. He asked, “If success were a guarantee, and money wasn’t an issue what would you want to do?” Immediately the answer came out of me, “No question about it I’d be a pastor, but doesn’t everybody?” He smiled and then politely said, “No, actually NORMAL people would never want to be a pastor.”

Well, that explains a lot. It must be the reason that I have a deep love for pastors-- all pastors, especially those who’ve been serving for decades.  Whether you’re the lead dog or you serve as a staff pastor in a church, you need to know that God sees what you do as good work, even though you are probably far from normal. In fact, there is nothing normal about what you do. Let’s think about it for a minute.

Normal people go to work for the money-- you go to work for one reason alone-- obedience. There’s no plan B for you. You’re called, you’re compelled, you’re committed and you’re a bit crazy because there is no guarantee that you are ever going to be paid well to do it. Actually you’ll spend your entire career apologizing for the little money that you do make.

You don’t have normal hours. You are expected to work 24-7-365 because when your people need you they need you NOW. Honestly most of them wonder what in the world you do all week long, because they only see you speak for a few minutes on the weekend. But, you run the daily business of the church, you manage your staff and volunteers, yet you set all that aside when an emergency happens. And emergencies happen all the time, because life happens all the time. And then, once your normal work week is done, you are expected to bring a fresh, God inspired message full of life, power and the Holy Spirit each and every weekend. So, no matter what you are doing throughout the week you always have that voice in the back of your mind saying, “Sunday’s coming....Sunday’s coming.”

You are not allowed to have normal expectations. You are expected to be an outstanding visionary, an eloquent communicator, a savvy fund-raiser, and a counselor’s-counselor. You need to be an MBA, a CPA, have a PHD, all the while you’re trying to hide the fact that you’re a little ADHD. You are expected to be the model spouse, the perfect parent of perfect children, and on top of that you need make time to be everyone’s friend. “Hey Pastor, what’s your cell number, let’s text, let’s have coffee, why didn’t you answer me right away on Facebook, where do you live, can I stop by?” Are you getting my drift here?

The criticism you receive isn’t normal. You get criticized for having vision, for bringing change, for not talking enough or for talking too much, or even for saying what needs to be said. You are criticized for making a decision and then criticized for not making a decision. You are criticized for being too spiritual and you are criticized for not being spiritual enough. But you’ve gotten used to it because you are the point person-- you’ve learned to take the punches and protect your family, your staff and volunteers from the cruelty of people who say the most hurtful things.

Your disappointments in life are not normal. You’ve been hurt deeply by the very people that you’ve been called to serve. Hurts that you have to keep between you and God because normal people won’t understand. You’ve poured your life into folks, got them back on their feet, healthy and whole and headed in the right direction only to have them tell you that God is “moving” them to another church. You’ve learned to smile and hide those hurts, you’ve learned to have tough skin while keeping a tender heart. You’ve learned to play hurt.

But pastor you need to know that all though you are not normal, you are incredibly special to God and the church family He has called you to serve. You have been graced by God to love His people the way He does. To be there for them through the highs and lows of life. To lead them and to feed them, and to produce fruit in their lives that will remain forever. You do something that normal people can’t do. So I want to thank you for answering the call. Thank you for those late nights in the emergency room and for those early morning counseling sessions over a cup of coffee. Thank you for laying your life down for the sheep. We appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Because what you do really does matters, what you do is good work.

Say It: “Father, I thank you for our pastors. God we ask You to help all of them know how pleased You are with them and the good work they do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

By the Hand

"Father’s, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” Ephesians 6:4, The Message

One of the greatest and most rewarding responsibilities that any of us can have is that of a parent. Beth and I love what we do as pastors, we love our church, we love our calling, but way above all of that, we love being parents. What an awesome opportunity God has given us to lead our kids in the way of the Master.

I first learned today’s text in the King James version, which tells parents and particularly Dad’s what our role as parents should be-- “but bring them (our kids) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Let’s take a look at those words, nurture and admonition.

#1 Nurture - To nurture is simply to teach, to train and to coach our kids by our actions. Our actions speak way louder than our words. We can’t expect to raise balanced kids if our words and our actions are out of balance. We need to be the real thing in front of our kids. If we want our kids to be loving, than we need to be loving. If we want our kids to be forgiving, then we need to be forgiving. If we want our kids to be generous, than we need to be generous. The list goes on and on, but I think you get the picture.

#2 Admonition - It’s one of those words that has a couple of different meanings, but the one I like is: to give friendly, earnest advice or encouragement. I think we all get that our kids need to be taught and coached, but we need to remember that the words we speak to them and over them, have a huge affect on how they see themselves. Our words can either motivate or demotivate. They can encourage or discourage. They can build our kids up or they can tear them down. And words are like bullets in a gun, once you pull the trigger it’s too late to stop them.

So let’s take a quick inventory of our life as parents.... Are your actions lining up with your words? Are your kids seeing you being the kind of person that you are asking them to be? What are you saying to your kids and about your kids? Sometimes it’s easier to pick out the things that your kids are doing wrong, rather than intentionally looking for what they are doing right. Let them know how proud you are of them and how much they mean to you. Your words of admonition can help guide them for years to come.

Right actions mixed with right words produce great kids. So take those kids by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. You won’t regret it.

Say It: “Father, I thank You for my kids and appreciate Your guidance as I bring them up in the nurture and admonition of You. Help me to be a great example of someone who has submitted their life to You. I pray that my words and my actions both say the same thing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Right actions mixed with right words produce great kids. @jrjones

How Bad Do You Want It?

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, where he has enough to finish it?" Luke 14:28, NKJV

Ask yourself the questions, “How bad do I want to succeed? How bad do I want to fulfill God’s will and God’s purpose in my life?” In Luke 14:28, Jesus wasn’t just talking about a physical building, He was talking about counting the cost of building a life of significance.

It seems like many of us aren’t willing to admit that the reason we didn’t make the team, get that promotion, and the reason that we aren’t moving forward in life is that we aren’t willing to put forth the effort and do the hard stuff. Doing the hard stuff means that there are times when everyone else has gone home that we stay after hours and get our work done. How hard are you willing to work at life? Here’s something to consider—No one is going to work harder for your success than you are. Not your boss, not your peers and certainly not those who work for you. It reminds me of an old saying, “If it’s going to be, then it’s up to me.” Now I am not discounting God in all of this, but really, do we think God’s going to work harder at our success than we are? Do you think He’s standing up there in Heaven waiting to come down here and help you out because you’re a little tired? He’s the Redeemer of the lost, not the Rescuer of the lazy. Come on now; let’s count the cost!

If we’re ever going to fulfill God’s will for our lives then we need to count the cost. Have you figured out yet that living for Jesus is going to cost you something? And if you’re going to be a success in life it’s going to cost you even more? Jim Morin, a dear member of our church family, once said, “Everything that I value in my life, has cost me something.” It reminds me of that verse in Galatians 6:7 (NKJV), “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” In other words, whatever we put into life will cost us something; but there is a payback, a reaping based on the degree of our efforts.

My wife, Beth, is by far the hardest working person that I have ever known, and I know a lot of people. There may be people out there that want to enjoy the benefits that Beth enjoys, but they don’t have a clue of how hard she has worked over so many years. Literally, it’s quite common for her to work 16-18 hour days for weeks and months on end. Now that costs something, but the benefit is a very successful and fruitful life. She’s reaping today because she was willing to count the cost and do the hard stuff, even when she didn’t feel like it.

So today, let’s tap into all that God has for us and work a little harder, stay a little later, carry a little more of the load, and honor Jesus Christ by our work ethic and our willingness to do the hard things.

Say It: “Father, I want to make a difference with my life. I’m committed to counting the cost and doing the hard things. I ask You to give me wisdom, insight and strategy to not only work hard, but to work smart. May my life glorify You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!”

If we’re ever going to fulfill God’s will for our lives then we need to count the cost. @jrjones