What makes us dirty?

Good morning. Today’s scripture comes from Mark 7:20-23 (New Living Translation): And then (Jesus) added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

The Hebrews had hundreds of Mosaic Laws to follow, but over time, the Jews added many just as many traditions to be kept, too, thus making it extremely difficult to live a righteous life. The Pharisees, in Mark 7, again were trying to trap Jesus into preaching blasphemy, but he outsmarted them – again. They were questioning why his disciples ate with “unclean hands,” meaning they didn’t rinse their hands before eating, as prescribed by the Law.

Jesus went off on them, telling them that what they ate wasn’t what defiles a person; it’s what comes from the heart. Some of the terms used for defiled are “unclean” or to make “dirty” in the Greek. Dictionary.com defines defiled as tainted or polluted. In terms of sexuality, it means to “violate the chastity,” which could be anything from sex outside marriage to rape. Anything from the Sports Illustrated swim suit issue to the Victoria’s Secrets lingerie catalogs are off-limits to us, because they set our minds racing toward lustful thoughts.

Jesus was after more than just the appearance of godliness, as the Pharisees were prone to; he wanted right hearts. Every evil action begins with a single thought. Lust, envy, hatred or revenge all begin in our hearts. Paul advised the Philippians to, instead, focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil. 4:8). Paul, too, knew the battle was in our minds and our hearts. Right thoughts lead to right actions.

Satan knows the battle is for our minds, so he tries to fill them with garbage. Think about what’s out there these days in magazines, books, the Internet, movies and TV. Not much of it is pure and lovely; it’s all about greed and sex. It’s even harder to live a righteous life today because of the many obstacles we face. In my house, we don’t watch R movies that have sexual content. When we go through the video store looking for something to view, the first thing we check is to see what it’s rated and why. It’s really hard to find a good movie that isn’t rated R any more. People must think we’re crazy looking at a DVD, then quickly turning them back over and move on, but it’s worth it to keep the trash out of our home. As single parents, we need a clean house for our kids' sake.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to keep my mind on you and not on those things that defile my heart. Help me to think of the lovely things you’ve given me in my life and to focus on them. Amen

It’s more than just “don’t worry, be happy”

Good morning. Today’s scripture comes from Proverbs 8:32, 9:11-12 (New Living Translation): So my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. … Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin became semi-famous for singing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” a reggae a cappella ditty with the whistler in the background that the world immediately took to. The title came from a famous quote from Indian mystic and sage Meher Baba, “don’t worry, be happy.” The song goes on, “In every life we have some trouble, when you worry you make it double don't worry, be happy.”

McFerrin got it partly right, that we will, indeed, have trouble in this life and that worrying will only make it worse. So be happy! Happiness and joy are something everyone wants to attain, and there are plenty of self-help programs on the airwaves and the Internet to help you find your way. But much of what the secular world throws at us is all about “me.” Naturally, we live in the “me” generation. The world is slowly figuring out that all this emphasis on “me” doesn’t really help one to be happy.

We shouldn’t be focusing on me, we should be focusing on God. Whereas Solomon does not address happiness directly in the wisdom chapters of Proverbs (7-9), he does tell us that the way to find joy is by seeking God in all we do. King Solomon goes so far as to say that being joyful is the way to add years to our lives. If you seek wisdom from God, you will “benefit,” whereas if you “scorn” wisdom, you will be the one who “suffers.” Happiness is based on our external surroundings, whereas Joy comes from the heart.

The happiest people I know are Christians who have weathered life’s troubles by putting God first in their lives. That search for God led to more integrity and honesty, better decision making and healthier relationships in marriage, parenting and friendships, and to growing a heart to serve others. Those kind of people laugh more and live a healthy lifestyle. A right relationship with God leads to … less worry. That’s what we’re all after. Single adults who want to find wisdom should follow Solomon’s advice and seek wisdom (God) in all you do. If you remain single you’re happy and content, and if you marry, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right mate and be happy in remarriage and blended family life, which has its own troubles.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to seek you today in making decisions today. Help me to have wisdom in all my relationships. Amen

Gordon Ramsay, eat your heart out

Good morning. Today’s scripture comes from Exodus 4:11-12 (New Living Translation): Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

My wife and I spent the weekend with the singles group from our church at Pebble Beach in a palatial house (a gift) for a leadership retreat. My role was to combine my ministry resources with my culinary acumen and blend it into an interactive team-building exercise in the kitchen. Thirteen single adults were given cash to spend and a 4 ½-hour time limit to plan, shop and work together in the kitchen to prepare a meal. The emphasis for the day was to build camaraderie amongst the leaders.

Before sending them off, I had prepared to show them an episode from “Hell’s Kitchen,” in which the star of the show, Gordon Ramsay, lays into one of the young chefs on the show for making a blunder, but just as I was ready to hit play … my computer battery died. I gave them the Cliff Notes version, telling them there would be no yelling or screaming on my part when one of my would-be chefs blew it on a kitchen task. Maybe we’ll call my version “Heaven’s Kitchen,” in which only friendly tones and encouragement are offered by this kitchen coach.

For the next 20 minutes, I witnessed utter chaos. My role for the day was not to cook the meal, but to simply instruct here and there and give my advice on cooking techniques. I nudged one of the leaders I knew well. “You guys need to pray, or this is going to be a disaster,” I suggested. Sure enough, after the group prayed for direction, peace and calm reigned. Cooperative planning and good decision-making suddenly replaced the bedlam. For the next four hours, the exercise went fairly smoothly, much to the delight of all.

After the meal was prepared, everyone sat down to a wonderful meal on beautifully decorated tables. This was their celebration, and together, we gave thanks for what we had produced. Friendly conversation and laughter filled both tables, as participants shared their learning experiences – good and bad. After we finished eating, we waddled over to the living room to debrief. I reminded the group about the importance of prayer when serving the king. When we pray, we are asking the Holy Spirit to bless our efforts and to guide us to the work that God needs done. He gives us special powers to accomplish things we never dreamed we could do. Prayer removes fear and limitations and empowers us to be creative with humility and great strength.

(FYI, the team-building exercise I designed is called Feast With the King for the church, and Kitchen Coach for the corporate world. I’ll share more about my ideas later. God bless)

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for the empowerment you give us when we turn to you for strength and guidance. Truly, I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Amen

This week’s reading plan can be found at

Finding refuge when we are weary

Good morning. Today's scripture is: Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV) Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Maybe you can relate to David in this Psalm. You’re in a rough place, and you don’t know where to turn. No matter what you do, bad stuff happens. At times, you may feel as if you’re cursed. “Lord, am I ever going to get out of this place?” “Lord, am I ever going to get a job?” “Lord, am I ever going to lose this feeling of loneliness?” “Am I going to come up with this month’s mortgage payment when I’m already behind two months?” “I feel so worthless.” “I feel so helpless.”

David felt all those emotions, and more. The Psalms are filled with David’s prayers, crying out to God when he just can’t take it any more. David was tired of running. He hated the constant hiding out from his enemies. He was hungry. He was sleep-deprived. He was dirty. He was away from his family. The roof over his head often was the stars above him. His enemies were chasing him. Everywhere David looked was bad news. Is this ever going to end?

Yet, David never stopped crying out to God. He trusted his relationship with the Lord. He knew he could rely on God – even in the worst of circumstances. Let’s face it; few of us faced the kind of turmoil that David was up against. We whine and complain just the same. David’s heart is growing faint. He’s on the run, and everywhere he ends up, he stops and prays. He counts on God being bigger than his problems. He counts on God being his refuge. He knows his strength comes from God, and he wants that place of safety for the rest of his life. He knows he can kneel down, take a break for a minute and be under God’s protection.

We need that same feeling. No matter what comes at us, we have to be faithful and trust God. Maybe you’ve never been totally committed to God in such a way, and you’re scared of the outcome. That’s right where God wants you. You have nowhere else to turn but him. Give God a shot; it’s better than the alternative. Doing it all on our own strength just makes us weary. God’s strength never runs out. He’s always got a little more for us. We just have to take that first step and trust.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to trust you in the darkness. You are the light in everything I do. Shine a light where I need to go. Amen

How can I pray for you today? Just e-mail me and let me know. I want you to know that God cares about you and wants to hear from you.

Read my other blog at: http://jobseekerchronicles.com

A delighted God

Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.

Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV) If the Lord delights in a man’s way,
he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37 is about patience and faith. Both are virtues we should all be seeking. Yet, we are human, and we tend to stumble and fall from the path that God has chosen for us. This message is a reminder that God does, indeed, direct our steps. In order for God to delight in our steps, we must be walking with him. When a person comes alongside an elderly or infirm person who has difficulty walking, the helper not only directs the steps, he keeps the person upright. We don’t look at it as a chore to help the person.

That is what God does with us every day – if we let him. Therein lies the challenge. Because we are human, we want to direct our own path sometimes. A battle of wills always seems to be going on. Occasionally, God lets us choose our own path, just to let us know what that really feels like. He lets us stumble and face the consequences of our actions. When we turn back to him for a helping hand, he makes us upright again.

Note that our steps are firm when the Lord delights in our ways. God clearly does not delight in our sinful ways. That is the key, to be in God’s will. One day, we honor him, the next, we stumble. Maybe God is working on our pride or our humility, or some such thing. Sometimes, the path seems to clear for days on end. Life is good. Then, perhaps overconfidence overwhelms us. We think we are stronger than we really are. That’s when we stumble. It’s a day-to-day challenge. We must accept the challenge and make the most of it.

We mustn’t think that God doesn’t have the time for our little old lives. He is omnipotent and omniscient – he is all powerful and knows everything that is ahead of us. God cares about each one of our lives, equally. You might say that we gain privilege or more time with God, but only because we are being obedient, which makes God delight in our ways. God wants a relationship with us every day, every hour, every minute, every second. When we call upon the Lord, he is delighted in us.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to walk in your ways. I want you to delight in my ways, so help me to be obedient. Help me to follow your path today. Amen

Doug Mead
Parenting Solo

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 61

This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51

Seeing through Jesus’ eyes

Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.

Scripture: John 9:30-33 (The Message) The man replied, “This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about him, but the fact is, he opened my eyes. It’s well known that God isn’t at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of – ever. If this man didn’t come from God, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

I can’t imagine being blind from birth and never knowing the beauty of this earth. I would never see the crashing of the waves on the ocean, the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the splendor of Yosemite National Park, the majesty of fishing on the Taylor River in Colorado, the exhilaration of hitting a golf ball on Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, the pretty face of my wife. If I were blind from birth, I would have to guess what all those things look like, because I wouldn’t know. By the grace of God, I have witnessed all those things and found joy in them.

This man wouldn’t have known what Jerusalem looked like, or the Judean Hills, or the shores of Galilee. Who knows what visuals God gives the blind from birth in their minds’ eyes. Many in the Jewish culture believed the man was blind because of his or his parents’ sins. Coming from the perspective of the blind man, that was a harsh reality. He couldn’t see people shunning him, but surely he felt it. People stayed away from him because of his perceived sins. He would have led a lonely life. He was forced to beg for his life.

Then one day, the Nazarene Jesus mixed clay and water to form a paste and rubbed it on the man’s eyes. Jesus told him to go and rinse his face with water. Suddenly, the blind man could see. Yet, instead of celebrating joyously at the miracle, the Pharisees condemned the man and Jesus because the healing took place on the Sabbath. Isn’t that how some people are? They witness a major healing before their very eyes, and all they can do is find fault in the way the person found peace. You know, the kind of healing that a single mom goes through after a painful divorce. She loses her home, her way of life and is forced to go back to work to support her family. One day she is mired in a deep depression with no friends or life. A few years later, she has her life back on track and is smiling joyfully and her kids are happy and respectful of others.

Only Jesus can open the eyes of the blind and make them see the reality of life. Just as that man suddenly was able to see the world, so can you. But only if you open your eyes to the glory of what Christ can do in your life. You have to want to see every nook and cranny of your sins and be willing to expose them to the world. That kind of humbling makes us realize that we can’t live life without the Father and the Son. Without them, we are blind as bats trying to see through the muck and the mire of this filthy world. Come, see the world through the eyes of Jesus. It’s the only way to really see the real world.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to see the world through your eyes. Help me to see my students through your eyes, so that I can know what their lives are like away from me. Help me to see their needs, so that I can minister to them through you. Amen

Doug Mead
Parenting Solo

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 166

This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51