HOW TO: Work God's plan in a godless world

from https://lsaruminations.edublogs.org/2016/02/01/my-plan-or-gods-plan-for-me/

(guest devotion from my brother Chris)
How to Work God's Plan in a Godless World

This week in our devotion from the book "Leading from the Lion's Den" the author used the story of Jonah to illustrate his point that we shouldn't be overzealous about sticking to the plans we make by pointing to the familiar tale of how Jonah's planned visit to Tarshish was rerouted by a large hungry fish.

The author's point, as an owner and organizational leader at the highest levels, was that a failure to plan was just as detrimental as a blind, unwavering commitment to 100% adherence to the original plan, come what may.   I completely understand and appreciate his point.  But in doing so, it leads me to ask the question, "What can I, a mid-level people manager, do to impact the planning in my organization?"   That's when I realized I was starting my search for answers in the wrong place.  In order to learn how to work God's plan @ work I don't need to analyze my workplace, or examine the leadership philosophies and theological perspectives of my company's, business unit's or department's leaders.

In James 4:13-15 (Message translation) James writes to the scattered twelve tribes "And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today - at the latest tomorrow - we're off to such and such a city for the year.  We're going to start a business and make a lot of money."  You don't know the first thing about tomorrow.  You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.  Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it, and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."

So proper planning, in my personal, professional or life, in my personal or spiritual relationships, in ANY aspect of my life, should begin and end with the thought, the guiding principal that whatever I plan, it is with the full understanding that it is ONLY if the Master wills it that it will come to pass.

As Christians, we are uniquely positioned and well prepared to understand that our plans most often go against what God intends, because of our sinful nature.  Faith is sacrifice.  Faith in Jesus means that we have to let go of our plans and embrace His.  Christian author and Pastor M. Craig Barnes explains this in his book "When God Interrupts"...

"But all this should come as no surprise to Christians, those who are called to lose their lives in order to find them. So if we try to follow Jesus, we can count on a great deal of abandonment. The good-but hard- news of the gospel is that abandonment can be embraced as the opportunity to receive new life. Will they clutch at something else for their salvation? Or can they leave their hands open long enough to receive the life Jesus was dying to give them."

The answer lies not in the effort you put into the plan itself, (although effort DOES matter), but in how well you prepare, in God's word and in prayer, BEFORE you begin, during the process and after you've developed, discussed and implemented the plan.

Later in the same book, Pastor Barnes speaks directly to the "mobile" nature of Jesus and His plan for us...
"One of the most frustrating things about Jesus is that he just won't settle down. He is constantly moving us away from the places where we would prefer to stay, like Galilee, and moving us closer to Jerusalem, where we do not want to go. ...He keeps pushing us toward a promise we cannot yet see. ...Along the way, Jesus will invite us to drop the things we are carrying that are heavy but deeply cherished. But don't look back. The loss is simply another step toward Jerusalem."

So, what's the secret to sticking to God's plan in a world that abhors God?  Stick with God.  Stick like glue to His word.  Stick to His promises.  Stick to the knowledge that He will ALWAYS stick with you, and that He has plotted out every twist, turn, up, down and in between to lead you to EXACTLY where you need to be.

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Lord Jesus,
Make me sticky.
Sticky for You and stuck like glue to your Word.
Help me leave traces of that promise glue wherever I go today.
Amen.
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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Say "Goodbye" (as an old year passes)

(summarized from a sermon by Pastor Don Patterson at Holy Word Lutheran Church on 31 Dec 2016)

My garage - a study in chaos and order (and clutter)

This is my garage.

• On the left - piles of stuff all jumbled together.
• On the right - Rows of organized and labeled boxes.

Which one is better?

• The jumbled piles of stuff on the left?
• The organized boxes of stuff on the right?
• Or neither (because it's just so...much...stuff)?

This past New Years Eve - our pastor invited us to declutter our hearts,
He wanted to help us say goodbye to our old year in the right way.  
He wanted us to "declutter" spiritually based on God's Word.
He gave us three verbs to remember - Shelve, Shred, Share.

Shelve your disappointments in hope
Were you disappointed this past year?  In someone else?  In yourself?  In the stock market/401k/interest rates/sales?

Shelve those disappointments.  Tie them up, label them as what they are and put them on the shelf.
Why?  Because God has promised good stuff for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Shelve the disappointments in hope of the Lord's wonderful plans for you.
Wait for them.
As you look back on the year past - you may even see things you thought were disappointments have changed into opportunities and reminders that the Lord has "plans to prosper you and not to harm you".

Shred your sins (and everyone else's sins) in forgiveness
When you shred something you make it unrecognizable.  It can't be put back together again.  Once you've shredded it you don't worry about it, think about it any longer.  What would be the point - it's gone!

But for you to shred something - it has to exist.  It has to be present and in your hands.
It's painful - but think of the sins of the past year.
Think you don't have any - or any really significant ones?
Jesus tells us otherwise.

1 John 1:8 (NIV)
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 

The good news for you is - Jesus has shredded your sins.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus perfect life, death and resurrection (for YOU) has wiped them out.
They are unrecognizable to everyone (even God).  
You are forgiven - fully and freely.
You don't have to worry about them or think about them any longer.  

Oh - and Jesus not only shredded your sins - but everyone else's, too.
All those wrongs you were the target of this past year.
They are shredded, too.
Forgive them - fully and freely.

And live like they are really and truly gone.

Share your blessings with thanksgiving
Fact: You exist.  You exist because God gave you a soul and has been sharing his creation with you since you drew your first breath.  Every heartbeat and breath since then is a blessing made specifically for you by God.  Every blessing is an invitation to share in this creation.

This past year has been a daily unfolding of this blessing-filled creation.
Take a moment to write ten of them down.
Maybe some of them didn't seem like blessings in the moment - but you can see that they are now.

What should you do about it?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Just as God is sharing his blessings of creation with you every morning, noon and night - you should thank him for it and share those blessings.
Don't be stingy.
Share!

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Lord
Lead me to say goodbye to bitterness, regret and guilt.
Remind me through your Word that you want me to...
shelve my disappointments,
that you've shredded my sins
and that I need to share my blessings.
Amen.
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Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Me and Jesus

Yes - this really appeared on my screen during "Soda Crush"

From Tom T. Hall's song "Me and Jesus"
(my apologies to the grammar police...)

Me and Jesus, got our own thing goin',
Me and Jesus, got it all worked out,
Me and Jesus, got our own thing goin',
We don't need anybody to tell us what it's all about.

Jesus brought me through all of my troubles,
Jesus brought me through all of my trials,
Jesus brought me through all of my heartaches,
And I know that Jesus ain't gonna' forsake me now.

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This song might sound a little selfish.
But that is the relationship that Jesus wants to have with me (and with you).
A personal one.

He's not content being a voice on a TV screen.
Or being held at arm's length.
Or just "there when you need him".

In fact - it's the most personal and close relationship you can have.
Closer than mom, dad, spouse, brother, sister, bestest friend ever...
Because he is IN you.
The term we use nowadays is "in our heart".

Speaking to us in his Word and through his World.
Some of us physically feel it.  Some don't.
But through faith, we all KNOW it.
His love and life and death and resurrection guides our thoughts, words and actions.

Here is how close Jesus wants "me and Jesus" to be.
Listen in as he speaks to his Father about us in John 17:20-26 (Message)

I’m praying not only for them

But also for those who will believe in me

Because of them and their witness about me.

The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—

Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,

So they might be one heart and mind with us.

Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.

The same glory you gave me, I gave them,

So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—

I in them and you in me.

Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,

And give the godless world evidence

That you’ve sent me and loved them

In the same way you’ve loved me.

Father, I want those you gave me

To be with me, right where I am,

So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,

Having loved me

Long before there ever was a world.

Righteous Father, the world has never known you,

But I have known you, and these disciples know

That you sent me on this mission.

I have made your very being known to them—

Who you are and what you do—

And continue to make it known,

So that your love for me

Might be in them

Exactly as I am in them.

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Father God,
Jesus and me got a good thing goin'.
All and only because of You ("For God so loved the world...").
Thank you for this gift that will keep on giving until eternity.
Past the day I die and on and on and on...
Amen.
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What's the big deal about Jesus?

joyfully serious, seriously joyful

Life.
I don't know about yours - but mine seems to go between being Seriously Joyful and Joyfully Serious.
The only reason I can say that is because of my friend.
My friend Jesus.

(What's the big deal about Jesus?)

Joyfully Serious

From Titus 2 (NIV)
6 ...encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Seriously Joyful
Romans 12:11-13 (NIV)
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

From Colossians 1:9-14 (Message)
"As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us."

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

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Jesus,
Thank you for the serious joy.
And the joyful seriousness.
Give me more, please!
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Go ahead, lose yourself.

Go Ahead, Lose Yourself.
These were the words printed on a shopping bag from a beauty supply store.

They want you to lose your purchasing inhibitions (and your bank account) in their store, of course.

But this phrase also could be a very scripturally sound Biblical bumper sticker.

Go ahead, lose yourself.
Lose yourself.
Lose YOURself.
Lose yourSELF.

Matthew 16:24-26 (Message version)
Jesus said...
“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. 
You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. 
Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. 
Follow me and I’ll show you how. 

Self-help is no help at all. 
Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. 
What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? 
What could you ever trade your soul for?"


Go ahead, lose yourself!

Luke 6:24-25 (Message version)
"...it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself.
    Your self will not satisfy you for long."

Go ahead, lose yourself!

Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV)
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Go ahead, lose yourself!

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Jesus,
You lost yourself.  Your "God" self.  Your "Creator of the universe" self.
You became a human baby and went through every possible growing pain - for me.
You lived a perfect life - never doing anything wrong - ever - for me.
You volunteered to be cruelly crucified on a cross - for me.
You did this all - for me.
I need to, want to, must lose myself in You.
Help me to do just that.
Amen.
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Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

May I have your undevoted attention?

May I have your undevoted attention?
Oh - I already have it - great.

I thought that might be the case - given the blank stare.
Or maybe it was the surreptitious glances down at your phone (yes, I see it).

I am great at giving my undevoted attention.
Unfortunately - I am greatest at doing that to the people who are most important to me in my life.
I catch myself saying "uh-huh" or "yes, dear" or [nod in assent - as though I am actually listening and reacting to what you said].

Call it a short attention span or ADHD or easily distracted - it ends with the same result.

I am faced with asking only one question.  "What?!?"
NOW, you have my attention (and I just realized I don't know what you actually said).
But I'm listening now...

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Now - pivot this thought to my quality time with my God.
My sister shared a devotion with us this morning that caught/convicted me with this sentence.
"Study the Bible with greater diligence than any other activity of your day."

Really?
Greater diligence / focus / thoughtful consideration than...
...commuting to work?
...actively listening to my spouse or someone important in my life?
...proof-reading/validating my work before turning it in?

God's answer is a solid YES.
Time with Him is more important than anything else I could do today.
Reading my verse/chapter of the Bible is not a "check that off my to-do list" item.

Colossians 3:1-4

3 1-2 So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

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Lord,
What was it I was going to ask you?
Oh - yes - fix my eyes on You today.
Open my ears to hear you - this minute!
And stress to me the importance of spending distraction-free time with You in your Word.
What advice and guidance do you have for me today?
Shhh?  Stop?  Listen?
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Stay 'til the end!

Have you been to a movie recently and had to answer the call of nature so urgently that you headed out just as the credits started rolling?

And then later you heard from someone about the "extra scene" with crucial plot information (usually setting up a sequel) that was saved until after the credits.

And you thought - "I should have stayed 'til the end"?

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Or the sporting event where many fans thought it was a lost cause.  
So they chose to beat the crowds in the parking lot and leave early.
Only to find out later that their team had pulled it all together and won?
They were definitely thinking - "I should have stayed 'til the end"!

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This Sunday in our sermon ("Jesus loves the Good Life") we heard about a young man who "should have stayed 'til the end".

The Bible recalls his story in three separate areas.
Matthew 19:16-26 | Mark 10:17-27 | Luke 18:18-29

A confident young man who "has it all" (it seems) comes to Jesus and asks what he has to do get to heaven - to be saved from any sin that he perhaps, maybe, might have committed.

Jesus recalls a few commandments and asks this young man if he's kept them.
Oh - yes - the young man is sure he has.  He's got those bases covered.

And then the kicker - just one more thing, Jesus says.
Take all of your wealth and give it to the poor - and then you will have treasure in heaven.
In other words - young man - what is REALLY the most important thing in your life?

In the Matthew and Mark telling of the story - we hear "At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.".

He should have "stayed 'til the end" - because Jesus went on to explain to those who were still gathered around him.

Mark 10:24-27

24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again,“Children, how hard it is[b] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said,“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Stay (in faith in Jesus Christ) 'til the end, my friend.
It's going to be AMAZING! 

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Lord - I am prone to wander off at the shiniest thing that grabs my attention.
I need your help to keep be steady, steadfast and true.
And to "stay 'til the end".
You've promised the most glorious ending - one that I can't even imagine.
Thank you!
Amen.

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Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?