new hope oc1 paddling ministry

A Season to Learn

SCRIPTURE

"If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." (1 Corinthians 3:19)

OBSERVATION

It was a piece of advice an old preacher gave me once... He said, "When you come to Jesus, come to Him stupid" ... And that still holds true today! 

We often think that we have got it pretty much together, and when we come to Jesus, it is just for Him to "add" more to what we already have or to increase what we've already gained.

APPLICATION

I have so much to learn! I can't believe what a novice I am in so many things. I guess it's not too hard for me to think of myself as a fool, because it is so true. But my greatest challenge is that I am also a rabid practitioner, and I love to roll up my sleeves and jump into things. So then, I must cordon off my time to study and establish time to learn. 

But this verse prompts me to study more instead of just doing more. I never want "busyness" to overshadow everything. Being busy does not necessarily equal advance. It can be a subtle form of laziness ... in that my mind can think that if I am busy doing insignificant tasks, then I don't have to do the important activities that are harder to do.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me about my need to learn. That is an important item on my list today. I cry out for more of Your wisdom from on high. 

I have sooooo much to learn. And there are so many categories that I haven't even started to explore! I am so glad we have an eternity in heaven so I can take the time to learn.

Wayne Cordeiro

Uncut Stones

SCRIPTURE

"He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses—an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used. On it they offered to the LORD burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings." (Joshua 8:31-32)

OBSERVATION

Joshua built the altar of rocks he found laying around. Not from cultured marble nor from molded or sculptured stone. Nope. New ones that were old. Ones that hadn't been touched by human hands or reshaped by a tool. Stones from the ground whose first usage by man is to make an altar. Sometimes old is new. 

It was God's instructions found in Deuteronomy 27:10- "You shall build the altar of the LORD your God of uncut stones..." For some reason, God took delight in something fresh, raw, unedited, and uneven. You'd think that He'd want the sculptor's best work of art. I guess He sometimes does, but on this one, it would be different.

APPLICATION

There needs to be times where I need to include fresh adventures, fresh presentations to God that are a la naturale. He delights in them, and in a way, He created us to do the same. Our souls yearn for uncut stones, altars that are rough-hewn. It represents the fact that we don't always need the newest, fanciest, or most modern. Sometimes we need to restore the balance of our lives with uncut stones. Happiness can become increasingly elusive the further we move away from uncut stones. 

A camping trip without the modern conveniences. A praise gathering without sound systems and air conditioning. A handwritten card of thanks instead of a store-bought one. A older car whose air system is rolling down the windows. Playing baseball with a wooden bat and old boards for bases. A picnic with the family ... instead of going to Chili's or California Pizza. I think God delights in altars made this way ... and I feel the yearning in my soul to build some that way.

PRAYER

Lord, please help me to build with uncut stones at times. I know that there will be a place for the magnificent palaces of Solomon's temple, but there are also times for uncut stones. We don't always have to "trump" the last time and outdo ourselves. Maybe it's time to build in this season of my life, with uncut stones.

Wayne Cordeiro

Surviving Success

SCRIPTURE

"When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant-then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery" (Deuteronomy 6:10)

OBSERVATION

God would not warn us of this tendency if it were not a real possibility to forget God when we are blessed. It seems as if the only time the people of Israel sought the Lord was when they were in dire straits… when they were famished or impoverished. The tendency is not only for the Israelites. It is for us as well. 

Often our greatest test in life is not poverty. It is prosperity. That is when we get bored and we lose our focus, our edge of obedience and our deep love for Christ. E. Kefa Sempangi wrote in his book some years ago the chilling words of Idi Amin’s massacres in Uganda. He left Africa and immigrated to the USA and attended bible College. He then writes: "I noticed something changing in me. Now with the threat of war far behind us, I found that the Word of God had lost its power. I now studied it to look for inconsistencies and parse its sentences for grammatical divisions. In Uganda, we look to it for life and sustenance for we did not know if we would be alive the following week. Something of the urgency was lost and the Bible no longer held strength for life. It only held knowledge for tests."

APPLICATION

God promises to bless us, but when He does, will I steward it well? Many people never survive success. But I must. If I am going to use His blessings for the good of many, I must give away as much as I can to help other people come to Christ and so that they become great leaders. I must not think that success is something to be gained, It is something to be used for His glory and for the Kingdom’s advance.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for our great church family of New Hope. You have given us so much, and now it is time to use it to reach others with the Gospel and to train young emerging leaders with the Good News. Please help me to take whatever success you have entrusted to us and now use it to bless you and to equip people.

Wayne Cordeiro

Johnny Appleseed

SCRIPTURE

"He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)

OBSERVATION

We've all heard the legend and legacy of Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman. In researching more about him, I found that he in fact traveled extensively planting and establishing nurseries of apples, appointing and showing the caretakers how to build fences to protect the plants from livestock and returned every year or two to help tend the nurseries. Through further research I found out that Johnny Appleseed was actually a missionary, not only spreading the seed and attributes of apples, but the seeds and good news of Jesus Christ. He was very simple in his dress and led a subsistence lifestyle. He was also known for his character and style of business, giving of his own resources to those in need, not requiring payment of those who were unable to pay and helping man and livestock in whatever way he could. He became a legend and legacy not because of his spreading apple seeds, but actually because of his character and example. The apple seed label was his legend, his life and character is his legacy.

APPLICATION

I know that God is speaking to me about my being a Johnny Appleseed in my life, that on a day-to-day basis, wherever I am, I can be a Johnny Appleseed, planting seeds for God in my example of character and good deeds towards others. There are times that I can plant seeds by exampling Christ from a distance, and there are times where I can actually plant seeds, returning to nurture what God has allowed me to plant. I know that I must be mindful that more is caught then taught. More is observed then heard. I know that whether I spread your seeds or nurture your seeds of the gospel, you will grow it for the harvest. Like Johnny Appleseed, the legacy I want to leave is how my relationship and example with and to others spoke of Jesus in my life.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that I have the opportunity to plant seeds for Christ each and every moment of the day. That there will be times where I only need to spread the seed by my example, and other times where you will call me to nurture what you have allowed me to plant. In all times, please guide me to example Jesus Christ in my life in the ways that will be edifying and encouraging to others, as I know that more is caught then taught. May my legacy be who I was rather then what I possessed.

John Tilton

The Power of Forgiveness

SCRIPTURE

"Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt." (Genesis 45:4-7) 

"Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

OBSERVATION

In some of the most challenging times in life, God is still with you. In earlier readings, the story of Joseph is an incredible series of events that takes place in a young Hebrews life and his trust in God carries him into the unimaginable. (Genesis 39:2,5,20-23 &41:16) Hated by his brothers because of a dream that he had being over them, they throw him into a cistern, then sell him to a band of Ishmaelite's. Taken down to Egypt, Joseph is now sold to an Egyptian official name Potiphar. Potiphar's wife find Joseph quite attractive and seduces him, but after Joseph refuses, she falsely accuses him of attacking her. Thrown in prison, with the help of God, Joseph is able to discern dreams. He later ends up discerning a dream from the Pharaoh which eventually gets Joseph out of prison. In each of these situations, those that are next to Joseph can clearly see the Lords hand on his life. By this time the Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of administrating his kingdom and the land of Egypt. Through all of these weird and challenging situations, Joseph stays close to God and somehow knows that whatever happens in his life, as long as he has God, that's all he ever needs - no matter how dark and discouraging the situation may appear - Joseph trusts in God. Joseph has every reason to return the favor for what his brother did to him. But instead, what happens is one of the most incredible examples of forgiveness. When you are that close to God, you become like God, and you do the same as what God would have done for you and anyone else seeking God for forgiveness.

APPLICATION

The example of Joseph shows me the incredible heart of the Father. Jesus is not concerned about who's right or who's wrong, just as long the relationship can be mended, put back together. The Greek word is "Kartartidzo" (to mend) - means for the equipping of the saints (Ephesians 4:12). To mend what was once broken. Only through Jesus can such forgiveness can be possible (Luke 18:27). Even Joseph understands the significance of why this all had to happen. It was for God's Glory that he was eventually sold into Egypt, but later as it all comes together, this all had to happen, to save the lives of many. The lesson here is somebody has to be Jesus, to suffer and to Kartartidzo a relationship. And it might as well be you! At times when forgiveness is the furthest from our heart, somebody has to be Jesus in an impossible situation, and it might as well be you. Be Jesus to someone today.

PRAYER

Thank you Lord for the life examples of our Lord Jesus and the power of forgiveness. May I be all that Jesus can be in me today. Amen.

Richard Waialeale

Stalwart Faith Amidst the Greatest Stresses of Life

SCRIPTURE

"But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. (Psalm 3:3-6)

OBSERVATION

I could just imagine what kind of pressure David is feeling as he writes this Psalm. This is a Psalm he writes as he runs from his son Absalom. There are many feelings he must be feeling as a God follower, King, dad, and leader. Another thing to remember is that David also was coming off of his adulterous affair, which sent his finishing well factor into a tail spin. We know for a fact that God still vindicates David and continues to call him a man after His own heart, but it mustn't have been easy for David to continue to pray this way and keep his course. 

Imagine the pressures you would feel as a dad after messing up pretty bad, and your own son comes against you... Feeling of betrayal, yet a father's unconditional love mix in. I wonder if that is why David ran rather than took a stance against his own son. David must have also had a continual reminder of a murder, and adultery and why there were so many self imposed pressures. Yet David musters up a humble yet warrior like faith to make some very wise and insightful decisions that would keep him a man after Gods own heart. In the midst of all these pressures, he still prays prayers of security in God, yet he could still sleep at night, and was not afraid of the overwhelming pressure of his pursuers. Not just another nation coming against him, his own son. Just this fact would bring a feeling of 10,000 pursuers.

APPLICATION

I truly love sitting with David at every life stage and season of his life. This morning David teaches me a lot about renewing my soul in the midst of the greatest pressures of life. Pressure that may have been self-imposed by dumb decisions made in the past, or navigating close family or relational conflict. David had all the competency in the world to wage war against his rookie son, but fled and trusted the fight into Gods hands. He knew God would not only vindicate him, but more so be just, and merciful to not just an enemy but his own son. The last thing a father would want on his hands was the blood of his own son. All in all I am reminded of the ultimate goal of my life as a leader in David's closing statement, 

"From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people." 

I am encouraged to make Godly decisions this year and not emotional ones. There will always be pressures and tough decisions to make, but will never change the fact that the Lord is my shield, he will vindicate me, and I am to be a blessing to His people.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, 

I understand and resolve that there times of pressure this next year. I pray for wisdom and insight to make righteous decisions that honor You, but also a humble yet warrior like faith to navigate the pressures of life that I would a blessing to Your people and never a hindrance.

Aaron Cordeiro

Don't Follow the Crowd

SCRIPTURE

"Jesus saw that they were ready to take him by force and make him king, so he went higher into the hills alone." (John 6:15)

OBSERVATION

To some the applause of man is a worthy goal.  When one welcomes this as the standard of approval it can misdirect one from their original assignment.  Jesus' ministry was drawing thousands of people to him.  They were attracted to his miracles, healings and in this chapter to his food supply.  No doubt that many were living below the pauper's wages and would be attracted to someone providing their needs.  They wanted to keep these miracles happening in their midst so they came up with a plan to hold on to Jesus by making Him their King.  What an honor to be exalted by thousands of people who believe in what you are doing.  The only catch is that when people vote for you their intention is "what's in it for me".  When people elect a candidate in office, there's an expectation for this leader to perform to their bidding.  Or else get voted out.  For politicians - their highest goal is to win the approval of man. 

But Jesus had another goal in mind; it was to win the approval from God.  He wasn't moved by the number of popularity for I recall in his last year of his ministry it was done a little more quietly until His triumphant entry in Jerusalem.  The people wanted him as their king so he went higher into the hills alone.

APPLICATION

Many of the artists' in the music world had basically one goal in mind - "To capture the audience".  So with that goal in mind they become different from whom they were created to be.  Some people capture the audience by changing their appearance. They go as for as men looking like women just to give a different spin on their identity. Some may even look like they came from hell.  They become an identity to please the crowd. 

Ministry is not about popularity.  Ministry is about being honest and devoted to God's work in spite of popularity.  I must never change to win man's applause but change to become more like Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, teach me to stay on your path and not be moved by the crowd.

Marcus Sanders

Moving From Knowing To Following

SCRIPTURE

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

OBSERVATION

There is something of new insight I've gained here today about student teacher relationship. It is so simple yet so profound yet not easy! Now Jesus is taking time to prepare the disciples for His death and resurrection. Jesus is saying and doing many things that are profound that fulfill prophecy spoken from the beginning of time, though true many of these things Jesus is saying and doing the disciples did not understand at the time. One of them being, Jesus takes time to wash His disciples feet. The teacher takes a lowly place and humbles himself to the point of this servant act. Jesus explains… That if these are students of Jesus who is the teacher then students will take what Jesus teaches and apply it, or do it right? Simple! He makes the point that though He did this type of servant act yet the student is not greater than the teacher. If Jesus never did or taught, then His followers would have nothing to teach or reproduce.

APPLICATION

Jesus said to any who follow Him "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." Jesus concludes this snippet lesson on student teacher relationship by saying "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." The blessing comes not just hearing these things but understanding them and actually reproducing them. This is the litmus test of a true follower of Christ. Not just reproducing the great feats of Christ also the lowly acts of service. Jesus has set a perfect example for me to follow, therefore I am encouraged this morning to stick close to Christ, in order to follow His lead not my own or any one else.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I pray for a renewed heart of a student this morning, I pray for eyes to see what You've done and what You are doing, that I may go from just knowing Your example to following Your example. Amen.

Aaron Cordeiro

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

SCRIPTURE

"Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Pet. 2:12)

OBSERVATION

It is said that a person's "actions speak louder than words," and how true it is, especially when it comes to authenticating the credibility of the Gospel. People are looking, rather than listening, to see whether the "good news" is indeed what people say that it is, whether it's being lived out in the lives of believers, or whether it's just another fad or farce, just another movement for the moment. It was an issue back in the days of Peter and is no different today. With so many professing to be "followers of Christ," what is the difference between the life of a believer from that of a non-believer? Statistically, according to George Barna's research, there is no significant difference between the two when it comes to divorce rate, speeding above the posted limit, and other moral issues. But here Peter reminds us that there must be a difference, and that the lifestyle of a believer must not fall below the standard of excellence that Christ represents. 

It's not a matter of living a life of opulence or wealth, nor does it have anything to do with material standards and possessions. It's all about having the kind of heart, attitude, outlook on life that would represent Christ, even in our sufferings and struggles, or as Peter puts it "fiery ordeals." It's not a matter of what may happen to us, but how do we respond when those times hit us. Peter says to "Keep your behavior excellent..."

APPLICATION

What I do today, how I choose to respond to the many issues that await my presence will go a long way towards "preaching" the credibility and authenticity of the gospel. If the gospel is the "good news" in my life, then my response to whatever hand life chooses to deal to me must reflect a spirit, attitude, and emotion of excellence that represents Christ. Each new day provides me with a new opportunity to "preach the gospel" with all my heart, through my actions, and only if necessary will I need to use my words.

PRAYER

Father, I welcome each day with a renewed spirit. May others see You through me and my life. May my actions speak louder than my words authenticating Your gospel that lives in me.

Elwin Ahu

We Got The Go Ahead!

SCRIPTURE

"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mt. 28:18-20)

OBSERVATION

These verses begin with the words, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" ... now GO! 

Think of it this way: 

A supervisor assembles a team of creative men and women who come up with a gargantuan plan to reach the masses with a message. Publicity, logo wear, concerts, fliers, staffing, radio, television, and much more. The budget would be crazy expensive, but the supervisor didn't say economize. He said, "Imagine!" 

So they did! 

Everything was in place, the people were excited, but the budget reached two million dollars. And one morning, the supervisor burst into the room of the waiting Imagineers and announced, "I applied for a grant, and I didn't get two million. They gave us five million, and they gave us the go ahead!" 

In essence, that's what Jesus said to His waiting disciples. The Father had given Him the "Go Ahead." He gave them the thumbs up to reach the world with the Gospel, and He would supply all we needed! 

Now Jesus declared to His disciples: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and I will be with you!" 

The mandate is not complicated. Go make disciples by baptizing them and teach them to observe all He commanded. In other words, win the lost, get them connected and committed in public, and teach them ... for their obedience will need to be something they are taught to do.

APPLICATION

Jesus said He'd provide all I needed. So I am going to go for it. I will make disciples who will be laborers in the harvest fields. I will imagine how it can be done, and I will come up with creative ways that disciple people and teach them to be fully devoted Christ followers.

PRAYER

Father, You have given us the GO! Please help me to take the plunge and develop colleges, internships, and training/mentoring so we can see many great leaders emerge! IJN Amen!

Wayne Cordeiro

Motives?

SCRIPTURE

"But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 3:7-10)

OBSERVATION

We know that the Pharisees and Sadducees believed in God. But why were they coming to where John was baptizing believers? Were they coming because of curiosity, knowledge of the truth, or belief and desire to be baptized? The scriptures aren't clear as to what transpired, however, it's very clear that John knew their heart and motives. Thus, he implores them to produce good fruits and do that which is righteous, warning them that lineage or position would not save them; less they realize the wrath of being cut down and thrown into the fire.

APPLICATION

Is it possible to find ourselves to be like the Pharisees and Sadducees at times where we unknowingly turn our relationship with God through Jesus Christ into religiosity doing all the things that look good to others but actually are driven by the wrong motives in our minds and hearts. Are we even cognizant at times of our motives? Do character flaws and desires of the world often creep in without are being aware? I would have to say in all honesty yes. However, if our intent is righteous yet we are deceived momentarily, what can get us back on track and help us to see the ways of the enemy? I know that it is my time with God in His word, as it is His word that will feed me true knowledge that will also recalibrate my sensors to know when the ways of the world and enemy are creeping into my mind. His word will be the filters I need to keep the purity of God flowing into my heart and mind, thereby allowing me to have a keen spiritual presence of mind to know the ways of God and the ways of the enemy. Then I can rest assured that my motives will be in line with God's will and also allow me like John to see through those whose motives are not of the Lord.

PRAYER

Lord, may I stay stalwart in my diligence to your word so that my motives and actions will be in line with your heart and will for my life, and that you will allow me the keenness to see the motives of others less I be duped. May I have the cognizance to know when I am slipping and dedication to spend ample time with you through your Word to strengthen and grow my character, heart and will.

John Tilton

Redefining My Circumstances

SCRIPTURE

"For as long as life is in me, and the breath of God is in my nostrils, my lips certainly will not speak unjustly, or will my tongue mutter deceit . . . till I die I will not put away my integrity from me." (Job 27:3-4)

OBSERVATION

What a strong statement of Job's faith. He had lost everything; his possessions and even those he held dear to his heart. And according to his friends, his circumstances seemed to be defining his faith towards God. Yet out of the rubble of despair, he still proclaimed an undying devotion to God and a stalwart faith in the Lord Almighty. 

But as noble as was Job's statement of faith, is it realistic to believe that we can attain to the same? Is it possible to achieve such a high degree of faith under even the most trying of circumstances? In Mark we are exposed to the human tendencies of our Lord as we witnessed how even Jesus struggled with the pressures of His preordained life. While in the Garden of Gethsemane His soul was "deeply grieved to the point of death." (Mark 14:34). And on the cross, His last breath cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34). By the humanness of His response when facing such trying times, we can see how it may be unavoidable for us, as well; unavoidable, but not impossible to overcome. 

While we may all feel forsaken at one time or another, when it seems apparent, at least from our perspective, that God isn't there; He hasn't answered our cries for help; He doesn't seem to care, it's our perspective that needs to change, not Him. If we ended our reading of Job at his losses and never finished his story, or witnessed the life and death of Jesus, but never His resurrection, we would have missed "the rest of the story." Job struggled, but he overcame each challenge and "won" back everything in the end. Jesus died, but rose again. And by their examples, there is always hope for us, regardless of our circumstances.

APPLICATION

I cannot allow my circumstances to define the degree of my faith in my God. Instead, it's the level of my faith that must redefine my circumstances. Job stayed faithful, despite the setbacks and the heartaches he faced. And in Hebrews we see how Jesus "endured such hostility by sinners against Himself" (Heb. 12:3) so that we might not grow weary and lose heart. Challenges, setbacks, hostility are simply a part of life; they are unavoidable and it's how I choose to respond to such circumstances that will spell the difference between whether I rejoice or regret the rest of my life.

PRAYER

Father, forgive me for the shallowness of my faith at times, when I've allowed circumstances to dictate my faith. Thank you for the examples of exemplary faith such as that of Job and of Your Son Jesus Christ who stayed the course till the end. May my faith redefine my challenges beginning today.

Elwin Ahu

Upgrading from Skillful to Godly Counsel

SCRIPTURE

"After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." (Acts 27:21-22,26)

OBSERVATION

I could only imagine the emotions and feelings Paul felt when the crew decided not to listen to his advice. To stir the emotional pot even more what Paul said would happen came to pass when they weathered the horrible storm, through al there supplies overboard, and came to the point of hopelessness. Paul stands up and addresses the people still as a prisoner and encourages them to take courage. He also says they should of listened, as well as they must run aground some where on some island.

APPLICATION

In life there will be many different counselors that will help us make decisions. There are those who will counsel poorly, skillfully, and Godly. Skillful counsel is great to help us process decisions but even with skillful counsel will lead me toward storms and hopeless circumstances. Paul tried to warn them, but even after the people made a poor decision he still encouraged the people and gave them hope. I am encouraged this morning to keep Godly counsel at the forefront of my decisions. I am also encouraged to strive with others even though they may not seek or apply Godly counsel as their first decision.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your reminding me this morning how much You have strived with me, even when I have made poor decisions. Please increase my grace, patients, and love for people for I realize if not for Your grace I would be lost in the storms of life myself.

Aaron Cordeiro

Learning from elders, teaching as an elder.

SCRIPTURE

"Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?" (Job 8:8-10)

OBSERVATION

Bildad replies to Job after sharing his anguishing emotional, spiritual state of mind, heart and life! Bildad shares some pretty insightful principles. The timing, attitude and tone of Job's friends fellowship are not the best - but I thought about how, regarding Bildad's counsel, I need to and love to learn from older, wiser, more experienced people. 

To me, the one's who have teachable, humble, submissive hearts - in respect to learning from the older generation, are the ones who will gain understanding, wisdom and save years of pain, while adding years to their lives. Not too mention adding life to others around them through their lives. 

Maybe I'm getting older - ok - no maybes about it...but I know through experience that I am who I am, by the grace of God and those whom God sent into my life, to learn and be mentored from.

APPLICATION

I feel like rattling off some things that are coming to mind that I MUST continue to commit to - adjust to - submit to!!!! 

1. Be teachable, humble, submissive - especially & more so when I know "I'm right."
2. Seek counsel & ask questions to learn. Sometimes we ask questions to prove a point, or get a personal agenda or thought across
3. Put yourself under people who are willing to risk hurting me (my pride) - those whose best interest is my transformation - not just friendship.
4. Being genuinely honest, truthfully transparent with God and and accountability is LIFE transforming & giving!
5. I need to keep these qualities above - to learn from my elders, and be able to teach the younger generation, as an elder

Guide the younger generation with these truths. If they don't catch this - they will be less fruitful, effective - less transformed in their walks with Jesus.

PRAYER

Thanks soooooooo much for this clarifying word! You refresh my soul and strengthen my vision and mission - to become more like You - and to coach others likewise. Thanks for teaching, guiding, counseling me Holy Spirit. You are the best Coach...Friend of all!

Rod Shimabukuro