Acorn Build Up: A Simple Psalm

A Simple Psalm (without comment)

Psalm 25:1-5
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.

Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

Acorn Build Up: Possible Mission

Possible Mission

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

What a challenging thought! Frankly, my natural tendency is to avoid people with whom I have previously had difficulties. I figure if I just stay out of their way I won't have to deal with them. Unfortunately, I don't think that is what the writer of this verse intended. And I know that's not what God has in mind.

To the best of our ability we are to live at peace with, dare I repeat it, everyone! That means the cranky people and the people that we don't understand. It means the people older than us and the younger ones too. It means our boss and our subordinate. Everyone.

Let's start out our new week with this verse on our hearts.

Peace,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Rest

Rest

Matthew 11:28
Come to Me and I will give you rest

It's the weekend! How do you plan to unwind and refresh yourself?

Jesus' plan for our rest has to do with turning our attention on Him. By focusing our attention on Jesus we will simultaneously take our attention away from ourselves. The more we focus on ourselves the more tired we will feel. However, when we gaze upon Christ Jesus the fatigue subsides.

Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, states it this way:
Ask the Lord to put awareness of Himself in you, and your self-awareness will disappear. Then He will be your all in all.

And that is the only real rest in the world.

Get some rest!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Heart Storage

Heart Storage

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

What are we storing in our hearts? Are we gathering in the good stuff, or are we collecting evil? Another way to identify the contents of our heart would be to determine that which occupies the majority of our thinking. The thoughts that capture our attention, you know, the ones we dwell upon, are clues to the nature of our storage.

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

If we treasure things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:21-22), then our hearts will overflow with the good stuff when we speak.

Let's take inventory of what we've stored in our hearts.

Lon

Acorn Build Up: Faith in Adversity

Faith in Adversity

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear...

What is your "trouble"? No matter what assails you, there is help available. There is a refuge, a safe place, in the storms of life. There is great strength to face the difficulties. All this is available through our faith in God. And, it's available anywhere and anytime.

Troubles are a regular part of life. Trouble affects everyone, both the non-believer and the person of faith. However, with God's help there is no need for fear. With faith in God, we can persevere through the adversities of life without fear.

Place your troubles in the hands of God, and do not be afraid.

God is with us!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Everyone!

Everyone! by Pastor Glenn Brown

Romans 10:13
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

This passage encourages me! It gives me great hope that all I have to do is call on the name of Jesus and I will be saved. There is no question or doubt about it. It is straight forward; definite.

People often ask, "Is there hope for me?"

I love that word "everyone"! Everyone means everyone. So, the answer to the question is an emphatic, yes!

Please consider sending this post to your friends that are asking the question, "Is there hope for me?"

About the Author
Pastor Brown is "in a holding pattern" as he waits upon the Lord. Pastor Glenn has previously served as a church pastor, a chaplain with the Ontario County Sheriff's Department (NY), a funeral home director, and served with me (Lon) in the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps in the late-1970s. Pastor Brown served at Ground Zero as a Chaplain.

You can contact Pastor Brown by email at: Lon@AcornMinistries.com

Acorn Build Up: Source of Strength

Source of Strength

1Peter 4:11
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

This afternoon I returned from investing 26 hours in 27 young people from the Pontiac (IL) area from the First United Methodist and the First Lutheran churches. We traveled to Dickson Valley Camp and Retreat Center for the event. I think I've slept 10 hours in the last 72.

Frankly, I'm exhausted! In my fatigue a question is gnawing at my brain. Did I lean on the strength of God, or did I rely on my own, human power?

Today, let's leave no doubt about it. Let's lean on the almighty strength of God, so we'll know for sure where the glory belongs. It belongs to God!

Praise God!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Three Clues

Three Clues

1Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

If you ever wondered what God's will is for His people, then I'd recommend spending time with this passage of scripture. First of all, this passage is short enough that I think even I could memorize it! Second, it gives us straight forward clues to the way God wants us to live.

1. Be joyful always - not just when we feel good.

2. Pray continually - keep the lines of communication open to God.

3. Give thanks in all circumstances - trust that God's plan will prevail and thank Him for it.

Have a great weekend!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Tired

Tired

John 4:6-7
...Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well...a Samaritan woman came to draw water...

We have all journeyed through another long week. Frankly, I'm tired! Jesus was tired from His journey, too. Even so, Jesus ministered to the Samaritan woman and many others from the area.

Many Samaritans came to believe (4:39-41) because Jesus made the extra effort. He saw an opportunity to minister and took advantage of it, even though He was tired.

As this week comes to a close, let's finish strong. Let's look for opportunities to minister to others, even though we are tired.

Finish strong!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Wait for the Lord

Wait for the Lord

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

There is such hope in this verse. That hope can only spring from a heart that trusts fully in the Lord. For what else upon this earth could possibly give us real hope in the face of adversity?

When we trust God, we can patiently wait for His perfect timing. However, waiting patiently upon the Lord is not a passive thing. Henri Nouwen describes waiting as anticipating that each moment may be the moment. He suggests an up-on-the-balls-of-our-feet posture ready to seize on the next cool thing God is going to do in our lives.

Be strong and take courage!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Strength and Peace

Strength and Peace

Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives strength to his people; The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Several regular readers of the Daily Build Up are currently fighting through significant illnesses. This verse jumped out at me as an encouragement to them and to the rest of us.

When illness comes our human strength is tested and our human peace is shaken. It is in these times we reach our limits as humans. Standing at the end of our human self we recognize how much we need God. Embrace God's strength! Drink in His peace!

God's strength and peace will amaze those close to us. In this way, even our illness can bring glory to God.

Praying for your healing,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: The Purpose of Gifts

The Purpose of Gifts

1Peter 4:10-11
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit gives us gifts. These gifts include the ability to teach, the ability to lead, and the ability to speak. Some have the gift of making money. Others are given the ability to comfort others in need. And there are many other gifts of the Spirit.

We are called to serve others with the gifts that we've been given. We use these gifts to build each other up in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). Everything we do with our gifts must serve the purpose for which they were given. That purpose is to bring glory to God.

Do all that we can with all we've been given and give all the glory to God.

For God's glory,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Center Stage

Center Stage

Philippians 4:5-7 (The Message)
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Worry can take hold of our life. It sneaks in as a passing thought, a fleeting image. Instead of resisting worry, we re-visit it. The visits become more regular until our worries occupy more and more of our thinking. Before long, our worries can take center stage in our life. There is no peace when our worries take over.

The way to send our worries packing begins with recognizing their residency. We can detect these squatters by paying attention to our thinking (see Catch and Release). Once recognized, express our worries to God, place them before God's throne. Soon those former worries will be replaced by Someone much more satisfying. As we return our attention to Christ, His peace will return, too!

Let's put Jesus as the main event on the center stage of our life as we begin this new week.

Peace,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Sight Setting

Sight Setting

1Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

In the Marines I learned to set the sights on my weapon depending upon the distance between the target and me. The farther the target the higher I needed to adjust my sights.

Our culture teaches us to desire great wealth. In other words, it teaches us to aim very high. In our attempt to hit these ridiculous targets we work too much, we accumulate too much stuff, and we spend beyond our means. What would our lives look like if we re-set our sights?

The truth is that we can never gain enough wealth and stuff to reach contentment. This is played out every day in the news. People that appear to "have it all" in terms of wealth and fame with completely wrecked lives. Let's set our sights a little lower. Let's look around and realize that we already have more than we need!

Hebrews 13:5
...be content with what you have...

Be content!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: 100th Post!

100th Post

1Thessalonians 5:11
...encourage one another and build each other up...

It's hard to believe that this is the 100th posting for the Daily Build Up!

People regularly express how God has blessed them through the Daily Build Up. It is so cool to be a part of the lives of so many people around the world. Here's a list of countries where we have Daily Build Up readers:

620 United States
5 Canada
4 United Kingdom
4 China
3 Brazil
3 Spain
2 Singapore
2 Germany
1 Philippines
1 Mexico
1 Malaysia
1 Italy
1 France
1 Chile

I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to share the Daily Build Up with your friends and family. It's very simple to pass this gift on to others. All you have to do is copy the following words into an email, then send it to anyone that you would like to encourage:

Daily Build Up

If you'd like each Daily Build Up sent to you as an email, simply type your email address in the "subscribe" box on the right and follow the easy directions. IT'S FREE!

NOTE: If you would like to support this ministry, please click on the "Make a Donation" button on the right.

Acorn Build Up: God's Assurance

God's Assurance

Hebrews 13:5b-6 (The Message)
Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, "God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?"

When we go through the difficult times in life, it seems as if we are all alone. But this simply isn't true! God is always at our side. No matter what, God is with us!

And, He is ready and willing to help. Granted, our idea of helping might not be what is best for us. With that in mind, God will help us through the tough stuff in a way that will help us become the people He designed us to be.

And, God won't let us down. God is trustworthy! We can count on Him. With God on our side, let us be fearless in the face of the difficulties we face this day.

Take courage!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Scattering Seeds

Scattering Seeds

Mark 4:26-27
[Jesus] 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.

Like seeds, we really don't understand how the kingdom of God grows. However, we do know that our scattering of the seeds is an important part, but scattering the seed doesn't make the seed grow. It is God that makes the kingdom and the seed grow.

How we spread the seeds is important. There are lots of seed scattering methods. I've seen people load seed into a straw and, like a blow gun, shoot the seed in the direction of the targeted non-believer. Nor should we horde the seed; holding back from telling people about Jesus. Also, our scattering should be done with integrity, that is, our testimony should be in agreement with our life.

Scattering the seed of the Good News should be like handing a precious gift to a cherished loved one. Gently and patiently presenting that which God alone can grow.

Happy scattering!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Set His Face

Set His Face

Luke 9:51 KJV
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.

Jesus knew the duty that was before Him in Jerusalem. He knew the outcome. Yet, He responded with great resolve.

God is calling each of us into His service. Sometimes the thought of the tasks we are called to causes us to hesitate. In my case, I think about the possible negative outcomes or the costs of the effort. Next, I find myself engaging in other tasks in order to avoid that which I'm really called to do.

Again, Jesus knew the personal danger that awaited Him in Jerusalem. Nonetheless, Jesus steadfastly set his face to go...

Facing it with you,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Feeding Sheep

Feeding Sheep

John 21:17
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

As we step into this new work week, let us remember for whom we work. If we really love Jesus, then our work is for Him. And, the work He calls us to is to feed His sheep. The sheep we have the opportunity to feed include every person with whom we come in contact.

The grumpy boss and the tardy employee, the cranky customer and the sad passerby, the peer in the next cubicle and the guy who cleans up after us, ALL need to be fed. Let's grab a bag of sheep feed and get to feeding. Sprinkle a little lovingkindness here and a little grace there. Pour out a gentle word here and a caring shoulder there. Absorb a cutting remark here and offer a leg up there.

The sheep are hungry!

A fellow feeder,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Itching Ears

Itching Ears

2Timothy 4:2-4
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

One thing that is troubling about the digital age is that one can find "an expert" on any and all crackpot theories. It's weird. If someone posts something on a blog or places something on their website, then the general digital public accepts the statement as fact. As followers of Jesus Christ we must be diligent and careful as we digest the piles of information available to us. For their are many myths, but only one Truth.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..."

Acorn Build Up: Scripture Time

Scripture Time

2Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Believe me when I say that I am not a Bible scholar. I love the Bible, but I am not very knowledgeable about it. Even though I can't name the books of the Bible in order, scripture is the primary medium through which God speaks to me. I want to encourage you to spend some time this weekend reading the Bible.

The task of reading the Bible is quite daunting when viewed as a 1000+ page book. Instead, approach the Bible as a bunch of books in one big Book. Now, try to attack one of those books by reading one chapter each day. Before you know it you've read a whole book. Now choose another one...

One of the awesome things about the electronic age that we live in is that we can access the Bible digitally. In a digital format one can search for key words or phrases throughout the Bible. This has opened my eyes to awesome passages of scripture that don't seem to be in the mainstream.

How do you fit reading scripture into your busy life? Email me your suggestions or leave a comment on this blog.

Thanks!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Listening in the Dark

Listening in the Dark

Matthew 10:27
Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

One of the scariest moments in my life was on a wilderness canoe trip in northern Minnesota. I was in my tent and had just about fallen to sleep when I heard it. It sounded like a human body had been dropped into the lake about 20 feet away! For what seemed like hours I listened for every breaking twig, every passing breeze, and every rustle in the leaves. My hearing was so cranked up that my beard on my sleeping bag sounded like a canoe on a gravel bar!

I think that's the kind of listening God wants from us when we are in the dark. You know, those times when spiritually we're out of sorts; nothing seems to be going according to our plans. Unfortunately, our temptation is to close our ears and open our mouth. Oswald Chambers wrote:

...pay attention when God puts you into darkness, and keep your mouth closed while you are there...if you open your mouth in the dark, you will speak while in the wrong mood - darkness is the time to listen...just listen and obey...God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light. (Excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest)

Currently in the light,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Calm in the Storm

Calm in the Storm

Matthew 8:24-26
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

We are hunkered down waiting out a pretty significant winter storm here in central-Illinois. Schools and businesses are closed. Not much is moving outside except the gusting wind and the snow that it is moving into large drifts.

I am not afraid. I place my faith in the God that created all that exists. I place my trust in the God that can part waters, heal the sick, and walk on water. My faith is in the Jesus that was so unimpressed by the storm that he could find sleep in the midst of it. I trust the Jesus that with a word could calm the storm.

Calmly,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Shield of Faith

Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16
...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Do you ever feel under attack? It's likely that you are. There is evil in this world and we are often its target. Its strategies are covert and its weapons are subtle. Our enemy speaks doubt into our lives. It tempts us with things of this world. It confuses our priorities.

However, we have an awesome tool to fend off these attacks. We have our faith. Our faith in the living God serves as a shield to expose and dismiss the attacks of the enemy. Our faith in Jesus the Christ will defend us from every attack.

Faithfully,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Prioritize

Prioritize

Acts 6:2
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables."

The apostles were not making a value judgement on the relative importance of feeding the needy. Rather, they realized that they needed to prioritize that which they were particularly equipped to do; ministry of the word of God.

We are surrounded by responsibilities which cry out for our attention. As leaders we must prioritize those tasks that we are uniquely gifted/situated to do. Then identify competent people to carry the responsibility of the remaining important tasks.

Identify Needs ~ Prioritize ~ Delegate

Encouraging you is one of my top priorities!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Breaking with Tradition

Breaking with Tradition

Exodus 18:21-23
...select capable men from all the people...Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you...If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.

Moses had a challenge on his hands. He was the arbitrator, or judge, for every dispute. People lined up all day and night to have Moses judge the disputes. Moses was getting tired, and the people were spending all day waiting in line. Can you imagine waiting in line all day with the very person with whom you have a dispute?

Moses' father-in-law saw the problem and suggested a solution. In order to solve this problem he would have to change the way things were done; break with tradition. Even though the tradition was wearing Moses out and frustrating the people, it still took courage to change the way they always did things.

Where are the traditions in your life? Are there activities that you take part in out of habit even though they no longer serve their initial purpose? Can you identify tasks that you currently manage that could be delegated to someone trained with the skills to handle them?

In Christ,
Lon

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Acorn Build Up: Meeting Challenges

Meeting Challenges

James 1:12 (The Message)
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

Given the opportunity every person reading this post could likely describe a testing-challenge in their life right now. Challenges seem as common to humans as breathing. The uncommon aspect of challenges for the Christian is our loyalty to God.

The Christian, despite the present challenge, loyally remains in love with God. No matter how bad the testing becomes we should always strive to maintain our relationship with Jesus. As the challenges pass, the relationship, strengthened through weathering the testing, grows and deepens.

A deep loving relationship with God is life, and what a life it is!

Head-on into the fray!
Lon

Again, I've upgraded this blog. Please let me know if you have any difficulty receiving it. Email me at: Lon@acornministries.com

Acorn Build Up: Renewed Strength

Renewed Strength

Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Despite my best efforts to avoid the various illnesses that have followed my family home, I'm starting to come down with something. I thought about skipping the Daily Build Up for today and cuddle up on the couch, but then I opened my Bible.

I did a word search on the word hope and found this verse in Isaiah. As I read this passage I actually began to feel my strength return. It make sense. When I approached the task of writing, which I really love, I was thinking of a writing it out of my human strength, which was pretty much gone tonight.

...but for those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength...

Shifting my hope to the Lord, He renewed my strength. I had ample energy to tackle this Build Up! Where's your hope? Is it in your skills and aptitudes, your experience, or your position? Or, is your hope in the eternal, living, creating God that can lift us up and make us soar?

Soaring!
Lon

P.S. I will be upgrading this blog soon. Please contact me if you have any difficulty accessing these posts over the next couple of days. lon@acornministries.com

Acorn Build Up: Listen to the Spirit

Listen to the Spirit

Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.

I regularly play out conversations in my head as to how I will respond to challenges about my faith. OK, I worry about what I will say in the heat of the moment. Yet, when those moments come I have always found an answer to the questions. Most of the time I think, "Where did that come from?"

Jesus taught His disciples to trust the Holy Spirit in these moments. The Holy Spirit still teaches us today in those important critical moments. However, we have to listen. If our heads get too full of our own thoughts, it is pretty difficult to hear the lessons the Holy Spirit has prepared for us.

Trust ~ Listen ~ Respond

Listening,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Post-Game Reflection

Post-Game Reflection

Genesis 1:27, 31
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good...

Well, the Super Bowl is in the books. I won't take up your time bemoaning the outcome. However, I will share that while reflecting on the big game, I went from deep disappointment, to anger, to joy, and ended up in praise. I praise God for the thousands of ways that He advanced His kingdom through this event.

In the passage above, God reflected on the creative effort of the day. Let's take time at the end of this day to reflect on the goodness of God. Let us look at the blessings which we've received. Let us see in the tough stuff the training that God has provided. Let us look at our mistakes of this day with objective clarity. Let us look lovingly upon Jesus for His sacrificial act that cleanses us of our sins.

God is good!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Pre-Game Build Up

Pre-Game Build Up

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

There is an awful lot of hype that precedes a sporting event like the Super Bowl! It seems that every angle is observed and reported upon. I have seen some very interesting, and sometimes bizarre, stories of the pre-game rituals that the athletes go through.

As spectators we all go through pre-game rituals, too. I start by reserving the use of the TV on my family's calendar of programs to watch. Next, I get my menu planned for during the game. I always sit in the same chair with the same blanket.

Each day in the life of a Christian is filled with real spiritual challenges. As a Christian facing today's big game, what is your pre-game ritual? Do you spend time huddling with our heavenly coach, Jesus? Do you prepare for the competition by reviewing the game plan, the Bible? Do you stretch out spiritually by spending time in prayer with the God that made us?

Let's prepare for today's contest!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Royal Position

Royal Position

Esther 4:14b
And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

I just watched two of the coolest video clips I have ever seen. The clips feature the Bear's Head Coach, Lovie Smith, and the coach of the Colts, Tony Dungy, telling about their faith in God. These two Christian men obviously understand the purpose for which they have come to royal position! They are on the world's brightest stage, and they are bringing glory to God!

I want to give credit to Bill Allison, Founder of Cadre Ministries, for sharing these clips with me. If you would like to see them yourself, please check out Bill's blog at: http://cupojoewithbill.blogspot.com/

I don't know about you, but I don't coach a professional football team. For that matter, I don't lead anything that receives any media attention at all. However, that does not mean that I am exempt from the expectations and opportunities of my royal position. Everyone of us has an audience. God placed each of us exactly where He wants us.

Let's take advantage of the spotlight that shows upon us.

Glory to God!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: A Kind Word

A Kind Word

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Have you noticed your added weight? No, I'm not talking about the extra pounds that we collected over the holidays. Rather, have you noticed the heaviness that comes with worry?

For me worry starts out innocent enough with a fleeting thought regarding a possible negative consequence of some action. The problem begins when I don't immediately capture that thought and hold it in the light of Jesus. Unchecked, that thought grows and grows and grows. Before long what began as a fleeting thought now occupies most of my thinking. It weighs me down.

One way to lighten someone else's load is to offer them a kind word. I know that sounds pretty simplistic, but think back to the last time you heard a kind word. Do you remember how it made you feel? How it lifted your spirits?

Unfortunately, kind words, which cost nothing to give, are in surprisingly short supply. Let's each cheer up one person today by offering them a kind word. Who knows, the act of cheering up someone else just might lighten our load while we're at it!

Kindly,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Borrowed Hope

Borrowed Hope, by Sandy Egle

1 Peter 3:15
...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...

In today’s world, there are many hopeless people. I have had the privilege of supporting many hopeless people in my counseling career, but one individual put me to the test regarding my faith. As I shared the reason for my hope, the love of God, this individual asked me if they could borrow some of my hope until they were able to find their own hope. Of course I happily shared some of my hope with them.

Do you have enough hope to share with someone who has none of their own? Scripture instructs us to be prepared to help others understand where our hope comes from. Be ready to help them know the source of your hope and make sure you have enough to share!

Sandy Egle
Executive Director
Heart to Heart Support Services
H2Hserve@hotmail.com

Acorn Build Up: An Apt Reply

An Apt Reply

Proverbs 15:23
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!

Professor Pavlov had a dog. Each time he rang a bell he fed the dog. After time, he rang the bell but didn't feed the dog. The dog salivated anyway. To the dog the bell ringing meant food was coming, so it salivated. Steven Covey calls this a reactive response.

Stimulus ~ Response

Covey suggests that we (humans) have the ability to respond differently. He teaches that we can think before responding. When something acts as a stimulus we have the ability to think prior to reacting. He calls this a proactive response.

Stimulus ~ Think ~ Response

Frankly, I tend to respond to the stimuli of the world more like the animals. And O the pain I've caused from speaking my mind without first engaging it (my mind)! However, I'm learning to exercise my ability to think before I react. There really is joy when I respond with a fitting answer to the situation, but it takes thought and thought takes time!

Let's build up the people we meet today by engaging our minds before engaging our mouths.

I'm thinking...
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Courage

Courage

Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

The people that have made the largest impression on me about living a life of faith have been normal everyday people. Of course I've been impressed with learned church leaders, but it's the ordinary people that have profoundly moved me.

If you really want to impress the people in your neck of the woods, then live a courageous faithful life in Christ. People will take note of your behavior. They will take note of your character. They will even take note of your acquaintances, particularly when they know that you walk with Jesus.

Astonish someone!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Catch and Release

Catch and Release

2Corinthians 10:5
...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

I'm thankful that people can't hear my thoughts! Unchecked, my thought life takes me places I wouldn't want my friends and family to know about. However, just because my thoughts aren't audible doesn't mean my thoughts go undetected.

The LORD knows the thoughts of man... (Psalm 94:11)

God knows our thoughts! He even knows what I'm going to say before I say it (Psalm 139:4). This is VERY sobering to me that even my thoughts are exposed before the Lord.

Granted, we can't control the impulsive thought that explodes on our consciousness, but we can control what happens next. We can learn to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. As thoughts race across our mind we must recognize or capture them, quickly evaluate them in the light of Christ, and then dismiss every thought that doesn't withstand the scrutiny of our Lord Jesus.

As we begin this week lets practice some catch and release with our thoughts:

Capture ~ Test ~ Release

Thoughtfully,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Peace

Peace

Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

My heart is very heavy regarding the war in Iraq. God led me to this verse. Let us seek peace in every corner of our influence.

Pray for peace,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Uncertainty

Uncertainty

1Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Isn't it odd how uncertain life gets when we step out in faith? The irony is that the uncertainty of life doesn't change just because we stepped out into something new. No, the truth is that life is uncertain all the time. We just get lulled into a false sense of security because the pay check comes in on a regular basis.

Our habits, routines, and familiar habitat create a sense of certainty, but it isn't real. Life is uncertain. No matter how comfortable we get, one phone call can change our life.

However, the uncertainty of life need not leave us feeling hopeless. There is a source of hope that is trustworthy. That source of hope is God. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In God we can be certain. In God we can find our hope.

Certainly,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Door Knocking

Door Knocking

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Several of my friends are seeking new ministries. God is calling, and in some cases, has called, them out of their former work. Their paths are often uncertain and regularly challenging. From my own experience the early steps in any new venture can be, at best, unsettling.

My friends, take comfort. Jesus promised that if we ask then it will be given. Jesus promised that if we seek we will find. Jesus promised that if we knock the door will be opened.

Keep asking!
Keep seeking!
Keep knocking!

A fellow pilgrim,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Acceptable Sacrifice

Acceptable Sacrifice

Psalm 51:15-17 (NRSV)
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

We work so hard for the Lord. We fill our calendars with efforts to please Him. We pour our lives into our labor to earn His smile. Yet, these are not the sacrifices that please our God.

For that matter, I often get so involved in my service to the Lord that my service takes center stage. Our ministry is not the sacrifice that pleases our God.

No, the acceptable sacrifice is brokenness and contrition.

Contrition is defined as sorrow for and detestation of sin with a true purpose of amendment, arising from a love of God for his own perfections.

What pleases God is our genuine praise.

Praise the LORD, O my soul... (Psalm 103:1)

Acorn Build Up: Conform?

Conform?

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How do you do the work you do? Do you do it like everyone else? Or is there something different about the way you approach your labor?

We are called to do life differently; to conduct all aspects of life in a distinctively Christian manner. Living differently depends upon keeping our mind fresh. As we spend time studying God's word and praying, God molds our minds to think more and more as He thinks. As we think differently our lives are changed; transformed.

Transformed lives look different.

Acorn Build Up: Unity

Unity

1Corinthians 12:12, 26-27
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.

I participated in the leadership of a Christian Unity Service this evening as part of the local Ministerial Association. There were 13 pastors from a wide variety of denominations. There were some very moving moments during the service, but the thought that captured my attention was the show of unity by these religious leaders from different denominational backgrounds.

For a moment or two this evening the body of Christ made sense to me as I looked down the rows of the assembled pastors. It was a genuine show of unity.

As we launch into this new week, let's find ways to connect the body of Christ. Let's find our common ground. Let's cheer on our brothers and sisters in the other churches. Let's reach across our denominational lines and assist our fellow parts of the body. After all...

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Acorn Build Up: Accounting for Hope

Accounting for Hope

1Peter 3:15
...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

A friend asked me this week how she could support my ministry. I made a joke about sending thousands of dollars. The truth is I'm not good at telling this part of the Acorn Ministries story because it has been the most challenging aspect of pursuing this dream.

My greatest frustrations have been about money. From the beginning I knew that it was God that would provide for this ministry. But as the four years have marched past, I realize that it is through people that God does this providing.

So, what is the reason for my hope? The source of my hope is the living God who sustains me. Regarding the dream of Acorn Ministries, this too lies completely in the hands of God. My job is to trust and obey.

I've added a new link on this blog called: Acorn Ministries HOPE List

Acorn Build Up: Guest Encourager - Part II

God Said It was Very Good, by Sandy Egle

Genesis 1:27-31
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them...God saw all that he had made, and it was very good...

Part II (read Part I)

In Genesis one, the Bible tells us that God created man in His own image and that God saw all that He made and it was very good. The rest of His creation God said was good, but His creation of man was very good.

When we understand that our value comes from God Himself, we will know that we have very high value because God said so himself. Nobody and nothing can change the fact that we are created by God and He sees us as very good. We can also stand on the fact that no matter what, our value will never change because God never changes.

We are all sinners and we sin against God, that is our nature, and sin is what we DO, not who we are. What we do, if sinful, does displease God, but what we do does not change our value to God, he still created us and he said “it was very good.”

Know that you are loved and VALUED by God. Your worth is priceless!

Contact Sandy at: H2Hserve@hotmail.com

Acorn Build Up: Guest Encourager - Part I

God Said It was Very Good, by Sandy Egle

Genesis 1:27-31
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them...God saw all that he had made, and it was very good...

In today's world, man continually searches for his own significance and value. Most often we look to our vocation, education, financial status/stability, and relationships to define our value. Unfortunately, these measurements can change very quickly and beyond our control; relationships break, we become dissatisfied with or lose our job, we experience financial difficulties, and the list goes on and on.

If we seek to find our value as a person in those ways, our value constantly changes. It's like trying to weigh yourself by using a scale that measures pounds one day, meters the next, inches the next, seconds the next, and so on. With each of those measuring scales, our weight would appear to change.

But, what if we used an unchanging scale to determine our personal value? Scripture tells us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. In Genesis one, the Bible tells us that God created man in His own image and that God saw all that He made and it was very good. The rest of His creation God said was good, but His creation of man was very good.

Check out tomorrow's Daily Build Up to read the conclusion to Sandy's insightful encouragement!

Acorn Build Up: Witness

Witness

John 1:6-8
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

Wouldn't that passage make a great summary statement for the life of a Christian? John's focus was on preparing the way for people to come to Christ. He lived it, ate it, breathed it, preached it, and died for it. And because of his ministry many have come to believe.

It probably wouldn't work for us to run around in strange attire and eat bugs like John did. However, the more differently we live, the greater the possibility of witnessing to the light of Christ Jesus. If my life is no different than the way non-believers live, then how does an onlooker differentiate the Christian life?

God has sent us as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through us all people might believe. (see Matthew 28:19-20)

Acorn Build Up: God is good!

God is good!

Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever...

When I worked (and lived) at a Christian camp, I was in the habit of leading a cheer with the campers before they'd enter the dining hall for meals. It went like this:

Me: God is good!

Campers: All the time!

Me: All the time!

Campers: God is good!

I know it's a simple message, but it's a good one to keep in mind. No matter what the world throws at us this simple truth never changes: God is good all the time!

Acorn Build Up: Stronghold

Stronghold

Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

For most of my life I lived oblivious (ignorant) to the spiritual forces active in this world. Like a blindfolded man on a battlefield, I walked recklessly through life. As my faith matures, the Holy Spirit has begun to show me the REAL world; the spiritual world.

I have a growing awareness of the spiritual battle that is raging all around us. However, this war is not fought like earthly battles. Instead, the battlefield is in our mind and in our hearts. The enemy attacks the way we think and tempts our hearts.

We are not alone in this battle. With the strength of the Lord we can withstand the attacks. We can take refuge behind the shield of God. We can find safety in His stronghold.

I love you, O LORD, my strength.

Acorn Build Up: Closed Doors

Closed Doors

Luke 9:3-5 (The Message)
[Jesus] said, "Don't load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple, you are the equipment. And no luxury inns - get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you're not welcomed, leave town. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on."

When we follow Jesus, we will undoubtedly encounter closed doors now and then. It seems like it is an inherent part of the pilgrim way. But closed doors don't have to become a big deal.

Jesus taught His disciples to simply shrug their shoulders, move on, and try some other door. The important thing is to keep trying doors!

Acorn Build Up: Fog Navigation

Fog Navigation

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.

I'm overwhelmed by the number of my friends that have stepped out in faith to begin new ministries. One thing we all have in common is that the first step, although it was a challenge, was only the beginning of the adventure.

When one steps out on faith it is expected that the going will be smooth. After all, we're following God's will for our life. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Remember Peter stepping out of the boat? His first step or two went pretty smoothly, and then he noticed the wind and the water!

Stepping out in faith requires undivided attention on the One who calls us. When we trust the Lord completely, acknowledge Him in everything we do, then He will guide us through the fog.

Trust ~ Acknowledge ~ Follow

Acorn Build Up: Simple Reminder

Simple Reminder

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Sometimes I need to be reminded of the simple truth of our faith. This is one of those days. When all is said and done, it is my belief in the Son of God that makes all the difference. And that difference is eternal.

Praise God for loving us so much!

Acorn Build Up: Never Alone (1/7/07)

Never Alone

Matthew 28:20
...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

As you strap on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) to begin another week of work, be encouraged because you are not alone in the battle. For that matter, you are never alone. Jesus promised that He would be with you always.

The Lord Jesus Christ is in your corner! He accompanies you in every battle. He comforts you in every storm. He provides for your every need. That's an amazing ally to have on your side. You are never alone!

Acorn Build Up: Master's Touch (1/5/07)

The Master's Touch

Mark 1:40-42
A man with leprosy came to [Jesus] and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

God's touch can bring immediate healing! However, it really is up to God. God's purposes are beyond our comprehension; therefore, it confuses us (regularly in my case) why He heals in one case and not in another.

I love how the man approached Jesus with the phrase "if you are willing". The man suggests by his request that Jesus is in control. And, it was God's will that was important. The man made his request, but submitted it to the authority of Jesus.

O how I long for the immediate healing for myself and others, but it is God's will to which I must submit. I must trust that God's ways are the right ways, even when they are beyond my comprehension.

Appeal ~ Submit ~ Trust

Acorn Build Up: Prayer Time (1/4/07)

Prayer Time

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Life gets so busy! It gets harder and harder to cut out the time to pray. Jesus found His quiet time with God early in the morning.

We pray not to change God; rather, we pray that we might be changed. (Thomas Aquinas) When we take time to pray we are the ones that get changed. Time with God is like that.

Let's strive to cut out a little time from our busy, earthly lives to be changed by the God of eternity.

Acorn Build Up: Unlikely Heroes (1/3/07)

Unlikely Heroes

Romans 3:23
...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...

When I think of heroes I picture squeaky clean, mistake-free, super-human people. However, when I look through the history of our faith, I rarely (meaning only once) find God choosing that kind of person. Instead, God regularly (meaning almost always) chooses people that are anything but hero material.

These are just a few examples of the unlikely people God has chosen to be heroes of our faith.

Abraham and Sarah (parents of a nation who were childless in their old age)
Joseph (the one with the famous coat was a slave and convict)
Moses (murderer and shepherd)
Mary and Joseph (common, unmarried parents of the only perfect Hero)
The Disciples (rag tag common people)
Paul (who persecuted Christians)

And now He calls us! We are the next generation of unlikely heroes God is calling forth. Yes us, with our sinful nature and our human frailties. Paul wrote:

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

God's grace to you, hero!

Acorn Build Up: Louder Than Words (1/2/07)

Louder Than Words

1Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power.

As ministers, each of us has the opportunity to introduce people to the Gospel, regardless of the nature of our work. Granted, many work environments are not conducive to gathering our co-workers for a good old come to Jesus meeting.

On the other hand, there is more than one way to introduce the Gospel message. Many credit St. Francis of Assisi with these words:

Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.

The more modern phrase actions speak louder than words applies as well. We don't realize it, but people are watching us. They're checking out how we react to the conditions around us. They measure our responses. They know we are people of faith and wonder what difference following Jesus Christ makes, if any.

Let's show them what we are made of!

Acorn Build Up: Back to Work (1/2/07)

Back to Work

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

I must admit that for most of my life I believed that people in pastoral ministry were the only people working directly for God. I even sought full-time ministry as a step away from just plain work toward really serving the Lord. I had it all wrong! We can, and should, serve the Lord in whatever work we do.

As many of us return to our work after a bit of a break over the holidays, this seems like the perfect opportunity to evaluate our attitude toward the work we do. God has placed us where we are. Let us honor God by undertaking the tasks of our work for Him. We are all in ministry when we serve Jesus Christ, no matter what work we do.

If you'd like to share these Daily Build Ups with your friends, just pass on the following link: www.dailybuildup.blogspot.com

Acorn Build Up: Word and Deed (12/22)

Word and Deed

Proverbs 21:3
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

I spend most of my time around religious people, and happen to be one. We (religious people) must be some of the most sacrificing groups of people in existence. We sacrifice for our various ministries constantly. Granted, much of the work we do is good stuff, but at what cost?

I am going take a break from my sacrificing work for the next week and do what is right. I plan to invest this time in my family, who, by the way, tends to sacrifice a lot for my work. My hope and expectation is that this will be acceptable to the LORD.

I intend to start posting the Daily Build Up on January 1st (subscribers will receive this by email on January 2nd).

Merry Christmas! May God bless you richly in the coming year.
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Guilt and Rest (12/21)

Guilt and Rest

Matthew 14:23
After [Jesus] had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

What is it about our culture that causes us to feel guilty when we even think about taking a moment to rest? It boggles my mind how I can feel bad when I sit down for a short nap even at the conclusion of days of endless working. Nonetheless, when my seat hits the chair the guilt alarms go off!

I understand the role of guilt and shame as they help me understand my sin. But taking a well needed rest is not, in and of itself, a sin. Perhaps it's our deep set concern about being seen by others as slothful. Or, perhaps it's our desire to impress others by our tireless work ethic. Or, perhaps, more simply, our guilt comes from our concern about other people.

Jesus, the perfect Son of God, took time to rest and pray. Jesus, who had unlimited power at His disposal, stepped out of the limelight for respite. Can you think of a better role model?

Get some rest. Again, it's OK!

Merry Christmas

Acorn Build Up: Quiet Place (12/20)

Quiet Place

Mark 6:31
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Most of us can relate to the busyness experienced by the disciples. People were coming and going so much they couldn't even find time to eat. Sound familiar?

Jesus tells the disciples to go somewhere quiet and get some rest. It seems to me that it is OK to take a respite from the busyness now and then. Please consider taking Jesus' command in a personal way. Find a quiet place where you can go sit with Jesus and get some rest. It's OK!

Peace be with you!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Guest Encourager (12/19)

God the Great Gift Giver

Proverbs 18: 16
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

So often we hear comments being made about materialism during the holiday season. As I have been in the final throws of buying and making gifts for my loved ones, I have been intentionally mindful of the precious gift that God gave each of us. I have remembered that God spared no expense in His gift of Jesus Christ to us and of the fact that He gave us this gift because He wants to, NOT because He is obligated or has to give us anything. So, as I am making my last minute purchases, I am following the example of the Great Gift Giver and choosing gifts that are meaningful and an expression of my love for those I am remembering this Christmas.

May you too be mindful of that precious Gift that was given by God Himself to all of us. Merry Christmas and may you experience God’s blessings throughout this holiday season.

Sandy Egle

Acorn Build Up: Encourage (12/18)

Encourage

1Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...

Have you noticed the stress of the people around you? I have. People are overwhelmed by tasks associated with the end of the year, which are further complicated by the holidays. I hear people say, "I have something every night this week!" I've gotten caught up in it, too!

But what if we thought differently...

What an awesome mission field! What if we considered these stressed out neighbors as opportunities to do some very cool ministry. You've heard of the random acts of kindness. Wouldn't this be a particularly effective time to brighten someone's day? Wouldn't it speak volumes about the God we serve if we built up the people around us?

By the way, the more we encourage others, the more we will be encouraged ourselves. It is like spreading a virus; encouragement is contagious!

I hope you catch it!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Grace III (12/17)

According to my records this is the 50th post to this blog! Praise God for His wisdom and guidance which determines these encouragements!

Grace III

Romans 1:14-16
I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish; so I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel: It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

I'm borrowing heavily from a book by John Piper titled, Desiring God. Piper writes:

Apart from the special, saving grace of God, people are dead in sin, darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God and hardened in heart (Ephesians 2:1, 4:18). And the means God has ordained to administer that special saving grace is the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Saving grace is available to everyone through hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we have an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone, let us boldly share it.

Acorn Build Up: Grace II (12/15)

Grace II

John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

For me this is a sweeping passage of scripture. Sweeping because it seems to sum up the entire Bible. God gave the law so that us humans would learn of our sin. The law of Moses reveals our sinful nature. Our sin disrupts our relationship with God. Therefore, we need reconciliation with God. The law does not offer us a way to return to relationship with God.

God gave us grace and truth so that we might be reconciled with God. Without grace we cannot be reconciled to God. That is, we can't work hard enough, or live cleanly enough, or buy our way back to God. Through Jesus we find the grace needed to be reconciled to God. Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

God is good!

Acorn Build Up: Endurance (12/14)

Endurance

James 1:2-4 (NRSV)
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

These are busy days around our house! On top of the normal chores of life we add the many year end and holiday tasks. There seems to be an endless stream of concerts to attend, parties to plan, shopping to do, and services to lead. It can be overwhelming to the point of feeling like trials.

Isn't it ironic? In our zeal to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, the Prince of Peace, we wear ourselves to a frazzle. Instead of fighting it, this year I'm trying to embrace it and consider it nothing but joy.

Have faith my friends! Endure the challenges that this season presents. As endurance has its full effect we will grow and mature into the people God has designed us to be.

Merry Christmas!
Lon

Acorn Build Up: The Courier (12/13)

The Courier

Luke 3:4-6
...A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.'

In ancient times the king of the land occasionally toured parts of his dominion. A courier would be sent along the king's intended route with the message to repair the road because the king is coming.

Like the couriers of old, John the Baptist announced the coming of Jesus the Christ. However, John's message to "make straight" had nothing to do with roadways. Instead, John called for people to make their lives fit for the coming King.

William Barclay wrote, There is laid on everyone of us the duty to make life fit for the King to see.

As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, let us reconsider John's call. Let us make our lives fit for the King of God's world to see.

Acorn Build Up: Late Night Encouragement (12/11)

Late Night Encouragement

2Corinthians 12:9
...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

My day got away from me before writing today's encouragement. Frankly, the night got away from me, too! So I'll keep this simple.

I am nothing without God's grace. In my weakness God's power is made perfect.

The Avowal, by Denise Levertov, 1923-1997
As swimmers dare
to lie face to the sky
and water bears them,
as hawks rest upon air
and air sustains them,
so would I learn to attain
freefall, and float
into Creator Spirit's deep embrace,
knowing no effort earns
that all-surrounding grace.

Acorn Build Up: Stakes (12/10)

Stakes

Matthew 21:19-22
Seeing a fig tree by the road, [Jesus] went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea.' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Baby elephants at the circus are held in place by tying them to stakes pounded into the ground. The stakes are strong and placed deep enough to hold the babies. As the elephant grows into adulthood they are held in place by the same stake. Even though an adult elephant could easily rip the stake out of the ground, they never do because they are convinced that they can't. All through their childhood they were unsuccessful, so they give up trying.

Us humans could learn a lesson from the elephants. We also get convinced that we can't do certain things. When faced with challenges we remember our past failures. Remembering our failures diminishes our confidence and DOUBT enters in. Doubt is the faith killer!

Jesus said that if we have faith and do not doubt, then we can move mountains. Where are the stakes of doubt in your life? With faith in Christ you can overcome doubt and rip those stakes right out of the ground!

Acorn Build Up: Short Absence (12/6)

I will be unable to post Daily Build Ups for the remainder of this week. I am traveling to Pennsylvania for the next few days and will not have access to the internet. I look forward to continuing these daily encouragements at the beginning of next week.

Please pray that my travels will be safe and that my work will be fruitful.

Yours in Christ,
Lon

Acorn Build Up: Guest Encourager (12/5)

Today's encouragement is submitted by Sandy Egle, Executive Director of Heart to Heart Support Services, N.F.P.

James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

As we near the end of the year, we may be starting to gather ideas about New Years resolutions that will help us get the new year started out on the right foot. We vow to slow down and rest and maybe even start exercise programs, diets, not work so hard, and the list goes on and on. We promise ourselves that “starting on January 1st, I will begin . . . “ and you fill your own blank.

My question has been, “why wait until January 1st?” If this resolution is important enough to start at the beginning of the year, is it not important enough to start right now? Why wait? When I put something off until that perfect time, that perfect time never seems to arrive or there is some “good” reason why I can’t start on the appointed day.

As Christmas approaches, we face one of the busiest times of the year. Many of us are already feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done in preparation for our holiday celebrations. My challenge to myself, and to everyone is to start our New Years resolutions today. We will experience those anticipated benefits immediately. My guess is that we could all use those benefits right now, and we may even find out that we will be able to enjoy this holiday season much more because of it.

God Bless, and Merry Christmas!

Acorn Build Up: Masters (12/4)

Masters

Ephesians 6:9
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

For those of you who have the responsibility of leading people, Paul has something to say to you, too! As a worker is called to serve as if he is working for God, managers are called to “treat your slaves in the same way”. That is, bosses are called to manage people as if they are doing that work for the Lord.

Our management title does not give us license to mistreat our subordinates. On the contrary, management carries with it the responsibility to lead people in a way that is pleasing to God. After all, manager and subordinate serve the same real Master. Our heavenly Master will judge managers and subordinate without favoritism; both will be assessed on how well they served the Lord!

Acorn Build Up: Serve (12/3)

Serve

Ephesians 6:5-8 (Message)
Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave of free.

I ran across this passage in a study called The Truth Project, which I attend weekly at the home of my good friend, Jamie Fitzsimmons. As a new work week dawns it seems timely to remember for Whom it is that we are working.

No matter what work we find ourselves in, we are called to do that work as if we are doing it for Christ. Believe me, I know this is a difficult challenge when our job stinks and our boss is similarly scented, but that's not the point. The point is that we serve a higher Master. We serve God!

Acorn Build Up: Logs (12/1)

This Build Up was inspired by my good friend Marty Mogk. Marty is one of my personal encouragers. Hardly a week goes by that I don't receive some kind of thoughtful support from him. For information about Marty's encouragement ministry, please email me at: lon@acornministries.com

Logs

Matthew 7:3
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

If I could gather up all of the lumber that has resided in my eye, I could build a 4-bedroom home! I seem to have 20/20 vision for other people's specks, but I'm almost blind to my planks.

For me the trouble starts when I am uncomfortable with the other person, you know, the one with the huge speck in his eye! The more uncomfortable I get, the more I start speck hunting. I'll admit it, I get downright judgmental. I'm learning that the concentration it takes to do microscopic surgery on his eye temporarily distracts me from my own 4-bedroom eye discomfort.

Discomfort is a great warning light that we are spiritually off center. As the urge to speckhunt emerges that's the time to check out a mirror. Ask God the question, "What is it that's really bothering me about this?" Then ask Him to help extract the plank. As the plank is removed, it is amazing how much clearer we will see the other person!

Thank you Marty for the inspiration for this Build Up and for your years of encouragement!
Lon