So often I have a tendency to invert the cross putting my performance as the most important thing. I have an inclination to do and then compare that with others who are doing. This leads to a feeling of superiority or inferiority, either of which will keep me from having unhealthy relationships To what extent do I rely on or take pride in my diligence?
How am I comparing myself to others?
To what extent am I dependent on God today?
What do I struggle with most; a feeling of superiority or inferiority?
Dedication
I will be dependent on God for grace and then be diligent to live graciously.
January 18 – Selfish Sex
Meditation
Genesis 38.9,10 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother.
Examination
This scripture often is the text used to say that masturbation is wrong. In my evaluation this is pretty incredible stretch. One thing this does point out is that selfish sex is wrong. Many men follow Onan’s path by trying to satisfy deep emotional needs with casual, selfish pleasure.
It takes them down a self-centered, unfulfilling path that brings them to the following responses:
1. I am a sexual being
2. Being sexual creates a need
3. Expressing the need to my sexual partner sets me up for rejection
4. Avoiding rejection means getting needs met somewhere else
5. I will meet my own sexual needs in my own way
6. Meeting my own sexual needs is extremely unfulfilling
7. I am a sexual being so I will try this again or do something different.
Sexuality is to be an expression of my own fulfillment and acceptance. It is amazing how this takes the pressure off of my wife and allows her expression of fulfillment. Sex is about being selfish in expressing my own fulfillment.
How am I avoiding physical and emotional rejection of my sexual partner?
How much am I aware that I am totally acceptable by You right now?
How much of my sexual expression comes from my own acceptance?
How fulfilled am I presently?
How much am I requiring my sexual partner to fulfill me?
Dedication
I will make sex an expression of mutual fulfillment and covenant.
January 19 – Yacht Club
Meditation
Matthew 13.2 Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
Examination
There is something about being in or on a boat that brings perspective. When my sons made the investment in a very expensive boat a few years ago I thought it an ill-advised use of finances. I was wrong. That 28’ foot floating extravagance became a place of necessity as I worked through a crisis one summer. A lot of good time in Your life and ministry was spent in a boat. As the boat served You it can serve me now as a place of:
1.Boundary - The water away from land creates a natural barrier from people and problems that press in on me.
2.Solitude - The boat provides distance from the urgency of present demands and allows me personal processing time.
3.Closeness - Since only so many people can get in the boat I have to choose those who I want to be in close proximity to.
4.Renewal - When I tie up on shore after time away from it I can launch out with new perspectives and renewed vision.
I may not ever be a member of a yacht club but I will have a wealthy life of boundary, solitude, closeness and renewal.
What am I using to create barriers for what presses in on me?
When is the last time I had an extended time of solitude?
Who do I want to be in my boat with me?
When is the last time I got away so I could come back with new perspectives and renewed energy?
Dedication
I will live a life of boundary, solitude, closeness and renewal.
January 20 – Promotion Comes
Meditation
Genesis 41.41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ”I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
Examination
After thirteen years in prison this one statement encapsulates the finality of the process of promotion for Joseph. You used difficult situations to prepare me for advancement. The characteristics of Joseph’s promotion are the same for me. Promotion comes:
1.From You (Psalm 75:6)
2.From present circumstances or relationships
3.In expected and unexpected ways
4.To use my present talents and gifts
5.To challenge me to grow in greater responsibility (v43)
6.To serve others needs (those above and below)
7.With new acknowledgement and privilege v42, 43
8.With new opportunities to compromise (married priests daughter)
9.That I may help other who follow (leave a legacy)
10.That You may get recognition
Promotion is something that comes from God using my present circumstances.
How am I understanding and applying promotion in my life?
What would I do if I suddenly I were given a place of prominence?
How have I developed my character to withstand success?
Dedication
I will trust the process to promotion.
January 21 – 3 Investments
Meditation
Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, when a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Examination
There are three things that I must bring to relationships it order to be considered a true investment: energy, time and resources.
1. Energy - This is listed first because it is most important. If I don’t devote vigor to the relationship then anything else I invest either will not be valuable or will be considered as compensation for not being truly dedicated.
2. Time – This is not either quantity time or quality time it is both. Putting time into an association is like putting gas in a truck. It is needed for the journey and to carry the load.
3. Resources - This is the representation of my time and energy. It usually takes the form of tangible resources that I have secured using my personal resources. This is the investing of my finances or gifts that show the relationship is important to me.
How much energy do I bring to the close relationships of life?
To what extent do I spend quantity and quality time with close relationships?
How much am I tangibly investing in my close relationships?
Dedication
I will invest energy, time and resources in close relationships.
January 22 – From Exile to Exhilarated
Meditation
Genesis 45.27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back the spirit of their father Jacob revived. V28 And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Examination
When examining Joseph’s life in Egypt; there is a gradual movement from it being a trial to it becoming incredible blessing. Times of exile often turn to times of exhilaration. This process displays the following:
1. Time if used properly can provide healing and restoration.
2. You have the power to promote and will do so if I am faithful to the process.
3. Lack of integrity will always return to a day of reckoning as displayed by Joseph’s brothers.
4. Reconciliation is the single most essential element of human relationship.
What relationships do I trust You to heal?
How do I trust You for promotion through trial?
Is there any
thing in my life that I am thinking I will get away with thus causing lack of integrity?
Who do I need to reconcile with?
How am pursuing reconciliation.
Dedication
I will trust the process that moves me from trial to blessing.
January 23 – 4 Approaches to Controversy
Meditation
Matthew 15:21 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, v2”Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”
Examination
You were constantly addressing controversy in dealing with the religious leaders. You did it perfectly. In order for me to do it well there needs to be an awareness of the four approaches to dispute: