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Act
of the Will
Psalm 116:9, 17 GW
I will walk in the LORD's presence in this world of the living....I will bring a song of thanksgiving to you as a sacrifice.
I will call on the name of the LORD.
The writer of this Psalm isn't just asking for assistance or offering praise. Other Psalms do
these things. But these verses reveal the other strand of the cord--the choice to follow and serve God. The writer makes a
commitment "I will..." He WILL serve God during his lifetime. He WILL give thanks. He WILL communicate with the Lord.
We can't expect God to guide us, clean up our messes or
bless us if we don't do our part. Our part is both simple--a choice, and difficult--sticking with the commitment to trust
and follow even when our lives fall apart. If I claim to believe in Jesus, do I follow through by studying His Word, asking
for and following His leading? Do I follow through by giving thanks to Him in public and in private?
It is an act of our
will.
Defender
and More...
Isaiah 48:17 GW
This is what the LORD, your Defender, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God. I teach you what is best for
you. I lead you where you should go.
Isn't this a neat verse? There is so much here...
God is our defender. He stands up for us and is
there to lean on. He is our protector. He is God. He is not a human who fails, but God who never fails and can be depended
upon to keep His promises and always be there--no matter what. He is our God if we ask Him and let Him be the center of our lives. He teaches us and helps
us be wise--though we have to take the time to listen. He will guide us to the best life possible. God is a God who is real, who loves us
and is always only a prayer away.
Even
in Old Age
Isaiah 46:4,9 NKJV Even to your old age, I am He, And
even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you....Remember the
former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me...
God's Word contains promises to His people--promises
of provision, protection and peace. As I am far from 20 or even 30 something, I am thankful that God promises to take care
of me no matter what my age or capabilities. He'll keep His promises. I keep mine through following and serving Christ and
Him alone.
Witness
Isaiah 44:8 NKJV Do not fear, nor be afraid;
Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other
Rock; I know not one.
There is only one secure foundation that won't give way when hardships come, and that is Christ. The problem
comes when we hold this knowledge close. We're called not just to know Christ, but to share Him with others. How can we say
we believe God is real and is the answer for our lives and not share His message of hope, love, light and life with others?
Either it means we don't believe what we say we believe...or we really don't love those we claim to love as much as we think
we do.
Why are we afraid to stand up for the Christ we serve, afraid to share His hope with family, friends and more? I
am called to be a positive, active witness for Jesus--am I?
First
Step in Crisis
Isaiah 37:14-15 GW
Hezekiah took the letter from the messengers, read it, and went to the LORD's temple. He spread it out in front of the
LORD and prayed to the LORD,...
In a crisis situation, what is our first step? Do we wring our hands and have hysterics? Do we grow bitter and
angry and accuse God? Or, do we recognize, that no matter what, our first and best help comes from the Lord and turn to Him
for help and direction?
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all
your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Foundation
of Truth
Isaiah 40:8 NKJV The grass withers, the flower
fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
The Bible isn't just a bunch of stories or principles to help us be successful in
life, the Scriptures are God's Words, God's message to His creation. His words are life for all who read and take them seriously,
because God's Word brings us to the cross and the need for us to accept or reject our Savior.
Everything in the world changes, but God's
Word doesn't change. It doesn't need to because the words in the Bible are God's eternal message to humankind.
Which do we rely on,
the words of leaders, politicians, business moguls? The words of so-called prophets, philosophers or writers? Or do we found
our thoughts, lives and actions on the secure and unchanging Word of God? Which words will hold up when we have needs and
questions or our lives fall apart?
No
Personal Put Downs
Isaiah 38:17c, 20
NKJV ...For You have cast all my sins behind Your back....The Lord was ready to save me; Therefore we will sing my
songs with stringed instruments All the days of our life, in the house of the Lord.
We often are harder on ourselves when we
goof up than God is. He forgives our sins and moves on. We often do not. When we wallow in our bad choices, after asking forgiveness,
we're in essence telling God that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our sins was not enough.
Yes, we need to turn
from making the same bad choices and yes we may suffer from the consequences of those choices, but forgiveness is knowing
we have a new start in Christ.
God forgets. When we goof up, we need to accept his forgiveness and follow Him to complete healing.
Instead of condemning ourselves we need to praise Him and move on in joy and gratitude.
Redeemed
Isaiah 35:10 GW The people ransomed by the LORD will
return. They will come to Zion singing with joy. Everlasting happiness will be on their heads [as a crown]. They will be glad
and joyful. They will have no sorrow or grief.
Jesus died to redeem us. An ll it takes to accept His gift is a choice, a choice that
will change our lives, a choice to make Jesus the center of our lives, thoughts and world. It is not an easy choice because life, and heartache
and problems will mean continuing to make that choice daily.
But making that choice for Christ changes everything. With Him there is always not
only life eternal with Him, but also comfort, guidance and hope for today. The equation is Christ=life and joy everlasting.
Our Strength or His Isaiah 33:2 NHEB LORD, be gracious to us. We have waited for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation
also in the time of trouble. When confusion and problems come or when our schedules
are so busy we don't know which way to turn, it is easy to think life is all about us. When we're dropping from exhaustion,
we need to ask ourselves "Why?" Maybe it is because we've forgotten from whom our strength
comes. We can go on in our own strength only so long. Then we'll drop, get ill or depressed. When we start our day by meditating on God's Word, on learning about Him and communicating with Him, He'll be our
strength. And when we're too weak to go on...He'll carry us.
Consequences
Acts 27: 20-22 NHEB When neither sun nor stars shone
on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away. When they had been long without food, Paul
stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have
gotten this injury and loss.
Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you...
Sometimes when life doesn't go as we wish,
we blame God. But if we are honest with ourselves, we'd admit the truth--much of what happens to us happens because of choices
we make of our own free will. God isn't to blame for our choices.
The apostle Paul pointed out in this passage a "I told you so." Had they listened
to him the ship wouldn't have lost the cargo or have gone down. If we listened to God's voice through regular communication
and His Word, many problems wouldn't even happen. We create problems by making decisions that go against God's Word, God's
Will and God's leading. (If we even ASK for God's guidance!)
When we listen and follow, we'll make better choices, and when the worst happens,
at least we'll be in communication with the One who can help us steer a course back to a more secure harbor.
His
Presence
Psalm 104:4 GW Search for the LORD and his strength.
Always seek his presence.
Do I really seek Gods presence in everything I think and say, everything I do, every place I go? Are there
places we'd rather He not make His presence known--like when gossiping at work, driving too fast, twisting the truth so we
look better?
If God is not welcome, maybe we should think twice about what we're thinking, saying or doing?
God''s blessings follow
His presence in our lives. Do I have some housecleaning to do so God's presence is welcome in my life?
Foundations
Psalm 104:5 NKJV You who laid the foundations of the
earth, So that it should not be moved forever,
God is the Creator. The foundations of earth are His creation, as are we. Whenever
we try to build on a foundation that does not start with Him, we will ultimately fail and what we seek to build will crumble.
Whether it is our families,
our careers or our good works, if the foundation isn't centered on Christ, they will not satisfy, there will be conflict and
things will fall apart.
A building or a relationship is only as good as its foundation. The only sure, solid, secure and lasting
one is Christ Jesus.
Conscious
Choice
Psalm 104:33 NKJV I will sing to the Lord as long
as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Do I read this and forget it or do I examine my life to see if I live up to this
verse? Does my faith bring joy? Is the music in my mind and on my lips, music that honors God?
Praising God is a choice. I need to make
a conscious choice to regularly honor God through my words and music. This not only gives Him praise, but lifts me up as well.
One way is to start
the day with a Psalm of praise.
Blessings Not Complaints
No matter how overwhelmed we feel by broken relationships, lack of finances, tragedy or other life situations,
complaining isn't a long-term solution. Counting our blessings helps lift our focus from our problems to the the One who can
make a difference. It also turns our focus from helplessness to hope.
Today
is a good day to focus on our blessings--counting them one by one.
Malachi 3:10 NKJV Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food
in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out
for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIYl6lK1c50
False
Trust
Isaiah 26:4 GW Trust the LORD always, because the LORD,
the LORD alone, is an everlasting rock.
Those who are causing untold damage to public buildings and both public and private property, believe others owe
them, that the "rich" and the "government" should forgive their school debts, and take care of them from birth to grave. Their
trust has been in their education and the "government" and both failed them.
The problem is that neither are good things in which to trust. "Government"
is not some independent institution, government is people and the whole idea of democracy is personal responsibility not big
brother handing out goodies to favored citizens.
So much of our trust is misplaced. We trust in our talents and intellect. We trust in our families, status,
connections or wealth. Like those demanding the "Government" take care of them, we put our trust in entities or things that
cannot measure up to our demands.
Only God is worthy of our complete trust. He created us, died for us and loves us. He doesn't change and is a solid
foundation on which to stand. God knows my heart and cares. I'd certainly rather trust Him, than some faceless entity who
doesn't know me or care.
Placing
Value
Acts 20:22-24 GW I am
determined to go to Jerusalem now. I don't know what will happen to me there. However, the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and suffering
are waiting for me. But I don't
place any value on my own life. I want to finish the race I'm running. I want to carry out the mission I received from the
Lord Jesus--the mission of testifying to the Good News of God's kindness.
Where do we place value--on our families, our work,
wealth, our independence or something else? Paul placed value on what is most valuable and most helpful to others---sharing
God's message of forgiveness, salvation and hope.
Do I let daily concerns keep me from what is most important? When was the last time
I shared the Good News?
Do
We Boldly Share God's Message?
Acts 19:8
NKJV And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them
about the kingdom of God.
Are we open about sharing our faith? Do we know enough about God's Word and His principles to do so intelligently?
Without a close relationship with Him, without reading, and meditating on God's Word regularly to know His will, we aren't
going to have the courage to share because either we don't know enough to share, or don't believe it enough ourselves to share.
What keeps me from sharing
what should be the best of news to those I care about?
His
Place
Psalm 96:7-9 GW Give to the LORD, you families of the
nations. Give to the LORD glory and power. Give to the LORD the glory he deserves. Bring an offering, and come into his courtyards. Worship the LORD in [his] holy splendor.
Tremble in his presence, all the earth!
It is Sunday and the start of a new week. What a wonderful way to start it off--by being in God's
house and worshiping Him along with other believers.
Today we can honor Him in His house and get the attitude adjustment we need to begin
the week with Him in the center of our hearts and our plans.
Reflection
We listen and sing along, following music from popular singers and entertainers. How often do
we pay attention to the lyrics and what we're allowing into our hearts and minds?
We reflect what we focus on. How much of our music reflects Godly values? If we claim His name, even our music
should express His love and truth.
Psalm 95:1 NHEB Oh come, let's sing to the LORD. Let's
shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!
Protection
Psalm 94:22 NHEB But the LORD has been my high tower, my God, the rock of my refuge.
If we're willing to put Jesus as the priority in our lives, He becomes more than Saviour and
guide. He becomes our protection and our solid security no matter what.
Do I found my life on the rock that will always hold me up and enfold me with love?
Worship
Acts 14:13-15 KJV Then the priest of Jupiter, which
was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul,
heard of,they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions
with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and...
It is so easy to redirect
our focus from trusting God alone to putting our trust, heart, even our adoration and worship in a fallible human being.
This might be a religious or political leader or someone who has done well in a certain field--such as business, acting
or sports.
Human beings will always
fail us in one way or another. We need to be careful to keep our hearts intact and our worship focused on our true Savior--Jesus
Christ.
He
Lives
Acts 13: 29-31 NHEB When they had fulfilled all things
that were written about him, they took him down from the tree, and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead,
and he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.
The Roman soldiers made
sure that those who were crucified were really and truly dead before allowing them to be taken down. They were experts
in death and knew the difference between a faint and death. The spear in the side proved death. Jesus was truly physically dead. To complete
His mission, Jesus had to conquer death itself so He could offer us life forever. He did just that.
He is power personified. He is also
love. Why would I not want to follow Him--creator, Savior, friend, who listens, cares then moves on my behalf.
I worship a living,
loving God. You can, too.
Surprise
Acts 12:16-17 But Peter continued knocking. When they
had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him
out of the prison. He said, "Tell these things to James, and to the brothers." Then he departed, and went to another place.
We say we trust God.
We pray believing God answers prayer. Yet things haven't really changed much since Bible days.
When He answers in a
surprising way, we're not just surprised, we're astonished. This begs the question of how deep our trust really
goes.
Do I truly believe prayer
makes a difference?
Help me, Lord, trust you care enough to answer prayer in the best way for me.
The
Role of Love
Jeremiah 31:3 NHEB
The LORD appeared of old to me, saying, 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness
have I drawn you.
It may seem a cliche, but the core the gospel isn't conquest through force or military might, but through
caring, concern and love.
Jesus loves me. Jesus loves you. That is the truth we need to absorb and convey.
Today, give thanks Jesus
loved enough to come, die and rise again for you and me.
Then share His message of love with those around you.
PASS
IT ON
Psalm 89:52 NHEB Blessed be the LORD forevermore. Amen,
and Amen.
There are so many things to complain about every day. Not enough sleep Finances Unexpected expenses Things just not going according to plans... My plan. I can make myself and everyone around me
miserable with my complaints.
Or, I can look up, beyond the problems Praise God, Count my blessings big and small, Starting with the blessing of life itself, And go from there. In praise I lift up
as God fills my heart with Love and peace, Hope and joy.
Pass on blessing not complaints.
First Place
Acts 4:10-12 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you
whole. He is
'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.' And there is salvation in none other, for
there is no other name under heaven, that is given among men by which we must be saved!"
All our good deeds. All our good intentions will not grant us God's favor. Because our future isn't about us.
Jesus is all about relationship, not religion. And God's grace is a gift we accept or dismiss.
Our lives depend on that choice. Jesus isn't looking for minions seeking to curry His favor,
but those willing to give Him the captain's chair of their lives.
Rich where it Counts
Act 3:6 NHEB But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"
We may not be rich in bank accounts or cash. But if
Jesus lives within, we have a deep resource we can tap as we allow Christ to work through us to lift up those around us.
Am
I willing to let Him work in me to change me and my perspective so that Jesus can count on me to follow Him wherever He leads?
Something I can only do when I send quality time with Him each day.
Act
of the Will
Acts 2:21 GW Then
whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
We humans are very good at coming up with alternate plans. We like doing things
our way and try to find easier, more comfortable and convenient paths to success.
We first forget that "All have sinned"
and that if humans were basically good, Jesus didn't need to enter our world, suffer, die and rise again. We are not
intrinsically good, we do wrong when we should right. We are sinners in need of help, forgiveness and hope. That's what Jesus
offers. What He did wasn't easy or comfortable or convenient.
In our pain, He lifts up, lights the way. We cannot work our way into His favor,
because salvation is a gift from a loving Savior. That gift isn't something we can buy with our own efforts.
We do have an important
part to play--just one. We must choose to accept God's gift. We do so by calling on His name and asking Him into our lives.
Doing things His way
is the most difficult of things to do. Is my future worth trusting Him?
Attitude
Psalm 86:11 ISV Teach me your ways, LORD, that I may
walk in your truth; let me wholeheartedly revere your name.
Attitude is everything. Our attitude reveals how we feel about ourselves and others.
By our attitude we anger and repel others or draw them into our circle of caring.
Our attitude toward God, His Word and the
priority we place on following Him reveals whether what we claim is real enough to impact our daily lives.
Is my faith mere words
or a reverent attitude of the heart?
Courage
"Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for
the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly" (1 Chron.
28:20 tlb).
Life happens. Life situations can be depressing and we
can give in, give up and forget the direction in which we feel God is leading, because it seems hard and we aren't seeing
the results for which we hoped--or as quickly. Yet God is all about trust. If the leading is truly of God confirmed through His Word, Prayer, Circumstances Godly
advisers And our own willingness
to listen and do things His way,
Then He will not give up on us, so why give up on Him?
Courage is sometimes trusting and moving forward when we don't see the light at the end of the tunnel even though we've been
assured it is there.
Light Isaiah 9:2 NHEB The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the
shadow of death, on them the light has shined. Jesus came to bring
light. Without Him, our thoughts, decisions and actions lead to confusion. Since Jesus IS the light,
anything decided or done without His guidance will lead to darkness of mind and soul. Do I live in His light, asking God to be part of my decision processes and following where He leads?
My
Need
By Carolyn R Scheidies
I may not know The way to go, But
I know He Who died for me. And if I follow where He leads, His loving hand Provides my every need.
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19
Truth
John
18:37 GW Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus
replied, "You're correct in saying that I'm a king. I have been born and have come into the world for this reason: to testify
to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to me."
Jesus is before Pilate and knows His life is soon going to end in an unpleasant death. Yet,
He does not back away from who He is--the Savior. Had He been a regular, deluded person, this was the time to back pedal and
try to save His life. He didn't. Instead He continued to declare that He was and is the way, the only way. Why? Because Jesus
doesn't just speak truth, He IS truth. Without Him, all you have are shadows of truth.
If you truly seek truth, you need to know Him--through acceptance of His sacrifice
on the cross, communication with Him through prayer, and getting acquainted with His Word. If you want truth--ask Him. He knows and He'll answer.
Living Life Full
John
17:3 GW This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent.
Life may be eternal, but it starts here and now. That's why when someone accepts Jesus' gift of
salvation it is called "new life."
Life in Christ starts the moment you ask Him into your life. He is eternal and His
presence begins a work in us to help us become more like Him.
Why wouldn't we want to be more caring and loving? Why wouldn't we want to
have the confidence to know who we are, where we're going and have a loving friend and guide to show us the way?
Living life to
the fullest is a life lived with Christ at the center for now and eternity.
The
Winner
John 15:9-10 NKJV As the Father loved Me, I also have
loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s
commandments and abide in His love.
Jesus loves me. Jesus loves you. That means He desires the very best for us. He knows the future. Seems to me when He
asks us to follow Him, He is the only guide worth following. How? Through Prayer and Regularly reading His Word. Whatever else happens, He wins in the end. Personally, I prefer
to go with the winner.
Future Prospects
John 14:1-3 GW Don’t be troubled. Believe in God, and believe
in me. My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I’m going to
prepare a place for you? If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again. Then I will bring you into my presence so
that you will be where I am.
Jesus made promises
and He keeps His promises. If we trust and follow Him, there are good things in store for us. He loves us enough to prepare
for our future. He cares and prepares, sometimes more than we do.
I am glad Jesus has my back. Do I have His by listening to and following where He leads?
The Way to Peace
Isaiah
2:4 NHEB He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war
any more.
We should pursue peace, but not at
the cost of security. The idea that everyone just wants to get along excludes the very real presence of evil, dishonesty,
and manipulation.
The truth is that without Christ there is no lasting peace, which begins from
the inside out not enforced from without.
Showing God'a love to others is a step toward peace. But lasting peace
will not happen until Jesus returns. Until then, we are His light to those around us.
2012 Challenge--Know Him
John
11:5 NHEB Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
God doesn't just love the whole world in
generalities. He loves us individually. He cares about us individually. He knows us not as some cosmic number, but He knows
even the smallest details such as the number of the hairs on our heads (and for some of us that would require quite a computer
system to keep track!).
He knows because He created us and because He loves us. We can know Him as well by daily spending
time in his love letter to us--The Bible.
This year, let's not know about Him (and get it wrong), let's know Him through
communication and through His Word. A challenge that brings blessing.
True Wisdom
Job
38:36 NHEB Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who has given understanding to the mind?
After all Job's complaints and the
lack of sympathy from his so-called "friends," God answers Job. God makes it clear that Job's friends don't have a clue about
how He works, but Job's understanding also comes up short.
All the reading, learning and education will not bring either understanding
or wisdom if we leave out the key--God. God is the source of wisdom. Leave Him out of the equation and wisdom becomes foolishness.
Education needs
to include God's principles or it is not education at all.
Life Worth
Living
John 7:38 NHEB He who believes in me, as the Scripture
has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.
Life is more than getting through another day. Life is more than here and now. Life is for now and all eternity.
Life is from God. He is life. Without Him we are empty shells.
Only as we let Him into our lives will we experience who God is. He is the embodiment of not only life itself,
but also all what gives life meaning--joy, satisfaction, love and hope.
Life flows from a relationship with Jesus. He makes life worth living.
Old Year
& New Life
John 6:65-69 NKJV And He said, "Therefore
I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." From that time many of His
disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord,
to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the
Son of the living God."
The year is dying. These are the last few days of
2011. We anticipate the new year with all the unknowns, challenges and hope. Faith can also die, usually because we start
looking at people, who can claim one thing and behave totally differently, instead of listening to Jesus and following Him
alone.
He is the one who gives life and is there no matter
what. The best way to meet the new year is with the Savior beside and inside us, showing us what new is all about.
Thirst
John 4:13 NKJV Jesus answered and said to her,
"Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.
But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."
Humans are always searching, searching for something to quench that thirst
inside. We seek to fill that void deep within. Even at Christmas, many miss the truth. Jesus came to fill that void, to quench
our thirst with peace and love. That's why joy rings in the air. It is the joy that God has come that we might be filled with
hope.
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come..."
What Christmas is All About
John
3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life.
The essence of Christmas isn't Sleigh bells or hot chocolate on a cold winter's night, Nor evergreen trees hung with ornaments
and light.
Christmas is the coming of the Savior And one special birth The coming of Jesus to bring hope to earth.
Merry Christmas!
Wisdom
Job 28:28
NKJV And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.' "
Wisdom doesn't
come from years of education or by listening to those the world calls "wise" or "educated." While they may have their areas
of expertise and call it knowledge, God is the source of wisdom. Without God at the center, knowledge is limited by experience
and conclusions drawn may be far off the mark.
When we put Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, we are offered a glimpse
into the wonder of His vast wisdom and our knowledge deepens into understanding as we choose God's way of righteousness and
truth.
Real and Human
Luke 24:38-43 NKJV And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?Behold My
hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have."
When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.
But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food
here?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.
Jesus didn't come
back as a haunting spirit. He was still human. He could still feel, be felt, eat and drink. But what He had become was a glorified
person who could come and go as He wished, not limited to Earth laws. Some claim Jesus wasn't human after resurrection, but
a reading of the Bible says otherwise.
Jesus showed us what is in store for those who follow Him. Death isn't the
end. It is a new, exciting adventure. With this point, comes another. Too often we get mad at God when someone we pray for
to be healed dies. We shake our fists and question whether He really is powerful enough to heal. It took me a long time to
realize God sees more options to healing than we do.
If death is not the end, then death for a believer means total restoration
in a glorified body. That, too, is healing. Though difficult, when we say, "God's will be done," our prayers take on a greater
context and healing--physical, mental or spiritual is for today and for eternity. I'm glad Jesus works beyond my finite limitations.
One day, my healing will be complete.
Life Praise
Palms 63:1-4 NKJV O God, You are my God; Early
will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have
looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips
shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Do I desire, like David, to know
Him so I may serve Him better? Am I thirsty for His Word and Presence in my life? Today I can go to His house, worship with
His people in praise, witness His grace....and say thanks. What an awesome blessing. What an awesome freedom!
Have I made my
relationship with Jesus the most important priority of my life? Do my choices, the way I treat others as well as my words,
praise Him?
God Alone
Psalm 62:1-2
GW My soul waits calmly for God alone. My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my savior--my stronghold....
God doesn't give
us brownie points for charity work, being good or going to church to be used to escape hell. Only one thing we do saves us
and brings us into God's favor. That is accepting the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. We choose whether or not to follow Christ.
Once we make that decision, Jesus lives inside.
What we do does not save, but is an outworking of an inner change--of Jesus
making a difference inside.
All the works will not save us. Only accepting that Jesus is more than a cute baby, He is Savior,
Lord and King who died and rose for me, will do that. Since God is love, accepting His gift of life helps me know love as
well.
Love is the gift of Christmas.
Truth About
Giving
Luke 21:1-4 GW Looking up, Jesus saw people, especially
the rich, dropping their gifts into the temple offering box. He noticed a poor widow drop in two small coins. He said, "I
can guarantee this truth: This poor widow has given more than all the others. All of these people have given what they could
spare. But she, in her poverty, has given everything she had to live on."
It is popular to give to Salvation Army or other organizations during this time of year. And there
is nothing wrong with that. They do good work. But, it is sometimes simply a "feel good" thing to do, tossed off with little
thought. God actually condemned that sort of giving. Giving to really be giving must come from the heart and cost something.
If you don't even notice that $5, $10 or $100 gift, the question remains, have you truly given?
Writing a check or donating money is so much easier than giving of our time. The widow gave all
she had and trusted God for the rest. Can we not trust God with our schedule and give of our time to a neighbor who has trouble
scooping his walk, to the single mom who needs a ride to a doctor appointment, and take time to seek opportunities to serve,
not just at Christmas, but all year long? Then we are truly servants of Christ, being His hands and feet and heart to those
in need.
The truth about giving from the heart is that we
reap joy.
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He Lives
Job 19:25-27 GW But I know that my defender lives, and afterwards, he will
rise on the earth. Even after my skin has been stripped off my body, I will see God in my own flesh. I will see him with my
own eyes, not with someone else's. ...
Whatever the present horrors of Job's life, he clung
to the knowledge that this was not all there is. There is a future for those who serve God. Not as some nebulous spirit or
force, but as individuals who see, hear and experience. Life is real. The choices we make have consequences for now and the
future.
Jesus lives. When hard times come, will I, like Job,
cling to Him---no matter what?
Thanks
Psalm 54:6 NHEB With a free will offering, I will sacrifice to you. I will
give thanks to your name, LORD, for it is good.
How
often do I remember during the day to stop and say, "Thank you," to my spouse, my kids, other family members, friends,
co-workers or the tired store clerk only trying to do her best? Most of all, how often do I remember during the
day to stop and say, "Thank you," to the One who lived, sustains and died for me?
Saying, "Thank you," lifts up and encourages you and others. What better time to start a habit
of "Thank you, " than at this season of joy.
Not Good Enough
without Him
Psalm 53:1 GW Godless fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.” They are corrupt. They do disgusting things. There is no one who does good things.
We live in a culture that has forgotten that humans are not basically good.
That's what the fall of Adam and Eve was all about. We chose then and continue to choose sin. It is part of who we are. Humankind
is not basically "good." If we are, then Jesus came and died in vain. He didn't die for "good" people. He sacrificed His life
because He knew we were not good and could not be consistently good without Him in our lives.
The joy and celebration at Christmas is that we don't need to live with our
corrupt selves. We go to Jesus and let Him come in, houseclean and give us new hearts and new lives that reflect His goodness
and love. That is joy. That is cause for celebration.
The Supplier
Luke 12:28-31 (GW) That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field.
Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who
have so little faith?
Don’t concern yourself about what you will eat or drink, and quit worrying about these things. Everyone in the
world is concerned about these things, but your Father knows you need them. Rather, be concerned about his kingdom. Then these things
will be provided for you. Finances, especially at this time of year, can go from a concern to panic.
Jobs lost, kids who want toys and items you can't afford, expensive travel plans. Stop. Scale back spending. Little kids often
end up getting more fun out of the box than the expensive toy anyway. Be honest about what you can afford by way of gifts
and travel. Express yourself through words on paper, make gifts, have a re-gifting Christmas. Spend more time as a family
and less time shopping. The real supplier of our needs isn't our employer
or Santa Clause, it is the one who came as provider, protector, Savior and our peace. Focus on people not things and the reason
for the season--Jesus Christ.
Repentance
Psalm 51:17 (GW) The sacrifice pleasing
to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do
not despise a broken and sorrowful heart.
Stubbornness
tends to get us into trouble. We don't like to admit we're wrong, not quite right or that maybe someone else has a better
hand than we do on a situation or point of view. Being persistent and quitting is one thing, being bull-headed is another.
When we know we've messed up, pretending we didn't only gets us into deeper
trouble and usually ends up hurting everyone around us. And we still end up looking like idiots. God understands how we operate
because He made us. He knows that when we mess up, the way to make things right is to "fess" up. The sooner we do so, the
less damage we do to relationships and the situation.
While
it is best to choose to do the right thing in the first place, once we've made a wrong choice or said words that can't be
taken back, the best thing to do is to stop, ask God for help and let Him guide us in making things right. It is being willing
to say, "I was wrong," or "I'm sorry." Then we'll know God's forgiveness and peace.
The
One Who Makes a Difference
Psalm 50:15 NKJV Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
When
life doesn't go as we plan or expect, our first thought and action, not our last, should be prayer. We can change only some
things in our lives, but God works behind the scenes of those who follow Him to work all things out for our best.
He wants us to ask for His help. After all we can do, He is really the only
one who can fundamentally change things. I am grateful I don't have to only depend upon my finite resources--because God is
there and He truly cares.
Special Gift
Luke 9:56 (KJV) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives,
but to save them.
Jesus came for one purpose--to save lives. Quite
frankly, Jesus had an agenda. We think of agendas as bad, but all of us have agendas. We do what we can to guide our children
so they will grow up to be productive citizens. We have agendas for our day and week. We have agendas for our career and life
paths.
What better agenda can there be than one geared to
save lives. But though Jesus went through ridicule, torture and death, He doesn't force anyone to accept His offer of life.
Life in Jesus, now and forever, is a gift.
He
offers, but to complete the deal, we must accept that gift. When we ask Jesus into our lives, we open his gift to find forgiveness,
unbelievable love and acceptance, hope...and joy.
Why
would anyone say no to such a gift and why would we not share this offer with others?
Christmas
Blessing
Psalm 48:14 NKJV For this is God, Our God forever
and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.
In
this case, there is no "Until death do we part." When we know Jesus as Savior and Lord, death only brings us directly into
His presence. We no longer know Him through the curtain of our humanity. He becomes our guide when we acknowledge His gift
of dying on the cross for our sins and rising again to offer us life in Him.
He is forever. He doesn't turn away when we goof up or act foolish. He is there to forgive and give
us a freedom we can never know apart from Him. His guidance leads us around, over and under stumbling blocks we could not
"see" without Him.
This is indeed God--our forever guide. What a blessed
time to celebrate His gentle guidance in our lives.
Not Just Lazarus
Luke 7:12-15 KJV Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold
, there was a dead man carried out , the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with
her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and
they that bare him stood still . And he said , Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up , and began
to speak . And he delivered him to his mother.
We
often hear the story of Jesus raising Lazarus back to life, but this story doesn't get much press. Jesus had motivation to
raise Lazarus, who was a friend. This story shows Jesus' deep compassion for those He didn't know. He did know that without
the support of her son, this widow would probably become a beggar.
When her son died, she lost everything. Jesus didn't allow that to happen. He saw and stepped forward to make
a difference. In raising this son back to life, He also restored the mother back into a place in society, restored her provider
and put food back on her table.
During this season,
do we step forward in Jesus' name and help those who have no place to turn? Who need assistance and kindness? It only takes
a little to make a big difference in someone's life.
Jesus is Joy
Luke 6:7-9 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he
would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the
man who had the withered hand, "Rise up, and stand in the middle." He arose and stood. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you: Is it lawful on the Sabbath
to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to destroy it?"
Christmas is about celebration and joy. But it is too easy to forget the basis of that joy is Jesus. Jesus
wants to bring us joy and not just at Christmas. He came to heal and offer hope.
Jesus doesn't force us to accept Him. He offers life and love. He waits for us to bow and worship,
not just the baby in the manger, but also the Saviour who died for you and I on the cross and rose to set us free.
Will I let Jesus fill me with His joy this season?
His Desire Luke 5:12-13 NHEB It happened, while he was in one of the cities, behold,
there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you
can make me clean." And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately the leprosy
left him. Jesus wants good for us.
But He doesn't force us to accept Him. That has to be our choice. When we ask, He is there to comfort, heal
and make whole. Jesus is worthy of my trust
and my heart. He is also due my thanks.
Gratitude
Luke 4:18-19 NHEB "The Spirit of the LORD is on me
(Jesus), because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."
I read this passage today and realize how many things I have
for which to give thanks. Jesus came to offer hope, healing and freedom. He came to lift us up and to walk in
His light and love.
On
this day of Thanksgiving, I bow in gratitude and give thanks.
The Gift for which to Give Thanks
Luke 2:10-11 The angel said to
them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born
to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Messiah, the Lord.
We celebrate Thanksgiving this week . But thanks starts with a heart of gratitude.
Love is at the heart of thankfulness.
Thank you Jesus that you came Into my world that so long ago day, (Though only a moment in time for you) While we struggled, you lived and
died That
you might provide To live and love a path, a way That I might a accept the sacrifice you made, And live in the light of your guidance each day, Being thankful that you came For all you gave, I bow in gratitude.
Remember
Luke 1:30-31 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid,
Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his
name 'Jesus.'
God gave a promise to Mary and kept
that promise. Jesus came lived and died for you and me.
Jesus is the reason we even exist. This week, it is easy to enjoy family and food but forget the gratitude
part. Let'a not forget. This week let's remember to give thanks for our food and family, but also remember the one who
provided it--Jesus Christ.
What
Will it Take?
Job 2:10 HCSBF “You speak
as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout
all this Job did not sin in what he said. Job may have asked hard questions of God and moaned about his situation, but he kept his perspective on God.
He didn't stop believing God was God or that God had a right to do what He did. Job lost everything. His wife told him to curse God and his
friends pretty much just blamed him for the problems. (With friends like his, Job really didn't need enemies.) Satan did everything in his power to get Job to turn away
from God, but nothing worked. Job lost his business, his wealth and his beloved children, yet he trusted God. What does it take for me to question God--a bad day, hurt
feelings, illness...death? Or will I, like Job, say, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him."?
No
Need to Fear
Psalm 46:1-3 GW God is our shelter
and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains
fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence.
We don't need to be afraid, because God is still God. He is creator and controller
of the universe and our lives. While He allows free will, in the end it is all about God. Only as we align ourselves with
Him, will we understand and experience abundant life, love, hope and a future.
Victory
Esther 9:1 HCSB The king’s command and law went into
effect on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar. On the day when the Jews’ enemies had hoped to overpower
them, just the opposite happened. The Jews overpowered those who hated them. The key to victory isn't military might. The key is in trusting and following
God's guidance. Without Him, we will lose our freedom not just from enemies outside our borders, but also from those inside
who overthrow laws through rebellion, through using courts to circumvent congress and by turning away from Him. Where am I in this mix--following God and preserving freedom
or not...?
In
the Night
Psalm 42:8 HCSB The Lord will
send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night — a prayer to the God of my life.
I am at my lowest point at night. When I can't sleep or wake
up, fears rear ugly specters. That's when I talk to God. That's when I quote Scripture I started memorizing as a child. That's
when I realize the importance of "hiding God's Word in my heart" on a regular basis.
Eventually, peace prevails inside. Direction becomes clear, the next step,
even if that step is a quiet voice inside that comforts and says, "Trust me."
God is my night song.
When
Doing Right is Tough
Esther
5:1 MKJV And it happened on the third day, Esther put on royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king's house,
across from the king's house. And the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, across from the gate of the house. Esther know that if the king did not extend his scepter, she
was dead. She also knew that if she didn't try, her people would be slaughtered. She could have rationalized that she was
the queen and she would be safe in the king's palace. What happened to her people wasn't about her, she couldn't change the
king's edict and why die for something she couldn't change. She didn't use excuses. She stood up, did what was right and did it using all the abilities
God blessed her with. In doing so, she saved not only her life, but also the lives of her people. Do I have the courage to stand up for what is right, regardless
of the cost, and to do so with wisdom, thought and prayer?
Letting
Go and Letting God
Psalm
40:17 MKJV But I am poor and needy; the LORD will care for me; You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not
wait.
God isn't afraid of our concerns.
What He desires is for us to deal with them honestly and before Him. (Talking to God is great therapy.)
He can handle our pain, confusion and our anxiety. Our part
is to let Him. Do I?
Someone to Look Up To
Esther 2:20 NET_LM Esther was still not divulging her lineage or her people,
just as Mordecai had instructed her. Esther continued to do whatever Mordecai said, just as she had done when he was raising
her.
Esther respected her cousin who raised
her. He was such a man of integrity that even in her scary situation, she listened to him. She knew who he was. She didn’t
need the opinion of her culture who disliked Jews to sway her from that. She didn’t back down not even in the midst
of people who did not believe the way she did or practice her faith. She trusted her cousin and listened to him.
Are we the type of people others can trust to be on time,
not spread gossip, and who are trustworthy in all situations? Would we stand on our integrity even if others, including the
media, tried to paint another picture?
Music
Makes a Difference
Nehemiah
12:8 GW The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his relatives was in charge
of the thanksgiving hymns.
When the Israelites returned to the Promised Land after their many years of captivity, they built a temple
and began to worship. As they assessed those who returned, they always gave as much priority to musicians and singers as to
those with other priestly duties such as preparing the sacrfices or teaching the people.
Music was important, especially music of thanksgiving. Worship music is imported
for us as well in church and out. What music we listen to does matter.
Does the music I listen to exult my Savior and encourage me in my walk of
faith?
My
Plans or His?
Psalm 37:5 GW Entrust your ways
to the LORD. Trust him, and he will act on your behalf.
God is on our side, but we won't know that if we don't read His Word or communicate
with Him regularly. If we don't listen to or follow God's guidance, how can we say He isn't there, doesn't care or isn't involved?
We need to get out of the way and let God be God in our hearts
minds, life and choices we make. God is a good God, He works on our behalf. The questions is--Am I following His plans or
messing things up with my own?
Complaints
Nehemiah 9:6 NAS You alone are the LORD.
You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.
We forget we are not cosmic accidents. Our world is
not something that “just happened.” God carefully crafted the earth as a place of beauty and wonder. Then he created
humankind for fellowship and to care for that world.
Only we forget what God has done and forget to be thankful. We start looking at all
that is wrong, start thinking God, government and others owe us and forget to appreciate the world and all we’ve been
given.
Time to lift up our heads and to
cultivate a thankful heart instead of a complaining mouth.
Respect
and God’s Word
Nehemiah
8:5 NAS Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people ; and when he
opened it, all the people stood up.
Respect. That’s what I see in this passage Respect for God’s Word. The people had been without
it for a long period of time. Now they had a chance to hear God’s Word spoken again and they rose in respect.
We live in a culture that respects very little. The key here
isn’t how others respond to the Bible as God’s Word, but how I respond. Do I say I respect God’s Word, but
seldom open it? Do I claim to follow God, but have little idea what He asks of me because my Bible gathers dust? When I do
read or hear God’s Word, do I truly “hear” the message and commitment myself to follow what God asks of
me?
Do I only claim to respect God and
His Word or do I follow this with my actions?
The Security of Fear
Psalm 34:4 NAS I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me
from all my fears.
I don’t know how many times I’ve read this, but it never hit me quite like it is this morning. The verse
does not say God delivered from all the problems. It says He delivered the Psalmist from all his fears. Fear keeps us wrapped
up in our own little cocoon, afraid of what others will think or do. Fear keeps us from sharing God’s message of hope
or standing up for what it right, such in bullying situations. Fear may also cause us to react in negative ways toward others.
But while life is life and problems are part of life, God
promises that if we ask, He’ll deliver us from FEAR. The question then becomes, “Am I willing to let Him or do
I like holding onto my fears because they are familiar and comfortable?
Prayer
and Preparation
Nehemiah 4:9 NAS But we prayed
to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.
God is our source, hope and protector, He also expects us to do our part.
It is a foundation of prayer and trust that provides the courage to do what it right and to stand up against wrong.
Christianity isn’t “pie in the sky,” it
is is faith in action, it is practical and it meshes with the reality of life. God is real. History shows it, changed lives
and miracles back it up.
Am I willing to do more than stand on the sidelines? Am I willing to pray and prepare to follow God’s leading?
Hanging
onto Guilt
Psalm 32:5 NAS I acknowledged
my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "; And You forgave the
guilt of my sin. Selah.
Too often we wallow in our distress and guilt. It is almost as though we take a certain pleasure in castigating
ourselves for bad choices and our failures. But living with guilt changes who we are into persons we don’t want to be.
God doesn’t want us to wallow in our guilt and tells us there is no need.
God is the God of forgiveness and hope. He sets us free to be all He created
us to be. Hanging onto guilt isn’t God’s best. But getting rid of guilt takes choices on our part. It means acknowledging
the problem and asking God to forgive and set free. It is deliberately letting go and choosing not to dwell on the guilt and
the “poor me” feelings guilt engenders.
God forgives and forgets. Will we allow ourselves that freedom?
V. 11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones
; And shout forjoy, all you who are upright in heart.
They Can't Take Away Hope
Psalm 31:24 NAS Be strong and let your heart take
courage, All you who hope in the LORD. Hope is a powerful word. Because we are human, created in God’s image, deep inside we know this
is not all there is. Even in the worst of circumstances and disasters, there is hope of a better tomorrow. The unexpected
cross at the 9/11 site brought hope. The symbols of hope do bring a renewed sense of hope and renewed hope brings strength and courage. That is
also why so many are seeking to rid our country of all Christian symbols. They believe, without symbols of hope, America will
fall. What they do not know is that Jesus
is more than an outward symbol, He lives inside, making each day a new day to praise, a new day of trusting Him...a new day
of hope. No one can take that away.
Ezra's
Example
Ezra 7:10 GW Ezra was determined
to study the LORD'S Teachings, live by them, and teach their rules and regulations in Israel.
Ezra not only claimed to love God, he followed it up with
study, so he could know God's will, way and plans. He followed up by living by the principles and faith he studied about.
Finally, he shared his knowledge with others.
As Christians, do we follow Ezra's example by doing as God asks of us and that is to read, study and
meditate regularly on His Word? Do we live our lives in the light of God's righteous principles. Do we share the message of
forgiveness, love and hope with those around us who need to know that someone is there and someone cares?
Am I an Ezra?
Real Power
Psalm 29:11 GW The LORD will give power to his people. The LORD will bless
his people with peace.
Real power doesn't come from wealth, status or military might, though they seem to. Power and strength are
inner qualities that help us stand up to evil. It also provides discernment to recognize good from evil, right from wrong,
as opposed to a selfish, self-centered "give me because I want it" mentality.
Such power comes from one source--Jesus. He helps us go from selfishness and
rebellion to truly caring about others.
The result of having His power within? His blessings.
Fear or Faith? Eza 3:3 NET-LM They established the altar on its foundations, even though they were in terror of the local
peoples, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and the evening offerings. Though they were scared to standup for their faith they did so anyway. They could have lost
their lives for worshiping the one true God, but they lived their faith. We're
afraid to stand up when someone puts us down or we fear reprisals at home or work. Do we truly follow Christ or only follow
when it is convenient? What rules--fear or faith?
The Value of Patience
Psalm 27:14 NAS Wait for the LORD
; Be strong and let your heart take courage ; Yes,wait for the LORD.
Patience isn't one of my virtues. It doesn't seem to be an American virtue either. What
we want, we want now. We forget, even day to day, what candidates for office have said and done, making it easy for them to
make us think they agree with us--until they get into office.
We have little patience with relationships, finding it easier to move on than to do the
work it takes to build and maintain a solid relationship.
We are the losers when we refuse to wait, listen, consider the options and think about
the consequences of our actions. People get hurt, ourselves included.
God calls for us to wait. Strength and courage come not from rushing in, but
in learning to wait for direction, pray, think and plan.
Scrutiny
Psalm 26:2-3 GW Examine me, O LORD, and test me. Look closely
into my heart and mind. I see your mercy in front of me. I walk in the light of your truth.
How often do we ask God to check out our hearts and motives?
Usually we try to hide behind rationalization, indifference or pretending God isn't there or doesn't care what we do.
Yet, an intimate relationship demands transparency and honesty.
The Psalmist desired to know God. He knew God is both merciful and the only guide for a life of truth and light.
Does my life hold up under Godly scrutiny?
His
Way
Psalm 25:4 “Make me understand
your ways, O Lord! Teach me your paths!” NET_LM
Instead of my telling God what I want and how I want Him to work things out according to
my way, my schedule and my plans, I need to realize I’m not communicating with a secretary or business manager hired
to make my life easier. I’m talking with the God who created everything, including me. He doesn’t exist simply
to make my wishes come true, but to help me become the best I can be.
He desires first a heart willing to listen, a mind ready to learn and an attitude
of service and putting God first. Life isn’t about me. The more I learn of Him, the more I allow Him to change my attitudes
and life so that my heart and actions mirror His, the more His grace and love flows through me and the more my goals will
be His and my life a blessing to others.
Instead of “give me,” may my words be as the Psalmist’s, “Teach me.”
National
Joy
II Chronicles 30:9, 26 GW When you
return to the LORD, your relatives and children will find compassion from those who captured them. They will return to this
land. The LORD your God is merciful and compassionate. He will not turn his face away from you if you return to him....The
city of Jerusalem was filled with joy. Nothing like this had happened in Jerusalem since the days of King Solomon of Israel.
The result of a heartfelt confession and repentance not only
brought God's grace and healing, but also a sense of joy. If we wonder where the joy of our nation has gone, when tolerance
is a word flung at anyone with a different perspective rather than an example to follow and churches are desecrated by those
who claim "they" are the tolerant ones, we need look no further than to a nation who has turned it's back on the God who guided
the explorers who discovered these shores, the men and women who forged homes out of the wilderness, the founders who gave
up their lives and fortunes to create a nation whose God was the Lord and generations who fought and died to preserve freedom
to worship God.
Israel turned back to God and found
hope and God's hand of protection. They also rediscovered joy in serving Him. Will America?
Our
Rock
Psalm 18:2 GW The LORD is my rock
and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.
God is My... Rock--Security Fortress--Protection Refuge--Comfort Shield--Defense Strength--One who holds me up Stronghold--Barrier against harm Salvation--Savior
May He be all this and more to you as well.
Pride and
Attitude
II Chronicles 26:15-16 GW In Jerusalem he made
machines designed by inventive people. The machines were placed on the towers and corners to shoot arrows and hurl large stones.
Uzziah's fame spread far and wide because he had strong support until he became powerful. But when he became powerful, his pride
destroyed him. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God. He went into the LORD'S temple to burn incense on the incense altar.
Pride will destroy us more completely than about anything else. We start thinking
we're "All that," can do no wrong, refuse to listen and heed good advice and basically sabotage our relationships, our careers,
our lives and our futures. Our attitude can destroy us as it did this king of Israel.
He had it all. Until he thought he was better than his advisers, the priests and even God. And he
lost it all.
Do I recognize my need for God and others?
V. 20-22 When the chief priest Azariah and all the priests turned toward
him, a skin disease was on his forehead. They rushed him away. Uzziah was in a hurry to get out because the LORD had inflicted
him with the disease. King Uzziah had a skin disease until the day he died. Since he had a skin disease, he lived in a separate
house and was barred from the LORD'S temple. His son Jotham was in charge of the royal palace and governed the country.
Positive Influences
II Chronicles 24:1-2 GW Joash was 7 years old when he began to rule, and
he ruled for 40 years in Jerusalem. His mother was Zibiah from Beersheba. Joash did what the LORD considered right, as long
as the priest Jehoiada lived.
What we put into our minds, who we associate with,
who our mentors are does make a difference. Everything around us is an influence in some way. Having friends and mentors who
love God, live for Him and who love us enough to help us see when we're off track is vital to our own spiritual walk.
Do I cultivate positive influences and influencers in my life? Am I a positive
influencers for others, leading them to and not away from Christ?
Rightful Place
Psalm 20:7-8 GW Some [rely] on chariots and others on horses, but we will
boast in the name of the LORD our God. They will sink to their knees and fall, but we will rise and stand firm.
All our military might means nothing if America has lost the foundation of
faith in God. Without Him, leaders become cowards and and we're a nation afraid to identify, much less fight our enemies.
We pretend there isn't knowable truth and forget that righteousness has no place with evil.
As people who claim God's name, do we stand up for Him in our private and public lives, do we investigate
candidates and vote for those who who will stand for faith, do we pray and study God's Word so we know how to live for Him?
Changing our world and our nation, starts at home, with me. Am I willing to give God His rightful place in my life?
Praise
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky displays
what his hands have made. How
often do I take the time to go outside at night, look up at the sky, praise God and give Him thanks? The vastness above make
us realize how foolish is the thought all that "just happened" by chance. Our world is intricately and lovingly created by
a Creator who loves and cares. Do I appreciate His creation and His work in my daily life? The people of Israel took time for times of private and public praise. Do I?
A Leader's
Faith Matters
II Chronicles 12:1-2 GW When Rehoboam had established his kingdom and made himself strong, he and
all Israel abandoned the LORD'S teachings.In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem.
This happened because all Israel was not loyal to the LORD.
No one person or nation has to follow God. But when a people shuts Him out of their lives and out of public debate,
He gets the message.
We ask, "Where is God?" He doesn't stay where He
isn't invited. But there are consequences When a people chooses to shut Him out, He leaves, lifting His hand of protection
and blessing.
Israel opened herself to foreign invasion and interference
and continual problems at home and abroad when the leader turned the people away from God.
If God removed His hand of protection from Israel, His people, what is He doing with our nation? Only
a nation who honors Him can expect His blessings and protection.
This leaves America vulnerable...
Not Just Any
Day
Sunday Not
just any day First day
of the week God's day. How will I use my time-- In selfish, self-centered pursuits? In exhausting myself with work? Or will I slow, reflect Take time to let Jesus refresh my soul, Prepare me for a new week? Will I stop, bow and acknowledge That He is God, Starting the week with Him Firmly at the center of my life? It's Sunday.
Psalm 16:11 MKJV You will make Me know the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joys. At Your right hand
are pleasures forevermore.
Cause and
Effect
II Chronicles 14:1b-4 GW .... His son Asa succeeded him as king. In Asa's time the land had peace for ten
years. Asa did what the LORD his God considered good and right. He got rid of the altars of foreign gods, broke down the sacred
stones, and cut down the poles dedicated to the goddess Asherah. He told the people of Judah to dedicate their lives to serving
the LORD God of their ancestors and follow his teachings and commands.
There is a straight line between fundamental belief and actions and peace and prosperity. God blesses
those who follow Him. That is a basic Scriptural principle. When people truly follow Him, they are loving, kind, rational
and seek both truth and righteousness. All of which leads to a culture of caring, personal responsibility and a willingness
to work toward postive goals. The opposite is also true.
For our personal lives, what we believe matters. For our nation's welfare, what our leaders believe also matters.
The Gift of
Light
Revelation 22:5a GW There will be no more night, and they will not need
any light from lamps or the sun because the Lord God will shine on them....
Light isn't sun, moon and stars. The very origin of light is God. Without God there is not only no
inner light, there is no illumination at all. God is light. Light brings life. Without light, there is no life--not in any
way, shape or form.
Jesus is the light of the world. Light brings comfort,
warmth and hope. Am I ready to let Jesus be the light of my life or do I choose to wonder in the cold darkness of my own ignorance,
rebellion and pride?
V. 17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Let
those who hear this say, "Come!" Let those who are thirsty come! Let those who want the water of life take it as a gift.
Walking Alone
Psalm 11:7 MKJV For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; His face looks
on the upright.
Jesus loves us. But choices do have consequences.
If we turn our back on Him, we won't hear His voice or follow advice that leads to life and hope.
Only as we open ourselves up to Him, listen and follow will we know the blessings
of the peace and joy we know--not in the absence of trouble--but even in the middle of it. With Him, we never walk alone.
Beyond Rhetoric
II Chronicles 6:13 GW Solomon had made a bronze
platform 7 1/2 feet long, 7 1/2 feet wide, and 4 1/2 feet high. He put it in the middle of the courtyard. He stood on the
platform, knelt in front of the entire assembly, and stretched out his hands toward heaven.
Solomon was not afraid to look stupid in front of his people and he didn't
leave serving God only to the priests. Solomon, in the early, years of his reign set an example of faith for the people to
follow.
When looking at candidates for office, how many truly
stand up for, clearly enunciate and live out their faith in everyday life? No one is perfect, but too many candidates only
pretend faith to get the vote of those who do believe and discard any pretence once elected.
Look beyond rhetoric and pray for wisdom.
Our Part
II Chronicles 13-14 NAS If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain,
or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My
name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive
their sin and will heal their land.
This passage
stems from Solomon dedicating the temple. God promised blessing if the people followed Him and natural and spiritual consequences
if they didn't. But always, He promises that when people turn away from sin and return to Him, not only will individual lives
be changed, but the nation will be saved.
Something
to contemplate in our nation who is not just turning it's back, but completely shutting God out in favor of an atheistic point
of view and Islam. We're courting disaster. We can make a difference by praying for our land, living for Jesus and not being
ashamed to stand for righteousness wherever we are.
Some Days
It all goes wrong. A no good, very bad day, Until I throw up my hands And give frustration sway. But...only for a time, Then I pray, Because I know, It's all in His hands, And I will trust Him, Come what may.
©
2010-11 Carolyn R Scheidies
Psalm 9:9-10 GW The LORD is a stronghold for the
oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust you, O LORD, because you have never deserted those
who seek your help.
When?
Psalm 8:3-4 GW When I look at your heavens, the creation of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have set in place--what is a mortal that you remember him or the Son of Man that you take
care of him?
Do I look up at night, see the display of galaxies,
stars and light and feel small? Do I view magnificent mountains and acknowledge the Creator? Do I smell the myriad of colorful plants and praise a God who loves beauty? Am I finally ready to bow, asking the Creator who
created, came, died and rose for me to create in me a new heart filled with His loving presence? If not now--when?
2 Corinthians 6:2 GW Listen, now is God's acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!
How Do I Live?
II Chronicles 2:7 GW The angel said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give
him glory, because the time has come for him to judge. Worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs."
In the end times the command applies as it does now for those who wish to
have lives of hope and satisfaction--glorify God, honor Him in our thoughts, attitudes, actions, lifestyle and choices. All
said and done, life isn't about status, wealth and prestige, but how we lived our lives, how we reached out to others, starting
with our own families, how we allowed the love of Jesus to live in and flow through us.
Do I worship Christ or something else?
Psalm 5:7 GW But I will enter your house because of your great mercy. Out of reverence for you, I will bow toward
your holy temple.
Not Alone
Psalm 4:8 GW I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone,
O LORD, enable me to live securely.
How many
of us have such trust in God and His care and oversite, that we can let go our worries, concerns, anxieties and fear before
we go to bed at night? If we go to bed. How many times do we pace the floor instead, worrying about work, family or finances?
Saying Jesus is God and that we follow Him, is a lot different from proving
it with our actions. Do I bring my concerns to Jesus and leave them, letting Him guide the next step, or do I carry all the
burdens myself and wonder why I crumble under a load I was never meant to carry alone?
Praise or
Blame?
I Chronicles 29:14
GW But who am I and who are my people that you enable us to give so generously? Everything comes from you. We give you
only what has come from your hands.
We aren't given a finances to hoard, but to use wisely
to support our families and to help others in need. Most importantly, we need to thank God for His provision.
Whether we have much or little, it all comes from His hand. King David recognized
this thank connection and gave God praise.
Do
I praise God no matter what, or take credit for successes while blaming God or others for failures--real or perceived?
V. 20 Then David said to the whole assembly, "Praise the LORD your God!"
So the whole assembly praised the LORD God of their ancestors and knelt in front of the LORD and the king.
Great Mercy
I Chronicles 28:6 GW He told me, 'Your son Solomon
will build my temple and my courtyards because I have chosen him to be my son. I will be his father.
This
blessing to David shows God's forgiveness, grace and mercy. Out of an affair and sin came evil, betrayal and murder.
Yet with David's confession and sincere repentence came redemption. When things were made right, God blessed the
union with the next king of Israel.
If God can forgive David for his horrendous choice when he repented and turned
back to God, don't you think God will forgive us when we take the same steps of confession and repentence?
Who Am I Fooling?
Psalm 1:6 GW The LORD knows the way of righteous people, but the way of
wicked people will end.
We can fool others. We can even fool ourselves. We
cannot fool God. He knows the motives of our hearts. He knows if we truly have a close relationship with Him and follow Him.
We can follow Him. Will God put us on the side of those who do evil or those
who allow Christ to live inside and serve Him? It is our choice.
Jesus Still
Loves Me!
Revelation 7:11-12 GW All the angels stood around
the throne with the leaders and the four living creatures. They bowed in front of the throne with their faces touching the
ground, worshiped God, and said, "Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength be to our God forever and
ever! Amen!"
If the angels and the highest administrators in heaven
bow down, shouldn't we? What keeps me from giving Christ His rightful place in my heart, my life and my choices?
Do I really think the One with the power and creativity to make this universe,
this world and me will forever give me a pass when I refuse to acknowledge Him in my daily life and choices? Then I have the
nerve to blame Him when things go wrong in my life? What arrogance!
And yet Jesus still loves me. That is humbling...and wonderful.
Will I Stand For Christ?
Revelation
6:9 GW When the lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of
God's word and the testimony they had given about him.
Becoming a Christian doesn't mean a life of ease or no problems. Pretty much only Americans have held that interpretation.
In many countries, especially Muslim-controlleed ones, conversion to Christ has dreadful consequences.
Not only will your family disown you, your father, brother, cousins or other
Muslin males may rape, abuse and kill you. Trully following Christ has consequences.
But America, also, is no longer a haven for those who follow Jesus. With liberal leaders making ridiculous
claims about Christians being dangerous, being terrorists and worse, the national tide is turning against Christians who uphold
Christian values of life, marriage and faith.
Will
we stand firm in following Christ when doing so means loss of status, employment, harm to our families--ourselves? Where would
we draw the line.
Revelation 2:10c GW ... Be faithful until
death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Playing Games
with God
Revelation 4:10-11 GW the 24 leaders bow in front
of the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They place their crowns in front of the
throne and say, "Our
Lord and God, you deserve to receive glory, honor, and power because you created everything. Everything came into existence
and was created because of your will."
If
the leaders in heaven bow before Jesus who created everything, why do we take a relationship with Him so lightly? Jesus isn't
the meek and mild man of paintings and illustrations. We forget He's the all-powerful, all-knowing God of everything.
Yet we have the audacity to think we can play games with semantics to rationalize
choices we know are not God's best. God will not be mocked. He may love and extend mercy far beyond what we deserve, but His
principles are still in play and choices--good and bad--have consequences.
But, what God wants, first and foremost, from those He created is a heart of worship. All else stems
from our heart attitudes.
What is the focus of my worship? Me and what I want
or God's will and way? Do I ask, wait and listen for Him?
Being Faithful
Revelation 2:10c GW ...Be faithful until death, and I will give you the
crown of life.
God calls us to be faithful. Being faithful means
putting Christ and His principles at the center of our lives, choices and actions.
Our faithfulness to God plays out in our commitment to be faithful to our spouses and our word--to
God and others.
Am I faithful?
Reading Bible
Prophecy Important
Revelation 1: 3 GW Blessed is the one who reads,
as well as those who hear the words of this prophecy and pay attention to what is written in it because the time is near.
Many avoid the prophetic books of the Bible like Revelation because they are
not stories or teaching. The messages are often gloomy and difficult to fully grasp. Yet, this passage says we are blessed
when we read these passages with a desire to fully follow God.
Prophetic passages may at times seem gloomy, but there is hope. God wins in the end and those who follow Christ,
no matter what comes, win, too.
Reading scripture
starts with asking God to reveal through His Word what He has for each of us--regardless if we're reading Psalms, the Gospels
or Revelation.
A Prayer of
Blessing
Jude 1:2 GW May mercy, peace, and love fill your
lives!
These are what I wish for my family and friends--that
each will know God's mercy, peace and love. What a prayer, what a blessing to pray each day for those we love--starting with
our spouse and children.
This day may God's abundant mercy, peace, and love
fill your lives! May you seek Him in every area of life. Amen.
Ears to Hear
Revelation 3:22 GW Let the person who has ears listen to what the
Spirit says to the churches.
In Revelation, God has some serious things to say
to different churches. He praises what is good, but gives warning of those who have turned from following Him wholeheartedly.
Too often, we let the clamor of the media and the demands of family and work dull our hearing. We don't hear God speak because,
in our busy, crazy, lives we schedule time with God and His Word off the calendar.
We don't hear, because we take time for everything and everyone, but Him. And we wonder why our lives
fall apart. The answer is to put God back on the schedule first thing in the morning, last thing at night or instead of that
TV show. Have ears and a heart to listen for and follow the guidance of the one who loves you best--Jesus.
True State
of My Heart
II John 1:6 GW Love means that we live by doing
what he commands. We were commanded to live in love, and you have heard this from the beginning.
Saying I love someone doesn't mean much if my actions don't back up that claim.
The same goes for my spiritual life. I can claim I love God but if I practice dishonesty, if I lie and cheat or treat others
with disrespect, I reveal my God is not the God of justice, integrity and love. If I claim to love and follow God but have
no interest in communicating with Him, reading His Word or being with His people I am lying-pmaybe even to myself.
What a person does, beyond words and rhetoric, shows the true state of the
heart.
Who's in the
Driver's Seat?
I John 5:5 GW Who wins the victory over the world?
Isn't it the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
I'm not a winner because I'm wealthy and powerful--not that I am. I'm not a winner because I'm talented or even if
I help others. I'm a winner when I understand there is more to life than money--or the striving for it, than power, more than
fame or being looked up to.
I'm a winner when I recognize life isn't about me,
when I acknowledge my dependence on God for my very existance and when I let go and give the driver's seat to Him.
Boots-to-the-ground
Love
I John 4:9-10 GW God has shown us his love by
sending his only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is love: not that we have loved God, but
that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.
Real love isn't a swooning, gooey feeling. It is a boots-to-the-ground commitment to show caring and
respect regardless of how the other person behaves. Real love isn't about reciprocal feelings, but a commitment to love and
care and do right no matter what.
Love is about
following Jesus' example, letting His love flow in and through us, taking us to a place of prayer instead of vengeful anger,
forgiveness iin the midst of deep grief and pain.
Love,
real love, isn't simple or easy. Love is stringer than hate, taking us from darkness to light.
V. 19-20 GW We love because God loved us first. Whoever says, "I love God,"
but hates another believer is a liar. People who don't love other believers, whom they have seen, can't love God, whom they
have not seen.
As The Soul
Prospers
3 John 1:2 NAS Beloved, I pray that in all respects
you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. Prospering isn't about striving for wealth, status and fame. That sort of prosperity often leads to an emptiness
inside. Those goals just don't satisfy the depth of who God created us to be. Our real prosperity derives from a heart settled
on the big question of who God is and who God means me to be. Once
I settle that question and put Jesus in the center of all I am, recognizing my intrinsic worth because HE considers me of
such worth He died and rose again for me, I prosper. Like a flower unfolding, knowing my true worth in Christ, I can reach
out for the abundant life He offers--a life of forgiveness, joy, hope and love.
Jesus in Me
I John 3:1 GW Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves
us so much that we are actually called God's dear children. And that's what we are. For this reason the world doesn't recognize
us, and it didn't recognize him either.
God
loves us--you and me. Loved us enough to create us, die for us and conquer death that He might offer us fellowship and life-if
we accept Him into our lives.
He loves us
enough to give us the freedom to put ourselves in harm's way physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually if we so choose.
He created our world with basic principles of cause and effect. Our choices, words and actions have real-world consequences--for
good or evil.
Jesus loves us enough to allow us the freedom to
choose. Our choices matter. What choices will I make today that honor Him and help others? Will others see Jesus in me?
V. 24 Those who obey Christ's commandments live in God, and God lives in
them. We know that he lives in us because he has given us the Spirit.
There's a
Word for That
I John 2:4-5 GW The person who says, "I know him,"
but doesn't obey his commandments is a liar. The truth isn't in that person. But whoever obeys what Christ says is the kind
of person in whom God's love is perfected.That's how we know we are in Christ.
We live in a culture where it is almost acceptable to claim one thing, but act contrary to that claim.
Many who claim to follow Christ have little idea of what that means for a person's integrity and sexual purity. Such gaps
between values and action destroys lives, reputations and relationships.
As Christ-followers, our actions need to match what we claim--in caring for others, in honesty in our
dealings, in sexual purity of heart, mind and behavior. But we can only know what God's principles are if we communicate with
Jesus regularly and we study His Word.
The word
for those who claim one thing, but make a life-style habit of behaving differencesly are called hypocrits. Where am I on the
scale of actually living out my faith in daily life?
How Do I Rate?
I John 1:5b GW ...God is light, and there isn't any darkness in him.
God is all that is good, holy and right. God doesn't say one thing and do
another. While we may not understand His ways, they are never deceitful or dishonorable. The end does not justify the means.
If we study God's character, not only will we see how to conduct our lives,
we'll also understand the difference between God's way and man's. We'll know truth from error.
From ourselves to political candidates, how do we and they rate by God's standards--standards we don't
understand unless we're reading and meditating on His Word regularly?
Consultation
II Peter 3:2 GW
I (Peter) want you to remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and what the Lord and Savior commanded
you through your apostles.
Remember. When
we're hurt and angry we tend to forget to consult the One who is there for us, who wants to provide direction and keep us
from foolish words and actions that end up harming us, others and relationships.
It is in those tough moments we discover if our faith is real and whether we're willing to trust God
enough to ask, listen, search His Word, wait, and follow His way--not our natural impulse of anger, pay-back and revenge.
Will I remember Jesus when it counts?
Marriage--About
Caring
I Peter 3:7b GW ...Honor your wives as those who
share God's life-giving kindness so that nothing will interfere with your prayers.
How many husbands honor their wives. (And wives their husbands) Wives want a relationship not a few
cast off moments here and there. They want to know they matter, their opinions matter, their work for the family is noticed
and appreciated.
Husbands and wives who have successful, long-term
positive and loving relationships, are those who choose to listen, laugh with and show care for one another, by taking seriously,
working through and acting on concerns.
Do I
treat my spouse with respect?
V. 8 Finally,
everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble.
Complainer
James 5:9 GW Brothers and sisters, stop complaining about each other, or
you will be condemned. Realize that the judge is standing at the door.
We live in a culture of complaining. Part of the reason is lack of personal responsibility. Everything
is the fault of circumstance, the situation or another person or business.
So we complain when things don't go our way, complain say or do things we don't like, complain became
it is easier than taking action to remedy a situation. (And I'm not talking about suing someone for every problem large or
small that comes our way.)
Time to take responsibility for our own choices,
realize people are people and aren't perfect either and live a life of abundance rather than wasting time complaining about
others.
Do I want to be known as someone who tears down with
my constant complaints, or someone who lifts up with my positive attitudes and words?
Moving On
I Peter 2:24 NKJV Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
We are healed not by trying, not by forgetting, not just by moving on, but
by allowing Jesus to take our pain and hurt and heal us from within. All changes from the outside are temporary. Only changes
made from the inside out are permanent and give us the guidance and strength to forgive, let go and truly move on without
all the baggage of unresolved hurt.
The Path to
Peace--Self-control?
James 4:1 GW What causes fights and quarrels among
you? Aren't they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? ... So place yourselves under God's authority. Resist
the devil, and he will run away from you. Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners,
and clear your minds, you doubters.
When
anger grows, before errupting, think and consider the true source of your anger. Too often anger that ends in fighting and
quarrels is based in self-centeredness and selfishness by one or both involved parties.
Quarrelling seldom has a positive ending. When we stir up, hold and cultivate anger and grudges we
stop thinking, stop being rational. God gave us a mind.
If we back off, let anger cool and seek His way instead of ours, we just may find healing and reconciliation or at
least a path to follow that doesn't lead to bitterness and lashing out.
Worry--Just What the Devil Likes
I Peter 5:7-9a GW Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. Keep your mind clear, and
be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Be firm in the
faith and resist him,...
So much easier to keep worrying. Not easy letting
someone else take my burden--even God. Yet, when I worry, I don't think clearly and don't respond well. When I worry, I'm
letting the devil win for that is just what he wants--make me shut out God and react in negative ways to the problem.
I resist when I work with God, not against Him, trust God enough to ask for
help and then listen and wait for guidance.
Not Without
Problems
I Peter 4:12-13 GW Dear friends, don’t be
surprised by the fiery troubles that are coming in order to test you. Don’t feel as though something strange is happening
to you, but be happy as you share Christ’s sufferings. Then you will also be full of joy when he appears again in his
glory.
Those who believe following Christ provides a pass
for all the heartaches and problems in the world are in for a sad awakening. Following Christ doesn't make us immune to problems.
If anything the evil one will do everything possible to make our lives as miserable as possible. But with Christ we have a
protector, a provider and an inner peace that He is in control. With Him we don't walk through those trials alone. He is with
us guiding and leading every step of the way.
No
matter what, life will hold trials. But when we cling to Christ, we walk through them and not be overwhelmed with anger and
bitterness. We walk through trials knowing we will come out on the other side because we're carried in His strength, not ours.
How Do I Use My tongue?
James 3:5 GW In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but
it can brag about doing important things. A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame.
The tongue is a flame That starts out slow Catches fires and burns Whatever it touches.
A flame of fire seems Innocent enough on a candle Lighting the room Making shadows flee
But
a flame to paper or dry grass Burns with intensity Exploding into widespread Often unintended destruction.
So the
words from our tongue Catch
fire and burn Positive,
kind words that comfort and heal, Or hurtful words and lies that destroy hearts, reputations and careers...
A tongue of soft warm flame Enlightens and lifts up. A wicked flame turns, destroying even The source.
Is
my tongue one of healing or destruction?
Is Prayer
an Excuse?
James 2:16 GW ...one of you tells that person,
"God be with you! Stay warm, and make sure you eat enough." If you don't provide for that person's physical needs, what good
does it do?
How often do we say, "I'll pray for you," and forget?
Or worse use prayer as a substitute for actually helping someone because helping is inconvenient?
Prayer is powerful and real. But it is to be used in conjunction with other
actions, not in place of it. Prayer is not an excuse to do nothing.
Prayer is serious business and when we commit to prayer, God knows our motivation and responds accordingly.
Is prayer real for me or is "I'll pray for you" merely a ploy, an excuse,
not to lend a helping hand?
Unmerited Favor
I
Peter 1:3 GW Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy.
Jesus died to offer new life. Our part? Accept His gift. Simple act, yet so
very hard. It means realizing I'm not so good at running my own life. It means giving control to someone else. We know how
good others do at running things and hesitate. Yet, God isn't like other people or government. He created us, loves us and
really cares about our past--which He forgives, present--in which He guides and a future with Him.
He knows we goof up and loves us anyway. His offer of life and salvation
isn't based on my "goodness" or church attendance or family connections. It is based on His mercy alone. He is trustworthy.
After all, the world is in His ultimate control anyway. Because He loves me and wants the best for me, I can trust Him with
my past, present...and future.
Do I know
Joy?
Psalm 95:1-2 GW Come, let’s sing joyfully
to the Lord. Let’s shout happily to the rock of our salvation. Let’s come into his presence with a song
of thanksgiving. Let’s shout happily to him with psalms.
Church shouldn't be a must or something we groan about and do with a long face. Our faith should be about joy
that we are loved and a thankfulness that we are not alone. Church should be about giving thanks for God's give of life, should
be about fellowshipping with others of like heart and about reaching out to draw others to the One who saved and sustains
us.
Is my faith worth shouting about? If not, why not?
Psalm 96:4-6 GW The Lord is great! He should be highly praised. He should
be feared more than all other gods because all the gods of the nations are idols. The Lord made the heavens. Splendor and
majesty are in his presence. Strength and beauty are in his holy place.
Expectations
James 1:5 GW If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will
give it to you. ...
When we're confused about a choice we talk to our
spouse, family, friends, co-workers... In seeking advice, how often do we neglect to go to the one source--God--who actually
cares and has a plan and purpose for our lives?
When
we make choices, our first, not our last, stop should be Jesus, looking for direction in His Word and communicating our need
through prayer. Of course, then we need to listen and wait for His guidance.
If we truly wish an answer we must start with a willingness to follow that guidance. Otherwise why
should Jesus bother giving it? It is all about trusting Him.
V. 7 GW A person who has doubts shouldn't expect to receive anything from the Lord.
V. 12 Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the
test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Stand Against
Fear
II Timothy 1:7-8 For God has not given us the
spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Do not therefore be ashamed of the testimony of our
Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Want to be brave and bold? Ask Jesus to take control. There is no fear in
love, because God is love. So, when we fear, we're trusting, depending upon ourselves, our experiences, our rationalizations,
our intellect and not on Christ or His power within.
We
need to ask: Who do I wish to please? Who do I truly serve--myself and Satan's lies, or the One who can set me free?
Help me, Jesus, stand against fear and chose to trust You--even if I do so
one baby step at a time.
V. 12 KJV For the which cause I also suffer these
things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which
I have committed unto him against that day.
(c) 2010 Carolyn R Scheidies FIRST I BOW
Influences
Hebrews 12:1 GW Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we
must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us
and never give up.
We are influenced by those we look up to and admire.
The question is--do we admire people of integrity, honor and faith in Christ? Do we look up to those who model Godly principles
in speech, choices, behavior and lifestyles?
If
not, we're being influenced away, not toward Christ. We need to get rid of those things in our lives that slow down or become
a barrier to our faith. That may be no longer allowing certain influences in our lives in what we see, hear, listen to and
read or in those we allow into our inner circle of relationships.
If we choose wisely, we have a more solid foundation on which to help our children and others around us also
choose wisely.
Rewards
II Kings 18:6-7a GW He <king hezekiah>was loyal to the LORD and never
turned away from him. He obeyed the commands that the LORD had given through Moses, so the LORD was with him. He succeeded
in everything he tried: ...
When we don't
succeed, when our lives go horribly wrong, our tendency is to blame God. His all powerful so why didn't He...?
King Hezekiah's life was anything but easy. Israel constantly faced enemies
seeking to wipe them off the map. <some things never change.> But King Hezekiah knew One thing--He knew God was stronger
than his enemies. He put following God as the central pillar of his life and in the lives of his people.
We often make choices without relying on God and blame Him when we don't like
the results. King Hezekiah modeled a life of faith. He didn't blame God for choices made. He did honor Him--no matter what
and God rewarded His faithfulness
Hebrews 11:6 GW
No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek
him.
A Hand Up
“I love the Lord because he hears my voice, my pleas for mercy. I will call on him as long as I live because
he turns his ear toward me.” Psalm 116:1-2 GW
How
many times do we feel alone, that no one really "hears" us or cares? It may or may not be true, but of this we can be sure.
God does hear--all the time. It doesn't matter where we are, He hears. We don't need to call, write or text Him, but we do
need to communicate the needs of our hearts.
Jesus
doesn't force us to follow Him. That choice is ours. He waits for us to come to Him, ready to give us a hug and a hand up.
Open Connection
to God
Hebrews 10:19 GW Brothers and sisters, because
of the blood of Jesus we can now confidently go into the holy place.
There is no question. Jesus died and rose again to open a direct connection. As with any open connection,
it has be hooked up or there is no benefit. I may have Internet access, but unless I hookup my computer I won't have a connection.
Jesus offers that connection to Him. Because of His sacrifice, we can communicate
at any place or time. If we come willing to listen and obey, we need never fear.
God hears and interacts with us because He loves us. Even when we goof up big time, He cares, will
forgive if we ask, and will move on behalf of those who seek to follow Him.
Opportunity
is Now
Hebrews 9:27 GW People die once, and after that
they are judged.
After death there is no second chance to make things
right, shows like the Ghost Whisperer notwithstanding. God has given us ample opportunity in this life to accept and live
for Him, and to let His love flow through us to those around us.
The question is, will we make the decision to truly follow Him--while we're alive, before it is too late?
Because I
Don't Understand
Psam 42:11 GW Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still
praise him.
He is my savior and my God.
No
matter what happens in our lives, we have a choice to trust or turn away. God doesn't disappear because we pout and don't
get our way. He doesn't disappear because we don't like where we find ourselves in life or don't understand. He's God. We're
not.
That's the beauty of Christ. He doesn't force us
to serve Him. He loves us enough to hold His hand open and let us choose His love or our own way. Yet without Him, we are
restless and unfulfilled. Why? Because He is life, He is truth and He is the way to hope for today and tomorrow.
I will put my hope in God--even when I don't understand or, maybe, because
I don't.
What Manner
of Love
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed
on us, that we should be called children of God! I John 3:1 NKJV
How amazing that the God of all creation sees us not as bugs to be squashed underfoot, but as His children whom
He loves, died for and with whom He wishes a daily relationship. He is not an ogre, but a loving father who created a rational
world of cause and effect, a world of principles. Our choices do matter for good and bad. Sometimes it is just easier to blame
God than ourselves or others we care about.
Still
God waits, ready to give hope, comfort and a hand up...all for the asking....when we acknowledge His rightful place in our
lives as our father and follow Him, putting us in sync with the principles already in place in the world.
Everything
“Christ means everything to me in this life, and when I die I’ll
have even more.” Philippians 1:21 GW
For the
apostle Paul, everything revolved around his relationship with the Christ he once fought so hard against. He knew Jesus saved
him and revolutionized his life. He never forgot and even though he was beaten and often run out of town, he didn't turn his
back on his faith.
Threats, shipwrecks and prison weren't enough to
make Paul blame or turn away from Christ. What does it take for us--fear, embarrassment, loss of a loved one, economic reversals?
It is too easy to stop counting our blessings, stop thanking God for what He has done and start complaining, start running
our own lives, start blaming God when our lives (often because of our own choices) don't turn out the way we hoped.
Am I ready, like Paul, to make Christ everything in my life?
Rescue Me
Hebrews 7:24-25 GW But Jesus lives forever, so
he serves as a priest forever. That is why he is always able to save those who come to God through him. He can do this because
he always lives and intercedes for them.
Forever.
Friends and family die, turn away or are just not able to meet the deepest needs of our hearts. But Jesus is a fortress, a
rock, security and permanence in a crumbling world.
Jesus reaches out, ready to grab us when we fail and fall--again. All we need do is offer Him our heart and our hand.
The question is--are we willing to allow Jesus to rescue us?
Tough Times
Hebrews 6:15 GW So Abraham received what God promised because he waited
patiently for it.
Patience. It is something lackling in most of our
lives. We like instant food, entertainment and relationships. If something isn't working we throw it away and seek something
new. We do this with products, employment and relationships.
But when we aren't willing to work through the hard times and problems, we never know the joy that patience
brings. A solid relationship isn't built on the shallow bed of transient pleasure, but on a willingness to work through the
lows.
Receiving God's promises means trusting Him through
the tough times, trusting and following His principles even when we don't have all or any of the answers.
Am I a faithful Christ-follower or merely a fair-weather friend? Receiving
God's promises means all the difference in the answer.
Through the
Darkness
Hebrews 5:8-9 GW Although Jesus was the Son of
God, he learned to be obedient through his sufferings. After he had finished his work, he became the source of eternal salvation
for everyone who obeys him.
Many believe accepting Jesus is like receiving the
keys to the city, that now nothing bad will happen. But anyone who studies scripture knows that isn't the truth. Those who
follow God's path will find trials have just begun. Why?
Because
standing with Jesus means standing against Satan and he'll do anything to trip us up and turn us from trusting Christ. He'll
do anything to get us to blame instead of worship God.
Jesus
certainly didn't have it easy and He WAS God. But while life may be difficult, the gift Jesus offers, because of His sacrifice,
is that we don't need to walk alone. When we turn to instead of away from Him, Jesus walks with us through the darkness with
guidance, comfort and hope.
He Sees
Hebrews 4:13 GW No creature can hide from God. Everything is uncovered
and exposed for him to see. We must answer to him.
We
can hide from others. Sometimes we even fool ourselves. When we spread rumors, cheat, twist the "truth" to our advantage,
God sees, God knows. He doesn't wink at wrongdoing. Sin has consequences for others and for us.
Maybe if we consider that Jesus sees it all when we make decisions, we'll
make ones that are more positive, honest and right.
Caring Enough
“Don’t you know that your body is a temple that belongs to
the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you. You don’t belong to yourselves. You were
bought for a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 GW
How do we use our bodies? Do we protect or abuse them, subject them to excesses
and dishonor the God we claim to serve by what we allow? If I honor God, should I not take care of the vessel He created just
for me--my body? This includes what I stuff into my mind with books and other media.
Jesus died for me. Should I not appreciate His sacrifice enough to "redeem the time" by filling my
mind and body with those things such as God's Word and a healthy diet for mind and body?
First or Last
Psalm 212:1I-12 GW I look up toward the mountains. Where can I find help?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
We
often look many places for help and assistance. What we often miss is going to Jesus, asking Him for help and guidance and
listening when He speaks--through His Word, through spouse, family or friends or through a quiet voice inside.
Real help comes from the Creator and the One who knows and loves me best.
Why don't I trust Him enough to go to Him first?
Complainer
or Encourager
Hebrews 3:13 GW Encourage each other every day
while you have the opportunity. If you do this, none of you will be deceived by sin and become stubborn.
Complaining is easy and there is so much to complain about. But complaining
doesn't help others, doesn't lift up and seldom leads to positive solutions.
God calls us not to be complainers, but to be encouragers. Do our constant complaints and negative
attitudes discourage our spouse, kids, friends and co-workers?
What can I do to encourage rather than discourage others? It starts with putting Jesus at the center of my life,
thoughts and behavior. After all, Christ is the embodiment of love.
Power and
Love
Hebrews 1:2 GW In these last days he has spoken
to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe.
We know the story of the Savior coming as a baby, dying on the cross for our
sins and rising again to offer us everlasting life.
What we miss is that Jesus is God. He is powerful. He had the task of creating the very world, the very people He
came to save.
How disappointed He must be in the creatures who've
made such a mess of the relationship He wanted to have with us and the mess his creatures have made of His beautiful world.
How much love to give His life for yours and mine.
He isn't just meek and mild. Jesus is power, but He is also love. I come to Him and bow.
Do you?
Where is Freedom?
I Kings 9:9 GWb They will answer themselves, 'They abandoned the LORD their
God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt. They adopted other gods, worshiped, and served them. That is why the LORD brought
this disaster on them.'"
If God judged
and destroyed Israel, whom He dearly loved, for turning away from Him, what do you think He'll allow to happen to America
as, every day, we more and more suppress even the mention of His name in public--and with the use of gestopo-like tactics.
Where is the America of faith, family and the freedom to worship Jesus Christ
in public as well as private--without public censure or ridicule?
Proverbs 29:18 GW Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God's teachings.
Taxes and Reality
Proverbs 28:16 GW A leader without understanding taxes his people heavily,
but those who hate unjust gain will live longer.
Seems we have a whole party and too many in the other party without much understanding. They wish to tax and spend
and tax and spend, even while America sinks with more debt than resources. Too many leaders play a shell game with us, hitting
us at our level of need and greed, rather than reality. According to Proverbs, these leaders have little understanding. They
don't care about the long-term survival of America, but the short-term survival of their re-election campaign.
Remaining in office means lots of perks. They'll say and do anything to stay
in office, refusing to face the truth of America's economic disaster.
Do I really want leaders with this mentality---who pay no attention to reality?
His Way or
Mine
2 Kings 5:11-15a GW But Naaman became angry and
left. He said, “I thought he would at least come out of his house, stand somewhere, call on the name of the Lord his
God, wave his hand over the infected place, and heal the skin disease. The Abana and Pharpar Rivers in Damascus have better water
than any of the rivers in Israel. Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean?” So he turned around and left in anger. But Naaman’s servants went
to him and said, “Master, if the prophet had asked you to do some extraordinary act, wouldn’t you have done it?
Why shouldn’t you do as he said: ‘Wash and be clean’?” So he went to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times,
as the man of God had instructed him. His skin became healthy again like a little child’s skin. Then he and all his men returned
to the man of God. ...
Often what God asks of us is so simple and practical
we're confused. We want to do big things for God. He wants us to be kind to our neighbor or that girl in class who gossips
about us. We want to make a difference. He wants us to simply trust His leading.
Are we too full of pride to do things God's way, in His timing? Are we willing to listen, humble
our pride, and actually be the persons that God can use to change, if not the world, at least the corner where we live?
The Lie
2 Timothy 3:12 GW Those who try to live a godly life because they
believe in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Over
the years, Christians have bought into the idea that if they trust Jesus their lives will be perfect. But that is false. Living
for Jesus means standing up for righteousness even when no one else does; it means reaching out to those others shun because
of race, smell or status even when others turn away; it means doing the right thing even when it means losing friends or position.
But... Standing with Christ means you don’t stand alone. He works in
and through you to reach those who are hurt and hurting. In a world of counterfeits, Jesus is truth, He doesn’t let
go and He loves no matter what. And He is good. Life with Him isn’t easy, isn’t simple and isn’t perfect.
It is challenging, but also filled with peace, hope...and joy
He Is By Carolyn R Scheidies
He is the light in the darkness, Chasing away the shadows, Holding on when I wish to give up,
Offering comfort and hope... When I turn to Him.
"O Lord my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me." -- Psalm 30:2 GW
Building Up,
Tearing Down
2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV And a servant of the Lord
must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God
perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the
snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Too often we put down others in what they allow, without recognizing we may be soft in other areas. Christian
who surround themselves in self-righteous judgement separate, destroy and divide. Yes, we must stand up for truth and holiness,
but need to do so from a motive of love, caring and restoration, not anger and judgement.
Where other believers are concerned, consider our own vulnerabilities before coming down harshly
against them--anger and accusation do not build us up in Christ or draw others to him.
Am I gentle, kind and patient when dealing with those who oppose the God I serve or believers who
see things differently than I do?
Fundamentally
Unreliable
2 Timothy 1:12 GW ...However, I’m not ashamed.
I know whom I trust. I’m convinced that he is able to protect what he had entrusted to me until that day.
It is easy to say we trust God, while really relying on ourselves. We trust
ourselves, even though we continually make decisions we regret, know aren’t the best and need to apologize for. We trust
ourselves, knowing we are fundamentally unreliable. Yet, we are afraid to trust God, because we don’t understand His
ways or His decisions. We’re afraid to trust the God we claim to serve, knowing that He is ultimately reliable. The
apostle Paul was able to accomplish what he did because he trusted God’s care and keeping. And he was betrayed, beaten
and imprisoned. But God was there, providing help, protection, comfort and hope.
Am I willing to trust someone more reliable than me, the One I claim to follow? Am I ready to trust
Christ?
Wise Words
From Solomon
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 GW After having heard
it all, this is the conclusion: Fear God, and keep his commands, because this applies to everyone. God will certainly judge
everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad.
After everything Solomon learned, studied, did and experienced, he finally recognized the truth. Following
God is the only way to life without regrets. There are consequences for our actions. How we end up depends on decisions we
make every day.
I don’t want my life to end in a trainwreck
because, like a two-year-old, thought I could “Do it meself!” Instead, I want to take Solomon’s words to
heart and keep God as the center of all I do.
What Do I
Pursue?
I Timothy 6:11b-12 GW ...avoid these things. Pursue
what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the Christian faith.
Take hold of everlasting life to which you were called and about which you made a good testimony in front of many witnesses.
What do I pursue? What are my goals in life and what takes up my thoughts
and time? Do I pursue wealth, parties, work, sports, education, gaming or do I take time for what matters most--keeping God
at the center of everything I do? It is a choice.
Without Hesitation
“Without any hesitation I hurry to obey your commandments.”
Psalm 119:60 GW
I sure wish this were true for me always. I sometimes
wonder "Is this God speaking or just me?" "But I'm so tired." "I'll look like and idiot." or "I'll be embarrassed."
I need to hide God's Word in my heart in a way and frequency that doing His
will is second nature. It means knowing Jesus well enough, that like those of my children, I recognize His voice when He speaks.
It means trusting Him before trusting myself.
I'm still
a work in progress.
Generosity Starts at Home
“All
goes well for the person who is generous and lends willingly. He earns an honest living.” Psalm 112:5 GW
When we
think of a generous person, we think of those who give of their time and money to charity. Giving is important. But sometimes
we spend our time at our work, spend time doing charity work, spend time at church and forget to leave time for those who
matter most--family. (No one pats us on the back at home.)
Generosity begins by loving and caring enough for our spouse and family to give them priority time. A family who
spends time eating together, working on projects together and who communicate, laugh and pray together is a healthy family.
And it starts with being generous with time--first for family.
Peter Knew
Jesus
“He asked them, “But who do you say
I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”” Matthew 16:15-16
GW
Peter recognized who Jesus was. I say that I do,
but do I really? What about when I read or watch things with situations that put images in my mind that are anything but Godly,
that mock faith, family, marriage and sexual purity? What about when I entertain unkind thoughts or say unkind things about
others? What about when I do not communicate with Christ or read His Word to find His will for my life and live my life as
though He isn't there?
Peter knew Jesus and it changed His life. Do I only
make claims or do my thoughts and actions reveal His presence in my life?
It's A Choice
“I
have chosen a life of faithfulness.I have set your regulations in front of me.” Psalm 119:30 GW
Following and serving God is a choice. It doesn't happen by accident. We choose
our path, our attitudes, what we put into our minds and hearts and our behavior. But choice has to be backed up with knowledge.
I can't fully follow God if I don't know Him personally or if I don't regularly take the time to read, study, meditate and
memorize His Word. Only as I know His Word and communicate with Him will I know HOW to follow and serve.
Body and Soul
I Timothy 4:7b-8 GW ...train yourself to live a godly life. Training the
body helps a little, but godly living helps in every way. Godly living has the promise of life now and in the world to come.
Our culture is all about healthy living, with a government becoming the dictatorial
food police. Eating healthy should be a life choice. But we are not only physical beings. We’re also spiritual beings.
While we need physical food for healthy bodies, we need spiritual food for healthy spirits.
Living God’s way, by His principles, letting Him live in and through us, is healthy for both
body and soul.
His Embrace
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am
your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
This is one of the verses I turn to when the dark seems scary and circumstances
overwhelm, when my stomach churns and my mind refuses to focus due to one or another situations.
In times like these, I need to turn my focus from my fear to the One who can
handle my fear, the One who knows my heart and who understands the fullness of the situation.
Why do I want to muddle in fear when I can lay it down and rest in His embrace?
Leaders
I Timothy 2:1-2 GW First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers,
intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people, for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us.
It is very easy to criticize those we elect into office. Complaints come easy.
But what are we doing to change the situation? First, do I pray for my leaders, my president, my senators & congressmen,
my governor, my pastor on a regular basis? God calls us to prayer. Prayer changes things a whole lot more than criticism and
complaining.
Second, do we let our leaders know how we feel in
carefully constructed letters that state our position without rants or name-calling?
Do my words and actions make a positive or negative difference?
Setting an
Example
II Thessalonians 3:7 NKJV For you yourselves know
how you ought to [j]follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,...
We can only ask others to follow us if we’re living lives of integrity
and honor so we are worth following. What we say and do has consequences. Our children watch and follow. Family and friends,
even our spouses, watch as well as do others on the job. Do I live my life in such a way that those following my example will
see Jesus in me? Will my words and behavior lift them up or tear them down? Am I worthy to be followed?
Specific Blessings
II Thessalonians 2: 16-17 NKJV Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and
God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in
every good work and word.
One way to lift up others is to encourage them through
blessings. Pray for family and friends. Pray scripture into their lives by substituting individual names such as “...has
loved Joe and given Joe eternal comfort....”
Under Law
or Love
“For this reason also, God highly exalted
Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who
are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NASB
Eventually
we will bow before God. The question is, will we bow willingly from a lifetime of knowing and serving Him or unwillingly being
forced to acknowledge what we ignored or refused to believe in our lifetime--Jesus is real and He is the king.
How much better to bow now and learn to live in His kingdom of love than to
live under His judgement and condemnation.
Leaders Make
or Break a Nation
I Kings 12:28 GW After seeking advice, the king
(Jeroboam) made two golden calves. He said, “You’ve been worshiping in Jerusalem long enough. Israel, here are
your gods who brought you out of Egypt.”
The
character of our leaders is important. They lead us to or away from God as a nation. It isn’t enough to quote a bit
of scripture. Does the person seeking office lift up the name of Christ or denigrate those who follow Him? Does the office
seeker put religion on par with Christianity or promote concepts against Biblical teaching? America was founded on Judeo-Christian
principles. God has blessed this country richly. Our future depends upon leaders who acknowledge Him.
Who Am I to Others?
I Thessalonians 5:14 GW We encourage
you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak,
and be patient with everyone. Do we have the nerve to confront those we care about when they’re headed the wrong way? Do
we care enough to stand against their bent toward destruction? Do we reach out to those who are discouraged instead of avoiding
them? Do we lift ourselves up at the expense of others? When I am weak, I need others to come along side me. It means everything. Do
I do the same for others? Do I despise weakness in others, instead of patiently praying for and helping? Does the love of Christ truly shine
through me?
In Transition “I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will
carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 GW
When we get discouraged because our lives aren't perfect and we seem to goof up more than we like,
remember God isn't finished with us yet. This time is a time of learning to trust Jesus and growing in our relationship with
Him. We grow as we read His Word, communicate with Him
for guidance and follow His way--not ours.
Don't
listen to the voice that whispers, "You aren't good enough," "You deserve this," or those voices that whisper thoughts of
destroying yourself or a relationships because things are difficult. Instead trust Him, go to Him, develop a God mind-set.
"Give Me" Stage
Colossians
4:2-3 BBE Give yourselves to prayer at all times, keeping watch with praise; And making prayer for us, that God may give
us an open door for the preaching of the word, ...
Praise needs to be as much a part of our prayers as asking. A relationship based on "give me" is a very shallow and immature one. A real relationship
isn't all about "me," but about loving and serving God and others. It is asking for opportunities to share God's message of
forgiveness, salvation and hope and then following through.
Have I moved past the "give
me" prayer stage to more intimate communication of honor, worship...and listening?
Enough
Col. 2:8-10 NKJV Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and
empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to
Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality
and power.
What Jesus did by dying on the cross was enough. His death and resurrection provided the
bridge between us and God. When we hang onto guilt, we're in effect saying God can't or won't forgive, that what He did wasn't
enough. When we insist that we or others must follow a set of traditions or rules in order to get to heaven, we're saying
that what Jesus did wasn't enough.
When we accept His sacrifice as the only way to God, He comes to live within.
Jesus' death is enough. It isn't complicated. But it isn't easy, because of our stubbornness in insisting in doing everything
"our way." The hard part is allowing Christ first place in every area of our life. It is getting out of the way and letting
Him and His love live in and through us.
Financial Freedom
Proverbs 22:7 BBE The man of wealth has rule over the poor, and he who
gets into debt is a servant to his creditor.
Debt is a cruel taskmaster. We like to claim we live in freedom.
Yet we pull out our credit cards for purchases "we must have!" then agonize how to make ends meet at the end of the month.
We
allow ourselves to be driven by wants and greed, rather than genuine need. We want short-term pleasure, instead of long-term
stability.
Even in a "free" nation we are slaves. Freedom comes at a price. It means putting our financial house
in order. It means living within our means and our budget. It means admitting need. It may mean repentence and asking God
and others for help.
Are we willing to pay the price to be spiritually and financially free?
Complete in
Him
Colossians 2:8-10 NKJV Beware lest anyone
cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the
world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in
Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
What
Jesus did by dying on the cross was enough. His death and resurrection provided the bridge between us and God. When we hang
onto guilt, we're in effect saying God can't or won't forgive, that what He did wasn't enough. When we insist that we or others
must follow a set of traditions or rules in order to get to heaven, we're saying that what Jesus did wasn't enough.
When we accept His sacrifice as the only way to God, He comes to live within.
Jesus' death is enough. It isn't complicated. But it isn't easy, because of our stubbornness in insisting in doing everything
"our way." The hard part is allowing Christ first place in every area of our life. It is getting out of the way and letting
Him and His love live in and through us.
"Good Works" Not a Way to God
Proverbs 21:3 BBE To do what is right and true
is more pleasing to the Lord than an offering.
We can read the Bible, do good works and attend services, but these mean nothing if God isn't first in our lives.
They mean nothing if
we aren't allowing Jesus to help us follow His way not ours, His principles not ours and if we're not doing what is righteous,
honorable and true
God doesn't want works in place of a commitment to
follow Him. He wants our hearts. Works then stem not from an attempt for brownie points, but from a heart so overflowing with
God's love we have to worship God and reach out to others with His love.
ME 1st
Philippians 2:3-4 BBE Doing nothing through envy or
through pride, but with low thoughts of self let everyone take others to be better than himself; Not looking everyone to his
private good, but keeping in mind the things of others.
How different
this point of view from the "me 1st" attitude of our culture. Pretty difficult to live the "For me to live is Christ" when
my self-esteem has to be propped up before anything else--and usually in artificial ways.
True worth comes from knowing Christ lives in and His love flows through me. True worth is revealed not in selfishness,
but in sacrifice for others. Life really isn't about "Me!" But about about He who gave His life that I might be set free to
be all He created me to be. Life truly begins when I take "Me!" off the throne.
Give Thanks
II Samuel 22:1 BBE And David made a song to the Lord in these words, on the day when the Lord made him free from
the hands of all his haters, and from the hand of Saul:
Do we remember to praise God for small and large
blessings in our lives? Do we even recognize God's hand in situations, advice and people interacting in our lives? Do I think
to give thanks when I rise in the morning and before I sleep at night?
If not, why not?
Psalms 136:1
MKJV Oh give thanks to the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.
What
Kind of Friend Am I?
Proverbs
18:24 GW Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.
Friends can
destroy one another with gossip, betrayal, lies, manipulation and selfishness. Or, friends can listen, challenge, counsel,
support and lift up.
What sort of friend am I? Do my choices lead my friends to or away from Christ?
Am
I a real friend?
My Choice of Words
Ephesians 5:4 GW It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks
to God.
How do we react to the liberal use of God's name in every
day conversation, including the OM... Of texting? Do we follow such usage? Does the fact that the 3rd Commandment is constantly
broken, even by those claiming to follow Christ, bother us, make us sad, lead us to cleaning up our own usage?
Do we even notice the assault on faith by the use of God's name as a swear word? Why not?
Do we let the culture drag us down or do we lift up by letting Christ shine through us, even in the words we use--and don't
use?
V. 15-16 GW So then, be very
careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these
are evil days.
A Positive Word
Proverbs 16:24 GW Pleasant words are like honey from a honeycomb- sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.
Positive
words, if both true and sincere, build up. Negative words, even if untrue, hurt, break down and destroy.
By our words
we build up or tear down ourselves, our spouses and children, friends and more. What you say is a choice and habit. Will you
be known as someone who spoke words that lifted up or that tore down?
What path of speech do you, do I, choose--today?
Ephesians
4:29, 32 GW Don't say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help
wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you. ...Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving
each other as God has forgiven you through Christ.
Let it
Go
Proverbs 15:1 GW A gentle answer turns away rage,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
He snaps
at something said. She yells in return. And the fight is on. How many arguments start not from serious misconduct, but from
small, insignificant things--like forgetting to return a $30 shovel, frustration and exhaustion? The time to de-escalate a
situation is at the beginning. It starts with letting go, turning away, keeping the mouth shut and maintaining an attitude
of control.
Consider the situation. Does it stem from exhaustion?
Are others, especially children, present? Does the situation warrant your immediate attention?
If a situation is serious, the heat of anger keeps you from responding rationally.
Think, consider, pray, but in that moment of anger learn self-control and find peace.
Reality of
God
Ephesians 2:5 GW We were dead because of our failures,
but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.)
Without Christ we are dead Spiritually Emotionally Physically He created and sustains the whole world--including
you and me. Trying to ignore God in Jesus is like living with an elephant in the room.
How much better to acknowledge the One who loves, knows and understands because He created us. How
much better to live with and for Him than to pretend He isn't there or doesn't care. Time to live in reality.
V. 8-9 GW God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing
to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it.
Deadly Tongue
Proverbs 13:3 GW Whoever controls his mouth protects his own life. Whoever
has a big mouth comes to ruin.
Yet those with
big mouths, willing to say and do everything and anything get reality shows and end up in congress. But money and all it brings
does not bring peace or satisfaction. Lack of self control ultimately leads to the destruction of self, family, relationships
and reputation.
Speaking of peace in ourselves and around us is foolish
until we're willing to learn the basics of peace--God's love inside controlling our attitudes, choices--and our tongues.
Am I Brave
Enough?
Galatians 6:1-2 GW Brothers and sisters, if a
person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it
in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted. Help carry each other's burdens. In this way you
will follow Christ's teachings.
We can't
walk away and call ourselves followers of Christ. Not getting involved is not an option. Sensitivity isn't the same as turning
our backs.
In today's anti-Christian faith climate, you might
lose a friend, be censured, even be sued for speaking up, reaching out, upholding truth. Fear is the opposing of faith.
We can share Christ's message of hope if we do so in his way, in his timing
and by listening closely for God's guidance each step of the way.
Do I care enough for others to share and do I trust God enough to work out the details when I do?
V. 10 GW Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for
everyone, especially for the family of believers.
TWO PATHS
Galatians 5:19-24 GW Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious:
illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict,
factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I've told you in the past and I'm telling you again that people
who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. Those who belong to Christ
Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.
Two lists. Which bests describes us--you, me? Two paths lead to those lists of behaviors--following
Jesus or not. Which path am I on? Which path do I want to be on--the path of life or the path of destruction?
Proverbs 11:19 GW As righteousness leads to life, so whoever pursues evil
finds his own death.
Matthew 11:28-29 MKJV Come to Me all you who labor
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and
you shall find rest to your souls.
CHILDREN OR
SLAVES?
Galatians 4:6-7a GW Because you are God's children,
God has sent the Spirit of his Son into us to call out, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer slaves but God's children....
There are slaves and heirs--children who inherit. Slaves have no say, but
children communicate with their father and He lovingly responds. We have a choice. We can remain slaves to our rebellion,
arrogance and pride. Slaves to evil and a world that doesn't really care.
Or we can choose to become children of Father God who loves us and wants the very best for us. But
becoming His children isn't automatic with family ties, pedigree or "good" behavior. Becoming part of God's family means accepting
the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us on the cross and totally following Him.
Children or slaves? It's our choice. But that choice makes all the difference for now, tomorrow and
for eternity.
Murder--A
Decision Away
II Samuel 12:9-10 GW Why did you despise my word
by doing what I considered evil? You had Uriah the Hittite killed in battle. You took his wife as your wife. You used the
Ammonites to kill him. So warfare will never leave your house because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite
to be your wife.
David chose momentary pleasure over righteousness,
a decision that led to murder and the death of his child. But don't think his family, his older children didn't have a clue.
David unleashed within his family hurt, anger, rape and murder. Because his choice he lost control of his family, almost lost
his kingdom and lost peace within his life, family and nation.
Decisions have consequences good and bad. No decision is truly made in isolation from the rest of life. Do I think
through choices I make, choosing those that will lift up, not tear down and that honor God? Do think before I act or speak?
The Difficulty
with Grace
Galatians 2:20-21 GW I no longer live, but Christ
lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God's Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins. I don't reject God's kindness. If we receive
God's approval by obeying laws, then Christ's death was pointless.
Salvation is by God's grace, unmerited favor, and grace alone. How often do we start following
God and letting Him shoulder our burdens, knowing life is all about Him, then, along the way, take the load back on our own
shoulders again?
How often do we try to win God's favor by doing good
things, being good people or doing things to get "brownie points" like church attendance and Bible reading. Those
may be good things, but entrance to life, heaven and God's favor has already been purchased with the blood of Jesus on the
cross. We cannot earn our way into God's love. We can only accept that He paid the price, give thanks and live for Him.
Living for Him means letting Him carry my burdens and be in control.
Why is that so difficult to simply accept God's grace?
What About
Hate?
Galatians 1:23-24 GW The only thing they
had heard was this: "The man who persecuted us is now spreading the faith that he once tried to destroy." So they praised God for what had
happened to me.
Paul was totally into the Jewish faith, but not in
a good way. He exchanged what
God meant for faith to be--a communication between man and God, and exchanged it for a tradition of hating what he felt was contrary to the Jewish religion.
He went so far as to imprison those who followed Christ and rejoiced when they died.
But Jesus changed him from the inside out, exchanging his cold, hard heart with one of love for God and compassion for
others.
The only thing we are to hate as Christ-followers
is sin and the works of Satan, clearly stated in scripture. Though we are to stand up for what is right and life, we are not to hate people. We are not to seek revenge. While we are not
to compromise principles, we are to seek to offer healing, help and hope to others.
Have I substituted my criteria for God's, leading to hurt and hate or do I let God's love change my heart toward situations
and others?
Am I a Keeper
of Promises?
II Samuel 9:3, 7 GW David asked, "Is there someone
left in Saul's family to whom I can show God's kindness?" "Jonathan has a son who is disabled," Ziba answered.
... "Don't be afraid <Mephibosheth>," David told him, "I will certainly show you kindness for your father Jonathan's
sake. I will give back to you all
the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
David could have killed all of Saul's kids and other relatives to protect his position. But he remembered and honored his promise to Jonathan by providing for his son--even though Mephibosheth
had a claim
to the throne.
Do I keep my commitments and promises, even when
they put me at a disadvantage?
Choices
Proverbs 5:21
GW Each person's ways are clearly seen by the LORD, and he surveys all his actions.
I may be able, at least to an extent,
to hide my thoughts, feelings and actions from others. I cannot hide them from God. He knows me too wel. After all, He created
me!
I cannot pretend something I'm not and think God doesn't know or care--He does. Our arrogance can lead us
down paths of negative consequences.
If we keep in mind God sees and knows and that there are consequences for choices, maybe
we'll make more choices that lift up rather than tear down, more choices signaling that we truly follow and serve Christ.
Bragging Rights?
II Corinthians 10:17 GW "Whoever brags should brag about what the Lord has
done."
In this culture, it seems everything is about self-promotion,
positioning and spin. Very little from the media is as it seems. They clip this, add or delete that, add spin to quotes with
commentary to convey the opposite of the context or intended meaning. It is all about agenda and "me first, center and always."
Yet the apostle Paul points to another way. Praising God instead of ourselves,
being truthful in dealing with ourselves and others and lifting up, not tearing down.
When was the last time I bragged on God instead of myself?
Proverbs 3:3-4 GW Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them
on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity.
Source of
My Wisdom?
Proverbs 2:6-8 MKJV For the LORD gives wisdom;
out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous; He is a shield to those who
walk uprightly.
Wisdom. Often we pride ourselves on our wisdom. But
what we we know comes from experience, things we've heard, learned, read and seen. Those experiences may or may not make us
wise.
True wisdom comes from He who is wisdom personified--God.
He is wisdom. The more we know God in Jesus, the more we know His Word, the more secure we can be that our wisdom is a reflection
of God's wisdom, not ours.
What is the source of my "wisdom?"
The Wise Person
Proverbs 1:5 GW a wise person will listen and continue to learn, ...
Do I start believing I know it all, that I don't need to study God's Word,
don't need to learn from those around me--bosses, spouse, family and friends? Do I exhibit a stubborn attitude to suggestions
or angrily dress people down for comments I take all wrong?
A wise person knows when to listen, assumes the other person means well and doesn't seek to destroy them verballing
because of words spoken, however meant.
Do I
take offense easily or am I wise enough to keep silent, stay patient, listen and recognize I still have much to learn?
Proverbs 1:7 GW The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn
fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Mirror
II Corinthians 6:17-18 MKJV Therefore come out from among them and be separated,
says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing . And I will receive you and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be
My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
So much goes on in our culture that is not positive mentally or spiritually. We become what and whom we spend time
with. Does what I allow into my life from friends to movies, books, music and television promote perversion, hate, anger,
revenge and victimization or does what I allow promote God's values of lifting up, encouragement, truth, caring, forgiveness
and sexual purity?
We begin to mirror what we allow in our lives. What
does my life mirror?
Do I...?
II Corinthians 5:7, 17 MKJV for we walk by faith, not by sight; ... So that if any one
is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
What we see everyday in our lives and on the news can certainly discourage.
But our faith isn't in our senses of sight and sound--or shouldn't be. What we experience through our senses is only a small
and distorted part of the whole picture.
God sees
and is intimately involved in putting all the pieces together to make a beautiful scenario for us as well as Him--if we trust
Him, if we listen to Him and if we follow Him.
Do I
trust God enough to ask for direction, have the patience to wait for an answer and the courage to follow His leading when
He speaks?
I Don't Understand
Psalm 147:1, 3, 5-6a MKJV Praise the LORD; for it is good to sing praises
to our God; for praise is delightful and becoming. ...He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds. ...Great is
our LORD, and of great power; There is no limit to His understanding. The LORD lifts up the meek; ...
Why should I praise God when He allows disasters to happen? Because He is
God and I am not. I need to recognize I don't begin to see the whole picture. I don't like to recognize that we live in a
world twisted by sin.
God may not wave a wand to keep us from life's challenges
or always interfere in the natural forces He put in play on earth, but He does care, He does comfort and He does mend broken
bodies, hearts, minds and relationships. He is God. He is good. And I will praise Him.
What I Stand
For
II Corinthians 3: 17 GW This Lord is the Spirit.
Wherever the Lord's Spirit is, there is freedom.
Freedom isn't the same as rebellion or irresponsibility. Real freedom starts from the inside, knowing we're free
from the burdens of sin, hopelessness, revenge and anger. All of which enslave. All of which furthers a cycle of hurt and
pain for ourselves and those around us.
Freedom
doesn't start with government. Real freedom starts with individuals set free by the Creator Lord, who wishes all to live in
an atmosphere of liberty and wholeness. That is the foundation of America. The further we go from our Judeo-Christian foundations,
the more Christian and Jewish teaching will be suppressed, the more control will be exerted and the less free everyone will
be. Such control is already in play.
Am I willing
to stand for and speak of freedom in Christ if it means censure or loss of my own physical freedom?
Attitude of
Praise?
Psalm 145:2-4 I will bless you every day. I will
praise your name forever and ever. The LORD is great, and he should be highly praised. His greatness is unsearchable. One
generation will praise your deeds to the next. Each generation will talk about your mighty acts.
Do we take time to praise God? Every day? Praise Him for who He is and in
awe? Do we bless Him, thanking Him for blessings He bestows in our lives?
Or, are our prayers weighed down with "gimme" prayers and complaints--"Give me this. Give me that."
and "Why don't You do this? Why did You allow that? Poor me!"
A joyfilled life starts with a reverent attitude toward our Creator, Sustainer, Lord and is revealed with an attitude
of gratitude and praise. Do I need an attitude adjustment?
Compassion for the Hurting
II Corinthians 1:3-4 GW Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the
Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort.
He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the
same comfort we have received from God.
God is the source of love. He can comfort us in times of trouble because He cares. Comfort
comes from God, not from our own sinful hearts.
The closer we are to God, the more His love manifests through us and the more we have the
compassion of Christ. That compassion helps us reach out to comfort the hurting. It starts with being in tune with the one
who loved enough to give His life--Jesus
Dependence
Not Such a Bad Thing
Psalm 143:8
GW Let me hear about your
mercy in the morning, because I trust you. Let me know the way that I
should go, because I long for you. I like being in charge and
doing things my way. Yet the king of Israel had a much different
attitude. He recognized his need and dependence upon God. He trusted
God's judgment above his own and sought God's guidance.
Even
in desperate circumstances, David waited for God to speak BEFORE he
acted. The times he didn't, he really goofed up his life and hurt
others around him. So do we.
Lord, help me be like the strong
David who listened and followed You, rather than the weak David who
stubbornly followed his way, his own heart. Amen
Key to Life
I Corinthians
15:3 GW I passed on to
you the most important points of doctrine that I had received: Christ
died to take away our sins as the Scriptures predicted. The
key to faith isn't church attendance, reading the Bible, or being or
doing good--though these are all positive things. The key to a faith
that makes a difference in our lives is to receive the gift Jesus
offers through His sacrificial death for our sins.
The key is
comprehending, in some small way, the worth Jesus placed on you and
me to be willing to die, to take the punishment we deserve for our
bad attitudes and wrongful thought and actions. He died to set us
free to live lives of confidence and hope. Do I live like a
prisoner set free? Live in gratitude for the gift I've been
given?
Have you yet accepted His gift of love and new life in
Him?
Words of Healing
Psalm 141:3
GW O LORD, set a guard at
my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.
This is a prayer
most of us need to
pray regularly. Too often we speak without thinking, say things we
shouldn't, spread rumors we don't know are true and cause hurt rather
than healing with our words.
We need to
take this tendency to God,
ask forgiveness--as many times as needed, take the situation
seriously and make a commitment to take care in what we say.
Lord, help
us take responsibility for
the words coming out of our mouths. Help us speak words of healing,
help and hope. Amen.
Motivation
I Corinthians 13:1 GW I may speak in the languages
of humans and of angels. But if I don't have love, I am a loud gong or a clashing cymbal.
If the motivation isn't love, rather than, evil, greed, jealousy or manipulation,
not of self but for both God and others, the resulting actions and choices will be flawed. They will hurt rather than help,
tear down rather than build up and disgrace not lift up the name of Christ.
What is my motivation for choices I make?
Big Brother
is Watching
Psalm 139:2-3 You alone know when I sit down and
when I get up. You read my thoughts from far away. You watch me when I travel and when I rest. You are familiar with all my
ways.
Many are concerned because they can be tracked through
their cell phones and social networks. Between business and government, our big brothers are watching. Yet we don't seem near
as concerned about God who knows the thoughts and motives of our hearts.
Shouldn't we be more concerned about doing right before God than big brother on earth? Our response
to earthly tracking may be fairly minor or can save our lives in an emergency. Our response to the God of all is a choice
for love and life and hope for now and for eternity.
God
knows. Does that knowledge make a difference in my life, my choices, my attitude?
My Weakness
Psalm 138:3 GW When I called, you answered me. You made me bold by strengthening
my soul.
I am tired this morning because I was up at 3 am
claiming writing titles. It is cold and rainy this morning. While I'm vulnerable to discouragement about things way outside
my understanding, comprehension and plans--I have hope. I cling to He who is my hope. The One who holds me in His hands, gives
me strength in my weakness and an inner joy--when I come to Him.
Whom Do I
Serve?
Psalm 136:1-2 GW Give thanks to the LORD because
he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods because his mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to God. Why? Two solid reasons. Because God is good, meaning He
seeks the very best for those who follow Him and God is merciful, meaning we don't receive what we actually deserve. God does
mitigate circumstances and we know we don't always receive what we deserve for the things we think, say and do.
The God of the Bible is unique from false gods because He is intrinsically
good and cares personally enough to show mercy.
Do I
follow the living and true God--or one of my own creation?
Prince or
Servant?
Psalm 135:14 GW The LORD will provide justice
for his people and have compassion on his servants.
Because He is just, We'll find justice with Him. Because He cares, We
come to Him for compassion. As
He lives in us we, too, Show
justice. As we know His compassion, We reach out in His name. Better a servant of the loving Lord, Than a prince for a hate-filled satan.
Because
Psalm 135:3 GW Praise the LORD because he is good. Make music to praise
his name because his name is beautiful.
We
are to praise God Not because
He made us Not because of
His power and majesty Not
because He loves us But because
no matter what God is good.
My Confidence
I Corinthians
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