2 Cor 7:6 "But God, who comforts (encourages, comes alongside) those who are downcast (discouraged, disheartened), comforted us by the coming of Titus..."
I woke up at 2:30 this morning. It didn't surprise me. God is doing some wonderful things in our school and in our church and I'm excited to see how and where He is leading us, and what it's going to look like. The Enemy doesn't like what's happening and he attacks whenever and wherever he can, trying to interrupt/disrupt God's work. I awoke with a formidable task list swirling in my head, feeling inadequate, feeling like a failure. So, I did what I usually do in a situation like this...I grabbed my pen and paper. made a prioritized "to do" list for the day and lay back down to pray. God eased the panic, let me rest and I got up a couple hours later looking forward to the day ahead, confident of God's presence.
The word, "downcast", paints a vivid picture. It reminds me of Eeyore. It's how I feel when I am discouraged. It's a picture of someone whose focus is inward rather than upward; who feels isolated, alone, and helpless. While those feelings are genuine, they don't reflect reality for a Christian. God is with us, even in the lonely times. His Holy Spirit within us is the Comforter.
While the Holy Spirit is working on us from the inside, He also sends fellow Believers to come alongside and encourage us from the outside.
I thank God that He encouraged me early this morning. Now I look forward to being used by Him today to comfort someone else. (2 Cor 1:3-5).
Lord, I'm ready. I'm listening.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Abiding in the Word...Quality vs. Quantity
John 8:31 "If you abide in my word, then you are truly a disciple of mine"
True discipleship is more than an initial confession of faith. It is a life built firmly on the Word of God. It is not so much extensive (how much of the Word you know), as it
We've all encountered people who are adept at quoting volumes of Scripture, but whose lifestyle doesn't match up to it. On the other hand we also know those who may not know nearly so much, but in whom Jesus is clearly seen.
Jesus wants me to grow in my knowledge and understanding of His Word, but unless that Word is bearing fruit in my life, I am not a true disciple of His.
True discipleship is more than an initial confession of faith. It is a life built firmly on the Word of God. It is not so much extensive (how much of the Word you know), as it
We've all encountered people who are adept at quoting volumes of Scripture, but whose lifestyle doesn't match up to it. On the other hand we also know those who may not know nearly so much, but in whom Jesus is clearly seen.
Jesus wants me to grow in my knowledge and understanding of His Word, but unless that Word is bearing fruit in my life, I am not a true disciple of His.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Steering clear of the mud puddles...
2 Cor 7:1 "Since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
I think mud puddles have built-in "tractor beams" that pull little boys in. I remember how I used to love splashing around in them when walking home from school on a rainy day. I also remember the scolding (spankings) and baths that followed. As I grew a little older and, hopefully, wiser, I learned to anticipate "what happens next." The rewards for good behavior and the punishment for poor choices helped me to resist the allure of the puddles.
Like little boys drawn to mud puddles, so we are attracted to sin. Just as it takes a bath in clean water to get the mud off the child who succumbed to the temptation, so the blood of Jesus makes us clean again. Promised rewards and the fear of a spanking helped me learn to give mud puddles a wide berth. They also help me to steer clear of sin. The result? I'm beginning to look a little more like Jesus!
Lord, no matter how much fun it might be (for awhile) to jump in, please help me to steer clear of the mud puddles today. Amen.
I think mud puddles have built-in "tractor beams" that pull little boys in. I remember how I used to love splashing around in them when walking home from school on a rainy day. I also remember the scolding (spankings) and baths that followed. As I grew a little older and, hopefully, wiser, I learned to anticipate "what happens next." The rewards for good behavior and the punishment for poor choices helped me to resist the allure of the puddles.
Like little boys drawn to mud puddles, so we are attracted to sin. Just as it takes a bath in clean water to get the mud off the child who succumbed to the temptation, so the blood of Jesus makes us clean again. Promised rewards and the fear of a spanking helped me learn to give mud puddles a wide berth. They also help me to steer clear of sin. The result? I'm beginning to look a little more like Jesus!
Lord, no matter how much fun it might be (for awhile) to jump in, please help me to steer clear of the mud puddles today. Amen.
Friday, February 24, 2012
.How do you respond when the enemy pushes back?
2 Corinthians 6:4-10
When I traveled to Moscow in June, 1992, I didn't know what to expect. Our group of educators was bringing light to darkness. My role was to speak to groups of Russian school directors on the subject of "Servant Leadership", based on the life of Jesus. I also had the privilege to interact with small groups of those same men and women. The common theme I heard from them was, "For 40 years we have been told that there is no God. Now we know that is a lie. Please tell us about Him."
Satan wasn't the least bit pleased about us invading his territory! We encountered spiritual warfare like I had never experienced back home. In the midst of it, the Holy Spirit demonstrated His power over and over again. I saw miracle after miracle. What an exciting adventure! Although I didn't experience anything like the suffering he endured, I imagine it must have been similar for Paul.
How do you respond to adversity? In this passage Paul lists 18 adverse, negative, painful situations he has encountered in his ministry. He also lists 18 positive responses to them. We must expect resistance and suffering as we boldly proclaim God's love, mercy, and grace. When we invade the Enemy's turf, exposing the darkness with the light of His Word, he will push back.
How do I respond to adversity? Do I expect it? I should. Do I succumb to it? I mustn't. Do I rise above it? I must!
Lord, I have put on my spiritual armor. I'm wielding my Sword. I'm ready. Let me be a soldier of Light today.
When I traveled to Moscow in June, 1992, I didn't know what to expect. Our group of educators was bringing light to darkness. My role was to speak to groups of Russian school directors on the subject of "Servant Leadership", based on the life of Jesus. I also had the privilege to interact with small groups of those same men and women. The common theme I heard from them was, "For 40 years we have been told that there is no God. Now we know that is a lie. Please tell us about Him."
Satan wasn't the least bit pleased about us invading his territory! We encountered spiritual warfare like I had never experienced back home. In the midst of it, the Holy Spirit demonstrated His power over and over again. I saw miracle after miracle. What an exciting adventure! Although I didn't experience anything like the suffering he endured, I imagine it must have been similar for Paul.
How do you respond to adversity? In this passage Paul lists 18 adverse, negative, painful situations he has encountered in his ministry. He also lists 18 positive responses to them. We must expect resistance and suffering as we boldly proclaim God's love, mercy, and grace. When we invade the Enemy's turf, exposing the darkness with the light of His Word, he will push back.
How do I respond to adversity? Do I expect it? I should. Do I succumb to it? I mustn't. Do I rise above it? I must!
Lord, I have put on my spiritual armor. I'm wielding my Sword. I'm ready. Let me be a soldier of Light today.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
God's artesian well...
John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, from his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water."
I live near the city of Artesia. That city derives its name from the artesian wells that used to be prevalent in the area. An artesian well is a free flowing fountain of water coming from the water table. I can't explain the geologic details, but suffice it to say that an artesian well is a wonderful, valuable natural resource.
Jesus wants me to be something akin to an artesian well. The Holy Spirit desires to be a free flowing fountain in my life, providing an unending supply of grace and mercy to all I meet. Unfortunately, the fountain sometimes becomes obstructed and clogged by debris - all the stuff of life that sidetracks me. Sometimes the water supply becomes polluted by sin.
My goal is to tap into the fresh, pure, never-ending river of life each morning. I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any debris or pollutants and to clean it up. I want to be a channel of His blessings to all I encounter today.
I live near the city of Artesia. That city derives its name from the artesian wells that used to be prevalent in the area. An artesian well is a free flowing fountain of water coming from the water table. I can't explain the geologic details, but suffice it to say that an artesian well is a wonderful, valuable natural resource.
Jesus wants me to be something akin to an artesian well. The Holy Spirit desires to be a free flowing fountain in my life, providing an unending supply of grace and mercy to all I meet. Unfortunately, the fountain sometimes becomes obstructed and clogged by debris - all the stuff of life that sidetracks me. Sometimes the water supply becomes polluted by sin.
My goal is to tap into the fresh, pure, never-ending river of life each morning. I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any debris or pollutants and to clean it up. I want to be a channel of His blessings to all I encounter today.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Speaking for God...
2 Cor 5:20 :We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us..."
I was sitting with our 5th grade class in the Senate gallery in Sacramento yesterday. Our tour guide asked an interesting question: "If you were in the legislature, what law would you like to see enacted?" Immediately one student's hand shot in the air. "I would make a law that everyone must believe in God", he boldly declared.
That young man has the right idea, but unfortunately, we can't wave a magic wand or create a law that would change people's hearts. However, God does have a plan for this, and it involves you and me. He has made us His ambassadors. He has empowered us with His resources and authority to speak on His behalf. Our mission: to reconcile sinners to God. Paul says we have received a "ministry of reconciliation."
My task is to represent Him to those who don't know Him. He wants me to introduce them to His Son. Unfortunately my mission often times becomes obscured by all of the "stuff" of life and I am oblivious to the opportunities He puts before me. I need to refocus my priorities daily and pursue my mission as His ambassador.
Lord, please help me to be a worthy representative of your mercy and grace today. Help me to serve you well, that others would see You in me and be drawn to You. Amen.
I was sitting with our 5th grade class in the Senate gallery in Sacramento yesterday. Our tour guide asked an interesting question: "If you were in the legislature, what law would you like to see enacted?" Immediately one student's hand shot in the air. "I would make a law that everyone must believe in God", he boldly declared.
That young man has the right idea, but unfortunately, we can't wave a magic wand or create a law that would change people's hearts. However, God does have a plan for this, and it involves you and me. He has made us His ambassadors. He has empowered us with His resources and authority to speak on His behalf. Our mission: to reconcile sinners to God. Paul says we have received a "ministry of reconciliation."
My task is to represent Him to those who don't know Him. He wants me to introduce them to His Son. Unfortunately my mission often times becomes obscured by all of the "stuff" of life and I am oblivious to the opportunities He puts before me. I need to refocus my priorities daily and pursue my mission as His ambassador.
Lord, please help me to be a worthy representative of your mercy and grace today. Help me to serve you well, that others would see You in me and be drawn to You. Amen.
Monday, February 20, 2012
"It's my pleasure."
2 Corinthians 5:10 "Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home (on earth) or absent (in Heaven) to be pleasing to Him."
One of my favorite places to eat is Chick fil A. I love the food. I love that it's owned by Christians. I love the service. When I'm there I feel like they really appreciate me. For example, whenever I thank a server, he or she inevitably responds, "It's my pleasure." I know they've been trained to say that, but nonetheless, I feel valued. That's a good feeling.
I think God likes to be appreciated. Isn't that what worship is all about? The word itself means to ascribe value or worth to someone. Paul says that my ambition, my goal, whether I am serving God here or in Heaven, is to please Him. In Colossians 1:10 He says we are to "please Him in all respects", and we do that by bearing fruit (Galatians 5:22) and growing in our relationship with Him. That's my goal in life, plain and simple, to live each day in such a way that I bring pleasure to my Savior, to bring a smile to His face.
Someday, when I stand before Jesus face to face, I hope He says to me, "I'm proud of you. Thank you for serving me so faithfully." Can you guess what my response will be? "It's my pleasure!"
Lord, You know my heart. You know that I truly want to honor and please You today. Thank you for the opportunity to serve You. Amen.
One of my favorite places to eat is Chick fil A. I love the food. I love that it's owned by Christians. I love the service. When I'm there I feel like they really appreciate me. For example, whenever I thank a server, he or she inevitably responds, "It's my pleasure." I know they've been trained to say that, but nonetheless, I feel valued. That's a good feeling.
I think God likes to be appreciated. Isn't that what worship is all about? The word itself means to ascribe value or worth to someone. Paul says that my ambition, my goal, whether I am serving God here or in Heaven, is to please Him. In Colossians 1:10 He says we are to "please Him in all respects", and we do that by bearing fruit (Galatians 5:22) and growing in our relationship with Him. That's my goal in life, plain and simple, to live each day in such a way that I bring pleasure to my Savior, to bring a smile to His face.
Someday, when I stand before Jesus face to face, I hope He says to me, "I'm proud of you. Thank you for serving me so faithfully." Can you guess what my response will be? "It's my pleasure!"
Lord, You know my heart. You know that I truly want to honor and please You today. Thank you for the opportunity to serve You. Amen.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Beaten by a blind man...
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
I'm not a very good golfer. How bad am I? How's this...a few years ago I was outscored weekly by a blind man! My friend, an older pastor, was legally blind. Due to hemorrhaging in both eyes, he had no frontal vision. It was like someone had placed a quarter in front of each of them. But, he always hit the ball straight and he knew how far it would go with each of his clubs. My job was to line him up towards the hole. It was so tempting to point him just a few degrees off the target!! But he was my mentor and friend, and I just couldn't do it. I, on the other hand, could see well and could hit the ball much further. I just never knew in what direction it would go, no matter where I aimed.
Pastor Spice embodied the essence of walking by faith, both physically and spiritually. Though he couldn't see the flag with his eyes, when I described the scene, he envisioned it in his mind. He knew I wouldn't let him trip over an obstacle or walk into a tree. He listened to me and he trusted me.
I learned a lot from my friend. Today he is seeing much more clearly than I do. He's with Jesus. I'm not, and too often I find myself with no frontal vision. I can't see what lies ahead. I have decisions to make that, if incorrect, could have significant negative impact. So, what do I do? I listen to the Holy Spirit and I allow Him to point me towards the "flag". Then I try to envision what He has told me and walk by faith, knowing that He won't allow me to stumble or walk into a tree. Easier said than done!
The most important part for me is to be sure I am discerning the Spirit's voice and not putting words in His mouth.
Lord, I'm so thankful that You are constantly making course corrections in my life. Please do that for me today. Help me to hear You clearly and to really listen carefully to what You are saying. Then, give me the courage to trust You enough to walk.
I'm not a very good golfer. How bad am I? How's this...a few years ago I was outscored weekly by a blind man! My friend, an older pastor, was legally blind. Due to hemorrhaging in both eyes, he had no frontal vision. It was like someone had placed a quarter in front of each of them. But, he always hit the ball straight and he knew how far it would go with each of his clubs. My job was to line him up towards the hole. It was so tempting to point him just a few degrees off the target!! But he was my mentor and friend, and I just couldn't do it. I, on the other hand, could see well and could hit the ball much further. I just never knew in what direction it would go, no matter where I aimed.
Pastor Spice embodied the essence of walking by faith, both physically and spiritually. Though he couldn't see the flag with his eyes, when I described the scene, he envisioned it in his mind. He knew I wouldn't let him trip over an obstacle or walk into a tree. He listened to me and he trusted me.
I learned a lot from my friend. Today he is seeing much more clearly than I do. He's with Jesus. I'm not, and too often I find myself with no frontal vision. I can't see what lies ahead. I have decisions to make that, if incorrect, could have significant negative impact. So, what do I do? I listen to the Holy Spirit and I allow Him to point me towards the "flag". Then I try to envision what He has told me and walk by faith, knowing that He won't allow me to stumble or walk into a tree. Easier said than done!
The most important part for me is to be sure I am discerning the Spirit's voice and not putting words in His mouth.
Lord, I'm so thankful that You are constantly making course corrections in my life. Please do that for me today. Help me to hear You clearly and to really listen carefully to what You are saying. Then, give me the courage to trust You enough to walk.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Nearsighted or farsighted...Where's your focus?
2 Corinthians4:18 "While we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
The things upon which we focus have a direct effect on what we do, how we respond. I took a motorcycle safety course a few years ago. The instructors kept reinforcing a couple of things regarding our focus. First, they said it is vital to maintain a "big picture" mentality. Let your eyes continually sweep the road ahead, anticipating potential threats. Second, when entering a turn, intentionally turn your head and "look through" the turn rather than focusing on the pavement directly in front of your tire.
In the first instance, if I'm only looking at my immediate surroundings, I will not be able to avoid obstacles or other dangers I may encounter. In the second instance, looking through the turn automatically shifts my weight and guides me through the maneuver.
Life's a lot like that. God instructs us to lift our eyes, to keep our perspective broad, to view relationships, circumstances, events in the context of eternity. When I narrow my focus and only see the immediate, I get off track and miss what God is saying or doing in that situation. Looking around, looking through the turn, helps me to avoid danger and to maneuver smoothly.
God uses trials and suffering in our lives to refocus our attention on what is really important. When we live in the context of eternity, we gain His perspective, we maintain balance, and we experience peace and joy.
Lord, let me see through your lens today!
The things upon which we focus have a direct effect on what we do, how we respond. I took a motorcycle safety course a few years ago. The instructors kept reinforcing a couple of things regarding our focus. First, they said it is vital to maintain a "big picture" mentality. Let your eyes continually sweep the road ahead, anticipating potential threats. Second, when entering a turn, intentionally turn your head and "look through" the turn rather than focusing on the pavement directly in front of your tire.
In the first instance, if I'm only looking at my immediate surroundings, I will not be able to avoid obstacles or other dangers I may encounter. In the second instance, looking through the turn automatically shifts my weight and guides me through the maneuver.
Life's a lot like that. God instructs us to lift our eyes, to keep our perspective broad, to view relationships, circumstances, events in the context of eternity. When I narrow my focus and only see the immediate, I get off track and miss what God is saying or doing in that situation. Looking around, looking through the turn, helps me to avoid danger and to maneuver smoothly.
God uses trials and suffering in our lives to refocus our attention on what is really important. When we live in the context of eternity, we gain His perspective, we maintain balance, and we experience peace and joy.
Lord, let me see through your lens today!
Monday, February 13, 2012
My favorite equation...
2 Corinthians 4:17 "For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." (cf. 1 Pet 5:10; 1 Cor 10:13; Jas 1:3)
I don't know about you, but when I'm suffering, it feels neither momentary nor light! However, in reality, God tells us that He has placed limits on our suffering. He knows what we can endure and for how long (although what He knows I can handle differs from what I think I can handle!).
I love this equation! Temporary light affliction = "exceeding upon exceeding" eternal weight of glory. The suffering I endure builds God's character in me and expands my usefulness in ministry. It's like He keeps sending me through additional training courses to improve my skills and move me to higher/deeper levels of service. The bonus in all this is that while I'm suffering, I'm investing in my future! What a deal!!!
I don't know about you, but when I'm suffering, it feels neither momentary nor light! However, in reality, God tells us that He has placed limits on our suffering. He knows what we can endure and for how long (although what He knows I can handle differs from what I think I can handle!).
I love this equation! Temporary light affliction = "exceeding upon exceeding" eternal weight of glory. The suffering I endure builds God's character in me and expands my usefulness in ministry. It's like He keeps sending me through additional training courses to improve my skills and move me to higher/deeper levels of service. The bonus in all this is that while I'm suffering, I'm investing in my future! What a deal!!!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Older but better...
2 Cor 4:16 "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day."
"You're in great shape for the shape you're in." Those were my doctor's words of encouragement after my latest physical. He went on to say that if I weren't taking Thyroid and blood pressure medication, I would be in perfect health. That made me feel pretty good, until the next day when I worked all day in the yard pulling weeds. That evening my body told me the doctor didn't know what he was talking about. :-)
Like it or not, my body is old and getting older. There's no way to make it young again. However, the real me, the "inside" me, doesn't have to reflect the age and condition of the "outside" me. God's Word tells me that I can be renewed, get stronger and better fit. Regardless of my age, I can be better next year than I am right now.
How does my inner man- my spirit- get renewed? The same way I get my body in shape - attitude, diet, exercise done daily and over a period of time. My diet - God's Word. No junk food! Exercise - walking in faith, putting into practice what He teaches me. Very important - do it daily, make it a habit, a way of life.
I'm working hard at it and I'm noticing a difference. Why not try it?...you'll like who you see looking back at you in the mirror.
"You're in great shape for the shape you're in." Those were my doctor's words of encouragement after my latest physical. He went on to say that if I weren't taking Thyroid and blood pressure medication, I would be in perfect health. That made me feel pretty good, until the next day when I worked all day in the yard pulling weeds. That evening my body told me the doctor didn't know what he was talking about. :-)
Like it or not, my body is old and getting older. There's no way to make it young again. However, the real me, the "inside" me, doesn't have to reflect the age and condition of the "outside" me. God's Word tells me that I can be renewed, get stronger and better fit. Regardless of my age, I can be better next year than I am right now.
How does my inner man- my spirit- get renewed? The same way I get my body in shape - attitude, diet, exercise done daily and over a period of time. My diet - God's Word. No junk food! Exercise - walking in faith, putting into practice what He teaches me. Very important - do it daily, make it a habit, a way of life.
I'm working hard at it and I'm noticing a difference. Why not try it?...you'll like who you see looking back at you in the mirror.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The 3:00 a.m. battle...
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 "and such confidence we have through Christ toward God...our adequacy is from God."
I don't like 3:00 a.m. That's when the Enemy wakes me up; that's when I become overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy and failure. I bolt out of bed, feeling like I have to do something, only to lie down again, knowing there's nothing I can do at that moment. I've learned to prepare for the occasional 3:00 a.m. battles. I keep my Bible, a pen, and a notepad on my nightstand. When the the attacks come, I jot down my "to do" list, read God's Word, sing a silent worship song, and pray. Satan can't handle that, and I usually fall asleep again. In the morning things don't look so bad.
Through Jesus I can look to God confidently, not in fear or doubt; confident of His promises, His power, His protection. I can be bold for Him because He is in me and with me!
Lord, thank You that my adequacy is in You and from You. Please let me live that way today.
I don't like 3:00 a.m. That's when the Enemy wakes me up; that's when I become overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy and failure. I bolt out of bed, feeling like I have to do something, only to lie down again, knowing there's nothing I can do at that moment. I've learned to prepare for the occasional 3:00 a.m. battles. I keep my Bible, a pen, and a notepad on my nightstand. When the the attacks come, I jot down my "to do" list, read God's Word, sing a silent worship song, and pray. Satan can't handle that, and I usually fall asleep again. In the morning things don't look so bad.
Through Jesus I can look to God confidently, not in fear or doubt; confident of His promises, His power, His protection. I can be bold for Him because He is in me and with me!
Lord, thank You that my adequacy is in You and from You. Please let me live that way today.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
One step at a time...
John 8:12 "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Every so often I take a short cut from my office through the gym to the playground. I there's not a P.E. class going on, the gym is totally dark and I have to be very careful traversing the floor. The light switches are on the other side and more than once I've been in a hurry and banged my shin into a chair I couldn't see. It's much easier if I use a flashlight.
It's that way for me spiritually as well. God has designed each of us with an innate need for a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, due to the darkness of sin, we stumble around in vain, banging into things, trying to find our way to Him. Jesus changed all that. He came into the world as God's Light, and He illumines the path to the Heavenly Father.
Unfortunately, Jesus doesn't turn on all the lights at once. Instead, He lights just enough of the path for us to be able to see and avoid the obstacles. I'd rather see the whole route at once, but He wants me to trust Him one step at a time. I guess I'm okay with that.
Lord, thank You for giving me light today. Please help me to focus on the path you've illuminated. I trust You with what I can't yet see. One step at a time, Lord. Amen.
Every so often I take a short cut from my office through the gym to the playground. I there's not a P.E. class going on, the gym is totally dark and I have to be very careful traversing the floor. The light switches are on the other side and more than once I've been in a hurry and banged my shin into a chair I couldn't see. It's much easier if I use a flashlight.
It's that way for me spiritually as well. God has designed each of us with an innate need for a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, due to the darkness of sin, we stumble around in vain, banging into things, trying to find our way to Him. Jesus changed all that. He came into the world as God's Light, and He illumines the path to the Heavenly Father.
Unfortunately, Jesus doesn't turn on all the lights at once. Instead, He lights just enough of the path for us to be able to see and avoid the obstacles. I'd rather see the whole route at once, but He wants me to trust Him one step at a time. I guess I'm okay with that.
Lord, thank You for giving me light today. Please help me to focus on the path you've illuminated. I trust You with what I can't yet see. One step at a time, Lord. Amen.
Monday, February 6, 2012
A letter from God...
2 Corinthians 3:3 "...You are a letter from Christ, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts." (see Prov 3:3; 7:3)
I like to get mail. I can't remember the last time I received a "real" letter. Now it's email, social media, blogs, and texts. Nonetheless, I enjoy hearing from people I know and love. As I read these communiques, I learn not only what is happening in their lives, but I also get a sense of what's going on in their hearts.
God is the ultimate communicator. He speaks to us through His creation, through His written Word, through His Son (the Word), and through the Holy Spirit. Did you know that He also speaks to others through us? The Holy Spirit is in the process of transforming us, changing our hearts. He changes us from the inside out. What He "writes" on our hearts is communicated to others by our attitudes, our countenance, our choices, and our conversation.
The letter of Jesus in me may be the only Bible some people will ever read. What are people going to read in me today? What will it tell them about Jesus?
I like to get mail. I can't remember the last time I received a "real" letter. Now it's email, social media, blogs, and texts. Nonetheless, I enjoy hearing from people I know and love. As I read these communiques, I learn not only what is happening in their lives, but I also get a sense of what's going on in their hearts.
God is the ultimate communicator. He speaks to us through His creation, through His written Word, through His Son (the Word), and through the Holy Spirit. Did you know that He also speaks to others through us? The Holy Spirit is in the process of transforming us, changing our hearts. He changes us from the inside out. What He "writes" on our hearts is communicated to others by our attitudes, our countenance, our choices, and our conversation.
The letter of Jesus in me may be the only Bible some people will ever read. What are people going to read in me today? What will it tell them about Jesus?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Promises, promises....
2 Cor 1:20 "For as many be the promises of God, in Him they are YES, wherefore also by Him (Jesus) is our AMEN to the glory of God through us."
"I'm sorry. I'll never do that again. I promise!" "Honey, I'll be home in time for dinner. I promise!" "Kids, I'm taking Saturday off and I'll go to your game. I promise!"
How many times have we heard, or made, promises that for one reason or another weren't kept? I know I've been guilty of that more times than I like to admit. Many times situations beyond my control made it impossible to keep my word. Other times, however, I just didn't follow through.
A promise is only as good as the one making it. He must not only be capable of keeping his word; he must also commit to do so.
Thank God we can bank on His promises! His Word is sure. Jesus is His guarantee, our Amen! As we trust Him and proclaim those promises, He works through us to bring glory to the Father. Wow!
Here's a challenge for you. Spend some time today pondering God's promises to you. Write them down. Document them with a Scripture if you can. Receive them. Thank Him. Live like you believe Him. People will notice and you will have opportunity to point them to the Promise Keeper. Amen!
"I'm sorry. I'll never do that again. I promise!" "Honey, I'll be home in time for dinner. I promise!" "Kids, I'm taking Saturday off and I'll go to your game. I promise!"
How many times have we heard, or made, promises that for one reason or another weren't kept? I know I've been guilty of that more times than I like to admit. Many times situations beyond my control made it impossible to keep my word. Other times, however, I just didn't follow through.
A promise is only as good as the one making it. He must not only be capable of keeping his word; he must also commit to do so.
Thank God we can bank on His promises! His Word is sure. Jesus is His guarantee, our Amen! As we trust Him and proclaim those promises, He works through us to bring glory to the Father. Wow!
Here's a challenge for you. Spend some time today pondering God's promises to you. Write them down. Document them with a Scripture if you can. Receive them. Thank Him. Live like you believe Him. People will notice and you will have opportunity to point them to the Promise Keeper. Amen!
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