The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, we have found the Messiah (which means the Christ). John 1:41
Isn't it amazing how twelve ordinary men with no formal educational training or particular speaking skills could change the world through their godly influence?
Andrew, little spoken of in the gospels, used his influence to introduce his brother, Simon, to the Messiah. It was the same Andrew who brought the little lad with five loaves and two small fish to Jesus. Andrew's influence paved the way for the ultimate preaching of Peter on the day of Pentecost when 3,000 believed and were baptized.
Little do we realize the effect we have on those around us. Think about the tremendous potential for changing the course of world history through the influence of a godly believer.
Are you prepared to be an influence for good? Others are watching! What will they hear coming from your lips? What will they see as they watch your actions? Will your influence be that of an Andrew, a Philip, a Simon Peter, or a modern Christian writer?
Thought for the Day: God is looking for godly people to mold today's society.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Uplifted Hands
Then Solomon stood with his hands lifted toward heaven before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire community of Israel. (1 Kings 8:22 NLT)
For many years I felt inhibited and uptight when I saw people with uplifted hands during worship and praise time. I confess that more than once i acted judgmentally toward the participants. But my attitude slowly changed as the Holy Spirit broke through my legalistic tendencies and showed me God's grace.
As I continued to study God's word, I came to the realization that uplifted hands during times of dedication, worship, and praise was a common practice in the lives of Old Testament saints.
King David understood that to worship God is to seek an intimate encounter with Him. What better way to show that intimacy than to lift his hands heavenward as if reaching out for God. David said, I will honor you as long as I live lifting up my hands to you in prayer. (Psalm 63:4 NLT)
Lifting our hands signifies complete surrender -- recognizing God's sovereignty over us. We also reach out with uplifted hands to implore another person to help, to make supplication, and to offer a blessing to God.
Are you willing to extend your hand to God and say, "You're all I need today."
Thought for the Day: Uplifted hands express our inner being to God.
For many years I felt inhibited and uptight when I saw people with uplifted hands during worship and praise time. I confess that more than once i acted judgmentally toward the participants. But my attitude slowly changed as the Holy Spirit broke through my legalistic tendencies and showed me God's grace.
As I continued to study God's word, I came to the realization that uplifted hands during times of dedication, worship, and praise was a common practice in the lives of Old Testament saints.
King David understood that to worship God is to seek an intimate encounter with Him. What better way to show that intimacy than to lift his hands heavenward as if reaching out for God. David said, I will honor you as long as I live lifting up my hands to you in prayer. (Psalm 63:4 NLT)
Lifting our hands signifies complete surrender -- recognizing God's sovereignty over us. We also reach out with uplifted hands to implore another person to help, to make supplication, and to offer a blessing to God.
Are you willing to extend your hand to God and say, "You're all I need today."
Thought for the Day: Uplifted hands express our inner being to God.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Finish Line
But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus -- the work of telling others the good news about God's wonderful kindness and love. (Acts 20:24 NLT)
It takes determination, dedication, and commitment to run a marathon. The runner has one goal in mind -- the finish line. In a hundred yard dash, one quick glance back at an opponent can mean the difference between first and fourth place. This is why coaches and trainers emphasize over and over -- keep your eye on the tape at the finish line. Only one person can win the gold medal -- the victor.
The key to success in winning the race of life is commitment. What is your level of commitment? Are you prepared for a marathon? If you have not already done so, begin your training by committing each day to the Lord. Ask Jesus to give you the desire and abilities to follow in his steps. Make a commitment to be a winner.
Thought for the Day: God's finish line ends at heaven's pearly gates.
It takes determination, dedication, and commitment to run a marathon. The runner has one goal in mind -- the finish line. In a hundred yard dash, one quick glance back at an opponent can mean the difference between first and fourth place. This is why coaches and trainers emphasize over and over -- keep your eye on the tape at the finish line. Only one person can win the gold medal -- the victor.
The key to success in winning the race of life is commitment. What is your level of commitment? Are you prepared for a marathon? If you have not already done so, begin your training by committing each day to the Lord. Ask Jesus to give you the desire and abilities to follow in his steps. Make a commitment to be a winner.
Thought for the Day: God's finish line ends at heaven's pearly gates.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
God Delights in You
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT).
For many years I was led to believe that my performance merited the love and approval of God. It wasn't until I read the book He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobson that I realized there wasn't anything good I could do to cause God to love me more, or anything bad that would make him love me less. God loves me not because of who I am or what I do, but rather because of who he is and what he has done.
God loves you and me with an everlasting, unconditional agape love. It can't be earned. No amount of money can buy it. It won't be found in any store. It can't be ordered online or through a catalog. Sacrifices and offerings won't obtain it. Being good won't get it. Serving God night and day doesn't meet the criteria. It is freely given by the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8,9)
How do you receive such matchless love? By simply coming to Jesus with your sin and inviting him to come into your heart by faith.
For many years I was led to believe that my performance merited the love and approval of God. It wasn't until I read the book He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobson that I realized there wasn't anything good I could do to cause God to love me more, or anything bad that would make him love me less. God loves me not because of who I am or what I do, but rather because of who he is and what he has done.
God loves you and me with an everlasting, unconditional agape love. It can't be earned. No amount of money can buy it. It won't be found in any store. It can't be ordered online or through a catalog. Sacrifices and offerings won't obtain it. Being good won't get it. Serving God night and day doesn't meet the criteria. It is freely given by the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8,9)
How do you receive such matchless love? By simply coming to Jesus with your sin and inviting him to come into your heart by faith.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Our Security Blanket
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. (2 Samuel 22:1 NLT)
How many of you remember Linus van Pelt who appeared in the comic strip Peanuts? Linus was pictures carrying his "security blanket" and sucking his thumb. Lucy and Snoopy tried different tricks to rid Linus of his security blanket, but all of them failed.
As adults, we too cling to our security blankets involving relationships;, job titles, status symbols, country club memberships, fancy houses, and expensive cars. Whatever our security blankets we depend upon, the truth is that none of these things offer permanent security. They can be broken, stolen, lost, or ruined, and subject to failure.
Our security blanket rests solely upon our relationship with Jesus Christ who is our Savior and our God.
How about you? Have you claimed Jesus Christ as your security blanket? Do you turn to him in time of distress and need?
Thought for the Day: Jesus is the "rock" that I want to stand on.
How many of you remember Linus van Pelt who appeared in the comic strip Peanuts? Linus was pictures carrying his "security blanket" and sucking his thumb. Lucy and Snoopy tried different tricks to rid Linus of his security blanket, but all of them failed.
As adults, we too cling to our security blankets involving relationships;, job titles, status symbols, country club memberships, fancy houses, and expensive cars. Whatever our security blankets we depend upon, the truth is that none of these things offer permanent security. They can be broken, stolen, lost, or ruined, and subject to failure.
Our security blanket rests solely upon our relationship with Jesus Christ who is our Savior and our God.
How about you? Have you claimed Jesus Christ as your security blanket? Do you turn to him in time of distress and need?
Thought for the Day: Jesus is the "rock" that I want to stand on.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Hitting the "Mute" Button
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brace and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Ps. 27:14)
Life is jam-packed with busyness. People rushing out of subways, trains, street cars, and buses to get somewhere ahead of everyone else is maddening. The rush hour traffic in large cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami is enough to try any man's patience.
Everyone seems to have their plates so full of activities and busyness that they don't have time to relax in the Lord. Allowing ourselves to get caught up in the speed and noise driven culture hinders our desire to spend time with the Lord. What can we do to offset this busyness and enjoy our relationship with God?
Instead of frantically changing lanes or rushing from the subway to the office, get in the slow lane and whisper a prayer to the Lord. Better yet when you are watching television push the "mute" button and close your eyes for a bit of respite from all the noise and clamor.
Thought for the Day: God rested on the seventh day to provide an example for us.
Life is jam-packed with busyness. People rushing out of subways, trains, street cars, and buses to get somewhere ahead of everyone else is maddening. The rush hour traffic in large cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami is enough to try any man's patience.
Everyone seems to have their plates so full of activities and busyness that they don't have time to relax in the Lord. Allowing ourselves to get caught up in the speed and noise driven culture hinders our desire to spend time with the Lord. What can we do to offset this busyness and enjoy our relationship with God?
Instead of frantically changing lanes or rushing from the subway to the office, get in the slow lane and whisper a prayer to the Lord. Better yet when you are watching television push the "mute" button and close your eyes for a bit of respite from all the noise and clamor.
Thought for the Day: God rested on the seventh day to provide an example for us.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Beware of Woodpeckers
These people are grumblers and complainers, doing whatever evil they feel like. (Jude 1:16a)
Woodpeckers can be pesky little creatures. The holes in the Noah"s ark picture remind me of the children of Israel pecking away at Moses in the wilderness. Time after time Moses heard the Israelites complain, "Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us to this terrible place? (Numbers 20:4 NLT).
How can you and I avoid being classified as woodpeckers? First, practice the principles laid down by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-13 where he instructed them to show tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Second, let your speech be gracious and non-judgmental. Third, don't listen to critics and resist being one. Fourth, exercise restraint and don't allow yourself to become a woodpecker.
Surely Noah must have been thinking, this woodpecker has got to go.
Woodpeckers can be pesky little creatures. The holes in the Noah"s ark picture remind me of the children of Israel pecking away at Moses in the wilderness. Time after time Moses heard the Israelites complain, "Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us to this terrible place? (Numbers 20:4 NLT).
How can you and I avoid being classified as woodpeckers? First, practice the principles laid down by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-13 where he instructed them to show tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Second, let your speech be gracious and non-judgmental. Third, don't listen to critics and resist being one. Fourth, exercise restraint and don't allow yourself to become a woodpecker.
Surely Noah must have been thinking, this woodpecker has got to go.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Cling to the Rock
No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2
Tormented! Mocked and ridiculed! These were just a few of the unkind, sarcastic remarks that Hannah had to endure from the lips of her husband's other wife, Peninnah. Peninnah felt no sympathy and gave no slack in her persistent harassment of Hannah.
Hannah poured out her heart to God and prayed for a son. She promised to dedicate him to God and He answered her prayer. Her son Samuel became a judge and prophet in Israel.
As a child, I knew what it meant to be shunned, made fun of, harassed by bigger kids, and left out of games and activities. It wasn't until ten years later that I came to know Jesus as my personal Savior. How thankful I am that God never gives up in his pursuit of sinners.
Are you lonely, depressed, fearful, uncertain -- take it all to Jesus. Like Hannah, pour out your heart to God. He will listen and answer according to his will.
Thought for the Day: God is waiting for you to call upon him.
Tormented! Mocked and ridiculed! These were just a few of the unkind, sarcastic remarks that Hannah had to endure from the lips of her husband's other wife, Peninnah. Peninnah felt no sympathy and gave no slack in her persistent harassment of Hannah.
Hannah poured out her heart to God and prayed for a son. She promised to dedicate him to God and He answered her prayer. Her son Samuel became a judge and prophet in Israel.
As a child, I knew what it meant to be shunned, made fun of, harassed by bigger kids, and left out of games and activities. It wasn't until ten years later that I came to know Jesus as my personal Savior. How thankful I am that God never gives up in his pursuit of sinners.
Are you lonely, depressed, fearful, uncertain -- take it all to Jesus. Like Hannah, pour out your heart to God. He will listen and answer according to his will.
Thought for the Day: God is waiting for you to call upon him.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Hurry Up and Wait
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)
One thing I learned during my enlistment in the U.S. Navy is the truth behind the off repeated statement -- hurry up and wait. We'd line up and march a quick step down to the mess hall only to have to wait what seemed like forever to eat. Upon graduation we had to stand at attention on the parade ground for an hour waiting for our review.
Waiting is tough, especially when it comes to the big issues like waiting in an emergency room, waiting to hear the outcome of a job interview, or waiting for an answer to an urgent prayer.
God doesn't always answer our prayers when we think he should or in the way we desire, but he always answers. Our part is to trust him when the answer is delayed.
Have you been praying about an important issue and found God silent? How did you respond? Did you do like David, "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry." (Psalm 40:1 NLT).
One thing I learned during my enlistment in the U.S. Navy is the truth behind the off repeated statement -- hurry up and wait. We'd line up and march a quick step down to the mess hall only to have to wait what seemed like forever to eat. Upon graduation we had to stand at attention on the parade ground for an hour waiting for our review.
Waiting is tough, especially when it comes to the big issues like waiting in an emergency room, waiting to hear the outcome of a job interview, or waiting for an answer to an urgent prayer.
God doesn't always answer our prayers when we think he should or in the way we desire, but he always answers. Our part is to trust him when the answer is delayed.
Have you been praying about an important issue and found God silent? How did you respond? Did you do like David, "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry." (Psalm 40:1 NLT).
Monday, August 29, 2011
Modeling Kindness
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NLT)
Jesus was our perfect model of kindness. All through his earthly ministry (as he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, healed the woman with the issue of blood, raised Jarius' daughter, and defended the adulterous woman) God was expressing his grace through these deliberate acts of kindness shown by Jesus.
My mother was a lady who loved to show kindness. I still remember her taking food to sick neighbors and feeding the hungry who came to our door. It seemed every stray animal knew a morsel was waiting for them on our back porch. No one was ever turned away. We kids learned from watching our mother's example how God blesses those who are willing to give a helping hand to others in need.
One of the special gifts given to believers by the Holy Spirit is the gift of "helps." We are never too young or too old to share Jesus' kindness to those around us.
Thought for the Day: Jesus modeled kindness so that we might go our and duplicate his actions.
Jesus was our perfect model of kindness. All through his earthly ministry (as he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, healed the woman with the issue of blood, raised Jarius' daughter, and defended the adulterous woman) God was expressing his grace through these deliberate acts of kindness shown by Jesus.
My mother was a lady who loved to show kindness. I still remember her taking food to sick neighbors and feeding the hungry who came to our door. It seemed every stray animal knew a morsel was waiting for them on our back porch. No one was ever turned away. We kids learned from watching our mother's example how God blesses those who are willing to give a helping hand to others in need.
One of the special gifts given to believers by the Holy Spirit is the gift of "helps." We are never too young or too old to share Jesus' kindness to those around us.
Thought for the Day: Jesus modeled kindness so that we might go our and duplicate his actions.
Friday, August 26, 2011
God Came Down
I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians. (Exodus 3:8)
During my morning Bible reading I came across the incident of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus, Chapter 3. God was aware of the plight of the Israelites so he told Moses that he was coming down to deliver them from bondage.
Thousands of years later, people were still in bondage and once again God came down in the form of a babe in a Bethlehem manger to deliver them from the bondage of sin. I was struck by the faithfulness of God in remembering his people and by his willingness to provide deliverance. I see no worthiness in my life that would prompt him to demonstrate such love and grace.
Let us come to the Lord with thanksgiving and praise for his eternal love and grace.
Thought for the Day: God is still coming down today to rescue us from the dregs of sin.
During my morning Bible reading I came across the incident of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus, Chapter 3. God was aware of the plight of the Israelites so he told Moses that he was coming down to deliver them from bondage.
Thousands of years later, people were still in bondage and once again God came down in the form of a babe in a Bethlehem manger to deliver them from the bondage of sin. I was struck by the faithfulness of God in remembering his people and by his willingness to provide deliverance. I see no worthiness in my life that would prompt him to demonstrate such love and grace.
Let us come to the Lord with thanksgiving and praise for his eternal love and grace.
Thought for the Day: God is still coming down today to rescue us from the dregs of sin.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
God's Vineyard
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener." (John 15:1)
We are part of God's vineyard. When we hurt, he embraces us with his love. No matter how wounded, distraught, or broken we may be, he has grace enough to fix our problems. He forgives our failures and strengthens our resolve. He patiently teaches us his ways. He fills our cup to overflowing with goodness and mercy. He never slumbers or sleeps. When we grow faint, he gives us strength. When we stumble and fall, he lifts us up. When we disappoint him, he understands. When we seek his guidance, he sends his Holy Spirit as our guide. When working for the kingdom, he hedges us about with his protection. Nothing takes place in our lives that he doesn't allow.
Isn't he a gardener we can trust?
Thought for the Day: The gardener makes a vineyard productive.
We are part of God's vineyard. When we hurt, he embraces us with his love. No matter how wounded, distraught, or broken we may be, he has grace enough to fix our problems. He forgives our failures and strengthens our resolve. He patiently teaches us his ways. He fills our cup to overflowing with goodness and mercy. He never slumbers or sleeps. When we grow faint, he gives us strength. When we stumble and fall, he lifts us up. When we disappoint him, he understands. When we seek his guidance, he sends his Holy Spirit as our guide. When working for the kingdom, he hedges us about with his protection. Nothing takes place in our lives that he doesn't allow.
Isn't he a gardener we can trust?
Thought for the Day: The gardener makes a vineyard productive.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friends Forever
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
How would you define a friend? A friend is someone who loves me unconditionally in spite of my many faults and seeks to draw me closer to God.
The paralyzed man in Mark 2 was a fortunate man indeed. He had four such friends who looked after his every need 24/7. They were men of great faith. They made a commitment to take the man to see Jesus. In the process they tore open a hole in a man's roof to lower the crippled man in front of Jesus. Jesus publicly recognized their faith and healed the man. He said, "Take up your mat and go home."
Wow! Do you have any friends like that? I know one such friend who said to me, "I will never leave you or forsake you." His name is Jesus. I can count on Jesus to come to my aid when a need arises. His phone line is never out of order or too busy to hear my call. I have never gotten a busy signal when I dialed. He never puts me on hold. I can even understand him when he speaks to me. He speaks my heart language.
Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? Is he your friend too? All it take to make him your friend is repentance and faith. Once that is accomplished you can dial his phone number anytime day or night.
Have you dialed him lately? If not, here is his phone number. ISA 65:24. Why not give him a ring right now?
Thought for the Day: Jesus wants to be your friend -- will you let him come into your life today?
How would you define a friend? A friend is someone who loves me unconditionally in spite of my many faults and seeks to draw me closer to God.
The paralyzed man in Mark 2 was a fortunate man indeed. He had four such friends who looked after his every need 24/7. They were men of great faith. They made a commitment to take the man to see Jesus. In the process they tore open a hole in a man's roof to lower the crippled man in front of Jesus. Jesus publicly recognized their faith and healed the man. He said, "Take up your mat and go home."
Wow! Do you have any friends like that? I know one such friend who said to me, "I will never leave you or forsake you." His name is Jesus. I can count on Jesus to come to my aid when a need arises. His phone line is never out of order or too busy to hear my call. I have never gotten a busy signal when I dialed. He never puts me on hold. I can even understand him when he speaks to me. He speaks my heart language.
Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? Is he your friend too? All it take to make him your friend is repentance and faith. Once that is accomplished you can dial his phone number anytime day or night.
Have you dialed him lately? If not, here is his phone number. ISA 65:24. Why not give him a ring right now?
Thought for the Day: Jesus wants to be your friend -- will you let him come into your life today?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Following Your Star
I, Jesus sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star. (Revelation 22:16 NLT)
Everyone follows some kind of star. Your star may be the glitter and glamor of Hollywood, or perhaps a career in the business world, sports arena, medical field, radio, television, or some other dream vocation. It is perfectly normal for all of us to have worthy aspirations. The question is: What constitutes worthy?
The shepherds considered it worthy to leave their flocks and go see the newborn baby in Bethlehem. The wise men followed a star to lay gifts at the feet of the King of the Jews. The Apostle Paul thought it worthy to endure chains and death to reach the Roman empire with the gospel.
What star are you following? What worthy cause re you striving for? The most valuable and worthy gift you can give to Jesus is --- YOU! This is his aspiration and dream -- to love you and have you love him in return. Why not hitch your life to THE STAR?
Thought for the Day: God's day star is shining just as brightly as in the beginning of time.
Everyone follows some kind of star. Your star may be the glitter and glamor of Hollywood, or perhaps a career in the business world, sports arena, medical field, radio, television, or some other dream vocation. It is perfectly normal for all of us to have worthy aspirations. The question is: What constitutes worthy?
The shepherds considered it worthy to leave their flocks and go see the newborn baby in Bethlehem. The wise men followed a star to lay gifts at the feet of the King of the Jews. The Apostle Paul thought it worthy to endure chains and death to reach the Roman empire with the gospel.
What star are you following? What worthy cause re you striving for? The most valuable and worthy gift you can give to Jesus is --- YOU! This is his aspiration and dream -- to love you and have you love him in return. Why not hitch your life to THE STAR?
Thought for the Day: God's day star is shining just as brightly as in the beginning of time.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Follow the Leader
Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
When I was a young boy, the neighborhood kids enjoyed playing the game of follow-the-leader. Different ones took turns being the leader, and we walked, crawled, and climbed over all kinds of obstacles. It took a lot of effort to keep up with the leader and duplicate his movements.
You will find a lot of follow-the-leader stories in the Bible. God uses people as leaders, but other devices are used as well. A pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day led the people of Israel in the wilderness. Balaam's donkey led him on a merry chase. A fiery furnace led Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge God. A star led the wise men to the newborn baby Jesus. Greed led Judas to betray his Savior, while fer led Peter to deny the Lord.
One thing stands out in all these follow-the-leader examples. God was in control. He is the master leaders and directs events to fulfill his own will and purpose.
Are you a leader or a follower? God can use you in either role. Begin with small venture and watch God multiply your outreach. God to him for direction and counsel. Seek his will, Remember: "You can't walk on the water if you don't get out of the boat."
Thought for the Day: Jesus is the perfect leader to follow.
When I was a young boy, the neighborhood kids enjoyed playing the game of follow-the-leader. Different ones took turns being the leader, and we walked, crawled, and climbed over all kinds of obstacles. It took a lot of effort to keep up with the leader and duplicate his movements.
You will find a lot of follow-the-leader stories in the Bible. God uses people as leaders, but other devices are used as well. A pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day led the people of Israel in the wilderness. Balaam's donkey led him on a merry chase. A fiery furnace led Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge God. A star led the wise men to the newborn baby Jesus. Greed led Judas to betray his Savior, while fer led Peter to deny the Lord.
One thing stands out in all these follow-the-leader examples. God was in control. He is the master leaders and directs events to fulfill his own will and purpose.
Are you a leader or a follower? God can use you in either role. Begin with small venture and watch God multiply your outreach. God to him for direction and counsel. Seek his will, Remember: "You can't walk on the water if you don't get out of the boat."
Thought for the Day: Jesus is the perfect leader to follow.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Letting our Light Shine
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father. (Matthew 5:16)
The Olympic torch is a symbol of freedom and is carried around the world before the games begin. It originates in Athens and circumvents the globe to reach the stadium where the games take place.
Similarly, the Christian is expected to let the light of the Gospel shine for all to see. How easy it is to allow the flame and passion for service to be extinguished. Financial worries, job related and family stress, overemphasis of personal hobbies -- all can dim our flame. To keep the flame brightly shinning we need daily inspiration from the word of God.
I still love to sing the children's chorus -- This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine,m let it shine. Letting our light shine so all the world can see is the best way to bring glory to our Heavenly Father.
Thought for the Day: God's light is pure and penetrating.
The Olympic torch is a symbol of freedom and is carried around the world before the games begin. It originates in Athens and circumvents the globe to reach the stadium where the games take place.
Similarly, the Christian is expected to let the light of the Gospel shine for all to see. How easy it is to allow the flame and passion for service to be extinguished. Financial worries, job related and family stress, overemphasis of personal hobbies -- all can dim our flame. To keep the flame brightly shinning we need daily inspiration from the word of God.
I still love to sing the children's chorus -- This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine,m let it shine. Letting our light shine so all the world can see is the best way to bring glory to our Heavenly Father.
Thought for the Day: God's light is pure and penetrating.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Damaged Goods
But Peter said, Man, I don't know what you are talking about." And as soon as he said these words, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning , you will deny me three times. And Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly. (Luke 22:60-61 NLT)
Peter blew it. What he least expected to happen had happened. He denied his master and Lord. Now his life was in a shambles. He ran out of the courtyard devastated and defeated. What use would his life be now to the Lord? He was damaged goods. Would he be cast aside, forgotten, and thrown into the trash heap of uselessness?
After the resurrection, the Lord sought out Peter personally to offer forgiveness and restoration. At a breakfast gathering with the disciples Jesus turned to Peter and said, Simon son of John, do you love me more than these/" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. (John 21:15) Why did this conversation take place between the Lord and Peter? I believe the Lord wanted to assure Peter that he was not damaged goods. In effect, Jesus was saying to Peter, your failure has not changed anything between us. You're still part of my family.
You and I may be considered damaged goods before the world and in our own eyes, but not to the Lord. Just as he did with Peter, he says to you and me, Feed my lambs.
Thought for the Day: God stands ready to restore and forgive all who come to him in humble repentance and faith.
Peter blew it. What he least expected to happen had happened. He denied his master and Lord. Now his life was in a shambles. He ran out of the courtyard devastated and defeated. What use would his life be now to the Lord? He was damaged goods. Would he be cast aside, forgotten, and thrown into the trash heap of uselessness?
After the resurrection, the Lord sought out Peter personally to offer forgiveness and restoration. At a breakfast gathering with the disciples Jesus turned to Peter and said, Simon son of John, do you love me more than these/" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. (John 21:15) Why did this conversation take place between the Lord and Peter? I believe the Lord wanted to assure Peter that he was not damaged goods. In effect, Jesus was saying to Peter, your failure has not changed anything between us. You're still part of my family.
You and I may be considered damaged goods before the world and in our own eyes, but not to the Lord. Just as he did with Peter, he says to you and me, Feed my lambs.
Thought for the Day: God stands ready to restore and forgive all who come to him in humble repentance and faith.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
A Firm Foundation
For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:11)
The apostles were diligent in establishing a firm foundation for the New Testament church. They knew the chief cornerstone had to be Jesus Christ or else the foundation would collapse. Peter quoting from Isaiah 28:16 said, "Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed."
This reminds me of a past building project. At age fifty-one, my wife and I built our first house. We dug footings deep into the Missouri subsoil. After concrete walls supported with steel rods were poured, we added six inches of rock before pouring the basement floor. In Missouri, a firm foundation is needed to prevent slippage and sliding when heavy rains turn the clay into liquid mud.
The same holds true in the Christian life. If my life is not securely grounded in the Word of God, the temptations of life, the attacks of the evil one, and the pressures of a worldly culture will cause me to fall. This is why I need to spend time daily in the Bible and prayer.
Do you have a solid foundation? Have you made Jesus Christ your chief cornerstone? Make Jesus the object of your devotion today and every day.
Thought for the Day: A sure foundation stabilizes a man's soul.
The apostles were diligent in establishing a firm foundation for the New Testament church. They knew the chief cornerstone had to be Jesus Christ or else the foundation would collapse. Peter quoting from Isaiah 28:16 said, "Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed."
This reminds me of a past building project. At age fifty-one, my wife and I built our first house. We dug footings deep into the Missouri subsoil. After concrete walls supported with steel rods were poured, we added six inches of rock before pouring the basement floor. In Missouri, a firm foundation is needed to prevent slippage and sliding when heavy rains turn the clay into liquid mud.
The same holds true in the Christian life. If my life is not securely grounded in the Word of God, the temptations of life, the attacks of the evil one, and the pressures of a worldly culture will cause me to fall. This is why I need to spend time daily in the Bible and prayer.
Do you have a solid foundation? Have you made Jesus Christ your chief cornerstone? Make Jesus the object of your devotion today and every day.
Thought for the Day: A sure foundation stabilizes a man's soul.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Overcoming Fear
So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31 NASV)
Outside our living room window are two Hummingbird feeders. During the spring and summer four or five Hummingbirds come to the feeders. They are fascinating creatures to watch. I noticed one in particular that seemed to be a bully. He would dart at the others, and they would dash away in fear. He would sit in the branches of a nearby tree, and as soon as the others appeared he would chase them away.
This reminded me of my early childhood days. In my neighborhood there were some boys who ran together in a group. One of the larger boys was what I would describe as the bully of the group. They made my life miserable. I feared what they might do to me so I ran away and hid.
Since then I have learned to trust the Lord for my protection. When I get into fearful situations, I turn to the words of David in Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?" Why should I be afraid when I have Jesus as Savior and Lord of my life?
God is your protector. He is willing and able to fight your battles for you. All you have to do is take every burden and every fear and give it to the Lord. Peter said, "Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7).
Thought for the Day: Trusting in the Lord casts out fear.
Outside our living room window are two Hummingbird feeders. During the spring and summer four or five Hummingbirds come to the feeders. They are fascinating creatures to watch. I noticed one in particular that seemed to be a bully. He would dart at the others, and they would dash away in fear. He would sit in the branches of a nearby tree, and as soon as the others appeared he would chase them away.
This reminded me of my early childhood days. In my neighborhood there were some boys who ran together in a group. One of the larger boys was what I would describe as the bully of the group. They made my life miserable. I feared what they might do to me so I ran away and hid.
Since then I have learned to trust the Lord for my protection. When I get into fearful situations, I turn to the words of David in Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?" Why should I be afraid when I have Jesus as Savior and Lord of my life?
God is your protector. He is willing and able to fight your battles for you. All you have to do is take every burden and every fear and give it to the Lord. Peter said, "Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7).
Thought for the Day: Trusting in the Lord casts out fear.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Love for Special Needs Kids
But Jesus said, Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. And he put his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. (Matthew 19:14-15)
Nineteen years ago my grandson was born. Everything seemed fine at first. It wasn't long before my daughter sensed something amiss. Jonathan couldn't grasp things like normal children. He couldn't chew food in the normal way. Worst of all he wasn't talking. Numerous tests were taken, and a genetic defect discovered. It was unlikely he would grow normally like other children.
What a shock to his parents when they realized that they'd never hear him say "daddy" or "mommy." How would he be treated by children his age? Educational officials wanted to label him as retarded. He was rejected by the local school district and had to attend a special school miles from home.
Jesus has a special love for children with special needs. He invited children to come to him. The invitation included the handicapped, the rejected, the lonely, the crippled, the blind, and especially the outcasts. He touched the eyes of the blind and they could see. He lifted up the lame and they walked. Think of the power of a godly touch.
You can give someone a godly touch today. Make a list of people in need and send an encouraging note or dial their phone number and reach out to them with a godly touch.
Thought for the Day: God is busy touching the lives of those with special needs.
Nineteen years ago my grandson was born. Everything seemed fine at first. It wasn't long before my daughter sensed something amiss. Jonathan couldn't grasp things like normal children. He couldn't chew food in the normal way. Worst of all he wasn't talking. Numerous tests were taken, and a genetic defect discovered. It was unlikely he would grow normally like other children.
What a shock to his parents when they realized that they'd never hear him say "daddy" or "mommy." How would he be treated by children his age? Educational officials wanted to label him as retarded. He was rejected by the local school district and had to attend a special school miles from home.
Jesus has a special love for children with special needs. He invited children to come to him. The invitation included the handicapped, the rejected, the lonely, the crippled, the blind, and especially the outcasts. He touched the eyes of the blind and they could see. He lifted up the lame and they walked. Think of the power of a godly touch.
You can give someone a godly touch today. Make a list of people in need and send an encouraging note or dial their phone number and reach out to them with a godly touch.
Thought for the Day: God is busy touching the lives of those with special needs.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fatherless
His sons-in-law thought he was ridiculing them. (Genesis 19:14)
Facing tragedy is one of the greatest challenges any human being has to endure. Some people respond favorably and rise above the tragedy, while others succumb and fall into bitter resentment. When Jesus died his disciples cowered behind closed doors. The two men on the Emmaus road walked home confused. Peter wept. Judas hanged himself. Thomas doubted. The disciples walked with Jesus for three years, ate and slept with him nightly, and had the advantage of personal instruction from the master. Still they faltered in their faith. It wasn't until after the Day of Pentecost that they understood all that Jesus had told them.
Have you ever had to face the loss of a father? My father passed into eternity at the young age of forty-nine. I remember being devastated, confused, fearful of the future. Perhaps you have faced a similar situation just as tragic. How can you deal with a fatherless situation? I know from experience that without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ it would be most difficult if not impossible to achieve the assurance and security that is needed. Jesus is the one person who is able to take you in his arms and provide the comfort and love so sorely missed. Won't you turn to him?
Thought for the Day: Walk every day with your family as though it were your last.
Facing tragedy is one of the greatest challenges any human being has to endure. Some people respond favorably and rise above the tragedy, while others succumb and fall into bitter resentment. When Jesus died his disciples cowered behind closed doors. The two men on the Emmaus road walked home confused. Peter wept. Judas hanged himself. Thomas doubted. The disciples walked with Jesus for three years, ate and slept with him nightly, and had the advantage of personal instruction from the master. Still they faltered in their faith. It wasn't until after the Day of Pentecost that they understood all that Jesus had told them.
Have you ever had to face the loss of a father? My father passed into eternity at the young age of forty-nine. I remember being devastated, confused, fearful of the future. Perhaps you have faced a similar situation just as tragic. How can you deal with a fatherless situation? I know from experience that without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ it would be most difficult if not impossible to achieve the assurance and security that is needed. Jesus is the one person who is able to take you in his arms and provide the comfort and love so sorely missed. Won't you turn to him?
Thought for the Day: Walk every day with your family as though it were your last.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Fall Foliage
Yet God has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. (Eccl. 3:11 NLT)
This verse indicates that God has placed his eternal beauty within us, and it is our responsibility to let others see that beauty in our appearance and actions. I am assured in Philippians 1:6 that God will complete his work in us through Jesus Christ.
The writer of James advises, "If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13 NLT)
Just as the fall foliage reveals the beauty of God's creative work in nature, so also should my life show forth the inward beauty of God's grace through Jesus Christ the Lord.
Thought for the Day: God has planted within us a greater beauty that nature -- his Son Jesus Christ.
This verse indicates that God has placed his eternal beauty within us, and it is our responsibility to let others see that beauty in our appearance and actions. I am assured in Philippians 1:6 that God will complete his work in us through Jesus Christ.
The writer of James advises, "If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13 NLT)
Just as the fall foliage reveals the beauty of God's creative work in nature, so also should my life show forth the inward beauty of God's grace through Jesus Christ the Lord.
Thought for the Day: God has planted within us a greater beauty that nature -- his Son Jesus Christ.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Faith Choices
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve....as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15 NLT)
You are running for your life when you suddenly come to a crossroads! Decision time -- which path will you choose? You can't follow both. One offers a clear way, while the other appears to have twists and turns. Will you take the easy way, or the one that appears twisted?
Saul faced a faith choice on his way to Damascus. A blinding light struck him down, and a voice said, "Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting." Wow! Paul was faced with a life changing decision.
You and I face similar daily decisions. We may be tempted to call in sick at work or to make an excuse for missing the weekly prayer meeting. To worship God with a pure conscience we must strive to make "faith choices."
Make a list of various tasks facing you today. Now, decide what kind of faith choices you can make to accomplish them.
Thought for the Day: Faith choices should take into consideration what God wants you to do.
You are running for your life when you suddenly come to a crossroads! Decision time -- which path will you choose? You can't follow both. One offers a clear way, while the other appears to have twists and turns. Will you take the easy way, or the one that appears twisted?
Saul faced a faith choice on his way to Damascus. A blinding light struck him down, and a voice said, "Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting." Wow! Paul was faced with a life changing decision.
You and I face similar daily decisions. We may be tempted to call in sick at work or to make an excuse for missing the weekly prayer meeting. To worship God with a pure conscience we must strive to make "faith choices."
Make a list of various tasks facing you today. Now, decide what kind of faith choices you can make to accomplish them.
Thought for the Day: Faith choices should take into consideration what God wants you to do.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Failure is Inevitable
For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. (Psalm 103:14 NLT)
Failure is commonplace in the Scriptures. Who has not read of the failure of our forefathers Adam and Eve, Abraham, Lot, Noah, Moses, Saul, David, Solomon and a host of others? Failure is inevitable! We all fail at one time or another. No one is left out.
How does God look upon failure? Did he discard David when he sinned with Bathsheba? Was Moses rejected when he disobeyed and struck the rock? Were the disciples set aside when they failed to watch and pray? Was Thomas banned when he doubted? Where would we be today if the Lord had not restored Peter, or forgiven Saul for his persecution and murdering of Christians?
We all fail, but that failure can be turned into victory by trusting Christ to forgive the sin and establish our relationship with him. The most important thing to remember is God understands and forgives.
Thought for the Day: Failure in eyes of God is merely a stepping stone to a successful future.
Failure is commonplace in the Scriptures. Who has not read of the failure of our forefathers Adam and Eve, Abraham, Lot, Noah, Moses, Saul, David, Solomon and a host of others? Failure is inevitable! We all fail at one time or another. No one is left out.
How does God look upon failure? Did he discard David when he sinned with Bathsheba? Was Moses rejected when he disobeyed and struck the rock? Were the disciples set aside when they failed to watch and pray? Was Thomas banned when he doubted? Where would we be today if the Lord had not restored Peter, or forgiven Saul for his persecution and murdering of Christians?
We all fail, but that failure can be turned into victory by trusting Christ to forgive the sin and establish our relationship with him. The most important thing to remember is God understands and forgives.
Thought for the Day: Failure in eyes of God is merely a stepping stone to a successful future.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Living Water
Jesus replied, If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water. (John 4:10 NLT)
Food and water are the two basic needs of life. Man can exist for many days without food, but only a short time without water.
A number of humanitarian organizations are working worldwide to provide clean water systems for people in desperate need. In many locations, the same water is used for sanitarian purposes, washing clothes, bathing and drinking. Clean water projects teach the people how to take the undrinkable water and make it drinkable.
Life giving water is also needed to establish a relationship with God. Jesus offered this life saving water to a woman at the well outside Sychar. After some debate, the Samaritan woman accepted the life saving water that Jesus offered and went into town to bear witness of her new found faith.
Souls are longing for thirst quenching water. You and I have in our hands that life giving water -- the word of God. We can either hoard it for ourselves, or we can share it with others. Will you be willing to hand out a cup of that everlasting water to someone you meet today?
Thought for the Day: God has provided through Jesus Christ the water that can purify the soul and make it clean.
Food and water are the two basic needs of life. Man can exist for many days without food, but only a short time without water.
A number of humanitarian organizations are working worldwide to provide clean water systems for people in desperate need. In many locations, the same water is used for sanitarian purposes, washing clothes, bathing and drinking. Clean water projects teach the people how to take the undrinkable water and make it drinkable.
Life giving water is also needed to establish a relationship with God. Jesus offered this life saving water to a woman at the well outside Sychar. After some debate, the Samaritan woman accepted the life saving water that Jesus offered and went into town to bear witness of her new found faith.
Souls are longing for thirst quenching water. You and I have in our hands that life giving water -- the word of God. We can either hoard it for ourselves, or we can share it with others. Will you be willing to hand out a cup of that everlasting water to someone you meet today?
Thought for the Day: God has provided through Jesus Christ the water that can purify the soul and make it clean.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Enduring the Shame
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. (Hebrews 2:2)
The bystanders gaped as Jesus faced the shame of sin. Not his mind you, but yours and mine. The shame of the cross must have been a humiliating experience. His mother before him looking on his nakedness made it even worse. They hung him between two thieves, and a murderer was set free on his account. What a shameful experience!
How was Jesus able to disregard such disgrace? The answer to this question may be the source God wants to use to help you assuage your fears. The only way we can endure our shame is to focus where Jesus focused: "because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus focused on the prize set before him. You and I are the prizes that Jesus died for. He purchased our redemption; therefore, all who believe in him are legally his.
As redemptive prizes we can now sing, "Now I belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to me." What a heavenly chorale those words make! Why not sing it along with me as the day unfolds?
Thoughts for the Day: Shame is the consequence for yielding to temptation.
The bystanders gaped as Jesus faced the shame of sin. Not his mind you, but yours and mine. The shame of the cross must have been a humiliating experience. His mother before him looking on his nakedness made it even worse. They hung him between two thieves, and a murderer was set free on his account. What a shameful experience!
How was Jesus able to disregard such disgrace? The answer to this question may be the source God wants to use to help you assuage your fears. The only way we can endure our shame is to focus where Jesus focused: "because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame" (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus focused on the prize set before him. You and I are the prizes that Jesus died for. He purchased our redemption; therefore, all who believe in him are legally his.
As redemptive prizes we can now sing, "Now I belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to me." What a heavenly chorale those words make! Why not sing it along with me as the day unfolds?
Thoughts for the Day: Shame is the consequence for yielding to temptation.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
God, do you love me?
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. (John 15:9)
Have you even questioned God's love? Maybe you have lost a loved one, a close friend, at wife or husband, and your heart cries out, "God, where is your love?" or "Where were you when I needed you?"
We all ask those questions from time to time. Be assured that God is not taken by surprise when those types of feelings are expressed. He is used to the "why" questions. Job asked them over and over for thirty chapters, and then in chapters 38 to 41 God answers Job. Job is forced to "put his hand over his mouth in silence."
Everyone needs the assurance that God loves them. If you are tempted to ask, "Do you love me?" remember that God's love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:8)
Thought for the Day: There is never a single instant when God doesn't love us.
Have you even questioned God's love? Maybe you have lost a loved one, a close friend, at wife or husband, and your heart cries out, "God, where is your love?" or "Where were you when I needed you?"
We all ask those questions from time to time. Be assured that God is not taken by surprise when those types of feelings are expressed. He is used to the "why" questions. Job asked them over and over for thirty chapters, and then in chapters 38 to 41 God answers Job. Job is forced to "put his hand over his mouth in silence."
Everyone needs the assurance that God loves them. If you are tempted to ask, "Do you love me?" remember that God's love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:8)
Thought for the Day: There is never a single instant when God doesn't love us.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Distracted
But Martha was distracted with much serving. (Luke 10:40)
We see an interesting contrast between the two sisters, Mary and Martha, during Jesus' visit to their home. Mary's focus was upon the person of the Lord while Martha was scurrying about preparing a meal. When Martha complained to Jesus about Mary's lack of help Jesus said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are concerned with doing, but Mary has chosen the more important task of being." (Luke 10:41-42).
We face daily choices involving devotion or service. Spending time with the Lord enhances my relationship with Him and allows time to pause and listen. Just as Martha needed to learn to focus upon Jesus, so believers today need to learn that service is an extension of devotion to Christ.
Thought for the Day: Worship involves body, soul, and mind focusing solely ;upon God as Savior.
We see an interesting contrast between the two sisters, Mary and Martha, during Jesus' visit to their home. Mary's focus was upon the person of the Lord while Martha was scurrying about preparing a meal. When Martha complained to Jesus about Mary's lack of help Jesus said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are concerned with doing, but Mary has chosen the more important task of being." (Luke 10:41-42).
We face daily choices involving devotion or service. Spending time with the Lord enhances my relationship with Him and allows time to pause and listen. Just as Martha needed to learn to focus upon Jesus, so believers today need to learn that service is an extension of devotion to Christ.
Thought for the Day: Worship involves body, soul, and mind focusing solely ;upon God as Savior.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Dissatisfied
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, nor are the yes of man ever satisfied. (Philippians 4:10-20)
Have you ever noticed while driving in the country how cows and horses stretch their necks to get the grass just beyond their reach? What is wrong with the clover or rye that is out in the middle of the field? Nothing! They are just following the old adage that "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence." Mankind is just as guilty of following this old adage as the animals. If we see a neighbor with a Cadillac, we want a Mercedes Benz. If they have a three bedroom house, we want one with four bedrooms. Man is never completely satisfied with his lot in life.
It is my observation that the same practice applies in the spiritual realm. I remember years ago when we received a pin for perfect attendance in Sunday school. We tended to measure our level of spirituality by the number of pins we could collect. In church circles today we have a tendency to measure spiritual growth by the number on our membership roll. If a neighboring church has a large choir and shiny robes we want a larger and fancier choir. Why do we think God is impressed with bigness? God never asked us to become large or fancy. He is more interested in humility than pride.
How can man ever be satisfied? There's only one way and that's through faith in the finished work of God's son, Jesus Christ. That's why he came to pay the price for our redemption.
Thought for the Day: God is satisfied with his Son, Jesus Christ -- we should be too.
Have you ever noticed while driving in the country how cows and horses stretch their necks to get the grass just beyond their reach? What is wrong with the clover or rye that is out in the middle of the field? Nothing! They are just following the old adage that "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence." Mankind is just as guilty of following this old adage as the animals. If we see a neighbor with a Cadillac, we want a Mercedes Benz. If they have a three bedroom house, we want one with four bedrooms. Man is never completely satisfied with his lot in life.
It is my observation that the same practice applies in the spiritual realm. I remember years ago when we received a pin for perfect attendance in Sunday school. We tended to measure our level of spirituality by the number of pins we could collect. In church circles today we have a tendency to measure spiritual growth by the number on our membership roll. If a neighboring church has a large choir and shiny robes we want a larger and fancier choir. Why do we think God is impressed with bigness? God never asked us to become large or fancy. He is more interested in humility than pride.
How can man ever be satisfied? There's only one way and that's through faith in the finished work of God's son, Jesus Christ. That's why he came to pay the price for our redemption.
Thought for the Day: God is satisfied with his Son, Jesus Christ -- we should be too.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Moving Frenzy
In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a man from Bethlehem in Judah left the country because of a severe famine. He took his wife and two sons and went to live in the country of Moab. (Ruth 1:1 NLT)
Pack up, we're moving! Eighteen times in the last fifty-nine years my wife has heard those words. Each time decisions had to be made. What do we pack? What do we leave behind? Moving is always a frenzy and is just as difficult today as it was in the days of Ruth and Naomi.
Naomi along with her husband, Elimelech and their two sons left Bethlehem in Judah because of a famine and moved to Moab. What a difficult decision to leave your place of birth, and move to a foreign land where they worshiped gods of wood and stone.
When you move, something must be sacrificed and left behind. What must you abandon in order to worship the one true God? False beliefs, and practices of the past? A relationship that doesn't honor God? Possessions that are weighing you down? Leaving your comfort zone? Many other things could be mentioned.
Worshiping God requires sacrifice. God honored Ruth's commitment and gave her a place in the lineage of Jesus. (Matthew 1:5)
Thought for the Day: Consider what God is calling you to leave behind today. Like Ruth, follow your heart and obey God.
Pack up, we're moving! Eighteen times in the last fifty-nine years my wife has heard those words. Each time decisions had to be made. What do we pack? What do we leave behind? Moving is always a frenzy and is just as difficult today as it was in the days of Ruth and Naomi.
Naomi along with her husband, Elimelech and their two sons left Bethlehem in Judah because of a famine and moved to Moab. What a difficult decision to leave your place of birth, and move to a foreign land where they worshiped gods of wood and stone.
When you move, something must be sacrificed and left behind. What must you abandon in order to worship the one true God? False beliefs, and practices of the past? A relationship that doesn't honor God? Possessions that are weighing you down? Leaving your comfort zone? Many other things could be mentioned.
Worshiping God requires sacrifice. God honored Ruth's commitment and gave her a place in the lineage of Jesus. (Matthew 1:5)
Thought for the Day: Consider what God is calling you to leave behind today. Like Ruth, follow your heart and obey God.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Dirty Hands
Aaron and his sons will wash their hands and feet before they go in the tabernacle to appear before the Lord and before they approach the altar to burn offerings to the Lord. (Exodus 30:19)
I heard my mother say, "Robert go wash your hands before you come to the table." Does this ring a bell with any of you?
I have heard friends say to me, "I can't go to church with you until I clean up my life." What a feeble excuse! Once a person I was witnessing to said, "God can't save me because I've been too bad and done too many sinful things." Such individuals don't realize they are prime candidates for the grace of God. If truth be told, you can't do anything to clean up your act. God never excepts human efforts for salvation. We must come to God first, acknowledge out utter helplessness, and allow him to do the cleansing. (Titus 3:5)
What thought pattern, habit, or activity is causing you to feel you are too dirty to enter God's presence? Using a pencil make a list of several habits, thoughts, or actions that you know will no meet God's approval. Ask God for his forgiveness for each one and erase them from your list. God cleanses through the precious blood of his son, Jesus Christ.
Thought for the Day: God's ability to cleanse is always available to meet your needs.
I heard my mother say, "Robert go wash your hands before you come to the table." Does this ring a bell with any of you?
I have heard friends say to me, "I can't go to church with you until I clean up my life." What a feeble excuse! Once a person I was witnessing to said, "God can't save me because I've been too bad and done too many sinful things." Such individuals don't realize they are prime candidates for the grace of God. If truth be told, you can't do anything to clean up your act. God never excepts human efforts for salvation. We must come to God first, acknowledge out utter helplessness, and allow him to do the cleansing. (Titus 3:5)
What thought pattern, habit, or activity is causing you to feel you are too dirty to enter God's presence? Using a pencil make a list of several habits, thoughts, or actions that you know will no meet God's approval. Ask God for his forgiveness for each one and erase them from your list. God cleanses through the precious blood of his son, Jesus Christ.
Thought for the Day: God's ability to cleanse is always available to meet your needs.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Developing a Plan
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
A future date to remember. A savings goal, A vacation trip. A reservation request. A sightseeing guide. A brochure. An anniversary celebration. A walk on the beach.
What similarities exist between all these fragment statements? Answer: They represent a need for a plan. Everyone needs to develop plans.
We need a household plan. I don't know where I'd be without a monthly budget. I save a lot of time and money by following a designated plan.
Businesses need to develop short and long range plans. Calculations for future growth must be followed by plans for meeting the goal. Inventory increases and additional machinery must be carefully calculated. The need for a greater labor force and cash flow must be foreseen. Most business will not survive without careful planning.
Planning is vital in the work of the ministry. Churches develop annual budgets based upon past performances and projected future growth. The need for additional parking or people space must be taken into consideration.
God is a super planner. In eternity past, he devised a plan to rescue fallen humanity. He sent his son to earth as a babe in a manger to execute his plan. Man's redemption was purchased by sacrificing his perfect son on the cross of Calvary. My advice is -- be a planner, but let God determine your steps.
Thought for the Day: God's plan of redemption can be followed from Genesis to Revelation.
A future date to remember. A savings goal, A vacation trip. A reservation request. A sightseeing guide. A brochure. An anniversary celebration. A walk on the beach.
What similarities exist between all these fragment statements? Answer: They represent a need for a plan. Everyone needs to develop plans.
We need a household plan. I don't know where I'd be without a monthly budget. I save a lot of time and money by following a designated plan.
Businesses need to develop short and long range plans. Calculations for future growth must be followed by plans for meeting the goal. Inventory increases and additional machinery must be carefully calculated. The need for a greater labor force and cash flow must be foreseen. Most business will not survive without careful planning.
Planning is vital in the work of the ministry. Churches develop annual budgets based upon past performances and projected future growth. The need for additional parking or people space must be taken into consideration.
God is a super planner. In eternity past, he devised a plan to rescue fallen humanity. He sent his son to earth as a babe in a manger to execute his plan. Man's redemption was purchased by sacrificing his perfect son on the cross of Calvary. My advice is -- be a planner, but let God determine your steps.
Thought for the Day: God's plan of redemption can be followed from Genesis to Revelation.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Desirable to God
And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17 NASV)
When I was a young boy, we had several wren bird houses. I loved to watch the little birds make their nest in the springtime. The song birds would sing and chirp a lovely tune. I threw out bread crumbs and seeds for them. I hated it when the big old blackbirds and starlings came to steal their food. I yelled and chased them away, but they'd always come back.
This incident reminds me of the people who followed Jesus. Not all of them were interested in his message. In fact, the larger percentage only wanted a free meal or healing. Not once did Jesus turn anyone away.
These passages teach me that I should consider all people as desirable to God. No one should be left out. No one ignored. No person too poor or too rich. He is willing and able to save to the uttermost all who come to him by faith. Including you!
Thought for the Day: The undesirable become desirable when they meet Jesus Christ.
When I was a young boy, we had several wren bird houses. I loved to watch the little birds make their nest in the springtime. The song birds would sing and chirp a lovely tune. I threw out bread crumbs and seeds for them. I hated it when the big old blackbirds and starlings came to steal their food. I yelled and chased them away, but they'd always come back.
This incident reminds me of the people who followed Jesus. Not all of them were interested in his message. In fact, the larger percentage only wanted a free meal or healing. Not once did Jesus turn anyone away.
These passages teach me that I should consider all people as desirable to God. No one should be left out. No one ignored. No person too poor or too rich. He is willing and able to save to the uttermost all who come to him by faith. Including you!
Thought for the Day: The undesirable become desirable when they meet Jesus Christ.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Standing your Ground
But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you...the Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense. Exo. 14:13-14
A growling dog with teeth barred is charging. What should you do? Your mind says, stand still, but your emotions tell you to get away. Standing your ground in the face of threatening circumstances may be the hardest thing you're ever called upon to do.
The children of Israel faced such a situation when they came to the Red Sea. The ground was shaking with the rumble of the many Egyptian chariots closing in upon them. They turned in terror to Moses and he said, "Do not fear! Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord..." I'm sure they thought, Are you serious, Moses? We're about to be overtaken and you want us to stand here and do nothing.
What would you have thought? How would you have responded? The growling dog is getting closer. Can't wait much longer. It is now or never.
When you face threatening situations are you willing to stand still and trust the Lord? When the pay check doesn't come. When you child is sick. When you are misunderstand and falsely accused. When life isn't fair do you reach out by faith and trust the Lord to come to your defense?
The Psalmist said, "But you, O Lord, are a shield to me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high." (Psalm 3:3) Stand fast and trust the one who is already fighting for you.
Thought for the Day: God is the best offensive and defensive player on the team of life.
A growling dog with teeth barred is charging. What should you do? Your mind says, stand still, but your emotions tell you to get away. Standing your ground in the face of threatening circumstances may be the hardest thing you're ever called upon to do.
The children of Israel faced such a situation when they came to the Red Sea. The ground was shaking with the rumble of the many Egyptian chariots closing in upon them. They turned in terror to Moses and he said, "Do not fear! Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord..." I'm sure they thought, Are you serious, Moses? We're about to be overtaken and you want us to stand here and do nothing.
What would you have thought? How would you have responded? The growling dog is getting closer. Can't wait much longer. It is now or never.
When you face threatening situations are you willing to stand still and trust the Lord? When the pay check doesn't come. When you child is sick. When you are misunderstand and falsely accused. When life isn't fair do you reach out by faith and trust the Lord to come to your defense?
The Psalmist said, "But you, O Lord, are a shield to me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high." (Psalm 3:3) Stand fast and trust the one who is already fighting for you.
Thought for the Day: God is the best offensive and defensive player on the team of life.
Friday, July 22, 2011
What is your Legacy?
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!" (Revelation 14:13 NLT)
I glanced over at Emma sitting in her special chair, seeing her ready smile, listening to her quick wit and thought, now there's an example of a life lived fully for the Lord.
At age 99, Emma spends each Tuesday at Child Evangelism's discipleship center grading Bible correspondence lessons from children around the world. If you are downcast, discouraged, or feeling blue, talk to Emma. She has a radiant smile and lively spirit that will make your frown disappear. Her humorous stories (at 99 she has plenty) will keep you in stitches with laughter. Emma's presence brings a much needed radiance into our world of sadness and gloom. I have no doubt that her good deeds will follow her from here to eternity.
Old Testament believers like Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, and Daniel left us legacies of faith and obedience. Their labors for Jehovah still inspire people today to give their lives in service to the King of Kings.
The testimony that you live today will follow you even after you leave this earthly life. Will it inspire others, or will it cause those who hear it to turn away from following the Savior? We have only one life to live -- live it in obedience to the Lord and "your good deeds will follow you even after death." (Revelation 14:13)
Thought for the Day: Good deeds of kindness are an extension of the love of God.
I glanced over at Emma sitting in her special chair, seeing her ready smile, listening to her quick wit and thought, now there's an example of a life lived fully for the Lord.
At age 99, Emma spends each Tuesday at Child Evangelism's discipleship center grading Bible correspondence lessons from children around the world. If you are downcast, discouraged, or feeling blue, talk to Emma. She has a radiant smile and lively spirit that will make your frown disappear. Her humorous stories (at 99 she has plenty) will keep you in stitches with laughter. Emma's presence brings a much needed radiance into our world of sadness and gloom. I have no doubt that her good deeds will follow her from here to eternity.
Old Testament believers like Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, and Daniel left us legacies of faith and obedience. Their labors for Jehovah still inspire people today to give their lives in service to the King of Kings.
The testimony that you live today will follow you even after you leave this earthly life. Will it inspire others, or will it cause those who hear it to turn away from following the Savior? We have only one life to live -- live it in obedience to the Lord and "your good deeds will follow you even after death." (Revelation 14:13)
Thought for the Day: Good deeds of kindness are an extension of the love of God.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Deadly Weapon
I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle..." Psalm 39:1 NASV
One of the most potent members of the human body is the tongue. James warns us by saying, "But no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8 NLT).
We use bits to control horses and tiny rudders to turn ships, but we can't seem to muzzle the tongue. The tongue can ruin a person's reputation, destroy family relationships, break up marriages, and turn away friends. If left alone, it will eventually destroy the body to which it belongs.
A good general rule for all of us to follow is to think carefully before speaking. We should preview our words before saying them. Are they caustic or gentle? Will they build up or tear down? We need to develop the art of listening, and offer encouraging words to the person in need.
Thought for the Day: God created the tongue to bring glory to His name.
One of the most potent members of the human body is the tongue. James warns us by saying, "But no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8 NLT).
We use bits to control horses and tiny rudders to turn ships, but we can't seem to muzzle the tongue. The tongue can ruin a person's reputation, destroy family relationships, break up marriages, and turn away friends. If left alone, it will eventually destroy the body to which it belongs.
A good general rule for all of us to follow is to think carefully before speaking. We should preview our words before saying them. Are they caustic or gentle? Will they build up or tear down? We need to develop the art of listening, and offer encouraging words to the person in need.
Thought for the Day: God created the tongue to bring glory to His name.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
A Dead Dog Like Me
Mephibosheth fell to the ground before the King. "Should the king show such kindness to a dead dog like me?" He exclaimed. (2 Samuel 9:8)
The term dead dog is an expression of deep self-abasement. Goliath asks David, "Am I a Dog? (1 Samuel 17:43) and David describes himself as a "dead dog." (1 Samuel 24:14) By doing so he is suggesting that King Saul needn't pay so much attention to him.
A disobedient son, an adulterous wife, a rebellious people group. God's mercy extends to all types of people. No person is so good that he doesn't need mercy, and no one is so bad that God's mercy can't reach him.
God shows his mercy to you by seeking you out and drawing you into his arms of love. He provides for you, his child. Are you prepared to extend mercy to someone within your sphere of influence today? Is there someone whom you can reach with the love of Christ? Perhaps someone who wronged you needs forgiveness. Search your heart, find that someone who needs a good does of God's mercy -- and extend it to them.
Thought for the Day: God's mercy is available to all who seek him, and even to those who aren't seeking him.
The term dead dog is an expression of deep self-abasement. Goliath asks David, "Am I a Dog? (1 Samuel 17:43) and David describes himself as a "dead dog." (1 Samuel 24:14) By doing so he is suggesting that King Saul needn't pay so much attention to him.
A disobedient son, an adulterous wife, a rebellious people group. God's mercy extends to all types of people. No person is so good that he doesn't need mercy, and no one is so bad that God's mercy can't reach him.
God shows his mercy to you by seeking you out and drawing you into his arms of love. He provides for you, his child. Are you prepared to extend mercy to someone within your sphere of influence today? Is there someone whom you can reach with the love of Christ? Perhaps someone who wronged you needs forgiveness. Search your heart, find that someone who needs a good does of God's mercy -- and extend it to them.
Thought for the Day: God's mercy is available to all who seek him, and even to those who aren't seeking him.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Dancing with the Stars
I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel. You will again be happy and dance merrily with tambourines. They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. The young women will dance for joy, and the men -- old and young -- will join in the celebration. I, the Lord, have spoken! (Jer. 31:4,l1,13)
Israel shall return! Once again dancing and singing will be heard in the land. No ballroom dancing here. This dancing is a spiritual celebration -- peace is come to Jerusalem.
Jesus' death and resurrection guarantees the believer's future destiny in heaven where sickness, death, tears, and sorrow will be vanquished. In that day he will present us to his Father perfect and complete.
Whatever your plight today, stay focused on Jesus and gain God's eternal perspective. Join in the celebration and get ready to dance with the stars.
Thought for the Day: God enjoys music, singing, and dancing. He has his own heavenly choir.
Israel shall return! Once again dancing and singing will be heard in the land. No ballroom dancing here. This dancing is a spiritual celebration -- peace is come to Jerusalem.
Jesus' death and resurrection guarantees the believer's future destiny in heaven where sickness, death, tears, and sorrow will be vanquished. In that day he will present us to his Father perfect and complete.
Whatever your plight today, stay focused on Jesus and gain God's eternal perspective. Join in the celebration and get ready to dance with the stars.
Thought for the Day: God enjoys music, singing, and dancing. He has his own heavenly choir.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Crisis Praying
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (Colossians 4:2 NLT)
During the Korean War I was stationed at Mare Island Naval shipyard in Vallejo, California. I found it sad but interesting to listen to the "old salts", as we called them, telling stories about crisis praying. What do we mean by crisis praying?
Crisis praying takes place when life and limb are in extreme danger. If you've watched the movie, Run Silent, Run Deep, you know the submariners were under heavy depth charge attack by the Japanese Navy. You could see men with heads bowed, lips moving, fingers crossed, and dead silent. They were in a crisis praying mode.
The Apostle Paul reveals his heart for prayer in each of his Epistles. To the Thessalonians he says, "Do not stop praying" (1 Thess. 5:17) The disciples were told by Jesus to "watch and pray that you fall not into temptation." .
Are you watching and praying? Make every day a day of prayer and you will avoid the crisis praying mode.
Thought for the Day: God is a crisis solver, but desires continual communication with you.
During the Korean War I was stationed at Mare Island Naval shipyard in Vallejo, California. I found it sad but interesting to listen to the "old salts", as we called them, telling stories about crisis praying. What do we mean by crisis praying?
Crisis praying takes place when life and limb are in extreme danger. If you've watched the movie, Run Silent, Run Deep, you know the submariners were under heavy depth charge attack by the Japanese Navy. You could see men with heads bowed, lips moving, fingers crossed, and dead silent. They were in a crisis praying mode.
The Apostle Paul reveals his heart for prayer in each of his Epistles. To the Thessalonians he says, "Do not stop praying" (1 Thess. 5:17) The disciples were told by Jesus to "watch and pray that you fall not into temptation." .
Are you watching and praying? Make every day a day of prayer and you will avoid the crisis praying mode.
Thought for the Day: God is a crisis solver, but desires continual communication with you.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Awesomeness of God's Creation
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. (Genesis 1:31)
We often stand and sing "I Stand in Awe of You" and other hymns of worship.
Recently I spent some time on Mount Titlus near Lucerne, Switzerland; the beauty of the snow covered peaks was breathtaking. I stood in silence and wondered at the scene before me. No words were adequate to describe the awesomeness of the event.
Do you stand in awe of God's creative power? Do you thank him that you are wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14) and made in his image? As an act of worship, list six evidences of God's creative excellence that you see every day. This should prompt you to say, "What an awesome God!"
Thought for the Day: God's creation is unsurpassed in beauty and excellence.
We often stand and sing "I Stand in Awe of You" and other hymns of worship.
Recently I spent some time on Mount Titlus near Lucerne, Switzerland; the beauty of the snow covered peaks was breathtaking. I stood in silence and wondered at the scene before me. No words were adequate to describe the awesomeness of the event.
Do you stand in awe of God's creative power? Do you thank him that you are wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14) and made in his image? As an act of worship, list six evidences of God's creative excellence that you see every day. This should prompt you to say, "What an awesome God!"
Thought for the Day: God's creation is unsurpassed in beauty and excellence.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 4 NLT).
Twenty-nine times in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Solomon refers to time. Most of use are enslaved to time. We jump out of bed in the morning to the buzzing of an alarm clock. After a quick breakfast we race to work in order to get there in time to punch the time clock. Once there, we take our break and eat lunch according to the companies' set time. Then we depart when the whistle blows at the designated time. Doesn't it seem like "time" is our master.
God is not regulated by time. He is beyond time -- timeless. Prior to the account in Genesis there was no time. Time is related to man, not God. When we arrive in eternity there will once again be no time. Time will cease to exist once man is off this earth.
Aren't you glad that God is not enslaved by time? I am so glad that He is the master of time and not mastered by time. What a joy it is to serve a timeless Savior!
Thought for the Day: The time will come when there will be not time -- just the Savior.
Twenty-nine times in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Solomon refers to time. Most of use are enslaved to time. We jump out of bed in the morning to the buzzing of an alarm clock. After a quick breakfast we race to work in order to get there in time to punch the time clock. Once there, we take our break and eat lunch according to the companies' set time. Then we depart when the whistle blows at the designated time. Doesn't it seem like "time" is our master.
God is not regulated by time. He is beyond time -- timeless. Prior to the account in Genesis there was no time. Time is related to man, not God. When we arrive in eternity there will once again be no time. Time will cease to exist once man is off this earth.
Aren't you glad that God is not enslaved by time? I am so glad that He is the master of time and not mastered by time. What a joy it is to serve a timeless Savior!
Thought for the Day: The time will come when there will be not time -- just the Savior.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Life Isn't Fair
It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. (Hebrews 11:17)
When trials and tests come into our lives we are tempted to say, Life just isn't fair! This statement should not come as a surprise because to tell you the truth --- Life isn't fair. You aren't going to find fairness while living in a broken world. The sin of disobedience by our forefathers in the Garden of Eden threw the entire world into a state of unfairness and brokenness.
God told Abraham to get packed and move, but he didn't tell him where -- Abraham moved. Then God made promises to him, but didn't tell him when -- he patiently waited. This was followed by an impossible situation of bearing a son at 99 years of age and God didn't tell him how. Finally, after Isaac is born God told Abraham to sacrifice (kill) him and didn't tell him Why. In every situation Abraham obeyed God without question.
As true believers are we willing to follow God's leadership even when we don't know where, when, how, or why?
When trials and tests come into our lives we are tempted to say, Life just isn't fair! This statement should not come as a surprise because to tell you the truth --- Life isn't fair. You aren't going to find fairness while living in a broken world. The sin of disobedience by our forefathers in the Garden of Eden threw the entire world into a state of unfairness and brokenness.
God told Abraham to get packed and move, but he didn't tell him where -- Abraham moved. Then God made promises to him, but didn't tell him when -- he patiently waited. This was followed by an impossible situation of bearing a son at 99 years of age and God didn't tell him how. Finally, after Isaac is born God told Abraham to sacrifice (kill) him and didn't tell him Why. In every situation Abraham obeyed God without question.
As true believers are we willing to follow God's leadership even when we don't know where, when, how, or why?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
My Favorite Father
The Angel said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:20-21 NLT)
There are several reasons why I have to admire Joseph, Mary's fiance. He did not get all bent out of shape when he learned that his young bride-to-be was pregnant. He simply decided to break the engagement quietly. When the Angel appeared to him and explained the situation he graciously accepted the news and went ahead with the marriage. I find it noteworthy the the Angel told Joseph that he was the one to name the newborn baby, Jesus.
I also have to admire the way he trained the boy, Jesus in his carpenter shop. The writer to Hebrews says,
So even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
I have no doubt that Jesus suffered splinters, black and blue fingers, and cuts from the work that he did in his father's shop.
It is through the hardships of life that we learn the true meaning of faith and trust.
There are several reasons why I have to admire Joseph, Mary's fiance. He did not get all bent out of shape when he learned that his young bride-to-be was pregnant. He simply decided to break the engagement quietly. When the Angel appeared to him and explained the situation he graciously accepted the news and went ahead with the marriage. I find it noteworthy the the Angel told Joseph that he was the one to name the newborn baby, Jesus.
I also have to admire the way he trained the boy, Jesus in his carpenter shop. The writer to Hebrews says,
So even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
I have no doubt that Jesus suffered splinters, black and blue fingers, and cuts from the work that he did in his father's shop.
It is through the hardships of life that we learn the true meaning of faith and trust.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Cozy by the Fire
The guards lit a fire in the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. (Luke 22:55 NLT)
Peter always seemed to say the wrong thing and be at the wrong place. On the mountaintop he wanted to build three tabernacles -- one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. God spoke and put a stop to that idea. God said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased, listen to him (Matthew 17:5). In the courtyard by the fire, Peter denied knowing Jesus -- even with a curse.
I can remember times when I reacted much like Peter. Speaking and acting impetuously. Sometimes harsh words flowed from my lips -- hurtful words, bitter accusations, falsehoods, and openly rebellious words.
Jesus modeled the example he wants you and me to follow. He showed love and compassion to a woman caught in the act of adultery. After the Pharisees had left, Jesus straightened up and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one accuse you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:10-11).
This speaks volumes to me. How I need to allow the love of Christ to control my words and actions
Paul tells us to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." Don't get too cozy by the fire, danger lurks there! Just ask Peter.
Thought for the Day: We are the only Bible that some people will ever see.
Peter always seemed to say the wrong thing and be at the wrong place. On the mountaintop he wanted to build three tabernacles -- one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. God spoke and put a stop to that idea. God said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased, listen to him (Matthew 17:5). In the courtyard by the fire, Peter denied knowing Jesus -- even with a curse.
I can remember times when I reacted much like Peter. Speaking and acting impetuously. Sometimes harsh words flowed from my lips -- hurtful words, bitter accusations, falsehoods, and openly rebellious words.
Jesus modeled the example he wants you and me to follow. He showed love and compassion to a woman caught in the act of adultery. After the Pharisees had left, Jesus straightened up and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one accuse you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:10-11).
This speaks volumes to me. How I need to allow the love of Christ to control my words and actions
Paul tells us to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." Don't get too cozy by the fire, danger lurks there! Just ask Peter.
Thought for the Day: We are the only Bible that some people will ever see.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cost of Discipleship
If you want to be my disciple you must hate everyone else by comparison -- your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters -- yes, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26)
Today's Bible reading is emphasizing two distinct principles. The first principle requires each of us to count the cost of discipleship. No man enters into a business partnership without first sitting down, devising a plan, and counting the cost. Such factors as product desirability, market needs, work force and labor costs, salesmanship, etc. In the spiritual life, God wants you and me to first count the cost and see if we are willing to give every area of our lives to him. Are we willing to leave all and follow him? The disciples gave up their lucrative fishing careers. Matthew gave up his tax collecting job, and Paul, his heritage and position as a Pharisee. What are you willing to give up in order to follow Jesus?
The second principle that I believe is embedded in the words of Luke 14:26 is that of being willing. God is looking for willingness on the part of his followers. Sometimes this is called availability. Just be willing. We can't hang onto the world and cling to Jesus at the same time. Something has to go. Are you willing to give up all your personal ambitions, your possessions, your friends and family in order to be Jesus' disciple?
Moses counted the cost and ended up leading an entire nation. Joshua counted the cost and led the Israelites into the promise land. David counted the cost and slew the giant. Elijah counted the cost and defeated the prophets of Baal.
Have you counted the cost of discipleship?
Thought for the Day: The cost of discipleship is no more than was asked of Jesus.
Today's Bible reading is emphasizing two distinct principles. The first principle requires each of us to count the cost of discipleship. No man enters into a business partnership without first sitting down, devising a plan, and counting the cost. Such factors as product desirability, market needs, work force and labor costs, salesmanship, etc. In the spiritual life, God wants you and me to first count the cost and see if we are willing to give every area of our lives to him. Are we willing to leave all and follow him? The disciples gave up their lucrative fishing careers. Matthew gave up his tax collecting job, and Paul, his heritage and position as a Pharisee. What are you willing to give up in order to follow Jesus?
The second principle that I believe is embedded in the words of Luke 14:26 is that of being willing. God is looking for willingness on the part of his followers. Sometimes this is called availability. Just be willing. We can't hang onto the world and cling to Jesus at the same time. Something has to go. Are you willing to give up all your personal ambitions, your possessions, your friends and family in order to be Jesus' disciple?
Moses counted the cost and ended up leading an entire nation. Joshua counted the cost and led the Israelites into the promise land. David counted the cost and slew the giant. Elijah counted the cost and defeated the prophets of Baal.
Have you counted the cost of discipleship?
Thought for the Day: The cost of discipleship is no more than was asked of Jesus.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Cosmetic Makeovers
Your adornment must not be merely external -- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 ASV)
The old adage: "beauty is only skin deep" certainly isn't part of the marketing strategy of the cosmetic industry today. Television advertising promotes beauty as the pinnacle of success using gorgeous women with shiny swishing hair, smooth silk like skin, seductive eye shadow and colorful lip patterns.
This reminds me of a problem facing wives during the time of the Apostle Peter. They tried to win their husbands to Christ by using the cosmetic approach. They plaited their hair, wore designer clothes, and obtained fancy makeovers, but apparently husbands were not impressed. Christ was not honored.
Peter said, not so fast ladies, don't be concerned about the outward beauty, instead work on the inside and let the beauty residing in the heart shine forth. Fancy hairstyles won't win your husbands over. Expensive gold jewelry won't turn them to Christ. Nagging? -- forget it. That will only turn them further away from the Lord.
Peter's instructions to them were: "clothe yourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is precious to God. Let the love of Christ flowing through your spirit win them over. Be gentle, kind, obedient, understanding, patient, and loving." These are the qualities that God uses to bring lost souls to himself.
Are you living with an unsaved mate? What are you doing to win him or her to Christ? Are you obedient, gentle, loving, patient, and kind? This is the successful formula for winning lost souls to Christ. Worldly fashions will fail.
Thought for the Day: God's adornments are the result of the Spirit's gentle work within.
The old adage: "beauty is only skin deep" certainly isn't part of the marketing strategy of the cosmetic industry today. Television advertising promotes beauty as the pinnacle of success using gorgeous women with shiny swishing hair, smooth silk like skin, seductive eye shadow and colorful lip patterns.
This reminds me of a problem facing wives during the time of the Apostle Peter. They tried to win their husbands to Christ by using the cosmetic approach. They plaited their hair, wore designer clothes, and obtained fancy makeovers, but apparently husbands were not impressed. Christ was not honored.
Peter said, not so fast ladies, don't be concerned about the outward beauty, instead work on the inside and let the beauty residing in the heart shine forth. Fancy hairstyles won't win your husbands over. Expensive gold jewelry won't turn them to Christ. Nagging? -- forget it. That will only turn them further away from the Lord.
Peter's instructions to them were: "clothe yourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is precious to God. Let the love of Christ flowing through your spirit win them over. Be gentle, kind, obedient, understanding, patient, and loving." These are the qualities that God uses to bring lost souls to himself.
Are you living with an unsaved mate? What are you doing to win him or her to Christ? Are you obedient, gentle, loving, patient, and kind? This is the successful formula for winning lost souls to Christ. Worldly fashions will fail.
Thought for the Day: God's adornments are the result of the Spirit's gentle work within.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Consistency
So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NET)
One of the believer's greatest struggles in his daily walk is consistency. To be consistent one must set a course and refuse to deviate from it.
Although Jesus modeled consistency, his disciples often failed to show it in their lives. Peter was a prime example of inconsistency. On one occasion he made the statement I will never deny you and then turned around and denied the Lord three times. How do we fare in this area of our lives?
We can learn a lot about inconsistency by studying the lives of Old Testament patriarchs like Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon. On the other hand Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, and Esther lived consistent lives.
One of the best ways to live consistent lives is to make sure you keep the promises that you make.
Thought for the Day: God is consistent in keeping his promises.
One of the believer's greatest struggles in his daily walk is consistency. To be consistent one must set a course and refuse to deviate from it.
Although Jesus modeled consistency, his disciples often failed to show it in their lives. Peter was a prime example of inconsistency. On one occasion he made the statement I will never deny you and then turned around and denied the Lord three times. How do we fare in this area of our lives?
We can learn a lot about inconsistency by studying the lives of Old Testament patriarchs like Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon. On the other hand Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, and Esther lived consistent lives.
One of the best ways to live consistent lives is to make sure you keep the promises that you make.
Thought for the Day: God is consistent in keeping his promises.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Compulsory Offerings
They must then bring a guilt offering to the priest, who will present it before the Lord. This offering must be a ram with no physical defects or the animal's equivalent value in silver. The priest will then make atonement for them before the Lord, and they will be forgiven. (Leviticus 6:6-7 NLT)
My wife makes a savory dish called Sweet and Sour meatballs. It is a combination of meatballs, pineapple chunks, and Sweet and Sour Sauce served over rice.
The Israelites received instructions for sweet-savor offerings and non sweet-savor offerings. The two non-sweet savor offerings were required when sin had broken their fellowship with God. The guilt offering paved the way for restoration from the sins of touching an unclean object, making a foolish vow, cheating or fraud, while the trespass offering caused sins of injury to God and others to be forgiven.
What do a dented fender, cracked windshield, and a white spot in your favorite pair of dark pants have in common? (Hint: they have nothing to do with your spouse!) Give up? All three act as reminders of less than favorable experiences: the yellow pole in Wal-Mart's parking lot that ran into your car, the rock the truck slung at your windshield, and the Clorox that splashed unto your pants.
God has given each of us unpleasant memories to remind us of our sinfulness. None of them are a sweet fragrance to God because sin is never sweet to him. Sin requires repentance, forgiveness, and restitution. In response to confession God says, "He has removed our sin as far from us as the east is from the west." (Psalm 103:12 NASV)
Have you given God a non sweet-savor offering lately? God is always ready to listen to our complaints, forgive us for our sins, and restore the joy of salvation in our souls.
Thought for the Day: Non sweet-savor offerings are a mandatory requirement for sin.
My wife makes a savory dish called Sweet and Sour meatballs. It is a combination of meatballs, pineapple chunks, and Sweet and Sour Sauce served over rice.
The Israelites received instructions for sweet-savor offerings and non sweet-savor offerings. The two non-sweet savor offerings were required when sin had broken their fellowship with God. The guilt offering paved the way for restoration from the sins of touching an unclean object, making a foolish vow, cheating or fraud, while the trespass offering caused sins of injury to God and others to be forgiven.
What do a dented fender, cracked windshield, and a white spot in your favorite pair of dark pants have in common? (Hint: they have nothing to do with your spouse!) Give up? All three act as reminders of less than favorable experiences: the yellow pole in Wal-Mart's parking lot that ran into your car, the rock the truck slung at your windshield, and the Clorox that splashed unto your pants.
God has given each of us unpleasant memories to remind us of our sinfulness. None of them are a sweet fragrance to God because sin is never sweet to him. Sin requires repentance, forgiveness, and restitution. In response to confession God says, "He has removed our sin as far from us as the east is from the west." (Psalm 103:12 NASV)
Have you given God a non sweet-savor offering lately? God is always ready to listen to our complaints, forgive us for our sins, and restore the joy of salvation in our souls.
Thought for the Day: Non sweet-savor offerings are a mandatory requirement for sin.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Compelled to Share Christ
Seeing the people, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 ASV)
Have you ever struggled to turn a conversation to spiritual things?
Years ago I was engaged in door-to-door evangelism. It was my worst nightmare. I was so afraid of rejection. When someone opened the door and said, "What do you want," I shook in my boots. I told the Lord, "I'm not cut out for this." He replied, "I will be with you."
Do you feel compelled to share Christ? What can you do? Here are a few suggestions: Hold a dinner for six in your home. Invite unsaved neighbors and friends. Let them see Christ in you. Start a Good News club in your neighborhood or school. Find some gospel tracts and put them in each bill paying envelope. When you eat out leave a nice tip inside a gospel tract. Volunteer your time in a local thrift shop for the poor. Help with Meals on Wheels at a local senior citizens center. Visit a nursing home for the aged. A big smile and encouraging words will go a long way to make their day brighter.
Now is the time for compelling boldness. Step out by faith. The key is to be on the lookout for opportunities of service in your local community. It's not so much how much you do -- just do something.
Thought for the Day: God's promise to be with you is still valid for today.
Have you ever struggled to turn a conversation to spiritual things?
Years ago I was engaged in door-to-door evangelism. It was my worst nightmare. I was so afraid of rejection. When someone opened the door and said, "What do you want," I shook in my boots. I told the Lord, "I'm not cut out for this." He replied, "I will be with you."
Do you feel compelled to share Christ? What can you do? Here are a few suggestions: Hold a dinner for six in your home. Invite unsaved neighbors and friends. Let them see Christ in you. Start a Good News club in your neighborhood or school. Find some gospel tracts and put them in each bill paying envelope. When you eat out leave a nice tip inside a gospel tract. Volunteer your time in a local thrift shop for the poor. Help with Meals on Wheels at a local senior citizens center. Visit a nursing home for the aged. A big smile and encouraging words will go a long way to make their day brighter.
Now is the time for compelling boldness. Step out by faith. The key is to be on the lookout for opportunities of service in your local community. It's not so much how much you do -- just do something.
Thought for the Day: God's promise to be with you is still valid for today.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Will it be today, Lord?
Therefore Jesus said, For a little while longer I am with you. Then I go to Him who sent me. (John 7:33)
Are we there yet? How I dreaded hearing those words from my kids as we drove along the highway leading to Niagara Falls. How do you explain time and distance to a child? My normal response was, "It's only a little farther." The normal cliches don't work well with children. They might satisfy for a few minutes, and then I would hear it again, "How much longer? When will we get there?"
I"m sure Jesus had the same problem with his disciples. Near the end of his earthly stay he said, "For a little longer I am with you, then I go to see him who sent me. You will seek me, and will not find me, and where I am, you cannot come." (John 7:33-34 NASV) Jesus said he'd be gone for awhile but would return. What do ;you suppose the disciples were thinking? Wondering? Were they confused, skeptical, doubting, discomfited, or in denial?
How many times in my life have I been in denial? Denying the existence of a given truth doesn't make it less true. Denial only prolongs the agony of facing up to the truth. Jesus said, "I am going away, but I will return." Do I really believe that promise, or am I living in a state of denial? If I truly believe, then I will be living in anticipation of his return. Every day when I wake up the question will be on my lips, "Will it be today, Lord?"
Are you patiently waiting for the Lord? Jesus said, "Occupy till I come." We need to be busy serving him while we are waiting.
Thought for the Day: There has never been a time when God did not fulfill his promises.
Are we there yet? How I dreaded hearing those words from my kids as we drove along the highway leading to Niagara Falls. How do you explain time and distance to a child? My normal response was, "It's only a little farther." The normal cliches don't work well with children. They might satisfy for a few minutes, and then I would hear it again, "How much longer? When will we get there?"
I"m sure Jesus had the same problem with his disciples. Near the end of his earthly stay he said, "For a little longer I am with you, then I go to see him who sent me. You will seek me, and will not find me, and where I am, you cannot come." (John 7:33-34 NASV) Jesus said he'd be gone for awhile but would return. What do ;you suppose the disciples were thinking? Wondering? Were they confused, skeptical, doubting, discomfited, or in denial?
How many times in my life have I been in denial? Denying the existence of a given truth doesn't make it less true. Denial only prolongs the agony of facing up to the truth. Jesus said, "I am going away, but I will return." Do I really believe that promise, or am I living in a state of denial? If I truly believe, then I will be living in anticipation of his return. Every day when I wake up the question will be on my lips, "Will it be today, Lord?"
Are you patiently waiting for the Lord? Jesus said, "Occupy till I come." We need to be busy serving him while we are waiting.
Thought for the Day: There has never been a time when God did not fulfill his promises.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Comforting Others
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
The older we get the more comforts we desire. We used to enjoy camping, sleeping in a tent, roughing it in the wilderness, but now we want a motel with elevators, a king size bed, a TV, and a free, hot continental breakfast. Oh. where has the pioneer spirit gone?
In the Scriptures, God presents a different perspective on comfort. He isn't concerned with plush surroundings and creature comforts. His comfort is in the spiritual realm rather than the physical. James 1:23 says, "Count it all joy, my brethren, (when) you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
Human comfort comes with a hug, holding of hands, words of encouragement, and acts of kindness. God never promises to removed all difficulties, pain, and suffering, but he does promise to stand with us in our hours of trial.
As you embrace Him -- He embraces you. What a wonderful mutual promise. Have you felt his loving arms around you? Worship him by thanking him for his divine comfort.
Thought for the Day: Jesus is the God of all comfort and stands beside you in times of trial.
The older we get the more comforts we desire. We used to enjoy camping, sleeping in a tent, roughing it in the wilderness, but now we want a motel with elevators, a king size bed, a TV, and a free, hot continental breakfast. Oh. where has the pioneer spirit gone?
In the Scriptures, God presents a different perspective on comfort. He isn't concerned with plush surroundings and creature comforts. His comfort is in the spiritual realm rather than the physical. James 1:23 says, "Count it all joy, my brethren, (when) you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
Human comfort comes with a hug, holding of hands, words of encouragement, and acts of kindness. God never promises to removed all difficulties, pain, and suffering, but he does promise to stand with us in our hours of trial.
As you embrace Him -- He embraces you. What a wonderful mutual promise. Have you felt his loving arms around you? Worship him by thanking him for his divine comfort.
Thought for the Day: Jesus is the God of all comfort and stands beside you in times of trial.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Come and See
Then John's two disciples turned and followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" he asked them. (John 1:37-38)
When I spend time in devotions, I need to answer the same question Jesus asked Andrew and John, "What are you seeking?"
Am I coming to him seeking material or spiritual blessings? What is my greatest need today? Is it greater knowledge, fellowship, understanding, assurance, or forgiveness?
What did the disciples who followed Jesus want from him? What were they seeking? Jesus obviously wanted to know what was on their hearts. That's why he asked the question, "What do you want?" (John 1:38 NLT)
The disciples asked, "Where are you staying?" A time may come when we'll really need you and want to know how to get in touch with you. Do you have a 911 emergency ;number? Are you available 24/7, or do we need to take a number and wait in line?
Jesus responded by saying, "Come and see." The invitation is given for John and Andrew to become partakers of his life's work. The same invitation comes to you and me today to join his team of harvest workers. Jesus told his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields." (Matthew 9:37,38 NLT)
What are you seeking? Is it to be a harvest workers? Are you willing to give up the luxuries of this life to follow the Savior? Will you give Jesus your time, energy, and abilities to meet the needs of the worldwide harvest? Jesus says, "Come and see."
Thought for the Day: Workers are needed to sow the seed and harvest the souls.
When I spend time in devotions, I need to answer the same question Jesus asked Andrew and John, "What are you seeking?"
Am I coming to him seeking material or spiritual blessings? What is my greatest need today? Is it greater knowledge, fellowship, understanding, assurance, or forgiveness?
What did the disciples who followed Jesus want from him? What were they seeking? Jesus obviously wanted to know what was on their hearts. That's why he asked the question, "What do you want?" (John 1:38 NLT)
The disciples asked, "Where are you staying?" A time may come when we'll really need you and want to know how to get in touch with you. Do you have a 911 emergency ;number? Are you available 24/7, or do we need to take a number and wait in line?
Jesus responded by saying, "Come and see." The invitation is given for John and Andrew to become partakers of his life's work. The same invitation comes to you and me today to join his team of harvest workers. Jesus told his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields." (Matthew 9:37,38 NLT)
What are you seeking? Is it to be a harvest workers? Are you willing to give up the luxuries of this life to follow the Savior? Will you give Jesus your time, energy, and abilities to meet the needs of the worldwide harvest? Jesus says, "Come and see."
Thought for the Day: Workers are needed to sow the seed and harvest the souls.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Colorful Signs
I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and all the earth. Genesis 9:13
Children delight in rainbows. The arch of colors filtering through the clouds bring exclamations of joy.
As we approached the town of Frisco on the way home from our vacation in Colorado, the boys in the back seat shouted, "Dad pull over and look at that beautiful rainbow." Sure enough, there was the arch of a colorful rainbow. We could see both ends of the arch, and I recalled what my mother used to tell me as a child. "Bob, there's a pot of gold at one end of the rainbow." I surely would love to have that pot of gold, and there was the end of the rainbow sitting right on top of the Pizza Hut restaurant. To my boys the pot of gold was a Pepperoni and Cheese pizza. "Let's go get that pot of gold," they shouted.
Sometimes we see God's promises reflected in other ways. When I was in Bible school we were down to our last can of baby Lima beans, the only thing in the house to eat. God provided the next meal by putting a five dollar bill in my mailbox. On another occasion I made a stupid subtraction mistake in my checkbook, but found that God had put a $500 dollar check from the government in my account a month early. Recently we were preparing for a mission trip to Cameroon and God supplied the needed funds through various means. One person walked up to me after church and handed me three one hundred dollar bills. Another person offered $500 for a baby sweater that my wife had knitted. God is not restricted in the way he works to supply our needs.
What rainbows do you see? Where do you witness God's faithfulness to you? Look for it in the small needs met just at the right time. List five ways God has provided for you unexpectedly.
Thought for the Day: God uses lots of rainbows to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our lives.
Children delight in rainbows. The arch of colors filtering through the clouds bring exclamations of joy.
As we approached the town of Frisco on the way home from our vacation in Colorado, the boys in the back seat shouted, "Dad pull over and look at that beautiful rainbow." Sure enough, there was the arch of a colorful rainbow. We could see both ends of the arch, and I recalled what my mother used to tell me as a child. "Bob, there's a pot of gold at one end of the rainbow." I surely would love to have that pot of gold, and there was the end of the rainbow sitting right on top of the Pizza Hut restaurant. To my boys the pot of gold was a Pepperoni and Cheese pizza. "Let's go get that pot of gold," they shouted.
Sometimes we see God's promises reflected in other ways. When I was in Bible school we were down to our last can of baby Lima beans, the only thing in the house to eat. God provided the next meal by putting a five dollar bill in my mailbox. On another occasion I made a stupid subtraction mistake in my checkbook, but found that God had put a $500 dollar check from the government in my account a month early. Recently we were preparing for a mission trip to Cameroon and God supplied the needed funds through various means. One person walked up to me after church and handed me three one hundred dollar bills. Another person offered $500 for a baby sweater that my wife had knitted. God is not restricted in the way he works to supply our needs.
What rainbows do you see? Where do you witness God's faithfulness to you? Look for it in the small needs met just at the right time. List five ways God has provided for you unexpectedly.
Thought for the Day: God uses lots of rainbows to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our lives.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Clothed with Beauty
And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. (Matthew 6:28-29 NASV)
As I was taking my morning stroll around the lake, I paused to observe the colorful ducks and lily pads along the shore. I thought to myself, God sure does love to clothe our world in beauty. The contrast between green, brown, grays and the stark white of the lily pad flowers was striking.
My walk took on a new dimension as I began to take a closer look at the creative beauty around me. The stately pines, the colorful Red Maples, and the Orange Sweet Gums all reflected the glory of our creator God. I thought, how can I help others to see this beauty? A still small voice seemed to say plant a flower garden. Immediately plans began to form in my mind. I decided to plant colorful flowers around the house, and put a small sign in front saying, "God created all things beautiful -- enjoy." Neighbors walking by pause to take in the beauty that only God could create. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!
You, too, see God's creation every day. Do you relish the glory and beauty of all that you see? Do you praise God for his majesty and creative powers?
Thought for the Day: Let's take time to observe God's beauty all around us.
As I was taking my morning stroll around the lake, I paused to observe the colorful ducks and lily pads along the shore. I thought to myself, God sure does love to clothe our world in beauty. The contrast between green, brown, grays and the stark white of the lily pad flowers was striking.
My walk took on a new dimension as I began to take a closer look at the creative beauty around me. The stately pines, the colorful Red Maples, and the Orange Sweet Gums all reflected the glory of our creator God. I thought, how can I help others to see this beauty? A still small voice seemed to say plant a flower garden. Immediately plans began to form in my mind. I decided to plant colorful flowers around the house, and put a small sign in front saying, "God created all things beautiful -- enjoy." Neighbors walking by pause to take in the beauty that only God could create. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!
You, too, see God's creation every day. Do you relish the glory and beauty of all that you see? Do you praise God for his majesty and creative powers?
Thought for the Day: Let's take time to observe God's beauty all around us.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Clinging to Life
Jesus said to her, Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.' (John 20:17)
The morning sun is peeking over the horizon with a beautiful orange glow. As I look out the dining room window, I see a few leaves still clinging to the trees fluttering gently in the breeze. Most of the fall foliage has fallen, but a few leaves are desperately clinging to life. Soon the trees will be bare as winter lays its claim upon them, and dormancy takes over. Six months will lapse before we see newness of life again. In the meantime, they stand like sentinels to remind us that life remains within.
The women came to the tomb on the first day of the week clinging to hope. Hope that somehow a miracle would take place. When they arrived and found the tomb empty, it seemed that their hope vanished. He was gone! As Mary Magdalene lingered at the empty tomb, two angels appeared and questioned her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." (John 20:13 NIV) Her hope was at a low point until she turned and saw Jesus. She thought maybe he was the gardener, but when he spoke her name, "Mary," she realized that Jesus truly was alive. Immediately she fell at his feet and wrapped her arms around his legs. At that point, she wanted to cling to him forever but Jesus said to her, "Don't cling to me."
As believers, we tend to cling to the word of God as if it is our personal treasure. The Bible was meant to be shared with others. Others need the treasure that lies within its pages. Jesus told Mary to go tell the disciples that he was alive and coming to meet with them. When Mary obeyed and ran to the disciples with the good news, her hope was put into action.
As true believers, we have a living hope that needs to be seen by the rest of the world. Paul says, "How will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher." (Romans 10:14 ASV) You and I are the preachers that God wants to send with the good news. We need to stop clinging and start preaching.
Thought for the Day: God gave his word for the entire world to hear and read.
The morning sun is peeking over the horizon with a beautiful orange glow. As I look out the dining room window, I see a few leaves still clinging to the trees fluttering gently in the breeze. Most of the fall foliage has fallen, but a few leaves are desperately clinging to life. Soon the trees will be bare as winter lays its claim upon them, and dormancy takes over. Six months will lapse before we see newness of life again. In the meantime, they stand like sentinels to remind us that life remains within.
The women came to the tomb on the first day of the week clinging to hope. Hope that somehow a miracle would take place. When they arrived and found the tomb empty, it seemed that their hope vanished. He was gone! As Mary Magdalene lingered at the empty tomb, two angels appeared and questioned her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." (John 20:13 NIV) Her hope was at a low point until she turned and saw Jesus. She thought maybe he was the gardener, but when he spoke her name, "Mary," she realized that Jesus truly was alive. Immediately she fell at his feet and wrapped her arms around his legs. At that point, she wanted to cling to him forever but Jesus said to her, "Don't cling to me."
As believers, we tend to cling to the word of God as if it is our personal treasure. The Bible was meant to be shared with others. Others need the treasure that lies within its pages. Jesus told Mary to go tell the disciples that he was alive and coming to meet with them. When Mary obeyed and ran to the disciples with the good news, her hope was put into action.
As true believers, we have a living hope that needs to be seen by the rest of the world. Paul says, "How will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher." (Romans 10:14 ASV) You and I are the preachers that God wants to send with the good news. We need to stop clinging and start preaching.
Thought for the Day: God gave his word for the entire world to hear and read.
Friday, June 10, 2011
I'm Just Sayin
So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience. (Romans 13:5 NLT)
It was almost daybreak, but the people were already up complaining at the tent door of Moses. As he emerged, they closed in upon him crying," We have no water, (God gave them water out of a rock),no food,(He gave them manna) no shade, (He provided a cloud), and we're tired of moving all the time. Day after day all Moses heard was gripping and bellyaching about something. The poor guy was worn to a frazzle.
Does any of the above sound familiar? Are we any different than the children of Israel in the wilderness? We complain about the weather (it's too hot or it's too cold), the government (they aren't working for us -- only looking our for themselves), the taxes, privacy, and freedom (what's left of it).
The Apostle Paul gave us his "two cents worth" about this subject. In Philippians 2:14 -15 Paul says, in everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you... let your lives shine brightly before them.
Moses said, "...yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us." (Exodus 16:8b NLT)
Have you complained lately? Sure! We are all guilty at one time or another. Just remember that any complaint you make is really against the LORD. I'M JUST SAYIN!
Thought for the Day: God would have to have an enormous books if all the complaints are recorded in heaven.
It was almost daybreak, but the people were already up complaining at the tent door of Moses. As he emerged, they closed in upon him crying," We have no water, (God gave them water out of a rock),no food,(He gave them manna) no shade, (He provided a cloud), and we're tired of moving all the time. Day after day all Moses heard was gripping and bellyaching about something. The poor guy was worn to a frazzle.
Does any of the above sound familiar? Are we any different than the children of Israel in the wilderness? We complain about the weather (it's too hot or it's too cold), the government (they aren't working for us -- only looking our for themselves), the taxes, privacy, and freedom (what's left of it).
The Apostle Paul gave us his "two cents worth" about this subject. In Philippians 2:14 -15 Paul says, in everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you... let your lives shine brightly before them.
Moses said, "...yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us." (Exodus 16:8b NLT)
Have you complained lately? Sure! We are all guilty at one time or another. Just remember that any complaint you make is really against the LORD. I'M JUST SAYIN!
Thought for the Day: God would have to have an enormous books if all the complaints are recorded in heaven.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A Broken Record
After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord's sight. Judges 4:1
The history of the book of Judges reads like a broken record. God raises up an individual to act as Judge over Israel. Her enemies are subdued and the oppression ceases, but as soon as the Judge dies, Israel returns to her evil ways.
Do you see any difference between the way the Israelites behaved and our present generation? During a crises we make great promises -- only to break them and return to status quo as soon as things turn to normal.
We elect promising candidates to public office with great hopes of changing the political climate in Washington D.C. -- only to find out that everything is business as usual once the election is over. Promises are made -- promises broken. Hopes are dashed. Elected officials ignore the wishes of the people who got them where they are, and instead, they succumb to the wishes of special interest groups. Will things ever change? Is there any hope?
Israel was guilty of living a lifestyle that wanted favor from God without responsibility. That is the way many of us want to live our lives. We want all the blessings that God can give, but aren't willing to make the changes necessary to warrant those blessings.
Blessings come to those who are willing to live in obedience to His will.
Thought for the Day: God's blessings are available to those who walk by faith.
The history of the book of Judges reads like a broken record. God raises up an individual to act as Judge over Israel. Her enemies are subdued and the oppression ceases, but as soon as the Judge dies, Israel returns to her evil ways.
Do you see any difference between the way the Israelites behaved and our present generation? During a crises we make great promises -- only to break them and return to status quo as soon as things turn to normal.
We elect promising candidates to public office with great hopes of changing the political climate in Washington D.C. -- only to find out that everything is business as usual once the election is over. Promises are made -- promises broken. Hopes are dashed. Elected officials ignore the wishes of the people who got them where they are, and instead, they succumb to the wishes of special interest groups. Will things ever change? Is there any hope?
Israel was guilty of living a lifestyle that wanted favor from God without responsibility. That is the way many of us want to live our lives. We want all the blessings that God can give, but aren't willing to make the changes necessary to warrant those blessings.
Blessings come to those who are willing to live in obedience to His will.
Thought for the Day: God's blessings are available to those who walk by faith.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Getting our Attention
And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see the great sight, why the bush is not burnt. (Exo. 3:3)
Amazing! Moses said to himself, Why isn't the bush burning up? I must go over to see this. When the Lord saw that he had caught Moses' attention, He called to him from the bush. (Exodus 3:3-4)
What would it take for the Lord to get your attention? Would an unexplainable event do it? Would it take a miracle? Would something spectacular suffice?
In the case of Moses, it took "all of the above." Moses was sauntering along with his flock of sheep when all of a sudden he saw a bush burst into flame. This wasn't just a small flicker, but a flame reaching upwards like a sword. He stood mesmerized by the sight. As he stared at this amazing sight, the thought came to him, why is the bush burning, yet not being burned up? Where are the ashes, he thought. Why isn't it turning black and disintegrating? Once the surprise and shock wore off he said to himself, I've got to go over and check this out. That was just what God was waiting to hear. He used this miracle to get Moses' attention and it worked.
What has God used to get your attention? It may not be as spectacular as a burning bush, but just as effective. God uses those actions and circumstances that he knows will cause us to stop and listen.
Whatever means God uses to get your attention -- turn aside like Moses and listen for his voice. It may take the stillness of a desert, or the seclusion of a room or closet, but learn to be still and quiet because he speaks in a still small voice.
Thought for the Day: God doesn't always shout -- sometimes it is just a whisper.
Amazing! Moses said to himself, Why isn't the bush burning up? I must go over to see this. When the Lord saw that he had caught Moses' attention, He called to him from the bush. (Exodus 3:3-4)
What would it take for the Lord to get your attention? Would an unexplainable event do it? Would it take a miracle? Would something spectacular suffice?
In the case of Moses, it took "all of the above." Moses was sauntering along with his flock of sheep when all of a sudden he saw a bush burst into flame. This wasn't just a small flicker, but a flame reaching upwards like a sword. He stood mesmerized by the sight. As he stared at this amazing sight, the thought came to him, why is the bush burning, yet not being burned up? Where are the ashes, he thought. Why isn't it turning black and disintegrating? Once the surprise and shock wore off he said to himself, I've got to go over and check this out. That was just what God was waiting to hear. He used this miracle to get Moses' attention and it worked.
What has God used to get your attention? It may not be as spectacular as a burning bush, but just as effective. God uses those actions and circumstances that he knows will cause us to stop and listen.
Whatever means God uses to get your attention -- turn aside like Moses and listen for his voice. It may take the stillness of a desert, or the seclusion of a room or closet, but learn to be still and quiet because he speaks in a still small voice.
Thought for the Day: God doesn't always shout -- sometimes it is just a whisper.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Fear versus Faith
As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the LORD for help. (Exo. 14:10)
When my boys were young we loved to go camping at Big Spring State Park in Missouri. In the evening we sat around our campfire watching the flickering flames and listened to the chirping of crickets, the hooting of owls, and the yapping of coyotes. Sounds at night always seem closer than they really are, and noises in the forest are especially scary. Ghostlike shadows make the hair on the back of one's neck rise and often a certain level of fear emerges. Darkness has a way of doing this to a person.
That's what happened to Israel when they left Egypt for the promised land. Pharaoh allowed them to go, but then God changed Pharaoh's mind. God purposely entrapped Israel between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. Why did God do that? He tells us why in Exodus 14:3-4:
I have planned this so I will receive glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD. (Exodus 14:4 NLT)
The purpose of God's glory is to show that God is God. Our trials and tribulations are intended to bring God glory. Each difficulty we face gives us an opportunity to show the watching world that God is greater than any adversity we encounters.
Has God boxed you into a corner? Are trials overwhelming you? Does the future seem uncertain? Are you fearful? Listen to Jesus saying:
"...fear not for I am with you. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." (Heb. 13:5).
Thought for the Day: Walk with God where no fear can abound.
When my boys were young we loved to go camping at Big Spring State Park in Missouri. In the evening we sat around our campfire watching the flickering flames and listened to the chirping of crickets, the hooting of owls, and the yapping of coyotes. Sounds at night always seem closer than they really are, and noises in the forest are especially scary. Ghostlike shadows make the hair on the back of one's neck rise and often a certain level of fear emerges. Darkness has a way of doing this to a person.
That's what happened to Israel when they left Egypt for the promised land. Pharaoh allowed them to go, but then God changed Pharaoh's mind. God purposely entrapped Israel between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. Why did God do that? He tells us why in Exodus 14:3-4:
I have planned this so I will receive glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD. (Exodus 14:4 NLT)
The purpose of God's glory is to show that God is God. Our trials and tribulations are intended to bring God glory. Each difficulty we face gives us an opportunity to show the watching world that God is greater than any adversity we encounters.
Has God boxed you into a corner? Are trials overwhelming you? Does the future seem uncertain? Are you fearful? Listen to Jesus saying:
"...fear not for I am with you. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." (Heb. 13:5).
Thought for the Day: Walk with God where no fear can abound.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Music Stirs the Heart
But you, O heaven, rejoice over her (Babylon) fate. And you also rejoice, O holy people of God and apostles and prophets! For at last God has judged her (Babylon) on your behalf. Never again will the sound of music be heard there -- no more harps, songs, flutes, or trumpets. (Revelation 18:20 & 22)
Music is a powerful medium. A few notes can swell your chest with pride and bring you to your feet. Tunes such as the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America bring me to my feet along with shed tears.
Some musical rhythms cause me to tap my feet and clap my hands to the beat. Other songs bring back nostalgic memories of the good old days and the simple lifestyle of yesteryear.
I have two sons who own and operate a contemporary Christian music business. My oldest son was a "first chair" trumpet player on his high school band, and my other son loves to play the steel guitar. Together they read young people with the lyrics of the gospel in a musical format.
Music played a large part in the lives of Old Testament people groups. They used musical instruments to call people to assembly, to worship, to arms, and for entertainment. The Psalms served as Israel's hymnal and singers gathered to chant and sing songs of praise and adoration.
When David was a young lad he was called upon to play his harp when Kind Saul was tormented by a spirit sent from god. (1 Samuel 16:23) After David killed the giant Goliath and saved Israel's army from defeat, women came out from all the towns and danced for joy using tambourines and cymbals. (1 Samuel 18:6)
Music played a major role in the formation and protection of our country. Who can forget the"fife and drum" of the Revolutionary War,
or the tune Yankee Doodle Dandy and the Battle Hymn of the Republic during the Civil War. Other tunes such as Over There and It's a Long Way to Tipperary were sung during World War I, and the white Cliffs of Dover in World War 2. The Korean war brought to popularity the soundtrack of MASH. Rock and Roll soundtracks became popular during the Vietnam War, and the troops top forty included such songs as Five Hundred Miles and Leaving on a Jet Plane.
Needless to say, music has infiltrated every fabric of American life. It is the engine that drives business, pleasure, and worship.
Thought for the Day: God is an expert musician and can play all instruments with perfection.
Music is a powerful medium. A few notes can swell your chest with pride and bring you to your feet. Tunes such as the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America bring me to my feet along with shed tears.
Some musical rhythms cause me to tap my feet and clap my hands to the beat. Other songs bring back nostalgic memories of the good old days and the simple lifestyle of yesteryear.
I have two sons who own and operate a contemporary Christian music business. My oldest son was a "first chair" trumpet player on his high school band, and my other son loves to play the steel guitar. Together they read young people with the lyrics of the gospel in a musical format.
Music played a large part in the lives of Old Testament people groups. They used musical instruments to call people to assembly, to worship, to arms, and for entertainment. The Psalms served as Israel's hymnal and singers gathered to chant and sing songs of praise and adoration.
When David was a young lad he was called upon to play his harp when Kind Saul was tormented by a spirit sent from god. (1 Samuel 16:23) After David killed the giant Goliath and saved Israel's army from defeat, women came out from all the towns and danced for joy using tambourines and cymbals. (1 Samuel 18:6)
Music played a major role in the formation and protection of our country. Who can forget the"fife and drum" of the Revolutionary War,
Needless to say, music has infiltrated every fabric of American life. It is the engine that drives business, pleasure, and worship.
Thought for the Day: God is an expert musician and can play all instruments with perfection.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Clogged Fuel Line
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT
I thought to myself, it's time to mow the lawn again. Out came the self-propelled Lawn Boy mower. I checked the gas, oil, and spark plug. All was in readiness. I held the safety lever and pulled the starter cord. NOTHING! I primed it a few more times and pulled again. NOTHING. Again and again I tried until my arm about fell off -- all to no avail. Something had clogged up the carburetor.
This incident reminds me of my spiritual life. Like my lawn mower, my spiritual life gets clogged with dirt from the cares of this world. The little sins that go unconfessed keep me from functioning spiritually. Outwardly I appear calm, but within, a raging fire is burning. The joy of the Lord is blocked and no matter how much effort I put forth, my faith engine shuts down. Nothing is so discouraging as a spiritual engine that won't function.
What will it take for your spiritual engine to run smoothly? Do you need a complete overhaul or just a little tune-up? Rest assured that God is able to meet your needs whatever they may be.
Thought for the Day: God has a special price for a complete overhaul or tune-up. it's called confession.
I thought to myself, it's time to mow the lawn again. Out came the self-propelled Lawn Boy mower. I checked the gas, oil, and spark plug. All was in readiness. I held the safety lever and pulled the starter cord. NOTHING! I primed it a few more times and pulled again. NOTHING. Again and again I tried until my arm about fell off -- all to no avail. Something had clogged up the carburetor.
This incident reminds me of my spiritual life. Like my lawn mower, my spiritual life gets clogged with dirt from the cares of this world. The little sins that go unconfessed keep me from functioning spiritually. Outwardly I appear calm, but within, a raging fire is burning. The joy of the Lord is blocked and no matter how much effort I put forth, my faith engine shuts down. Nothing is so discouraging as a spiritual engine that won't function.
What will it take for your spiritual engine to run smoothly? Do you need a complete overhaul or just a little tune-up? Rest assured that God is able to meet your needs whatever they may be.
Thought for the Day: God has a special price for a complete overhaul or tune-up. it's called confession.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Zero Tolerance Policy
Why then, have you disobeyed my command? Since you have done this, I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. (Judges 2:2-3)
Various schools have adopted a zero tolerance policy toward drugs and guns. This is a policy of punishing any infractions of a rule established by the school, regardless of accidental mistakes, ignorance, or extenuating circumstances. In addition to schools, zero tolerance policies are in force in businesses and sports.
Shootings on college campuses, drive-by shootings in neighborhoods, rampages by disgruntled employees, drug cartels, gangs in major cities, and domestic violence reveal that nothing much has changed since the 1999 Columbine massacre. It seems we are living in the days of the Judges where it says, "...everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25)
Turning to the Scriptures, we find that God operated a zero tolerance policy with the children of Israel. As Sovereign, God establishes the rules by which people are to live. They are recorded in our rule book, the Bible. Israel had access to these rules, yet chose to disobey and God's zero tolerance policy was put into motion.
How does God operate during this present generation? Is his zero tolerance policy still in effect today? Will He punish those who break the rules? Some, who see God only as a God of love say, "No!" Others who believe God is also a God of wrath say, "Yes!" How do we determine who is right and who is wrong?
The Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians: Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. (Ephesians 5:6 NLT)
What do you think?
Thought for the Day: God's zero tolerance policy is applied equally to all.
Various schools have adopted a zero tolerance policy toward drugs and guns. This is a policy of punishing any infractions of a rule established by the school, regardless of accidental mistakes, ignorance, or extenuating circumstances. In addition to schools, zero tolerance policies are in force in businesses and sports.
Shootings on college campuses, drive-by shootings in neighborhoods, rampages by disgruntled employees, drug cartels, gangs in major cities, and domestic violence reveal that nothing much has changed since the 1999 Columbine massacre. It seems we are living in the days of the Judges where it says, "...everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25)
Turning to the Scriptures, we find that God operated a zero tolerance policy with the children of Israel. As Sovereign, God establishes the rules by which people are to live. They are recorded in our rule book, the Bible. Israel had access to these rules, yet chose to disobey and God's zero tolerance policy was put into motion.
How does God operate during this present generation? Is his zero tolerance policy still in effect today? Will He punish those who break the rules? Some, who see God only as a God of love say, "No!" Others who believe God is also a God of wrath say, "Yes!" How do we determine who is right and who is wrong?
The Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians: Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. (Ephesians 5:6 NLT)
What do you think?
Thought for the Day: God's zero tolerance policy is applied equally to all.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
All is Forgiven
Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight. Psalm32:1
Ernest Hemingway, a classic author, tells the story of a Spanish father and son who no longer speak to each other. The father decides to reconcile with his son who has run away to Madrid. The remorseful father takes out the following ad in the El Liberal newspaper. "PACO MEET ME AT HOTEL. MONTANA NOON TUESDAY ALL IS FORGIVEN PAPA."
At noon on Tuesday, the father goes to the square where he finds eight hundred young men named Paco waiting for the forgiveness of their fathers. Paco is a very common name in Spain. (Taken from After Thoughts, First Baptist of Orlando, Pastor Uth).
Wow! Eight hundred young men yearning for forgiveness from their fathers? What could have been said to cause such disruption of relationships? I am sure that both parties spoke hurtful words to each other. I can hear the father saying, You never do anything right! You'll never amount to anything! You're so stupid! And I can hear the son responding, You don't understand! Get off my back!. I hate you!. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words have a tremendous power to hurt.
Have you ever been hurt by words spoken in haste or an unkindly manner? Yes, we all have at some point in time. Countless children and adults are carrying around more hurt than God ever intended. Isn't it time that we all learn how to forgive one another?
No matter what we have done, through Jesus, All is Forgiven.
Thought for the Day: True forgiveness can be found only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ernest Hemingway, a classic author, tells the story of a Spanish father and son who no longer speak to each other. The father decides to reconcile with his son who has run away to Madrid. The remorseful father takes out the following ad in the El Liberal newspaper. "PACO MEET ME AT HOTEL. MONTANA NOON TUESDAY ALL IS FORGIVEN PAPA."
At noon on Tuesday, the father goes to the square where he finds eight hundred young men named Paco waiting for the forgiveness of their fathers. Paco is a very common name in Spain. (Taken from After Thoughts, First Baptist of Orlando, Pastor Uth).
Wow! Eight hundred young men yearning for forgiveness from their fathers? What could have been said to cause such disruption of relationships? I am sure that both parties spoke hurtful words to each other. I can hear the father saying, You never do anything right! You'll never amount to anything! You're so stupid! And I can hear the son responding, You don't understand! Get off my back!. I hate you!. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words have a tremendous power to hurt.
Have you ever been hurt by words spoken in haste or an unkindly manner? Yes, we all have at some point in time. Countless children and adults are carrying around more hurt than God ever intended. Isn't it time that we all learn how to forgive one another?
No matter what we have done, through Jesus, All is Forgiven.
Thought for the Day: True forgiveness can be found only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Good and Bad Choices
But the people answered Joshua, saying, "No, we are determined to serve the LORD!" Joshua 24:21 NLT
From the moment you roll out of bed in the morning, you're face with decisions -- some big, some small. First, you must decide what clothes to wear. Then comes the decision of what to eat. These are small decisions compared to what you will face the rest of the day. Most decisions are short term choices, but occasionally we are faced with long term ones.
Many years ago I came to a crossroads in my life and faced a long term decision. It seemed as if I were looking into a crystal ball and could see my whole life unfolding before me. One road would lead me down a broad road full of twists and turns that ultimately led to a cliff with an abyss below. The other road was straight and narrow and though I could see potholes and obstacles along the way -- a brilliant light shone at the end. My decision to take the straight and narrow road changed my life completely.
Not all decisions I have made turned out to be good ones. Like the time I was confronted by the custom officials at the airport in Lima, Peru. As they examined my luggage they found a projector that I was carrying to use with the missionary children. They accused me of failing to declare it and pay the duty. In their minds they thought I was trying to smuggle it into the country to sell it for a huge profit. I could not convince them otherwise and the projector was confiscated. My failure to declare it was a bad decision.
Joshua, the newly appointed leader of Israel, had choices to make too. He forced the children of Israel to make a decision whether to put their faith in local gods or in the living God.
We make the same choices. Every day we must decide whom we will trust and serve. To follow the Lord Jesus Christ is a good decision, but to follow the urges of the flesh is a bad decision. Bad decisions lead to dismal failure and repercussions that affect both you and your family. Good decisions bring joy to the soul and a feeling of accomplishment. The choice is yours!
Thought for the Day: God will never counsel you to make a bad decision.
From the moment you roll out of bed in the morning, you're face with decisions -- some big, some small. First, you must decide what clothes to wear. Then comes the decision of what to eat. These are small decisions compared to what you will face the rest of the day. Most decisions are short term choices, but occasionally we are faced with long term ones.
Many years ago I came to a crossroads in my life and faced a long term decision. It seemed as if I were looking into a crystal ball and could see my whole life unfolding before me. One road would lead me down a broad road full of twists and turns that ultimately led to a cliff with an abyss below. The other road was straight and narrow and though I could see potholes and obstacles along the way -- a brilliant light shone at the end. My decision to take the straight and narrow road changed my life completely.
Not all decisions I have made turned out to be good ones. Like the time I was confronted by the custom officials at the airport in Lima, Peru. As they examined my luggage they found a projector that I was carrying to use with the missionary children. They accused me of failing to declare it and pay the duty. In their minds they thought I was trying to smuggle it into the country to sell it for a huge profit. I could not convince them otherwise and the projector was confiscated. My failure to declare it was a bad decision.
Joshua, the newly appointed leader of Israel, had choices to make too. He forced the children of Israel to make a decision whether to put their faith in local gods or in the living God.
We make the same choices. Every day we must decide whom we will trust and serve. To follow the Lord Jesus Christ is a good decision, but to follow the urges of the flesh is a bad decision. Bad decisions lead to dismal failure and repercussions that affect both you and your family. Good decisions bring joy to the soul and a feeling of accomplishment. The choice is yours!
Thought for the Day: God will never counsel you to make a bad decision.
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