Lists

This is the time of year when people are asking or being asked, "what do you want?" We have lists of what to get others and possibly a list of what we want or at least what we have to do. Most people ask for things they want and might possibly think they need; clothes, electronics, food (My best gift each year is a meat and cheese tray), and the list goes on. We have our lists, but are we asking for the best things for us or are we even asking the right person? Christ is able to give us more than we could ever ask for or imagine, we just have to take the time to ask and receive. Spend some time these next few days asking Christ to work His power in you so that you will receive more than you could ever ask for.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Journey of Faith

Oh to have the faith Abraham had! To be willing to leave all you know to go on a journey where the destination is unknown. Today if someone packed up their home, left their job and went on a journey of unknown destination, people would talk and say they were crazy! However I believe God asks us often to take a journey of faith, it may not be leaving our home, it may be leaving a job, starting a new ministry, or developing a friendship with a stranger. We are often asked to take a joinery of faith! Ask God to help you have the faith of Abraham and be willing to journey into the unknown, praising God and trusting in Him.

Hebrews 11:8 NIV

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Excuses

What have been our excuses for not doing what God desires of us? Too busy, don't know the Bible well enough, don't know what to say, or just not comfortable doing it? We aren't the first to have these excuses and we won't be the last, but we do have the power to stop giving excuses and just say Yes Lord! God has set us apart for Him, to do His work. We are never too young or too old, we are never too busy, and we all know how to talk because we are created by God for a purpose, to glorify Him! Jeremiah didn't think he had it in him to do what God was asking of him, but God reminded him that he did. Each one of us has the power of Christ in us to do the work God has planned for us. Remember this the next time you feel a nudging from God to do some hard task!

Jeremiah 1:4-7 NIV

4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

My Right

We had a discussion about "my rights" yesterday at work, how it is "my right" to protect my stuff, to drive without a seatbelt and so on. We are a "my rights" people and it made me think about Christ's rights. He gave up all of His rights for His Father and us. He didn't demand His rights as He was ridiculed, beaten, and then crucified. Through it all, He was pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive and full of mercy. When we are full of the wisdom that comes from heaven, we will no longer use the mantra, " it is my right", we will be peace-loving, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Ask God to fill you with the wisdom from heaven and be the peacemakers He desires us to be. Surrender your rights!

James 3:17-18 NIV

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Rules and Rote

It is easy to see how the Pharisees were all about the rules and not about true worship of God, only allowing it to be done in certain ways and only allowing certain people to do it.  It is not so easy to see that we might be the same why. We want things done our way! We think you must dress up to go to church, Christ wore a tunic and sandals. We demand that certain order be followed in worship or certain things recited each Sunday, Christ taught and spoke whenever and wherever and the early church gathered in homes sharing meals and learning about Christ. We think only certain people can share the good news and only in a certain way, Christ didn't care who or how just as long as they did it! If we put so many rules, requirements and rote on our worship, then it stops being worship. True worship comes from the heart and not everyone's heart acts the same. We should all be free to let the Holy Spirit move in us as He desires and we should not hold others to our way of movement. Today, think about your worship. Do you expect others to conform to you, do you desire rules and rote, or do you worship for the heart, letting the Holy Spirit move you, raising those hands in praise and allowing others to do the same!

Luke 9:49-50 NIV

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Your Anchor

What grounds you, brings peace to you, keeps you calm? For some it is quiet time on a beach, for others it is the arms of a loved one. However, we can't always get to a beach and our loved ones are not always with us. There is one thing that will always be around, God's Word! When life is overwhelming, confusing, or just stinks, I recite these verses. They are my anchor, my hope, my peace. I have theses and many more verses highlighted in my Bible. God's truth and promises grounds us! We may not always be able to remember verses so it is important to highlight them in your bible so that one day your grandchildren or great-grandchildren can read them to you when you no longer can! What verse or verses ground you? Highlight them and memorize them so you will always have them with you!

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Humility

What does clothe yourselves in humility mean? I read this prayer this am and here is part of it that states what humility towards one another means:  

"That others may be loved more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I unnoticed,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it."

The world does not think like this, but as Christians we are commanded to do so.  Are you clothed in humility? I am sadly lacking and will be praying these words often! Join me in this prayer for all of us. 

1 Peter 5:5 NIV

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Wise Friends

God designed us to be a part of a family or group and not to be isolated or alone. Friends are an important part of our life and help make us who we are. Our choice of friends can either help us or harm us. God sends people our way to be wise counsel for us and we for others, it is our choice to pursue those friendships. I thank God for the dear friends He has put in my life who have guided me and continue to guide me in faithful ways. I pray that I may be the same for others. Thank God for your wise friends and thank your friends for choosing you!

Proverbs 13:20 NIV

20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

God's Word Convicting Us

God's Word is so good about calling us out when we are not being true to God. This verse tells us we are to renounce, get rid of, secret and shameful ways. Who had a thought about someone yesterday that you don't want made public? Who has secretly plotted out how someone would get what you think they deserve, revenge thinking? God tells us we are to renounce, refuse to think about, those thoughts. We aren't to use crafty or deceitful ways to get back at others and if we can't say out loud what we are thinking, we shouldn't be thinking it. Today ask God to help us renounce the thoughts and words that are harmful to others and work on speaking only truth, the truth of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:2 NIV

2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

Hard At Work

Sometimes I think we work too hard at being Christians and not hard enough at letting Christ work through us.  Are we more concerned about others seeing us as good Christians rather than others seeing Christ and not us? Are we obedient because God's will is alive in us or is it because we think He will love us more? By ourselves we could never be Christian enough or obedient enough, but through Christ's death we have been cleansed! By surrendering our will to God, He can work wonders through us, He removes the pressure to perform and gives us a desire to just serve Him.  Take some time today and think about what you are working hard at, trying to cleanse yourself  or surrendering your will to God.

Isaiah 1:18 NIV

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

By God's Grace

In today's verse, Paul was referring to the fact that he was the lowest of the apostles and shouldn't have even been one because of his persecution of the church, but by the grace of God he was a great one! Many of us weaken our ministry with worry about being good enough for the task at hand. Concern about if we are being effective, saying the right thing, or praying the right words can hinder the work God has for us. When we stop and realize that by God's grace He has chosen us to do His work, not for our great talent or assuredness, but for our willingness to put Him first not matter what others think, then we will be effective in God's eyes. By the grace of God we are what we are, so today let God work through you as never before. Let go of the thoughts that you aren't good enough and let His grace flow through you.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

All That We Need!

As many of us are preparing the Thanksgiving dinner or traveling somewhere to prepare it, we are worried we have forgotten something or don't have enough of something. As in years past, we may forget the cool whip or the onion, or the cat may nibble on the defrosting turkey, but we always have what we need! Family and friends gathered together, sharing and caring. When we focus on what God desires us to do then we will always have what we need. Seek first His righteousness! When we share a meal, listen to another's concerns, and are obedient to God's prompting, then we will have every last thing that we need! Look today to see what God is providing you!

Matthew 6:31-33 NIV

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Where Does Our Help Come From?

Today society wants a quick fix for everything.  A pill, a program, a book, and the list goes on. The world has tons of ways to "help" us. But our true help come from the Lord, only He can truly help us fix or get through our problems. Our church experienced this yesterday. A young mother and toddler came into the church during service who had lost her husband and child. She had seen our steeple and just felt like she had to come. Only God's love shown through His people could begin to sooth her pain. As we prayed over her and cried with her, she felt the love of God and His gentle hand slowly starting to release her foot from the snare.  Look to God always, look for the steeple, and help will be on the way!

Psalm 25:15 NIV

15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Christ the King

Today is Christ the King Sunday and as I was preparing the Children's sermon for today, I thought about what that meant. In the verses today, we see what kind of King Christ was. He was obedient to His Father and willing to sacrifice Himself so that we might live in eternity. He didn't demand the recognition He deserved, He paid the price for what we deserved. We have all wished to be a king for a day, but have we wished to be the King that Christ is? As you go through your day today, remember Christ the King and all He gave for us!

Romans 8:31-32 NIV

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Unity

Now is the time to come together in unity. To live in unity means all of us putting each other first, we let go of our need for our way, our security, our rights, and be willing to sacrifice for our neighbor. Are we truly working towards unity with one another or only to the extent that it doesn't cause us to give up something? What makes my rights more important than another's? Today, be willing to make the first move towards unity!

Psalm 133:1 NIV

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Pray

Prayer is powerful! Our prayers may not be answered as we want them to be, but rest assured they are heard. There are many crazy things happening in our lives and in the world right now, today take a few minutes each hour to pray for whoever God puts in your thoughts. If you have a need, share it here so we can all pray about it. Prayer is something that all of us can do and there is not a wrong or right way, we just have to do it!

Acts 4:24a NIV

24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.

Here I Am

We have all said "I can't do that" for one reason or another, we are too busy, too tired, don't know how, we just can't. But as Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us." Abraham was so obedient and trusting in the Lord that he was willing to sacrifice his son, even though he had been promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham didn't say "I can't", he said "Here I am". What have you told God you couldn't possibly do? Was it make dinner for someone, provide a bed to a stranger, teach children about God, get up early to spend time with Him, or to stop gossiping. When we are obedient and say "Yes Lord" instead of "I can't Lord", then He provides what we need to do the task, just as He provided Abraham a ram. As God asks you to do something today, make sure your response is "Here I am!"

Genesis 22:15-17a NIV

15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.

Are You Just Making Noise?

1 Corinthians 13 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible because it speaks of what Love truly is, patient, kind, forgiving, not prideful and so on. This chapter is also convicting. I can work 12 hours a day feeding others or sharing God's word, but if I don't have love for my neighbor then it I am doing it for me and not for God. I am just going through the motions. God desires us to serve, not because it looks good to others, but because we love Him and in turn show love to others. As you serve the Lord and others today, is there love in your heart? Are you patient with those you are serving, are you kind and forgiving? If the answer is no, then stop and ask God to help you fill your heart full of love for Him and you neighbor. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Lift Your Hands

It is easy to praise God when things are going good, we have a job, a home, our health and so on. But a true disciple of Christ praises God at all times. If Christ is ruling our lives then we praise God when there is hurt, fear, anger and loss. A sister in Christ is dying of cancer and though she is grieving and possibly a little scared, she is raising her hands to heaven and praising God! When I think of her, I don't think so much about all the things she has done, but about her love of Christ and praising Him in the storm. When the hurt, fear, anger and loss come, we can still feel all those things, but that is when it is most important for us to keep our eyes on God and lift our hands in praise to Him. Show God you love Him, raise your hands in praise today and everyday!

Psalm 146:2 NIV

2 I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

What's Your Food?

What is your "food"? What sustains you? Is it recognition by others, being liked by everyone, the love of a significant other or spouse? These things may help us some, but they can all be gone in an instant. Christ's "food" was to do God's will and finish His work. We when seek only to do God's will, He will provide us with all the sustenance we will ever need. It is everlasting and isn't gone in an instant. Today, think about where you are looking for your "food". 

34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

Iniquities of Us All

Not a single one of us is perfect, none without fault. Some may think they are very good or don't do much wrong, but we ALL sin. Praise and thank God that Christ took all our sin upon Him! Because of Christ's death on the cross, we can go to God as white as snow. Today, take a few moments to remember Christ's willingness to take on our sin!

Isaiah 53:6 NIV

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Strong Will

As humans, we always want our own way. This is evident in a toddler who wants to do things herself and when she wants to do it. Our will to have our way is developed at a young age and continues to strengthen as we grow older. The verse today is telling us to put others first, not demanding our way.  It takes a stronger will to do this than to have our own way. We have to work daily at putting others first, listening to their needs, how they want the job done. When we truly work at respecting others and letting them lead, we are honoring Christ as He desires. Take a look at how strong your will is today, are you having it your way or putting others first?

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Our ALL

Lest we forget, it is all His!! All we have comes from God! He has the strength to sustain us all and give us strength to go through each day. Remember, trials are a must in this life, but God is in control and has more strength than we can fathom. He is our ALL!

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NIV

11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

Timothys

When we truly accept Christ into our lives and identify with Him, we all become Timothys. We are fellow laborers in the gospel of Christ. Paul sent Timothy to encourage and help the Thessalonians grow in their faith. Each day, we as Christians, are sent out to encourage others and help them grow in their faith. It may be a co-worker, relative, friend, delivery person, your children, or even your pastor. Every person we come in contact with is an opportunity to for us to encourage and share Christ. We all have the same job, we just do it in different ways, so as you go about your day today remember you are a fellow laborer in Christ, encouraging and helping others establish and grow in their faith.

I Thessalonians 3:1-2 NKJV

1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

The Promised Land

Are you letting God plant you where He wants you or are you telling God where you want to be. God had just saved the Israelites from Pharaoh and was guiding them to the promised land. It didn't look to promising to them and they complained. Sometimes where God plants us isn't the most desirable place, but it is the place He expects us grow. God lets us choose our path, we can go where He leads or take our own way. Take a moment and look back over your life, have you let God lead you, can you see how God has placed you where He needed you to be, or have you tried to go your own way?  If you have been rebelling against where God is guiding you, spend some time today asking God to give you the courage to follow Him. Though the promised land may be filled with giants, it is where the Lord wants you to be planted and to grow. He will help yo overcome the giants! Praise God for guiding us to His mountain of inheritance! 

Exodus 15:17-18 NIV

17 You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established. 18 “The Lord reigns for ever and ever.”

What's Your Message?

What is our message about Christ? Sometimes we get so caught up in all that Christ has done for us that we tell more about that than about Christ and His life. John the Baptist had hundreds of people coming to him to be baptized and his message wasn't about what Christ was going to do for him, but what He would do for the people - you think I'm good, just wait till you see the Messiah, he will blow you away! Is our message about Christ in our lives or is it about the life of Christ? Think about the life of Christ today and share it with someone so God can use your words to blow that person away. 

Mark 1:7-8 NIV

7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Friends

The book of Proverbs has so many wise life lessons, this is one of them. So often we want someone who is going to tell us what we want to hear whether it is true or not. I am sure we know lots of people who would do that for us, but are they really helping us by not being honest? A true friend speaks the truth to us in a loving gentle manner, even if it isn't what we want to hear. Their words may sting for a bit, but they will help us grow and be who God intends us to be. How are you at being a faithful friend? Today pray for your faithful friends and thank God for them and ask Him to help you to always be a faithful friend. 

Proverbs 27:6 NKJV

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Are You There?

In today's verses, David is crying out to God to be gracious to him and to relieve his troubles. I am guessing many of us have done the same thing. When we are hurting or in a mess, we cry out for relief. When you have done this, have you ever felt like God didn't hear you, the troubles didn't go away? David's troubles didn't go away either, but it did bring him closer to God, it helped him grow into a man after the heart of God. God heard him and was with him through the troubles, God was gracious to him. When we cry out to God, our troubles may not be immediately relieved, but God is with us, sustaining is through them as we grow closer to Him. We just have to turn to Him and trust He will see us through. If you are struggling or know someone who is, pray that you or they will feel God beside them and believe that He will guide you or them through this. 

Psalm 25:16-17 NIV

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.

The Rest of the Story...

The rest of the story....prayer is powerful, so much so the results can take us by surprise. The church was praying for Peter and look what happened...an angel appeared and his chains fell off. At first Peter thought it was a vision, but then he realized what was happening.  He went to where the disciples were gathered and when he knocked on the door, they thought it was his angel (Acts12:15). My hope is that we will be blown away by the answer God has for our prayers when we pray as one.  When we all come together in like minds, putting aside personal issues, and pray for Christ to be lived thought out the world, who knows what will happen! God knows!!

Acts 12:6-9 NIV

6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

They Prayed

What could the people do? Peter was in jail, how could they help? They did the most powerful thing that they could all do, they prayed. They didn't do it as individuals, they did it as a whole, as a church. As we read, hear, or see about the decline of Christianity, we feel helpless and overwhelmed. Can we make a difference and how? We as Christians are more powerful than we can imagine because we have the All Mighty God. We can make a difference and we start by coming together in prayer! We pray for our leaders, we pray our schools, we pray for the church. We pray that we will come together as one praying to God for His voice to be heard and His name proclaimed. Join me this morning, praying first for the church to be of one mind, the mind of Christ, that all differences would put aside for the sake of Christ and His glory. This is where we start!

Acts 12:5 NIV
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Comfort

When we think of comfort we often think of warm, fluffy blankets or a warm fire, a refreshing river, a bowl of mac & cheese, or a loved one's arms around us. We feel satisfied with these things. As I read these verses, I feel comfort and I feel satisfied. I know that I may not be part of the "in" group by society's view, but I am part of the blessed group. I also know that if I delight in the Lord and His Word, I will not wither and will produce the fruit He desires me to produce. Take a few minutes today and read these verses a few times over, let them surround you like a warm blanket on a cold day and know you are truly blessed! 

Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Ouch!

You know God is trying to tell you something when all four devotionals you read are about the same thing! The message is "it's all about God, not me! We can either submit to God's will and have His power in us or we can submit to our will and work against His power. Just when I think I got this and doing His will, I read a quote from Jesus Calling-"A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets tough." Ouch!! I may be taking up my cross, but I think I am following my will! Denying self is an ongoing journey, little by little God reveals to us where we are still putting ourselves before Him. When we make the choice to be a disciple of Christ, He will help us to let go of us! Today look for the places where "me" is whining and rebelling and ask Christ to help you let go of yourself! 

Luke 9:23 NIV

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

A New Day!

A New Day is dawning full of new compassions!

Today is a new day with new opportunities, stresses and surprises. It won't be like yesterday, nor will it be like tomorrow. It is the day the Lord has made for you. It may not go as you have planned, but praise God for His compassions are new every morning and they will not fail! As you go through the day today, trust that the Lord has all you need and watch and wait for His guidance and direction! 

Lamentations 3:21-24 NIV
21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Serve in All Kinds of Ways

Jesus served in all kinds of ways. He served as He was walking along the road, went into people's homes, and even after a long hard day "He had compassion on the crowd and taught them." We all have days when we want to just go home, hide ourselves away and just do what we want to do, usually rest. It is good to do this once in a while to recharge, but if an opportunity arises to serve, we should make the most of it! Jesus and the disciples had had a long hard day and were going off to a place to rest, but the people went ahead of them and met them at the shore. Jesus didn't run the other way or say He just didn't have the time or energy, He sat down and ministered to them. God's desire is for us to serve others, that is how we express our love for Him. Today as the opportunity to serve another arises, be an imitator of Christ and serve wherever.

Hebrews 6:10-12 NIV

10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Mirror Mirror

Mirrors are a blessing and a curse. They are there to let you know you forgot to fix you hair before you left the house, but they are also there to let you know you need to forego the sweets a bit more often. Mirrors force us to examine our physical bodies, looking for blemishes, wrinkles, and extra weight, prompting us to make changes. How do we examine our spiritual self? We use our spiritual mirror, the Bible. Jesus made it very easy, "love the Lord with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." Our spiritual mirror shows us when we have been jealous of another's success, boasting of our own success, put our desires before another's, and gossiping. It also shows us when we have lifted up a friend in prayer, stopped to help a stranger, made a meal so someone wouldn't go hungry.  Take some time today to look in your spiritual mirror, examine your faith, don't be surprised if you see Christ looking back at you! There may still be pieces of you in the reflection, but we are a work in progress!

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 NIV

5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

Shaken and Stirred

Though they may not be earth-shattering to others, our difficulties can shake us to the core. When we struggle over child-rearing, issues with co-workers, marriage, or illness, our focus tends to be on the struggle itself and not on the power of God to get us through it nor a peace that He is in control. Yet in these verses, God promises us that His love for us will not be shaken nor His peace for us removed. If you world is shaking today, stop and spend a few minutes with this verse, feeling God's love, peace and direction. Things may not turn out as you desire, but if we trust God then the outcome will be what is best for us. 

Isaiah 54:10 NIV

10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Hear for Ourselves

When we first believed in Christ, it was because we had heard about Him from someone else. They shared what they knew about Christ. Once we accept Christ into our lives, we should no longer rely on what someone else says about Him, we are to develop a personal relationship with Him by reading the Bible (hearing for ourselves) and talking to Him through prayer. When we faithfully do this, we know for ourselves that Christ is really the Savior of the world. Today spend time getting to know Christ more!

John 4:42 NIV

42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Will I Get an Answer?

When we call on the Great Creator, do we really believe He will answer us? Do we go to prayer just hoping to hear an answer or pray thinking "will this do any good?" In these verses, God first establishes who He is and He power to accomplish great things, then He tells us He will answer us. We need to go to prayer not just hoping for an answer, but expecting it! We need to go to prayer believing God will tell us great things. As you prepare to pray today, begin with an attitude of expected answer and then wait for it because God will respond.

Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV

2 “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Ordinary Things

To paraphrase Oswald Chambers- we all have what it takes in our own pride and human nature to handle a crisis, it is living the life of a saint 24/7 that we need the supernatural grace of God.  Often we think we have to do great things for God, but what is important is doing great in the everyday things of life. Being exceptional at folding the laundry, picking up another's trash, teaching a child, sharing a laugh or smile, help when someone is sick, or just doing your job.  Today, don't worry about one great big thing for God, just do the best at each small task He gives you and that will be all the praise and glory He desires!

Luke 10:34 NIV

34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

Around, Over or Through

I have had the opportunity to pray for many friends this week for different reasons. As I was praying I thought about our difficulties, our broken pieces and injured selves and the obstacles ahead for many. As I started to pray that these all be removed, I realized that might not be God's plan. He maybe taking us through the obstacles instead of around or over them. We may have to suffer injuries so to speak so we can be healed by the Great Physician. We may have to be torn so God can bind us up. These difficulties maybe what brings us to a deeper dependence and love for God. As you face difficulties today or have the opportunity to pray for someone, remember that the Lord heals and binds our wounds, especially the ones He intends for us to grow from.

Hosea 6:1 NIV

1 “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

Today is the Day!

This verse was the title of a famous sermon by Presbyterian minister, Clarence Macartney. His point was that Christ never says "tomorrow", He always says "today." If Christ has put something on our hearts to do, then today is today. No excuses will suffice. Today is the day to accept Christ and today is the day to let Him be the main focus of our lives. Do your best to live today for Christ, don't put off till tomorrow because it is never tomorrow! 

2 Timothy 4:21a NIV

21 Do your best to get here before winter.

Advice!

Advice is interesting. We seek it, but often we don't follow it. Sometimes it is offered when we don't want it. Think about all the advice your mom gave you when you were younger and how silly it seemed at the time, but now where would you be without it. The verse today says a wise person listens to advice and the foolish does his own thing. God uses many methods to advise us, through the Bible, our family and friends, sermons, and even those we don't know or like much. It is our choice to be foolish or wise. The next time you receive advice truly listen, even if it is something you don't want to hear. 

Proverbs 12:15 NIV

15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Get Back!

Satan is very busy, especially with Christians. He is waiting, ready with a small voice of doubt, insecurity, pride, ready to get us to take our mind off of the love, power and saving grace of Christ. After I prayed for a young lady last night, Satan started in with, "you prayed the wrong thing, your prayer wasn't good enough, you shouldn't have prayed". The doubt and defeat started to creep in, but then aloud I said, "Get back Satan! You aren't in control!" Satan will try to worm his doubts and worries into our lives, but we have to remember that Christ is here, ready to help us put Satan behind us.  We have to believe that if we have the concerns of God in mind, what we do will be the right thing! 

Mark 8:33 NIV

33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

He's Got the Power

When was the last time you went to God and said, "Lord I am at the end of my rope, but I know that your are there and you can help?" Too often we turn to others when we are at the end of our rope, when we think that we can't take one more step, our eyes are on family or friends instead of on God. God can not only supply us power in major stresses in life, but He can also provide us power to fold the next load of laundry, answer another phone call, talk to another disgruntled person, or trying to get a toddler to sleep. God is beside us, full of immeasurable power, we just have to turn our eyes toward Him!

2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV

12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

What did you say?

Slander and gossip is such a big issue in the world today. Some seem eager to share their negative thoughts of others with anyone who will listen. I would guess we have all been hurt by slander or gossip, sometimes to great detriment to our character.  We can't control what others say about us, but we can control what we say about them. We likely want to defend ourselves and criticize them, but we are instructed to forgive and speak kindly to them. Have you forgiven those who have gossiped about you or made false statements about you? Have you resisted the temptation to bad-mouth them? We are forgiven for what we say and we have to forgive others for their words too. It isn't easy, but with the right heart attitude, we can do it.  

Mark 3:28 NIV

28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,

Unfailing

There a word in this verse that is very important, "unfailing." It is not just in God's love that He leads us but His unfailing love. Why is that so important? All of us at some point in time have made a wrong decision, not listened or didn't hear God and went down the wrong path, but because God's love is unfailing He never fails to guide us back to the right path. He waits for us to hear Him and follow His lead. God knows that our journey will be full of twists and turns as we learn to trust Him and He will never fail us or stop loving us because of the wrong turns. Remember He has an unfailing love for you!!

Exodus 15:13 NIV

13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Who Am I Serving

What would our days be like if we did everything as if doing it for the Lord? Whether it is making breakfast, mowing the lawn, folding clothes, fixing leaking faucet, fixing someone else's mistake, or just opening the door for someone, we do it for God. I think it would bring joy to the most mundane or messy jobs, it would a peace in the midst of chaos. It would help us keep our focus on God. Today try to do each and every task as if for God, let us know how your day went!

Ephesians 6:7-8a NIV

7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do

The Lord Prepares Us

Has anyone ever asked you to speak at an event, teach a class, or lead a group, and your first thought was, "I don't know enough to do that!" You fear you won't say the right or wise thing or you won't know an answer to a question. Notice in this verse, Isaiah didn't say, "I am well-instructed because I have study hard and read much." He said, "The Lord has given the words to say that sustains the weary!" You may not know the answers to the questions or stumble over the right choice of words, but if you answer the Lord's prompting to serve Him, He will supply all you need to do the job! When asked to serve, all you have to do is say yes! God will provide whatever it is you need to do the work! 

Isaiah 50:4 NIV

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

Share Your Story!

In this verse, Paul is beginning to tell King Agrippa his story, his conversion, his accepting Christ as his savior. Just like Paul, each one of us has a story. It probably isn't as dramatic as Paul's, but it is still a story that needs to be told. By sharing how Christ came into our lives, we give others hope and encouragement. Maybe you were in church from a baby but really didn't know Christ until you were almost 40. Maybe you never went to church and through a co-worker came to see Christ. However you came to love the Lord, you need to share it with others because your story may just be the one that helps them on their way knowing Christ as our beloved Savior! Never hesitate to share, yours is a story with knowing!

Acts 26:4 NIV

4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem.

Mountains and Valleys

Moses had been on the mountaintop with God for a long while and the Israelites were getting restless. So instead of believing in what God had just done for them, they went back to pagan ways.  Imagine what Moses was thinking and feeling, he had been enjoying a wonderful, mountaintop experience with God and then God tells him to go down to the stiff-necked people and straighten them out! What a let down! But the valleys are were our faith is exhibited the most, it is where God can use us the most. God gave Moses instructions and direction on the mountain, but he lived it out in the valley. The next time you have a period of rejuvenation, revitalization, and restoration, be prepared for the valley, the drudgery because that is where you will live out the hope God gave on the mountaintop.   

Exodus 32:7-8a NIV

7 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf.

Radiant Faces

How radiant are our faces? Those who look to Him should be radiant! Does that mean that we plaster on a fake smile or happy attitude when we are struggling with life, when we are devastated by events? No, but it does mean that if we truly trust that The Lord delivers us then we will shine even through adversity. We will have a peace, a hope, something others see as brightness in the gloomy times. We don't have to be all smiles to be radiant, we just have to seek The Lord and trust Him and His radiance will shine through us even in the worst of times. 

Psalm 34:4-7 NIV

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

A beautiful radiant face!

Take Charge!

In this passage we learn three things about Lydia. She was a dealer in purple cloth, worshiped God and had a take charge attitude. After she was baptized, she insisted Paul and His companions come to her house. Later her home became a place of worship. Lydia didn't wait to be asked to provide a place for Paul, she didn't sit around until someone asked her to do something, she saw what needed to be done and did it.  New and old Christians often struggle with this. We aren't sure of our ability or if we can really be of help, but just as Lydia stepped forward and offered, we need to also.  We need to be looking for opportunities to serve instead of waiting to be asked to serve. Be on the lookout today for opportunities to serve God, it maybe as simple as making a phone call or opening a door, but it is still an opportunity to take charge and serve.

Acts 16:13-15 NIV

13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. 

Who has been your angel?

Elijah was distracted, discouraged and doubting! He was running for his life, couldn't see how things could get better and doubted if he made any difference. I am guessing we have all felt this way at one time or another. We get distracted by a situation, feel helpless to change it and doubt if we are making a difference, we just want to sit down and mope! But just as God sent Elijah an angel, He sends us angels too. Who did God send when you were feeling discouraged?? Maybe it was a call, a friend stopping by, a loved one checking on you. God sends us help in our times of doubt and discouragement, He gives us the energy and hope to go on. Thank God today for the angels He has sent you!  Also thank Him for making you someone else's angel, because I know each one of you have been!

1 Kings 19:3-6 NIV)

3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

Perfect!

Many of us try very hard to be perfect! We struggle daily with trying to do the right thing, say the right thing, be the right thing for others. How can God expect us humans to be perfect? He can because His definition of perfect is different than ours and He has transformed our lives and given us the Holy Spirit to help us. Being perfect isn't doing good things or trying to be godly, it letting God express His life through us. It is exhibiting God-like characteristics without even realizing it. When we truly trust God and let the Holy Spirit guide ours lives, giving control to Him and not the world, then we will fulfill this verse. We will be perfect without ever realizing or agonizing over it. God made us to be like Him, we just need to get out of the way and let Him live in and though us!

Matthew 5:48 NIV
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Paths and Ways

I have prayed these verses before, but as I read them again I wonder if I really meant it. Do I really want God to show me His ways and teach me His paths. His ways are not always easy, glamorous, or popular. His path maybe bumpy, uphill and through seemingly scary places. To the world God's ways and paths may seem like this, but to Christians they are full of love, joy, and companionship. When we allow God to show us His ways and paths, we grow in our relationship with Him, we trust more and love harder.  Though the it may not be how you imagined it, let God show His path and ways, let Him teach you the truths and then enjoy being filled with love, hope and companionship that never ends! 

Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.