Can You Hear Me now September 30, 2019

Nehemiah 9:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.

God has spoken repeatedly to his people through the prophets who spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. But so often, these people ignored their voice and abandoned their God. Let's not let the same thing be said of us!

Thought for today: Am I open to hear from God?

God And God Alone September 6, 2019

Nehemiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

God is Creator! Life is defined in him and by him. The multitudes of heaven worship and adore him. For me, that means two very important things. First, I need to give him my heart-felt worship and praise. Second, when I praise God, I am doing something eternal. You and I won't take much out of this life into the next, but among those things is our praise to our God and Father. Praise be to God, not just now, but forevermore!

Thought for today: Can and do I draw a praise in every situation?

Are You Ready September 28, 2019

Hebrews 9:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Jesus is coming back! Are you ready? Are you waiting?

Thought for today: Do I live my life knowing that I will have to provide an account for my choices ( Am I prepared) ?

Curbing September 27, 2019

1 Corinthians 9:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

"Practice what you preach!" "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." "Put your life where your mouth is!" Those of us who speak out most openly about our faith in Jesus also need to make sure that we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard we are calling others to follow.

Thought for today: Does my life have discipline and structure?

God’s Delight September 26, 2019

Luke 9:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Some of the saddest words a loving child ever can hear are these: "I'm so disappointed in you." We don't want that to be the reaction of our Heavenly Father. We want the world to know that we love and honor Jesus as Lord so they can come to know our Savior, too, and so that we can bring delight to our Father in Heaven!

Thought for today: Does God delight in me and I in Him?

Having It All And Still On Empty September 25, 2019

Luke 9:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

I once had a picture in my office of a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer with the caption, "Who says you can't take it with you?" While it is humorous, it is also wrong ... DEAD wrong. If we lose our souls in the pursuit of things, what of lasting value have we gained? Is it worth losing the only thing that really matters?

Thought for today: Do I think about my soul more than my worldly gains?

Reflections Of…….. September 24, 2019

Jeremiah 9:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

Two truths are equally crucial for us to understand in this passage. First, God is kind, just and righteous. Second, he delights in these things when he sees them in us. So what does your life stand for? Let's be like our Father and take on the lifestyle of loving kindness, the cause of justice for all, and the character of righteousness. Why? Because we should have no greater joy than to bring delight to the Father!

Thought for today: Do I reflect the actions of Christ?