Firm And Fixed In Righteousness October 30, 2019

Proverbs 10:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
    but the wicked will not remain in the land.

This promise is even truer for those of us who live on this side of Calvary and the empty tomb! As Paul said it, "our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV). The righteous will never be uprooted from their true homeland for no one and no power can steal it, corrupt it, destroy it, or take it away!

Thought for today: Is my faith strong enough to uphold me in the strong winds of life?

The Sin Of Turning From Grace October 29, 2019

Hebrews 10:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

We often look at the swift and dramatic discipline and punishment God used with his people in the Old Testament and are struck by its severity. The Holy Spirit reminds us that while this is true, to spurn grace and ridicule the sacrificial death of Jesus are actions all the more worthy of God's punishment. Grace is incredible. It is marvelous. But to reject it, to reject Jesus and all that he did to bring it, is to court disaster and reject any source of true grace.

Thought for today: Do I prefer to be punished because I don’t know how to accept grace? In other words do I court disaster and conflict because I cannot believe that someone loves me enough to put up with my insecurities and frailties?

Protect Your Joy October 28, 2019

Proverbs 10:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
    but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

Good news! When we seek righteousness, justice, holiness, mercy, and godliness, our future is full of joy. Don't let the darkness around you steal away the glorious dawn of joy that even now has begun to appear.

Thought for today: Do I allow the negativity of other to obscure MY joy?

Peel Off Label October 27, 2019

1 Samuel 10:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.

Some folks didn't want Saul to serve them as King because of his simple background and non-aristocratic family history. So often, we tend to do the same thing today — label people and discount their ability to lead God's people or serve in God's Kingdom because of their heritage or past. God, however, doesn't look at a person's pedigree. He searches the heart. So, dear leader, please stick close to the Lord, because you will be criticized. But please, don't react to every little criticism; instead, devote yourself to serving the LORD boldly. And to those who follow, do not be quick to dismiss someone as God's leader because she or he lacks some noble pedigree. Remember the vast variety of people God used in the stories we find in the Bible. Trust that he will be just as creative in his choice of people to lead in our day.

Thought for today: Am I caught up with appearance and presentation (outward trappings) rather than the content of someone’s character?

Regifting October 26, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

When we talk about giving to God, or to the work of God, we must remember that it is all his. He doesn't need our gifts to do his work. On the other hand, we do need to share the blessings he has entrusted to us. What we 'have' isn't really ours; it's all his, entrusted to us to be put into useful service to others for God's work and God's glory.

Thought for today: Do I ever stop to consider that I am OBLIGATED to share?

Assemblies Of God October 25, 2019

Hebrews 10:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Going to church for most folks just isn't very attractive. But, that shouldn't surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn't very popular. Doing things for others isn't seen as something necessary. The Holy Spirit's message, however, reminds us that we need to go to be with God's people because they need us — to encourage and to motivate THEM! In fact, I think the Lord would prefer us to think of it as "being" church rather than "going" to church.

Thought for today: Do I make it a practice to encourage others?

Gentle Correction October 24, 2019

Jeremiah 10:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger,
  or you will reduce me to nothing.

I love a request that a good friend regularly makes of the Lord: "Humble me gently, Father." Transformation is hard work and requires even more patience on God's part than it does on our part. We thank God for his grace which lets us admit our sin and yet still come into his holy and awesome presence. Thankfully he doesn't treat us as we deserve, but as we need (cf. Psalm 103).

Thought for today: Can I provide and accept gentle correction or do I need a big production so I can get angry and blow the lesson off?