Ignorance January 31, 2019

Proverbs 1:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.

Sometimes the natural consequence of rebellion is its own justice. Rebellion ultimately produces bad fruit, and wickedness is often its own worst punishment. In the face of such a generous God as we focused upon yesterday, how could we choose to follow any other path but his? It may seem harder in the short run, but in the long run there is simply no option that compares!

Thought for today: Do I allow my stubborn self-will to take me off God’s path?

Amazing Grace January 30, 2019

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Let's unpack those church words. Righteousness — the ability to stand before God and be declared free from guilt. Holiness — the character and nature that reflect the glory and sanctity of heaven. Redemption — the gift of freedom bought at great expense. Christians aren't perfect? Hmmm! We know this is true. But, because of Jesus' loving sacrifice, we also know that in God's eyes we're righteous, holy, and redeemed. That, dear friend of Jesus, is what we call amazing grace!

Thought for today: Do I abuse my grace in that I continue to willfully act on the same negative character traits?

The Battle Is Not Yours January 29, 2019

Deuteronomy 1:29-30 New International Version (NIV)

29 Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them.30 The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes,

Moses began his farewell message to Israel with a reminder of their parents' refusal to obey God's word to enter the Promised Land. With his death, these Israelites will have to follow a leader other than Moses for the first time in their lives. Moses wants them to know that their real Leader hasn't changed. God had done mighty things for them in Moses' day. Now God will do mighty things in their day through Joshua. They will have more than second hand deliverance stories to tell their grandchildren. They will be eyewitnesses of God's power and faithfulness. But they would have to obey this same command their parents ignored and own a faith that their ancestors did not have!

Thought for today: Do I stand firm and fast on what I believe even if I stand alone?

Headmaster January 28, 2019

Colossians 1:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

The life of Jesus is transformational. The resurrection of Jesus is transformational. The Gospel of Jesus is transformational. Jesus' gift of the Spirit is transformational. The proclamation of Jesus is transformational. The work of Jesus is transformational. In other words, Jesus is the key, the center, the hub, and the heart of what we do and why we do it. Paul also reminds us that Jesus Christ is our goal.

Thought for today: Am I open to change?

Spitting Image January 27, 2019

Genesis 1:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

We are made in God's image. Not just the man. Not just the woman. Both male and female are made in God's image! Incredibly, this is not just true before the Fall. When God made us in the womb of our mothers (Psalm 139:13-16), he made us in his image (Genesis 9:6). Because people are precious to God, because we reflect something of the character of our Creator, each person is to be valued. None is to be denigrated, belittled, or cursed (James 3:9-12). People are precious, not only to God, but also to us because in some special way they reflect his image.

Thoughts for today: Do I consider my reflection?

Creator’s Creation January 26, 2019

Genesis 1:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

While we are creatures made by a loving Creator, we are so much more than animals. There is something distinctive and special about a human being compared with the rest of creation. God made us to rule over the animal world. But rule does not mean ruin! Since creation is part of God's testimony to himself (Psalm 19 & Romans 1:20), then we certainly don't want to ruin that testimony. In fact, being made in God's likeness, we want to rule with the grace, benevolence, and care that God himself uses.

Thought for today: Do I reflect God in my actions with both people and animals?

Gracious In Grace January 25, 2019

Philemon 25 New International Version (NIV)

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Have you noticed how words of blessing are in such short supply? There is something about our fallen state that makes sarcasm and ridicule easier to use than blessing. But, in God's family, words are always to be used for the benefit and blessing of others. What simpler or kinder words do we need to use to bless others than these words Paul sent to Philemon? Let's find a way to say them ... and say them again ... and again ...

Thought for today: Do I speak to others with grace?