You Better Recognize November 30, 2019

2 Corinthians 11:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

One of Paul's recurring themes throughout 2 Corinthians is that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. In 1 Corinthians, he emphasizes that the strength, wisdom, and power of God are shown in what is normally a sign of weakness and humiliation — the Cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5). Paul wasn't a wimp — remember all that he endured and kept on serving the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He just knew that even with all his training and talent, he wasn't skilled, smart, or strong enough to do all that needed to be done for the Kingdom of God. But he knew that when we recognize our insufficiency, God takes our weakness and uses it powerfully when we offer ourselves to him!

Thought for today: Am I mindful of my weakness and do I allow God to use the weakness for His goodness?

Blessings In Obedience November 28, 2019

Luke 11:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

God gave us his word to bless us. When we obey what he asks of us, we get to walk in that blessing. On the other hand, as Jesus reminded us at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, when we know the will of God and don't obey it, we are foolish. I don't know about you, but I prefer to receive a blessing! Thank God for speaking to us through his word — the Scriptures — so we can know his will and walk in his blessing and for speaking to us through his living Word — his Son — so we can know his heart as we apply it to our lives.

Thought for today: Do I know the cost of disobedience and am I willing to pay it?

Watch What You Eat November 29, 2019

1 Corinthians 11:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

The Lord's Supper is a precious time for Christians. We remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. We also realize that when Christians gather together and take the Supper, we are the Body of Christ, his physical presence on this earth (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:17). Whatever happens to one of us matters to the rest of the Body. Every time we take the Supper, let's remember the other members of Christ's Body around us. Let's also give thanks for Jesus, who offered his body and blood at Calvary to save us. At the same time, let's commit to be the presence of Christ in the world and do his work.

Thought for today: Am I mindful of the “body” during both grace before a meal and during communion? What does communion represent for me?

True And Complete Rest November 27, 2019

Matthew 11:27-28 New International Version (NIV)

27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

True rest comes from knowing God. King David reminds us of this in Psalm 23. Jesus makes it clear again. Only Jesus can fully reveal God to us. Only Jesus can take away the burden of seeking to please God without an understanding of grace. Only he can remove the burden of our past sins and enable us to stand holy, blameless, and free from accusation before God Almighty. (cf. Colossians 1:21-22)

Thought for today: How do I go about finding rest?

Eternal November 26, 2019

John 11:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Several days ago, we emphasized that Christians who died physically were never really separated from their relationship with God's loving presence. Today, Jesus challenges us to believe a very similar thing. Do you believe that the real, living part of you made by God will never die even though your physical body dies? It's an incredible thought, isn't it? We are eternal, immortal, joined with Jesus and his future is joined with us. (see Colossians 3:1-4)

Thought for today: Do I really embrace the concept of a spiritual being?

Forgiveness November 25, 2019

Mark 11:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

To me, this is one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture. I must forgive others! When I refuse, it cuts me off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to me. While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, he has also given us his Son as an example of forgiveness. In addition, he has promised to empower us to be able to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The real issue: Will we let go of our bitterness toward those who have wounded us?

Thought for today: Do realize the level of impact that grudges and anger have on my faith?

The Goodness Within November 24, 2019

Acts 11:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Barnabas was a good man! Why? For many reasons. But, the key reason was that he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This shouldn't surprise us. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he is at work producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming us to the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). No wonder Barnabas' influence was so great on the lives of those who lived in Antioch; his life was under the influence of God's Spirit!

Thought for today:  Am I mindful of the atmosphere that I create for the indwelling