What Is Your Source Of Strength May 31, 2018

Isaiah 40:30-31  (NIV)

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

What is your strength? Is it your youth? ...your conditioning? ...your wisdom? ...your friends? ...your experience? None of us can depend upon our human ability. Health, wisdom, and wealth are all vulnerable to the fragility of life and circumstance. Only the LORD can ensure that we can survive the unthinkable, thrive in the mundane, and soar in good times. Let's call upon, let's wait upon, let's depend upon the LORD!

Thought for today: Do I/Can I wait on God to supply or do I interject myself into His plan?

Sweet Surrender May 30, 2018

Galatians 2:20  (NIV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Christianity is all about dying to ourselves. Some see this as hideous, onerous, and weak. "Why give up your desires, wants, and longings for something someone else mandates?" they wonder. "That sounds like slavery!" they charge. However, they fail to realize that surrendering our wills to Christ is like a bird surrendering to air currents or a fish to the water. When we surrender to the Lord, he gives us the power to be what we were made to be — enabled to be useful in ways that are eternal, empowered to have life not limited by mortal boundaries, and blessed by communion with the Creator as our Father. What is lost in this surrender to Christ living in us? Only our selfishness and our self-damage caused by rebellion.

Thought for today: Am I willing to sacrifice for my faith?

Living By The Spirit May 29, 2018

Galatians 5:25  (NIV)

25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

It is one thing to talk about being filled with the Spirit; it is quite another to live under the Spirit's control and direction in our life. Paul is reminding us that we must do more than talk the talk; we must walk the walk. The Holy Spirit must guide our decisions, determine our morality, and control our speech. His fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control — must be in evidence. Paul says to Christians filled with the Spirit, "Live like it!"

Thought for today: Does my walk line up with my talk or am I just blustery noise?

Advocate Or Abdicate May 28, 2018

Proverbs 31:8  (NIV)

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Christians in every era are called to defend the rights of the weak, speak up for the disenfranchised, and protect the life of those who are vulnerable. This comprehensive call is the great reminder that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we may have is not ours alone; it is a gift from God to be used to bless those who have no power to speak, to defend, or to protect themselves.

Thought for today: Do I speak up for the disenfranchised or am I a silent accomplice to their suffering?

Ask and It Shall Be Given May 27, 2018

Jeremiah 33:3  (NIV)

3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

This was originally spoken to Jeremiah about the fate of Jerusalem. However, this promise is true in special ways for us as well. God wants us to call to him. God often waits for us to ask before he blesses us what he longs to give us. Yet we lack the ability to comprehend and receive all the great truth about God. He is simply too big and too glorious for us to fully apprehend him in his grace.

Thought for today: Do I take EVERYTHING to God in prayer or do I edit my prayers?

Underfoot May 26, 2018

1 Corinthians 15:25-26  (NIV)

25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

How many times have you stood over the grave of a recently departed friend or loved one? When was the last time you tasted grief and separation from someone you dearly loved? I don't know about you, but I am so thankful that the Bible identifies death as one of Jesus' enemies. I am thankful that he hates death, and the damage and separation it causes, even more than I do. I am filled with joy to know that death will be destroyed and immortality and life will be given to the children of God!

Thought for today: Do I grieve loss and separation?

Earnestly Seeking May 25, 2018

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Righteous God and Holy Father, please bless me with an undivided heart, one that seeks you as the first and ordering priority of my life. Forgive me, dear Lord, for letting other things distract my focus from you and interfere with my service to your Kingdom. Fill me with a holy passion for Kingdom matters above all other concerns and interests. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Thought for today: Do I allow things to distract and detract from my faith walk?

Power Of Praise May 24, 2018

Acts 16:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas had been beaten "with many blows," placed in prison, and locked down in stocks. Under such horrible circumstances, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other prisoners who listened to them. We need to be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians remained faithful and joyous people despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use them to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places!

Thought for today: Can I praise God in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Buffering May 23, 2018

Jude 24-25  (NIV)

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Two things I trust implicitly: 1) God's power and might, and 2) my joy at getting to share in his presence. My best efforts will always fall short, but God's grace is greater and more glorious than my best efforts! The faultlessness that I have when I stand before him is based on his grace and mercy. How can I not praise him from a thankful heart and anticipate seeing him face to face in glory?

Thought for today: Do I believe that I can be kept and covered by grace?

Godly Shaping May 22, 2018

Ephesians 2:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We are not just saved by grace from death, we are saved by grace for God's glory. He has remade us. We are his craftsmanship, his artistry, and he longs to display his goodness and grace through our actions and words.

Thought for today:  Is what I do and say a true representation of God’s hand in my life?

Giving It All To God May 21, 2018

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

So often our worries are so heavy because we refuse to put them down. Let's cast our burdens on the Lord. Let's consciously put our future in his hands. Let's trust our worrisome fears to his care. We know he loves us and longs to sustain and comfort us because of what he has done to save us.

Thought for today: Do I hold on to things (problems) too long thinking I can problem solve?

Godly Gain May 20, 2018

Philippians 1:21  (NIV)

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

The ultimate question in each of our lives is simply this: do we have something to live for that is also worth dying for? Paul's answer is "Yes!" Christ is the answer, the reason, and the hope. Now if we can get our will and our heart to line up with our commitment, we can make that same statement, too!

Thought for today: What in my life merits such dedication that I’m willing to die for it?

Godly Humility May 19, 2018

1 Peter 5:6-7  (NIV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

You've probably had a similar experience to this one. Someone asks you how you're doing. At first, they seem interested, but as you begin to share the burdens of your heart, you begin to realize that they aren't really listening and aren't really interested; they're just being polite. Most people have so many burdens they simply don't know what to do with more. Our Father in heaven, however, says "Cast all your anxieties on me. You can share all of them with me, because I genuinely care for you."

Thought for today: Is my care and concern for others genuine or am I just making polite gestures?

Deliverance May 18, 2018

Philippians 1:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Paul is possibly facing death. Yet he knows that his life, his future, is securely in the Lord's hands. The Holy Spirit will help empower him to be what he needs to be in the face of persecution and hardship. The Spirit will also work for his deliverance; either he will be delivered from prison and death to serve others, or he will be delivered into the presence of the Lord he loves. Either way, he awaits and expects deliverance!

Thought for today: Is my faith strong enough to sustain me?

Refuge and Security May 17, 2018

Proverbs 10:29  (NIV)

29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless,
    but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

What is your source of security, hope, and protection? The way of the Lord is a refuge, a strength, a place of security! Let's make sure we live our lives there, knowing that God's commands and demands for righteousness are for our protection as well as his glory.

Thought for today:  Do I trust that God will guard and keep me in all situations?

Elder’s Wisdom May 16, 2018

Proverbs 3:1-2  (NIV)

3 My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

Those who are older are not as respected in Western cultures today as they once were and as "the elders" are respected in other cultures. The Bible repeatedly reminds us of our NEED to honor those who are godly and who have gone before us. Whether the father behind this passage is the physical father of the person receiving instruction or he was the teacher of this student seeking wisdom, either way the principle is the same. We have much to learn and much to gain from heeding the voice of those who have served God for many years and have proved themselves wise and faithful.

Thought for today: Can I listen to the wisdom and accept the advice of my elders?

Missions May 15, 2018

Acts 13:3  (NIV)

3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was clearly something that was a part of the early church experience. Whether sponsored by our congregations or not, let's make sure that we prepare for major events with a time of prayer and fasting, asking for God's leading, power, and guidance as we embark on his work in the world.

Thought for today: Am I prepared to minister?

Called To Service May 14, 2018

Acts 13:2  (NIV)

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking his will, God calls them to service and mission. Christian worship is not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Don't get so caught up in the worship experience that you leave it at the door when you walk away. Instead, understand that it is to inspire you to public worship and service in the world during your everyday life (cf. Rom. 12:1-2). As you worship with your brothers and sisters, also listen to the words of the songs, the message of the Scripture, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on your heart. God may be calling you to a special mission in your world!

Thought for today: Am I willing to serve?

This Little Light May 13, 2018

Matthew 5:14  (NIV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Darkness dominates our world. Despite appearances, darkness controls so much of what is said and how it is viewed by the world. When someone lives for Christ, they will be noticed. Their allegiance to Jesus and his righteousness cannot be ignored. So what are we going to do with that light? Are others going to see and be drawn to our Father in Heaven who sent his Son as Savior? Or, are they going to reject the way of Christ because our walk is all talk and not much service? Let's let them see God's grace through our lives so they will come to know the Savior!

Thought for today: Does my life make my faith attractive?

Full Of Flavor May 12, 2018

Matthew 5:13  (NIV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, nor our loving impact on those around us. The purpose of our presence in the world is to preserve our culture from further decay and season the bitter, dog-eat-dog world, with grace and mercy.

Thought for today: Is my faith staid or is it easily influenced?

Redeeming Love May 11, 2018

Luke 6:27  (NIV)

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Jesus was the perfect example of this command in his life and death. Love has such redemptive, life-changing power. While not everyone responds, many do. While being kind in our deeds and loving in our hearts to our enemies is not easy, God's Spirit can fill us with Jesus' love and help us live powerful lives of grace even in the presence of those who hate us.

Thought for today: Can I focus on God and not the actions of my enemies?

Receiving Grace My 10, 2018

2 Peter 3:9  (NIV)

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God wants all people brought to repentance so they can receive his grace and live with him in glory. If that is God's passion, how can we not make it our passion?

Thought for today: Am I open to freely examine my ways and to change what is hindering my connection to God?

Discipline May 9, 2018

Proverbs 10:17  (NIV)

17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Discipline is not only important to us, but also to those who are influenced by our actions. So often we undervalue the impact of our personal decisions on others. But God has placed each of us in a circle of influence to be a blessing and a redemptive influence on those around us. To choose what is foolish, to ignore godly correction, not only jeopardizes our own future, but also the future of others.

Thought for today: Am I open to receiving correction?

Unimaginable Joy May 8, 2018

1 Corinthians 2:9  (NIV)

9 However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

Kids look forward to Christmas, Disneyland, and summer vacation. They imagine how great those things could be. Christians look forward to heaven and dream of seeing the Lord face to face, of being reunited with those we love that have gone home to the Lord before us, and of sharing in the glory of Jesus and his angels. But we can't even begin to imagine the great things that God has prepared for us. They are far more glorious than anything we can dream or imagine. So let's anticipate being surprised and live with passion for the cause of the Kingdom knowing that any loss, any wound, any trouble, will "not be worth comparing to the glory to be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:18)

Thought for today: Do I live with the anticipation of God’s glory being revealed?

Truly Wise May 7, 2018

Truly Wise                    May 7, 2018

James 3:13  (NIV)

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Wisdom isn't shown by our "book learning," smart comments, or arrogance. No, true wisdom is shown by the godly character of our life lived with humility and kind deeds.

Thought for today: Am I arrogant when I share my thoughts?

Too Smart For My Own Good May 6, 2018

Proverbs 3:7  (NIV)

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Let's keep this simple. First, we need to admit that with the complexities and perplexities of life, even the smartest of us is not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome in holiness, majesty, power, wisdom, and grace; he is far beyond us and all we can truly grasp of him is the smallest of glimpses of glory. Finally, let's stay away from anything that smacks of evil knowing that evil infects and confuses us, as well as separates us from God.

Thought for today: Do I shy away from the things that cause me to lose focus on God?

Self Examination May 5, 2018

Psalm 139:23-24  (NIV)

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Most of us don't like being scrutinized and tested. But God knows us through and through. He has been with us from our conception and will work with us through the grave and beyond. So let's invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, and even scrutinize our anxious thoughts. He is not there to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to his eternal grace.

Thought for today: Am I open to be examined by both myself and by God?

Wisdom May 4, 2018

James 1:5  (NIV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

So often we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences for our actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom, that not only helps us make wise choices, but also gives us the ability to act and react with grace and wisdom. Before we face each day, before we face challenging situations, before we make challenging decisions, let's seek God's face and ask for his gift of wisdom.

Thought for today: Do I seek God prior to making decisions?

United In Prayer May 3, 2018

Acts 1:14  (NIV)

14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Jesus' resurrection changed everything! The women who were so faithful to him through the crucifixion and resurrection are there, obediently praying in expectation. As we might expect, Jesus' mother is there praying as well. But look carefully and you will see Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing him, now praying in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus which will be done through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for God's work to be done through you.

Thought for today: Am I diligent in my prayer?

Love Covers All May 2, 2018

Proverbs 10:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatred with hatred. God has always wanted his people to be the redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to "not repay evil with evil." (Rom. 12:17) Here, God's wise man teaches us a similar truth. Love removes the teeth out of difficult situations, while hatred only turns up the flames of bitterness and hate. We're called to be a different kind of people that leave the world a different place. It isn't always easy, but it is always powerful.

Thought for today: Can I keep my anger and ego in check and embrace the love of God?

Accounting May 1, 2018

1 Peter 3:15  (NIV)

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to faith? First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as Lord. Second, we prepare a presentation of faith that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus. Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course we would never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that makes an impact on those around us.

Thought for today: Do I and can I give an accounting for my faith?