Peacemakers March 31, 2019

Proverbs 3:31-32 New International Version (NIV)

31 Do not envy the violent
    or choose any of their ways.

32 For the Lord detests the perverse
    but takes the upright into his confidence.

While many are seeking a cure for the rampaging violence that destroys lives, threatens schools, and makes our streets unsafe, why has no one bothered to remind us what God's wise servant taught us centuries ago? Let's not let any person, real or fictional, be our hero if his or her fame is built on violence. The son of Israel's most famous warrior understood this better than anyone. Surely the Son of the Most Powerful on High said it best: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Thought for today: Do I confuse violence and intimidation as powerful leadership?

Increase In Decrease March 30, 2019

John 3:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

For John the Baptist, this ultimate formula for greatness did not take many words. What's your formula? Paul told the Galatians that a similar formula was needed for them (Galatians 4:19). He told the Colossians that this is what he expended every ounce of his energy to have happen in the lives of Christians (Colossians 1:28-29). Paul told the Corinthians that this was what the Spirit was doing in their lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, don't you think that maybe this is the real formula for your life?

Thought for today: Do I fully embrace humility?

Before Christ March 29, 2019

John 3:28-29 New International Version (NIV)

28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

John the Baptist is an incredible example of a servant. He lived his life for one central and controlling purpose — to prepare others to recognize, to welcome, and to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. Can you think of a greater purpose for your life? Let's live so that when our last days approach, we can also say, "That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

Thought for today:  Do I give thought to my purpose and how I demonstrate Christ in my life?

Mentors March 28, 2019

Deuteronomy 3:27-28 New International Version (NIV)

27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and in the wilderness, but did not get to enter into the Promised Land because of his sin. Yet, for all those years, Moses nurtured and prepared the person who would do what he could not do. That person was Joshua. Who are you training, molding, encouraging, motivating, and calling to do what you won't be able to do? What successor will take your dreams farther than you can? Who is your Joshua?

Thought for today: Do I give thought to who is watching me and who wants to learn or do I brush it off in preoccupation with my own “stuff”?

It’s Not Because Of My Goodness March 27, 2018

Romans 3:27-28 New International Version (NIV)

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

God's salvation leaves us no room for boasting. We couldn't live up to the righteous demands of the Law. When we are broken and sinful, God buys our salvation by sending Jesus and having him pay the debt of our sin. We have nothing to boast about except the overwhelmingly generous grace of God and the incredible sacrificial love of our Savior, Jesus.

Thought for today: Do I brag on my capabilities forgetting to give God the glory?

Indwelling March 26, 2019

Galatians 3:26-27 New International Version (NIV)

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

What are you wearing today? I hope you are clothed with Christ. Anything else is simply out of style by heaven's standards, no matter what designer fashions you may be wearing. You can be clothed with Christ by surrendering your life to Jesus as your Savior through faith; believe that he is God's Son who died for you, trust that he rose from the dead to give you life, confess Christ as your Lord and Savior trusting him for your salvation, and share with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. He promises to send his Spirit to live inside you and to forgive you all of your sins. You will be God's child and have a home waiting for you in heaven. For those of us who are Christians, these thoughts are a reminder of what God has done for us and what he expects of us. If you are not a Christian, the world doesn't have to be a cold and lonely place; the Lord Jesus can be with you everywhere you go if you will respond to him.

Thought for today: Am I aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence?

Faith In The Fire March 25, 2019

Daniel 3:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3. Their faith is solid whether God chooses to save them from the fire, or not. God not only saves them, but those who intended to execute them become the key witnesses of their faith and God's miraculous deliverance. They are not only sons of the One True God, but they are also examples to all of us who are tempted to compromise our faith to get along in a society that has lost all respect for the Almighty God.

Thought for today: Can I stand firm and fast in my faith in the flames created by daily life or do I go up in smoke and ashes?

Suggestions or Rules March 24, 2019

Galatians 3:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians reminds us again and again that law cannot make us righteous or save us, not even the Old Testament Law. However, the Law does one very important thing. It leads us to Christ. We recognize right and wrong because of the Law. We recognize our failures, imperfections, sins, transgressions, and weaknesses because of the Law. Most of all, we recognize our need for a Savior because of the Law. Praise God for the Law. Praise God a hundred times more for Jesus!

Thought for today: Do I need strict rules with outlined punishments to keep me in check or am I open to responding when things are suggested?

Justified March 23, 2019

Romans 3:23-24 New International Version (NIV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

No matter how hard we try, how good we are, and how much we work, we can never measure up to the only standard that matters — the glory of Almighty God. Thankfully, God doesn't require us to pretend to be what we are not — perfect, spotless, and holy. Instead, God makes us to be these (cf. Colossians 1:21-23) by grace, through the gift of his Son who purchased our pardon and gave us his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Praise God. Praise our Savior, Christ Jesus. Now let's live with Jesus as our Lord; not to earn or secure our salvation, but to thank him for what he has so freely given us!

Thought for today: Do I feel obligated and constricted by my faith?

Pleasing God March 22, 2019

Luke 3:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

God spoke these wonderful words to his Son when Jesus was baptized. God feels the same about us when we follow our Savior's example and are baptized, too! Jesus pours out his Spirit on us (Titus 3:4-7) guaranteeing that we are God's children (cf. Ephesians 1:13-14). No matter what Satan may do to make us doubt it (cf. Luke 4:3), we can confidently know that we are God's beloved children, with whom he is well pleased! Because of the Spirit, we can call God our Abba Father (Galatians 4:6) knowing that the Spirit intercedes for us making even our inexpressible thoughts known to our Father (Romans 8:26-27).

Thought for today: Have I given thought as to whether I’m living in a way that is pleasing to God?

Right In Righteousness March 21, 2019

Romans 3:21-22 New International Version (NIV)

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

The Old Testament looks forward to a new time, a time when law is not the basis of righteousness. The Law and Prophets testify to this time. This righteousness comes from God and is built on the sacrificial work of Jesus who liberates us from law and brings us God's grace. The real issue for us is trust — many today confuse believing with simply thinking something in one's head, while the Bible sees belief as something that involves our heart and changes our behavior. So what is the basis on which you are building your life today? What is the measure of your righteousness? On what is your security tied? Thank God we can trust our life, our future, and our salvation to Jesus Christ and not to law-keeping.

Thought for today: Has my thinking been transformed or do I need rules and guidelines to keep me in check?

I’ve Got The Power!!!! March 20, 2019

Ephesians 3:20-21 New International Version (NIV)

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

We have far greater power than we often realize. That incredible power is at work within us (see Ephesians 1:18-19). This promise of power, however, is tied to two opportunities God gives us daily. First, it is based on actively asking for God to do great things based upon a holy charged imagination. Second, it is based on our living to bring God glory. So let's ask, imagine, and give God glory; then let's praise him for doing far greater things than what we ask or even imagine!

Thought for today: Do I play things small and cautiously based on MY fears?

Refreshment = Refinement March 19, 2019

Acts 3:19-20 New International Version (NIV)

19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

When was the last time that you caught yourself straying from a passionate walk with the Lord? Refreshing times come when we change our hearts and lives to live for God and with God in our everyday lives! In fact, Jesus has told us that he will reveal himself to us as we live obediently for him (see John 14:15-21). His home will be in us until he returns for us and we get to enjoy the ultimate refreshment — going home to be with him forever.

Thought for today: Do I actively seek to spend time with God in order to renew /refresh my spirit?

Transformation March 18, 2019

2 Corinthians 3:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

"Transformed ... with ever-increasing glory." In other words, it's an ongoing process, but with the continual help of the Spirit, we're going to arrive at our goal — to be like Jesus! The point is not to give up on our journey. Let's keep looking to Jesus and keep trusting that the Holy Spirit is doing God's work in us, making us more and more like Jesus each day.

Thought for today: How have my thoughts, words and actions changed?

Walk The Talk March 17, 2019

Philippians 3:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

"I would rather see a sermon any day, than hear one." I'm not distressed because people want to "see a sermon," but because so many of us don't "practice what we preach." As leaders — whether as friends, parents, or in positions of authority — our primary tool of influence is our life of character (or lack of it). Do you practice what you "preach"? All of us who seek to influence others redemptively, MUST! Why? Because most folks need to both hear and see the message before it becomes a part of them.

Thought for today: Do I demonstrate my faith in my daily actions?

Amazing Love March 16, 2019

John 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Jesus came to save the world. Jesus came to save you. Jesus came to save me. Why? Because of the Father's love!

Thought for today: Is my love reciprocal or do I practice ritual?

Misery March 15, 2019

Genesis 3:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 And I will put enmity
    between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”

This is God's curse upon the serpent who tempted Eve and Adam to sin. Satan is the personality behind the serpent. Even in this curse, even in the recognition of a struggle between the woman's offspring and Satan, God embeds his promise for our better future. In Jesus, that future comes! Satan appears to win the battle at the Cross, but the passage of three days changes everything. Jesus' triumph over death leaves him with only a "bruised heel," but leaves Satan powerless to make death the final word. The Evil One's best plans and greatest power lie crushed at the doorway of Jesus' empty tomb!

Thought for today: What do I allow to hobble my thinking?

To Know Him Is To Love Him March 14, 2019

Mark 3:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

While there are many intriguing and fascinating thoughts in this short sentence, the one phrase that touches my heart is this one: "... that they might be with him ...." This reminds me of that great passage in Acts 4:13: "[T]hey recognized that they had been with Jesus." Now I know that we can't "be with" Jesus in the same way the twelve apostles were. But, we do have the four Gospels that tell his story. When was the last time you sat down and read one straight through? When was the last time you read a Gospel and asked Jesus to make himself and his will known you? Why not spend some time being with Jesus this week!

Thought for today: What do I really know about God? Do I devote time to get to know Him?

Cursed and Shamed? March 13, 2019

Galatians 3:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”

Cursed! Not just in the sense that he was mocked and his detractors cursed at him, but in the sense that he received the curse of death because of our sin. He did what was hideous and scandalous; he died on a Cross — hung to a tree in front of a jeering mob, executed like sub-human scum. But the beauty of his shame and disgrace is that God made it our redemption. Jesus' ridicule and curse bought us freedom from the curse of our own sins. Praise God! Praise Jesus!

Thought for today: Do I allow God to turn my curse and shame into my strength or do I indulge in the “pity party”?

New Clothes? March 12, 2019

Colossians 3:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

What an incredible thought! We are dearly loved as God's chosen and holy children. No wonder God calls us to a lifestyle of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience! Think of how often our Father needs to use these qualities with us! How can we not share with others what God so abundantly shares with us?

Thought for today:  Do I tithe (share my blessings) in service to others?

Firm Foundation March 11, 2019

1 Corinthians 3:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There is only one foundation on which the Church and the Christian life can be built. That foundation is Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:4-7; Ephesians 2:20). He is the one whom God sent to save us (John 3:16). He is the "way, the truth, and the life," the only way to God (John 14:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is the name above all names, the name at which every knee will bow (Philippians 2:5-11). His is the only name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Let's take time today to specifically honor Jesus as Lord with our hearts, our words, and our actions.

Thought for today; What is the foundation/basis/root of all my thoughts and actions?

PAID IN FULL March 10, 2019

Galatians 3:10-11 New International Version (NIV)

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.

Thankfully, God provided us the Sacrifice that makes us righteous and pays for our sins, because none of us keeps God's Law perfectly. In his boundless grace, God sent Jesus to do what we cannot do: live a perfect life and offer himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. We don't have to live under law trying to earn our perfection and God's acceptance. Instead, we live "by faith," trusting that God will look at us through Christ's perfection and not our imperfection, judge us based on Jesus' holiness and not our transgressions, and view us through the Son's righteousness and not our unrighteousness. In this way, we fulfill the righteousness requirements of the Law, without having to be bound to the "curse of the law."

Thought for today: What do I get from my investment in wrongdoings?

Nobody’s Perfect March 9, 2019

Romans 3:9-10 New International Version (NIV)

No One Is Righteous

9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one;

Paul is driving home the point in Romans 3 that none of us can even approximate the perfection and holiness of God. So how do we get there? How do we escape the stranglehold of sin? God's answer is Jesus! I believe that must be our answer, too!

Jesus came to ransom us from sin (Mark 10:45), paying the price for our sin even while we were sinners (Romans 5:6-11). We couldn't earn our way to God by our goodness, so Jesus became our bridge back to God. The glorious truth is this:

   God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Thought for today: What do I wish to break free of?

Special Delivery March 8, 2019

Psalm 3:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people.

God is The Great Deliverer! That's his chosen expertise. Whether it was delivering the Israelites through the Red Sea from Pharaoh's army ages ago, or it is rescuing a sinner from sin and death through Christ today, our God is The Great Deliverer! So let's use today to repeatedly pray for people who need God's deliverance from sin, death, disease, family conflict, addiction, financial concerns, legal matters, mental illness, abuse, and temptation.

Thought for today – Do I know what I’ve been delivered from and do I give praise for it?

Living Your Best Life…. March 7, 2019

Philippians 3:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ

Paul had accomplished great things in his spiritual life before he became a Christian. His devotion to God and to the Word of God was legendary. But he counted his past accomplishments as garbage, compared to knowing Christ and the grace he had received. What he found in Jesus was salvation, not just salvation from sin and death, but salvation to a life of grace and power.

Thought for today: What do I consider beneficial/profitable in life?

Allure March 6, 2019

Genesis 3:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Ouch! We've known the way of sin for thousands of years. Yet we sometimes still follow the same path. We're lured by something pleasing to our eyes. We pause for closer inspection of it, allowing ourselves to be caught up in its desirability. We dabble in it and play with it. We then participate in the sin. Finally, we involve others in sin. You'd think we would have learned the pattern and would have stopped by now. So with the help of the Holy Spirit, why don't we start trying to do just that?

Thought for today: Am I always seeking “a partner in crime” to share in my downfall?

Moral Compass March 5, 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

What do you use for your life's compass? No matter how insightful, wise, experienced, or knowledgeable we may be, only God can guide our steps properly. God asks us to trust him and his wisdom even when we can't immediately see the rationale behind it. He wants us to recognize his presence, guidance, and grace in all we do. As we trust and as we acknowledge his presence, we suddenly realize that our paths are a lot straighter and our destinations are a lot a closer.

Thought for today: Does my moral compass need recalibration?

Perfection March 4, 2019

Colossians 3:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Today, my world is beautiful — great weather, wonderful church, loving spouse, great kids, and blessed with all I truly need. But this will change. Life is bound up with mortality. Love is connected with imperfect people. Separation by geographical distance, disagreement, and death are bound to happen to a certain extent. The incredible blessing I have in Christ, however, is that my true and lasting life is hidden with Christ in God. So while things may be good in my life now, they're always vulnerable to being touched by mortality. When Christ comes, they will be gloriously perfect and unstained by evil, death, or decay. Now that's good news!

Thought for today: Have I given thought to my flaws and imperfections?

Petty With Passion March 3, 2019

Matthew 3:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

The Corinthians boasted in their wisdom, giftedness, and tolerance. But, no matter how gifted a church, no matter how full of earthly wisdom, no matter how tolerant, if the people of that church are caught up in petty arguments, cliquishness and ugly quarrels, they are immature. Rather than being a place where Christ is known and shown, their meetings are no more than just a gathering of "mere humans." We are recreated in Christ to be more!

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do(Ephesians 2:10).

Let's live up to what God has made us to be!

Thought for today: Do I continuously argue with people over small things?

A Change Gon’ Come March 2, 2019

Matthew 3:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

These words sound strange in a world that is afraid to tell the truth about sin, wickedness, and evil. Yet every lost person desperately needs to repent — to change his or her heart and life, seek after God, and live for Jesus as Lord. Yes, salvation is given to us by God's incredible grace. On the other hand, grace that leaves us unchanged is not true grace. Grace not only forgives us through Jesus' sacrificial death on the Cross, but it also liberates us from the empty and destructive life without God and his guidance.

Thought for today: What have I been delivered from?

Adoption March 1, 2019

1 John 3:1 New International Version (NIV)

3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Some gifts are too precious for words and too wonderful to fully appreciate. The greatest of these gifts is that we are God's children! We have been adopted into the Father's family! Jesus claims us as his younger siblings! Even though the world may not acknowledge this, that condition doesn't make it any less true. After all, the world didn't recognize its Creator when he became flesh and lived among the people he had made. God's Word, however, still proclaims the truth; we ARE the children of God!

Thought for today:  Have I given thought to my connection to God?