Good Grief!!!! April 30, 2019

Ephesians 4:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Don't make God's Spirit grieve! But how do we do we cause the Spirit of God to grieve? By harboring bitterness, unleashing anger-driven rage, fighting with others and slandering their name while plotting to harm them. Not only are these behaviors in direct opposition to the will and character of God, they are also the exact opposite of the qualities the Spirit is seeking to produce in our lives — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control faithfulness (Galatians 5:22-23). No wonder such evil behaviors grieve the Holy Spirit.

Thought for today: Do my words and deeds grieve the Holy Spirit?

The Search Is On April 29, 2019

Deuteronomy 4:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

When was the last time you truly searched after God? I'm not talking about an obscure theological insight about God or another bestselling book about God. When was the last time you sought after the Father so that you could know him better and appreciate him more? Let's open our hearts and go on the Great Quest to find God. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, we will find he's waiting and watching for us to come home!

Thought for today: Do I look for God in my daily life?

Predestination April 28, 2019

Acts 4:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

The cross of Golgotha, the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin, was no after-thought, mistake, or revised formula. Jesus came as God's anointed, his holy Messiah, to die for the sins of the people and bring life and immortality to us. Those who were evil and conspired to kill him to keep their place and their position were doing only what God knew they would do; he just ransomed what was intended for evil by a few and made it the source of salvation for all.

Thought for today: Am I in tuned with the plans that God has for my life?

Stay In Your Lane April 27, 2019

Proverbs 4:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

When I see someone swerving in and out of their lanes of traffic, I immediately go into a defensive driving mode. Whether they are drunk, sleepy, or just plain careless, I know they are dangerous. God wants us to know the same is true of us when we allow ourselves to wander by and sample every form of temptation available. Let's stick to the straight and narrow with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus!

Thought for today: What happens when I take my eyes off the things of God?

Dealing With Anger April 26, 2019

Ephesians 4:26-27 New International Version (NIV)

26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Pent up anger is an explosion waiting to happen. Sooner or later, the pent up frustration will explode, either in our own life or into the life of someone else. Jesus taught us to forgive and to reconcile (Matthew 18). Anger must be dealt with. Otherwise the devil will use it to abuse us as well as others in our lives. Don't give him a foothold in your life. If you give him an inch (2.54 cm), he'll take a mile (1.61 km)!

Thought for today: When I get an inch do I want to be a ruler?

The Cross April 25, 2019

Romans 4:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Why are the Cross and the Empty Tomb so important? Because everything important and truly lasting in life depends upon them!

Thought for today: Do I give thought to the significance of the cross or do I reserve thought for Easter?

Equal Measure April 24, 2019

Mark 4:24-25 New International Version (NIV)

24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

"O be careful little ears what you hear ... for the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little ears what you hear." God doesn't want to just be heard aloud; he wants his Word to enter our systems and change our lives. The more we receive the blessing of God's words, the more it should change us. If it doesn't, the problem isn't with the message but with the listener!

Thought for today: Do I act on the messages/instruction that I receive?

In Spirit And In Truth April 23, 2019

John 4:23-24 New International Version (NIV)

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

God seeks true worshipers. He seeks those who long to praise him authentically and spirit to spirit. To help us in our quest, he gives us his Spirit to help us worship (Philippians 3:3; Jude 20; Romans 8:26-27). Most of all, he wants us to genuinely worship him — worship him according to his will and with all of our heart.

Thought for today: Do I engage in “full out” worship and service?

The Presence April 22, 2019

Ephesians 4:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

We are made new when we become Christians. Most of us, however, have moments when the old way of life erupts and wants to make its presence known. This means that being new is a lifetime decision we must make each day. As we make that commitment and seek to follow the Lordship of our Savior, the Holy Spirit's power (that Paul talks about all through Ephesians) is promised to us and the Spirit's goal is to mature us to be like Christ. (Eph. 4:12-16; 2 Cor. 3:18)

Thought for today: Am I aware of the presence and moving of the Holy Spirit in my life?

Connection Through Christ April 20, 2019

1 John 4:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Some things are very simple. We can't love God and refuse to love each other. This is not hard to understand. On the other hand, some of our kinfolks in the Lord are just down right hard to love because they can be so difficult. But, we need to remember who we were when Christ died for us — powerless, ungodly, sinners, enemies (Romans 5:6-11) — yet God loved us and sent Jesus to save us. So before we whine about our "hard-to-live-with" fellow Christians, we had better give thanks that God loved us when we were sinners. Then we need to thank God for his grace by being more loving with each other.

Thought for today: Can I support a brother or sister even when I don’t agree with their plan/position?

The Power In Praise April 20, 2019

Philippians 4:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

When was the last time that you prayed and didn't request things from God and you simply thanked and praised him? Why not use today as a day of thanks and praise? Don't ask for anything; just praise and thank the Father! Praise him for who he is, what he has done, and what he is going to do! Thank him for blessing you, saving you, and bringing you into his glory! Let today be a day of thanks and praise.

Thought for today: When is the last time I praised through my problems?

Childlike or Childish April 19, 2019

Galatians 4:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

What was Paul's goal for the new Christians he worked with? He wanted them to come to full maturity in Christ (see Colossians 1:28-29). He knew the Holy Spirit would help them in this process if they would focus their hearts on Jesus and seek to reflect Jesus' character in their lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). So as we go through our daily activities, let's honor his goal — let's let Jesus come to life in us.

Thought for today: Am I more childlike in wonder and expectations or childish and demanding about the things of God?

No Fear April 18, 2019

1 John 4:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Do you remember what Jesus said when he came walking on the water to his disciples during the storm? He literally told them, "Do not fear, I Am." In the presence of the holy and awesome Son of God, we don't have to be afraid. God's grace to us in Jesus takes away our need for fear because Jesus' sacrifice makes us holy, without fault, and free from any charge against us (Colossians 1:21-22). Our response? Love! We love our Father for who he is, for what he has done, for his great sacrifice for us, and most of all, for making us holy and taking away our fear.

Thought for today: In what areas of my life do I allow fear to limit my power?

Withholdings April 17, 2019

James 4:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Jesus taught this principle when he healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-7) and told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). Our Lord made it clear that to neglect to do a good deed for another in need, even if we had a religious excuse for not doing it, was to do evil. Let's be a people known for doing good deeds and sharing kindness. Let's not let any excuse, especially a religious excuse, interfere with our glorious and holy opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus.

Thought for today: Can I continue to do “the right thing” in spite of my financial and emotional circumstances?

Priorities April 16, 2019

Ephesians 4:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians and Colossians emphasize that no human being, or even group of human beings, is head of the Church. Jesus is head of the Church. He sets our direction. He is our example. He is our goal for ministry. In addition, Jesus also arranges us in his Body as he chooses, gives us gifts to use to bless each other and God, and holds us together so that we can effectively serve as his presence in the world. So let's set our hearts on Jesus. Let's use his life and love to inspire us and show us how to serve. Let's give him our allegiance and loyalty. He alone is head of his Body, the Church. Let's let him lead!

Thought for today: What do I allow to take priority over my spiritual life?

Due Diligence April 15, 2019

1 Timothy 4:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

"Be diligent!" That's not a phrase you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily. Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But, Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in Christ requires genuine effort. Having a redemptive influence on others is hard work. While it is God's power that transforms, our effort is also required. God gives us the assurance that this effort will not only bear fruit in our own lives, but it will also lead others to salvation as well.

Thought for today: Do I show God dedication and consistency?  

Not The End April 14, 2019

1 Thessalonians 4:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

As horrible as the Cross was, it wasn't the final chapter of the Jesus story. Jesus died and then rose again. We can believe two things because of Jesus' resurrection: 1) that Jesus will return in glorious victory for those who have believed in him, and 2) that we will be with those we love who have fallen asleep in Christ when Jesus comes again.

Thought for today: Do I give up hope too easily? Do I follow a pattern of “all is lost behavior when I do lose hope?

Pampered Prince/Princess? April 13, 2019

Philippians 4:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I don't know about you, but I know I've grown soft and spoiled because of all the conveniences that I have allowed into my life. Could I honor God with my praises and thanksgivings if these conveniences were to suddenly vanish? I hope so. I want to be like Paul and live with the assurance that I can withstand any situation with the help of Christ.

Thought for today: Can my faith stand up against any challenge?

Youth Not Wasted April 12, 2019

1 Timothy 4:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

The idealistic passions of youth must not be rationalized away or patronizingly pushed to the side. If you are younger, you are not only part of the church of tomorrow, you are also God's servant today. Serve him mightily and be an example to those who are older! If you are older, don't look down on the enthusiasm of youth, but encourage it and be inspired to emulate it! Let's remember, some of our best examples are those who are younger who serve our Lord with a vibrant faith!

Thought for today: Do I hear young people out?

God Speaks April 11, 2019

1 Peter 4:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

We are given gifts to use in God's Kingdom for two reasons: 1) to bring glory to God, and, 2) to bless others. Whether we serve or speak, we are to do so with these two goals in mind, knowing that God will supply the strength to do what he has gifted us to do.

Though for today: How do I use my godly gifts?

Love In Action April 10, 2019

1 John 4:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Love is demonstrated, not just said. Love goes ahead sharing itself instead of waiting until things are easy or safe. Love redeems when all hope seems lost. Love is not only what God is, but it is also what he does and what he gives.

Thought for today: Do I continue to confuse lust with love? When I love, am I willing to go all out?

Practice Makes Perfect April 9, 2019

Philippians 4:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I don't know about you, but I truly hope that my life reflects what I say and teach. What a great statement to be able to make to those we lead, whether it is in the classroom, in our families, at work, or at church.

Thought for today: What are my goals? What am I seeking to improve?

Be Ye Holy? April 8, 2019

James 4:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James always packs a lot into a small space. Let's focus on the center of this call to holiness: let's draw ourselves closer to God. When we come into God's presence and draw close to him, we know our thoughts, our motives, and our behaviors will be seen for what they are in the light of his holiness and righteousness. At the same time, we know that the devil is forced out by the radiance of our Father's holy life. Let's seek after God. Let's long to draw near to him. Let's ask him to cleanse us and make us wholly his and make us completely holy!

Thought for today: Have I given thought of what it means to be holy? How do I define holiness?

Call Waiting? April 7, 2019

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

The call to holiness is easy to ignore in a world which lives by much different standards. Satan gets us to compare our lifestyle with those around us, deluding us into devaluing our sins in comparison to others. But the issue is not comparison shopping our sin; the issue is a thankful heart that has been cleansed by the Holy Spirit and saved by grace. Ignoring, or toning down, the Spirit's call for holiness is rejecting God. Let's be passionate about holiness in our lives, both because it is what God wants and also because it is what we should seek.

Thought for today: Do I take the call on/for my life serious?

Special Delivery April 6, 2019

Galatians 4:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

The first vocalizations of many babies are the syllables "ab, ab, ba, ba." Not surprisingly in Jesus' day, that was the name babies used for their fathers. When God saved us, he gave us his Spirit. The Holy Spirit blesses us in many ways, but one of the key blessings is his work with us in prayer. He intercedes for us when words won't do (Romans 8:26-27) and he helps us approach God with familiarity, dependency, and respect as we call God our Abba.

Thought for today: Do I look to God as a father? What is my vision and definition of a father?

Effective Seasoning April 5, 2019

Colossians 4:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Jesus warned about our giving account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36-37). Paul takes it a step further and emphasizes how important this is with those who don't know Christ. We want to seize every opportunity when around those who are not Christians and show kindness, care, and control in the way we use our speech. Someone's eternal destiny may be resting on our conversations with them.

Thought for today: Are my words richly seasoned with “sage” advice or “salty” with anger?

Birthrights April 4, 2019

Galatians 4:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Wow! What a rich passage full of many wonderful thoughts. Let's put it in cornbread English so that we can not only read it, we can also believe it. God made history ready for a savior and then sent his Son. That Son had to deal with all the difficulties of the Law and faced all the frailties of being a human. Our Father bought our freedom at the terrible cost of his Son's life on a cross in front of a mob that was jeering and jealous of his popularity. He did this so that you and I could be his honored children, entitled to all of his wonderful inheritance. To put it succinctly: God's plan, God's Son, God's ransom, Our glory.

Thought for today: Do I know my value and worth to God?

Sanctification April 3, 2019

1 Thessalonians 4:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

Sanctified surely does sound "churchy," doesn't it? It means to be special, reserved for God's use and glory, and not common. We are to be an uncommon people! This is especially true in steering clear of sexual immorality. We're to stay far away from it, honoring God with our bodies (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20) while celebrating God's plan for joyful sexual fulfillment in marriage (Proverbs 5; 1 Corinthians 7:1-7).

Thought for today: Do I honor and glorify God with my body?

Grace Abuse April 2, 2018

Ephesians 4:2-3 New International Version (NIV)

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Effort, sweat, and dedication seem to have become the profanity of western Christianity. To our age of grace-abusers, the Holy Spirit reaches out with his truth and reminds us that relationships on earth, even those in Jesus' Church, are going to require a lot of effort, gritty love, personal sacrifice, and rigorous determination. If we read Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17, how could we not make every effort to keep his Body unified and our relationship with his people loving and patient? Since our salvation was purchased at the cost of Jesus' sweat and blood, how can we balk when our best efforts are required to preserve the unity of his family?

Thought for today: Do I continue to repeat poor behaviors and offer up cursory apologies?

A Cry For Help April 1, 2019

Psalm 4:1 New International Version (NIV)

1 Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

At first, this cry for help seems very demanding. However, closer inspection shows that this is really the cry of desperation. Have you been there? I surely have and I regularly hear from folks who are there now. But, read how this Psalm ends! What is the secret to surviving a long agony? I believe three things are important: 1) honesty in our prayer life with God, 2) confidence that God hears and cares even when our prayers sizzle with pain and frustration, and 3) genuine praise for God included in our prayers even when things seem bleak. It's not a magical formula, but it is a Spirit-inspired one — check it out in Psalm 4!

Thought for today: Do I allow my pride to prevent me from asking for help?