Sin Sick May 31, 2019

Luke 5:31-32 New International Version (NIV)

31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus was often criticized for deliberately associating with people who were suspect in the eyes of the "religious." There was a reason for his behavior. He wasn't doing this to be popular, weird, bizarre, or hip. Jesus came to redeem the enslaved, find the lost, mend the broken, and reclaim the sinner. Can Jesus' bodily presence strive for anything less than this today, and still call herself Jesus' Church?

Thought for today: Am I aware of my faults?

The Origins Of Faith May 30, 2019

Acts 5:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.

Peter is making clear that his faith in Jesus didn't just begin with Jesus. It began with the Patriarchs, the great Jewish fathers. The God who blessed them also raised Jesus from the dead, even though Jesus had been executed in the most heinous and degrading way possible for a faithful Jew — he was nailed to a cross, something that was both illegal and a sign of being cursed under Jewish Law. He raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him and made him our Savior and our Lord. Praise God!

Thought for today: Do I understand all the history that lead to our Christ?

TRUE Righteousness May 29, 2019

Acts 5:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

Against a stern warning from the ruling council in Jerusalem, called the Sanhedrin, Peter and the other apostles proclaimed Jesus as Lord. They knew that Jesus had triumphed over the attempts of his enemies to extinguish him and his ministry. The apostles blatantly disobeyed the orders of the very same people who had Jesus crucified. By any standard, that is faithful courage. How are you doing in the "standing up for Jesus" battle?

Thought for today: Am I willing to stand firm on what I know to be right?

R-E-S-P-E-C-T May 28, 2019

Matthew 5:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Living in a sexually supercharged world and facing the prevalence of pornography on the Internet and in today's media, how are you doing with this issue?

Thought for today: Are my thoughts and appetites in check?

The Least Likely May 27, 2019

Luke 5:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him,

After capturing the hearts of the crowd, Jesus now calls another disciple, Levi (Matthew). Two things are significant about this calling. First, Jesus called someone no other religious leader would have chosen, a tax collector and Roman sympathizer — to any Jew of Jesus' era, Matthew would have seemed very much like a traitor to his heritage and to his faith. Second, the tax collector followed, leaving behind his livelihood and his fortune. This is a powerful reminder that there is no one we should write off as unreachable with the Gospel and as unusable by our Lord.

Thought for today: Am I completely and freely willing to follow God

Truly Amazing May 26, 2019

Luke 5:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Jesus forgave a man who was lame, then showed he had authority to forgive by healing him. As exciting and important as this healing was, the most important thing was the reaction of those who witnessed it; they praised God out of a sense of amazed awe. They recognized that Jesus had come to minister as God's very presence. When we understand who Jesus is and what he has done for us and will continue to do for us, we do the same thing today — we offer our praises with a sense of amazement and awe.

Thought for today: Are my eyes open to see the wonders of God?

Lend Ear May 25, 2019

John 5:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

Aren't you glad that not even death can stop us from hearing Jesus' promised words to us: "RISE!"? We will hear his voice and live with him forever. That sure puts a lift in my future plans; what about you?

Thought for today: Does the word of God resonate with/in me?

Death Becomes Him/Her May 24, 2019

Galatians 5:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

When we became Christians, we died to the old person of sin and were raised up a new person. While we have many of the same battles with temptation, we also now have the power of the resurrection and the Holy Spirit at work within us to help us.

Thought for today: Can I recognize what I need to let die in order to become better?

Transformers May 23, 2019

1 Thessalonians 5:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We know that true righteousness and holiness are qualities possessed perfectly by only God. Amazingly, God uses his Spirit to make those qualities a growing reality in our lives when we will yield to his leadership. Yesterday, we committed to let the Spirit work on maturing us in our weakest areas. Let's take an extra five or ten minutes sometime today, open God's Word, and read several passages of Scripture that apply to our specific vulnerabilities. Then, let's ask God's Spirit to transform us in these areas to be more like Christ!

Thought for today: Am I responsive to the Holy Spirit?

Changed Character May 22, 2019

Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Where the Holy Spirit lives, human character is changed and spiritual fruit can be seen. Certainly this maturity isn't found overnight! It is, however, noticeable over the long haul of life. What fruit is the Spirit bearing in your life? In what ways have you matured? In what areas do you want the Spirit to exercise greater control? Why not take a moment and consciously yield those areas in which you struggle to him now, as you pray?

Thought for today: What character defects am I struggling with and am I willing to allow God to work on my change or do I believe I can change myself through my own work?

The Great Exchange May 21, 2019

2 Corinthians 5:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Jesus was perfect, spotless, holy, righteous, and clean. Yet he became what he hated, sin. Why would he do such a thing? Because he loved us and wanted us to be what he is today, the righteousness of God.

Thought for today: Have I given thought to the enormity of God’s sacrifice? What am I willing to sacrifice for Him?

The Right Path May 20, 2019

James 5:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

When someone wanders from the path of God, let's not take that rebellion frivolously. God has given us the tremendous blessing of carrying on the work of our Savior, who came to seek and save the lost!

Thought for today: Do I have the willingness to tell people that they’re headed for a fall?

Returns With Receipt May 19, 2019

Mark 5:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

This man has been given back his life, ransomed from the power of Satan and the grave. How will he use it? Simple. He will go tell those in his family what the Lord has done for him. Isn't that what we need to be doing with the unbelievers in our families?

Thought for today: Do I freely discuss the goodness of God?

True Friends May 18, 2019

Luke 5:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.

What is the fullest definition of a friend? The Bible offers us numerous definitions and examples. One of my favorite examples is this story of the paralyzed man whose friends went to great extremes to get him to Jesus. Their faith and their effort to get him to Jesus are the things that ultimately result in the man's forgiveness and healing. I don't know about you, but that's the kind of friend I want to be!

Thought for today: Can people count on me to be a good friend?

What’s New May 17, 2019

2 Corinthians 5:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

"New and Improved!" That should be stamped across the forehead of every Christian! When we come to Christ, he makes us new and he cleanses us of all our sins. Incredibly, this grace can be "new every morning" because of God's faithfulness and transforming power. God's grace and power are given to us through his Holy Spirit. We are new and improved, and will continue to be that way until we are completely transformed to be like Jesus! (See 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Thought for today: Is it my active practice to be better than I was the day before?

My Light May 16, 2019

Matthew 5:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

As Christians, we are not called to isolate ourselves from culture. We are not called to be hermits or monks. Instead, we are to recognize that we are in a world of darkness and live as light — not as little candles tucked away in some inner bedroom, but as candles set on their stands so all can see their light or cities on a hill that can't be hidden. Of course, our goal is not to call attention to ourselves, but to help others see the glorious grace of our Father.

Thought for today: Do my words and actions reflect my true character and show the goodness of God?

Ordered Steps May 15, 2019

Ephesians 5:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

Living with urgency doesn't mean living recklessly. It means living with a holy abandon to honor God and with a holy passion to make each moment count for righteousness. That means we must be intentional about our choices, taking care that we use our moments wisely as we live a life of character different from the world around us because we are dedicated to Jesus.

Thought for today: Do I monitor my walk, talk and actions to be pleasing to God or as a show for man?

Godly Character May 14, 2019

Amos 5:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 Seek good, not evil,
    that you may live.
Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you,
    just as you say he is.

Many illicit and evil groups have claimed to have God on their side. Horrific things have been done under the disguise of a "Christian" movement. Jesus, however, told us we could recognize people by their fruit. Those who seek good and abhor evil and those who practice justice and mercy are the ones who have God with them. Let's make sure our claim of God's presence is matched by the presence of God's character in our lives!

Thought for today: Am I bearing fruit and is it pleasing to god?

Know That You Know May 13, 2019

1 John 5:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Yes, we can KNOW! Don't settle for less!! Confidence is so crucial that God sent his Son to die and be raised so we could know that life is our destination, not just our journey. While that life is experienced now, it is only a hint, a foretaste, of what lies ahead in our future with the Lord.

Thought for today: Am I assured of the power of my faith?

The Call To Lead May 12, 2019

1 Thessalonians 5:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

What are you doing to bless the lives of your spiritual leaders? Do you pray daily for them? Do you send them notes of encouragement? Do you thank them for their loving attention? Do you respond to their rebukes and take heart in their affirmations? Leaders don't need to be followed blindly, but often they get no support for their efforts. Let's make their work a blessing and not a burden! (Hebrews 13:17)

Thought for today: How do I support and honor my leaders?

Joy To The World May 11, 2019

Psalm 5:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Our hope is in the LORD! He is the basis of our security and the reason for our joyful songs! He is our protection and hope! He is the reason we rejoice!

Thought for today: Am I living a joy filled life?

What Profits A Man May 10, 2019

Ecclesiastes 5:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 Whoever loves money never has enough;
    whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
    This too is meaningless.

We have examples of those who used their wealth wisely and who generously blessed others and honored God in the process — e.g., Barnabas in Acts 4, see also 2 Cor. 8-9 & 1 Tim. 6:17-18. But, the New Testament repeatedly warns us about our desire for wealth. Unrestrained, this desire can become our god and lead us to ruin (1 Tim. 6:9-10). It can become full-fledged idolatry (Col. 3:5). Chasing after wealth is just another vain attempt to make life meaningful. In the last two verses of Ecclesiastes, the Wise Man reveals where true meaning is found and explains what Paul means when he says, "Godliness with contentment is great wealth." (1 Tim. 6:6).

Thought for today: Where do I store my treasures?

Gotta Go Through To Get Under May 9, 2019

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 New International Version (NIV)

9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

God didn't save us to condemn us. No, he saved us so we could come home to him and enjoy his gracious presence for eternity. God wants us in his presence; that's what salvation is all about! He is not about to let anything keep us from that presence when our hearts belong to him!

Thought for today: What obstructs my connection to my greater self?

Radically Demonstrative May 8, 2019

Romans 5:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God didn't wait till we were "good enough" to bring us his salvation. Instead, he came when we were most lost and needed his grace the most. But then, that's what love really means by God's definition. It's more than something declared or felt, it's something radically demonstrated.

Thought for today: How do I show love?

Letting Go May, 7, 2019

1 Peter 5:7 New International Version (NIV)

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

Isn't it absolutely incredible that the God who made the universe cares about us and our needs, hurts, and fears! So let's trust that he will do what is best for us and show it by living for him!

Thought for today: Do I know how to and what it means to place my burdens on the altar?

Accept No imitations May 6, 2019

Deuteronomy 5:6-7 New International Version (NIV)

6 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

7 “You shall have no other gods before me.

God is Sovereign, all-powerful, and without rival. So it is absolutely amazing that he repeatedly chooses to bless us with his grace before he calls us to worship and obedience. In most other religions, their gods demand adherence, sacrifice, and obedience before their favor is acquired. But the One True and Living God offers grace and then calls us to obedience. Not only does he have the right to ask us to have no other gods, he is worthy of being our only God because of his demonstrated love and his incomparable glory!

Thought for today: Have I given thought to the amount of grace/freedom that God gives me?

The Source May 5, 2019

Romans 5:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

The source of our hope is not just in Jesus' prior work on the Cross and in the empty tomb. It isn't dependent just on our own will-power and commitment to hang on to hope. No, God made sure the fire of hope could never run out of fuel in our hearts. He did this by filling us with his Holy Spirit and pouring his love into our hearts. That same Spirit will help raise us up and give us life when Jesus returns (cf. Romans 8:11).

Thought for today: How do I guard, protect and feed my hope?

The Good Shepherd May 4, 2019

Micah 5:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
    in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
    will reach to the ends of the earth.

The great hope that we have is that our Good Shepherd will return for us, call us each by name, and bring us securely into his fold. There we will share in his protective care and eternal peace.

Thought for today: Am I willing to follow God’s leading and how do I know it’s God?

Morning Prayer May 3, 2019

Psalm 5:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.

Prayer is more than asking. Prayer is more than praising. Prayer is more than thanking. Prayer is more than requesting or interceding or kneeling or humbling ourselves. Prayer is expecting that God wants us there, expecting that God hears us, and expecting that God will meet us in our prayer time and do what is best for us and those we love.

Thought for today: Is my prayer life active in asking and in expecting an answer?

Words Worth May 2, 2019

Ecclesiastes 5:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
    do not be hasty in your heart
    to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
    and you are on earth,
    so let your words be few.

Even in our sound-byte world, far too many words are spoken in pledge to God that go unfulfilled. Let's thank him, praise him, and petition him. But let's also realize that, while our prayers need to be persistent, our words don't need to be elaborate or refined, just few in number.

Thought for today: Am I in the practice of talking long and elaborate but not keeping my word?

The Price Of Peace May 1, 2019

Romans 5:1 New International Version (NIV)

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

The cost of peace is always high. Our peace was purchased by Jesus' enormous sacrifice. God made sure the price for our rebellion was paid, but he didn't make us pay it because we could never have fulfilled our obligation. Instead, God paid it himself in Jesus.

Though for today: What price am I willing to pay to obtain my peace?