Excuses or Executions June 30, 2019

Exodus 6:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 But Moses said to the Lord, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”

Moses had to learn the same lesson most of us have to learn: folks really don't care that much about what we say. If the truth be known, most of us can't say it very well, anyway. But, when we offer ourselves to the Lord, he truly works through us and uses us in mighty ways. Ol' Stammerin' Mo' is the great testimony that God can take a shepherd with faltering speech and turn him into the greatest leader of his time. Don't you think we had better ask what God wants to do with us, and get to doing it!

Thought for today: Do I make excuses for why I can’t do what God is asking of me?

Putting In Work June 29, 2019

John 6:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

"What do you do for a living?" It is one of the most commonly asked questions in many cultures. We define each other in large measure by the work we do. God, however, defines us by his grace. So the work God has for us, the way he wants us to "make our living," so to speak, is by fully trusting in Jesus. This is the orientation point for each of our lives!

Thought for today: Do I reflect on and work on strengthening my faith?

I’m In Good Hands June 28, 2019

Luke 6:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Outside the example of Jesus, this command makes no sense at all. But, Jesus shows us the importance of leaving our destiny in the hands of our Creator and Father. Suddenly, this makes perfect sense. What is the best way to defeat an enemy? Certainly it's not to beat or kill that person. No, the way we defeat our enemies is by having Jesus' grace capture their hearts and having their character conform to that of our King!

Thought for today: Am I in the habit of “getting even” or can I continue to pray for and support those who have wronged me?

Worried By Worry June 27, 2019

Matthew 6:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

In our busy world, we often let ourselves get preoccupied with worrisome and inconsequential things. What does this get us? Far from making our lives more productive or adding to our longevity, we know for a fact that worry hastens our demise and robs our days of joy and grace.

Thought for today:  Do I think about how much of my day is consumed by worry?

In Awe June 26, 2019

Daniel 6:26-27 New International Version (NIV)

26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
    and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
    his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
    he performs signs and wonders
    in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
    from the power of the lions.”

If a foreign King in the days of the Old Testament can recognize how grand and glorious our God is, surely those of us who have received his grace through Jesus can rejoice in him and give him praise!

Thought for today: Am I fully aware of the majesty and splendor of God?

The Amazing Grace June 24, 2019

Ephesians 6:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Ephesians makes some of the greatest declarations in the entire Bible about the grace of God. This one, however, may be the very richest. Grace is offered to us whether we accept it or not. But, grace is with us in rich abundance and blessing as we love Jesus and hang on to his love with a grip of faith that is unwavering.

Thought for today: Do I fully understand the magnitude of God’s favor toward me?

Living Wage June 23, 2019

Romans 6:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If we get paid what we deserve, we're not going to like our wages. On the other hand, God, who is rich in mercy and grace, gives us his gift because of the sacrifice of Jesus and not what we deserve. I don't know about you, but that surely does make me want to serve him more passionately and faithfully!

Thought for today: Do I get upset when I receive “payback” in kind for the “bad” things?

What Will Be Said ? June 22, 2019

Genesis 6:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

Noah was described as a righteous man, blameless in his generation, who walked with God and did all that the Lord commanded him (Gen. 6:9, 22). Can you think of a higher honor? I'm not sure what they will write on my headstone when I pass from this life to be with Jesus, but I surely would love to be worthy of what was said of Noah in this verse! How about you?

Thought for today: Do I give thought to what will be spoken about me? (not gossip but my character)

Dance Like No one is Watching June 21, 2019

2 Samuel 6:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord.

David was ridiculed for his exuberance as he rejoiced with dancing at the Ark of the Covenant's return home. He refused, however, to be deterred by such criticism. This was a great day. His God was the only great and true God. He would celebrate before the Lord!

Thought for today: Is my celebration in/of/to the Lord curtailed by the opinions of others?

Treasure June 20, 2019

Matthew 6:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Where's your treasure? What are you doing to invest in long term security? Why not make sure your most important investments are guaranteed a great return!

Thought for today: What are my greatest treasures to invest and am I wise in my investments?

Abiding Within June 19, 2019

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 New International Version (NIV)

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Yesterday, we were reminded of Solomon's great dedication speech of the Temple in the Old Testament. Incredibly, Paul asserts that God has taken up his dwelling inside of us through his Spirit, just as majestically as he took up his dwelling in the Jerusalem Temple. Our acceptability to God as his holy dwelling came at a great price to him — the death of his Son! How can we refuse to honor his holy presence in us? How can we not live a holy life in response to his grace?

Thought for today: Am I cognizant of the fact that I take God with me in ALL I do?

Commonality June 18, 2019

2 Chronicles 6:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 “But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!

As Solomon dedicated the Temple, he realized that this tremendous accomplishment of great beauty was far too insignificant and small to house the Creator of the Universe. But, God did choose to dwell with mortals. That is what the life of Jesus is about (John 1:11-18). God is awesome and beyond description, far too holy to be expected to associate with flawed human beings. As God, however, he has chosen to love us and come and live with us so we can return to him and share in his glory.

Thought for today: Am I over the top with my presentation and representation to/for God?

Freely Obedient June 17, 2019

Romans 6:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

Paul stresses in Romans 6 that obedience to the will of God does not mean we are being manipulated or put under a bunch of arbitrary rules or formal laws. No, obedience of our grace-filled God is liberation — liberation from the bondage of sin and the certainty of death, liberation from the haunting memories of sin and its effects, as well as liberation to be the people we were created to be!

Thought for today: Do I strive to be my best in my thoughts and actions because it’s good for me or do I feel like I have to keep rules and it’s an effort?

Deliverance June16, 2019

Galatians 6:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

Paul ends his breathtaking letter to Galatians with this incredible reminder: both Jews and Gentiles who are justified by faith in Jesus Christ are God's people, his Israel. Like Abraham who left on a long journey trusting in God's promise, so also all who are spiritual Israel follow God's lead and cling to God's promise through faith in Jesus Christ. Like those who were delivered in the Exodus by the power of God and with the sprinkled blood of the Passover lamb, God's people today have been blood-bought and delivered from their bondage to sin and death. Here there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, because in Israel, we are God's people and the recipients of his mercy and his peace.

Thought for today: Do I consider the cost of delivery, meaning what am I willing to sacrifice in order to become better?

Grace & Mercy June 15, 2019

Matthew 6:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Can you think of a more frightening thought than God not forgiving our sins? We know how much he paid so our sins could be forgiven! We know how much he loves us! We know how much he wants us to be in relationship with him! So why would he withhold his forgiveness? Because we demonstrate that we have not received it or do not understand it! God is gracious and he will not accept those who are not gracious!

Thought for today: Do I extend grace and graciousness to others?

God Be The Glory June 14, 2019

Galatians 6:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Do you have a basis for pride? What is your source of that pride? Paul reminds us that our one, true, and dependable source of boasting is boasting in what the Lord has done for us on the Cross. This one source of boasting has absolutely nothing to do with anything that we have done, attained, or accomplished on our own. All other reasons to boast are fleeting glimpses at hollow fame compared to the joy and assurance of sharing in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Thought for today: Do I give praise and glory to God for my accomplishments or do I boast in the accolades?

Suit Up June 13, 2019

Ephesians 6:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Since we are in a spiritual war, we must put on spiritual armor. More than saying our daily prayers and perfunctorily reading our daily Scriptures, we must learn to recognize the spiritual armor God has given us for our spiritual protection and prepare ourselves for spiritual warfare. We should approach each day, each task, each Scripture, with a sense of urgency because we know we are at war. The day of evil will come, so let's be ready to take our stand using the tools God has supplied and the power he provides.

Thought for today: Do I run to others for assistance at the slightest sign of trouble or do I suit up and prepare to do battle?

The Battle Is Not Yours June 12, 2019

Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

This is war! We face a daily battle and it is not just with sin and temptation. We have a real foe whose desire for us is our destruction. But, our foe has already been defeated and his angels stand rebuked. So, let's keep our spiritual vigor knowing that we're not playing church but fighting for the Kingdom.

Thought for today: Do I see “darkness” when it slips into my daily life?

Death Becomes You June 11, 2019

Romans 6:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Just as Jesus died to sin, we also died to sin. But, simply putting aside sin isn't going to keep sin away from us. We must embrace Jesus' new life for us every day, with our hearts open to the Lord's exciting will for us. Let's let what is dead remain buried and in the past. Let's live passionately for God with our eyes focused on Jesus and his future for us.

Thought for today: Am I awakened to view and receive the things of God?

Do-gooder June 10, 2019

Galatians 6:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

We are to be a people who do good deeds. That's a very significant part of who we are as Jesus' followers. So let's look for the many opportunities that God places in our paths to bless others. Let's use all of these blessings to bring God glory!

Thought for today: When is the last time I did a random act of kindness?

Champagne Dreams and Caviar Wishes June 9, 2019

1 Timothy 6:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

This is not a message for folks who are financially rich. No, this is for all of us who want to have that wealth. Craving it, coveting it, and going in pursuit of earthly wealth expose us to grave danger. Let's be reminded of Jesus' words: "Seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

Thought for today: Am I often misdirected and distracted by the “get rich quick” thoughts and dreams?

Favor June 8, 2019

Genesis 6:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Reminds me of what God told Jesus at his baptism — "... in you I am well pleased!" Even in the middle of a culture steeped in sin in Noah's time, God could find the one heart loyal to him and use him and his family to be a blessing and provide the world a future. May we each be such a person in our day, in our job, in our school, in our neighborhood. Can you imagine the difference it would ultimately make if each of us decided to be a Noah?

Thought for today: Is my conduct consistent and can I say it pleases God?

Reaping and Sowing June 7, 2019

Galatians 6:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

We're not going to fool God. While we might put up a facade for others, God knows our hearts. So, if we spend our wealth, time, and interest in other things and give God the crumbs, we need to know that we are not going to reap a bounteous spiritual harvest.

Thought for today: Am I a phony? What areas of my life need to become authentic?

The Prayer Room June 6, 2019

Matthew 6:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer is an incredible invitation from God to share with him what is on our hearts. Even when we don't have words to say, he helps us through his Spirit in those moments. This incredibly intimate conversation, sustained by the very precious Spirit of God within us, must never be debased by crass showmanship or pride. Prayer is not done to prove our piety, but to deepen our relationship with Almighty God!

Thought for today: Do I make my prayer a production or is it an intimate conversation?

Conjoined June 5, 2019

Romans 6:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

So, here's the great news: if we have died with Christ, we've already died the only death that really matters. Our lives are joined with his and so we will share in his glory when he returns (Colossians 3:1-4). Even death cannot separate us from his presence in our lives (Romans 8:35-39) because we have been given the victory over death through Christ Jesus our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). We do not have to fear the second death (Revelation 2:1 20:6) because we have already passed over from death into life (John 5:24).

Thought for today: What am I dead to? Do I see the “death” as a benefit or a detriment?

Rigid Rules June 4, 2019

Ephesians 6:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Malachi 4:6 promised that fathers and children would be reunited in heart. Let's make that true in our homes by nurturing and correcting our children — with a balance between nurture and correction. Let's not make our faith so full of rules and restrictions that it becomes impossible for our children to hear that they are our beloved children, with whom we are very pleased! Let's not grant so much freedom that our children feel neglected and uncertain. Let's turn our hearts toward them and pray for God to turn their hearts toward their home with us and their home with you!

Thought for today: Am I so rigid in my instructions that it allows no room for personal experience?

Connected June 3, 2019

Romans 6:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

More than an outward symbol, baptism is coming to the core of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and sharing in it by grace (Romans 6:1-15). What an incredible blessing to be able to do what Jesus did at the beginning of his ministry to please God (Luke 3:21-22), and also know that through our faith in God's power to raise him from the dead, our lives can be joined with his until we can share fully in his glory! (Colossians 2:12; 3:1-4).

Thought for today: What is my outward demonstration to my connection with my Higher Power?

Law Abiding June 2, 2019

Galatians 6:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

"I didn't know Jesus had a law!" Well, he doesn't have a written one like we find in the Old Testament (2 Corinthians 3). No, his is Spirit-imprinted on our hearts and transforms our character. This law gives us liberty from written law (James 2:12-17) and emphasizes the undergirding principle that guided Jesus' life — sacrifice and service for others (Philippians 2:5-11). Far more than a written law, this is a passion for Christ and a commitment to be like him.

Thought for today: Do I embody the laws of righteousness?

Not For Show June 1, 2019

Matthew 6:1 New International Version (NIV)

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Compassion is not for personal glory, just as it is not a private internal emotion. Christian compassion must always motivate us to act in the best interest and for the greater good of those in need, without calling attention to ourselves or our sacrifices. God provides what we need to bless others and takes care of the reward when our goal is to please him and to be used by him to bless others who are in need.

Thought for today: Do I tell people what I’ve done for someone else?