Temporary July 31, 2019

1 Corinthians 7:31 New International Version (NIV)

31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

This often repeated theme in the New Testament and from the lips of Jesus should be the great reminder that we shouldn't spend our lives working for what is temporary.

Thought for today: Am I heavily invested and stress over things that I know will not last?

Perfect Surrender July 30, 2019

John 7:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

30 At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?”

The enemies of Jesus had tried repeatedly to seize him. Yet the Gospel of John reminds us again and again that no one could seize Jesus until he offered himself up to them. Jesus followed God's timetable just as carefully as he obeyed his Father's will. So we can know with assurance that when Jesus died, he did so to redeem us and obey his Father's will, not because he was powerless to defend himself. Jesus' death is a voluntary sacrifice, a triumph of his obedience to his Father's will over his own will for preservation. He obeyed and we are saved! He offered himself as a sacrifice so we could be adopted into the Father's family!

Thought for today: Can you and do you submit to righteousness and right acts?

Blessings July 29, 2019

2 Samuel 7:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”

God had blessed King David incredibly — from a shepherd boy to King, from an errand boy to a war hero, from a small town to the leader of a great empire. David's concern, however, was that God stay close to him and his descendants, and uphold the promises he had made to David. More than any other discovery in his life of service, David had learned that the future, that every battle, and that any real hope lie in the presence of the LORD God of Israel. When God speaks, he keeps his word. When God acts, he acts to redeem. So David asked that God do what he longs to do, bless his people and keep his promises.

Thought for today: Are my prayers offered knowing and trusting God will bless?

Thy Will Be Done July 28, 2019

Matthew 7:28-29 New International Version (NIV)

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Unlike the teachers of his day, Jesus didn't have to shore up his teaching with obscure quotes from past teachers. Jesus, the Word of God, spoke the very words of God. He did and said what the Father willed. His life and his words had the ring of authenticity and an awareness of power that extend through the ages and beckon us to his truth. This Jesus, our Teacher and Lord, is different. His words are powerful. His teachings are true. So his will must be our passion!

Thought for today: Does my will line up with the will of God?

No One Knows July 27, 2019

John 7:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”

God in human flesh is how John 1:14 describes Jesus, God's ultimate message (cf. Heb. 1:1-3). Of course this is a mystery that we cannot fully fathom. It is beyond our human experience and limited reality. Jesus' critics want to easily characterize him as someone who cannot be Messiah because they think they know where he is from. They are wrong. They think he is from Nazareth and not Bethlehem. We know better. They are even more wrong, because Jesus isn't ultimately from Bethlehem; he is "from above." Jesus exhausts our imagination and overflows our cup of wonder as we seek to understand all that he is as our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Thought for today: Am I in the habit of allowing my imagination to accept worldly things but cannot apply the same level of imagination to include the things of God?

No Allowance July 26, 2019

Deuteronomy 7:26  (NIV)

26 Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

A little corruption, a little poison, and a little rotten are all oxymorons. God has made us pure and perfect in Jesus. What a glorious thought! Why would we want to stain his perfection with what is evil. Our Father wants us to dedicate ourselves to him, and to living as his holy people (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).

Thought for today: Do I normalize negativity?

My Best Thinking Got Me Here July 25, 2019

Acts 7:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.

Timing is everything. Well, not everything, but an important thing. God's plan and power provide us with everything. Finding his timing for that plan and power is crucial. When Moses took it upon himself to redeem God's people, he failed. After being humbled in the wilderness, God called him back to deliver the people at the divine moment and according to the Almighty's plan. The results led to the Exodus — the redemption and rebirth of God's holy people.

Thought for today: Do I allow my ego/thinking to cloud my discernment?

Giving Body July 24, 2019

Romans 7:24-25 New International Version (NIV)

24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Our bodies are mortal and flawed. They are tainted with our weakness and sin. But, by the grace of God given us in Jesus Christ, our future does not rest in the dust with our bodies, but in the power of our perfecting Lord.

Thought for today: Do I push past my physical limitations?

The Grand Scheme Of Things July 25, 2019

Matthew 6:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

God gives beauty to the flowers and life to grass. In the grand scheme of things, these are transitory and insignificant. He sent his Son from Heaven to save us. So, he most definitely is going to give us what we need until we go home to live with him!

Thought for today: Do I trust God to meet every need or do I think my prayers need my help?

Cries For Justice July 23, 2019

Ezekiel 7:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 “‘Prepare chains!
    For the land is full of bloodshed,
    and the city is full of violence.

God hates it when the innocent are afflicted with violence and bloodshed. He hates evil and political corruption. He hates courts that are false and leaders who are abusive of their power. We need to rest assured that he will provide deliverance for his faithful followers and administer justice to those who have abused or harmed other people — if not in this life, for sure in the life to come.

Thought for today: Am I just in my actions and interactions?

Incomparable July 22, 2019

2 Samuel 7:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

The promises of God to Abraham and David, the work of God through Jesus, and the miraculous preservation of both the Abrahamic and Davidic lines to Jesus are nothing short of miraculous. They are testimony to God's faithfulness and power. When we get discouraged by the unfaithfulness and blasphemy so prevalent in our world, we need to remember the faithfulness of our God and his awesome power displayed through his chosen people.

Thought for today: Am I faithful in my spiritual walk and relationship?       

Invincible July 21, 2019

Deuteronomy 7:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.

What foe can defeat the people of God? None! Our God, our Deliverer, is mighty in power, awesome in holiness, and greater than any of our foes. We refuse to fear what the evil one threatens because our Savior has already ultimately defeated him.

Thought for today: Do I allow my fears to limit my reach?

Handle With Care July 20, 2019

Ecclesiastes 7:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,
    no one who does what is right and never sins.

Yep, we're all broken, flawed, and tainted. Or, at least that is what we were (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-11). Praise God, because of his grace and the work of Jesus, we can stand before God holy, without blemish, and free from accusation (Col. 1:22).

Thought for today: Do I embrace (acknowledge) my faults and flaws?

Marvel July 19, 2019

Deuteronomy 7:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

So often we look at the past work of God and think we will not see the display of his power like our predecessors did. But, just as God reminded a new generation of his people that he would go with them and empower them like he had their parents, we also need to expect him to do more than all we can ask or even imagine by his power at work within us! (cf. Ephesians 3:20)

Thought for today:  Can and do I trust God to do the seemingly impossible or do I get anxious and interfere?

Faithful and Enduring July 18, 2019

Daniel 7:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’

Forever! The Kingdom will belong to God's saints, his children, the people of the Most High (see Daniel 7:27), us! And it will be ours, forever... and ever... and ever. Praise God for his promises, his grace, and his faithfulness.

Thought for today: Do I enter into things with longevity in mind or do I consistently avoid commitment?

Unconditional July 17, 2019

Revelation 7:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes

What a beautiful picture! The One who died for us will nourish and refresh us. The One upon whom all eternity hinges will take time to personally comfort us. No wonder Paul could say that he did not consider his present sufferings worth comparing to the glory that would be revealed to us! (Romans 8:18)

Thought for today: Do I think of others (empathy) in the midst of my own troubles?

Presence July 16, 2019

Luke 7:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”

Jesus came to do the work of God. Jesus came as the Son of God. Jesus came to reveal God. Jesus came and people praised God. Jesus came so people could see God. Do you know Jesus? If you do, do you know him as well as you should?

Thought for today: Do I invest time in getting to know God?

Healing July 15, 2019

Mark 7:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

We get so hung up on externals, appearances, and facades. Jesus cuts to the core of God's concern — our spiritual heart condition. He wants us to not only focus on what we put in our body, but what we allow to grow in our hearts and simmer in our heads. The inner world is what needs our most earnest attention. So let's be honest and ask if we are spending as much time focusing on our inner world as we are focusing on our external appearance!

Thought for today: Do I immediately address things that make me feel uncomfortable or do I allow them to fester?

Revival July 14, 2019

2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

While this is a passage often emphasized when talking about the problems with nations and governments, let's remember that the truest application of this must find its home in us and in our churches. We can begin revival in our land if we will commit to daily prayer, weekly fasting, and hearts yearning for God to enter our world and transform it.

Thought for today: Am I always looking for something or someone outside of myself to start my revival?

Grace and Repentance July 13, 2019

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Over two decades ago, Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists for offering a carrot stick gospel that focused on the pay off and not lordship of Jesus. Jesus, especially in Matthew 7, reminds us that grace does not dismiss discipleship and mercy does not release us from our need to genuinely repent. We must accept the grace that is given us and truly let Jesus be Lord of our lives. It's not an either-or proposition, but a both-and call from God to receive grace and to follow Jesus as Lord.

Thought for today: Can I apologize and release the thing that upset me?

You Talk Too Much Just 12, 2019

Matthew 7:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Some things don't need a lot of explaining, just a lot more implementing.

Thought for today: Do I talk more than I do?

Sweet Nothings July 11, 2019

Job 7:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 “Therefore I will not keep silent;
    I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
    I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

We sometimes think of God as too fragile, too distant, or too brooding to speak with him honestly about our dilemmas. Job wasn't so shy. He is the great reminder that God prefers us to maintain our relationship with him, even if it is stormy. No matter where you are in your struggles, be honest with God — not disrespectfully, but sincerely. Let him minister to your truest hurts, frustrations, and fears, not just the simple and sanitized ones.

Thought for today: Do I believe that I have to use flowery, poetic and “clean” words when I speak to God?

He Reigns July 10, 2019

Revelation 7:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

From the voices of those who know, the message is clear! God reigns and with his rule comes salvation. This is because of the Lamb who was willing to be slain, but who triumphed over death. Because of the Lamb's work and faithfulness, we can be assured of heaven.

Thought for today: Do I speak about God assuredly and in authority?

Prayed Up July 9, 2019

Psalm 7:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
    and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
    who probes minds and hearts.

In a world of organized crime, gangs, and predators, we have some real work cut out for us if we are going to influence the violent part of contemporary culture to change its ways. Maybe the place to start is down on our knees before the Father, asking him to use us to make a difference in our violent world!

Thought for today: Do I pray before I approach corruption?

I Can’t Hear You July 8, 2019

Ezekiel 7:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 I am about to pour out my wrath on you
    and spend my anger against you.
I will judge you according to your conduct
    and repay you for all your detestable practices.

Because God's people had repeatedly rebelled and chosen to turn an unhearing ear toward his will, God is about to let them face the consequences of their own sinfulness. He is ready to judge them using the harshest of standards because of their entrenched rebellion. We must remember that he wants us to be a holy people just as much as he did his Old Testament people. Let's be faithful to him, no matter the values of our culture.

Thought for today: Do I stop to listen for God’s voice or prompting?

Good Looking July 7, 2019

Matthew 7:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

God made us to seek after him and find him (Acts 17:27-28). Try to imagine the astounding reality of this truth: the God of the Universe is thrilled to see us when we come home to him! Is it any wonder that he longs for us to seek him so he can welcome us with the same joy as the father welcomed the son back again (Luke 15:11-31)?

Thought for today: Do I seek God with as much zeal as I look out for my own interests?

No Laws July 6, 2019

Romans 7:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

We are free from Law! Does that mean anarchy and lawlessness? Absolutely not! No, because the grace that freed us also brought God's HOLY Spirit to live within. He can empower us to do what we could not do on our own. He can help us in our weakness to pray with confidence and boldness to the Father. With his help, we are brought into a circle of accountable friends, tied by the grace of God and the Spirit of Christ. Thank God for the "new way"!

Thought for today: Do I abuse grace by continuing to repeat the same patterns of behavior?

Character Measurements July 5, 2019

Jeremiah 7:5-7 New International Version (NIV)

5 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, 6 if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, 7 then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever.

What is the true measure of our character? Certainly it is not merely how we act "at church." The real test of our character, our godliness, is our partnership with him in his work of redeeming the lost, forgotten, downtrodden, and broken. When we live only for ourselves, when the "have-nots" are left so far behind, a culture collapses upon itself because it lacks the heart of God, and people become jealous and resentful of one another.

Thought for today: Do I only seek to befriend people who can reciprocate my giving?

Freedom July 4, 2019

Galatians 5:1 New International Version (NIV)

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Paul wrote to help the new believers keep their true freedom in Christ: freedom from trying to earn their righteousness through law-keeping (Galatians chapters 3 and 4). The law could not justify them before God. Only faith in Jesus offered them freedom to be all Christ had re-created by grace to be (Galatians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 3:17-29). They were God's children through faith, led by the Spirit to take on the character of Jesus (Galatians 5:16-27). We, too, must realize that since we are God's children, we have been freed from law-keeping and sin because of our faith in Jesus and our participation with him in baptism through faith (Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:3-14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-7). We must never return to justifying ourselves through works of any law, set of rules, or someone's religious expectation. To do so is to give up our freedom and return to the bondage. Paul begs us to rely on what Jesus did for us, not on works of the law. It is the cross of Christ and the empty tomb that liberate us from sin, death, and slavery to what cannot save us.

Thought for today: Am I rigid in my thinking and my ways?

God’s Gifts July 3, 2017

Jeremiah 7:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place.

We often take for granted what we have, where we live, the friends who bless our lives, and the family that gives us a place to belong and grow. All of these are gifts to us from God. We don't deserve them. We don't earn them. But, we can surely destroy them. God wants us to live obediently, not just to please him, but also to protect ourselves and those we love. So let's reform our actions and live for him and not for ourselves.

Thought for today: How do I cover and protect my friends?

Critical Vision July 2, 2019

Matthew 7:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Jesus is concerned that we not have a critical spirit toward others, especially about their motives as to why they did something. We can't assume to know another person's heart; only God can. When we are unfairly critical, overly harsh, or unduly judgmental, we need to remember that God will use that same standard on us. I don't know about you, but I need grace. So do those I love. I'm going to try very hard to be as gracious toward others as I'm trusting that God is going to be gracious with me.

Thought for today: Do I tend to look at people in suspicion?

Run Away July 1, 2019

Psalm 7:1 New International Version (NIV)

1 Lord my God, I take refuge in you;
    save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

Who or what is pursuing you? Is it a past mistake? Is it an old enemy? Is it your conscience? Is it a nagging sense of guilt? Is it someone who wants to do you physical harm? Is it a physical illness? In the middle of all the storms and struggles of life, where do you go to find peace and security? There is only One who can be a true and lasting refuge. Just One!

Thought for today: What and where is the center of my peace?