Progression Or Regression? August 31, 2019

Mark 8:31 New International Version (NIV)

31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

Knowing Jesus is God's Messiah is one thing. Following Jesus as our Lord is quite another. Getting our minds, hearts, and lives to all line up is always a challenge. Once Jesus' disciples confessed him as the Christ, he knew he had to teach them the real road to glory. Each of the Gospels reminds us that this road led to the cross of agony before it led to the crown of glory. The early church captured it in a song that reminded them that they, too, must walk that same road (see Philippians 2:5-11). We are a heaven-bound people, but we can be sure that we will encounter potholes and bumps along the road and even steep hills to climb as Satan tries to derail and defeat us. Our Savior, however, has already walked this road, and he is our great reminder that the path leads us to share in his glory, too.

Thought for today: Have I committed to stay on the path?

The Substance August 30, 2019

John 8:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.

While we often talk about Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can also find it easy to ignore his voice. Let's make a commitment to read through each of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) before the end of the year. And as we read, let's do it as a search for the heart of Jesus and ask God to help us know him better.

Thought for today: Is my faith only found and used when I want something or do I believe and trust in the fact that God is ALWAYS present?

Unashamed and Unafraid August 29, 2019

Mark 8:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

The sweetest confession we will ever make is this: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and I want him to be Lord of my life. Let's say it again, out loud, to the glory of God the father. Then, let's commit that before the year ends, we're going to help someone else come to say it for the first time!

Thought for today: Do I downplay my beliefs because I’m afraid my openness may offend someone?

Faith In The Things Unseen August 28, 2019

Romans 8:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The real issue in our lives is not God's faithfulness, but ours. The history of God's faithfulness to Israel and to his promises is found in the Scriptures. We can depend and rely on him to do what he promises, despite the apparent circumstances of our lives. The real issue is whether or not we choose to truly love him and live for his purposes when life becomes unbearable and faith becomes hard. This verse is no platitude, but the life-ring of hope for those with gritty faith who choose to persevere when there is no easy reason for doing so. Faith is rooted in a Savior who triumphed over death, Satan, and sin on the third day while we find ourselves caught up on the second day waiting for the dawn of our full salvation.

Thought for today: Do I bemoan the fact that my plans fell apart rather than acknowledge God in the potential and promise of something new and better?

Speaking Peace August 27, 2019

Matthew 8:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

What kind of man? Ah, much more than a man, he is our Lord, King, Messiah, Shepherd, and Savior.

Thought for today: Can I tap into my power to speak a stillness and calm to my emotional storms?

Doesn’t Take A Wordsmith August 26, 2019

Romans 8:26-27 New International Version (NIV)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Sometimes our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and fall to the floor. Other times, we are overcome with emotion and the words of our prayers can't capture what's in our hearts. Thank God for the assurance that the power of our prayers is not dependent upon our words, but upon his grace given us by the Holy Spirit's intercession!

Thought for today: Am I in the habit of offering flowery and wordy prayers when I know simplicity is succinct?

Can’t Ya Wait? August 25, 2019

Romans 8:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

I'm not good at waiting. But, my hope in the Lord gives me patience that is beyond my human tendency. As much as the Lord has blessed me, I'm fully confident that I can't even imagine the good things he has in store for me. So while I wait, I try to stay busy; busy loving my Father in heaven and sharing his grace with others.

Thought for today: Am I impatient to the point where I interfere with God’s business?

Personal Evolution August 24, 2019

John 8:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

The crucial phrase, somewhat disguised by our translations, is this one: "Unless you believe that I AM, then you will die in your sins." As John so often does, he grabs a simple phrase, fills it full to the brim with meaning, and leads us to see Jesus in a dramatically fresh way. Jesus is I AM, God with us. How could God love us so? We can't know the full answer to this, but we can surely believe and rejoice and live for his glory.

Thought for today: Am I committed to being the best version of myself?

Firstfruits August 23, 2019

Romans 8:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Life can be very difficult at times. Anyone who has lived long knows this. At the same time, even our worst nightmares are staging periods for our great redemption. Our loneliest moments are the waiting room for our final adoption into the very presence the King of Ages. With the Spirit living inside us, we are assured of the ultimate destination of our lives, no matter where the current scene in life's drama places us. So let's live as those who are assured of their final destination but just have not yet finally arrived, not those who have made their home and placed their hope in what is present. Our best days lie ahead!

Thought for today: Do I fall under the delusion of control, so much so that I  stress over every little bit of life?

As The World Turns August 22, 2019

Genesis 8:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night
will never cease.”

We face one of two realities. One reality is this: tomorrow will come, the earth will turn, and the seasons will pass in their appointed order. The second reality, God will interrupt his appointed order; Jesus will come and we'll share in his glory. These realities are as sure as the sun's coming up in the morning and going down in the evening. Either way, God's promises win out over our fears and Satan's opposition. In other words, by God's grace, we win!

Thought for today: Do I engage in the practice of catastrophizing every situation or do I rest in the knowledge of grace?

Family!!!!! August 21, 2019

Luke 8:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

I love the simple truth that Jesus taught his first disciples. You want to be recognized as a part of Jesus' family? Obey his Father's word and live his Father's will!

Thought for today: Am I in the will of God? How do I know?

Financial Sobriety August 20, 2019

2 Corinthians 8:20-21 New International Version (NIV)

20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

We want to be generous in helping others in need, especially those who are part of our Christian family. Generosity reflects how deeply God's loving gifts have touched our hearts. At the same time, those who lead, and especially those entrusted with the stewardship of funds given to bless others in the name of God, must carefully heed the example and call of the Apostle Paul. These leaders must be circumspect in the way they handle funds contributed by God's people for efforts to bless others in Jesus' name.

Thought for today: Am I responsible with my money?

Psychics and Soothsayers August 19, 2019

When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? — Isaiah 8:19

We live in an age when people want to mix the contents of many mystical faiths into the boiling pot of their own pseudo-Christian religion. Most do not know that the basic claim of Scripture is simple and clear. Only God, the Almighty Yahweh, is truly God. Only the one true and living God is to be worshiped. Only this Abba Father is to be trusted. Yes, there are other spiritual powers, but these powers lead to despair, death, and destruction. Jesus triumphed over them for us in the cross (Colossians 2:13-15). Seek God, YAHWEH, the great "I AM" of Israel, the Almighty, the righteous Father of Jesus and all who follow him. Seek God and live.

Thought for today: Do I partake of the “spiritual soup”? How do I know I worship in accordance with scripture?

The Pain Of It All August 18, 2019

Romans 8:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

"Life is pain... Anyone who says differently is selling you something." This line from the movie "Princess Bride" is poignantly accurate. However, it is not eternally accurate! Better days are ahead for those who follow Jesus, and these better days are far better than anything we can begin to imagine. As the old song says, "O that will be, glory for me ... when by Thy grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory ..."

Thought for today: Do I give myself permission wallow in doubt or am I in the habit of seeking and seeing blessings?

Amazing Grace August 17, 2019

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 New International Version (NIV)

17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

What do we have that wasn't given to us, either by God's generous grace, unexpected blessing, disciplining hardship, providential opportunity, or our good health? And when we stand before the throne of judgment, what will our claim to grace be? Our claim on grace is based only on God's generous and loving gifts that have made us pure, holy, and whole! Nothing we possess, accomplish, or buy can give us such a claim. Only God's generosity, grace, and love can bring heaven's greatest gifts to us.

Thoughts for today: Am I appreciative of ALL the things that God sees fit to give or do I only concentrate on what I ask for?

Personal Demons August 16, 2019

Matthew 8:16-17 New International Version (NIV)

16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities
    and bore our diseases.”

How does Jesus feel about us when we feel tormented by evil and unfairness? Does he really long to touch our broken bodies when we are sick? Look two places and you will know the answer. First, look at him in the dusk of early evening touching the untouchable and you'll know. Second, look to the cross and see him in anguish so we can be confident that he knows and cares. But, there is a third place to look. Look to the future when we will see him, and every tear will be dried from our eyes and we will share in his glory. Here we trust in his grace and know it only in parts and pieces, but The Day will come when we will know fully the words of Matthew 8:16-17 in our own immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 13:9-12; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58).

Thought for today:  Can I recognize the things that “possess” me and am I willing to ask God to remove them?

My Father August 15, 2019

Romans 8:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

God is so holy, so mighty, so awesome, and yet he bids us to call him "Abba Father." Abba was a term of endearment, familiarity, dependency, and love used by Jewish toddlers to address their fathers. God, through the incredible gift of his Holy Spirit in us, has given us this ultimate gift of availability, love, companionship, protection, and mighty care. Abba! Sweet Abba Father! My God, my LORD, the Sovereign ruler of heaven's armies and Creator of the universe is also my Abba!

Thought for today: Do I allow God to father me?

Hardhearted August 14, 2019

Hosea 8:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces;
    Judah has fortified many towns.
But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”

In prosperity, God's people left the LORD and followed their own gods and practiced their own morality. Except neither was "their own." The northern tribes of Israel simply became like the pagan people around them — practicing the same detestable immoral lifestyles, forgetting the poor and the alien, cheating the widows and the powerless. God wanted them to know that he knew what they were doing. The Almighty wanted them to realize that he would act and bring justice. The Sovereign LORD wanted the northern tribes of Israel to realize that they have sown their own destruction, and even though they cannot even fathom its possibility, God made sure it was coming because of their hardness of heart and their refusal to live with character. Their destruction is a great reminder to us that our name of Christian, our claim to be God's chosen people and his holy priesthood (1 Peter 2), doesn't matter unless our lives portray his character, our heart displays his compassion, and hands do his will.

Thought for today: Have I ever made up my mind about my interpretation of the word and God had to burn my “house” down? What did I learn in my process?

Who Or What Do You Follow August 13, 2019

Romans 8:13-14 New International Version (NIV)

13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Living a life of purity is a daily battle, an ongoing war between our flesh and the Spirit of God working to re-create us to be like Christ. Without the power of the Spirit, our willpower eventually fails. But because of the Spirit's power at work within us, our failures in the flesh can be overcome and our progress to our goal of Christlikeness is assured (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

Thought for today: Do I “white knuckle” every temptation or can and do I yield to God?

Night Vision August 12, 2019

John 8:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

After stumbling around in the dark watering my yard last night, I was overjoyed to find a flashlight so I wouldn't meet any unexpected "critters" as I reached into the shrubbery to turn my faucet on and off. My joy, however, is far greater at finding Jesus, who illuminates my heart on my darkest nights, illuminates my future with his coming glory, illuminates my path with his words of truth, and illuminates my hope with the dawning of each Sunday, my weekly reminder of his triumph over the grave.

Thoughts for today: Can I see through dark people, places and things?

The Beautiful Indwelling August 11, 2019

Romans 8:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[a] his Spirit who lives in you.

The Holy Spirit doesn't just empower us now. He is our guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5) and our assurance that we will see God face to face (1 John 3:1-2) and share in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4). He is alive in us and promises us life that never will end.

Thought for today: Do I live my life knowing that there will be a level of accountability and reward in the end?

Thorough Cleaning August 10, 2019

John 8:10-11 New International Version (NIV)

10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Forgiveness is wonderful if it leads to life change. Jesus came to call us from sin, into his presence, and for his good pleasure. He gave us grace but is also gracious enough to not leave us in sin!

Thought for today:  Can I extend forgiveness?

Who Or What Is In Charge? August 9, 2019

Romans 8:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

We show who is in control in our lives by the way we live! We show our relationship to the Father by living with his character in our world. So let's live under the control of the Spirit — obeying the Spirit's inspired Word and following the Spirit's lead — so we can show and share Jesus in what we say and do!

Thought for today: Can people see and feel God in my words and actions?

Faulty Freedom August 8, 2019

1 Corinthians 8:8-9 New International Version (NIV)

8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

We have incredible freedom under grace. However, our freedom never gives us the license to destroy a weak brother or sister's walk with the Lord. Let's use our freedom considerately, especially toward our new brothers and sisters in Christ. These new Christians need our encouragement; they already have enough stumbling blocks!

Thought for today: Do I abuse my freedoms?

Literally On Blast August 7, 2019

John 8:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

When we find it easy to identify the sin of others, God wants us to be reminded of how important it is for us to take a rigorously honest inventory of our own faithfulness. He wants us to deal with our own sin before we evaluate anyone else.

Thought for today: Can I do my own “fearless” and searching moral inventory?

Precious Purity August 6, 2019

Hebrews 8:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

The Old Testament is a beautiful covenant of love, as God redeems fallen mankind and sets in motion his plan of grace to bring us to Jesus. But as powerful as that old covenant was, we have come to a superior covenant because the mediator of this new covenant is Jesus, who is the perfect sacrifice and guarantor of God's great promises.

Thought for today:  Do I embrace my covering of grace living in “free” obedience or do I need strict guidelines with clear punishments outlined in order to decide what I will and will not do?

Gracious Giving August 5, 2019

2 Corinthians 8:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

Paul was surprised at the Macedonians' generosity to the Lord's work for two reasons. First, they were very impoverished and didn't have much to share. Second, rather than viewing what they had as their own, they gave themselves to God and then to his servants who were asking for their help in ministering to others. Their example is a great reminder to us of how we need to approach our giving to help others in need.

Thought for today: Am I living a life of service?

Scattered August 4, 2019

Acts 8:4  (NIV)

4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

When someone tries to stomp out the flame of dry broom weed, the sparks fly upward and ride upon the wind, spreading the flame far and wide. As Satan tried to use persecution to discourage the early church, the very martyrdom and persecution that drove these Christians from their homes was used by God to spread the message wherever they went. Each believer was a spark driven on the Divine Wind of God's empowering Spirit.

Thought for today: Am I a spark with a purpose or am I a destructive fire that causes severe damage?

His Gifts August 3, 2019

Romans 8:3-4 New International Version (NIV)

3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

God gives us two gifts that fulfill the Law's righteous demands, but which the Law itself could never give us. First, he gives us the perfect sin offering — his Son Jesus — to forgive, cleanse, and redeem us from our sin. Second, he gives us his Spirit to empower us to be what he wants us to be. God gives us in the New Covenant what the Law and the Prophets promised was coming. Praise God for his plan, his promises, and his gifts!

Thought for today:  Do I understand the significance of God’s gifts?

Special Delivery August 2, 2019

Romans 8:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Praise God! We are delivered from law-keeping and enabled to live out the will of God in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Thought for today: Have I been delivered? How do I know? Do I chain myself to people, places and things that hinder my freedom?

Truly Majestic August 1, 2019

Psalm 8:1  (NIV)

1 Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens.

These two concepts seem to be contradictory, or at least unconnected. On the one hand, God's name is majestic in this plain ol' transitory space we call earth, but at the same time he is glorious and above the highest heavens. This collision of different worlds is played out in the life of Israel. It is made clear in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It will be made glorious in us, who will one day share in the glory of the heavens because we have boldly declared the majesty of our LORD God on earth!

Thought for today: Do I fully comprehend the concept and construct of God?