Can You Hear Me now September 30, 2019

Nehemiah 9:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.

God has spoken repeatedly to his people through the prophets who spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. But so often, these people ignored their voice and abandoned their God. Let's not let the same thing be said of us!

Thought for today: Am I open to hear from God?

God And God Alone September 6, 2019

Nehemiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

God is Creator! Life is defined in him and by him. The multitudes of heaven worship and adore him. For me, that means two very important things. First, I need to give him my heart-felt worship and praise. Second, when I praise God, I am doing something eternal. You and I won't take much out of this life into the next, but among those things is our praise to our God and Father. Praise be to God, not just now, but forevermore!

Thought for today: Can and do I draw a praise in every situation?

Are You Ready September 28, 2019

Hebrews 9:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Jesus is coming back! Are you ready? Are you waiting?

Thought for today: Do I live my life knowing that I will have to provide an account for my choices ( Am I prepared) ?

Curbing September 27, 2019

1 Corinthians 9:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

"Practice what you preach!" "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." "Put your life where your mouth is!" Those of us who speak out most openly about our faith in Jesus also need to make sure that we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard we are calling others to follow.

Thought for today: Does my life have discipline and structure?

God’s Delight September 26, 2019

Luke 9:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Some of the saddest words a loving child ever can hear are these: "I'm so disappointed in you." We don't want that to be the reaction of our Heavenly Father. We want the world to know that we love and honor Jesus as Lord so they can come to know our Savior, too, and so that we can bring delight to our Father in Heaven!

Thought for today: Does God delight in me and I in Him?

Having It All And Still On Empty September 25, 2019

Luke 9:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

I once had a picture in my office of a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer with the caption, "Who says you can't take it with you?" While it is humorous, it is also wrong ... DEAD wrong. If we lose our souls in the pursuit of things, what of lasting value have we gained? Is it worth losing the only thing that really matters?

Thought for today: Do I think about my soul more than my worldly gains?

Reflections Of…….. September 24, 2019

Jeremiah 9:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

Two truths are equally crucial for us to understand in this passage. First, God is kind, just and righteous. Second, he delights in these things when he sees them in us. So what does your life stand for? Let's be like our Father and take on the lifestyle of loving kindness, the cause of justice for all, and the character of righteousness. Why? Because we should have no greater joy than to bring delight to the Father!

Thought for today: Do I reflect the actions of Christ?

If’s Limits The Power Of Faith September 23, 2019

Mark 9:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

A desperate father comes to Jesus with a request for help and says, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help." IF there is anything Jesus can do to help? IF? IF! Jesus tells the desperate father that everything is possible for the person who believes. We believe that God can bring healing. We believe that our Father in heaven will act for our best eternal good and the eternal best good of our loved ones in need. We believe, so we ask in faith with a commitment like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three friends believed that God could spare them from the fiery furnace and confidently told King Nebuchadnezzar, "We serve a God who is able to deliver us, but even if he does not, we will not worship other gods who are false!" (Daniel 3:16-18)

Thought for today: Do I BELIEVE and KNOW that God can and will support my vision when it lines up with His will?

What You Need, When You Need, How You Need, September 22, 2019

1 Corinthians 9:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

Christ left heaven and came to earth to save us. Paul sacrificed everything to share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. What have we done... what have we left... what have we given up... what have we become... to share Jesus with those we love, know, or influence?

Thought for today: Do I and can I meet people at their point of need?

Healing In The Lows September 21, 2019

Matthew 9:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

The woman who said this to herself knew ostracism and loneliness because of her 12 year bout with an illness that made her unclean under Jewish law. She was imprisoned in isolation because of this condition. Just as Jesus freed her from her prison (vs. 22), he longs to free you from yours as well. What holds you captive? Jesus longs to give you freedom through five gifts: 1) the Scripture to help you know God's will,  2) your surrender to his lordship, 3) cleansing from your sin and guilt, 4) the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower you, and 5) a family of brothers and sisters in Christ to support you and hold you accountable. These are God's five precious keys to freedom.

Thought for today: What behaviors or issues keep me stuck? Do I fall into the fallacy of believing I have to “get right” before I can approach God?

Who or What Is Your God? September 20, 2019

Luke 9:20 New International Version (NIV)

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

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

A lot of people have their opinions about Jesus' identity. The real issue, however, is what you believe about Jesus. What you decide about God's Son means everything for you and for those you influence. So listen to Jesus' question to his disciples as if he is asking it of you: "Who do you say I am?" I pray that your answer is the same as Peter's: “You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Thought for today: What or Who do I allow to rule and reign in and over my life?

On Call September 19, 2019

1 Corinthians 9:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Grace frees us from the law of sin and death. But, our freedom is not to be used for rebellion or for self-gratification. Instead, we are to use our freedom redemptively, just as Jesus did (cf. Philippians 2:5-11). We can voluntarily limit that freedom to help others still caught in bondage to sin and false ideas about God. We can use the freedom of the Spirit to be transformed to be like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Let's use our freedom to rejoice and to bless.

Thought for today: Do I make myself readily available to assist people?

Common Sense and Discernment Wins Battles September 18, 2019

Ecclesiastes 9:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
    but one sinner destroys much good.

Just a little leaven and the whole lump is changed. A sinful person can have the same effect on a whole group of people committed to God. So let's be wise and reverence God by obeying him and his Word. Let's be insightful in the way we deal with sin and temptation in our lives. Also, let's be sure to remember that we are at war with the evil one. Then let's praise God, because our Savior has already defeated our enemy and the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand up to Satan's attacks and resist his temptation.

Thought for today: How much time do I spend in the vain practice of trying to extend the “benefit of the doubt” (attempting to make sense of the nonsensical)?

The Strength It Takes To Lead September 17, 2019

Deuteronomy 9:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 So I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands, breaking them to pieces before your eyes.

Anger, frustration, disappointment, and loss of self-control have sunk many of God's greatest leaders. Leading can sometimes be a horribly disappointing task. Yet God's people would perish without strong leaders full of godly conviction. Despite the failure of some of our leaders and the perils that can beset those who choose to lead, leadership is as honorable as it is vital! Where would Israel have been without Moses or Joshua or Hezekiah or David...? So if the Lord is calling you to lead, don't accept his invitation lightly, but please, accept it! If you are not a leader, please remember to pray for your leaders and their families.

Thought for today: If I am called to leadership how do I lead – iron fisted or compassionate?

Colors September 16, 2019

Genesis 9:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

I don't know about you, but I'm a very visual person. I truly appreciate the way God made the world with all its variety, color, and rich diversity. I am thankful for the way our Father in heaven used certain key images in our world to remind us of his daily provision and eternal grace. The beauty of a rainbow is not just in its wonderful colors or in the aroma of fresh rain, but in the promise that our God has made to us. The eternal and living God has chosen to link himself to our destiny and to involve himself in our world because of his love and grace! The rainbow is a reminder that we are God-blessed.

Thought for today: What is my daily reminder of God’s blessings?

Watchful and Respectful Reception September 15, 2019

1 Corinthians 9:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.

Paul was careful not to take support from the Corinthians even though it was his right as a minister of the Gospel. Instead, he knew their problems with generosity and showed them a great example in living for Jesus without obvious and instant reward. Oftentimes we must show our values before others will share them. Paul was a master at reading the needs around him and living in a way that was an example. Let's make a commitment to do the same!

Thought for today: Are you mindful of how and what you receive from others

Walk It Like You Talk It September 14, 2019

1 Corinthians 9:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

One of the great tragedies of our modern world is that while some who preach and teach the gospel are charlatans and cheats, the vast majority of God's servants work just barely scraping by financially. Why not find some underpaid and forgotten Kingdom servant and share a little of the blessings God has given you?

Thought for today: Does my walk line up with my talk, if not, do I discuss my faults and weaknesses and ask for support in dealing with them?

I Surrender All September 13, 2019

Luke 9:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.”

I love the way Jesus gets his disciples' attention. "You feed them, boys!" Of course they knew that they couldn't! Yet Jesus showed them that if they brought their meager resources to him, they could do amazing things. When the big picnic was over, each of them got to pick up a basket full of leftovers from the table of God's grace! Let's remember that it isn't the challenge or the resources that limit us; it's our unwillingness to bring what we have to Jesus and trust that he will do something with us to bless others in ways we couldn't have dreamed! (cf. Ephesians 3:20-21)

Thought for today: Do I give my all to God or do I tend to think that I’m a better manager of things?

Need Of Help September 12, 2019

Matthew 9:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth: Jesus' desire to save or our recognition of our sinfulness? Of course the most crucial part is Jesus' desire to save because without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair. But without recognizing our need for his grace, his sacrifice for us is lost. So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for his merciful and mighty grace!

Thought for today: Do I acknowledge the need for help on a daily basis or do I just skate along like everything is a – OK?

Abundance September 11, 2019

2 Corinthians 9:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Why does God bless us with riches? So we can share those riches generously with those in need and so we can bring thanksgiving to God.

Thought for today: Do I share my blessings?

True Education September 10, 2019

Proverbs 9:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

There are many fields of academic pursuit that are noble and beneficial, but true wisdom and the highest understanding can be found in only one place — a reverential knowledge of God!

Thought for today: Do I study “to show myself approved”?

Kept September 9. 2019

Ezekiel 9:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 He answered me, “The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice. They say, ‘The Lord has forsaken the land; the Lord does not see.’

In times of evil and adversity, God's people can lose sight of the Father's "great and precious promises." God has faithfully kept these promises through the ages. This past faithfulness is our reminder that we can trust his promise of the salvation we will fully experience with him one day. Even in our darkest night, God has not forsaken us. He sees and knows what we do and how we feel. Quite often, however, the LORD is watching to see how we will live in tough times. He wants us to show that we will be faithful during these times. He wants us to see that he can be trusted and that he still is at work in our world and in our lives. So let's be faithful, trusting that the God who preserved Israel and brought through Israel the promised Messiah will also preserve and bless us!

Thought for today: Do I focus on gloom and doom or am I in the practice of praise?

Sharing Is Caring September 8, 2019

2 Corinthians 9:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

What a powerful promise! If we are willing to generously share with others in the name of Jesus as the apostle Paul discusses in the previous two verses, we will have what we need and our lives will be full of good deeds that bring glory to God. So let's remind ourselves of one the very first lessons we should have learned as young children: share! Only this time, as children of God, let's share in the name of Jesus to bless others so they may come to his grace.

Thought for today: Do I give freely or do I wait to be asked or make people ask?

Lend Ear September 7, 2019

Mark 9:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Who are you listening to in your life? We can hear all sorts of different voices, but we can follow only one. So who are you going to listen to as you make your decisions about morality, values, ethics, and character? Who has earned the right to be heard regarding life, death, salvation, and sin? God makes it unmistakably clear; we must listen to his Son Jesus!

Thought for today: Who has our ears and are they saying anything worth listening to?

Take A Stand September 5, 2019

Nehemiah 9:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah—said: “Stand up and praise the Lordyour God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.”

“Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

"Stand up and shout it if you love my Jesus..." That's a song our children love to sing! But what happens to that youthful exuberance and joy at worshiping the Lord? God doesn't want us to lose it. Read through the Bible and highlight all the physical acts used to reverence and praise our awesome and eternal God. In a world which regularly uses God's name in vain, isn't it time we stood up and praised him — not only in church (our private worship) and in our daily devotionals (our personal worship), but also in our lives every day (our public worship)?!

Thought for today: Do I let my faith be known or can people tell that I am set aside and sanctified by what I say and do?

The Body September 4, 2019

Acts 9:4-5 New International Version (NIV)

4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

When Paul teaches that the Church is the Body of Christ, he isn't being theoretical. The Church is Jesus' presence, his Body in this world. What is done to the Church as a collective group of people is done to Jesus. What is done to individual Christians is done to their Savior. Jesus is present in the world through us! The saying is true: the only Jesus many will see today is the Jesus they see through you and me.

Thought for today: What do my words and deeds tell the world about my God?

Eye Opener September 3, 2019

John 9:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Let's ask God to help us view people through the eyes of Jesus so that we will see them as people in whom the work of God needs to be done. And just what is this work of God? Well, Jesus answered that question this way: To believe in the One he has sent! (John 6:28-29)

Thought for today: Do I ignore people who show their ignorance I the things of God?

The Light September 2, 2019

Isaiah 9:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

This great promise in Isaiah was fulfilled with the coming of Jesus (see Matthew 4:15-16; Luke 1:79). As darkness falls tonight, look out at a street light and capture it in your memory so that every time you see a light shining in the darkness it will remind you to do two things: give thanks to God for sending his light and commit yourself to sharing that light with those you know.

Thought for today: Do I help to illuminate paths or do I reflect light?

Praise Is Contagious September 1, 2019

Psalm 9:1 New International Version (NIV)

1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

The words of Jessie Brown Pound's old hymn say it best: "If the light of his presence has brightened your way, O will you not tell it today?" Prayerfully select someone who needs to know of the goodness and graciousness of God and share Jesus with that person. A heart filled with praise to God will not only praise him, but will lead others to do so as well!

Thought for today: Can I be identified as someone whose praise is infectious?