Firm And Fixed In Righteousness October 30, 2019

Proverbs 10:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
    but the wicked will not remain in the land.

This promise is even truer for those of us who live on this side of Calvary and the empty tomb! As Paul said it, "our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV). The righteous will never be uprooted from their true homeland for no one and no power can steal it, corrupt it, destroy it, or take it away!

Thought for today: Is my faith strong enough to uphold me in the strong winds of life?

The Sin Of Turning From Grace October 29, 2019

Hebrews 10:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

We often look at the swift and dramatic discipline and punishment God used with his people in the Old Testament and are struck by its severity. The Holy Spirit reminds us that while this is true, to spurn grace and ridicule the sacrificial death of Jesus are actions all the more worthy of God's punishment. Grace is incredible. It is marvelous. But to reject it, to reject Jesus and all that he did to bring it, is to court disaster and reject any source of true grace.

Thought for today: Do I prefer to be punished because I don’t know how to accept grace? In other words do I court disaster and conflict because I cannot believe that someone loves me enough to put up with my insecurities and frailties?

Protect Your Joy October 28, 2019

Proverbs 10:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
    but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

Good news! When we seek righteousness, justice, holiness, mercy, and godliness, our future is full of joy. Don't let the darkness around you steal away the glorious dawn of joy that even now has begun to appear.

Thought for today: Do I allow the negativity of other to obscure MY joy?

Peel Off Label October 27, 2019

1 Samuel 10:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.

Some folks didn't want Saul to serve them as King because of his simple background and non-aristocratic family history. So often, we tend to do the same thing today — label people and discount their ability to lead God's people or serve in God's Kingdom because of their heritage or past. God, however, doesn't look at a person's pedigree. He searches the heart. So, dear leader, please stick close to the Lord, because you will be criticized. But please, don't react to every little criticism; instead, devote yourself to serving the LORD boldly. And to those who follow, do not be quick to dismiss someone as God's leader because she or he lacks some noble pedigree. Remember the vast variety of people God used in the stories we find in the Bible. Trust that he will be just as creative in his choice of people to lead in our day.

Thought for today: Am I caught up with appearance and presentation (outward trappings) rather than the content of someone’s character?

Regifting October 26, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

When we talk about giving to God, or to the work of God, we must remember that it is all his. He doesn't need our gifts to do his work. On the other hand, we do need to share the blessings he has entrusted to us. What we 'have' isn't really ours; it's all his, entrusted to us to be put into useful service to others for God's work and God's glory.

Thought for today: Do I ever stop to consider that I am OBLIGATED to share?

Assemblies Of God October 25, 2019

Hebrews 10:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Going to church for most folks just isn't very attractive. But, that shouldn't surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn't very popular. Doing things for others isn't seen as something necessary. The Holy Spirit's message, however, reminds us that we need to go to be with God's people because they need us — to encourage and to motivate THEM! In fact, I think the Lord would prefer us to think of it as "being" church rather than "going" to church.

Thought for today: Do I make it a practice to encourage others?

Gentle Correction October 24, 2019

Jeremiah 10:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger,
  or you will reduce me to nothing.

I love a request that a good friend regularly makes of the Lord: "Humble me gently, Father." Transformation is hard work and requires even more patience on God's part than it does on our part. We thank God for his grace which lets us admit our sin and yet still come into his holy and awesome presence. Thankfully he doesn't treat us as we deserve, but as we need (cf. Psalm 103).

Thought for today: Can I provide and accept gentle correction or do I need a big production so I can get angry and blow the lesson off?

Serving Not Selfishness October 23, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 New International Version (NIV)

23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Freedom is a wonderful gift! Freedom in Christ is greater than any other kind of freedom. God entrusts it to us. But, we don't want to use our freedom to impinge on someone else's freedom. We don't want our liberty to cause others to sin or to lose sight of Christ. So let's use our freedom wisely and redemptively!

Thought for today: Have I thought about my ability and willingness to serve others?

Humbly Walking Tall October 22, 2019

Matthew 10:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Jesus' words are very strong! His emphasis is for a reason. Christians need to realize that they are not going to be the dominant culture. Discipleship can be hard and demanding; most folks want things simple and easy. The values that disciples are called to put into place in their lives are not going to be the dominant cultural ones. "So be ready!" Jesus is telling us. "Be ready to face criticism and rejection." But while we know it may be an uphill battle to change the hearts of men and women, we can be God's tools to bless others and to lead them closer to him! And for us, salvation in all its glory awaits us at the end of the journey.

Thought for today: Are my personal disciplines an affront to people? Have I asked myself is it my practices or is it my personality as I engage in my practices?

Power, Praise And Purpose October 21, 2019

Deuteronomy 10:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

He is our praise! The God who parted the Red Sea and supplied manna to the Israelites in the wilderness is also the God who did the most amazing miracles in us — he has turned our selfish hearts to do his will and turned our lives to do his eternal work in the world. Then, after doing those things in us, he has gifted us and empowered us to do those things he has placed in our hearts. He is our praise, the One we worship and the One who makes us worthy worshipers!

Thought for today: Can I and do I praise Him “just because” or do I reserve my praise for when He has met a specific need?

Stuck Like Glue October 20, 2019

Deuteronomy 10:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.

What do you find yourself holding onto most often? What is your source of security, reassurance, hope, and stability in times of trouble? What do you encourage folks to do and who do you encourage them to hold onto during times of trouble?

Thought for today: What lessons have you learned in life that you cling to because when you didn’t you immediately experienced the consequences of your actions? Do they lessons still hold true today?

Talking Is Telling October 19, 2019

Proverbs 10:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.

We are constantly filling our world with noise. If it is not the sound of our own voices, then turn up some other noise to fill the silence. With the proliferation of radio talk shows, we are even given the opportunity to sound off to that noise. Unfortunately, quite often we say things that are harmful, hurtful, or foolish. God's wisdom reminds us to learn to hold our tongue and let silence rule over more of our time rather than the noisy words that so often clutter our world.

Thought for today: Am I constantly talking or making noise to escape my own thoughts? Do I realize the more I talk the more apt I am to offend?

Lazy In The Lord October 18, 2019

Ecclesiastes 10:18  (NIV)

18 Through laziness, the rafters sag;
    because of idle hands, the house leaks.

Laziness is not just an attitude, it is a lack of action. It is a choice to let important matters suffer neglect. While the results of this choice may not always be evident, over the passage of time, the basic results of idleness are borne out by the accumulating signs of decay and destruction.

Thought for today: Am I beginning to show signs of moral and spiritual decay?

Check Yo’self Before You Wreck Yo’self October 17, 2019

Proverbs 10:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

God has given each of us a circle of influence, a place where our lives impact others for either good or ill. In much the same way, each of us is also influenced by others, some of whom can help us see and overcome our problems and shortcomings. However, if we reject or snub discipline and correction, we not only harm ourselves, but we lead others astray. The choices we make don't determine just our destination; they also greatly impact others!

Thought for today: Am I mindful of the fact that I don’t live in a vacuum and that my decisions impacts others?

My Cup October 16, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

The Apostle Paul makes clear that the heart of the Gospel is found in the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). The Lord's Supper, Communion or Eucharist as it is sometimes called, is a key part of our walk with Christ. It is a time where we proclaim the story of the Gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26). But, it is more than a time of proclamation; it is a time of participation. We share in the supper with each other and with Christ. This participation revitalizes us in our walk with the Savior and helps us re-live his saving death and resurrection.

Thought for today: Is my communion a ritual or do I give deep thought and reflection to the ramifications behind it.

Rescue Me October 15, 2019

Judges 10:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.”

When God's people realized the depth of their sin and the impending punishment by God, they repented and asked for his help. They didn't try to diminish the gravity of their sin. Instead, they threw themselves on the mercy of the LORD and his graciousness. Unfortunately today, we often hide, avoid, rationalize, deny, and skirt the seriousness our personal sin. We don't like to admit it, much less confess it and turn from it. "It's not really all that bad. I know a lot of folks who do a lot worse things than I did." We must not view confession of sin as humiliation or weakness. Acknowledging our sin and asking for God's forgiveness, cleansing, and power open the door for him to use us mightily if we will look to him for our rescue!

Thought for today: Am I in the habitual practice of rationalizing, justifying and denying my wrongdoings and faults?

Stewardship October 14, 2019

Deuteronomy 10:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.

It all belongs to God! The multifaceted and creative side of our heavenly Father's nature is revealed in the astounding beauty and variety in our universe. This is not our world, but our Father has chosen to share it with us as one of his many gifts to us. Our Creator chose to provide us with the changing seasons in each year and the kaleidoscope of colors in each sunset and sunrise to frame our days. These are reminders of his love for beauty and variety, for predictability and also change. In addition to all that God has made and placed before us, he has crowned us, his human children, with glory and honor. Each of us is made, even with all of our differences, in his likeness. We are bearers of his divine image. Each person and all the peoples are precious to him. All the universe is the LORD's, yet in his greatness, he chooses to know each one of us intimately. Ah, my friend, that is grace upon grace from the LORD who loves each one of us with an undying love as he sustains a universe too vast for us to imagine!

Thought for today: Am I a good steward of the things that God entrusts to me?

A Way, The Way October 13, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

In the face of temptation, God has promised us two things: (1) a way out, and (2) the power to stand up under trial. Can we truly believe this? Yes, of course, because Jesus demonstrated this power, God promised us this power, and we can look at brothers and sisters in Christ who have triumphed by this power! However, we must not think that the way out means that we are not going to face challenges, hardships, or difficulties. Character is produced by both refusing to give into the temptation and also refusing to give up during the challenges we face for remaining faithful. God will provide us a way out, but he is also interested in developing our holy character. Where the balance is between the two is God's work. Whether we choose to remain faithful is our work. (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:7)

Thought for today: Do I think about how others will see and talk about God as I represent Him through my actions?

Plowing & Planting October 12, 2019

Hosea 10:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

What a beautiful challenge! Even more beautiful is the promise that God will help us break up the unplowed ground in our hearts as we seek him. He will pour out his blessings and his righteousness on us as we pursue his righteousness.

Thought for today: Am I aware of my hardened areas, the seeds that are being sown in me and the seed I am planting in others?

Good Shepherd October 11, 2019

John 10:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Isn't it absolutely unbelievable that the Supreme God of the universe would love us so generously! Yet he has shown his love for us in the past through Jesus. He will dramatically show his love for us again when Jesus returns — not to give his life for us, but to share his life with us! Come, sweet Shepherd, come!

Thought for today: Am I full prepared to share all of my life with God or do I believe I can hold back?

The Omnipotent Me ? October 10, 2019

Jeremiah 10:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 But the Lord is the true God;
    he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
    the nations cannot endure his wrath.

There is only one true God. All others are false, mere pretenders to the throne of the Righteous One. Yet like the Athenians in Acts 17, our world continues to place idol after idol in the place that should be reserved for God alone. But, we can be different! We can live as radiant examples of the God of justice, righteousness, mercy, and grace. We can reflect his holiness, share his hope for the lost, and truly make a huge difference in our world. So let's get started doing it — today!

Thought for today: Can I get out of my own way to allow God to shine through?

Power In Purpose October 9, 2019

1 Kings 10:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

Solomon was reminded by the words of a foreigner that he is where he is by grace and he has been put there to live out the will and to display the character of God in all that he does. So are we! So let's live with the redemptive purpose that God has designed for us to have.

Thought for today: I’m I in a repetitive pattern of behavior or have I identified and working toward my purpose?

Forth What It’s Worth October 8, 2019

Proverbs 10:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 The wise in heart accept commands,
    but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

It's easy to give our opinion. It's kinda fun to "put in our two cents worth." It's easy to "talk the talk." Unfortunately, however, our talk can often be a way to keep us insulated from the obedience God desires. No matter our age or experience, if we are wise, we will accept the righteous commands of God!

Thought for today: Do I engage of the practice of “fixing” other so I don’t have to deal with me?

Reverence & Respect October 7, 2019

Jeremiah 10:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 Who should not fear you,
    King of the nations?
    This is your due.
Among all the wise leaders of the nations
    and in all their kingdoms,
    there is no one like you.

Presidents, kings, and rulers have a host of "wise" and diplomatic counselors. Many also surround themselves with people of power and wealth. There is, however, only One King of the Nations! There is only One who will truly and ultimately rule over all peoples of the earth. He is beyond compare and has no worthy rival. His name is YAHWEH, the great I AM, the LORD God Almighty, the one true and living God whom Jesus taught us to call our Abba Father. All creatures, great and small, will one day revere him and honor him. All peoples of every nation will one day bow down and worship him. Let's make sure we do it today!

Thought for today: Do I keep God on the throne in my life?

You Reap What You Sow October 6, 2019

Proverbs 10:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
    but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

Jesus told Peter, "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword." Violence begets violence and rarely does a violent person not have to taste the bitter repayment of violence. God's Wise Man is saying essentially the same thing in this verse, but with one key addition. Blessings come to the person who is righteous. We reap what we sow!

Thought for today: Do I engage in petty behaviors seeking to get even and finding a sense of balance in seeking revenge?

No To Negativity October 5, 2019

2 Corinthians 10:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The apostle Paul knew he was in a war against spiritual forces opposed to God (cf. Ephesians 6:10-12). While these forces might have a great deal of influence in the world at large, Paul was determined that Satan's deception wouldn't rule in God's churches. He was committed to truth in an age obsessed with many different gods, beliefs, and choices. Can we be any less vigilant in our day and in a culture obsessed with so many of the same ideas?

Thought for today: Do I allow negativity to hold me hostage once it appears?

None But The Righteous October 4, 2019

Romans 10:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Christ is both the fulfillment of the Law (the goal and destination of the Law) and also the end of the Law. We are no longer judged on the basis of law-keeping. True, the standard used for us is the righteousness of God, but this is a standard that Jesus meets in us and for us by being the sin offering for us and sending the Spirit to empower us. This means that God can declare us righteous while at the same time transforming us to strive toward being righteous in the way we live. The Law's goal is fulfilled and finds its completion in Christ as his salvation transforms us.

Thought for today: Do I believe that I’ve got to strive for “perfection” before I can truly receive blessings?

Walk Of Worship October 3, 2019

Leviticus 10:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:

“‘Among those who approach me
    I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
    I will be honored.’”

Aaron remained silent.

God's holiness is unapproachable except through the gift of his grace. When we disregard God's holiness, we profane what is precious and sacred. God will be known and shown as holy; if not by his people, then by his action. Let's take our worship of God seriously, honoring him with our reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). But, let's not confine worship to only what we do in church. Let's realize that all of our life is worship (Romans 12:1-2) and live out our lives with a commitment to be holy in all we do (1 Peter 1:15-16) — in both the worship with our lips and the worship with our lives (Hebrews 13:15-16).

Thought for today: Do my words deeds and actions reflect God/godliness?

Bully Free Zone October 2, 2019

Psalm 10:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
    who are caught in the schemes he devises.

God absolutely hates violence, intimidation, or any means used for the powerful to control, manipulate, or hound those who are weaker. He loathes wickedness that is based upon the strong and the mighty preying on the weak and powerless. We should, by our actions and resources, demonstrate both to the weak and the powerless that there is a God of love.

Thought for today: Do I bully and intimidate by an abuse of my privilege (blessings)?

Judgment and Justice October 1, 2019

Isaiah 10:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

10 Woe to those who make unjust laws,
    to those who issue oppressive decrees,
2 to deprive the poor of their rights
    and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
    and robbing the fatherless.

God wants us to be a generous and concerned people. We are not to be concerned about our "stuff" but the work of God and the needs of others, especially those who are powerless and can't defend themselves.

Thought for today: Am I more concerned about being right than I am about being righteous?