You Better Recognize November 30, 2019

2 Corinthians 11:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

One of Paul's recurring themes throughout 2 Corinthians is that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. In 1 Corinthians, he emphasizes that the strength, wisdom, and power of God are shown in what is normally a sign of weakness and humiliation — the Cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5). Paul wasn't a wimp — remember all that he endured and kept on serving the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He just knew that even with all his training and talent, he wasn't skilled, smart, or strong enough to do all that needed to be done for the Kingdom of God. But he knew that when we recognize our insufficiency, God takes our weakness and uses it powerfully when we offer ourselves to him!

Thought for today: Am I mindful of my weakness and do I allow God to use the weakness for His goodness?

Blessings In Obedience November 28, 2019

Luke 11:28 New International Version (NIV)

28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

God gave us his word to bless us. When we obey what he asks of us, we get to walk in that blessing. On the other hand, as Jesus reminded us at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, when we know the will of God and don't obey it, we are foolish. I don't know about you, but I prefer to receive a blessing! Thank God for speaking to us through his word — the Scriptures — so we can know his will and walk in his blessing and for speaking to us through his living Word — his Son — so we can know his heart as we apply it to our lives.

Thought for today: Do I know the cost of disobedience and am I willing to pay it?

Watch What You Eat November 29, 2019

1 Corinthians 11:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

The Lord's Supper is a precious time for Christians. We remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. We also realize that when Christians gather together and take the Supper, we are the Body of Christ, his physical presence on this earth (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:17). Whatever happens to one of us matters to the rest of the Body. Every time we take the Supper, let's remember the other members of Christ's Body around us. Let's also give thanks for Jesus, who offered his body and blood at Calvary to save us. At the same time, let's commit to be the presence of Christ in the world and do his work.

Thought for today: Am I mindful of the “body” during both grace before a meal and during communion? What does communion represent for me?

True And Complete Rest November 27, 2019

Matthew 11:27-28 New International Version (NIV)

27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

True rest comes from knowing God. King David reminds us of this in Psalm 23. Jesus makes it clear again. Only Jesus can fully reveal God to us. Only Jesus can take away the burden of seeking to please God without an understanding of grace. Only he can remove the burden of our past sins and enable us to stand holy, blameless, and free from accusation before God Almighty. (cf. Colossians 1:21-22)

Thought for today: How do I go about finding rest?

Eternal November 26, 2019

John 11:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Several days ago, we emphasized that Christians who died physically were never really separated from their relationship with God's loving presence. Today, Jesus challenges us to believe a very similar thing. Do you believe that the real, living part of you made by God will never die even though your physical body dies? It's an incredible thought, isn't it? We are eternal, immortal, joined with Jesus and his future is joined with us. (see Colossians 3:1-4)

Thought for today: Do I really embrace the concept of a spiritual being?

Forgiveness November 25, 2019

Mark 11:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

To me, this is one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture. I must forgive others! When I refuse, it cuts me off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to me. While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, he has also given us his Son as an example of forgiveness. In addition, he has promised to empower us to be able to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The real issue: Will we let go of our bitterness toward those who have wounded us?

Thought for today: Do realize the level of impact that grudges and anger have on my faith?

The Goodness Within November 24, 2019

Acts 11:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Barnabas was a good man! Why? For many reasons. But, the key reason was that he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This shouldn't surprise us. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he is at work producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming us to the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). No wonder Barnabas' influence was so great on the lives of those who lived in Antioch; his life was under the influence of God's Spirit!

Thought for today:  Am I mindful of the atmosphere that I create for the indwelling

Remembrance and Dedication November 23, 2019

1 Corinthians 11:23-24 New International Version (NIV)

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Remember Jesus! Remember his great sacrifice. Remember his incomparable love for you! Remember him through his Supper! Remember Jesus!

Thought for today: Am I mindful of the sacrifice made for me? 

Godly Discernment and Discretion November 22, 2019

Proverbs 11:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
    is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

To take what is physically beautiful and then profane it with sin is to waste a great gift. It is blessing someone who doesn't even have a clue why God gave the blessing of physical beauty. No matter what gifts we have been given, whether physical beauty, athletic talent, keen intellect, a charming personality, or anything else, we must remember that God blessed us with these things so we could bless others and honor him!

Thought for today: Am I in the practice of not using my blessings to their fullest potential?

Absent Or Present It’s All In Your Mind November 21, 2019

John 11:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

If you have ever stood at the grave side of a loved one, this thought probably crossed your mind, too — if you had only been here, Lord! Where is Jesus when we hurt? Why couldn't he be here to help us? There are a couple of crucial answers to remember. First, Jesus is with us in our moments of loss and grief. The Church is Jesus' Body and every act of kindness, support, comfort, and help is Jesus working to alleviate our grief. Second, while he may not have kept our loved one from passing from this life to the next, he has been the abiding and unbroken presence for each Christian who has died physically. Paul reminds us that when a Christian dies, he or she goes to be with Christ (2 Cor. 5:6-7; Phil. 1:21-23) and God's loving presence is never lost to him or her (Rom. 8:35-39)!

Thought for today: Can I tap into my faith enough to find comfort in my grief?

Right Standing Not Self Righteousness November 20, 2019

Proverbs 11:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,
    but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

I am confident that the Lord will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Why? Not because I'm perfect, but Jesus has forgiven and cleansed me and the Holy Spirit is working to perfect my behavior to match my standing before God. I don't know about you, but I am thankful to know that we can bring the LORD delight. Just like our children can bring us delight. Just like a good dessert can bring us delight. Just like a beautiful sunset enjoyed with someone we love brings us delight.

Thought for today: Do I know how to walk in faith and not abuse the grace that has been extended to me?

Teach The Children Well November 19, 2019

Deuteronomy 11:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Moses gives us three crucial messages about God's commandments. First, as parents, it is our responsibility to teach them to our children — not the responsibility of the government, or of the schools, nor even our churches. Second, we are to teach them in the everyday course of life as we go about our routines as a family. Third, we are to teach them continuously by both our words and our lives as we raise our children. Now we can look at this as a job, a burden, a heavy responsibility, or we can see it as an opportunity to shape a life for the future and partner with God in raising a child to be a person that will make an eternal difference for the Kingdom of God. What a joy to be a part of such a partnership!

Thought for today: What am I teaching the children I come in contact with?

Celebrating Diversity November 18, 2019

Acts 11:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Breaking through racial and cultural barriers is never easy. Thankfully, God's Spirit doesn't let us settle comfortably into our prejudices. Instead, we are challenged, led, and pushed to break through racial hatred and cultural ignorance. Let's be the kind of people who rejoice and praise God as every barrier dividing people falls. Let's press on until the triumphant promise of the Gospel is fulfilled: "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians — you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). In doing this, we anticipate the incredible chorus of heaven that praises God with folks from every language, tribe, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9-11).

Thought for today: Am I open and receptive to the beliefs of others and celebrating in the fact that we have a commonality in the belief of/in God? Can I have a conversation about what I believe without judging or condemning a brother or sister?

Poor Leadership November 17, 2019

Zechariah 11:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 “Woe to the worthless shepherd,
    who deserts the flock!
May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!
    May his arm be completely withered,
    his right eye totally blinded!”

While we don't like to hear bad news and don't appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd. When the earthly shepherds of his sheep do not lead faithfully, he will demand harsh justice. This is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so faithfully and tenderly. It is also a comfort to those who have been abused by ungodly leaders — God will bring about a righteous justice to those who have abused the stewardship of their pastoral calling. Ultimately, God will also wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not! (Revelation 7:15)

Thought for today: Do I believe it’s my duty to deliver justice? Do I understand my role and responsibility when I know that my chosen leader or teacher is not correct?

Power Of/In Faith November 16, 2019

Hebrews 11:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything — some even paid the ultimate price — for their faith. How did they live out such a strong faith in the face of such difficulty and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city — a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them. He is proud to be called their God and welcome them to that better place. And this better place, this better country, is also promised to us as people of faith! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the Lord is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing to be with him. Let's desire our heavenly country!

Thought for today: Does my faith ask me to look at the big picture and is it a sustaining faith?

Completion November 15, 2019

Joshua 11:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.

Joshua is one of my favorite Bible heroes. He was a great servant to Moses. He refused to be swayed by his peers or by the crowd when he spied out the Promised Land. He followed in the footsteps of a great leader and was a great leader himself — not an easy task! Joshua was vigorous and vital even in his old age. Most of all, Joshua was obedient to God and did everything that God had commanded him to do, as well as what God had commanded Moses that he should do. In other words, Joshua was faithful!

Thought for today: What am I faithful and committed to?

Not Against Flesh and Blood November 14, 2019

2 Corinthians 11:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

While we wait for God's great victory for us to be fully realized, we also need to know that we are in a battle. God will win this battle through Jesus Christ. The final outcome is certain. Christ has already won the decisive battle. However, let's not be fooled; the evil one will do everything he can to deceive all people and confuse the lost. Let's stick with God's plan — living his truth, listening for his voice in Scripture, and following the lead of his Spirit.

Thought for today: Can I recognize false prophets and prophecy?

Praise and Power In My Impatience November 13, 2019

Hebrews 11:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

I'm not good at waiting for much of anything. I'm like the kids who have seen the catalogues for Christmas toys and are anxious for the big gift day. God does have a great Gift Day ahead for us. On that wonderful day, all our waiting will be over and our faith will become sight. Let's follow the example of these great heroes of faith, and welcome that day from afar, by anticipation, praising God for his victory through Jesus Christ in our lives.

Thought for today: Do I stress and get anxious over the things I believe I “should” have or understand?

Lifting Not Lowering November 12, 2019

Proverbs 11:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

Wise folks don't have to prove their wisdom by disrespecting others and putting them down. Instead, they hold their tongues and let their lives speak what is good, honorable, righteous, and true. In a world of sarcasm and in a culture that is attracted to the person who can put down others with quick and razor-sharp "put downs," we are called to bring a blessing with our words (Ephesians 4:29).

Thought for today: Do I give pause and prayer before speaking?

All In This Together November 11, 2019

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 New International Version (NIV)

11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

"We are all one in Christ Jesus!" Paul told the Galatians (Galatians 3:26-29). Satan, however, constantly tries to divide God's people. One of his most effective means of division has been to divide men and women — whether in families or churches. Paul reminds us that if Jesus is our Lord, we recognize we need each other and we are committed to placing value on each other. Rather than letting Satan divide us through our differences, we choose to unite around our Savior!

Thought for today: Do I use difference as a justification to continue in poor behavior?

The Backslide November 10, 2019

Jeremiah 11:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant I made with their ancestors.

Sometimes those with the greatest opportunity for blessings spurn them and fall back into the sinful habits of their heritage and culture. The consequences of this rejection of God, and his will, are enormous. For the last ten days in our devotionals, we've looked at the glorious future that lies ahead for us in our walk with Christ. Unfortunately, there are some who never climb on board the train of grace. They don't follow God and disdain those who do. In the face of their criticism, let's make sure we are truly faithful to God's calling, not just in word, but also in deed.

Thought for today: Am I faithful and consistent in my faith walk?

To Know Him Is To Love Him November 9, 2019

Isaiah 11:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 They will neither harm nor destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

What a glorious time of blessing! We will know God personally. But not just us, the vast chorus of the faithful will sing a song of joy because they know God. Let's anticipate that day and join our hearts together in pursuit of God. Let's not settle for merely a factual knowledge about God, but let's come to really know him by sharing in his work, by sharing in his character, and seeking his presence in our lives.

Thought for today: Do I fully identify with Christ?

The Blessing Of Obedience November 8, 2019

Deuteronomy 11:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess,

God's desire that we obey his will is not arbitrary, impulsive, or demanding. He simply wants us to reflect his character, find his blessings, and receive his strength. Let's not look at obedience merely as something we must do, but as a blessing we get to discover. God gives us commands to obey, principles to guide us, and righteousness to seek so that we can rest in his blessing, live in his strength, and find the new frontiers where he longs to lead us.

Thought for today: What does obedience look like and what does it mean to me?

Face To Face November 7, 2019

Psalm 11:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 For the Lord is righteous,
    he loves justice;
    the upright will see his face.

Can you think of any greater promise for those who seek to be righteous and just? We will see God face to face! Incredible. What a blessing! What a future! What an incredible Father! So let's seek our Abba Father, the LORD God, with all heart and soul and mind and strength until that day that we get to see him as he is, face-to-face with God in all his glory (1 John 3:1-3).

Thought for today: Have I given thought to my face to face conversation with my maker?

Pleasing God November 6, 2019

Hebrews 11:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

And just why do we serve God? ... Fear? ... Sense of obligation? ... Because our parents did? How about because we want to please God and bring the Father joy? How about because of we believe in what God has done and will do for us? We believe that God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins so we can be forgiven, cleansed, and adopted as his children into his forever family. What's more, we believe that God longs to share his blessings with us and loves to reward those who believe in his grace and love. We believe and so we earnestly, diligently, and passionately seek him!

Thought for today: Do I ask if my ways are pleasing to God?

Good News November 5, 2019

Matthew 11:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

The clear sign of the Messiah's presence was a time of true blessedness for all who know and follow him. Just think how glorious it will be and all the blessings we will share when he comes again!

Thought for today: Do I share the goodness of God?

A Wise Investment November 4, 2019

Proverbs 11:4 New International Version (NIV)

4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
    but righteousness delivers from death.

What is your primary investment? Only righteousness offers a truly long-term benefit!

Thought for today: Is my spirituality my everything my all?

Divine Order & Purpose November 3, 2019

Hebrews 11:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Where did it all come from? Where did matter, energy, and time come from? How did our universe come to possess order and structure, when all we know about our existence moves to decay, disorder, and death? By faith, we know it came from the articulated design of our Heavenly Father!

Thought for today: Do I truly understand the divine order and my purpose ?

Lofty Prayers November 2, 2019

Luke 11:2-4 New International Version (NIV)

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
    for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”

We approach God as both the holy and almighty God who is to be worshiped in reverence and also as our  Abba Father whom we approach as loving children. Rather than needing long, ornate, and lofty prayers, God wants us to speak with him about the most basic everyday issues of our lives and know he hears us and responds to our spiritual and physical requests, doing what we need and blessing us with his grace.

Thought for today: Do I offer beyond lofty prayers that do not address what I need in my day to day life?

I Believe November 1, 2019

Hebrews 11:1 New International Version (NIV)

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

"I believe, but help my unbelief!" That's what the father of the boy with convulsions said to Jesus (Mark 9:24). This must sometimes be our prayer, too. As we look at the great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, we know this must have been their prayer as well. Their faith wasn't always perfect. Their trust wasn't always mature. But, they stayed at it; they believed and acted with a relentless assurance that somehow, some way, God would act and deliver. Let's stay at it with that kind of faith, too!

Thought for today: Is my faith a sustaining faith?

Honor Guard October 31, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:31 New International Version (NIV)

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

As humans, we are often quick to quibble over things we feel are important to us when others don't share our enthusiasm — especially food, holidays, and special events. This problem is often more a sign of insecurity than it is a mark of sincerity. We are to do what we do based on our commitment to honor the Lord, not because others do it or approve of it. At the same time, we want to be careful about judging others for what they do or do not celebrate, eat, or drink. The bottom line when judging such things: Can we do it to honor the Lord?

Thought for today – Can I look past my ego to have a mental and emotional space for empathy and compassion for others?