Priorities December 31, 2019

Luke 12:31 New International Version (NIV)

31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

As we stand at the end of one year and look over tomorrow into the beginning of a new one, let's remember that before our New Year's resolutions are made and broken, and before this year has come to an end, we can and we must declare to the Lord and in our hearts, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord..." (Joshua 24:15) as our first priority!

Thought for today: What am I trusting God to do in my “newness”?

My Circle December 30, 2019

Nehemiah 12:30 New International Version (NIV)

30 When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall.

God has placed each of us in a circle of influence. Before we try to "clean up" those around us, let's first offer ourselves to God to be consecrated and to be made pure by his grace. Then, let's live in a way that shows the impact of that holiness in our lives. Jesus told us to remove the plank from our own eye before we try to clean the speck out of someone else's eye. For leaders at any level, "living holy" is essential before calling others to holiness! God's greatest times of spiritual renewal begin when leaders first consecrate themselves to God and his work.

Thought for today: Am I in the habit of casting judgment and projecting blame?

Strength In Perceived Weakness December 29, 2019

Matthew 12:29 New International Version (NIV)

29 “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

Jesus is quoting a general truism that was popular in his day, but was using the "strong man" saying to refer to Satan. Satan is the strong man that had us bound by sin and death and Jesus broke into house and stole us back because he could bind the strong man. He did this by becoming human and facing death with complete obedience to God and then rose from the dead to defeat death and give us life! Praise God! Jesus broke into the Strong Man's house. He overpowered him and bound him. And, what did he bring out of the Strong Man's house? Buried treasure, of course! And that treasure is us!!

Thought for today: What needs to be bound in my life?

Stirred Not Shaken December 28, 2019

Hebrews 12:28-29 New International Version (NIV)

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Every earth-made empire will eventually topple. Every man-made structure will decay and fall. God, however, has given us a kingdom that can't rust, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for us. It won't rot or ruin and no thief can break in and steal it away.

Thought for today: What is my motivation to follow Christ?

The Collective And The Whole December 27, 2019

1 Corinthians 12:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

What part of the Body are you? What's your function, your purpose? How are you blessing others in the Body of Christ? Who is someone in the Body who does a great deal of service to others who needs your encouragement and praise? Who is someone who feels neglected and lonely who needs your love to be shown to him or her?

Thought for today: Have I discovered my purpose and calling?

Fervent And Effective Service December 26, 2019

John 12:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

We can't out serve, out love, or out give Jesus. He longs to bless us. He longs to pour out heaven's riches and grace upon us. Even more incredibly, he longs to honor us. When our lives are over, God the Father, LORD of the entire universe, will honor all who have served his Son and blessed others in Jesus' name! Unbelievable? No, just another example of God's incredible grace!

Thought for today: Am I capable of giving without reservation and hesitation; fully and faithfully following God’s leading?

Obliged December 25, 2019

Hebrews 12:25 New International Version (NIV)

25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

With the gift of Jesus comes an awesome responsibility: we must listen, follow, and honor him! If God demanded that his people obey his lesser messengers who were prophets or kings, what do you think the responsibility is for us to listen when he has emptied heaven of his Son's glory so that it might shine on us?

Thought for today: Am I a good listener?  

Sacrificing It All December 24, 2019

John 12:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Jesus announced this truth, recognizing that God was calling him to lay down his life so his followers could join him in glory. Sacrifice is never easy, but despite his disciples' lack of courage and faithfulness during his last hours, Jesus truly believed that his sacrifice would bring the best out in them, and then also lead them to share his grace and glory with many others. (It should do the same for us!) The very fact that we are thinking of Jesus today is proof that he was correct about his powerful impact on them and others that came after them.

Thought for today: Do I dedicate myself to my faith? (Am I consistent in my practice?)

Appraisals December 23, 2019

Luke 12:23 New International Version (NIV)

23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

In the rush of the holiday season and the grab at getting and giving gifts, it is very important to remember that life is much more than even the most basic things we think we need. If we lose sight of God, his work and his will in our lives, then what do we have? Not much and it won't last long! My prayer for you, and for me, during this holiday season is that we are reminded of what is most important, most valuable, and most enduring.

Thought for today: Am I mindful of God’s DAILY moves in and through my life?

High Fidelity December 22, 2019

1 Samuel 12:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.

The great and holy God will not be unfaithful. In fact, he will act to show his character and honor his holy name, even when his people don't deserve his grace. Why God would love and preserve us and our great Israelite ancestors is nothing short of grace, love, and faithfulness.

Thought for today: Do I treat people differently based on how I rate their worthiness?

Do-Gooder’s December 21, 2019

Romans 12:21 New International Version (NIV)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: Don't become what you hate. He wasn't talking about hating the person, but he meant that we don't want to become evil, wicked, petty, and sinful in our actions and motivations. We don't overcome the Devil by underhanded and dishonorable means. We overcome evil, we drive it back into the abyss, by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness. There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus.

Thought for today: Do I have “good” (God) standards and practices?

Decide Ye This Day …. December 20, 2019

1 Samuel 12:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

Israel wanted a King. This crushed Samuel's heart and angered God with the people's lack of faith. Samuel, however, reminds them that while they have stumbled and fallen, they must not abandon the LORD himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and their willingness to serve him fully.

Thought for today: Can I still serve despite heartbreak and anger?

Tell The Truth Shame The Devil December 19, 2019

Proverbs 12:19 New International Version (NIV)

19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

"Tell the truth the first time, then you won't have to remember what you said." This truism by the famous Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, is good medicine for us today. Telling a lie seems gratifying at the time, but it nearly always catches up with us and gives us the added burden of trying to remember what we said and why. Truth endures; a lie is a momentary illusion that ends up a trap filled with burdens.

Thought for today: Am I in the habit of “spinning” tales?

Body Parts December 18, 2019

1 Corinthians 12:18-20  (NIV)

18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that God assigns our roles in the Body of Christ. Several principles interact with God's choice. First, be faithful in what God has given you to do — until we are faithful in/with little things, he will not entrust us with big ones (Luke 16:10-13). Second, if we don't use what he has given us, it will be taken away (Matt. 25:14-30). Third, we reap what we sow — sinful or irresponsible behavior can create consequences that limit the effectiveness of our service (Gal. 6:7-8). Bottom line — let's be faithful with what God has given us, let's serve him when given new opportunities, and let's honor him with our choices so that Satan cannot use our failure to interfere with our service!

Thought for today: Am I faithful to my assignments?

Making A Difference December 17, 2019

Romans 12:17-18 New International Version (NIV)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

REDEMPTIVELY — That's how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of others. His goal wasn't getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments. His focus was to interact with people redemptively and to leave them more blessed than where he found them.

Thought for today: Revenge or restoration, where do I often find myself?

Pride December 16, 2019

Romans 12:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

"Don't be conceited!" That's a command for someone else, right? I don't think I've ever met someone who felt he or she was conceited. But, when we're looking for someone with whom we want to associate, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others. We want to "hang around with" those who are important, who are superstars, or at least who carry some clout. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, guess that's where the commands in this verse come from!

Thought for today: Do I insulate myself with people who give me a false and empty sense of self-importance?

Misery Does Not Love Company December 15, 2019

Romans 12:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

While misery may love company, grief tends to make us withdraw and hide. Let's remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year. Let them know how you valued their loved one and miss him or her, too. Please keep these folks in your prayers and in your social plans, as well. In addition, make this a season of true joy — affirm others by rejoicing in their blessings.

Thought for today: Can I get out of my own head space to be a comfort?

The Acts Of The Collective December 14, 2019

1 Corinthians 12:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

The human body is an amazing collection of parts, members, vital organs, systems, and interdependent structures. When the body is healthy and these different elements of the body work in concert with one another, the human body can do amazing things. The same is true with the Body of Christ! As long as we do our part and offer it for the good of the whole, Christ can do amazing things through us!

Thought for today: Am I staying within my spiritual calling and purpose or am I too busy monitoring others?

Interconnected December 13, 2019

1 Corinthians 12:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

What makes us family? In God's family, the Holy Spirit makes us one. The Spirit is not only God's presence and power in us, but the Spirit is also God's spiritual DNA that connects us to each other and to our Father. This spiritual bond transcends human family, race, nationality, gender, and any other human barrier. The Spirit's presence ensures that we are God's children and function as Jesus' Body here on earth.

Thought for today: Do I look at others as brothers and sisters or do I live with my sole intentions and satisfaction in mind?

Mood Swings? December 12, 2019

Romans 12:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood? How can we emancipate ourselves from the limitations that life deals us? The last in the trio of commandments opens the door for the other two to be true — we can rejoice in hope and we can be patient in affliction because we have been faithful in prayer. No matter what our situation is, we can pray with joy because of our hope in Christ no matter what our current situation is. We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God's gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don't appear to be going well.

Thought for today: Is my joy dependent upon my circumstances: only receiving the good?

Joyful Joyful December 11, 2019

Romans 12:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Jesus made it clear that God wants us to be passionate about our Christian life. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:15-16) Let's live passionately for the Lord!

Thought for today: Am I the living spark that starts a spiritual fire?

Genuine Friendship December 10, 2019

Romans 12:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

"He who toots his own horn plays in a very small band!" A very selfish part of us wants all attention and appreciation to be focused on what we have done, sacrificed, and accomplished. One of the signs of spiritual maturity that Paul lists here, however, is a devotion to others who are our fellow Christians. This means that we genuinely rejoice when others are honored. In fact, we are even more interested in honoring others than in receiving honor ourselves.

Thought for today: Can people count on me to be a devoted friend?

Pure Love December 9, 2019

Romans 12:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Our love cannot be feigned, faked, or fickle! That means that we abhor things that are evil. We not only stay away from them, but we disdain them. At the same time, we commit ourselves to lovingly drawing closer to goodness and righteousness. In our intentions, there are no shades of gray, only a passionate desire for what is right, good, and holy.

Thought for today: Do I love with a motive and a hidden agenda with terms and conditions?

Stand For Something December 8, 2019

Luke 12:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.

What a simple way to inherit a blessing. Let's make sure that we don't fall into the trap of Peter during the night of Jesus' arrest — strong when in the presence of friends and weak in the presence of those who are hostile. Let's be ready to share our faith with friends with "gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15). Let's be willing to be openly identified as one of Jesus' disciples and show it by our words and deeds. Let's confess that Jesus is our Lord by our lives and our lips for all the world to see.

Thought for today: Do I make a consistent practice of representing my faith?

Steadfast Righteousness December 7, 2019

Proverbs 12:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
    but the house of the righteous stands firm.

This is eventually true in every culture. An evil leader is murdered by his even more evil successor. Ruin comes to the one who brings ruination on others. But ultimately, this result will be fully true only when Jesus comes and judges all people justly and with nothing hidden. Then, God's righteous will shine like the sun and reign with him in heavenly glory which will not spoil, perish, or fade. Justice with mercy, love with strength, and life without death will find their way in the city God has prepared for those who love him.

Thought for today: Can I stand firm and fast on my convictions?

Greater Than December 6, 2019

Matthew 12:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.

What is the greatest construction project built by human hands? Jesus is greater still! What is the most "holy" place you have been? Jesus is far holier still! What is the most awe-inspiring site you have visited? Jesus is far more awesome and holy! What is the most inspiring event you have ever attended? Jesus is far more... Jesus is the One Who Is Greater! Nothing else, no one else, can hold a candle to him. As John the Baptist reminded us, the greatest religious leaders of all time are not even worthy to unlatch his sandals.

Thought for today: Do I give God the respect and reverence He deserves?

Don’t Be Disheartened By Discipline December 5, 2019

Hebrews 12:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

When I was young, I always acted as if I hated discipline. It was part of the game. Now that I am older, I am so thankful that my parents loved me enough to discipline me strongly, to guide me lovingly, and encourage me repeatedly. This "discipline and training of God" has given me so many blessings. Now if I can just learn to recognize and appreciate the Lord's discipline in my life the same way! The lack of love is not hate, but indifference. The opposite of concern is an unwillingness to discipline. Thank God that he loves us and knows us enough to be involved in our lives and discipline us in the direction of heaven.

Thought for today: Am I victim of/to indifference?

Know Your Part December 4, 2019

Romans 12:4-5 New International Version (NIV)

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

An arm detached from the body is just a dead and useless body part. We belong to each other because we belong to Christ. We find our freedom to be what God has made us to be, and the Body finds its power and usefulness as we each offer ourselves to be used for the good of the Body and the work of the Lord.

Thought for today: Am I serving in/to my fullest potential?

Do You Mean It? December 3, 2019

1 Corinthians 12:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,”except by the Holy Spirit.

Say it today as often as you can: “Jesus is Lord.” But more than just saying it, truly mean it. Look up the word “Lord” in a concordance and read all the references to it in the New Testament. Open up your heart and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. Jesus is Lord! He will be so whether you or I recognize it or not. But one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11) Let's just get on board while it matters most to us and to those we love!

Thought for today: Do I allow Him to be Lord and have reign?

Transformation December 2, 2019

Romans 12:2 New International Version (NIV)

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Sooner or later we all have to make a decision: Will I be a nonconformist? Will I refuse to be squeezed into the mold of the world? (J.B. Phillips terminology) Will I be part of a Christian counter-culture? (John R.W. Stott terminology) Will I be God's own person, an alien and an exile in the world, put here to have a redemptive influence? (The apostle Peter's terminology) Jesus simply calls us his disciples. Bottom line: until we are really ready to cross the line and live totally for the Lord, we're not going to be able to fully recognize God's will for us. There are no arm-chair quarterback Christians. There are no sideline disciples. There are no back-seat driver Christians. We either choose the Lordship of Jesus, or else we reject it. So what's your decision?

Thought for today: Am I “soul-ed” out? In other words what is my level of commitment?

Complete Offering December 1, 2019

Romans 12:1 New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Our worship isn't confined to Sunday! Each day that we offer ourselves to Jesus as his servants, we also are offering him our worship. Every time that we consciously resist evil and choose good, we are offering pleasing and acceptable worship to God. Isn't it exciting that worship doesn't happen just in a church building! Isn't it incredible that each day our decisions and actions are a crucial part of our worship to God!

Thought for today: Am I mindful of my “offering”?