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?