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October 27, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless. Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world. [James 1:26-27 (GW)]

Lord, am I just filled with hot air or do I actually live in a way that demonstrates my words and belief? There may be no widows and orphans at my doorstep, but there still is plenty that I can do to make your world a better place. Remind me daily that I can’t just talk your talk, I must walk your walk.

You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don’t really listen. [Isaiah 42:20 (NLT)]

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October 26, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Joy, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith

Why Take the Trip?

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6 (GW)]

People can have an accurate map and a clear route highlighted to get to a specific location, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to go take the trip. They need the desire to travel before they will depart. They must see that the destination is better than where they happen to be at the time.

Sharing our faith isn’t just about convincing someone that Jesus is the Son of God, our redeemer and savior; it’s much more than proving the accuracy and truth of the New Testament. Sharing our faith is reflecting the love, peace and joy of the destination. Only then will someone want to join us on our journey!

The surest mark of a Christian is not faith, or even love, but joy. [Samuel M. Shoemaker]

 

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October 25, 2013

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Faith & Hope, Prayer, Trusting God

Do You Ever Want to Run Away?

I said, “If only I had wings like a dove – I would fly away and find rest. Indeed, I would run far away. I would stay in the desert. I would hurry to find shelter from the raging wind and storm.” [Psalm 55:6-8 (GW)]

Do we ever outgrow the urge to run away from it all when life gets really messy or complicated? We may not literally pack our bags but we do quit our jobs, change where we live, disconnect from those who love us, retreat into work or the internet, or even get a divorce. Some people escape by turning to obsessive or addictive behavior. We may run from our problems by concealing our feelings, hiding behind a façade of serenity, or even by denying their very existence, thinking if we don’t admit them we won’t have to face them. Instead of running away, however, we need to run to someone; we need to run to God!

But I call on God, and the Lord saves me. … Turn your burdens over to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble. [Psalm 55:16, 22 (GW)]

When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. [Corrie ten Boom]

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October 24, 2013

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Prayer

Time to Recharge the God Batteries

The news about Jesus spread even more. Large crowds gathered to hear him and have their diseases cured. But he would go away to places where he could be alone for prayer. [Luke 5:15-16 (GW)]

Once word of Jesus’ miracles got out, can you imagine the throngs of people clamoring for his attention? Jesus traveled, taught, loved and healed. He was, indeed, a busy man. Yet, he was never too busy to focus on what was most important: spending time with God, his Father. Our work is certainly not more important that the work Jesus did, but we often are too occupied with work (and play) to spend time with God. Let’s remember that if we’re too busy for prayer, we’re way too busy!

I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hors in prayer. [Martin Luther]

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October 23, 2013

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God's Plan, God's Promises, Prayer, Wisdom & Guidance

Thank you, God, for Your Wisdom

Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! [John 14:14 (NLT)]

Sometimes we get what we ask for and sometimes we don’t. If we don’t, we can’t let God’s rejection cause us to lose faith. Let’s admit it, we don’t always know what is best. In fact, I rarely do. The story of King Midas is a perfect example of our lack of foresight. The King wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. Sounds great, at first, doesn’t it? And it was, until he tried to smell a rose, eat and drink or, finally, to kiss his beloved child. When God says, “No,” he may well be protecting us from ourselves and our foolish desires.

Father, please give us patience when you seem slow to answer and acceptance when you deny our prayers. May we see your infinite wisdom and your unfailing love in your response to our requests.

I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking God to do His work though me. [Hudson Taylor]

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October 22, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, Patience & Perseverance

Success

May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. [Psalm 20:4 (NLT)]

If our plans are those of God, we will, indeed, succeed!

May you be blessed with success in all your endeavors today. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! [Psalm 90:17 (NLT)]

Judge your success by the degree that you’re enjoying peace, health, and love. [From “Life’s Instructions for Wisdom, Success, and Happiness”, by H. Jackson Brown Jr.]