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July 18, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience

OUR REFLECTIONS

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Let us look closely at our ways and examine them and then return to the Lord. Let us raise our hearts and hands to God in heaven. [Lamentations 3:40-41 (GW)]

Many of us don’t want to look too closely at ourselves in a mirror; we see every blemish, wrinkle, grey hair and bulge. It can be rather demoralizing. We’re also rather hesitant when it comes to looking at our hearts and souls because that can be disheartening as well. Sometimes, however, a little self-examination is in order. Rather than letting our assessment discourage us, we must allow it to inspire us to alter our behavior and improve our lives.

Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending. [Carl Bard]

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July 17, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Prayer

SUPPLEMENTS FOR OUR SOULS

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. [2 Peter 1:5b-7 (NLT)]

It’s certainly not enough to say we have faith; we must live our faith.

Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them. [Mahalia Jackson]

 

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July 16, 2013

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God's Promises, Salvation: A New You

THIS LIFE’S JUST A PRELUDE

I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. [John 11:25-26 (NLT)]

In the overture to an opera, we hear bits of the musical themes but don’t get to experience the richness of the entire score, or the amazing voices, libretto, scenery, costumes, and dancing. Our life here is much like a musical introduction; it’s just a short prelude to eternity. Once we realize our days on earth are only the overture, it’s easier to understand why we don’t have everything we want here and now. It is only after death that we will experience the real fullness of life.

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July 15, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience

NO EXCUSES

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. [Philippians 1:27a (NIV)]

We’re told “whatever” happens we’re to conduct ourselves in a way that honors Christ. In God’s eyes, there is never an excuse for bad behavior!

Father in heaven, may we always be worthy of the title “Christian.”

 

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July 14, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Thanks & Praise

GRATITUDE IS AN ATTITUDE

Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Ephesians 5:20 (GW)]

Gratitude is an attitude; it has little or nothing to do with external circumstances. The following words of Matthew Henry, a 17th century preacher, are a perfect example of applying Ephesians 5:20 to one’s life. He managed to write this after being robbed and beaten:

Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.

Lord, give me a grateful heart for all things in all circumstances.

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July 13, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

WHAT HAVE WE LEFT UNDONE?

Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. [James 4:17 (NLT)]

Forgive us, Lord, when we turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the needs of others. Keep us mindful that we sin not only by taking action but also by failing to take it; not only by speaking but also by failing to speak up. Don’t allow us to ignore what should be noticed. Keep nudging us, Lord, when we fail to do what is right.