Obedience, Small Price For A Great Gift

Good Morning!! many of us as Christians have a "yard-sale faith." This is the kind of faith where we offer as little as possible to gain as much as we can. God's gift to us came in the form of the servant, Jesus Christ. The relationship God offers us is a precious, priceless gift.

Jesus said, "Sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor . . . then come, follow me."—Matthew 19:21 (NRSV)

God wants from us a wholehearted response. Yet day after day we continue to ask, "How much?" Upon hearing Jesus' reply many simply walk away, as did the rich young ruler.

Jesus came that we may have life and have it fully,...so how fully are we responding?

O Lord, forgive us when we ask so much of you,...but seek to give so little of ourselves, in return. Amen.

"Obedience is the key to having the presence of God in our lives,
...if we're not obeying, we aren't really walking with Him."

Sound Like A Christian

Good Morning!! Our speech tells much about us. Our accent indicates the country or region from which we came. Our words reveal education or refinement, or the lack of it. Our topics of discussion point to our chief interests in life, for we talk about the things we love the most. And our conversation reveals our eternal destination, for travelers to heaven will speak love; "the language of Glory," while travelers to hell will speak hate; "the language of the pit."

Your speech betrays you.—Matthew 26:73 (NIV)

The apostle Peter, on the night Jesus was arrested, made the mistake of opening his mouth. When he spoke, some of the bystanders recognized his dialect and said, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you". Although he tried to deny their accusation, his speech revealed who he really was,...and where he'd been.

Do we sound like Christians?
A word from our mouth speaks volumes about our heart.

Holy Spirit, delay our tongue, and allow our words to be sweet, soft and healing,...so that they may be found pleasing to Our Father in Heaven. Amen.

"Obedience is the key to having the presence of God in our lives,
...if we're not obeying, we aren't really walking with Him."

Power In The Name

Good Morning!! At the Temple gate they met a man who had been lame from birth. Peter said to the man, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk" (Acts 3:6). The man not only stood up, he leaped and started to praise God. What many people who knew the man considered impossible, the power of Christ made possible.

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.—Acts 4:12 (NRSV)

Jesus gave new life to the mentally ill man at Geresa; he healed many who were blind; he set free those controlled by evil. What people who knew, thought impossible,...the power of God made possible.

The power of Jesus Christ can transform us,...just His name works miracles.

Holy Spirit, unlock the healing power of Jesus, in our lives today. Amen.

"When all else fails, only the love of God prevails."

The Taste That Calls For More

Good Morning!! We almost awlays use a little salt in our cooking,...not just for the taste of salt itself, but because it enhances the taste of whatever we're cooking. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." In essence He's saying to believers, "You are the salt of this exciting cooking, that is God's creation. You have the mission to bring forth the good taste of life itself." We can help people to find both foundation and direction, for their lives.

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?—Matthew 5:13 (NRSV)

This is accomplish by being ready "to make our defense to anyone who demands from us an accounting for the hope that is in us" (1 Pet. 3:15). But our faith is most evident in our love, care, and respect for others. And when people see our good works, they "give glory to God." (See Matt. 5:16.)

Words are just a small part of our real testimony.

Holy Spirit, make us salt that brings forth a taste for life with our Father, among our family, friends and neighbors. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"When all else fails, only the love of God prevails."

Maker And Keeper Of All, Even Me

Good Morning!! I believe that each of us was created for a purpose and that God wants us to draw near each day in prayer and meditation. When we have a personal relationship with God, we discover that we are connected not only to God,...but to one another in love.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.—Psalm 33:6 (NRSV)

We live in a secular society that too often does not acknowledge God's role in creating heaven and earth or God's desire for relationship with each of us. The Bible presents a different view, that God created the world and in love sent Jesus Christ to be our savior.

The beauty of creation is reason enough to praise God the Creator, every day.

Father God, Creator, we praise You for the work of Your hands and for the mighty gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give us the wisdom and resolve to read Your Word each day. Amen.

"When all else fails, only the love of God prevails."

Enjoy Where You Are, While You're There

Good Morning!! I live in the middle of our country, where we experience all four distinct seasons,...each with its own unique purpose and beauty. Yet we often complain of winter's bitter cold and snow, while waiting impatiently for spring. Or we wish that summer's heat would in, and long for the refreshing coolness and colors of fall. How much happier we could be if we learned to joyfully embrace each season as it comes.

...be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."—Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Our lives have seasons too,...our childhood is a time of physical growth and learning. Young adulthood is typically the time to find our life's work, and to establish a home. During our middle years, many of us may explore new interests and deepen our spiritual life. Often, our twilight years are a time when we may move more slowly, savor our relationships with God and people, in a new way. We see and accept our mortality with serenity, and a richer faith. All of these seasons are gifts from God. We would be wise to savor whatever season of life we are in, because unlike the seasons of the year, our life's seasons will never come again

Appreciating God's present work in us can help us let go of impatience and regret.

God of all times, teach us to savor the season of life in which we live, knowing that you are leading us into the future You have prepared. Amen.

"When all else fails, only the love of God prevails."

Show'n Love

Good Morning!! Love changes us,...and we can easily tell those who're in a new romance, by their glow, their increased smiling. And by the way they talk constantly about that new love in their lives. Often we tend to show our love for others in the way of gift giving. We start with candy and flowers, and move to jewelry and cars. The greater the love,...the greater the gift.

"I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."—Ephesians 3:18-19 (NRSV)

God showed us love by giving us Jesus Christ,...Who died on a cross for us. That's how much God loves us. When our roots sink into this love, we are strengthened and God's love shows in our actions towards others. We become more like Christ,...we become Christians.

Love truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Lord, help us to feel the wonder and depth of Your love. Then help us to love everyone we meet, as much as You love us. Amen.

"When all else fails, only the love of God prevails."

Rarely Easy, But Always Necessary

Good Morning!! I have discovered three ingredients that I believe to be essential if the whole world is to have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ personally. First, we can fully sense the love of God that accompanies us every step of our lives. Second, we are called to love ourselves. Knowing that we are loved and held in the love of Christ, we are liberated from self-doubt and despair. Third, we then have the capacity to offer that love of Christ to others.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. . . . Love your neighbor as yourself.—Mark 12:30-31 (NRSV)

Every so often, we have opportunities to invoke a momentary transformation to individuals we encounter,...smiles from tears, welcoming arms, waves of welcome and goodbye. The offer of lasting transformation comes through helping people find a relationship with Jesus Christ,...whose transforming love is available through all the challenges that life brings. If we share love often enough, people will know that they are valued, and loved by God.

Touch a heart,...heal a heart.

O' God, teach us how to love, You,...our neighbors,...and ourselves. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"We cannot experience the fullness of Christ, until we learn to love even our enemies."

Prepare, Plant, Nurture, and Wait

Good Morning!! God loves us and is constantly sowing seed throughout the world. When we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, we can hear and receive God's message. It comes to us through Bible study, meditation, worship and thanksgiving,...and by the love and prayers of others.

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.—Hosea 10:12 (NRSV)

We can prepare ourselves to receive God's Word and then provide an environment in which it can grow and mature. We can break up the fallow ground within us, and seek God. We can help nurture our growth by worshiping with other believers,...and allowing them to minister to us and with us.

Through grace, God's Word is planted within each of us,
...and by the power of the Holy Spirit it will grow, and bring forth good fruit.

Father God, thank You for all those who minister to us. Help us to prepare our hearts and minds so that Your Word falls on good soil. Amen.

"We cannot experience the fullness of Christ, until we learn to love even our enemies."

Together,...Not So Much

Good Morning!! Most people have experienced disunity,...at home, at work and even in church. When it happens we are often shocked and dismayed,...but it doesn't surprise God. Remember how Jesus prayed for us on the night of his arrest? He prayed that we would be brought to complete unity. He knew that unity is not automatic, and he prayed for us.

Live in harmony with one another.—Romans 12:16 (NIV)

Jesus called us brothers and sisters, and in many ways the church is like a family. Sometimes families squabble. But Romans 12 reveals two keys that will undo the gridlock of disunity. These keys are love and humility: "Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:10).

Believers living in harmony is music to God's ears,
...and an example to the world.

Dear God, fill us with Your power to love. May the harmonies of Your love flow through us,...and into the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"We cannot experience the fullness of Christ, until we learn to love even our enemies."

Love More, Love Better, Love Always

Good Morning!! I love you, babies. I will always love you,...no matter what, you will always be my babies." This how I put my kids to bed. Now I use those comforting words, to put my grand kids to bed. I am so grateful for the privilege of being a parent, and grand parent. I have a new way of seeing, and understanding the love of God,...as reflected in our relationship.

Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.—John 4:8 (NRSV)

God always loves us,...no matter what, we will always be God's children. Like my love for my kids, God's love and grace are with us even when we cannot fully comprehend them. Jesus demonstrated that incredible love, for all of us,...in that while we were yet sinners,...He died for us.

Children are naturaly the best Christians;
They give and accept love without question,
...they forgive and forget quickly,
...they withold nothing when they love.

Thank you, God, for loving us even though we can never fully understand your providential care. Help us to reflect your love to others. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

"We cannot experience the fullness of Christ, until we learn to love even our enemies."

There Ought To Be Some Sign

Good Morning!! The relationship between faith and works can be described another way. Picture a big, red balloon. Imagine that the balloon represents good works, while the air inside is faith. Balloons are not much good without air in them,...and neither are works without faith to support them.

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.—James 2:22 (NIV)

Both are empty,...yet the balloon contains oxygen or helium, which gives it form, and proves that it has substance. In the same way, our actions give form to our faith, and demonstrate its substance.

As surely as we breathe,...we give others reason to believe, when they see our faith in action.

Lord, breathe into us the breath of faith, and let it be evident in our works,...that others may see You in us. Amen.

"We cannot experience the fullness of Christ, until we learn to love even our enemies."

Enough For All

Good Morning!! When I was a child, we were taught principles of etiquette in school. One lesson dealt with generosity. We were told, "If you have candy or gum, you should offer some to those around you. If you do not have enough to share, it is impolite to partake in front of others."

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.—Matthew 5:44-45 (NRSV)

God's generosity extends not only to Christians but also to everyone in our presence,...even our enemies. Though we would never think of eating in front of a starving person, without offering to share our food,...how often do we feast on God's love and salvation, without offering to share it with the lost around me.

God's blessings of sunshine and rain are for us all,
...and so is God's love,...we should share it.

Father in Heaven, teach us to share Your mercy and generosity with those around us. May they taste the extravagant grace You lavish on us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

Wind For Change

Good Morning!! In the Book of Acts, the coming of the Holy Spirit to the church on the day of Pentecost is described as a "violent wind." As believers in Christ, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who has the power to comfort us, convict us, empower us, and intercede for us. But everyone of us has a choice in how we respond to the wind of the Holy Spirit, in our lives. The timid try hiding from it. The unbeliever simply moves along, ignoring it. The saved, however, use the wind to soar higher.

But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.—Acts 6:10 (NIV)

When I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions, I sense God's power lifting my vision to see the needs of others more clearly. God empowers me to collect food for the hungry soul, write notes to the fearful and discouraged, or share the love of Jesus with those who simply feel unloved.

Yield to the Spirit of God,...and do impossible things.

God of grace and glory, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit. Help us to rely on the Spirit's power every day as we seek a closer walk with You. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

It's Not Our Will, Or Way

Good Morning!! Over the years, like so many other Christians, I've been guilty many times of hearing or reading God's word,...and acting like it were a buffet, where I could pick and choose what should apply to my life. After all of it couldn't all possibly apply to me,...could it?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.—James 1:22 (NIV)

Hearing God's word must be followed by obeying, for our faith in Jesus Christ is shown to others by the conduct of our lives. It's not enough to say we have faith; our faith must produce the fruit of good works and love for others.

What parts of the Bible would you prefer not to obey?
...giving, serving, forgiving or maybe loving your enemies?

Lord, help us to not only hear Your Word,...but to obey it,...even the parts that call for us to be, and do better. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

Do What Matters Most

Good Morning, My Friend!! Why is it so easy to forget what's really important? Much of what we hear and see in our world can call us away from God, not toward God. Material possessions, successful projects, and praiseworthy titles meet our need for recognition only temporarily. When we allow the temporal to crowd out what is eternal, we are left feeling empty and wondering why we don't feel close to God.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.—Romans 12:2 (NRSV)

I've regretted eating too much. I've regretted impulse purchases. I've regretted some actions, or words said in anger. I've regretted being too busy. My "regret list" can sometimes be really long,...but I've never regretted giving money to the poor, or the work of God's kingdom. Or writing an encouraging email to a friend. Or holding my tongue. Or spending the day hanging out with my kids, or grand children. Or getting up early to pray, or staying up late to work on Spiritual Food.

Think hard about what is part of a holy life
...and then make choices that honor God.

Dear God, help us to follow your word and to discern what is truly important. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

Compassion Is Mercy At Work

Good Morning!! A myriad of emotions is normal when we are grieving, and it's okay to express those emotions, whether we are the griever,...or the supporter. The one thing that does no one any good, is being left completly alone. We need to let others know they are connected, and someone cares about them,...and what they're going through. Compassion can be shown through a phone call, a card, or a visit.

"By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."—Luke 1:78-79 (NRSV)

God's tender compassion is our best example. This compassion makes a difference for us,...and our compassion can make a difference for others. We are God's loving hand here on earth.

The consolation we offer to others is often how God expresses His tender mercy.

Holy Spirit, we pray for help in expressing compassion to those who are grieving. Hold our hands as we hold theirs. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

The FATHER Knows Best

Good Morning!! Sometimes our perception of what is going on, is different, from the reality of the situation. Today's scripture reminds us not to rely on what we think we know. Because so often, when things happen, we rely on our take on the situation. We feel hurt, or get angry, and we can't even imagine why the Lord would allow it. But again, in time, we hear the Lord gently telling us that; out of a seemingly bad situations, good can and will come.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;—Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

We do eventually see the good that has come from our enduring that difficulty. Most times, through it, we learn something important,..we had my faith deepened,...and better yet, we discover a new level of God's love. Then, we're sorry that we did not trust Him from the beginning.

We all need to be better at believing from the beginning, that God will bless us in each experience.

Our Father, in Heaven, help us to trust in You, regardless of how we feel, or what we think. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

"The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide,...the very presence of God living in us."

Who's In The Kitchen?

Good Morning!! My friend and I were talking last night, before Bible study,...when we got on the subject of teaching. He saw it as meal from God, meant to nourish you, and thought who served it, was less important than what you got. While I know there is truth to what he says,...I also know that skill in presentation makes a difference in what we will consume,...and how much. We know that Tou-Food is better for us than meat, but those who've had it prepared wrong, didn't eat much,...are not likely to try it again soon.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.—2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

When you know of God, you talk about His actions, laws and the consequences of breaking them...often out of context. But when you know God, you talk about character, relationship and love. The "meat", the underlined message of any spiritual meal, should be love. When some people mess up that meat, the just cover it with gravy. While the messed up meat may still be good for you, and the gravy may make it taste better,...it only filler and you never get enough of what you came for.

Church attendance fatness, is no substitute for Christian practice leanness.

Thank You, God, for scripture, which leads us to center our lives on You, and the greatest commandment,...LOVE. Amen.

"The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide,...the very presence of God living in us."

Human Weeds

Good Morning!! The other day I solved a word puzzle, that turned out to read: "A weed is any plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." I thought about the truth of that,...and how easy it is to label folks around us as "weeds". When we don't really understand, or approve of them, we tend to walk past homeless people, ignoring their requests for money. We justify this by thinking; They'll just spend it on liquor or drugs,...without knowing what troubles and stresses have brought them to where they are.

Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?—James 2:5 (NRSV)

Be grateful that God doesn't respond to imperfection, the way we do. In God's sight, even undiscovered virtues, are still there. That homeless person begging for money may be closer to blooming in God's garden, than we are with our judgments and blindness.

Our Creator patiently works with all people,
...trying to help us develop into a beautiful flower,...even if others can't, or won't see it.

Dear Lord, help us to look upon people in the garden of life with your love and vision. Amen.

"The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide,...the very presence of God living in us."

Guard Your Hearing, Guard Your Tongue, Guard Your Heart

Good Morning!! Have you ever noticed, when we forget something, it's just a little slip of the mind,...but when somebody else forgets, it's gross negligence. When we snap at someone, it's simply because we're having a bad day,...but if they snap at us, we see them as mean-spirited. And of course, if we're late for an appointment, it's because of the hectic day we're having. But if someone else is late, we accuse them of being irresponsible,...or simply disrespectful of our time.

Maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8 (NRSV)

We all have faults. It's easy to condemn and criticize others for their shortcomings, while excusing our own. And while someone's fault may strike a sour note in us, be assured that one of our faults may strike the same sour note in others. Jesus did not tell us to judge one another but to love one another. How much stronger our relationships would be, if we used our strengths to complement others,...and our voices to build them up!

Let us be as gentle confronting the faults of others, as we are, in confronting our own.

O Lord, help us to love and accept others unconditionally, as you accept us. Amen.

"The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide,...the very presence of God living in us."

Strength To Let It Go

Good Morning!! When we've been hurt or wronged, the natural response is to get angry, even to seek revenge,...to make someone pay. Letting It Go often feelings wrong, makes us look weak,...and many think it even invites others to take advantage.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.—Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit helps us to understand, and then keeps reminding us that forgiving others, is key to accepting God's forgiveness and love for us. Do you believe anyone has ever been as strong as Jesus? Has anyone ever been more forgiving?

Forgiving others is not only for the sake of our trespassers,
...but it's for our sake as well.

Sweet Spirit of God, help us to be better at seeing the good in forgiving, and help us to express forgiveness so we can begin to heal. In the name of Jesus, help us Let It Go. Amen.

"The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide,...the very presence of God living in us."