Friday, July 29, 2011

Incredible Transformation

Good Morning!! It's hard to believe that a mighty oak tree got it's start form a tiny little acorn. Just as this power for life lies within an acorn's shell,...so too the power for transformation and growth lies within a Christian. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we "grow" the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we turn from destructive habits to healthy spiritual disciplines. Through that same power, we forgive those who hurt us. It's this same power that transformed murderous Saul, into preacher Paul.

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power."—1 Corinthians 2:4 (NIV)

But just as acorns need soil, sunlight, and water to develop into oaks, so Christians need Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians to mature. We learn Christ's ways as we read God's word; we sense Christ's presence as we pray; and we are inspired to live for Christ as we spend time with others who live in the Spirit's power. The power is available to all that asks.

We discover God's power within,...as we step out in faith.

Dear God, send Your Holy Spirit upon us today so that we may react to opportunities for blessing in Your strength and grace. Amen.

"Realize that we are not just saved to be forgiven of our sins, or to be assured of our eternity in heaven,
...but we are saved to know God."

Thursday, July 28, 2011

It's The Little Things

Good Morning!! Even today, more than 30 years later, I still marvel at this simple gesture. A total stranger, a man whom I would never see again, and who didn't even know my name,...this man took the time to stop, pick me up, take me to a station, return me to my car, and stayed to make sure I got it started. I am sure that he soon forgot this event,...but I have never forgotten it. This random act of kindness from a stranger, has inspired me help others, wherever I can.

And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded.—Mark 9:41 (AAJB)

God wants us to care for others in little ways,...a smile to the grocery checker, a note of appreciation to our Sunday school teacher, helping out somewhere without being asked. Two things we can be sure of: It will be noticed,...and it will make a difference.

It's our small and random acts of kindness, that make the world a better place.

Thank You, Lord, for those who inspire us by their kindness. Show us how to help others today, by doing little things too. Amen.

"Realize that we are not just saved to be forgiven of our sins, or to be assured of our eternity in heaven,
...but we are saved to know God."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Appearances

Good Morning!! It's good to recognize the impact we have on others around us,...especially if we want to leave a good impression. I'm a big guy; I'm six feet tall and weigh over 250 pounds. Sheila says; I don't grasp how big, or menacing I can look to people, that may be seeing me for the first time. But I don't want them to see me,..I want them to see Jesus in me,...though it hasn't always been that way.

Jesus said, "Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it."—Matthew 10:39 (NRSV)

A few years ago I gained a new perspective. Afterward, a lot of things changed in my life. I stopped thinking about how I could be a better me,...and started thinking about how I could be better at letting Jesus live through me. I began to see the pain of others and wanted to love them,...God is still showing me how. I became a giving person rather than the victim of my own selfishness. I began to trust in God's provision rather than only my own ability. I began to really study the Bible. I began to see God at work in my life and in the lives of others. And probably the most important thing of all,...I began to pray.

What do others know of Christ,...because of knowing us?

Father God, create in us a clean place, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

"Realize that we are not just saved to be forgiven of our sins, or to be assured of our eternity in heaven,
...but we are saved to know God."

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Hear And Do

Good Morning!! There are so many days, that today's verses fits me, better than any other. The person in the verse who looks at their self in the mirror and, forgetting what they looked like, goes on their way. Just the other day, like always, I had looked intently into several scriptures. Later, at work, I tried to remember what I had posted for that morning's devotion,...but after working at my job, allowing the world into my mind for hours, I had trouble recalling my reading. Pressure from trying to accomplish my work on time, and attempting to provide answers to the numerous questions that come my way, I had started to lose my patience,...and forget that my real job is to serve.

If any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror . . . and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act they will be blessed in their doing.—James 1:23-25 (NRSV)

That's why we need the input of the Word of God every day,...it is fuel for our soul. Put some of the Bible's words and wisdom into your mind each day, as a deposit into your "spiritual account." Then at times like those today, when we cannot recall what we've studied or read, we can still have an abiding sense of being connected to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

When we take in God's word, we feed our soul and prepare ourselves to serve.

Lord, help us to be sensitive to see when we can become doers of the word. Amen.

"Realize that we are not just saved to be forgiven of our sins, or to be assured of our eternity in heaven,
...but we are saved to know God."

Monday, July 25, 2011

Choosen First

Good Morning!! Do you remember choosing teams in elementary school? Everyone knew that certain individuals were better athletes, and would be selected first for any game with a ball. It was just as well known which classmates were least likely to be chosen first,...even those always chosen last.

How are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard?—Romans 10:14 (NRSV)

But God sent Jesus for everyone,...from the "least likely" to the "most likely." Are there people in your family or in your circle of friends with whom you have not talked about Jesus,...because you put them in the "least likely" to accept category

Remember, Jesus chose to reach out to the least likely first.

God of all the world, help us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us throughout the year. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

"Realize that we are not just saved to be forgiven of our sins, or to be assured of our eternity in heaven,
...but we are saved to know God."

Friday, July 22, 2011

You Should Be There

Good Morning!! On any Sunday morning we can find a thousand reasons not to attend churh. Many of us are preoccupied with myriad concerns,...people we need to see or plans we have to make. Is it any wonder, that the sermon may seem distant from our needs,...or the music unmoving. When this happens to me, I remind myself of one thing: God will be there,...and that is why I need, and want to be there.

I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."—Psalm 122:1 (NIV)

I will be there with an open heart, and hands to receive "every good and perfect gift," which comes from God (James 1:17) so that I may be part of God's presence in the world. I will be there because I follow Jesus, who "went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom" (Luke 4:16, NRSV). Worship was established behavior for Jesus. How much more must it be for us!

God will be at church, Sunday,...shouldn't we be there too.

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to Your presence: at church, at home, in daily life. Help us to be fully Yours as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Amen.

"We are made for service,...service to our God,...and service to each other."

Thursday, July 21, 2011

What You Need, To Live

Good Morning, My Friend!! A person can fast from food for 40 days or longer, but the human body can go only for about 7 days maximum, without water. In the wilderness the Israelites were running out of the water, and because of their fear they started murmuring and complaining. Without water they would quickly perish, in this desert land. God instructed Moses to strike a rock, and out of this flinty hardness flowed sufficient water to meet the needs of all the people and their livestock.

Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.—John 4:14 (NAS)

To them, this should have been first and far most a sign, that God knew what they needed and was more than able to provide it,...even when they couldn't see how. However we see this rock as a symbol of Christ (1 Cor. 10:4). In the midst of a sin-parched life, Christ offers a well of living water that never runs dry, no matter how often we drink from it.


Trust Jesus today and you can let go of your fears of never having enough.

Father God, keep us tuned to the reality of the spiritual world,...and mindful of the problems that come when we fail to seek a spiritual solution to our daily problems. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

" We are made for service,...service to our God,...and service to each other."

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Soak In The Word

Good Morning!! Like that hardened ground, I was once hardened. I let the demands of a busy life crowd the Lord out of the center of my life. Our pastor encouraged us to read the Bible consistently, but for the new Christian, reading God's Word can be hard, boring and uninteresting. Slowly, over time, this will change.

[The righteous person] is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.—Psalm 1:3 (NIV)

But the key word here is consistently. You will to enjoy reading the Bible. Your prayer life will improve, and you will have a new appreciation for scripture,...and it's power. We needed regular, deep watering by God's Word to change our hardened crust and give us the life that God wants for all of us.

God's Word can, and will, soften even the hardest of hearts.

Thank You, Father, for Your patience with us. May Your wonder-filled Word, reach to the depths of our very souls. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"We are made for service,...service to our God,...and service to each other."

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

In God's Time

Good Morning!! Consider the Israelites and how they suffered in Egypt. For years they cried out for deliverance, but it took years before God pulled Moses aside to say, "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me." And now?...really?? They had been wailing for centuries,...and finally God heard them? That's probably how it felt to the Israelites,...but not to God.

The LORD said, "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them."—Exodus 3:9 (NIV)

In order to rescue the Israelites, God needed a leader,...Moses. God had been preparing Moses in the desert, for this task. And when Moses was ready,...God began moving in more noticeable ways. So often, we tend to believe that nothing is happening, if nothing appears to change. But God is always at work. If we remember that, it can make our waiting easier.

God's hand is always at work,...even when we don't see it.

Father God, forgive us for our impatience. Help us to learn how to wait on, and trust You,...in all situations. Amen.

"We are made for service,...service to our God,...and service to each other."

Monday, July 18, 2011

Service Is Love, In Action

Good Morning!! We see someone stranded on the side of the highway,...but before we can stop to help, we automatically consider several excuses; such as our lack of time, and our own safety. While we are thinking of not helping,...consider this message of Jesus, regarding care for the stranger: "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me" (Matt. 25:36, NIV).

Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord.—Ephesians 6:7 (NRSV)

We must realized that despite our attitude and feelings, God is giving us an opportunity to fulfill a key principle. Agree to help, remember to meet each new day with expectancy, for the opportunities it will offer. Be well, be blessed, and be a blessing,...it's a full time job.

When we serve others, we serve, honor, and love God.

Holy Spirit, help us to serve others with the same enthusiasm and love, that we have for God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"We are made for service,...service to our God,...and service to each other."

Friday, July 15, 2011

Protect Your Spiritual Health

Good Morning!! We must always be on guard to ensure that our Christian walk is in good order,...that our faith in Jesus continues to grow. Good "spiritual maintenance" includes worship, prayer, scripture reading, caring, outreach, and fellowship with other believers.

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.—Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

Paul gives good advice about protection from things that would destroy daily fellowship with Christ: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:14-15).


Becoming and remaining spiritually healthy, requires vigilance and a strong and sincere desire, to grow daily in ways of Christ.

Dear God, thank you for calling us to walk in the way of Christ and for sending your Holy Spirit to help in every aspect of life. Amen.

" Loving our enemies begins by praying for them."

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Problem With Prosperity

Good Morning!! Most people equate a "test of faith" with a problem,...a severe illness, a financial setback, a nagging temptation, or some interpersonal conflict. But there is another profound principle of scripture,...and that is; prosperity poses a stiff test of faith. When we're healthy, earning promotions at work, enjoying our children, or even flourishing in our service for Christ we are prone to forget God, or start to pay less attention to Him. When we're successful, pride tends to work its way into our hearts.

Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that I need, or I shall be full, and deny you, and say, "Who is the LORD?" or I shall be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.—Proverbs 30:8-9 (NRSV)

Success isn't wrong. It may even be a direct answer to prayer, a gracious gift from God. Yet if we aren't vigilant about giving God the credit and using our blessings for the good of others, prosperity becomes just another trap of the enimey.

The true purpose of our prosperity, is the opportunity to serve God, and others better.

Dear God, remind us that You are the source of every success, and any prosperity that we may experience. Keep us from the sin of pride over the blessings You send our way. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

" Loving our enemies begins by praying for them."

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Breath Of Life

Good Morning!! God formed Adam from the dust, but Adam was not a living being until God breathed into him the breath of life. In Genesis 1:2, we read about a "wind from God." The Hebrew word for wind is often translated "spirit" or "breath." So we can understand the breath of life as God's spirit breathed into Adam to give him life.

The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.—Genesis 2:7 (NRSV)

God is the author and sustainer of life. We live not only by our physical bodies, organs and tissues,...but also by God's spirit dwelling within us. God has given us life, and God continues to give us life.



By God's power, the breath of life remains in us,
...and the wind of life blows over us.




All thanks be to the Holy Spirit of God, who continues to give us life. Help us to sense Your presence in our lives. Amen.



" Loving our enemies begins by praying for them."

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Word Power

Good Morning!! How often do we speak quickly, without giving thought to the impact of our words? Long trips together are hard for us. When I spoke sharply to wife, who had "pushed my button" by questioning my driving again,...she glared back at me. There is no justification for harsh words spoken in anger. She sees me as insensitive and perhaps cruel,...and my sharp words, only prove her right.

Jesus said, "On the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."—Matthew 12:36-37 (NRSV)

Do we really understand how powerful our words are? Both good and evil rest on the tough. Truly, "a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11, NIV). No wonder James did not mince words when he admonished his readers about the tongue's potential for good and for evil.

Keep your words soft and sweet,
...you never know when you'll have to eat them.

Dear Lord, may our words always be pleasing to You. Amen.

" Loving our enemies begins by praying for them."

Monday, July 11, 2011

Love All, Not Just Some

Good Morning!! There is an old saying; " keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer." Though the world has a different meaning,...it does have a biblical base. People you spend time with, you become involved with,...you will grow to care about. You start to see them differently,...with love and conceren.

If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.—Luke 6:33 (NRSV)

Jesus commanded us to pray for two specific groups of people: those lost in sin and our enemies. When we do so, we come closer to seeing them through God's eyes,...as part of God's creation and worthy of redemption.

Those that are the hardess to love, need it the most.

Father God, forgive us for despising anyone whom You have created. Help us to see each one we meet through Your eyes,...of love. Amen.

" Loving our enemies begins by praying for them."

Friday, July 8, 2011

Why Do It Alone?

Good Morning!! Bible scholars tell us that the Greek translation of the word "easy" in today's verse, could also be understood to mean "well-fitting". When a carpenter fashioned a yoke for an ox, the animal was brought in several times to be fitted. Having worked as a carpenter, Jesus surely knew what was involved in making a yoke "easy" or well-fitting.

"My yoke is easy, and my burden is light."—Matthew 11:30 (NRSV)

As a yoke for an animal may need to be adjusted, from time to time, so it is with us,...our understanding changes, and our load in life changes. Each Christian's life with Jesus is tailor-made,...He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He works with us, in faith,...so that what we do in life is not simply a burden but an opportunity for something positive and meaningful to happen.

To take Jesus' yoke, means to walk through life with Him.

Dear Lord, we are yoked to You. Help us to follow where You lead, and allow us to be both reformed and transformed through this relationship. Amen.

" Letting go of earthly possessions, enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures."

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Always There

Good Morning!! Jesus is as real today, as He was when He walked on this earth. Even though He doesn't move among us physically, Christ is a continuous, living presence through the Holy Spirit. That can be a terrifying thought when we don't like ourselves, or are contemplating the bad things we have done. Insecurity and sin can create a sense of fear, awkwardness, and clumsiness in His presence.

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."—John 14:18 (KJV)

But it helps to think of what we know about our Lord from scripture. Romans 5:8 and 8:35-39 tell us that the Lord loves us. John 14:18 and Hebrews 13:5 talk about how Christ will never leave us or forsake us. In Matthew 11:28, Christ invites us to spend time with him. And 1 Samuel 16:7 and Luke 24:38 remind us that the Lord looks at our hearts.

We can all take comfort in knowing that Christ loves us unconditionally,
...and will never leave us.

Dear Lord, thank You for sharing our worries, and cares,...and for standing beside us to comfort and guide us, always. Amen.

"Letting go of earthly possessions, enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures."

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Stand Up And Walk In Your Righteousness

Good Morning!! In the Bible, we learn that Jesus often associated with members of society who were often regarded as the lowest of the low... prostitutes, tax collectors, thieves, etc. Through the Word of His Father, Jesus offered these highly imperfect individuals a better way. It was a path which led directly to His Father,...God. The same is true today. Through the Word of God (the Bible), we're offered a way which leads directly to the Father,...and the name of this Way is Jesus Christ.

Some Pharisees asked Jesus' disciples, " Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and other sinners? ' Jesus heard them and answered, " Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.'...—Mathew 9:11,12 (AAJE )

As we attempt to follow His straight path of righteousness, we're often diverted by temptation or some other stumbling block. Unfortunately, such weaknesses are part of our human and fleshly makeup. Through Christ, we have the strength and ability to not only recognize such evil diversions, but actually overcome evil with the goodness of His word.

Being a Christian is less about being perfect,...and more about accepting the grace given us through our Lord,
...Jesus Christ.

Sweet Spirit of God, don't let us use our humanity as an excuse to keep doing as we have. Remind us that; our righteousness is given,...not earned. And that we have only to accept it,...and walk in the steps, that Jesus walked before us. Amen.

"Letting go of earthly possessions, enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures."

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Life Without God, Is No Life At All

Good Morning!! The human body is a masterpiece, that has been wonderfully designed. Every part is fitted for its function within the whole. Yet although we seem to be busy and appear full of energy, we may not be fully alive. We often use activity to cover a more real and nagging emptiness.

Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."—John 10:10 (NRSV)

However, once we put ourselves into the hands of the Master Builder,...our Creator, we resinate with new life. This spreads through our whole being and flows out into our daily lives. Then we can affect others, by showing them the life Jesus gives.

Christ offers life,...that flows out from us,...to change the world.

Lord, fill us with Your life so we may bring the message of life to others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

" Letting go of earthly possessions, enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures."

Friday, July 1, 2011

Be A Lifeline

Good Morning!! A documentary showed a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescuing two people, who had been lost at sea for three torturous days and nights. Their commercial fishing boat had capsized in a violent storm that killed the rest of the crew. As the two survivors were pulled to safety, you could see their gratefulness, and jubilation. They were saved from the threat of death.

"I have set before you life and death. ... Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."—Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Every day millions of people remain lost, cast adrift or separated from relationship with our loving Savior,...Christ Jesus. As believers,...as those who have been rescued,...we have the privilege and responsibility, to offer God's lifeline to those in danger of drowning, in life's turbulent seas. For them it is a matter of life or death.

Share your faith,...throw someone a lifeline.

Abba Father, remind us each day to share the good news of the life You offer to all of us.
By Your Spirit, guide us to those who need the lifeline of Your saving love. Amen.

" Wake up to the countless multitudes who are currently destined for a Christless eternity."