Romans 12:9 NLT
Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.
Personal Challenge...
I love how the NLT presents this verse. It is so easy for me to act, or pretend, like I am loving others. But, God can see through that facade. If I am to be living out my relationship with Christ, my sonship through Christ, then my love for others must be real, it must be sacrificial, it must be for their good...even if it means giving up my desires to be right. This is how God wants me to shine His light in this dark and gloomy world.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
October 28, 2011
Luke 11:17 NASB
He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed. A divided home is also doomed.
Personal Challenge...
I have always seen this verse used to defend Christ as the Son of God and the miracles that He performed. But couldn't it also be a warning to us in the church? A warning to stop being a divided church, arguing with each other over who has the "true" expression of the gospel and the "true" right to call themselves Christians.
He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed. A divided home is also doomed.
Personal Challenge...
I have always seen this verse used to defend Christ as the Son of God and the miracles that He performed. But couldn't it also be a warning to us in the church? A warning to stop being a divided church, arguing with each other over who has the "true" expression of the gospel and the "true" right to call themselves Christians.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
October 27, 2011
Zechariah 7:9-10 NASB
“Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice, and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’
Personal Challenge...
This is one message that is consistant throughout the Bible, both old testament and new testament. We are to love our neighbor and take care of those in need. I guess it is in there in so many places, so many different ways, because people like me need to be reminded about this a lot.
“Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice, and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’
Personal Challenge...
This is one message that is consistant throughout the Bible, both old testament and new testament. We are to love our neighbor and take care of those in need. I guess it is in there in so many places, so many different ways, because people like me need to be reminded about this a lot.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
October 26, 2011
Proverbs 21:21
He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
Command with a Promise...
Pursue righteousness and loyalty (NIV says "love") and you will find life, righteousness, and honor. This is so contrary to what the world teaches. We are told to pursue success and wealth, knowledge and power, self-gratification and instant everything. It is the pursuit of God and the love for those whom He has put in our lives that will yield a full and righteous life.
This is the doctrine that Jesus based His teaching on, "Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
Command with a Promise...
Pursue righteousness and loyalty (NIV says "love") and you will find life, righteousness, and honor. This is so contrary to what the world teaches. We are told to pursue success and wealth, knowledge and power, self-gratification and instant everything. It is the pursuit of God and the love for those whom He has put in our lives that will yield a full and righteous life.
This is the doctrine that Jesus based His teaching on, "Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
October 25, 2011
Psalm 1:1-3 NASB
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Words of Encouragement...
Have you ever had those times in your life when you wondered if all of the time spent going to church, reading the scripture, being silent in prayer was worth it. I can vaguely remember feeling this way in my younger years...but now as I get to ride the roller-coaster on the downhill side I can look back and say with JOY, "It has all been worth it, it has been wonderful to be planted by streams of living water, to be able to yield fruit, to not wither, and to be prosperous in Him. I cherish the opportunity to continue walk through life delighting in the law of the LORD and meditating upon Him."
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Words of Encouragement...
Have you ever had those times in your life when you wondered if all of the time spent going to church, reading the scripture, being silent in prayer was worth it. I can vaguely remember feeling this way in my younger years...but now as I get to ride the roller-coaster on the downhill side I can look back and say with JOY, "It has all been worth it, it has been wonderful to be planted by streams of living water, to be able to yield fruit, to not wither, and to be prosperous in Him. I cherish the opportunity to continue walk through life delighting in the law of the LORD and meditating upon Him."
Monday, October 24, 2011
October 24, 2011
1 Kings 22:5 NASB
Moreover, Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”
Personal Challenge...
Have you every wondered what is the first step for any decision that you need to make...no mater how big or how small. Go to the Lord and see what He wants you to do. This is so much easier said than done, but it is the best way to walk through life.
Moreover, Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”
Personal Challenge...
Have you every wondered what is the first step for any decision that you need to make...no mater how big or how small. Go to the Lord and see what He wants you to do. This is so much easier said than done, but it is the best way to walk through life.
Friday, October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
1 John 4:10-12 NLT
This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.
Personal Challenge...
Love...such a misunderstood word, concept and command. Oh, how often I slip into the mode of loving those around me according to the world's standard of love. Then I am reminded to go read 1 Corinthians 13. That is when I realize that the commandment by our Lord to love our neighbor is to not to love them the way the world loves, but the way that God loves. Definitely a lifelong challenge, but one that is worth pursuing.
This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.
Personal Challenge...
Love...such a misunderstood word, concept and command. Oh, how often I slip into the mode of loving those around me according to the world's standard of love. Then I am reminded to go read 1 Corinthians 13. That is when I realize that the commandment by our Lord to love our neighbor is to not to love them the way the world loves, but the way that God loves. Definitely a lifelong challenge, but one that is worth pursuing.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
1 Corinthians 10:24 NASB
Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Personal Challenge...
Here comes that age old question, "Who is my neighbor?" Well, that was answered two thousand years ago...anyone, everyone, those you love, those who are your enemies, those who think and act the same way that you do, those who don't, those who worship God the same way that you do, those who don't.
But then we ask, "What does it mean to seek their good?" It does not just mean being nice to them, but it means to love them, to put them and their needs before my own. It means not only avoiding calling them names or avoiding them altogether, but going out of your way to be the image of Christ to them. It means eliminating hurtful, cutting, snide, derogatory, insulting, cynical, sarcastic vocabulary from our language and speaking the truth in gentle, kind, loving ways.
Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Personal Challenge...
Here comes that age old question, "Who is my neighbor?" Well, that was answered two thousand years ago...anyone, everyone, those you love, those who are your enemies, those who think and act the same way that you do, those who don't, those who worship God the same way that you do, those who don't.
But then we ask, "What does it mean to seek their good?" It does not just mean being nice to them, but it means to love them, to put them and their needs before my own. It means not only avoiding calling them names or avoiding them altogether, but going out of your way to be the image of Christ to them. It means eliminating hurtful, cutting, snide, derogatory, insulting, cynical, sarcastic vocabulary from our language and speaking the truth in gentle, kind, loving ways.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Acts 5:40-42 NIV
His (Gamaliel) speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Personal Challenge...
Having grown up in the United States and in the church here I have never been really persecuted for my beliefs. I read of the apostles and the early fathers of the church and see how in the midst of vicious and life-taking persecution they receive the persecution joyfully and then go right back to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ knowing full well that they will be persecuted again. It makes me wonder...how will we as modern day Christians respond today to this kind of persecution. Are we (am I) able to separate our life in Christ from our politics, our worldly passions, our safe institutions and stand for Him alone?
His (Gamaliel) speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Personal Challenge...
Having grown up in the United States and in the church here I have never been really persecuted for my beliefs. I read of the apostles and the early fathers of the church and see how in the midst of vicious and life-taking persecution they receive the persecution joyfully and then go right back to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ knowing full well that they will be persecuted again. It makes me wonder...how will we as modern day Christians respond today to this kind of persecution. Are we (am I) able to separate our life in Christ from our politics, our worldly passions, our safe institutions and stand for Him alone?
Monday, October 17, 2011
October 17, 2011
Luke 6:41-42 NIV (Jesus speaking)
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
Personal Challenge...
Oh how often I need to be reminded that it is my responsibility to take care of and discipline myself. When I forget this I start looking at those around me and start trying to take care of them and discipline them. That, howeever, is not my job or my responsibility.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
Personal Challenge...
Oh how often I need to be reminded that it is my responsibility to take care of and discipline myself. When I forget this I start looking at those around me and start trying to take care of them and discipline them. That, howeever, is not my job or my responsibility.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
October 12, 2011
Psalm 37:23-24 NLT
The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Words of Encouragement...
It is so empowering to know that I am not on this journey of life alone.
The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Words of Encouragement...
It is so empowering to know that I am not on this journey of life alone.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
October 11, 2011
James 2:1-4 NASB
My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?
Personal Challenge...
This passage reminds me that I must hold onto my faith in Jesus Christ as a gift from God. It is not for me to judge those around me whom have also been given this gift yet express it in ways different than me. I must be careful to not act as if my expression of this faith is the only right and true way and therefore treat my fellow brothers and sisters as inferior (unsaved) because they do not have my vocabulary or expressions of faith. It is God's responsibility to judge the hearts of His children. It is my responsibility to humble myself before Him and be His vessel used by Him and for Him.
My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?
Personal Challenge...
This passage reminds me that I must hold onto my faith in Jesus Christ as a gift from God. It is not for me to judge those around me whom have also been given this gift yet express it in ways different than me. I must be careful to not act as if my expression of this faith is the only right and true way and therefore treat my fellow brothers and sisters as inferior (unsaved) because they do not have my vocabulary or expressions of faith. It is God's responsibility to judge the hearts of His children. It is my responsibility to humble myself before Him and be His vessel used by Him and for Him.
Monday, October 10, 2011
October 10, 2011
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Personal Challenge...
I must always remember that life is not about me or my desires anymore. As an ambassador I may be the only image that those around me have of those whom I am representing (God and His kingdom). It is through my living testimony that these people can have a glimpse into the glory of God and the salvation He provides through Jesus. What a powerful reminder to always be showing God's love to my "neighbor".
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Personal Challenge...
I must always remember that life is not about me or my desires anymore. As an ambassador I may be the only image that those around me have of those whom I am representing (God and His kingdom). It is through my living testimony that these people can have a glimpse into the glory of God and the salvation He provides through Jesus. What a powerful reminder to always be showing God's love to my "neighbor".
Friday, October 7, 2011
October 7, 2011
Luke 1:50 NIV
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
Words of Encouragement...
It is so wonderful, so freeing, to know that we serve a merciful God.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
Words of Encouragement...
It is so wonderful, so freeing, to know that we serve a merciful God.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October 6, 2011
Psalm 40:4-5 NLT
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud, or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud, or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
Personal Challenge...
I am so thankful that we are held in the hands of the God of eternity and that He is the one that determines everything. It is not the doctrines, systems, or works of myself or other men and women that determines our place in eternity, but God Himself. As we all look at death today because of so great a reminder we can know that God is in control in ways that we will never be able to imagine and that He is the one who discerns the righteous from the unrighteous. It is up to me to humble myself before Him and call out, "Lord have Mercy!!!"
I am so thankful that we are held in the hands of the God of eternity and that He is the one that determines everything. It is not the doctrines, systems, or works of myself or other men and women that determines our place in eternity, but God Himself. As we all look at death today because of so great a reminder we can know that God is in control in ways that we will never be able to imagine and that He is the one who discerns the righteous from the unrighteous. It is up to me to humble myself before Him and call out, "Lord have Mercy!!!"
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
October 5, 2011
Job 1:21 NASB
He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Personal Challenge...
Talk about having a real relationship with his Lord! Job has just lost everything that he had in his life and still he stands firm in his love for his Father. What a challenge this is for me. How easy it is to slip into that mode of blaming God or other people for the bad things that happen in my life when it is just life happening. "Blessed by the name of the LORD." needs to always be the first response on my lips.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 4, 2011
1 John 3:18 NIV
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Personal Challenge...
It is so easy to talk about loving others, whether it be our family and dear ones, strangers, or even our enemies. It is an entirely different thing to love them with our actions. It is even more of a challenge to love them in truth, to truly love them and not do it because I think it makes me look good in God's (and everyone around us) eyes. This is not an option if I profess that I am a child of God, it is a command.
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Personal Challenge...
It is so easy to talk about loving others, whether it be our family and dear ones, strangers, or even our enemies. It is an entirely different thing to love them with our actions. It is even more of a challenge to love them in truth, to truly love them and not do it because I think it makes me look good in God's (and everyone around us) eyes. This is not an option if I profess that I am a child of God, it is a command.
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 3, 2011
Galatians 2:20 NASB
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Words of Encouragement...
Jesus loved us enough to give Himself up for us. But He did not stop there, as His child my life has been crucified with Him and He now lives within me. This is a mystery and I am okay with that. Through Him I can be transformed into the person that He desires me to be.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Words of Encouragement...
Jesus loved us enough to give Himself up for us. But He did not stop there, as His child my life has been crucified with Him and He now lives within me. This is a mystery and I am okay with that. Through Him I can be transformed into the person that He desires me to be.
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