Isaiah 26:7 NLT
The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
Personal Challenge...
Hmm...if the path of the righteous is level and smooth then maybe I need to consider whether or not I am pursuing righteousness in Christ or my own ways.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
February 28, 2012
Proverbs 3:3-8 NASB
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.
Personal Challenge...
As with every other trip that I have taken to Haiti I come home with more questions than answers. This trip is no different. Today, as I process these questions I am reminded to go back to Proverbs 3:5-6, which is in the middle of the verses above. God is the one in whom I am to put my trust. He is the one on whom I lean. He is the one that I acknowledge. If I do these things then He will guide and direct me, He will show me the right decisions to make, He will help me to be kind and truthful, He will heal my body and refresh my bones. Please pray with me as I return from this trip and seek Him.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.
Personal Challenge...
As with every other trip that I have taken to Haiti I come home with more questions than answers. This trip is no different. Today, as I process these questions I am reminded to go back to Proverbs 3:5-6, which is in the middle of the verses above. God is the one in whom I am to put my trust. He is the one on whom I lean. He is the one that I acknowledge. If I do these things then He will guide and direct me, He will show me the right decisions to make, He will help me to be kind and truthful, He will heal my body and refresh my bones. Please pray with me as I return from this trip and seek Him.
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 27, 2012
Luke 6:37 NLT
Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.
Forgive Me...
Yesterday we celebrated Forgiveness Sunday at our church. This is traditionally the last event before the kickoff of Lent. Imagine if you can...a sanctuary with about 150 people. Each person walks through the line asking every other person to forgive them. Forgiveness of things said or done, not said or not done. With the response of "May God forgive us all." The results...tears, hugging, kisses on the cheek, rejoicing in the forgiveness of one another. My request to you..."Forgive Me!!!"
Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.
Forgive Me...
Yesterday we celebrated Forgiveness Sunday at our church. This is traditionally the last event before the kickoff of Lent. Imagine if you can...a sanctuary with about 150 people. Each person walks through the line asking every other person to forgive them. Forgiveness of things said or done, not said or not done. With the response of "May God forgive us all." The results...tears, hugging, kisses on the cheek, rejoicing in the forgiveness of one another. My request to you..."Forgive Me!!!"
Friday, February 17, 2012
February 17, 2012
John 8:31-32 NIV
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Encouraging Words...
America...the land of the free. Are we really free without doing what Jesus commanded us to do? We were commanded to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and body and to love our neighbor as ourself. If we desire true freedom we must believe in Jesus and follow His commandments. His promise is that we will then know the truth and be set free...truly free.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Encouraging Words...
America...the land of the free. Are we really free without doing what Jesus commanded us to do? We were commanded to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and body and to love our neighbor as ourself. If we desire true freedom we must believe in Jesus and follow His commandments. His promise is that we will then know the truth and be set free...truly free.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
February 16, 2012
Proverbs 17:27 NASB
He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Personal Challenge...
Teach me, O Lord, to be a man that manages his tongue ad keeps his spirit calm in You.
He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Personal Challenge...
Teach me, O Lord, to be a man that manages his tongue ad keeps his spirit calm in You.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
Psalm 33:22 NLT
Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD,
for our hope is in you alone.
Encouraging Words...
Have you ever known someone that accused Christianity of being oppressive and burdensome? I have and it is so far from the truth. Being a child of the living God gives us a life surrounded and filled with His unfailing love. He is our source of hope and the One that we put our hope in.
Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD,
for our hope is in you alone.
Encouraging Words...
Have you ever known someone that accused Christianity of being oppressive and burdensome? I have and it is so far from the truth. Being a child of the living God gives us a life surrounded and filled with His unfailing love. He is our source of hope and the One that we put our hope in.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
February 14, 2012
Genesis 2:18 NASB
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
Happy Valentine's Day...
What more can a man ask for from His Lord than to have a partner, a wife, a helpmate made by the living God for him personally. I fell this blessed with my wonderful and loving wife. Glory to God in the highest.
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
Happy Valentine's Day...
What more can a man ask for from His Lord than to have a partner, a wife, a helpmate made by the living God for him personally. I fell this blessed with my wonderful and loving wife. Glory to God in the highest.
Monday, February 13, 2012
February 13, 2012
James 1:17 NASB
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Encouraging Words...
Yesterday at church we celebrated the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, a reminder of the love of the father for his "lost son". As I read this verse from James I am reminded of how much the father of the prodigal son loved him. He spent every day of his absence looking down the road waiting for him to show back up. And when he did, expecting to be treated as a hired hand, the father poured out his love, his wealth, his all upon his lost son who has now been found. Isn't this how our Father in heaven is with us...giving every good thing and perfect gift to us His lost, but found, children?
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Encouraging Words...
Yesterday at church we celebrated the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, a reminder of the love of the father for his "lost son". As I read this verse from James I am reminded of how much the father of the prodigal son loved him. He spent every day of his absence looking down the road waiting for him to show back up. And when he did, expecting to be treated as a hired hand, the father poured out his love, his wealth, his all upon his lost son who has now been found. Isn't this how our Father in heaven is with us...giving every good thing and perfect gift to us His lost, but found, children?
Friday, February 10, 2012
February 10, 2012
2 Corinthians 1:10 NIV
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us,
Encouraging Words...
It is all about Him (Jesus) and the work that He has done. It is He who has delivered us from death by His death. It is He who has been consistant and persistant in that deliverance. Thank God that it is not up to me...I would never be able to make it.
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us,
Encouraging Words...
It is all about Him (Jesus) and the work that He has done. It is He who has delivered us from death by His death. It is He who has been consistant and persistant in that deliverance. Thank God that it is not up to me...I would never be able to make it.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
February 9, 2012
Luke 16:10 NLT
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
Personal Challenge...
So...what are the small matters in our lives that it is important to be faithful in? Our money and other resources? Our time? Our loved ones? Those strangers in our midst? Our thoughts? This verse is usually applied to how we use our wealth...but maybe, just maybe, it is meant to apply to every aspect of our life.
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
Personal Challenge...
So...what are the small matters in our lives that it is important to be faithful in? Our money and other resources? Our time? Our loved ones? Those strangers in our midst? Our thoughts? This verse is usually applied to how we use our wealth...but maybe, just maybe, it is meant to apply to every aspect of our life.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February 8, 2012
Jeremiah 9:23-23 NASB
Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
Personal Challenge...
And the real question of the day is, "In what or whom do you boast?" I know that I need to truly assess this on a regular basis.
Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
Personal Challenge...
And the real question of the day is, "In what or whom do you boast?" I know that I need to truly assess this on a regular basis.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February 7, 2012
Galatians 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Encouraging Words...
It is such a wonderful thing to know that Jesus Christ died to set us free. I love how He proclaimed His ministry by quoting Isaiah 61:1-3, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." Now, as a follower of Christ it is my responsibility to make sure that I do not let myself come under the yoke of slavery, whether that slavery is to sin, or to legalism, or to practices and beliefs that are oppressive. Praise God that we have been set free...and most importantly free from death.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Encouraging Words...
It is such a wonderful thing to know that Jesus Christ died to set us free. I love how He proclaimed His ministry by quoting Isaiah 61:1-3, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." Now, as a follower of Christ it is my responsibility to make sure that I do not let myself come under the yoke of slavery, whether that slavery is to sin, or to legalism, or to practices and beliefs that are oppressive. Praise God that we have been set free...and most importantly free from death.
Monday, February 6, 2012
February 6, 2012
Luke 18:13 NASB
“But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’"
Personal Challenge...
Yesterday our worship focused on the Publican and the Pharisee. I must shamefully admit that all too often I find myself puffed up and looking around to see who might be looking at me and all my "godly" stuff. In reality I have no "godly" stuff. I am a sinner and I must follow the lead of the Publican and fall on my face before my righteous God crying out, "Lord, have mercy!" I am redeemed from death only by the work of Jesus. His desire for me is to be humble with my fellow man and to always point them to Him.
“But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’"
Personal Challenge...
Yesterday our worship focused on the Publican and the Pharisee. I must shamefully admit that all too often I find myself puffed up and looking around to see who might be looking at me and all my "godly" stuff. In reality I have no "godly" stuff. I am a sinner and I must follow the lead of the Publican and fall on my face before my righteous God crying out, "Lord, have mercy!" I am redeemed from death only by the work of Jesus. His desire for me is to be humble with my fellow man and to always point them to Him.
Friday, February 3, 2012
February 3, 2012
Isaiah 66:1-2 NASB
Thus says the LORD, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."
Personal Challenge...
God is not interested in the institutions and edifices that man has built for Him. He is not enamored by our practices or rubrics that we have established and follow for Him. He is interested in the state of our heart and spirit. Only from a contrite and humble heart and spirit comes worship that truly glorifies God. Only from this state will the practices, the rubrics, the institutions truly point to Him and glorify Him.
I know that I must constantly check my spirit, my heart, my intentions to make sure that it is God that I am worshipping and glorifying and not me that is looking to be recognized.
Thus says the LORD, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."
Personal Challenge...
God is not interested in the institutions and edifices that man has built for Him. He is not enamored by our practices or rubrics that we have established and follow for Him. He is interested in the state of our heart and spirit. Only from a contrite and humble heart and spirit comes worship that truly glorifies God. Only from this state will the practices, the rubrics, the institutions truly point to Him and glorify Him.
I know that I must constantly check my spirit, my heart, my intentions to make sure that it is God that I am worshipping and glorifying and not me that is looking to be recognized.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
February 2, 2012
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NASB
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
Personal Challenge...
Every once in a while I need to check my spirit in the giving of my resources and time to God. He has given me so much and in so many ways. What He wants more from me than the gifts that I give back to Him is a cheerful heart in the giving of those gifts. He owns it all anyway. What is important is the state of my heart when I am giving to Him.
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
Personal Challenge...
Every once in a while I need to check my spirit in the giving of my resources and time to God. He has given me so much and in so many ways. What He wants more from me than the gifts that I give back to Him is a cheerful heart in the giving of those gifts. He owns it all anyway. What is important is the state of my heart when I am giving to Him.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February 1, 2012
Acts 20:29 NASB
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Personal Challenge...
Have you ever caught yourself asking the question, "What is going on in this church?" I have. And I am reminded by this verse that we were warned many years ago, at the beginning of the new church, that this would happen. It is so critical for us to know the Truth and to follow Him and what He established and not the institutions that individual men create. It is so critical that I stay grounded in His Word and see Him in the midst of everything...including my church.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Personal Challenge...
Have you ever caught yourself asking the question, "What is going on in this church?" I have. And I am reminded by this verse that we were warned many years ago, at the beginning of the new church, that this would happen. It is so critical for us to know the Truth and to follow Him and what He established and not the institutions that individual men create. It is so critical that I stay grounded in His Word and see Him in the midst of everything...including my church.
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