Proverbs 10:22 NLT
The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Encouraging Words...
It is amazing what can happen in our lives when we choose to shift our focus. If we look away from what the world defines as richness and look at what God means by it then verses like this make so much more sense. When God pours out His blessing upon us our richness is a heavenly one and there is no sorrow that come with it. To the contrary it comes with true joy and rejoicing.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
March 29, 2012
Psalm 30:11-12 NLT
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Encouraging Words...
It is so amazing to serve a Living God that turns our mourning into joyful dancing, that takes away our clothes of mourning and replaces them with clothes of joy. He is our source of life, love, and joy.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Encouraging Words...
It is so amazing to serve a Living God that turns our mourning into joyful dancing, that takes away our clothes of mourning and replaces them with clothes of joy. He is our source of life, love, and joy.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012
Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Encouraging Words...
So, life is a race to be run...day in and day out. Isn't it wonderful that we have Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who has gone before us and shown us how to run and win the race. Isn't it also wonderful that we have the saints that have gone before us also available to show us how we as "works in progress" can run and win the race. We are not in this alone.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Encouraging Words...
So, life is a race to be run...day in and day out. Isn't it wonderful that we have Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who has gone before us and shown us how to run and win the race. Isn't it also wonderful that we have the saints that have gone before us also available to show us how we as "works in progress" can run and win the race. We are not in this alone.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NASB
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Personal Challenge...
Once again the scripture reminds me that, "it is not about me!" Life is about our Lord and Savior and His work and His plans. I love how Paul teaches us that God's grace is sufficient for us, that His power working through our weaknesses is how Christ gets manifested in our lives. I must become less so that He can become more. I must submit so that He can take over. I must be content with where He is leading me and what He is doing in my life because He is doing it for His plans...which are much greater than I will ever be able to imagine.
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Personal Challenge...
Once again the scripture reminds me that, "it is not about me!" Life is about our Lord and Savior and His work and His plans. I love how Paul teaches us that God's grace is sufficient for us, that His power working through our weaknesses is how Christ gets manifested in our lives. I must become less so that He can become more. I must submit so that He can take over. I must be content with where He is leading me and what He is doing in my life because He is doing it for His plans...which are much greater than I will ever be able to imagine.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March 20, 2012
John 15:19 NASB (Jesus speaking)
“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”
Encouraging Words...
Have you ever considered the possibility that the people around you are after you because you are living a life that glorifies Christ? Granted it may be because you are living a worldly life and rubbing against people, but if you are living your life in a way that Christ is glorified, that points people to Him and his saving grace, that is contrary to what the world deems as popular and correct...then you can know that people will be uncomfortable with you and even persecute and ostracize you. The question that I must always be asking myself is, "Who am I living for and can people who look at me see Him?"
“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”
Encouraging Words...
Have you ever considered the possibility that the people around you are after you because you are living a life that glorifies Christ? Granted it may be because you are living a worldly life and rubbing against people, but if you are living your life in a way that Christ is glorified, that points people to Him and his saving grace, that is contrary to what the world deems as popular and correct...then you can know that people will be uncomfortable with you and even persecute and ostracize you. The question that I must always be asking myself is, "Who am I living for and can people who look at me see Him?"
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 19, 2012
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NASB
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
Words of Encouragement...
I think that one of my favorite books of the Bible is Ecclesiastes. The author has spent his entire life pursuing wisdom and this is his final collection of thoughts. Throughout the book we are reminded that all in life is futile...except our relationship with God. Here he reminds us that our life here on earth boils down to fearing (respecting, holding in awe, etc.) God and obeying Him. All else is just futile and will be burnt up in the end. Isn't this also the key to trying to live our lives with a desire to be like Christ...fearing the Father and obeying Him? As many of our prayers during our Sunday service remind us, "Lord, have mercy."
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
Words of Encouragement...
I think that one of my favorite books of the Bible is Ecclesiastes. The author has spent his entire life pursuing wisdom and this is his final collection of thoughts. Throughout the book we are reminded that all in life is futile...except our relationship with God. Here he reminds us that our life here on earth boils down to fearing (respecting, holding in awe, etc.) God and obeying Him. All else is just futile and will be burnt up in the end. Isn't this also the key to trying to live our lives with a desire to be like Christ...fearing the Father and obeying Him? As many of our prayers during our Sunday service remind us, "Lord, have mercy."
Friday, March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
Proverbs 10:19 NASB
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Personal Challenge...
Here we are with another reminder that it is more prudent to listen than to speak. I am learning more and more to practice this...but still have a long way to go.
Here we are with another reminder that it is more prudent to listen than to speak. I am learning more and more to practice this...but still have a long way to go.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 15, 2012
Psalm 11:7 NASB
For the LORD is righteous; He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.
Personal Challenge...
Why is that I sometimes slip into the mode of thinking that just because I have received Christ then I can live life the way that I want? This verse reminds me that our LORD is righteous, that He loves righteousness, and if I want to see His face then I must live my life as an upright (righteous) person. Salvation is an ongoing work that God is performing in my life and He wants me to be active in my pursuit of Him and His desires.
For the LORD is righteous; He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.
Personal Challenge...
Why is that I sometimes slip into the mode of thinking that just because I have received Christ then I can live life the way that I want? This verse reminds me that our LORD is righteous, that He loves righteousness, and if I want to see His face then I must live my life as an upright (righteous) person. Salvation is an ongoing work that God is performing in my life and He wants me to be active in my pursuit of Him and His desires.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
March 14, 2012
James 4:8a NASB
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Personal Challenge...
Ever have one of those days when you need to feel God's presence in your life? It is a two way street, a reciprocal relationship...as we draw near to Him He draws near to us.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Personal Challenge...
Ever have one of those days when you need to feel God's presence in your life? It is a two way street, a reciprocal relationship...as we draw near to Him He draws near to us.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March 13, 2012
1 Corinthians 6:12 NASB
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
Personal Challenge...
People often ask if participating in practices such as Lent or fasting or tithing is coming under the law. I guess if we do these things as if submitting to the law then yes they are. However, if we do these things to develop a disciplined life, to allow God to be the master over our lives rather than things in our life like food and wealth, then we are developing our spiritual muscles. It is really not any different that going to the gym to develop our physical muscles.
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
Personal Challenge...
People often ask if participating in practices such as Lent or fasting or tithing is coming under the law. I guess if we do these things as if submitting to the law then yes they are. However, if we do these things to develop a disciplined life, to allow God to be the master over our lives rather than things in our life like food and wealth, then we are developing our spiritual muscles. It is really not any different that going to the gym to develop our physical muscles.
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 12, 2012
John 12:25-26 NIV
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Personal Challenge...
Serving Him means that we will follow Him on whichever path He choses to take us. I so often ask God to watch over my path and make it straight and smooth, when I should be asking Him to lead me onto His path. His ways are not my ways and if I am to be a true servant I need to eagerly pursue His paths that He has laid out for me.
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Personal Challenge...
Serving Him means that we will follow Him on whichever path He choses to take us. I so often ask God to watch over my path and make it straight and smooth, when I should be asking Him to lead me onto His path. His ways are not my ways and if I am to be a true servant I need to eagerly pursue His paths that He has laid out for me.
Friday, March 9, 2012
March 9, 2012
Lamentations 3:22-26 NASB
The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the LORD.
Encouraging Words...
He is always there...am I hoping in Him, am I waiting for Him, am I seeking Him, am I waiting silently for His salvation?
The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the LORD.
Encouraging Words...
He is always there...am I hoping in Him, am I waiting for Him, am I seeking Him, am I waiting silently for His salvation?
March 8, 2012
Matthew 18:1-6 NASB
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Personal Challenge...
On my last trip to Haiti I spent a day helping the medical team serve the people of Savannes. This little girl had been in line with her mother and sister for a long time and was a very unhappy camper. When I motioned for her to come over and sit on my lap she hesitated, but her mother encouraged her. The crying and the sniffles stopped and my heart melted as I was reminded that the kingdom of God belongs to people with hearts as tender as hers. I know that my heart needs to be broken and contrite for Him.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Personal Challenge...
On my last trip to Haiti I spent a day helping the medical team serve the people of Savannes. This little girl had been in line with her mother and sister for a long time and was a very unhappy camper. When I motioned for her to come over and sit on my lap she hesitated, but her mother encouraged her. The crying and the sniffles stopped and my heart melted as I was reminded that the kingdom of God belongs to people with hearts as tender as hers. I know that my heart needs to be broken and contrite for Him.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
March 7, 2012
1 Timothy 4:10 NASB
For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
Personal Challenge...
So, what is it that we are laboring and striving for? If you read the prior verses you will find that it is godliness that we are pursuing. Attempting to be more like Christ and less like the world. Sometimes this is through physical things like fasting, prayer, and worship, but it is always through fixing our hope on the living God and His saving grace.
For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
Personal Challenge...
So, what is it that we are laboring and striving for? If you read the prior verses you will find that it is godliness that we are pursuing. Attempting to be more like Christ and less like the world. Sometimes this is through physical things like fasting, prayer, and worship, but it is always through fixing our hope on the living God and His saving grace.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
March 6, 2012
Colossians 1:9-12 NASB
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Personal Challenge...
Isn't it encouraging to know that nearly 2,000 years ago a man like Paul set in motion a prayer such as this for people like you and me? A prayer for us to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in our lives, to walk through our lives in a manner worthy of our Lord, living lives that please Him. I am finding that God, as the master road builder of the journeys of our lives, sometimes brings us to an intersection and gives us the freedom to choose which route to follow. Sometimes these choices are easy and sometimes they take a lot of prayer and consideration...especially if our desire is to serve Him and to glorify Him. I am so thankful that there is such a magnificent host of saints that have gone before me that have made the right choices and that I can learn from them. I seek God's guidance and wisdom as I stand at one of those intersections in my journey as a redeemed child of God.
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Personal Challenge...
Isn't it encouraging to know that nearly 2,000 years ago a man like Paul set in motion a prayer such as this for people like you and me? A prayer for us to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in our lives, to walk through our lives in a manner worthy of our Lord, living lives that please Him. I am finding that God, as the master road builder of the journeys of our lives, sometimes brings us to an intersection and gives us the freedom to choose which route to follow. Sometimes these choices are easy and sometimes they take a lot of prayer and consideration...especially if our desire is to serve Him and to glorify Him. I am so thankful that there is such a magnificent host of saints that have gone before me that have made the right choices and that I can learn from them. I seek God's guidance and wisdom as I stand at one of those intersections in my journey as a redeemed child of God.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 1, 2012
Luke 14:11 NLT
For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.
Personal Challenge...
When we see verses about being proud versus being humble, by what standard do we measure pride and humility? If we measure them by the standards of the world then we will definitely miss the mark that God is calling us to. Many Christians around the world have entered into the season of Great Lent this week. For them this is a time of repentance and humbling themselves before a holy and righteous God, bowing before Him, prostrating to Him, seeking His forgiveness in anticipation of the return of the King of Life, Jesus. What position would you be in if you suddenly came into the presence of God?
For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.
Personal Challenge...
When we see verses about being proud versus being humble, by what standard do we measure pride and humility? If we measure them by the standards of the world then we will definitely miss the mark that God is calling us to. Many Christians around the world have entered into the season of Great Lent this week. For them this is a time of repentance and humbling themselves before a holy and righteous God, bowing before Him, prostrating to Him, seeking His forgiveness in anticipation of the return of the King of Life, Jesus. What position would you be in if you suddenly came into the presence of God?
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