December 6, 2012

Psalm 119:130 (118:130 LXX)

The revelation of Your words gives light,
And it causes children to understand.

Encouraging Words...

It is interesting that Christ told His disciples that we must be like children to receive Him. Here the psalmist expresses that God's words shine light into our lives and helps us who are like children to understand these words. God desires that we desire Him.

December 5, 2012

1 Timothy 6:6

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

Encouraging Words...

Contentment...sometimes this can be so elusive for me. This verse doesn't talk about happiness or delight but simply contentment. If I am to grow in godliness, in the likeness of Christ, I will also need to grow in contentment. Whether times are good or bad, prosperous or slight, healthy or sick, and the list goes on, I am to be content. Lord, have mercy.

December 4, 2012

Hebrews 13:15-16

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Personal Challenge...

As a child of the living God I am called to be praying and glorifying Him at all times. However, that verse does not tell me to be locked away someplace away from the rest of the world in order to do this, but to do this while I am in the midst of the world doing good in His name, sharing with those around me, sacrificing myself for Him.

December 3, 2012

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Personal Challenge...

Wants or Needs? I find it so difficult sometimes to differentiate between my wants and my needs. Honestly, I do not need that much, and as I look back on my life I can see how my God has always provided for my true needs. It is those "Wants" that keep getting in my way, causing me to take my eyes off of my Lord, to not treat my loved ones with the true love and respect that they deserve, to put myself before others. I need Him to keep reminding me of what my priorities should really be in life.

December 2, 2012

Ephesians 5:8-10

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

Personal Challenge...

In our salvation from darkness by Christ we are now called to walk in the world in such a was as to shine light that points to Christ. We are not to withdraw from the world. Through our actions and words that are guided by the Holy Spirit we can bring goodness, righteousness, and truth to a dark and needy world. This applies to our homes, our church, our work, our friendships, our shipping, everything we do everywhere we go.

December 1, 2012

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Personal Challenge...

I am not my own anymore. My body, my mind, my soul, were purchased for a great price. And as a bondservant I have freely given my all to my Lord and Master. With this in mind I must always remember that every thought, every word spoken or mumbled under my breath, every action taken or not taken, are done as the temple of the Holy Spirit and in the presence of my Heavenly Father and all of the saints that have gone before me. My only response to this sober thought is, "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on my a sinner!"

November 30, 2012

1 Peter 4:7-9

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Personal Challenge...

As a sinner I need the love of those whom God has placed in my life to love me in such a way so as to cover my sins. Should I do any less to them? I am commanded, once again, to love those in my life, and to love them fervently. This command is not just targeted at those people whom I like, but everyone. I am to be hospitable to them all and to not complain or grumble about any of them. Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. Is it no wonder that this commandment is preceded by the admonition to be serious and watchful in my prayers? Without this prayerful attitude I will never be able to love my neighbor this way.