Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the hungry, and sorrow to those who do not grieve. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the elect shall be without strength. But those who wait on God shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not hunger.
Encouraging Words...
Today I will be doing my sixth Iron Butt ride with two of my friends. A basic Iron Butt ride is 1,000 miles in 24 hours on a motorcycle. Some people think I am absolutely crazy for doing this, but to be honest for me it is really refreshing and a reminder of just what I am able to do. Also, I find time on my motorcycle presents a great opportunity to be alone with my God, aka meditation time. We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers along the way. I will try to post some updates on Facebook as we progress.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:1-3
Listen therefore, O kings, and understand;
Learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.
Give ear, you that rule over multitudes,
And take pride in yourself over a multitude of nations.
For power was given to you from the Lord,
And your lordship from the Most High,
Who will make a careful search of your works
And examine closely your plans.
Personal Challenge...
My initial thoughts on this passage was to call out the leaders of our country and remind them that they will be accountable for their actions, especially in this political season. This is still true, but this passage is also aimed at me. I am the leader of my household; how am I treating my wife? I am a leader in different aspects at my church: how am I being as a leader there? I am in a leadership position in my workplace; how am I glorifying God there? He is watching, He will examine my actions, and I will be accountable for how I represented Him here on earth in my lifetime.
Psalm 119:2 (118:2 LXX)
Blessed are those who search out His testimonies;
They shall search for Him with their whole heart.
Personal Challenge...
Sometimes I wonder where God's blessings are in my life. And then I am led to a verse like this one and reminded that those blessings come from my pursuit of God. He will not pour out His blessing when I just sit around waiting for Him to heap them on. He wants me to search for Him; in His Word, in the teachings and traditions of the church, in fellowship with my brothers and sisters in His family. Christianity is an active faith that is always outward focused.
1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them (the false spirits and teachers of the world), because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (Italics added)
Encouraging Words...
By the grace of God who dwells within us by the work of Jesus Christ we have the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us. Through this mystery we can overcome the world.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Personal Challenge...
Have you ever had that feeling that you are out there all alone? Working. Doing what you think is what God wants you to do. All the while feeling like no one else is in the mix to help. But I must remember that it is not up to me to determine what work I am supposed to be doing. It is up to my Lord and my job is to listen to His leading and doing what He wants me to do. And the results of living this way? Rest! A lightened burden! Why do I keep trying to do it my way on my own>
Wisdom of Solomon 3:9
Those who trust in Him will understand truth, and the faithful shall continue with Him in love, because grace and mercy are upon His elect.
Encouraging Words...
Through Christ and His work truth, love grace and mercy are truly fulfilled and bestowed upon those who are faithful to Him.
September 23, 2012
For He says:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Personal Challenge...
What are we waiting for? What am I waiting for? God as heard our cries for salvation, our calling out of the wilderness for His leading out of lostness and darkness. He has answered our calls and yet we continue to look for our help elsewhere; in the offerings of the world, in ourselves, everywhere but in Him. What am I waiting for? Now is the acceptable time!
.jpeg)
