Lookin' Good!
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Posted:Jul 17, 2014 5:14 am
Last Updated:Jul 17, 2014 5:25 am 10037 Views
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Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 18-19; Acts 20:17-38
After trying on my new sunglasses in the car one day, my handed them back and said, These are not sunglasses, Mom. They're just fashion lenses. Let me guess, she teased, you bought them because you look cute in them.
Okay, I have to admit my knows me. I hadn't given a passing thought to UV rays or even whether those glasses would actually block the sun. I just really liked the way they looked on me.
Most of us like to look good. We want to appear that we have it all together with no struggles or fears or temptations or heartaches.
Trying to maintain a facade of perfection on our spiritual journey doesn't help us or our fellow travelers. But sharing our lives with others in the body of Christ benefits us as well as others. When we are a bit more transparent, we may find people who are struggling in a similar situation. And as we enjoy a growing fellowship with God and become more aware of our own brokenness and inadequacy, God is able to use us more fully to help others.
Let's allow God to strip away any pretense and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24
Wearing a mask that shows everything's fine
Says that life's struggles are not God's design;
But when we're open, transparent, and true,
People will trust God to meet their needs too.
Believers stand strong when they don't stand alone.
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Feeling Chained
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Posted:Jul 16, 2014 6:15 am
Last Updated:Jul 16, 2014 6:16 am 9198 Views
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Read: Psalm 16
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content
. Philippians 4:11
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 16-17; Acts 20:1-16
Boethius lived in sixth-century Italy and served the royal court as a highly skilled politician. Unfortunately, he fell into disfavor with the king. He was accused of treason and imprisoned. While awaiting execution, he asked for writing materials so he could compose his reflections. Later, these became an enduring spiritual classic on consolation.
As Boethius sat in prison, pondering his bleak prospects, his faith in Christ infused his perspective: Nothing is miserable but what is thought so, and contrariwise, every estate is happy if he that bears it be content. He understood that our view of changing circumstances and contentment is a personal choice.
The apostle Paul reinforced the idea that the way we view our circumstances is more important than the circumstances themselves. While he too was in prison, he wrote: I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (Phil. 4:11). Both men could be content because they drew their ultimate satisfaction from God, who never changes.
Do you feel chained to difficult circumstances? God can give you contentment. Lasting satisfaction can be found only with Him, for in His presence is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore(Ps. 16:11).
Lord, lead me today as You see best. Use the gifts
Youâve given me to encourage others on
their journey. Help me not to compare
myself with others but to be content.
When all you have is God, you have all you need.
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True Loyalty
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Posted:Jul 15, 2014 4:41 am
Last Updated:Jul 15, 2014 4:43 am 8782 Views
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Read: 2 Corinthians 11:23-31
If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
2 Corinthians 11:30
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 13-15; Acts 19:21-41
By one estimate, more than 14 trillion frequent-flyer miles have been accumulated by people worldwide. It all started in the early 1980s, when airlines began the first frequent-flyer programs to encourage repeat business by rewarding customers for their loyalty. Accumulated miles could be redeemed for free travel, goods, and services, so it wasn't long before people began planning their travel based as much on personal reward as on price or schedule.
The apostle Paul was an avid first-century traveler, but he wasn't in it for the frequent-sailor miles. His goal was to reach as many people as he could with the good news of forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus. When some people in the city of Corinth questioned his authority, he wrote a letter describing the price he had paid to bring the gospel to others: Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep (2 Cor. 11:25). God gave Paul the grace and endurance to risk his life to tell people about Jesus with no thought of personal gain.
Whether we receive persecution or praise for our service to the Lord, may our focus always be loyalty to Him and gratitude for His sacrifice of love.
I am Yours, Lord, yet teach me all it means,
All it involves of love and loyalty,
Of holy service, full and glad,
In unreserved obedience to Thee!
Our loyalty to Jesus grows from His love for us.
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Grain On The Mountaintop
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Posted:Jul 14, 2014 9:37 am
Last Updated:Jul 14, 2014 4:20 pm 8357 Views
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Read: Psalm 72:12-20
There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains.Psalm 72:16
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 10-12; Acts 19:1-20
I've been on a number of mountaintops in the US in my time, and I can tell you that not much grows up there. The summits of mountains are bare rock and lichen. That's not where you would normally find an abundance of grain.
But Solomon, who wrote Psalm 72, asked God for an abundance of grain . . . on the top of the mountains, to characterize his reign as king. If grain on the mountain is so unusual, what is Solomon suggesting? That God's power can produce results in even the most unpromising soil?
Perhaps you think of yourself as a little person, with very little to bring to the kingdom. Take courage: God can produce an abundant harvest through you. This is one of the ironies of faith: God uses the insignificant to accomplish the great. Not many of us are wise or noble; most of us are anonymous and far from extraordinary. Yet all of us can be used. And contrary to what we might think, it is because of our weakness that we can be used by God (1 Cor. 1:27-29;
2 Cor. 12:10).
It's possible to be too big or proud for God to use, but we can never be too little. Out of weakness we are made strong (Heb. 11:34). By God's great power, we can do all that He has called us to do.
Lord, You work through such common things
those of us with flaws and weaknesses.
We are in awe of Your power and humbled by Your
choice of us. Our hearts long to be faithful to You.
To experience God's power, we must first admit that we are weak.
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Paranoia In Reverse
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Posted:Jul 11, 2014 8:01 am
Last Updated:Jul 11, 2014 8:03 am 8289 Views
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Read: 1 John 4:1-6,17-19
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. â1 John 4:18
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 1-3; Acts 17:1-15
I remember watching television news reports in 1991 as the nonviolent revolution took place in the streets of Moscow. Russians who had grown up in totalitarianism suddenly declared, We will act as if we are free, taking to the streets and staring down tanks. The contrast between the faces of the leaders inside and the masses outside showed who was really afraid, and who was really free.
Watching the newsreels from Red Square on Finnish television, I came up with a new definition of faith: paranoia in reverse. A truly paranoid person organizes his or her life around a common perspective of fear. Anything that happens feeds that fear.
Faith works in reverse. A faithful person organizes his or her life around a common perspective of trust, not fear. Despite the apparent chaos of the present moment, God does reign. Regardless of how I may feel, I truly matter to a God of love.
What could happen if we in Godâ's kingdom truly acted as if the words of the apostle John were literally true: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). What if we really started living as if the most-repeated prayer in Christendom has actually been answeredâthat God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven?
Far, far above thy thought
His counsel shall appear,
When fully He the work hath wrought
That caused thy needless fear.
Feeding your faith helps starve your fears.
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Look To The Hills
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Posted:Jul 10, 2014 4:29 am
Last Updated:Jul 10, 2014 4:30 am 8110 Views
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Read: Psalm 121
I will lift up my eyes to the hillsâfrom whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
âPsalm 121:1-2
Bible in a Year:
Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40
Atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stands Christ the Redeemer, one of the tallest statues of Christ in the world. Standing 30 meters tall, with arms spreading 28 meters, this sculpture weighs 635 metric tons. It can be seen day or night from almost anywhere in the city. One look to the hills brings this figure of Christ the Redeemer into view.
The New Testament tells us that Christ is not only the Redeemer, but He is also the Creator of the universe, and that Creator is in view in Psalm 121. There the psalmist challenges us to lift our eyes to the hills to see God, for our âhelp comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earthâ (vv.1-2). He alone is sufficient to be our strength and to guide our steps as we make our way through a dangerous and troubled world.
We lift our eyes to the One who keeps us (v.3), guards us (vv.5-6), and overshadows us in the face of all types of danger. He preserves us from evil and keeps us safely in His care for all eternity (vv.7-8.
In faith, we lift our eyes to the One who is our Redeemer and Creator. He is our help and our hope and our eternal home.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!
Christ was lifted up that He might lift us up.
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Asking Different Questions
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Posted:Jul 9, 2014 6:39 am
Last Updated:Jul 21, 2014 4:07 pm 7926 Views
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Read: Job 38:1-11
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Job 38:4
Bible in a Year:
Job 38-40; Acts 16:1-21
When tragedy strikes, questions follow. Our loss of a loved one may lead us to ask God any number of pointed questions: Why did You let this happen? Whose fault was this?Don't You care about my pain? Believe me, as the grieving father of a who died tragically I have asked these very questions.
The book of Job records the questions Job asks as he sits down with friends to lament his suffering. He had lost his family as well as his health and possessions. At one point, he asks,Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter of soul? (3:20). Later, he asks, What strength do I have, that I should hope? (6:11). And, Does it seem good to You that You should oppress? (10:3). Many have stood near a headstone placed too early and asked similar questions.
But when you read all the way to the end of the book, you get a surprise. When God responds to Job (chs. 38.41), He does it in an unexpected way. He turns the tables and asks Job questions different questions that show His wisdom and sovereignty. Questions about His magnificent creation the earth, stars, and sea. And the questions all point to this: God is sovereign. God is all-powerful. God is love. And God knows what He is doing.
We comprehend Him not,
Yet earth and heaven tell,
God sits as sovereign on the throne,
And ruleth all things well.
Our greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control.
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Asking Different Questions
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Posted:Jul 9, 2014 6:36 am
Last Updated:May 12, 2024 4:38 pm 7535 Views
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Read: Job 38:1-11
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? âJob 38:4
Bible in a Year:
Job 38-40; Acts 16:1-21
When tragedy strikes, questions follow. Our loss of a loved one may lead us to ask God any number of pointed questions: âWhy did You let this happen?â âWhose fault was this?â âDonât You care about my pain?â Believe me, as the grieving father of a who died tragically I have asked these very questions.
The book of Job records the questions Job asks as he sits down with friends to lament his suffering. He had lost his family as well as his health and possessions. At one point, he asks, âWhy is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter of soul?â (3:20). Later, he asks, âWhat strength do I have, that I should hope?â (6:11). And, âDoes it seem good to You that You should oppress?â (10:3). Many have stood near a headstone placed too early and asked similar questions.
But when you read all the way to the end of the book, you get a surprise. When God responds to Job (chs. 38â41), He does it in an unexpected way. He turns the tables and asks Job questionsâdifferent questions that show His wisdom and sovereignty. Questions about His magnificent creationâthe earth, stars, and sea. And the questions all point to this: God is sovereign. God is all-powerful. God is love. And God knows what He is doing.
We comprehend Him not,
Yet earth and heaven tell,
God sits as sovereign on the throne,
And ruleth all things well.
Our greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control.
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Asking Different Questions
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Posted:Jul 8, 2014 6:46 am
Last Updated:Jul 9, 2014 6:41 am 7088 Views
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Read: Philippians 4:6-9
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. asPhilippians 4.7
Bible in a Year:
Job 36-37; Acts 15:22-41
During a major economic downturn several years ago, many people lost their jobs. Sadly, my brother-in-law was one of them. Writing to me about their situation, my sister shared that although there were uncertainties, they had peace because they knew that God would care for them.
Believers in Jesus can have peace in the midst of uncertainties because we have the assurance that our heavenly Father loves His and cares for our needs (Matt. 6:25-34). We can bring all our concerns to Him with an attitude of thankfulness, trusting Him to meet our needs and give us peace (Phil. 4:6-7).
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, writes the apostle Paul, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (v.7). To say the peace of God surpasses all understanding reveals that we can't explain it, but we can experience it as He guards our hearts and minds.
Our peace comes from the confidence that the Lord loves us and He is in control. He alone provides the comfort that settles our nerves, fills our minds with hope, and allows us to relax even in the midst of changes and challenges.
Heavenly Father, You are all-wise, all-powerful, and
all-loving. In the midst of uncertainties, help me to
rest in the certainty of who You are. I thank You
that Your peace will guard my heart. I place my trust in You.
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
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The Jaws Of Death
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Posted:Jul 7, 2014 5:40 am
Last Updated:Jul 8, 2014 6:46 am 7036 Views
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Read: Luke 9:1-6
They departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Luke 9:6
Bible in a Year:
Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21
Lauren Kornacki is glad she took that summer CPR class, but she probably never thought she would have to use it so soon and on someone she loves. Her father was repairing his car when the jack slipped and the car fell on him. Lauren, a 22-year-old, reportedly heroically lifted the 3,300-pound car enough to pull him from underneath! Then she kept him alive with CPR until the paramedics arrived.
Far greater than Lauren's rescue of her father from the jaws of death is Jesus rescue of us from the clutches of sin by His death and resurrection. When Jesus sent the 12 disciples to carry out His work, He gave them the assignment to preach the good news of God's desire to rescue people (Luke 9:1-6). They would not carry this out in their own strength, but Jesus would lift the heavy burden of peopleâs sin as they taught about Him. Their preaching and healing in Jesus power and authority proved that Jesus had actually brought God's rule to earth.
Many today are trapped under the weight of sin, but our great God can rescue us from underneath those burdens and then send us into the world to tell others that He can set them free.
Thinking It Over
Do you know someone who is trapped under the
burden of sin and needs Jesus rescue? In what
practical ways can you be an active agent of Jesus love?
Those whoâve been rescued from sin are best able to help in the rescue of others.
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