Action!

1 Peter 1: 13

Therefore, prepare your minds for action….

Walking with Jesus every day, requires action.

Yes we can sit quietly and meditate, and we should make time for that, but action is required to exercise our faith.

Prayer is action. Studying God’s Word is action. Sharing our faith is action. Helping a neighbor is action.

How much action, is happening in your Christian journey?

Living for Jesus requires daily diligence and strength.

When God’s hand is upon us, and we’re living an action packed life in Christ, it will certainly be evident to everyone around us.

People will notice our active behavior.

Do the people who know you best, see daily Christ centered action?

If not, then make a whole sale change today.

It’s that easy!

Focusing on God, and not on ourselves, is the best solution for lack of action…..

Ignorance is bliss?

1 Corinthians 15: 34

Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God….

 

Is ignorance really bliss, as many people believe?

 

Back in World War II, the Russians trained dogs with explosives attached to their backs, to prey upon German tanks. True story!

Because the dogs were trained only with Russian tanks, they didn’t know the difference between a Russian tank and a German tank.

I think you already know by now, what the outcome was.

Maybe ignorance isn’t bliss, after all?

 

Is there an area of your life, where sin constantly prevails?

Don’t play the ignorant game—especially not with God.

 

“Well, I didn’t know what I was doing, was wrong!”

I heard it once said a very long time ago….. “Ignorance of the law, won’t be any excuse in the end.”

 

As much as we might not want to hear it, some of us need to come back to our senses.

Remember, that at the end of our lives, our individual standard isn’t going to matter.

God’s standard for sin and righteous living, is the only standard that’s going to fly.

It’s also the standard, our lives will be measured by.

 

We Christians desperately need straight level answers, offered in love.

The most loving thing I could say to some of you is this….. “Don’t be ignorant of the devils schemes!” (Ephesians 6: 11)

 

I’m sure glad, that God accepts us ignoramuses back with loving arms…..

Pleading!

Luke 8: 41

Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house….

 

When was the last time you pleaded with God for anything?

If you’re like most people, we hardly ever get humbled enough to plead our case or cases before God.

 

Do you know what the Hebrew translation to our English word, “ask”, is?

It’s translated….. “BEG”!

 

Jairus had good reason to fall at the feet of Jesus. He had very good reason to beg.

Actually, he had a very good reason to plead his case before the Christ of God.

Jairus’s daughter was dying.

 

It’s funny how many people plead before God, when their loved ones are dying.

I know people who especially plead to Jesus, to take away their cancer.

 

Did you know that we can plead to Jesus for anything we have need of?

Why does it take such tragic events, to fall on our face?

 

I think we’d see more people cured of incurable diseases, if we spent more time pleading/begging.

I think we’d see more spiritual power in our lives, if we did more pleading.

 

You might not have reason to plead before Jesus right now—but then the day isn’t over with yet—is it? 

Frustrated!

Psalm 78: 41 

Again and again they tested God's patience and frustrated the Holy One of Israel.

 

There’s a part of me that feels slightly comforted, knowing that even God gets frustrated from time to time.

When I consider the grace of God, I often have this feeling inside that says…. “Why me?”

When I walk through some frustrating times, I often ask the same question…. “Why me?”

 

There are times in our Christian walk, when we can become a little frustrated.

Maybe it’s the person you’ve been witnessing to at work, that just doesn’t seem to get—or doesn’t want to get it.

Make no mistake, there are times when we all make God a little frustrated too.

At least that’s what the Word says.

 

Every time we venture out in our life of faith, we’ll often find some pretty frustrating experiences.

Circumstances will come about every day, that will completely go against the values of common sense.

One thing’s for sure though….. We can trust in Jesus, when common sense doesn’t make sense.

 

I have to confess—that there are times when frustration gets the best of me.

There are times we can think certain things—or say certain things, in the heat of a frustrating moment.

 

Maybe I need to turn my frustration, into faith?

Maybe I should do a better job of focusing on God’s love, instead of focusing on the little annoyances of life?

 

When I’m standing in the checkout line the next time, and the lady in front of me is counting pennies one at a time—I’m sure I’ll need to recall this devotional…..

A Divine Position!

Isaiah 6: 8

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Did you know that the first ability that God looks for in a saint, is availability?

God is always looking for people that are willing to make themselves available for His use.

Most people in the church, think that they have to possess some extra special skill set to be used of God.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Notice that Isaiah didn’t say…. Here I am Lord—but why don’t you send someone else this time…”

No, he said…. “Here I AM—SEND Me!”

True enough, you might not have the same abilities, than the person sitting in the pew next to you.

God still wants to use you anyway. YES…..YOU!

Are you still holding out on God?

Whenever the sign-up sheet is being passed at church, do you still have some lame excuse?

When the Pastor sends out an e-mail looking for people to serve in some various capacity, do you allow the devil to convince you, you’re not cut from the right stock?

I believe every available person, are placed in divine positions, for such a time as this.

We are made for God’s glory, and we are to be used for His good—and for His glory.

God is not looking for the most graceful or the most charming person.

He’s looking for the one person, who has the guts to stand up and say….. HERE I AM—SEND ME!!

Encourage !

1 Thessalonians 5: 11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….

Along this journey of life, there are people we meet along the way, that influence us and help us.

Have you ever been introduced to people, who you’ve been able to depend on in hard times?

Those are people you never forget. Unfortunately—sometimes there here one minute—and then gone the next.

We’re reminded that God said very early on in the creation moment….. “it is not good for the man be alone.”

And so it is for us.

In our beloved Western culture, we think we find relief from the pressing troubles of this world, by getting away from it all.

God made us to need people and to need fellowship.

Having to get away from it all, might just say something about us.

I don’t know about you, but I really need fellowship in the community of Christ.

I need people who understand me, (which I confess might be quite difficult) and I need people who will pray with me.

I also need people who are going to support me and encourage me.

And as strange as this sounds, I need people who will graciously give me a boot in the pants, when I need it.

Maybe this prayer of mine—represents your heart too…..

Father God—Thank You for the people You have sent in my life, to walk this journey of faith with me.

Thank You that even when some of them leave me, I can still take Your promise seriously.

Thank You that You promise never to leave me, no matter where the direction of my life path takes me…..

Amen.

Procrastination!

James 1: 8 

They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

Did you ever wonder what the big deal is about procrastination?

Procrastination is actually the sin of not doing what we know we should do.

In my personal life, indecision usually happens when I don’t really like the correct decision.

Actually, sometimes I put off making the right choice, and then do nothing instead of doing what’s right.

Procrastination or doing nothing, is usually the result of fear.

Fear comes in all forms and also comes in many different sizes.

It actually paralyzes us.

When we stop to think of it, the more we put off doing what’s right, the more stress we add to our lives.

I’m certain that we grieve God, when we put off doing, what He has placed in front of us.

As much as we might not like to admit it, the perfect conditions for doing what’s right, may be a long time in coming.

I still believe Jesus expects us to share our faith no matter the weather or climate.

If He’s opened up a door for us, do we have a plan on how to respond?

Instead of peeking at your long laundry list of “to do’s”, pick just one item you can take care of.

Start with this….. “Today I’m going to ______________ as I have put this off, far too long.”

Endurance!

Romans 15: 4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Walking with Jesus every day, is not really for sissy’s.

There are two things we’ll need as we travel this road of faith, and that’s endurance and daily encouragement.

And what’s the outcome of these two character traits? Hope!

As we read the Word of God, it teaches us not to give up.

Endurance is actually something we can learn along the way.

We’re also encouraged by the stories in the Bible, because they teach us that we too, can have hope.

God is going to use your life journey today, to teach you something.

I often wonder, whose watching my life from a distance.

Do they see me living the Christian life with endurance?

Do they see me offering encouragement to my brothers & sisters in Christ?

Maybe the trail I’m trying to endure, will teach someone else, that with God, everything is possible.

Maybe they’ll receive great hope, as they witness my non-fainting experience.

Don’t underestimate what the Word of God can do for others, even when we feel like our daily walk is futile.

Maybe if we endure, others will be affected, and in turn will also be encouraged.

This much I know….God is going to teach me something today...and He’s going to teach you something too….

Planting seeds!

Ephesians 4: 32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

As we consider kindness, we need to realize that it’s something that comes from within the heart.

So when we say someone is “kind”, what we’re seeing is an outward manifestation of acts of kindness.

 

Of all the people that are closest to us… spouses—co-workers—friends—children…when asked, would they say that your kind?

In today’s society, it’s easy to come across as being pretty self centered.

 

Actually, Jesus wants us to be different than what society demonstrates.

We’re not at all supposed to be like the people of the world.

 

Acts 10: 38 says something interesting about Jesus.

It says that…. “he went about doing good.” Would people say that about you?

 

Now that we’re talking about it—when’s the last time you did something good/kind for someone else?

If you need time to think about that question, then you might have a self centeredness problem.

 

And what is kindness? It’s all these things wrapped up in one neat little package; kind—compassionate—forgiving.

 

So during this season of planting seeds, how many seeds of kindness are you really sewing?

Why not get in the field today, and get passed yourself—and pour out kindness to the folks of this dead and dying world.

Just maybe, it will bring them new life……

Make up your mind!

James 1: 8 (NLT)

They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

Did you ever wonder what the big deal is about procrastination?

Procrastination is actually the sin of not doing what we know we should do.

In my personal life, indecision usually happens when I don’t really like the correct decision.

Actually, sometimes I put off making the right choice, and then do nothing instead of doing what’s right.

Procrastination or doing nothing, is usually the result of fear.

Fear comes in all forms and also comes in many different sizes.

It actually paralyzes us.

When we stop to think of it, the more we put off doing what’s right, the more stress we add to our lives.

I’m certain that we grieve God, when we put off doing, what He has placed in front of us.

As much as we might not like to admit it, the perfect conditions for doing what’s right, may be a long time in coming.

I still believe Jesus expects us to share our faith no matter the weather or climate.

If He’s opened up a door for us, do we have a plan on how to respond?

Instead of peeking at your long laundry list of “to do’s”, pick just one item you can take care of.

Start with this….. “Today I’m going to ______________ as I have put this off, far too long.”

Unload!

1 Peter 5: 7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Aren’t you glad that God has not left us alone to deal with the heavy things in life?

This verse in 1 Peter 5, is a formula for getting rid of anxiety.

I’ll bet if we gave the challenges we have over to God, instead of trying to carry them ourselves, we’d have fewer anxiety disorders in this world than we do.

The literal translation of 1 Peter 5: 7 is…. “Unload your distresses upon God”

Picture in your mind if you would, a dump truck.

The driver pulls the lever or pushes a button, and all the stuff he’s been carrying, is dumped.

We were never meant to be crushed by the stuff we think we have to carry.

Maybe we should push the button of trust or pull the lever of faith more than we do?

Got something heavy going on in your life?

I think it’s time we unload all of it….

The Eyes of The Lord!

Proverbs 15: 3

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

How does it make you feel, that God knows our every impulse—good or bad?

He knows our every motive—He knows the direction we’re traveling and why we’re traveling in that direction.

Under the masks many of us wear to hide what’s really there—God knows all about it.

For some people, just this realization will bring fear.

There should be  great comfort in the fact though, that God is all knowing and all seeing.

Yes He sees us as we truly are—but He has extended a glorious invitation to be saved and loved by Him—in spite of what He knows about us.

He sees what we need—and He knows why we need it.

He’s seen the worst of us—and He’s certainly seen the best.

He’s seen us running away—and He’s noticed our running back to jump up into His arms.

He’s seen our rebellion—and He’s witnessed our obedience too.

And despite all that He’s witnessed—and all that He knows about us—He still desires fellowship with us.

The best relationship with God we can have—is an honest one.

We should be able to find some security in that.

Rest in this my friends….

We can’t take a single step in this life—that He doesn’t know about—or that He doesn’t care about….

Don't miss it!

Ephesians 6: 18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

 

I have this feeling that when we stand in the place of where Jesus is one day, we may all feel a little silly.

Jesus has orchestrated many opportunities for which to pray for people.

 

Sometimes instead of stopping to pray for others, we on the other hand, try to find out what’s wrong with them.

Our primary business is to pray—Jesus’ job is to fix them.

 

Do we concentrate more on what’s wrong with people, than we do praying for them?

Maybe we should pray that folks would be right with God, rather than praying they be right with us?

 

So it begs this question….

When we pray, do we focus more on the mountain that needs to be moved in a person’s life—or the One who can move the mountain?

There’s a big difference.

 

Do you believe what Jesus says about prayer?

I think if we did, we’d pray differently than we do.

 

The more we know about a person’s personal life—the less intelligently we pray.

Sometimes we forget, that it’s God who can affect the difficulties in people’s lives—not us…..

Grow up!

Ephesians 4: 15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

 

If any believer desires to become mature in the faith, they must learn to love the truth.

If not, there will always be this crack open to allow the enemy to come in, and take the good things God meant for us to possess.

 

I meet people every week, who have great difficulties facing the truth about themselves.

Some of them actually prefer living in the world of make believe.

 

They pretend that certain things happening all around them, aren’t really happening.

Let me be clear about this. Satan is very real, pain is real, problems are real, and poor and sick people are real.

The good news is, that no matter how the junk of life seems to disturb us, we can overcome it by God’s Word.

 

The amount of love we have for the truth, is in direct proportion to how much time we spend  in it.

We can’t “grow up” into Christ, if we’re not doing the basic things of the faith.

 

How will you grow up this week?

Sometimes the truth about us can hurt.

It is however, the truth that will set us free.

 

When you find truth, you will have found real freedom and joy.

Without truth, we only learn to live outside the realm of reality……

Apart!

1 Peter 3:15

In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

 

When I became a believer in Christ, I confessed Jesus as Lord.

When we stop to pray, we commonly refer to God as Lord.

 

But as we live our lives day to day, is He really Lord in our hearts?

D.L. Moody once said…. “Christ is either Lord of all—or He’s not Lord at all!”

The words out of our mouth during conversation, don’t tell the entire story.

 

Let’s face it, the Lordship of Jesus, sometimes extend only so far.

I even know people who like to control the tempo of discipleship.

Let me be clear of this one thing—that is NOT Lordship.

 

If Jesus is 100% Lord, then He will have every bit of our heart.

Jesus desires more of us, than we’re willing to give Him up to this point.

 

He is trustworthy with everything we surrender to Him.

Like we think we can manage our lives better than He can—not so.

 

At no point should we resist His constant attempts to draw us.

If you haven’t already done so, set Him apart as Lord…..TODAY!

Facing forks in the road!

Proverbs 16: 25

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

 

Often times, the road to destruction is not a very well marked path.

The making of wrong decisions are at first seductive, and even appealing.

They even seem right.

 

Christians face forks in the road all the time.

The main thoroughfare is broad and the one most traveled.

That should be our first clue.

 

I’ve had people come to our church, and thought they found a spiritual gold mine.

“I’ve found the church I’ve been looking for!”

But then these same people find a convenient, quick exit sign—that actually seems like the right one to take.

 

I think before taking the easy path—we should ask some very hard questions before we do.

There is a high calling for those who desire to enter the Kingdom of God.

 

God never tells us to do what “seems” right.

What seems right and what is right, are two vastly different things.

 

A child of the most high God, can be rendered useless and fruitless, if pulled away by what they think is right.

Be careful that no one—or some cool thing, deceives you.

It might be that seemingly one right thing, that in the end, leads to death