Daily Grind!

Romans 6: 4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For some of us, today will be a return to the daily, weekly grind.

I wonder if we call it the “grind”, because daily life has a tendency to grind us down?

We get ground down, because of all those responsibilities we have—and decisions we need to make—and just the endless details of everyday life.

This endless litany of decisions, can often numb our senses.

We can also get so ground down by the things of life, that we can lose our connection with God.

It’s when the things of life get us down, that we need to be transformed.

Did you know that through Jesus Christ, we can be renewed and transformed?

When we come to realize, that Jesus came to the end of Himself for us, maybe it’s then, we can come the end of us?

Transformation happens, when we give up our lives and the daily grind, for Him.

Today, He can replace your old, worn down life, with a brand new life.

When the new life begins to take place, the old, mundane one, is quick to fade away.

Allow His glory and grace to shine through today, and maybe you won’t feel like life is such a grind after all… 

Busy Bee!

1 Corinthians 2: 13

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

This morning I attached a beautiful picture of a sunflower, growing in one of our food plots up at our north woods cabin.

If you look closely, you’ll see a busy bee, collecting pollen in the picture.

I watched this bee for almost 5 minutes, and it never once took his/her focus off of its task.

Did you know that we’re supposed to be, bee like?

We should spend time in the Word—reading, studying, praying and taking notes.

Our minds should be filled with biblical wisdom and biblical insight.

The bee left its hive that morning, empty, but came back at the end of the day, completely full.

Is that how you’ll begin/end this new day?

There’s a good chance that your day will be sweeter and fuller, if God is what you’re focused on.

Thank God today, for the opportunities He gives you to bask in His word—then, take full advantage of them…

Unstoppable!

Matthew 5: 45

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

I must admit, I sometimes forget just how good our God is.

I just came from the Kirk Cameron movie tonight, “Unstoppable”, and I went with family and many people from our church.

I also must admit, that in the sight of God, I felt pretty small.

I have to wonder why, God sends rain to the “just” and the “unjust”.

Wouldn’t it be considered just a big waste of water, to send rain to the atheists or evolutionists?

I mean if it really did rain only on just the “just”, then wouldn’t it disprove the existence of a loving God?

Actually, just when I think I know all there is to know about God, I find out how little I really do know.

Were some of the people at the Naval Yard shooting a few weeks ago, “just”?

Probably so, and yet God in His sovereign way, allowed for history to be made in that single event.

Whether you would consider yourself part of the “just” or “unjust” crowd—Jesus loves you.

He also desires that none would perish—and that just blows my mind.

That’s just the way He feels, and that’s just the way He operates.

I think we need to get used to how He works, and how He feels…

Get covered!

Psalm 55: 1

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught…

 

Life in general, can bring about some pretty direct blows.

Sometimes those blows feel like a big sock to the stomach—so much so, we don’t even feel like we’ve got any place to run and hide.

 

I think we need to remember, that no matter how badly we feel, we can always count on God to bring us to some place of spiritual safety.

To receive the help we need, we need to welcome Him into our lives, and trust in His provision.

 

I left for a church meeting recently, and Debbie was quick to tell me… “Don’t forget your armor!”

Do you know that we need to cover ourselves with God’s protective armor, every day?

 

I must admit that I’m lax at doing that.

If I don’t go through the armor process as I begin each day, it’s amazing how much of my peace get absorbed by the chaos of the day.

 

Then when I wake up, and I begin to think about the helmet of salvation, and I can take a deep breath, because I know everything’s going to be alright.

God hears our prayers, and He will not ignore our pleas for help.

 

But when things get out of control, do we truly trust in God’s provision?

Is He the shelter we seek, when this crazy old world, get’s crazier?

 

“Gracious Heavenly Father, some of our best efforts aren’t our best, because we often get caught up in the storms of life.

Help us to seek You, when we long for shelter, from the storms of life. The safest place to be, is in the protection of your loving presence.

Forgive us, when we don’t look to You first, to calm the raging seas—Amen”

Delight!

Psalm 37: 4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

I meet more and more people these days, and the one thing they long for the most, is happiness.

Happiness is so fleeting, isn’t it?

 

We do everything we can to get it, and then work feverishly to keep it.

The more I understand people as relates to happiness, it appears people are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

 

Maybe if we actually put God first in our lives, then we’d get what we’d desire most.

Frankly though, we don’t always look to God to get happy.

 

If the average person works at their faith relationship with God, like they do going on a diet, it probably isn’t bringing much happiness.

Do you see your relationship with God, as something you want to do, or something you feel like you have to do?

 

Duty to God must never become an obligation.

When we start to justify being away from God, because we’re always busy, then there probably isn’t much happiness going on.

 

Maybe when God become secondary, to our entertainment schedule, maybe we’re actually delighting in ourselves.

There’s a good chance, that our desires, aren’t His desires.

 

When those things get flip flopped, and God becomes the one thing we delight in, maybe then we’ll find true happiness…

Forgive!

Matthew 18: 21 – 22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

 

One of the most dangerous things people can hold onto, is the spirit of resentment.

Hanging tightly onto unforgiveness, can often have severe consequences for  the unforgiver, and the so called perpetrator.

 

Unforgiveness is in direct violation of God’s law.

It’s also the one thing that causes great spiritual turmoil, and certainly hinders the growth of a Christ follower.

 

It begins with stale prayer, because unforgiveness should really be confessed to God.

How can we truly justify honoring God, when we’re trying to bury an attitude of resentment?

There’s no honor in that.

 

Real forgiveness means that a person has to give up every area of resentment.

Can we really list all the ways a person has failed us, and then offer them forgiveness in the same breath?

Not hardly—and that just doesn’t seem to add up.

 

Even if someone has wronged us, Jesus says a life of freedom can be found, in giving up the wrongs that someone wronged us with.

I like what Joyce Meyer once said… “Unforgiveness is like you drinking the poison, and expecting the other person to die,”

 

Maybe church life would be a whole lot more enjoyable, if we didn’t carry so many offenses and grudges…

In Training!

Psalm 74: 23

Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.

 

When you go through times of adversity, do you have a lot of questions, like I do?

I assume you have times of adversity?

 

Questions arise like….

“Why are difficult people allowed to create such a mess in my life?”

“Lord, why don’t you just remove these impossible people in my life?”

“Father—Why aren’t you paying any attention to my prayers?”

 

It might be wise for us to remember this old African proverb….

“Smooth seas—do not make skillful sailors”

 

There is no doubt, that issues of life can be very complex.

The is no single good answer, to the questions that arise when trouble comes about.

 

But through these tests, God has promised us His peace.

Do you have difficulties? How about pain? Enemies perhaps?

 

Just remember this…you’re in training!

God brings us adversaries—and He allows them to stay, too—and probably for very good reason…

Want a free gift?

Romans 6: 23 NLT

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is, eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Who doesn’t love a bargain?

I know people who never shop without using coupons, and many of them save a ton of money by doing so.

 

Did you know that Salvation is not something you earn?

It is a free gift from God, extended to us by His grace.

 

Humans have invented all kinds of rules, trying to make themselves acceptable to God.

Being right with God cannot be accomplished through any effort of our own.

 

Yes, the Bible says that we will be rewarded one day, for the good things we do.

But salvation is not accomplished by the good that we do.

And don’t check the Sunday paper, because you won’t find any coupon, that say… “Salvation FREE, with a $100.00 purchase.”

 

Our Salvation has been bought and paid for—and yes it is free.

Salvation is an eternal place in Heaven, and freedom from the dominion of evil.

 

There is not an awards program anywhere, that can compete for that kind of love…

Where are you living?

Galatians 5: 16

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

 

There are people in the church, that would swear that they are living by the spirit.

Once you look at the fruit they produce however, there may be a different kind of indicator.

 

Paul tells us in this chapter, what the fruits of the spirit are.

He also tells us what the fruits of the spirit are not.

 

Take a close look at these words that indicate what is contrary to the spirit;

sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies

 

Now take a look at the list that is promised to the one’s, who live in the spirit;

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

 

Where would you say you live these days?

We can’t live in both worlds—at least that’s what Paul seems to indicate.

 

People who live in Christ, have gotten rid of the areas from the first list.

Those who live in another place, are actually producing something else…

It is finished!

John 19: 30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished" With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

Do you hate falling into the same old sin habit?

Do you still grieve over a nasty habit that still controls your life?

Do you ever feel helpless and weak and despondent, in the face of temptation?

If you have answered yes to any or all of these three questions, well let me just say this—there is really good news for you today.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ has provided absolute freedom for us.

He has made available to us, not only a pardon from grievous sin, but freedom from the bondage of it too.

 

True transformation—renewed hope—and lasting peace can be yours right now.

Just focus on those three powerful words, found in today’s verse.

What are you waiting for? Read them again!

 

There is no reason at all, to allow the devil to have a field day.

IT IS FINISHED!

Do you believe that?

 

If not, maybe it’s time you start to…

Where is your dwelling place?

Psalm 91: 1

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

 

What do you do, when you consider the craziness of this crazy world?

Do you get all hyped up with anxiety, or do you on the other hand, rest in the shadow of the Almighty?

 

When people face problems of epic proportions, usually they don’t rest.

Usually people obsess, instead of finding rest.

 

How can we really rest, when crisis is knocking at the front door?

I guess it really comes down to, the place where we’d rather dwell.

 

Is it possible to become preoccupied with trusting/resting in the sure provision of the Lord God?

I’ll bet we’d find more rest, if we let God handle our problems, as opposed to the world handling them.

 

I’ve got a sneaking suspicion, that we’d find more rest in God Almighty, than we would in Oprah Winfrey.

God actually wants us to hang on to the truths of His Word, rather than believing the lies the worlds tells to us.

 

Dwell in His shelter today, and I’ll be willing to bet, you’ll find rest.

Maybe it’s the rest you been wanting/desiring for an awfully long time—but maybe you’ve just been looking in all the wrong places…

There is Hope!

Romans 5: 5

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 

There are a number of Bible verses, that refer to hope.

Psalm 71: 5—Psalm 25: 3—Hebrews 6: 19—Psalm 39: 7—Psalm 38: 15

 

Some Christians have some major doubts, especially when they face overwhelming situations.

Some of those situations are beyond our ability to cope.

 

There are times when we find ourselves unable to trust in anything or anyone.

Maybe try looking up these verses, and there’s a chance that you’ll find that they will keep you from falling while enduring some difficult times.

 

Hope in Christ should never disappoint us.

Situations apart from God, will always disappoint us.

 

Maybe as you start this new week, remember that God has poured out His very love, into our hearts.

Just with that knowing, we should never be disappointed again…

Be willing to fight!

Ephesians 6: 10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

 

I remember as a kid, when I began to learn more about the game of football.

I saw a guy field a punt one Sunday, but before he did so, he made the sign of the cross.

I asked my older brother, if he thought that helped, and his reply was… “Only if he can catch the ball—If he can’t catch, it won’t help”

 

God in the Bible, gives us a specific picture of the life of a believer in Christ.

He calls it a war—a race and a fight.

 

God is clear, that He has an integral part in the midst of the battle, but so do we.

Are you in a spiritual battle today? If not, just wait around for a few minutes, and see what happens.

 

We can pray all we want, but if we’re not willing to engage the enemy, all the signs of the crosses and prayer won’t help, if you we’re not willing to fight.

Yes, we should depend on God’s strength for sure, but we shouldn’t expect Him to do all the work.

 

After verse 10, there is an action verse, required of every believer. Are you doing what it says? If not, then put it on!

Just remember this…God supplies all the resources we will ever need in the heat of the fight—but we must supply the effort…

What do you believe in?

2 Timothy 1: 12

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Paul was in the midst of suffering, and yet he didn’t take his focus off of what was truly important.

Suffering sometimes, can take our eyes off of what’s meaningful, but not so for Paul.

The reason that was, was because he knew full well whom he believed in.

Paul was looking forward to the day, when all that he had entrusted to Christ, would be revealed on that glorious day.

There sure does seem to be a lot of suffering going on in the world.

It’s also pretty easy to take our focus off of what’s the most important thing, when suffering happens to us.

Do you know whom you believe in?

A day is coming soon, when we’re going to have to make a choice related to what/whom we believe in.

When the IRS pulls the 501C3 exempt status from churches, will what you believe in, stand up?

When we can no longer take deductions on our income tax filing, will we still believe in the One whom we testify to?

Or will we on the other hand, consider that grave suffering?

Nothing else mattered to Paul, except what he did for Jesus.

Jesus has been around from everlasting, to everlasting.

That sure sounds like a good plan, especially when things seem to be so fickle these days… 

Overindulge!

2 Peter 1: 5 – 6

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness…

 

Would you say that you’re adding to your faith?

I think if we would be honest for just a second, we’d agree that we add a an awful lot of things, to our personal life experiences.

 

Let’s face it…

We live in the day of Golden Corral—shopping malls—“have it your way” and indulgences of anything we can think of.

We really do live in the land of excess.

We don’t hesitate adding anything at all, to what we already have.

 

Can you begin to imagine, what might happen to the church and to its people,  if we added the knowledge of God, to the knowledge we already have?

Godliness might just be the final result!

 

God does not hold back on His many promises.

If you plan to overindulge on anything this week, why not try an oversupply supply of Jesus.

 

In  a culture that is seeing an expanding view of gluttony, drunkenness, drug abuse and shopaholics, maybe a little more God, might be really what we need….