Romans 8:18 - Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.
Every bit of pain and suffering, trial and tribulation we experience now in this life is infinitely dwarfed by the glory that God will reveal to us when we finally meet Him face to face.
Trusting in His promises makes it all worth it. Keeping our problems in perspective and remembering His promised gift of this amazing glory makes our problems easier to bear for the sake of living life eternal with Him. However, keeping that perspective can be difficult sometimes.
I know I struggle with keeping this perspective. I have a huge tendency to get caught up in the moment and I will fail to think eternally. I would say that most of us probably do that. God wont't take back His promises if we have that tendency to act like human beings. But how we respond when we realize that we reacted wrong is what is important. We have to make sure we confess and repent. When we do that, He will forgive us by His mercy and grace.
I have to keep on working on my response, and pray for God's strength to continue the work He has started in me to make me more like Christ until that day of completion. His strength is the only way I can get through anything.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for the amazing gift of Your Glory that You have promised us all. Help me to keep my issues in that perspective, so that I may bring You the glory that You deserve. I can only do this with Your strength, and I ask for Your continued favor as I go into the world today. I also pray for those who have the same struggles of keeping their perspective. My prayer is that as they go into the world today, they will keep their eyes and hearts focused on You and Your eternal promises, so that they will be able to overcome any problem by Your strength. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
The Wrong Idea
1 John 1:8 - If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.
It's easy for us to convince ourselves that we are relatively good people and that we don't have any sin. But as the Apostle John said, we are just fooling ourselves.
This was something that kept me from surrendering to Jesus Christ for a long time. I was prideful. I believed that I was overall a good person and I didn't need saving. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit got a hold of my heart and showed me how wrong I really was. I totally had the wrong idea.
I believed that since I had accepted Him as my Savior, I didn't need church or to read the Bible. After all, I hadn't killed anyone. Why is it that a lot of people believe that murder is the only one of the ten commandments that counts? I hear a lot of people say, "I never killed anyone, I'm a good guy." There's still 10 right, they didn't change it?
More than anything, I was guilty of false worship. I believed that I was capable based on the abilities I had developed to achieve things. I believed that I accomplished everything by my own strength. I worshiped the god of self. My church was my job. My paychecks tithed to my celebration fund, where I celebrated whatever good thing I did to make myself look better to my bosses and friends. As I said, fortunately the Holy Spirit finally got a hold of my heart, and showed me where I was soooooo wrong.
Do I still fall into this trap believing that I don't have any sin? I don't think I do. I know where most of my shortcomings are, and I try to avoid them as best I can. The ones I'm unaware of, I trust that God will reveal them to me in His time.
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to show me where I was so misguided and wrong. I am blessed to have the relationship with You that I now have, and I pray that I will never turn my back on it for anything. I pray for those that don't have that relationship with You. My prayer is that they will walk away from the lies of the enemy and see that You are the answer they have been searching for. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
It's easy for us to convince ourselves that we are relatively good people and that we don't have any sin. But as the Apostle John said, we are just fooling ourselves.
This was something that kept me from surrendering to Jesus Christ for a long time. I was prideful. I believed that I was overall a good person and I didn't need saving. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit got a hold of my heart and showed me how wrong I really was. I totally had the wrong idea.
I believed that since I had accepted Him as my Savior, I didn't need church or to read the Bible. After all, I hadn't killed anyone. Why is it that a lot of people believe that murder is the only one of the ten commandments that counts? I hear a lot of people say, "I never killed anyone, I'm a good guy." There's still 10 right, they didn't change it?
More than anything, I was guilty of false worship. I believed that I was capable based on the abilities I had developed to achieve things. I believed that I accomplished everything by my own strength. I worshiped the god of self. My church was my job. My paychecks tithed to my celebration fund, where I celebrated whatever good thing I did to make myself look better to my bosses and friends. As I said, fortunately the Holy Spirit finally got a hold of my heart, and showed me where I was soooooo wrong.
Do I still fall into this trap believing that I don't have any sin? I don't think I do. I know where most of my shortcomings are, and I try to avoid them as best I can. The ones I'm unaware of, I trust that God will reveal them to me in His time.
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to show me where I was so misguided and wrong. I am blessed to have the relationship with You that I now have, and I pray that I will never turn my back on it for anything. I pray for those that don't have that relationship with You. My prayer is that they will walk away from the lies of the enemy and see that You are the answer they have been searching for. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
After God's Heart
2 Samuel 12:13 - Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin."
David had really made a mess of things. He was an adulterer and a murderer. But he did the right thing. He confessed and repented of his sins, and God forgave him. God didn't have to, but He did so because of His love for him.
I remember the first couple of times I read the stories of Saul and David. I couldn't quite understand why God had such a love for David, but gave up on Saul so quickly. In reality He didn't. God knew Saul's heart, and He knew that Saul would not confess and repent of his sins. David on the other hand is described as a man after God's heart. But why? Because of his love and fear of God and because he would confess and repent. God knew they would both fall short of perfection, but David was the one after God's heart because of how he went about his business after the fact.
That's how it is for all of us as well. A lot of us tend to struggle with accepting that God could ever forgive us, or want to be in a close intimate relationship with us. But He does. That's the beauty of it all! Despite anything we have or could do, He desires a heart that seeks His forgiveness. We all fall short; none of us will ever be perfect. But we have a choice with how we respond to our shortcomings. God has already chosen how He responds to our shortcomings. With love, mercy, and grace. All we have to do is respond with confession and repentance.
Am I responding correctly when I sin? Am I after God's heart with confession and repentance, or am I giving up on myself too quickly?
Dear Lord, thank You for forgiving me when I don't deserve it. I pray that I will seek after Your heart through confession and repentance. I am so blessed by Your love and grace for me. I know that it can never be earned, but was given freely when You gave Your Son as a sacrifice for me. I pray for those that believe the lie that they have gone too far in their sin to turn back to You now. My prayer is that they will see that it only takes a simple prayer to be right with You, and after Your heart again. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
David had really made a mess of things. He was an adulterer and a murderer. But he did the right thing. He confessed and repented of his sins, and God forgave him. God didn't have to, but He did so because of His love for him.
I remember the first couple of times I read the stories of Saul and David. I couldn't quite understand why God had such a love for David, but gave up on Saul so quickly. In reality He didn't. God knew Saul's heart, and He knew that Saul would not confess and repent of his sins. David on the other hand is described as a man after God's heart. But why? Because of his love and fear of God and because he would confess and repent. God knew they would both fall short of perfection, but David was the one after God's heart because of how he went about his business after the fact.
That's how it is for all of us as well. A lot of us tend to struggle with accepting that God could ever forgive us, or want to be in a close intimate relationship with us. But He does. That's the beauty of it all! Despite anything we have or could do, He desires a heart that seeks His forgiveness. We all fall short; none of us will ever be perfect. But we have a choice with how we respond to our shortcomings. God has already chosen how He responds to our shortcomings. With love, mercy, and grace. All we have to do is respond with confession and repentance.
Am I responding correctly when I sin? Am I after God's heart with confession and repentance, or am I giving up on myself too quickly?
Dear Lord, thank You for forgiving me when I don't deserve it. I pray that I will seek after Your heart through confession and repentance. I am so blessed by Your love and grace for me. I know that it can never be earned, but was given freely when You gave Your Son as a sacrifice for me. I pray for those that believe the lie that they have gone too far in their sin to turn back to You now. My prayer is that they will see that it only takes a simple prayer to be right with You, and after Your heart again. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Friday, April 4, 2014
Staying Content
2 Corinthians 4:17 - For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
Whatever problems we face on a daily basis are relatively small in comparison to the glory God has set aside for us in eternity.
Reading this today really gave me strength. I've been dealing with issues at work lately, and sometimes it is so hard to get up and go in the morning. But I have a lot to be content with and thankful for. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to be thankful in all circumstances because it is God's will for those of us who belong to Christ Jesus. So where's the joy in my problems?!
The joy is found in knowing that God is sovereign and always in control. The joy is knowing that nothing that man can do to me can cause me to lose my salvation that comes from Christ Jesus. The joy is knowing that I am loved by an amazing God of mercy and grace that gave up His Son to have an intimate relationship with me. The joy is knowing that whatever problems I have are temporary, and God's love and glory are eternal, and He will comfort and protect me. That is more than enough for me to stay content...
Dear Abba Father, what can I say other than Your love overwhelms me. But in a great way. I love how You take the time every day to speak to me through Your Word, and tell me what I need to know to make it through another day in service to You and Your Kingdom. I love that You don't sugarcoat anything, but Your messages are filled with hope and love. I pray for those that don't know that feeling. My prayer is that You will speak to them today and give them the rest and reassurance they need to be and stay content. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Whatever problems we face on a daily basis are relatively small in comparison to the glory God has set aside for us in eternity.
Reading this today really gave me strength. I've been dealing with issues at work lately, and sometimes it is so hard to get up and go in the morning. But I have a lot to be content with and thankful for. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to be thankful in all circumstances because it is God's will for those of us who belong to Christ Jesus. So where's the joy in my problems?!
The joy is found in knowing that God is sovereign and always in control. The joy is knowing that nothing that man can do to me can cause me to lose my salvation that comes from Christ Jesus. The joy is knowing that I am loved by an amazing God of mercy and grace that gave up His Son to have an intimate relationship with me. The joy is knowing that whatever problems I have are temporary, and God's love and glory are eternal, and He will comfort and protect me. That is more than enough for me to stay content...
Dear Abba Father, what can I say other than Your love overwhelms me. But in a great way. I love how You take the time every day to speak to me through Your Word, and tell me what I need to know to make it through another day in service to You and Your Kingdom. I love that You don't sugarcoat anything, but Your messages are filled with hope and love. I pray for those that don't know that feeling. My prayer is that You will speak to them today and give them the rest and reassurance they need to be and stay content. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Chosen
1 Peter 1:2 - God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Him and been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.
Since the beginning of time, each and everyone of us were chosen by God to be His holy people. When we accepted our calling and chose Him in return, we were washed clean by the blood of Jesus.
God never ceases to wow me. The more I study His Word every day, the more I see and understand His great love for me. I'm a very analytical person by nature, so it can be difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that He had already chosen me centuries ago. He knew the path I would take to find Him, and He patiently waited for me to make the choice to follow Him.
How amazing is the God we serve that He did that for each and every one of us? He knew about us, made plans for us, and waited. I don't think we could ever have just a fraction of the patience He has, but we are blessed because He has infinitely more patience than we do. He waited a long time so He could wrap His loving arms around us. And when we finally came to Him, He didn't use it as an opportunity to say, "It's about time," or anything like that. All He said was, "I love You, and it brings me joy that you're here." He gave up His Son for us, so that we could return to Him. That's just amazing love.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your amazing love for all of us. We have all been so blessed beyond words that You loved us with a love that waited centuries for us to realize. I pray for those that haven't come to realize it yet. My prayer is that they will not wait any longer. I pray that the stirring in their hearts will get to the point that they cannot contain themselves, and will leap into Your arms with joy. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Since the beginning of time, each and everyone of us were chosen by God to be His holy people. When we accepted our calling and chose Him in return, we were washed clean by the blood of Jesus.
God never ceases to wow me. The more I study His Word every day, the more I see and understand His great love for me. I'm a very analytical person by nature, so it can be difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that He had already chosen me centuries ago. He knew the path I would take to find Him, and He patiently waited for me to make the choice to follow Him.
How amazing is the God we serve that He did that for each and every one of us? He knew about us, made plans for us, and waited. I don't think we could ever have just a fraction of the patience He has, but we are blessed because He has infinitely more patience than we do. He waited a long time so He could wrap His loving arms around us. And when we finally came to Him, He didn't use it as an opportunity to say, "It's about time," or anything like that. All He said was, "I love You, and it brings me joy that you're here." He gave up His Son for us, so that we could return to Him. That's just amazing love.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your amazing love for all of us. We have all been so blessed beyond words that You loved us with a love that waited centuries for us to realize. I pray for those that haven't come to realize it yet. My prayer is that they will not wait any longer. I pray that the stirring in their hearts will get to the point that they cannot contain themselves, and will leap into Your arms with joy. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Patient Endurance
James 1:12 - God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
God will not test or tempt us, that comes from within us and from the enemy (verse 13-15). But He does allow the testing to happen (see Job). Nothing happens to His children without His approval. But He allows it so that He can reward us. When we stay faithful and don't allow our will to drag us into more sin, He is well pleased and He promises to reward us for our faith.
While I believe that James was specifically referring to persecution here, this message can certainly be applied to our every day lives now. I have come across this passage 5 or 6 different times in the past week. A lot of us have bosses that drive us crazy. How easy would it be to just say, "Forget it, I'm outta here!" I know I have felt that a lot lately.
However I have to remember that I am being tested. I am being tested to see if I will try to insert my will in place of God's will and do what I want as opposed to what is right. God is allowing the test so that He can refine me like gold in a fire. All I can do is pray that He will give me the strength I need to stay the course and trust in His will for my life. He has promised to take care of me, and I know He will. I can overcome anything by His strength (Phil. 4:13).
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me to stay the course and trust in Your will for me. It can be so easy at times to throw up my hands and try to take charge, but I know that is not the right thing to do. I pray for those that haven't had the strength to endure the testing that comes from within. My prayer is that they will lean on You and Your strength to get them through any and everything, because You can overcome it all. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God will not test or tempt us, that comes from within us and from the enemy (verse 13-15). But He does allow the testing to happen (see Job). Nothing happens to His children without His approval. But He allows it so that He can reward us. When we stay faithful and don't allow our will to drag us into more sin, He is well pleased and He promises to reward us for our faith.
While I believe that James was specifically referring to persecution here, this message can certainly be applied to our every day lives now. I have come across this passage 5 or 6 different times in the past week. A lot of us have bosses that drive us crazy. How easy would it be to just say, "Forget it, I'm outta here!" I know I have felt that a lot lately.
However I have to remember that I am being tested. I am being tested to see if I will try to insert my will in place of God's will and do what I want as opposed to what is right. God is allowing the test so that He can refine me like gold in a fire. All I can do is pray that He will give me the strength I need to stay the course and trust in His will for my life. He has promised to take care of me, and I know He will. I can overcome anything by His strength (Phil. 4:13).
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me to stay the course and trust in Your will for me. It can be so easy at times to throw up my hands and try to take charge, but I know that is not the right thing to do. I pray for those that haven't had the strength to endure the testing that comes from within. My prayer is that they will lean on You and Your strength to get them through any and everything, because You can overcome it all. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Wonk, Wonk, Wonk
1 Corinthians 13:1 - If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If we're not showing love to people, then what are we doing? If we're talking about the Good News of Jesus Christ, but the word love doesn't come out, then what are we saying? If we don't have love in our hearts that comes out of our mouths, then we're just making noise.
Ever listen to someone complain on and on? Don't they sound like Charlie Brown's teacher sometimes? Love doesn't complain. It doesn't mean that if we have the love of Christ in our hearts, that we'll never have anything to complain about. We are human after all. What it means is that we won't complain about it. Complaining about something takes away from our worship of the One who solves all the problems when we let Him in. Instead of sounding like Charlie Brown's teacher, maybe we should focus on the Teacher who shows us how to love unconditionally, and not complain.
Am I complaining too much? Do I really have Christ's love in my heart to the point that when I'm tempted to complain, I instead pray and lift my problems up to Him?
Dear Father, I am sorry that I complain sometimes. I need to remember that Jesus didn't complain once when He was being led to the cross, so what could I possibly have to complain about? I need to remember to lift my problems to Him for His solution and remember that complaining doesn't offer solutions. Please give me the strength and wisdom I need to keep You in my heart so that complaining won't enter it. I pray for those that don't have Your love in their hearts, and go around complaining about everything. My prayer is that they will see that their complaints don't solve anything, but You do when You are invited in. I pray that they will invite You in today. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
If we're not showing love to people, then what are we doing? If we're talking about the Good News of Jesus Christ, but the word love doesn't come out, then what are we saying? If we don't have love in our hearts that comes out of our mouths, then we're just making noise.
Ever listen to someone complain on and on? Don't they sound like Charlie Brown's teacher sometimes? Love doesn't complain. It doesn't mean that if we have the love of Christ in our hearts, that we'll never have anything to complain about. We are human after all. What it means is that we won't complain about it. Complaining about something takes away from our worship of the One who solves all the problems when we let Him in. Instead of sounding like Charlie Brown's teacher, maybe we should focus on the Teacher who shows us how to love unconditionally, and not complain.
Am I complaining too much? Do I really have Christ's love in my heart to the point that when I'm tempted to complain, I instead pray and lift my problems up to Him?
Dear Father, I am sorry that I complain sometimes. I need to remember that Jesus didn't complain once when He was being led to the cross, so what could I possibly have to complain about? I need to remember to lift my problems to Him for His solution and remember that complaining doesn't offer solutions. Please give me the strength and wisdom I need to keep You in my heart so that complaining won't enter it. I pray for those that don't have Your love in their hearts, and go around complaining about everything. My prayer is that they will see that their complaints don't solve anything, but You do when You are invited in. I pray that they will invite You in today. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
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