Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

One

1/31/2014

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." -Ephesians 4:5-6 (KJV)

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" -John 14:6 (NIV)

One. Growing up I would hear Three Dog Night singing about one being the loneliest number as my Mom listened to the "oldies" station while driving the car. When it comes to our faith, one isn't a sad and lonely number. One is a reminder of the simplicity of our salvation and the need to remain true to God's message.

We have one God. He has one Son. We have one faith. There is only one way to salvation, through Jesus Christ. There is one truth, God's truth. There is one life worth living, a life filled by God's gracious love and forgiveness.

As we share our faith, we must remember that there is only one faith to share, one message of God's love, and one path to salvation. The world around us may want us to change, mold, or massage the message of our faith to fit with its desires or culture. We know that God's message is life changing, but the need to turn from sin and give complete control to Jesus is difficult for some people to hear. Just as difficult may be the truths that being a "good" person isn't good enough without redemption through Jesus and that some actions condoned by the world are not acceptable in God's sight.

We need to hold tight to God's grace, love, and forgiveness. We need reaffirm His truth and His one book, the Bible. We need to remain together with other believers in one faith. We need to be courageous as we spread the one true message, without caving to the pressures of the world around us.

Our path to a life with God is as simple as one... one way, one truth, and one life. As we share our one faith, stand tall on God's word in order to further His kingdom.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the truth, the way, and the life. Thank You for the simplicity of Your plan for my salvation and life in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Who is speaking?

1/30/2014

"Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him."
-John 7:18 (NIV)

The saying goes that talk is cheap. We hear a lot of talking each and everyday. We hear advertisements on T.V. and radio. We hear co-workers, bosses, and even strangers. We hear friends and family. We may even hear ourselves! Unfortunately, there is a lot of cheap and meaningless talk that we are exposed to and may be inclined to listen to and believe.

Talk for the sake of gaining personal recognition or glory is meaningless in the end. When viewing advertisements we often see talk designed to persuade us of the greatness of a product or object. Many (not all) politicians and leaders also speak to exalt their own skills, ideas, and glory. We listen and often are left disappointed when the talk is empty and unfulfilled.

There are times when we might be guilty of speaking for personal glory, too. Before speaking, we should think not only about our words, but the motivation behind those words. If the words are only to gratify ourselves, then we need to seek God's words. When we seek His glory and allow Him to speak through us, then our words will be filled with truth!

Before you speak, ask God to provide His words of truth and then allow Him to speak through you for His glory!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for guiding me. Please allow me to speak words of truth that will glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Compassion and Convictions

1/29/2014

"Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us)." - I Corinthians 16:13-14 (AMP)

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." -Matthew 7:12 (NASB)

"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." -Matthew 10:22 (NIV)

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." -I Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)

The world around us challenges us and our convictions in God's word. Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame and an advocate of the Bible's teachings states:
"Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone's lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don't have to compromise convictions to be compassionate."

Sometimes we struggle balancing our convictions with "political correctness." We don't want to offend or close the door on an opportunity to share God's love because of a perception of intolerance. We allow a "convictionless" compassion or at least an indifferent compassion to take over our responses. However, when we do not express our convictions in a loving manner, they begin to fade and become lost.

We are all sinners. No human on Earth today is in a place to condemn or judge for eternity. We can disagree with the beliefs and actions of another person and we can share our beliefs and convictions, but our actions need to be rooted in love. We need to act out of love. God is love and He gives second chances. We need to plant the seeds of God's loving and caring nature and allow God to reveal Himself in us, around us, and through us.

We need to be on guard or on alert to be sure that our convictions are not eroded by the views of those around us, those in the media, or those with the loudest public voice. We need to protect our convictions and work for the Lord. There are times when this work will not win us friends, but it will be worthwhile in the end. We can complete this work with a spirit of love and compassion from God.

As Christians, we need to embrace the reassurance of our faith that we are to stand on the promises of God as found in His word. We are called not to hate or fear, but to guard our convictions and spread God's love to everyone. We can pray that God will open the hearts and minds of those we encounter so that they too can experience God's compassion and learn to appreciate the Truth of God's word.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing a plan for our lives. Thank You for the convictions that You have given us. Please allow me to act with a spirit of compassion while standing on the Truth of Your word. Please open my heart and mind to hear Your guidance and open the hearts and minds of those I encounter so they, too, may experience your compassion, grace, and truth. In Jesus' name, who died to save us all, Amen.

Tested and Proven!

1/28/2014

"Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him, do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar."
-Proverbs 30:5-6 (NASB)

God has been around forever! Throughout all of history, even before the history of the Earth and people inhabiting it, God has been present and active. Many people before us have talked to God, witnessed His power, and tested His word. Throughout the history of mankind, there has been one constant: God.

Through their testing, covenant making, pushing the limits, listening, rebelling and covenant breaking, faithful service, prayer and communication with God, our ancestors have found that God is a source of protection. The world can be cruel and harsh, but we can be reassured that God loves us and offers us protection.

Proverbs 30:5-6 reminds that there is also a warning that comes with this protection: we must not add to or change God's word. When we alter God's word, we erode the meaning of His message and damage our own credibility.

God has given us His perfect assurance and protection. God was the beginning and His word has been proven through the tests of time. We can rely on God, but we must be sure to rely on God's perfect word...not our reinvention of God's word!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for your tested and perfect word. Please protect me and help me to prosper in furthering Your kingdom with Your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

No better offer!

1/27/2014

"After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. Jesus said to the Twelve, 'Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me?]' Simon Peter answered, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God.'" -John 6:66-69 (AMP)

We like to find a deal, a real value. We like to make the best offer that gets us the most, while paying the least. We might spend time searching between stores or online for a deal. Sometimes we're even willing to stand in long lines to get a good deal. All the while the best deal or offer is right in front of us and is free for the taking! God has placed an offer on the table for everyone... no limited quantities, no coupons required, no one day offers, and no waiting in long lines!

So, what is the offer? God's offer to us is forgiveness, unconditional love, and eternal life. The cost? Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. It's that easy!

There were early followers of Jesus that didn't realize His importance or the value of the "deal" of spending time with Him. Some of these followers gave up and returned to their old ways and old friends, but Simon Peter realized the value of his time with Jesus. Simon Peter knew Jesus held the key to eternal life and wholeheartedly believed in who Jesus was (and is!) and in the message Jesus spread.

We must believe as Simon Peter did when Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they were going away. Even if others give up on or turn away from Jesus, we need to remain faithful and committed to Jesus and His message of eternal life. We need to realize the value of the deal offered to us and we must accept it!

Where else can you go to find the deal that God offers us through His Son? The answer: NOWHERE! Now it is up to each one of us to accept the deal and spread the word in love to others!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for placing the best deal within my reach. Thank You sending Your Son and for forgiving my sins. Please help me to spread Your love and the message of eternal life to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Spirit and Truth

1/26/2014

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."
-John 4:23-24 (NIV)

What does it mean to worship? Worship can be defined as reverent honor paid to God. Worship can also be adoring reverence and regard. What do you adore and hold in reverence and high regard? How do you show your adoration, love, and respect? We can worship many things in many ways, but in the end we will be disappointed unless we are worshiping the one true God.

Worship may bring to mind images of church services, singing praise songs, attending church camp adventures and retreats, reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, gathering with a group of people, walking alone, or some other personal experience. We are called to a life of praise and worship of God. God created each of us as individuals. How and where we worship can vary. We can express our reverent honor in different, individual ways. Yet there should be two constants in all of our worship. No matter where or how we worship, we must worship God in the Spirit and in truth. God has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and mentor us in our faith. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can know how to worship and know the truth.

While the Holy Spirit has been given to us to help us, we can also talk to God directly. Through prayers and study, we can learn to not only worship in the Spirit and in truth, but also to live each day in the Spirit and in truth. Take time to listen to the Holy Spirit and to express your adoration and reverence for the one true God in the Spirit and in truth!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me through life. Please help me to know Your truth and to worship You in Spirit and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Free from condemnation

1/25/2014

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." -Romans 8:1-2 (NASB)

"That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9 (NIV)

Feeling overwhelmed and held down? Have you forgotten that you are free? As long as you have chosen Jesus as your Savior in your heart and confessed your sin and asked forgiveness with your mouth, then you are free from death and sin! Nothing can hold you down as long as you are holding on to the promises of God!

God has gives us options. He allows us to make choices. All of our choices have consequences...some good and some not so good! The good news is that we can learn from all of our choices, the good and not so good. The even better news is that the Bible tells us about the best choice we can make: accepting Jesus.

What are the consequences of accepting Jesus? Forgiveness. Conquering death and sin. A life that is fulfilled because it is full of God!

Take time each day to remind yourself that you are forgiven and given a new life in Jesus. Trusting in God's word allows us to overcome the law of sin and death with the law of the Spirit of LIfe! Embrace God, embrace His Spirit of Life, and prepare for a life filled with God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for freeing me from the condemnation of sin and death. Thank You for filling me with Your Spirit of Life. Please allow me to share this spirit in Your name. In Jesus name, Amen.

Return to greatness

1/24/2014

"Therefore thus says the Lord [to Jeremiah]: if you return [and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair], then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile [cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's faithfulness], you shall be My mouthpiece. [But do not yield to them.] Let them return to you - not you to the people." -Jeremiah 15:19 (AMP)

"Therefore, thus says the LORD, If you return then I will restore you -- before Me you will stand; nd if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, but as for you, you must not turn to them." -Jeremiah 15:19 (NASB)

Throughout life's journey, we all slip along the way from time to time. After all, we are not perfect! We may be faced with situations that cause us to embrace a "mistaken tone of distrust and despair," whether at home, at work, at "play", or even at church! Fortunately for each of us, God is a loving God that willingly grants us second chances.

When we acknowledge that we have slipped or wandered off of God's path, we must make the effort to return to God. When we return to God, He restores us! When God restores us, we stand before Him in a place of safety. He returns us to greatness for Him. He also entrusts us with and prepares us for the task of speaking for Him and spreading His word.

As we spread His word, we will encounter those that are unwilling to change or unwilling to embrace what we are saying. We must remember to love these people, but we must not turn to their ways. The world may not understand us or our message, but God knows our heart. As we continue to return to Him, He will strengthen and protect us through the journey.

Make time to return to God today and everyday! Let Him strengthen you and protect you. Let Him prepare you so that He can speak through you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for allowing me second chances. Thank You for allowing me to return to You so that You can strengthen and prepare me so that You can speak through me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stop striving. Start listening!

1/23/2014

"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." -Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

If you're anything like me, then you have a to-do list that never seems to end. We are always on the go... work, church activities, meetings, appointments, volunteering, work around the house, helping with and monitoring homework, chauffeuring children, and attending events for our children. We are not only busy, but we are becoming increasingly connected to our work, friends, and family. Sometimes it seems like there isn't a moment in the day to just sit down and catch your breath!

Life can be busy, but we must choose how to prioritize everything that is happening in our lives. One aspect of our lives that we shouldn't overlook is taking time to be still and listen for God and to God. As we rush about our lives, we strive to get things done, to achieve, and to succeed, so much so that we are too wrapped up in our activities to hear God! In order to hear God and discern His plan for our lives, we must take time to cease striving, to rest in God, to be still before the Lord, and to wait patiently for Him.

Find a place in your schedule for quiet time with God. Take time to know God in a place without T.V., the internet, cell phones, and other distractions or interruptions. Exalt Him, praise Him, and make this time a routine so that you can listen to what God is telling you and to talk with God. With God, you can accomplish more than you can on your own! All you need to do is stop striving and start listening to Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being there for me at any time. Please help me to prioritize how to use my time. Please speak to me and help me to hear, to listen, and to follow Your plan for me. In Jesus' name, Amen,

Changing your mind

1/22/2014

"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent." -Acts 17:30 (NASB)

As we journey through life, there are times when God challenges our thinking and actions. There are times when we must change our mind. Sometimes these changes are minor and seem inconsequential. Other times the change may have larger impacts. Changing your mind may be difficult. Admitting that you needed to change your mind is sometimes even more difficult than the act of changing your mind!

The word repent in this scripture passage (Acts 17:30) is a translation from a Greek word meaning "to have another mind" or "to change the mind." When we confess our sins to God, accept Jesus as our Savior, and choose to live a life for God, we are called to become a new person in Him. When we repent, we must be willing to change our mind and our actions to truly reflect our commitment to God.

When we acknowledge God's sovereign power in our lives, we become devoted to Him. As you talk to God you can confess your sins, ask for His forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and commit to living a new life. A committed life to God causes our minds change from "I can" to "He can!" This type of changing your mind should be a joyous occasion, because through Him all things are possible!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for allowing me to confess my sins and to repent. Thank You for the forgiveness You offer through the sacrifice of Your Son. Help me to change my mind and actions to be a better witness for You! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

What do you hope for?

1/21/2014

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." -Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)

Hope. It is a powerful word. Hope can sustain a person through difficult circumstances. Hope can provide motivation for pushing forward, taking chances, and reaching the end result. However, hope is useless without faith.

When we hope we must be assured that what we are hoping for is possible. We must have faith! Faith is believing in the things that we cannot see or have not seen. Hebrews 11 gives us many examples of faith and hope throughout the Bible.

Because of faith as the assurance of things hoped for Abel presented a pleasing offering to God, Enoch was taken to be with God, Noah prepared the ark, Abraham and Sarah lived in a foreign land and had a son when it seemed impossible, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph offered blessings and worshiped, Moses was hidden in the reeds as a newborn and later became a great leader, Joshua brought down the walls of Jericho, and Rahab was saved because of aiding God's spies (Hebrews 11:4-31). Others, including Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, and many other deeds (Hebrews 11:32-40).

We can hope for things as well. When our faith and hope are in God, all things are possible! We can be assured that through our faith in God we can achieve great things. Like some of our "heroes and heroines of faith", we may have to wait to realize God's plan for us, but we can be sure that God will reward our conviction in things not seen.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for reassuring me and my hope. Through my faith in You, allow me to follow Your plan for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We're all in this together!

1/20/2014

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." -Galatians 3:26-28 (NASB)

As individuals we have our own ideas and our own ways of doing things. Sometimes we think our ideas are the better or only ways of doing things. We are all individuals and God created us to be that way, but we also need to remember that once we have accepted Jesus as Savior, then we are one part of a larger body.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that, “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” This is true in the world around us, but it can also be true within the church and within the body of Christ. Different ideas, different perceptions, and different ways of doing things can hinder the overall witness and well-being of individuals and of churches.

In order to best serve God and further His kingdom, we need to remember that we are not called to work alone, but as a body of believers. In order to reach our fullest potential, we need to communicate...with each other AND with God! When communicated, our differences will allow us to grow, branch out, and serve Him better.

We are not alone. We have God and Jesus to guide us, but we also have our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one body working for His kingdom! None of us can do it all alone, but together we can communicate, love each other, and accomplish great things for God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for accepting me regardless of my past. Please help me to communicate with You and with fellow believers in order to function as one for the glory of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Visible and Invisible

1/19/2014

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things have been created through Him and for Him." -Colossians 1:16 (NASB)

We are created by God. The world around us was created by God. Everything is created by God. However, we sometimes forget that there is more around us than meets the eye!

We live in a physical world, a place where we can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. Our senses keep us informed of what is happening around us. When one of our senses is impaired, our bodies often compensate by heightening a different sense.

As we read the Bible, we are reminded that our world is made up of more than just the physical realm. Besides God's presence, the Holy Spirit and God's angels are at work in our world. These beings protect us, comfort us, and guide us.

In our world there are also the invisible or unseen forces of evil working to keep us away or pry us away from God's loving embrace. As we travel our journey of life, we need to remember to beware of these invisible forces so that we can counteract their influences. God's angels are at war with the devil on our behalf, but we must be alert as well.

When you start to feel yourself slipping away from God, take the time to pray, to trust God, and to strengthen yourself against the invisible forces of evil in our world.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for creating a world that we can call home. Help us to be aware of both the visible and invisible forces working around me. Protect me and help me to contribute to Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

It's not relative!

1/18/2014

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.'" -John 14:6 (NASB)

"And He said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment.'" -Matthew 22:36 (NASB)

"That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9 (NIV)

When traveling and navigating the physical world, we can use a map or GPS to follow one of many options for reaching our destination. We can take the highway or avoid the highway. We can find the shortest route, the quickest route, or the scenic route. As we travel through the moral world around us, we are sometimes reassured by the world that we have the same number of options for reaching our final destination. However, when traveling and navigating the moral world around us, we must be much more careful about the GPS that we are using!

The world may tell us that it is okay to ignore certain parts of the Bible or God's plan for us. We are sometimes told that times have changed and our interpretation of the Bible must change as well. We are told that if we are better than those around us, then we are on the right track. The world wants the pathway to eternity to be based on relative goodness, not on God's absolutes.

When we read the Bible, we know that there is only one way to reach the final destination of forgiveness and everlasting life. The ONLY way for us to spend eternity in Heaven is through Jesus. Jesus tells us that He is the one way, the one truth, for being forgiven and reaching God. Without an acknowledgement that Jesus died for our sins and that we are forgiven through His sacrifice, we cannot reach eternity in Heaven.

A GPS may give us the best route for navigating the physical world, but when dealing with issues of life and death the Bible should be the GPS that we rely on for helping us navigate the issues around us. When we listen to God's word, we will know how to reach an eternity in Heaven!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing the Bible as a GPS for my life. Help me to understand Your word and apply it appropriately in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Go out for Him

1/17/2014

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" -Matthew 18-20 (NIV)

There are reports that church attendance and involvement are declining, especially in the "millennial" generation. There could be many reasons for these reports, but addressing the issue can come back to the commission of Jesus to go out into the world, into all nations (even our own nation) to spread God's love and God's word. Yet, some churches are resistant to go out into the world to meet and find people and then welcome them with God's unconditional love.

I recently read a newspaper article about a pastor that opened a "Bar Church" in Springfield, Illinois. The pastor spoke about meeting people where they are comfortable. He spoke of the negative experiences that some people have encountered with traditional churches and overcoming these perceptions of the church. He was not condoning drunkenness, but He wanted to be able to reach individuals that were more comfortable meeting in a bar than they are in a traditional church building.

Maintaining our "traditional" churches plays an important role in furthering God's kingdom, but in what is commonly called "The Great Commission," Jesus sends His disciples out into the world to tell His story and bring followers to God. Jesus asked those first disciples and He asks us to go out and spread the word.

Throughout His life, Jesus did not avoid meeting the scorned, despised, and low class people of His day. He did not worry about what others thought when He met controversial types of people...even in their own homes! Jesus did not require a dress code or an upstanding family history. Jesus did not always accept the lifestyles of those He met, nor did He forget the morals and expectations of God His Father. However, He did show love, forgiveness, and chances to change from a life of sin to a life in Him!

We need to remember the example set by Jesus, to meet people where they are at any point or condition of life and to tell them the good news of forgiveness and everlasting life in Jesus! We need to embrace people with God's unconditional love. Through our words, our actions, or a combination of the two, we can show that God's love is for everyone, everywhere!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for finding me and trusting me with furthering Your kingdom. Please give me the strength, knowledge, and skill to live a life for You with all of my words and actions, so that more people can be enfolded in Your love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Strength

1/16/2014

"The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights." -Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Do you ever feel worn out or run down? Do you ever feel overwhelmed? We all go through times when we don't feel our best. Sometimes we're not sure how we're going to make it through the day or the week. The mountain before us is intimidating and seems insurmountable. The good news is that we don't have to climb that mountain alone!

God is our strength. He can help us to overcome whatever feelings or obstacles we encounter. If we ask God to go with us, He can make our feet like the feet of a deer to help us run, leap, and climb any mountain that stands before us!

Next time you feel overwhelmed, worn out, or unworthy, remember that God loves you! Ask Him for help and trust in His strength. God can do it all and He is willing to give you the strength to climb the mountains in your life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being my strength. Please walk with me through life and give me the strength to climb every mountain that comes my way. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Do you know Him?

1/15/2014

"I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me." -John 10:14 (AMP)

Recently, I was reading a devotional where Billy Graham posed the question, "How well do you know Jesus?" At the surface, the question seems like a simple one. Maybe there are verses from the Bible and Bible stories that you know and can tell. Maybe there are hymns and songs that you can sing about Jesus. Maybe you have read the Bible and other books about Jesus. Maybe you attend church and Sunday school. Maybe you have even taken college classes that discussed Jesus and the Bible. Does this mean you know Jesus?

We can learn about Jesus from different activities, just like we can learn about other historical figures. Knowing Jesus through learning about Him is an important step in our individual growth. However, simply reading and learning about Jesus from church, classes, or books is not completely knowing Jesus. Jesus is different than other historical figures because we can still get to know Him and have a relationship with Him today!

Truly knowing Jesus goes beyond just studying and learning about Him. We need to build a relationship with and experience the power and love of Jesus! Our personal experiences with God and His Son are what enable us to know Jesus. Each of us may experience Jesus in different ways, making our relationship with Him our own. Through prayer, devotionals, Bible study, fellowship with other Christians, and taking the time to listen to and experience His love and power, we can build that personal relationship with Jesus.

He knows our journey. He has been there every step of the way, whether we realized it or not. Jesus has assured us that He knows each of us (John 10:14). We must be sure to get to know Jesus, not only through studying, but also by taking time to listen and experience a relationship with Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Jesus to save me from my sin. Thank You for raising Him from the dead, so that He can have a relationship with me. Please help me to take the time to build and experience a stronger, more personal relationship with You and Your Son. In His name I pray, Amen.

What gifts do you have?

1/14/2014

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." -Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

The Bible tells us that we each have a gift or gifts given to us by God. Sometimes we are able to identify these gifts easily. Sometimes we don't realize what gifts we have been given. It's like missing the forest for the trees! We don't have the same view of ourselves as God or those around us.

Before we can use our gifts for the glory of God, we need to identify our gifts, our strengths that can positively contribute to the larger body of Christ. How do we identify our gifts? We can begin by searching ourselves, praying to God, and keeping a journal to help us see where we can best fit and what gifts we have been given. We can also ask those that we trust for their input. Those around us at home, at work, or at church may be able to give us valuable feedback on what gifts we have, gifts we may not have realized ourselves!

Once we have discovered our gifts, then it is time for us to talk with God about finding opportunities for applying our gifts. God will help us use our gifts. He will present us with the opportunities to glorify Him. He will magnify our gifts to do more than we could do on our own. There may be times God asks us to step out of our comfort zones to use our gifts, but He is always there with us to help us make progress for His kingdom.

We should use our gifts from God at church, but not only at church! We can apply God's gifts to our family life. We can use our gifts in our career choices and daily work life. God has prepared us with gifts from His grace. Now all we have to do is trust Him in order to go forth and use our gifts!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the gifts that You have given to me. Help me to fully realize Your gifts so that I can do great things for Your glory! In Jesus' name, Amen.

No doubt about it!

1/13/2014

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD and He will do it." -Psalm 37:3-5 (NASB)

Have you ever felt like giving up? Have you ever been hesitant or afraid to take that first step to start something new? If you have, you are definitely not alone. Many people deal with fear, anxiety, and the feelings of pointless endeavors.

When we experience feelings of giving up or fear, we are allowing doubt to creep into our lives. We begin to ask questions and doubt God's ability to deliver us from any situation. Instead of allowing doubt to breed fear and anxiety, we need to "cultivate faithfulness" and "delight in the Lord" to overcome these feelings.

God wants us to be faithful to Him, to cultivate faithfulness in Him, and to delight in Him and His blessings for us. For God to give us the desires of our hearts, we must commit to Him in all we do. When we feel like giving up or like we are frozen and prevented from starting a new endeavor, we need to bring everything to God in prayer. God has a plan for us, but we must be patient, committed to Him, and ready to accept His blessings! No doubt about it!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your willingness to grant the desires of my heart. Help me as I strive to be committed and faithful to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hold His hand!

1/12/2014

"For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear. I will help you.'" -Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Holding a child's hand is a way that we keep him or her safe. When the potential for danger exists, we ask our children to hold our hand. Often, the child may not see the possibility of danger that might exist. As someone responsible for the well-being of a child, we must assure the child that we will keep him or her safe.

God, our Heavenly Father, wants to hold our hand and help us through all of the situations that we face in our lives. God wants to keep us safe. God tells us in the Bible that He will hold our hand and that we should not fear. God wants us to be safe and to prosper!

However, much like a young child sometimes tries to pull away from the hand that is protecting him or her, we sometimes try and pull away from God's hand. Sometimes we think we can accomplish things on our own. Sometimes we get distracted by the busyness of our lives and drift away from God. Whatever the reason, we need to remember that the safest place is holding God's hand and walking with Him!

When doubt creeps in or we begin to wander away from God, we can ask God to take our hand and lead us. As the hymnist Thomas Dorsey stated:
"Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on,
Let me stand
I'm tired, I am weak I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home."

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being there to walk with me, to hold my hand, and to take away my fear. Please help me to hold Your hand and not pull away. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Who has God given you?

1/11/2014

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you for this is the Law and the Prophets." -Matthew 7:12 (NASB)

"And He said, 'A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.' So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.'" -Luke 15:11-13 (NASB)

"And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." - I Thessalonians 4:10-12 (NIV)

A friend recently posted the following quote: "God knows who belongs in your life and who doesn't. Trust and let go! -Anonymous." We all have people in our lives. God gives us family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and even complete strangers. These people are placed in our lives to help us learn, to help us grow, and to help us become more complete individuals in Him. While God places people in our lives to help us, He can also remove people from our lives.

Sometimes the removal of people from our lives is a gradual process. We move away from where we live. We get a new job. We begin to pursue other interests. We stay in touch for a while, then these relationships from our old places and old interests fade away. Other times the removal of people from our lives is more abrupt. Some event precipitates a situation that pushes us away from another person or group of people.

Whether it seems to be our choice or the choice of another person, people enter our lives and leave again as part of God's plan. When this happens, we have to accept God's will and His plan for who can be part of our lives. Sometimes it is easy for us to let people go, but other times it can be a struggle. Sometimes we feel the urge to chase after people that God has removed from our lives. Remember that we need to trust God and the plan for who God gives us in our lives.

We need to treat all people with respect and love, just like we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). However, that doesn't mean that we allow other people to control our lives or influence our actions. Nor should we control another person. We should mind our own business, work for God, and allow our lives to serve as examples for those around us (I Thessalonians 4:10-12). God will give us those individuals that we need to have in our lives.

If someone is removed from our lives, we should not chase after that person. Jesus told the parable of the "Prodigal Son" and we often look at that parable in order to see the never ending love of Our Father. However, we can also learn another lesson from the parable. In the story of the prodigal son, the father did not chase after his son. He knew that the son was making a poor decision, but he allowed the son to make the decision. The father was available to his son and full of love for his son, but he did not pursue his son. He did not try to make it work with his son and he did not lecture his son about the poor decisions he was making. The father let his son go. In other words, "God sometimes removes people from your life to protect you. Don't run after them! -Anonymous."

We need to remember that God is in control and that He has plans to make us prosper. The people in our lives are part of this greater plan. Whenever you are faced with losing someone, with God removing a person from your life, let go and trust God. Don't run after that person, but continue to practice sharing God's love. If God brings the person back into your life later, be ready with open arms and love, just like the father of the prodigal son!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for having a plan for my life. Please help me to accept Your plan for my life and the people that You place in my life and those that You remove from my life. Allow me to trust and let go and not chase after those that You have temporarily or permanently removed from my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have patience

1/10/2014

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -James 1:2-4 (NASB)

Patience. Waiting. Not getting an answer RIGHT NOW! As the internet, smart phones, wi-fi,on-demand T.V. programming and DVRs, and the like have become more mainstream, we have become conditioned to expecting an immediate answer or obtaining the immediate, desired result. If it doesn't feel good, happen almost instantaneously, or go as smoothly as expected, then we tend to get irritated, frustrated, or disappointed.

The quickest response is not always the right response. We need to remember that God has a plan and everything happens because of His plan. Just like a runner preparing for a marathon, we need to build endurance. Encountering and overcoming trials and obstacles makes our faith stronger. Short sprints can become longer runs toward reaching a goal. Each step in reaching a pinnacle shapes us and works to create the perfect result desired by God.

Waiting for our desired answers may take a lifetime, but God's answer to what we need is always present. As we turn control over to God, He will guide us and assure that we will prosper in His plans for each of us. We may have to work, we may be faced with trials, but in the end the perfect result supported by God and His love for us will be complete and that much sweeter!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for wanting me to build endurance in order to reach the perfect, complete end result. Help me to listen to You and rely on You to help me through every obstacle. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Where is "home"?

1/9/2014

"For we know hat if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
-II Corinthians 5:1 (NASB)

There is a saying that "home is where the heart is." This saying gives reason to stop and think, to evaluate where our heart is at and what we truly cherish. The Bible tells us that our home on earth is like a tent, a temporary dwelling. What awaits in Heaven is much more luxurious and permanent!

Our time in our earthly home may be likened to time in a rental or vacation home. Our earthly home is a place where we spend time before reaching our permanent home in Heaven. While we are in our "vacation" or "rented" earthly home, we must treat it with care. When we leave our earthly home, we should leave the space better than we found it. We should be caretakers of the land and resources available to us. We should be caretakers of each other, showing God's love as we live out our days on earth.

On earth, our home can be a place of comfort and security. It is where we spend our time, where we eat and sleep. We should be thankful to God for all of the blessings that we have on earth. Even though we value our home on earth, we should not lose focus of our permanent home in Heaven. When we reach Heaven, our earthly home will pale in comparison to the great eternal house that God has established for us there!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for giving me an earthly home. I ask that You guide me in taking care of all of Your creation and in demonstrating love to all people. Thank You for reminding me that You are preparing a much greater home for me in Heaven than could ever be imagined here on earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Meditate on the Rock!

1/8/2014

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."
-Psalm 19:14 (NASB)

This verse has been most familiar to me as an invocation used by several of my pastors prior to the delivery of their sermons. The words of this Psalm were prayed in order to prepare the pastor as God's messenger and the congregation as the recipients of God's word. While these words are fitting for preparing to deliver or listen to God's directives for our lives during a church service, they are also applicable to our everyday lives.

Whether during devotional time, prayer time, or moving about our normal routine each day, we should remember to let all of our words and actions be acceptable in God's sight. We need to think before speaking and acting. Each word we speak and action that we perform reflect what is in our hearts.

As we grow closer to God we can be assured that God is constant. God is our rock, He will not change from yesterday to today to tomorrow. As we meditate on and study God's word, we can work to purify our thoughts, words, and actions.

God loves us and knows that we are not perfect. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, we can speak or act without thinking. Fortunately, when we make mistakes God will forgive us. Still, we need to work on making sure our words and actions are acceptable in God's sight.

Talk to God. Study His word. Pray and ask for His help so that you can be a positive witness...not just on Sundays, but everyday!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being my rock and my Redeemer. I ask that you help all of my words, thoughts, and actions be acceptable in Your sight. Help me to be a positive witness for You in all I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What God Requires

1/7/2014

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" -Micah 6:8 (NASB)

Each day we awake and prepare to embark on the journey ahead of us. We often follow a routine that gets us from sleep to being prepared for the activities of the day. As we walk out the door and into the world, our routine should include preparation for what God requires - for how we should carry ourselves and perform our duties.

When we step out of our bedroom and into the world, what does God require of us? Micah 6:8 is a verse that can guide our actions and our interactions with other people and with God's creation. God requires us to do justice. We should treat those around us with fairness, love, and respect. Even in seemingly small interactions with all of those we meet, we should be respectful and polite. God requires us to love kindness. We should be kind to everyone, even those that challenge us and make it difficult for us to show kindness.

Lastly, Micah 6:8 tells us to walk humbly with our God. Sometimes walking humbly can present the biggest challenge. In society, humility is not always valued and may be perceived as a weakness. Working for God does not mean performing duties in expectation of personal recognition and rewards, but working in a spirit of service for the glory of God. When walking humbly with God, God will take care of us in all of our endeavors.

When you walk out your door, remember to walk as God requires: with justice, kindness, and humility... most importantly walk with God! Invite God to walk with you so that you can routinely prosper and glorify Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank you for being a just and loving God. Please help me to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you wherever I go and in whatever I do in order to glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.