Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

Alive, Active, & In Plain Sight

2/28/2014

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." -Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)

The Bible is an old book, but that does not mean that its message is antiquated or out of date! God's word is alive, active, and relevant to our lives today. The life and activity of God's word can reassure us, but there are some who fear its power.

Some people fear the Bible's power to expose their wicked ways, habits, and deeds. They seek to interpret the Bible to meet their own needs or justify their own desires. These individuals can cleverly twist the scriptures and intent of God's word, just like the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and the devil in his temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4)!

We must beware of the tendency of some people to twist and misinterpret God's word and the accompanying false teachings. Everything is visible to God. Even what we can hide from our fellow man is seen by God. We can become aware of false teachings by asking for and seeking God's wisdom and guidance to see what is hidden in twisted words and actions.

Once God has shown us false teachings, we need to be prepared to combat false claims and defend our faith in the one true God. To prepare, we must know the scriptures - the teachings of Jesus and of God our Father. We should work to build a relationship with God through devotional time, study, reading the Bible, fellowship with and learning from other believers, and prayer.

Take the time to learn the word of God. Ask for God's guidance. Use the power of His word wisely, defending what is good and rejecting what is evil, so that you have nothing to hide from God and nothing to fear in His word. As we build our relationship and understanding of God's word, we will see how alive and active His words are today!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with Your alive, active, and relevant word. Help me to learn and know Your word, to recognize false teachings, and to be prepared to combat false teachings by wisely using Your word for the glory of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Blessed Forgiveness

2/27/2014

"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit." -Psalms 32:1-2 (NIV)

I recently heard a song by Matthew West called "Forgiveness." I have listened to the song many times since I first heard it. The theme of the song is that we should forgive, even when our minds tell us we shouldn't or others say it's okay not to forgive.

Forgiving someone can be easier said than done. While we may feel the desire to forgive, our heads and our hearts struggle justifying forgiving someone that doesn't "deserve" it. Fortunately for us, God has forgiven us through the sacrifice of His Son, even when we weren't and aren't deserving of the forgiveness! This salvation through forgiveness of our sins, which are never counted against us, is the greatest gift and blessing we could ever receive!

Since we have been blessed, our approach to forgiveness should change. When faced with the issue of forgiving someone, we should rely on God for the strength to forgive and remove the burden of carrying a grudge. Our old ways may be deeply ingrained as habits, but we can break those habits and be set free!

You are forgiven by God. You are blessed by God. Learn to accept His forgiveness and to forgive like Him so that you can live freely with Him.

Prayer:
Dear God-
I ask for Your forgiveness and thank You for sending You Son to save me and allow me to be forgiven. Please teach me to forgive others as freely as You have forgiven me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Take Time to Help

2/26/2014

"But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish."
-Psalm 9:18 (NIV)

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" -Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

I was once part of a church congregation that I felt was ignoring an important lesson. Members of the church were making choices to cut funding to missions and outreach in order to decorate the church with unnecessary frills. There were members of the church that pointed out that there will always be poor among us, so the church could spend the money on whatever it wanted right now and then get to helping the poor at a later date, once the members of the church had everything they wanted in their sanctuary.

The circumstances of the needy are addressed at various places in the Bible. As Christians, we are supposed to care for humanity. We are to reflect God's love and compassion to all those we meet, regardless of their circumstance or their ability to repay us what we give them.

The Bible does tell us that there will always be poor around us, but that does not mean that we can ignore the afflicted and needy. We have a responsibility to be the eyes, ears, hands, and feet for Jesus, serving others in His name. Just as God will never forget the needy, we need to be prepared to help the less fortunate around us, whether by giving time or resources.

I believe my former church would have been setting a more Christ-like example if their efforts focused on helping the needy and afflicted in our community and beyond. As I move forward with my journey, growing and learning about God, I try to remember this lesson: we shouldn't ignore the afflicted or postpone helping until a more convenient time. God has blessed each of us in some way and we can use these gifts and talents to help others during our time on earth in order to make a lasting impact on God's kingdom!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for all you provide for me and my family. Please help me to be Your eyes, ears, hands, and feet here in my community and throughout the earth. Please bless my efforts and use me to further Your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Temptations

2/25/2014

"Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU; and ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.' Jesus said to him, 'On the other hand, it is written, YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST'" -Matthew 4:5-7 (NASB)

Temptations. They are all around. We are faced with temptations everyday in many different ways. Sometimes temptations are even disguised or falsely justified by the devil as we see in the devil's temptations of Jesus. The devil knows the Bible...and how to twist its words to tempt us.

Whenever we are faced with temptations, we need to remember the example set by Jesus. We need to know God's Word so that we are not deceived by misinterpretations of scripture. We also need to be able to stand firm and tell the devil that we will not be swayed from our faith in God.

The next time you are faced with a temptation, no matter what form it takes, take a moment to ask God for the wisdom and strength to resist the temptation. God's loving guidance can steer you around whatever obstacle may be in front of you. Rely on your faith and on God's presence in your life to keep you moving forward for Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and never leaving me. Please give me wisdom and strength whenever I am faced with temptations. Help me to live a Godly life for You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

One "Un-Crooked" Generation

2/24/2014

"Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He. They are corrupt and not his children; to their shame they are a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the LORD, you foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" -Deuteronomy 32:1-6 (NIV)

To each older, more mature generation, the younger generation seems to be lost, whether lost in youthful arrogance, immaturity, blissful ignorance, or ill-conceived ways. Sometimes the older generations resign themselves to an indifference about the younger generations. Sometimes the older generations long for the nostalgic "good old days." At the same time the younger generation distances itself from the past. When looking at the church, we shouldn't see generations divided by age, but rather a united generation for Christ!

One commonality that must envelope all members of the Church family is the rock-solid foundation of God, His Son, and the Holy Word of God. Once this foundation is established and sincerely embraced, then all parts of the body of Christ can work together to serve Him - all generations can become one! Younger or newer believers in the family can inspire (or re-ignite) a passion and zeal for loving and serving God. Older members can impart wisdom from experiences and learning opportunities. The learning within the church family will be directed by God and falling like the rain or dew on delicate, unique, and thirsty flowers for Christ.

However, we are well-served to heed the warning that we are not to be a lost or crooked generation. We must always rely on the foundation of God and follow His straight and narrow path. We must honor God as our Creator and wisely repay Him with prayer, praise, and offerings of our gifts.

Together as a church of believers, we must be one united generation built on an uncompromising and unshakeable faith in God, not a lost, infighting, and crooked generation. Once we are united and praising God together our witness to all generations everywhere will be multiplied!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving all ages and generations. Please help me to unite different ages and generations into one generation for Christ so that we may serve You better. For the glory of Your kingdom I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Mix it up!

2/23/2014

"Then the Lord said, 'Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote. Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.'" -Isaiah 29:13-14 (NASB)

For the most part, humans are creatures of habit. We like routines and expected outcomes in our lives. However, we can also be annoyed when we get stuck in a rut. Our relationship with God, whether our worship, praise, or prayer, can sometimes get stuck in a rut. Our approach becomes memorized, rote, and almost meaningless.

The Bible warns us that we should beware of honoring God through lip service while our hearts become detached from the meaning of our worship, praise, and prayer. If you find yourself physically present in worship, but absent mentally, or mindlessly reciting the Lord's Prayer or your own prayers, stop and take inventory of your heart. Maybe it is time to mix things up and change your approach to building your relationship with God!

God wants a close, personal relationship with each of us. We can approach a relationship with God in many different ways, but God needs to be the center of our hearts. If you find your heart drifting, renew your commitment to God. Find ways to express this commitment to and love for God. Your expressions of worship, praise, and prayer to God can be as unique as God has made you!

Get yourself out of the rut and into God's loving presence. God made you unique, build your relationship with God...even if you have to mix things up to keep it fresh!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and wanting to have a personal relationship with me. Please help me to feel Your presence in my heart and keep my heart from drifting away from You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

No Shame

2/22/2014

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God s revealed - a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
-Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

Have you ever wanted to tell someone the Good News of salvation through belief in and forgiveness through Jesus, but were worried about what to say? There are times when finding the right words to say to someone may not be easy. Even though finding the words that will speak to a certain individual at a certain point in time can be difficult, we should never be ashamed of the message we have to share.

Live your live forgiven through Jesus and without shame. God loves each of us and His promises and forgiveness allow us to live by faith. This Good News is so wonderful that our lives should reflect God's righteousness.

As we are living faithfully and filled by God's righteousness, we will encounter those opportunities to share God's plan of salvation. We don't have to have the perfect words. We only need to believe in the power of God's salvation and to share this message in faith. When we are unsure of what to say, that's when we need to turn it over to God. God will use our words and actions to plant the seed of His message.

When you have the opportunity to share God's grace, don't be ashamed! Hold onto the power of God's salvation through Jesus and stand tall in faith!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your plan of salvation and the power of this message for my life. Help me to live righteously in faith and to share the power of salvation with others. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Just Love.

2/21/2014

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good."
-Romans 12:9 (NASB)

Each of us are faced with decisions and problems every day. Sometimes we are also faced with difficult people who rub us the wrong way. Our approach to making decisions, solving problems, and dealing with all people should rely on love. Our decisions and dealings should reject evil, be built firmly on what is good, and share the love of God and Jesus.

This is often easier said than done. There are times when it is hard to see the good in a situation or person. Ask God for the strength and vision to see what is good. Follow God's example of loving each person and the good in each person while rejecting the evil that is in all of us.

Living a life built on love is much more enjoyable than a life built on evil and hate. Each situation and person we encounter is put in our path for a reason. Look for the good. Embrace it. Share God's love and be amazed by what happens in your life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for looking past my evil deeds and loving me. Thank You for sending Your Son to eliminate my sin. Please give me the vision to see the good that is around me and the wisdom of how to share Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Delight

2/20/2014

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night." -Psalm 1:1-3 (NASB)

What makes you happy? There may be many earthly answers to that question, but there is only one eternal answer: love for and salvation through Jesus! The Bible tells us that we are blessed and delighted when we are listening to the Lord.

How do we listen and hear - communicate with - God? We need to take time out to meditate on the law and teachings that God gives to us. Reading the Bible, reading devotionals, and spending time in prayer are some ways that we can build our relationship with God.

Take time each day and night to communicate with God and to meditate on His teachings. Become a better listener to what God is telling you and then put His words for you into action! You will be delighted!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for blessing me. Help me to learn Your plan for me and help me to put Your plan into action to further Your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Wounds or Kisses?

2/19/2014

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." -Proverbs 27:6 (NASB)

What would you rather have: wounds or kisses? The answer might seem obvious. Who wouldn't want kisses and the love that we usually associate with them? The Bible warns that the choice is not as straightforward as it seems. We need to consider where the wounds and the kisses are coming from - friends or enemies!

When a friend hurts us, it can feel like betrayal. However, our friends have a responsibility to be honest and truthful with us, even when it hurts! God gives us our friends to help us in the journey of life. Some friends may be with us for many years. Some friends may come and go in our lives. Either way, it is better to have the faithful guidance of a friend than the false praise of an enemy.

While the kisses of enemies may feel good at the time, there are ulterior motives hiding behind the kisses. What feels good now will unravel later, then we will be looking for those honest truthful friends!

If you have a friend that is able to tell you the truth, count this friend as a blessing...even when what your friend has to say isn't what you want to hear!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for giving me the friends I need in my life. I ask that you allow me to know the difference between the false praise of enemies and the truth of a friend. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Pennies from Heaven

2/18/2014

"However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me." -Matthew 17:27 (NASB)

Sometimes a situation can seem overwhelming and impossible to accomplish. So was the case after my grandmother passed away. My mother wanted to buy the farm that had been in the family for over 100 years. According to my grandmother's will, my mother could purchase the farm from the estate at fair market value, a prospect that seemed to be out of reach financially and in the specified time constraints.

While my mother was pursuing her dream of owning the farm and praying for guidance, she would tell those that asked that she needed prayers and "pennies from Heaven." Well, it turns out pennies started to appear on the ground. You may not think this to be an unusual occurrence, but as the process proceeded and a value was set and banks were contacted, the pennies that appeared started to be nickels, dimes, and quarters.

This is reminiscent of the scripture from Matthew. In the scripture, Jesus and Peter needed to pay a tax, but didn't have the money. Jesus was not worried. He knew God would provide. In Jesus' case, the money came from the mouth of a fish, not pennies from Heaven. However, God knew the need and provided what was necessary.

In the end, my mother was able to purchase the family farm and keep it in the family. While the purchase price wasn't entirely funded by pennies from Heaven, God reassured us that He would help overcome any obstacles. Prayers were answered, little by little, one step at a time. Glory to God for His faithfulness!

Are you facing a challenge? Pray to God, then have faith. He has a plan and He will walk with you each step of the way...even guiding you with His blessings or pennies from Heaven!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for hearing our prayers and answering our prayers. Thank You for walking with us each step of the way. Please help us to be patient and to follow where You lead us. Thank You for pennies from Heaven. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

This is Your Time!

2/17/2014

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?"
-Esther 4:14 (AMP)

As sports teams and athletes prepare for a season, a big game or event, or a run at a championship, they will often be inspired by the phrase, "This is our time!" The team will rally around the here and now, this one moment in all of history for greatness and victory. The teams and athletes have prepared and are ready to put their training into action. They believe that this is their time and they psych themselves up for a championship performance.

As Christians, we need to embrace the moment in the same way. God has created and prepared us for championship performances. If we take the time to build a relationship with Him through prayer and study, then this is our time! God has placed us right where we are, at this particular moment in history, in order for us to do great things for His kingdom.

God doesn't send us into a situation unprepared. He also doesn't send us in alone. God walks with us and guides us each step of the way. He has brought us into His kingdom for times such as these. So, put on the gear that He has given you, because you have been created for this very occasion! May all glory be to God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for preparing me and walking with me. I ask that you give me the strength and the wisdom to deliver a championship performance for You in this occasion. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Know peace, No fear

2/16/2014

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27 (NIV)

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated that, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." It is true that we live in the midst of fear. There are illnesses to fear and commercials for the medications to treat them are filled with fearful warnings of possible side effects. The weather person on TV instills fear with warnings about dangers of going out if it is snowing, raining, or too hot and sunny. Politicians try to persuade us to fear policies and the opposing party. We fear for our safety. We fear for employment and our financial well-being. We fear for our loved ones. And the list of things we are conditioned to fear goes on and on.

Biologically, fear causes us to initiate the fight-or-flight response to either run and hide from a threat (real or perceived) or to stand up and fight against the threat. We fear because our brains tell us that we can't handle a situation, but the Bible tells us something different.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us that He will give us peace. The peace that we get from Jesus will be much greater than the peace of the world and it will be everlasting! To know the peace that Jesus gives us we must trust in Him and turn our troubles over to Him. We cannot create our own, lasting peace. Our efforts will eventually lead to worry and then to fear. He can take that away!

Once we have accepted Jesus and count Him as an ally, then there is nothing that we should fear. The next time your brain starts to tell you that you can't handle a situation, listen to it and turn everything over to God. Only then will you know the peace that Jesus promised...and you will be able to say no to fear! No need to worry! No need to fear!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for giving me a peace greater than the world could ever give. Please help me to trust in You and embrace the peace that You have offered to me. Allow me to share this peace with others. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Different, but the Same

2/15/2014

"Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." -Romans 15:7 (NASB)

In a recent episode of "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" that I watched with my daughter, the lesson was that we are all different and we are all the same. The show was promoting the acceptance of each other regardless of physical differences, because we also have many similarities. When thinking about spreading God's message to others and then functioning with other believers as the body of Christ, we could be well served to remember this lesson of acceptance!

We are all the same because we are all sinners. A sin is a sin. All sin causes us to be separated from the purity and perfection of God. We are also the same because due to our sinful nature we are all in need of God's forgiveness and redemption through the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. To best serve God and spread His salvation message, we need to remember that we are sinners.

Yet, we are different if we have heard the Good News of salvation and have accepted the invitation. Accepting Jesus and being forgiven of sin does not make us better than others, but it makes us different. Once Jesus has entered our hearts, our lives should show the effects of His love and forgiveness. We are still sinners, but we should work hard to live a better life for God.

Sharing God's message requires us to admit that we are sinners. Our story of forgiveness through Jesus should allow us to accept others, no matter where they are in their journey, in order to show them how Jesus loves them, forgives them, and offers a better life for all.

Don't let differences drive others away. Focus on our "sameness" and sharing God's plan of salvation so that more can be saved in His name and for His glory.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for redeeming me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help me to remember that I am different because of You, not because of anything that I have done. Allow me to lovingly spread Your salvation to others that are longing to hear Your words and experience Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Drop Your Net

2/14/2014

"Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother; casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." -Matthew 4:18-20 (NASB)

Life is busy. Work. Family. Taking care of the house. Running errands. There's so much to do that time seems to always be at a premium. So the question we are faced with is this: If we were called to drop our nets and follow, would we? If God asked you to drop everything in order to answer His call to further His kingdom, would you stop and follow Him for the sake of others?

There are times when we are called by God. We need to be open to hear His call. We shouldn't neglect our responsibilities, but we also shouldn't be too wrapped up in ourselves and our activities that we either miss the call or ignore the call.

When Jesus saw Simon Peter and Andrew, He said "follow Me" and they did! The Bible says that the men immediately dropped their net and followed Jesus. They didn't ask questions. They didn't second guess their abilities. They trusted Jesus and followed Him, for the sake of helping others by fishing for men!

Simon Peter and Andrew followed Jesus and, because of their willingness to follow, they were witnesses to world-changing events that have impacted all of time. They learned and they grew. Jesus is calling us to be fishers of men, too! He will strengthen us and allow us to further His kingdom.

As you are working (and living), don't forget to listen for the call. When you are called, be willing and trusting enough to drop your "net" and follow God's lead. You won't regret it!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being willing to fish for me. Please equip me to be a "fisher of men" for You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be Productive!

2/13/2014

"Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 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; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - II Peter 1:4-8 (NIV)

Teaching children is a multifaceted endeavor. Although I am a science teacher, I am also responsible for teaching my students how to be better learners in school and how to behave in life beyond the classroom. One of the expectations for the middle schoolers in my classroom and at my school is to be productive. God has the same expectation for His children. He expects each of us to be productive in our knowledge of and work for Him.

As Christians, we are called to be productive. But how should we be effective and productive in our work for God? Peter (II Peter 1:4-8) gives us some guidance in becoming more productive. In the Bible, Peter tells us to begin with faith in Jesus. Without a foundation of faith in Jesus, the rest of the recipe for being productive and effective in our work will crumble!

Building on our faith, we add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. We are called to nurture and grow these attributes "in increasing measure" in our lives. We should focus our attention on increasing each of these attributes in ourselves.

There are many ways that we can nurture these characteristics in our lives. Reading the Bible and spending time studying God's word can increase our knowledge and understanding of God and Jesus. Fellowship with other believers can also support our learning and growth. Emulating heroes of our faith, whether from history or current times, can allow us to see how to live a better, more Godly life.

As you look to grow in Jesus, consider the ways that you can increase your goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. As you learn and grow, one step at a time, apply what you have learned to increase your effectiveness and productivity for the glory of God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for guiding me and helping me learn how to be more productive for You. Please continue to guide me and increase each of my goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love in order to glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen,

Grandma's Garden

2/12/2014

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
-2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)

One childhood memory that I have is the large garden that my grandmother would plant, tend, and then harvest. There were times when I would help in the garden. Although at the time it seemed like a chore, there is much that can be learned from spending time in the garden. One lesson that we can learn from the garden and the Bible is that we should sow generously!

My grandmother always sowed a generous garden. She would also reap generously and have enough to share with family and neighbors. She didn't sow the garden because she had to, but because it was something that she enjoyed. She always had all she needed.

When we are gardening for God, we should follow the example set by my grandmother and sow generously, with a cheerful heart. Then, when we reap generously, we will have enough to share with those around us. We should give cheerfully in order to further God's kingdom. While we can give money to support the outreach of teaching God's truth, we shouldn't focus solely on money. We should also give of our time and talents. Our skills can be put to use within the body of Christ to result in a generous harvest!

Follow the advice of Paul and the example of my grandmother: Take the time to sow generously, cheerfully giving what you are able - be it money, time, or talents and skills. God will take what you have offered and the harvest will be beyond what you could have imagined!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for blessing me. Please show me how to sow generously in order to reap generously for You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Knock, knock!

2/11/2014

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." -Revelation 3:19-20 (NIV)

Maybe you heard it from your parents or maybe you've said it to your child: "I do it because I love you!" When raising and teaching children, whether our own children; nieces, nephews or other family members; or other children entrusted to our care, we discipline or correct the child's behavior out of love and concern for the child. We hope that with our discipline and guidance we can steer the child in a safe direction and that the child will realize the need to turn from wrong and embrace right. Our Heavenly Father takes the same approach with us!

God "rebukes and disciplines" those that He loves and He loves all of us! He calls us to be "earnest" and to "repent," to sincerely turn away from wrong and to embrace forgiveness, love, and a renewed life through Jesus. He doesn't just tell us to repent and straighten up, but offers His help along the way. Jesus is waiting to help us and guide us. He is knocking, all we have to do is answer the door and listen to Him.

Take time to hear the knock at the door, then be sure to open the door and let Jesus in. Don't stop there! Listen to Jesus and accept His guidance as He comes in and fellowships with you. Jesus is knocking because He loves us, repent, fellowship with Him, and live a life for God's glory!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and disciplining me. You know what I need. Please help me to accept Your guidance. Allow me to open the door, invite You in, and listen to You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Healing to Service

2/10/2014

"And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. And He come to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them." -Mark 1:29-31 (NASB)

We experience sickness, especially during cold and flu season. Sickness can drain our bodies, making us feel tired and weak. God can restore us, but how should we respond?

In the scripture reading from Mark (1:29-31), Simon's mother-in-law was sick and had a fever. Several disciples spoke to Jesus about the woman and He healed her. What did Simon's mother-in-law do once she was healed? She waited on Jesus and His disciples. The King James translation says that Simon's mother-in-law got up and "ministered unto them."

We all experience times in our lives when we are sick, whether sick physically or sick spiritually. We need to show the faith that Jesus' disciples exhibited and pray to God for healing. Once we are healed, then we should respond the same way as Simon's mother-in-law. We should wait on the Lord and serve others by ministering to them.

Whether you are recovering from sickness or living a renewed life through Him, remember to thank God and celebrate His healing through service to others.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being there to listen to me and heal me whenever I suffer from physical and spiritual sickness. Please help me to trust in Your healing powers and allow me to celebrate healing by serving others and furthering Your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Don't forget church

2/9/2014

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
-Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

I must admit, there are some Sunday mornings when it is difficult to get out of bed and get ready for church. Sometimes it's the weather. Sometimes it's the desire to sleep a little more. Sometimes it's thoughts of experiencing God in ways other than "traditional" church. Whatever the reason, we need to remember the value of fellowship with other believers.

God calls us together to be a body of believers. As Christians, we become part of the body of Jesus Christ. In order to function as one body, we need opportunities to fellowship and communicate with other believers.

I know that whenever you get a group of people together there will be disagreements and differences in personalities. However, we are called together in the name of Jesus, so we need to move beyond our differences in order to focus on the one true message of God. If any one of us begins to stray from God's message, we need to be able to lovingly help each other regain our focus.

Church is not about a building, but it is about building a united body of believers for Christ. When we combine as one body we can capitalize on individual strengths and compensate for individual weaknesses to further God's kingdom as one body. Prepare yourself to serve God...and don't forget church as part of the process!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for giving me a body of other believers. Please allow us to fellowship and work together to further Your kingdom and spread Your message. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Acceptance, Not Endorsement

2/8/2014

"Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God."
-Romans 15:7 (NASB)

In a world that seems filled with a lot of "gray areas" and moral ambiguity, we can be certain that God's standards do not change. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. While it can be reassuring that our God is constant, it may be a source of contention in our politically correct, offend no one world.

As we stand up for our beliefs in God, we need to be careful not to judge or reject others. God reminds us that Jesus accepts us, even though we are sinners. It is our mission to spread God's message of love and His plan of salvation, while not rejecting others because of our perceptions of their sins. No one can save himself or herself from the consequences of sin. Only forgiveness through acceptance of and belief in Jesus and His sacrifice can cleanse us in God's sight.

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the difference between acceptance of an individual and endorsement of an individual's behavior. To accept someone in love does not mean that we have to condone or endorse a person's behavior. If a behavior is in contrast to God's teachings, then we need to reject the behavior and support the individual in seeking God's will.

We are not called to judge, but rather to love and to spread God's plan of salvation for all. We can love everyone without forfeiting our morals and beliefs.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your willingness to accept me, even though I have sinned. Please help me to show this same love and acceptance to those around me. Once we have accepted Your forgiveness and love, please help us to turn from our sinful natures and live lives filled with Your holiness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Are we home yet?

2/7/2014

"Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-for we walk by faith, not by sight-we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." -2 Corinthians 5:6-9 (NASB)

Several times each year my wife, daughter, and I travel from central Connecticut to western Pennsylvania to visit my family. The journey to Grandma and Pappy's house takes about eight hours and fills my daughter with excitement. Inevitably, the visit ends and it is time to return to our home. At some point during the journey back home, my daughter will invariably ask, "Are we home yet?"

For a three year-old riding in the car seat in the backseat of the car, the ride must seem to take forever. As Christians living on Earth, we experience the same feelings. As Christians, we know that while we are in our earthly bodies we are not home yet. While God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are with us everywhere, we are walking with them in faith, because we cannot see them.

It is important to walk in faith and to establish a relationship with God that is pleasing to Him. Only God knows when our travels on Earth will be completed, so we must always be working for God while also being prepared for arrival at our eternal home. We are reassured that there will be a day when we will be at home with the Lord.

When we reach that eternal home, there will be no doubt that the trip was worth it! So, sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride with God. How grand it will be when the family of believers is united in our Heavenly home!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being with me all the time and for preparing an eternal home with You. Please let me live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

No doubt about it!

2/6/2014

"But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." -James 1:6-8 (NASB)

Hurricanes and stormy weather can remind us of the damage that can be done when the sea is tossed and driven by the wind. The force of the wind and water can reduce buildings to piles of rubble and distress people's lives. Clean up can take weeks, months, and even years. Our lives can be unstable and damaging like the winds and water of a hurricane, damaging not only ourselves, but those around us as well.

We can pray to God and ask for anything, but do we truly believe that He will hear us and grant our requests? Do we stand firm in our faith or are we "double-minded" and wishy-washy about our faith? If we are to hear God and receive anything from Him, then we need stable lives built on a firm foundation. In order to be stable and receive blessing from God, we need to have faith. The Bible tells us that if we have faith, then we will be stable and will be able to receive all that God has in store for us. When we are stable in our faith, then we cannot be tossed and driven by the wind!

No matter what is on your list of requests to God, believe and have faith. God will provide an answer for you as long as you remain grounded in Him. Ask. Believe. Have faith. Receive from the Lord!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for listening to me and granting my requests. Please give me the strength to stand firm and not be like the sea driven and tossed by the wind. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Help me!

2/5/2014

"Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray." -Psalms 5:1-2 (NIV)

Watching my daughter grow and explore the world around her, I have realized many dangers and troubles that are all around. She doesn't always realize the danger or trouble she's headed toward and often times she doesn't realize she needs help until she reaches the point of crying and frustration. As children of God, we often act the same way!

There is trouble all around. Just like my daughter, we don't always realize the trouble that is around us. The devil is looking to trip each of us and cause us to stumble toward him. He manages to sneak in trouble in often subtle and inconspicuous ways. Sometimes it seems that we accidentally step into trouble and sometimes we create it through the choices we make. No matter the trouble, big or small, God is there to help us through whatever we encounter.

Asking for help can be difficult. Like a child, we may try to do things on our own. We don't want help until we reach the point of frustration and even tears. Maybe we don't know how to ask for help. Maybe we're not sure of what kind of help we need. Maybe we're not sure we want or need help. Whatever the circumstance, if you are unsure of where to go or what to do next, God will help.

If you are faced with a situation that causes you to break down and cry in despair, just call on God and He will help. God knows what kind of help you need, even if you don't have a clue! Anytime, anywhere, God will listen to you and He will help you. You only need to ask Him for help!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for caring for me and being willing to help me anytime and anywhere. Please grant me the wisdom to know how to handle each situation that I encounter. Please guide me according to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why not you?

2/4/2014

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." -Philippians 4:13 (AMP)

As we live our lives, we often see opportunities for changing and improving the world around us. We see opportunities for helping others and spreading God's message. Sometimes we look at an opportunity and think, "If only the right person was here to take advantage of that opportunity!" Have you ever stopped to think that the "right person" just might be you?

After winning Super Bowl XLVIII, Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, spoke of a lesson that he learned from his father. While growing up, Russell Wilson said his father would ask him, "Why not you?" Even though critics have questioned the quarterback's size and skill set, he said he recalls the words of his father as encouragement and motivation. He knows that with a faith in God, his talents will be put to good use.

Whenever an opportunity presents itself to you, consider this: Is God saying to you, "Why not you?" Too often we look at our skills, or lack thereof, and think "I can't." We defeat ourselves and don't allow God to help us before we even try! The Bible tells us that we can do all things through Jesus Christ. In the Amplified Bible's interpretation of the scripture (Philippians 4:13), we are reminded that although each of us is insufficient on our own, Jesus' gift to us is the inner strength to be "self-sufficient" in anything!

In a past interview, Russell Wilson spoke of his faith by saying:
“My dad used to always tell me, ‘There’s a king in every crowd.’ What that means is, with my faith, God is always watching me. With my dad passing away, he’s always watching me — a big smile on his face, watching every snap on the 50-yard line. And then you never know what coach or GM is watching you. And the main thing that always stuck with me, you never know what kid is watching you, what kid wants to be like you.”

God, our Heavenly Father, is watching us. He knows what we are facing. He knows that if we try to rely on our own skills we will not succeed in the long run. Thankfully, God is filled with grace and He gives us strength through His son, Jesus Christ. God can and will make us a king (or queen) in any and every crowd. Whenever you see an opportunity, don't defeat yourself, but rely on God to empower and strengthen you. Only then will you be able to deliver a victory for His kingdom.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for strengthening me and allowing me to accomplish great things for You. Please help me to remember that I can do anything when I am working for You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.