Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

Your Fruit

5/31/2014

"So then, you will know them by their fruits." -Matthew 7:20 (NASB)

One of the lessons my three year old has learned is that each tree or plant in the garden bears a certain kind of fruit. The apple trees bear apples, the pear tree bears pears, and so on. If we only have pear trees, then we cannot get apples, no matter how much we want them!

The same is true in our lives. Our lives bear fruit based on what is in our hearts. Those around us will know our hearts based on the fruits we bear. Fortunately for us, God can fill our hearts with His sweet love and allow us to bear pleasing fruit!

Take note of the fruit that you are bearing. Ask God to help your fruit spread His love!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love for me, even when I stray from Your path. Please help my heart to be filled with Your love so that others around me can see Your pleasant fruit in all I do. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

In the Morning...and Always!

5/30/2014

"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch." -Psalms 5:3 (NASB)

Sometimes starting the day can seem difficult. A lack of a good night's sleep may make us want to roll over and go back to sleep. On other days, the sun may beckon us to a bright beginning of the day. No matter how the day may seem when we awake, we should always start our day with a conversation with God.

We should make the same promise as the Psalmist, that God will hear our voices first thing. After we pray, we can eagerly await God's guiding hand throughout our day. However, our conversation with God shouldn't stop in the morning. We can and should continue to talk to God throughout our day in all we do!

Make every effort to start each day by lifting your voice to God...then continue talking to Him throughout the day!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being ready to listen to me whenever I awake, throughout my day, and before I go to sleep. Please hear my prayers and guide me this day and every day. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Why do you ask?

5/29/2014

"You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." -James 4:3 (NASB)

Living with a three year-old and teaching middle schoolers, I hear a lot of questions. Sometimes I can easily answer the question and everyone is happy with the response. There are times, though, when my answers don't match the wants and wishes of those asking the questions. There are times I feel overwhelmed with questions, but just think about God and how many questions He is listening to each second of every day!

We can ask God for anything. However, God doesn't always give us what we ask for because He knows our true motives and He knows what is best for each of us. While we might feel angry or disappointed when we don't get the answers for which we were hoping, we can be reassured that there is a reason for God's answer. He wants to see us prosper and do well. Sometimes He has to tell us "No!" in order for us to grow and become better for Him.

Have a question? Think about what you are asking and why you are asking it. Check your heart for your true motives, then don't be afraid to ask God...and don't be afraid of His answer! He only wants what is best for you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your willingness to listen to all of my questions and pleas. Help me to accept Your answer, even when it doesn't match what I am hoping. Help me to accept Your plans for me and allow me to use Your answer for the betterment of myself and those around me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Do It!

5/28/2014

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

Sometimes we encounter a task that seems too much to handle. Maybe we don't feel like we have enough time or we feel overwhelmed by how much there is to accomplish. Maybe there are other demands on our resources and we don't see a solution. While we can always count on God to help us through anything we face, it is those times that seem to be "too much" that we must not feel overwhelmed.

God is ready and willing to help us overcome all challenges. We shouldn't be afraid to ask for His help and to step out to try new things, because in the end, when we trust in God, He will give us the strength to do all things. Once we accomplish these things, we should praise and thank God for His strength and guidance. He is ready to celebrate victories with us and give us peace in the good times.

When things seem too much, don't give up! Turn to God. He can give you the strength to do all things! Praise His strength and faithfulness!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the strength that can help me do all things. Please guide me in my priorities and help me to choose the right "things" to do with Your help. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Have you seen God today?

5/27/2014

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." -Psalms 19:1 (NASB)

Have you seen God today? We can see signs of God all around us, from the great expanse of the sky down to the smallest seed beginning to sprout. Yet we often move right past these glimpses of God without slowing down or giving them a second thought.

God may be giving you a sign or a glimpse of His never-ending power. Whether it is through nature, the act of a friend or a stranger, a life lesson, or a true miracle, God is ready to speak to each of us. We will benefit by drawing closer to God when we take the time to "see" Him through His signs and talk to Him about His plans for each of us.

Take a moment to look around, reflect, and answer the question, "Have you seen God today?" Thank God for all that He has done and will do in your life.

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being there for me, even when I don't notice the signs You place before me. Help me to move closer to You so I can see You in my life each and every day. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

No Fear, Just Love

5/26/2014

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." -I John 4:18 (NASB)

We shouldn't fear, but sometimes we do. We worry about things. We avoid stepping out and trying something new. We may even avoid certain people in our lives because of fear.

No matter the size or source of our fear, the Bible tells us that love is the solution to fear (I John 4:18). When wrapped in love, we don't have to fear punishment. God loves us through everything. Rely on Him and His love to shine light into the darkness and chase away the fear.

Do not be afraid, love instead!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love for me and for this love chasing away fear. When I start to fear or worry, help me to remember Your love and Your promises to me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Servant Leader

5/25/2014

"So the last shall be first, and the first last." -Matthew 20:16 (NASB)

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease." You may have heard this quote before or witnessed the application of these words in your life. It often seems like the loudest voice or the voice with the most complaints or issues steps to the forefront of discussions as the "leader", driving the conversation.

Jesus reminds us to take a different approach to leadership. We can be effective leaders by listening to and responding to the needs of others. When we become servants, responsive to the needs of others, we can become influential and effective leaders for God!

Don't be the squeaky wheel. Follow the lead of Jesus: A servant that is still leading today, 2000+ years after His birth!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the lessons that You teach me and for making me great when I choose to be a servant and respond to the needs of others in Your name. Through Jesus, my Teacher, I pray, amen.

Pleasant Traveler

5/24/2014

"But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy for him, and went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him." -Luke 10:33-34 (AMP)

Travels, whether for work or pleasure, can be stressful with preparations before leaving and then the actual journey. At certain times of the year, millions of people are traveling at the same time, increasing the need for caution and attention to safety. These busy travel times also give us many opportunities to show God's love and be witnesses for Him!

The story of the "Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:30-38), reminds us to be good neighbors to all those that we encounter throughout our journeys. Our witness may be simple acts of kindness, kind words, or smiles to fellow travelers. Our witness may be in being a courteous driver on the highway or seat companion on a plane, train, or bus. Our witness may be in assisting someone that has experienced difficulties of some kind while on their own journey. Whatever opportunity presents itself, God calls us to act in neighborly love.

Going on a trip? Show God's love by being pleasant and kind to fellow travelers and others you meet along the journey!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for protecting me and traveling with me wherever I may go. Please help me to show Your love and be a "good Samaritan" to all those that I encounter on my journeys so that they may see Your glory through me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Love, Patience, and Waiting

5/23/2014

"May the Lord direct your hearts into realizing and showing the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return."
-II Thessalonians 3:5 (AMP)

Most of us encounter many people throughout our day. Some of us may see the same people each day, while others might meet many new people each day. Throughout our day we need to remember that God loves each and every one of us. We also need to recognize how deep His love actually is for us. When we truly realize how much God loves us, then we will want to show this love to everyone.

When we spread God's love to others, we may not always get the responses that we think we should. We must be patient with others and with ourselves. None of us are perfect. We need to hold onto to the promises of God and remain true to His loving spirit.

One day Christ will return. In the meantime, wait patiently and show His love!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the example of Your love. Let me be energized by Your love and help me to show Your love to others. Help me be patient as I await the return of Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Unite!

5/22/2014

"Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'"
-Matthew 12:25 (NIV)

Sometimes it seems as though it is much easier to be divided than united. If we look around we can see divisions throughout society, possibly most easily seen in politics! These divisions can work their way into our relationships and even our churches. Jesus warns us about these divisions and their consequences.

How can we be united in the face of the divisions surrounding us in society? We should look no further than the Bible and the story of Jesus' unifying love and sacrifice for each of us. Jesus came to Earth as God's love for us in human form. Jesus loves everyone!

The healing power of God's love can unite us within His Church. Once we are united as His Church, then we can spread this love to a divided society in order to heal and unite. This might seem like a daunting task, but, with God's guidance, we can begin taking the small steps in our lives that can grow into forces of love, healing, and unity.

Step out with faith in the power of God's love and be an agent for living as the united people of God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love and guidance. Please help me to overcome the divisions that creep into my life. Help me to rely on Your guidance and love to be an agent of change that heals and unites through Your love. Through Jesus, the demonstration of unending love, I pray, amen.

Be Free!

5/21/2014

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." -John 8:36 (NIV)

Whether it is human nature, genetics, or learned behavior, it can be hard for me to let things go. I can think about things long after the fact, thinking about what I could have done, should have done, or would do differently. When I get stuck thinking about mistakes and wrong doing, am I free from my past?

While Jesus was on Earth, He reminded us that He, the Son, came to set all of us free. We should learn from our mistakes, but we shouldn't be tortured by them. Once we have accepted forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice for us, we are FREE! The torture of sin has been taken away. We do not have to worry about the mistakes we have made. We can live a new, free life in Him!

Don't be tortured by your past. Accept forgiveness and be free in Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for forgiving my sins and past mistakes. Thank You for wiping the slate clean and allowing me to start afresh. Please help me to trust in You and let go of the past so that I can live freely in You and for You. Through Your Son, Jesus, the one who died to set me free, amen.

True Colors

5/20/2014

"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" -Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)

We are called by God to help those less fortunate than ourselves and in doing so spread His love. However, as flawed human beings, we can sometimes exhibit selfish behavior. I was reminded of this selfishness recently when a friend posted the following quote: "You see a person's true colors when you are no longer beneficial to his or her life."

Our relationships with each other shouldn't be built on what we can get out of them. We shouldn't look at friends, family, and strangers with the thought of getting ahead at their expense. Rather, our approach should be the opposite. How can we be beneficial to others? How can we show God's love through our words and deeds?

Whenever we help those less fortunate, we are serving and helping the Lord further His Kingdom here on Earth. Our words and deeds should reflect our true colors - what is in each of our hearts. Each of our small actions can plant seeds that, with God's blessings, grow into something much bigger. We must recognize these opportunities to serve and then act on them.

Check your heart and make sure that it is right with God so that your true colors will glorify Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me so that I can love others. Please help my true colors to be of Your will and allow Your love to shine through all of my words and actions. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Reflect and Consider

5/19/2014

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Consider your ways!'" -Haggai 1:7 (NASB)

Have you ever ridden with - or possibly been - a backseat driver? It can be easy to find fault in others' words and actions without recognizing the error of our own ways. Instead of being eager to jump in the backseat and start fault-finding, we should consider our own ways!

The Lord calls us to take inventory of our lives, our words and actions. We are called to love our neighbors and spread God's love, but are we doing it in our words and deeds? Taking time to prayerfully reflect on our lives, to consider our ways, can help us see a truer picture of ourselves.

Once we have considered our ways, we are responsible for striving to make our ways more Christ-like. Fortunately, God is ready to help us! We can approach God through prayer to ask for His guidance. We can also turn to the Bible for examples of people that have lived Godly lives.

Ask God to hold up the mirror to your life so that you can consider your ways and change them to be more like Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank you for being there to guide me in Your Holy ways. Help me to consider and see the errors in my ways. Show me how to change so that I can live for You and spread Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Peace

5/18/2014

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." -II Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Life gets busy. The hustle and bustle of our lives can overtake us, leaving us feeling tired. Add to that the stresses of deadlines and dealing with the surprise problems or issues and we can feel overwhelmed. In these times we can find peace in the Lord.

At all times and in every way, we can ask the Lord to bless us with peace. No matter how busy we think we are or how large an issue might seem, we can find a peace in Jesus that is bigger than it all. All we need to do is take a moment to ask and seek Him!

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Stop! Find comfort and peace in Jesus everyday and in every way!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank you for all of the opportunities to grow. When I start to feel overwhelmed, grant me Your peace. Guide me each step of the way through each and every day. In Jesus I pray, amen.

Learn!

5/17/2014

"How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver." -Proverbs 16:16 (NASB)

As a teacher, there are days when I wonder if my students truly understand the value of education, wisdom, and understanding. Even in society, education is often linked to the financial benefits of a diploma or degree and future earning potential. Learning is not just about making money, but about bettering lives!

We are reminded in Proverbs (16:16) that wisdom and understanding are better than gold and silver! Learning and becoming wise or gaining an understanding should not be solely linked to financial gains. When we are studying and learning, we should remember to study and learn from God's Word, the Bible. We can gain true wisdom and understanding that can be applied to our lives. When we apply this wisdom and understanding from God, we can improve our lives and the lives of those around us!

Don't be afraid to learn something new! Immerse yourself in God's Word. Allow God to direct your path to wisdom and understanding, then use it to further His Kingdom!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with many ways to learn and grow. Help me to gain wisdom and understanding from each opportunity and allow me to use it to further Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Guided, Strengthened, & Watered

5/16/2014

"And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail." -Isaiah 58:11 (NASB)

With spring comes the time to plant and watch the garden come back to life. When tending the garden, my daughter's favorite part is making sure all of the plants are watered. She reminds them that to grow and be strong they need sunlight and water.

In God's garden, we are the "plants" in need of water and care. The good news is that, much like my daughter in our gardens, God is willing to water us and encourage us in our growth. God is there to guide us, nurture us, strengthen us, and keep us watered like the most beautiful gardens. God's loving water for us never ends - even if we feel we are in the middle of the desert!

God knows what you need. Soak up the waters of His love and salvation. Prepare to bloom for Him in order to bring glory to Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your never-ending love and forgiveness. Help me to soak up Your water and then use it to live for You and bring glory to You in all I do. Through Jesus, Your Son and my Savior, I pray, amen.

Word

5/15/2014

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe."
-I Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)

We hear and see words all the time. Whether watching TV; reading a magazine, newspaper, text messages, e-mails, or signs; talking to another person; or listening to the radio. Some words may stick with us for a while, but most are forgotten in the buzz of our everyday lives.

Even though we forget many of the words we see and hear, there are some words that serve us well when remembered and kept in our hearts. Paul reminds us that some words are not to be accepted as human words, but as the word of God (I Thessalonians 2:13). When we take time to read the Bible or listen to scripture and sermons based on scripture, we need to remember that the words we are reading or hearing are more important to our lives than any human word - spoken or written. These words from God can change our lives!

The word of God is unlike any human word! Take time to dig deep into His word and allow yourself to be transformed by God's word!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with Your Word as a guide for my life. Please help me to truly understand Your Word and its meaning and application to my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

No Disappointment

5/14/2014

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Things don't always go as planned or turn out the way we envisioned them. When we begin to feel disappointed or defeated, we need to remember that we are not in control. We must trust in God's plan for each of us and seek His counsel and guidance.

We are reassured in the book of Romans (8:28) that God has a plan for all things and that this plan is for good. Our challenges and disappointments serve to teach us and help us grow in our faith and love of God. In the end, God is always watching us and, if we listen to Him, He will guide us to a good and safe place. With faith in God, we will realize that when walking with God there is no disappointment!

When feeling disappointed, take heart! God is watching you, waiting for you to seek His purpose, so that He can make everything work for good!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always working to make things come together for good. Help me to seek Your way and trust in Your promise of working for good in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Moving Out

5/13/2014

"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'" -Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)

When I finished college, I embarked on a journey that took me away from my childhood home. I felt ready to move and follow dreams and opportunities. There were and are times when I miss the familiar surroundings of where I grew up. However, I have been blessed and over time God has made me "great" in so many ways for the betterment of His kingdom.

Just like God told Abram to move from his country and his family (Genesis 12:1-3), God sometimes leads us away from places. Some moves may be easy for us to make and some may be more difficult. We may not always know why we are being called to move, but He certainly has a plan for our lives.

Moves may cause us to undergo changes - just look at Abraham (Genesis 17:5)! As we are called to move, we should trust in God to guide us, provide for us, and bless us through all of the changes. In His time, He will make each of us great for the glory of His Kingdom.

Listen to God. Move when He asks. Allow Him to shape you. Accept His blessing and be great in order to expand His Kingdom!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your plan for my life. Thank You for placing me where I need to be so that I can help further Your kingdom. Continue to use me for Your purposes, which are greater than I could have imagined. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Use Your Experiences

5/12/2014

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." -Luke 22:31-32 (NASB)

Throughout life, we have experiences that challenge and test us. God is there for us in each of these experiences, offering support and strengthening us when we choose to rely on Him and ask for His help. Once God has helped us persevere, then we are to build on our experiences by helping others.

In Luke (22:31-32), Simon was warned that he was going to be tempted and tested by Satan. Jesus knew this and prayed for Simon, that his faith would not fail. Jesus also gave Simon the task of using his experience to help strengthen the faith of others.

Even though the words weren't directed specifically to us, we should listen to and follow Jesus' directions to Simon. We will be tested and we should bring all things to God through prayer. We must hold strong to our faith, trusting in God's wisdom and power. After we have conquered whatever we are facing, we can then use our experiences to help others.

Whenever you find yourself in a situation, face it, pray through it, and use it to help others!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being my strength in all things. Help me to use my experiences and successes through You to strengthen those around me. Help me to build others up in You for Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Prayer, Not Grudges!

5/11/2014

"You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD." -Leviticus 19:18 (NASB)

Can you recall an unkind, disrespectful, or unjust act that someone has done to you? Your blood pressure may be rising just thinking about it! It's amazing how much time and energy can go into holding on to things that people have done to you at some point in the past. What do we get from bearing a grudge or not letting go? Stress on ourselves. Wasted energy. A heavy heart and preoccupied mind.

God tells us that we shouldn't seek revenge and we shouldn't bear grudges. So, what do we do? The best way to move on is to talk to God and ask for His help. By forgiving and moving on, we are releasing ourselves from the burdens of carrying grudges or seeking revenge.

So, spend more time praying for people instead of holding on to grudges and struggling to forgive them. Once you start to pray for them, love takes over, forgiveness becomes easier, and the grudges disappear. Through it all, you're the one that will feel the freedom of God's love and forgiveness!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being there for me. Help me to forgive others and not seek revenge or hold on to grudges. Help me to let go and move on, following the path that You have laid before me. Through Jesus, whose sacrifice has allowed me to be forgiven, I pray, amen.

Spirit Life

5/10/2014

"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you - they are full of the Spirit and life." -John 6:63 (NIV)

Spring is a season of rebirth. The trees awake from the dormancy of winter. Birds return with songs and begin busily building nests. Flowers grow and bloom. Grass becomes green once again. The sun feels warm and the rain cool and refreshing. Life can feel vibrant in the surroundings of spring!

While spring can feel alive, these feelings, like the seasons, can shift and change. Jesus tells us that the flesh counts for nothing. We should take care of our bodies, but they will eventually disappear. Still, our lives don't have to end when our bodies fade!

True life happens through the Spirit. Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection gives us eternal life. Along with salvation and eternal life through Jesus, God's gift of the Holy Spirit can guide us into God's Word and through our lives. Accept the gift of eternal life, thank God for His gifts of salvation and life, and start living for eternity!

Immerse yourself in the Word and the Spirit to experience the true meaning of life. Start living in and for God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for forgiveness through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to guide me. Help me to fully experience life through You, Your Son, the Holy Spirit, and Your Word. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Good Coaching

5/9/2014

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." -I Corinthians 9:25-27 (NIV)

When beginning a new endeavor or embarking on a journey, it helps to have support. As I have started a new professional project, I have team members and a coach that I work with and communicate with regularly. Through feedback and support from my team members and coach, I can grow and get better. An effective coach, like mine, is positive, pointing out strengths and areas in need of improvement. We rely on earthly coaches to help us get better physically and professionally, but we also have Heavenly Coaches to help in all things!

Paul reminds us that our spiritual training is similar to that of an athlete or professional preparing for a big event or competition. To grow in our faith and to get better at living for God, we need to rely on the tools and guidance of our Heavenly Coaches. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can help us in following the plan that He has for us. They can help us achieve the crown that will last forever!

Our training isn't complete without strengthening our spirit with the training equipment provided for us. We have been given the Bible, God's Word, to strengthen our minds and understanding. We are given our brothers and sisters in Christ to offer support and help us build positive relationships and we are given the world as our training ground, a place to practice showing God's love to others.

Take time each day to exercise your soul with the help of your Heavenly Coaches in order to grow spiritually and prepare yourself to live for Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being my Coach and for giving me Jesus and the Holy Spirit as my Savior and my guide. Help me to listen to Your coaching in order to live my life for You. Help me to follow Your game plan so I can bring all glory to You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Transformer

5/8/2014

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will." -Romans 12:2 (NIV)

While growing up, I would watch "The Transformers" cartoon on TV. I even had a small collection of the transforming robots and can remember the theme song from the cartoon..."Transformers, more than meets the eye!"

We are reminded in Romans (12:2) that we are to be transformers. Just like the cars in Transformers become robots ready for battle, we, as Christians, are not just mortal humans. Accepting Jesus as our Savior and having faith in God cause us to be renewed and transformed. We become spiritual transformers ready to serve the one, almighty God. Our mind is renewed and strengthened. We can be prepared with the plan of God's good, pleasing, and perfect will for each of our lives.

The next time you look in the mirror, see more than your human side. Notice the transformed, renewed, spiritual soldier called by God to follow His perfect plan for your life. See that you have been transformed!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for taking my life, transforming it, and making it so much more than I could have ever made it on my own. Please help me to be a wise and compassionate spiritual soldier for You and Your kingdom. Through Your Son I pray, amen.

Flashlight

5/7/2014

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." -Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

My three-year-old daughter recently got a new flashlight. While she found the light enjoyable and entertaining during the day, she couldn't wait for the excitement of using the flashlight outside in the dark. Once night arrived, she put on her boots and was ready to head into the yard with her trusty new flashlight leading the way. In her excitement, she found her way from the door to the yard, with the neighbors well aware of her presence!

The Psalmist reminded me of my daughter's adventures with her flashlight. Just as my daughter found joy in the flashlight lighting her path into the yard, we should find joy in the guidance of the light shown by God's word. We should exhibit an excitement in exploring the Word and it's meaning for each of our lives.

Beyond relying on the light of God's word to help us find our way, we should be so excited that our neighbors are aware of our light as well! We should allow the lamp of God's word to light the path of our neighbor. We should be willing to share the excitement of God's salvation with all those around us!

Take out the flashlight of God's word. Let it light your path...and share it's light with your neighbors!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your word. Help me to study Your word and learn from it so that it can be a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Help me to share the light of Your word with my neighbors. Through Jesus, the light of the world, I pray, amen.