Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

Frustration, Plans, & Prosperity

9/30/2015

"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.'" -Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NASB)

Sometimes my daughter gets frustrated when I don't know what she is saying or don't understand what she is talking about. While I don't provoke the frustration intentionally, I realize that I need to help her understand how to deal with it. We can sometimes react with frustration when we think God isn't listening or responding to our prayers quickly enough, but that doesn't mean God isn't listening!

Like my daughter when she is frustrated that I'm not understanding her, we can be frustrated when we think God isn't listening or not understanding us. We sometimes try to impose our will, thinking we know what is best. What we really need is to be aware of God's plan. God reassures us that He is listening. He has plans for our lives. He wants what is best for us, but we need to talk to Him, listen to Him, call on Him, and follow the plan that He has for each of us. When we know God and trust His plan, we don't have to be frustrated. We can be prosperous!

Don't get frustrated! Call on God, listen to His plans, and allow Him to make you prosperous!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for wanting what is best for me. Help me to listen to Your plan for my life and guide me in Your ways. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Toothpaste Words

9/29/2015

"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." -Proverbs 10:19 (NASB)
"There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." -Proverbs 12:18 (NASB)
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." -Psalms 19:14 (NASB)

My students need to understand the value of respectful conversation that can allow learning to take place in the classroom. A friend recently shared with me the idea of using toothpaste in an activity that illustrate the point of choosing words wisely. I ask my students to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube, then they are asked to put it back into the tube. Students find that it is impossible to return the toothpaste to the tube in its original condition. The same can be said of our words. While we may not think our words matter, they can cause cuts like a sword and be impossible to take back!

The need for respectful and loving conversations extends beyond middle school classrooms! When we start to talk, we need to think about the consequences of our words. Words can hurt. Words can separate us from others and they can separate ourselves and others from God. Carefully chosen words, on the other hand, can heal and bring us closer together and closer to God. To choose the right words, we need to pray to God and allow Him to give us the appropriate hearts and words to honor Him and show His love!

Don't carelessly squeeze out your words, but keep your heart set on God and choose words that honor Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me. Help me to keep my heart set on You and allow my words to show Your love and to honor You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Angry Children?

9/28/2015

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." -Ephesians 6:4 (NASB)

Throughout my years of teaching middle school, I have seen students that come into my classroom angry at the world. It is sad when a 12- or 13-year old has reached the point of being frustrated and angry at those trying to help. It is also a reminder that children need help and guidance during their formative years. Our children shouldn't be provoked to anger, but shown how to handle the situations that they are sure to face in their lives.

The Bible reminds children to honor their parents, but it also gives reminders to parents. As parents (or aunts, uncles, grandparents, relatives, church family, or close friends), we should try to be the best possible role models for the children in our lives. We shouldn't set children up in ways that provoke them and cause them to get angry. Instead, we should try to show them God's way and help them handle situations in their lives in a Godly and loving manner. When we are responsible and Godly adults in children's lives, then children can begin to see the love and guidance of the Greatest Father, the one, true God!

Live your life as a role model for the children (and adults) around you so they may see God shining through you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and being my Heavenly Father. Help me to always show Your love, compassion, and discipline to my child and to all the children I encounter. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Goals and Favor

9/27/2015

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." -Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

One of the "study skill" lessons taught at the middle school where I teach is the skill of goal setting. Research tells us that if we set goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable and we track our progress, then we can reach those goals. This may be helpful for students in both their educational and personal lives, but it can also be important as we prepare to work for the Lord!

Whenever we plan or set goals, we shouldn't rely on our own desires or wishes. We should always ask for the favor of God to guide and bless our work. We can put our hands to work, but unless the work is favorable to and blessed by God, it will not be lasting or worthwhile. Through worship and prayer, we can know what God is calling us to do. Once we know what He wants, we can pray for guidance to help us accomplish that work. Work that is blessed by God can multiply and reach beyond what we could ever accomplish on our own!

Find God's favor through worship and prayer, then let Him bless the work of your hands!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being willing talk to me and guide me. Please allow my hands to do Your work and bless the work so that it can be multiplied and glorify You! Through Jesus, my Lord, I pray, amen.

Alone Time

9/26/2015

"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, 'Everyone is looking for You.' He said to them, 'Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.'" -Mark 1:35-38

Quiet or alone time is sometimes hard to find, but it can be just what is needed to help us reflect and re-energize. While the demands on our attention and time continually pile up, we need to find time to take a break, to pray, to talk to God, and just relax in His presence. Each of us may find a different place that fits our need for quiet or alone time. No matter where those quiet moments are, we can stop and listen for God's will in our lives.

Even Jesus took time to be alone with God. As word of His acts spread, there were crowds awaiting His arrival. His disciples were with Him, too. Even in the midst of the demands on His time, He took time to get away to a secluded place and talk directly to God. Jesus allowed these quiet, alone times to prepare Him for His mission here on earth. We can look to Jesus as a model for using our quiet times to talk to God and prepare for the mission that God has set before each of us.

Take some quiet, alone time to talk to God and prepare for what He holds in store!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me. Help me to take time to spend quiet time alone, talking with You. Show me and guide me in the mission that You have planned for my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

He is Lord!

9/25/2015

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-this Jesus whom you crucified." -Acts 2:36 (NASB)

Sometimes it is hard to know who someone truly is. People can "put on a show" that masks what thy are thinking or feeling. Not knowing a person's intent can leave us feeling uneasy. It's nice to know who someone's true identity!

One thing we can be assured is that Jesus' identity is known. We see His identity through the accounts in God's Word. We can hear from God that Jesus is our Lord and Christ. We can see His love for us through His death on the cross and our redemption through His resurrection. We can believe that Jesus is God and know for certain that He is our Lord and Savior!

You don't have to guess, you can know that Jesus is your Lord and Savior!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for giving me Your Word and the assurance I have in Jesus, my Lord and Christ. Through Him I pray, amen.

Guarded Heart

9/24/2015

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

We prepare for and guard against many things. We prepare for storms. We prepare for cold weather. We prepare for unexpected circumstances. As we prepare for all of the physical challenges we might face, we need to remember to prepare for the spiritual challenges we will face!

As we prepare for each day, we need to be ready to guard our hearts. We can prepare to guard our hearts by keeping God's Word in our hearts. We can know God's Word by reading it, studying it, and listening to teaching about it. As we read, learn, and experience His Word, we can move closer to Him and allow Him to guide our actions with His love in our hearts!

Guard your heart by keeping God's Word in it and allowing His love to flow out of it!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me. Please help me to guard my heart by keeping You and Your Word near and allow Your love to flow out of my heart to all those around me. Through Jesus, I pray, amen.

No Time Limits!

9/23/2015

"But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day." -II Peter 3:8 (NASB)

There are those days and weeks that never seem to end. It can be difficult when your body feels like it should be Friday and it's only Wednesday! There are also those instances when time seems to fly by. Whether time is going slow or flying by quickly, there never seems to be enough time!

While our "to-do" lists may not always get completed because of our time limits, God is not limited by our perceptions of time. God is able to accomplish all things. He hears our prayers and will intercede on our behalf. We don't have to worry that God will not have enough time. We can forget our own time limits and turn everything over to God, allowing Him to act in His time. Even though we may be driven by time and schedules, God knows what is best for our lives, all we need to do is trust in God and His timelessness!

Don't be stressed by your schedule, instead forget time limits and turn to God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for always being there for me. Help me to not be stressed and burdened by time limits, but to turn everything over to You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Destined for Salvation!

9/22/2015

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him." -I Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NASB)

I recently read an article about a school in Ohio that is beginning career education and planning at the elementary level. Thinking back to my own experience, I know I wouldn't have been ready to think about my career when I was in elementary school! As we think about preparing for the future, we may consider where we are "destined" to end up. With God, we can know where our destiny will take us!

When we think about how we live, we can be assured that God doesn't want us to live in fear of His anger and wrath. God wants us to be redeemed and purified so that we can draw near to Him. God wants us to choose a destiny that is rooted in our salvation through Jesus Christ! Once we are redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus, we know we our destiny will be with Him for all of eternity. No matter what our earthly destiny may seem to hold in store, God is with us to protect and guide us through it all so we can be close to Him forever!

Accept salvation through Jesus and your destiny will always be with Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son. Help me to remember that my destiny is with You for eternity. Through Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I pray, amen.

Cardio-respiratory Worship!

9/21/2015

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." -I Corinthians 6:19-20 (NASB)

One day when I picked my daughter up from kindergarten, we talked about her day at school. When I asked what she had done in gym class earlier that day, she told me she did a "cardio-respiratory workout". As my daughter is learning, taking care of your body is important. Caring for our body is not only important to being healthy for our lives now, it is also important to God!

Our bodies were created by God. As believers in God, our bodies are to be used to serve Him. There are times when we will be sick or injured and there may be times when our body doesn't function like we think it should. However, in all things we should try to care for our bodies as best as possible. We can turn a cardio-respiratory workout into an act of worship and preparation for serving God!

Worship God by caring for the body that He has given you and preparing to serve Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for creating and loving me. Help me to worship You as I care for my body and help me use my body to serve You. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Take Time to Bow Down!

9/20/2015

"Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." -Psalms 95:6 (NASB)

Life can be hectic. Even though life can keep us busy, there are those moments that remind us to slow down and appreciate the time and people we have around us. Time can be a gift that helps us draw closer to the ones we love. In the hectic times and in the slow and quiet times, God should be central in our lives!

In our lives we need to take time to bow down and worship God. We need to take time to kneel before God, our Creator, showing Him our love, trust, and admiration. As we take time to worship God, we draw closer to God, knowing Him more intimately. Our worship allows us to know God. Just like time allows us to draw close to our loved ones on earth, time with God allows us to draw close to Him. When we are near to God, He can change our lives for the better!

Take time to kneel before God in worship, allowing Him to pull you near and change your life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being part of my life. Help me to remember and to take the time to worship You everyday! Please work in my life so that I can live to my fullest for You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Support Group

9/19/2015

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15 (NASB)

In a recent conversation with a friend, she was telling me about recent her experience with cancer. After surgery, she is doing well, but the doctors recommended a support group as a cancer survivor. While she is coming to terms with her new title of "cancer survivor", it will help to be surrounded by others who have had similar experiences.

In our lives, we may find ourselves needing support. One benefit of being part of a community of believers is the support that we can get from each other. We are called to rejoice with other members of Christ's church and sympathize and weep with those that are weeping. We are also called to care for others that are around us that are not part of the church. By rejoicing and weeping with all those around us, we can show God's love and support each other!

Be part of a support group by rejoicing with others, weeping with others, and always sharing God's love!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and always supporting me. Thank You for those that You put in my life to care for me and support me in all I do. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Awaken to Light!

9/18/2015

"Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." -Romans 13:11-12 (NASB)

Rainy days can be the perfect days to sleep in. The dreariness outside the window can make getting up and going seem a lot more challenging. Bright, sunny days, on the other hand, can be invigorating!

Sometimes we can fall asleep in our faith. Things can seem dark and dreary around us. Even though things may seem dreary, God is always the light that can awaken and energize us! Our salvation is near, we just need to turn to God. He can erase the darkness and give us the armor of light. Filled with His light and energy, we can wake up and spread His love, even in the darkest days and places!

Wake up with God's armor of light and help erase the darkness!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your light in my life. Help me to keep Your light near and allow me to share it with those around me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

One Request...

9/17/2015

"One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple." -Psalms 27:4 (NASB)

As a middle school teacher, there seems to be an endless stream of questions. Thinking about the number of questions that I hear everyday gets me thinking about the greatness of God! God hears all of our questions, requests, and prayers and responds to each of them!

When thinking about all of the questions we ask and get asked, we can think about some of the most important questions or requests we can ask of God. The Psalmist offer his one request: to dwell in the house of the Lord, behold His beauty, and meditate in His temple. It may be one request, but how great of a request it is! When we think about making a request of God, we can follow the example of the Psalmist and ask to be close to God for our whole lives, dwelling with Him in His beauty and meditating on His power, grace, and mercy!

If you had one request, request to live in God's His house forever!

Prayer:

Dear God-
Thank You for always listening to me. Thank You for redeeming me so that I can spend my eternal life with You. Help me to continue to learn about You and move even closer to You. Through Your Son, Jesus, I pray, amen.

Ahhh...the Sun!

9/16/2015

"The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many." -Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 (NASB)

The summer was filled with many sunny days and moderate temperatures, which allowed for a lot of outside time for my daughter and I to play, garden, and relax. Now, school is back in session and we have seen our share of heat, humidity, and a little rain. With school, hot and humid days, and rain, the amount of time available to be in the sun is less than we would like.

Weather and life sometimes have a lot in common. There are times of sun and pleasant temperatures, then there are times that the sun is hidden. In those sunny times in our life, when things are going well, we shouldn't lose sight of God's presence in our lives. We should rejoice in all that He provides for us. When the sun is hidden and the days are dark, we should also turn to God and rejoice in His presence that can sustain us and protect us until our eyes can see the sun again!

Rejoice in the presence of God whether in the sun or in darkness!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for always being with me. I rejoice in Your presence in my life and for Your guidance! Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Hope, Joy, Peace, Belief!

9/15/2015

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 15:13 (NASB)

There are times in our lives that hope may seem distant. Physical ailments, emotional struggles, and conflicts with others can put us on edge. While we may struggle, we can have hope and the joy and peace that come with it through our belief in Jesus!

Through our belief in Jesus, we can be reassured that Jesus has our best interests in His hands. He can guide us. He can comfort us. We can experience joy and peace that come from someone greater than what we find on earth. When we struggle with maintaining hope, we can pray through the Holy Spirit to God and ask for His hope to fill us with joy and peace. Through our belief in Jesus, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to fill us with hope!

Find the hope that you need through the joy, peace, and comfort given through the Holy Spirit and belief in Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for providing me with hope, joy, peace, and comfort through my belief in You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Revealing a Role Model

9/14/2015

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross!" -Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

We see it often on television and in the news, whether from celebrities, athletes, or politicians: Someone thinks they are bigger, better, and above the laws or rules that apply to everyone else. These people may have the mindset that they are "gods" or "untouchable". We may even look up to these people as heroes and role models. While their fame and positions may protect these people for a time, eventually the truth and the imperfection of their human nature is revealed.

Jesus was one "celebrity" that could have easily promoted Himself as the greatest man ever alive. He was, in fact, God! However, Jesus didn't promote Himself. He didn't live above the law and the rules of human decency. Instead, Jesus had the mindset of loving and helping others as a servant. He was humbled. He loved those that society said were "unlovable". In Jesus' life, we didn't see the revelation of imperfection, but the revelation of a perfect man and sacrifice for each and every one of us! As we look for a role model and example of how to live our lives, we turn our attention to Jesus. As redeemed children of God, we can try our best to live a humble, loving life of service to all those around us!

Looking for a role model? Look to Jesus as God reveals a perfect role model for you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me, saving me, and giving me Jesus as a role model for my life. Help me to emulate Jesus and to live a life that shows Your love through humility and service. Through Jesus, my Redeemer and Role Model, I pray, amen.

Putting on Godly Qualities

9/13/2015

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." -Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB)

There are times when it is difficult to choose what to wear. For some events, it can be difficult to know how "dressed up" or how "casual" is appropriate. While we may wrestle with what clothes are best to wear, we may also wrestle with putting on the "clothing" required of God's children.

When we are preparing for each day, God also gives us ways that we should prepare. Even though we have God's direction, it is sometimes difficult for us to make the decisions to follow these directions. As children of God, we should be "dressed" with a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. These are all excellent qualities and we know we should wear them, but sometimes our pride can stand in the way. As we prepare for the day, we may have to put aside our own pride to be perfectly dressed as children of God. If we need help getting dressed as children of God, we can call on God to help us and to guide us.

Put aside pride and put on Godly qualities that show His love!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for standing by me no matter what. Please help me to have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and forgiveness. Help me to show Your love to all those that I meet. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

God's House

9/12/2015

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things." -Acts 17:24-25 (NASB)

Sometimes we focus on the appearance of our churches, homes, and even bodies. We look for physical characteristics to set apart or draw attention. Some churches focus on having the most attractive church building. Some focus on having the best organ or band. While we may sometimes become distracted by the physical attributes of our churches, we should be concerned with the love and actions of the church people!

We are reminded in Acts that God doesn't make His house in man-made buildings. God's cannot be contained in something that we have created. God dwells in every corner of the earth. He also dwells in each of us, His creation. We can take care of ourselves, members of His Church, and our church buildings as a tribute to or in honor of God. However, we should be sure to always keep God as the focus of our work and to welcome Him as our partner everywhere we go and in everything we do!

God's house isn't a building. He dwells in you and all around you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for wanting to dwell with me. Please help me to keep my body and Your church as a temple worthy of Your presence. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Busy Living or Dying?

9/11/2015

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalms 73:26 (NASB)

"For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive." -I Corinthians 15:22 (NASB)

One of my students asked me today, "Is it true that we start dying as soon as we are born?" Beginning the moment we are created, we are growing and we are getting older and closer to the end of our earthly life. The student's thinking and question reminded me of a famous movie quote from Shawshank Redemption when the main character Andy says, "Get busy living, or get busy dying."

As the Psalmist reminds us, even when our bodies may fail, God is our strength that will be with us forever. When we look at our spiritual lives, we should always be growing and never be dying! When we live in Christ, we don't have to worry about dying, we can focus on living! Living in God can take away our worries and allow us to show His mercy and love to others.

Don't be busy dying, focus on living in God!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and being my forever strength. Help me to live in You without worry and allow me to show Your love in all I do. Through Jesus, my Redeemer, I pray, amen.

Knee-jerk Anger?

9/10/2015

"Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools." -Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NASB)

It seems as though many people in society are offended very easily. For some, differences in thought or opinion trigger knee-jerk reactions often rooted in anger. These reactions do not foster positive relationships or help in resolving conflict.

When considering wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that we shouldn't be quick to anger. This doesn't mean we shouldn't stand up for our beliefs, but it does mean we shouldn't automatically respond with anger. King Solomon goes as far as to call quick anger foolish. Instead of being foolishly offended, we should take the concerns of our hearts to God and then listen to and trust in His Wisdom to help us reach the Godly and best solution.

Don't react with knee-jerk anger, talk to God and trust in Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being by my side with love and compassion. Instead of being offended and reacting with anger, help me to bring my concerns to You and then listen to You for guidance and wisdom in my reaction. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Silent Fight!

9/9/2015

"But Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.'" -Exodus 14:13-14 (NASB)

There are probably times in each of our lives when we want to get the last word. We feel that our point of view needs to be heard to either defend or explain ourselves. While we should stand up for our beliefs, we don't always need to get the last word. Being silent doesn't mean we have given up!

There are times when our silence can allow God to take over fighting for us. We should not fear, but we should have faith in what God can accomplish on our behalf. Moses tried to help the Israelite people understand that even though they seemed to reach a dead end at the Red Sea, God was ready to help. When we seem to reach those "dead ends" in our life, God can help make a way through them, we just need to listen to and follow His directions. Once we call on Him for help, we don't need to get the last word. In our silence, God can fight for us and we can hear His plan guiding us through to His end!

Call on God, listen to His plan, and allow Him to fight for you, even if you are silent!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being ready to fight for me. Help me to know when it is okay not to have the last word and help me to be silent as You fight for me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Who will you choose?

9/8/2015

"Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." -Joshua 24:24 (NASB)

It is a lesson that I try to teach my middle school students and my daughter: Life offers us many choices, but not all choices are equal. We know that not all choices are the "right" thing to do. We also know that not all choices have the same consequences or rewards.

When considering who or what we worship, serve, and put our faith in, we should consider the consequences of our actions. We can choose to worship and follow the one true God that loves and cares for us or we can choose to follow earthly creations that, in the end, will leave us empty inside. God promises to protect us and care for us in His infinite power. God will redeem us from our sin and restore us to fullness in Him. Doesn't love and fullness of life sound better to the emptiness that we may have felt or that we see in the world around us? Each of us is free to make his or her choice. To enter God's presence, we must simply make the choice of who we will serve. He is awaiting each of our choices. Will you join me in choosing to serve the Lord?

Consider the consequences and choose to serve the Lord!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving and protecting me. Thank you for wanting to have a relationship with me and help me to work to continually build my relationship with You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Bent by God for His Purpose

9/7/2015

"Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent?" -Ecclesiastes 7:13 (NASB)

As humans, many of us like to create. While we are not all talented sculptors, we can appreciate the work of artists that bend and twist metal into intricate and fascinating sculptures. As we look at these creations we may think about how hard it would be to take apart and straighten all of the pieces of the sculpture.

The work of sculptors here on earth may seem too complex to be straightened, but the work of God is even greater! As we look at God's work, we see a purpose that gives us life. God's work is also strong enough to stand up to anything that it encounters. If God bends it, no one can straighten it without His permission! If something is bent, God can straighten it! When we are looking for purpose in our lives and for strength to help us, we can always turn to God and trust in His strength and wisdom!

If God bends it, we can be assured by His strength and wisdom that it is for His purpose!

Prayer:

Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for reassuring me with Your strength and wisdom. Help me to always rely on and follow Your wisdom for my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Redeemed & Judged by God

9/6/2015

"For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged before You." -Psalms 9:18-19 (NASB)

It seems like many in society have put their faith in judgments made by humans. The idea may seem okay on the surface, but once we step back and observe, we often see the greed and fallen nature of humans taking control. Whether it be taking care of human rights, the environment, or other areas, the human race as a whole does not have the best track record at continuously making the right judgments!

Even when we feel we are moving away from God, we can call on God. He has the power to see our needs and to respond to them. He will not forget us, even if we are in the midst of others that have forgotten Him. We can call on the Lord to save us, to be both our Redeemer and our Judge. He will be faithful to us and will always make the judgments based on His love and power and His interests and care for each of us!

Call on God to be Your Redeemer and Judge!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me, redeeming me, and judging me as Your redeemed child. Please continue to guide me in all that I do. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.