Small Fires
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)
It was a Sunday night in September and most people were sleeping when a small fire broke out in Thomas Farriner’s bakery on Pudding Lane. Soon the flames spread from house to house and London was engulfed in the Great Fire of 1666. Over 70,000 people were left homeless by the blaze that leveled four-fifths of the city. So much destruction from such a small fire!
The Bible warns us of another small but destructive fire. James was concerned about lives and relationships, not buildings, when he wrote, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth” (James 3:5).
But our words can also be constructive. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” The apostle Paul says, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). As salt flavors our food, grace flavors our words for building up others.
Through the help of the Holy Spirit our words can encourage people who are hurting, who want to grow in their faith, or who need to come to the Savior. Our words can put out fires instead of starting them.
Lord, I can always use help with the way I talk. For this day, help me to speak words of hope and encouragement to build up others. Amen.
I recently read this and wow what truth! Food for thought. What will our words be like today? You have the power in your tongue to build up or tear down. Which will you choose? Your words matter, choose them carefully. Use me Holy Spirit today to put out fires instead of starting them.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 3:3-12
The Fondness of Fellowship
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
There’s a very good reason we refer to other Christians as brothers and sisters. The kinship we experience with our fellow heirs in Christ is more deeply rooted than any physical bloodline or familial tie.
When God saves an individual, He literally exchanges their dead “heart of stone” for a living “heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). With this exchange comes transformation! Our greatest desires begin to conform to God’s desires, and ultimately, we want God’s will more than anything else. This change occurs at the core of who we are; it’s a central shift in identity.
Our newfound identity rests in what Jesus has accomplished and won, in His victory, not in any of our own. We delight in worshipping Jesus in all that we do, and we aspire to walk as He walked.
While we will never be perfect on this earth we still share that foundational unity with other believers that is only found in Christ. When you gather with your brothers and sisters, dwell upon the things of life with them, and reflect upon how God’s truth and reality can be witnessed everyday. These times of fellowship are sweet and encouraging, so much so, that it is very easy to understand how Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had become so “affectionately desirous” of the Thessalonians.
Our Christian brothers and sisters should also become “very dear to us”. This week, make time for prayer and fellowship with other Christians, you will savor and grow from these times together.
When I read this it blessed me, I thought about all the precious brothers and sisters in Christ that have impacted my life and it is a joy to be in there lives. Don’t allow the enemy to sew seeds of bitterness, hate and or jealousy towards your brothers or sisters in Christ. It is a gift from God that shouldn’t be taken lightly and the enemy would love nothing more than to sew division. When you see them struggling, prop them up on there leaning side. Be to your brothers and sisters in Christ as Aaron and Hur were to Moses, what genuine love.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4
Spilling Through My Fingers
After I clumsily knocked over my glass on the restaurant counter, the spilled beverage began to cascade over the edge and onto the floor. Out of sheer embarrassment, I tried to catch the waterfall with cupped hands. My efforts were largely unsuccessful; most of my beverage rushed through my fingers. In the end, my upturned palms held little more than a meager tablespoon each, while my feet stood in puddles.
My life feels similar on many days. I find myself scrambling to solve problems, oversee details, and control circumstances. No matter how hard I try, my feeble hands are incapable of managing all the pieces and parts. Something invariably slips through my fingers and pools on the floor at my feet, leaving me feeling overwhelmed. No amount of contorting my hands or squeezing my fingers more tightly together makes me able to handle it all.
Yet God can. Isaiah tells us that God can measure the globe’s waters—all the oceans and rivers and rain—in the hollow of His hands (40:12). Only His hands are large enough to hold them all. We needn’t try to hold more than the tablespoon He’s designed our hands to carry. When we feel overwhelmed, we can entrust our cares and concerns into His capable hands.
Help me, Lord, to stop trying to hold everything in my hands, but instead to trust my needs and concerns into Your perfect care. Amen.
When I recently read this I felt it was fitting for this day, Monday, for many it’s the beginning of another work week and despite what kind of weeks past or weekend you may have had, when we feel overwhelmed we can entrust our cares and concerns into His capable hands. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Your source of strength comes from above, look up!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:9-17
BIG PICTURE, small steps
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:22-23)
He also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord’ (Matthew 25:22-23).
Sometimes we can become overwhelmed by the “BIG PICTURE” of life: big dreams, big opportunities, big decisions, big transitions, and big questions.
One of the biggest questions regarding the big picture that we often ask is “What is God’s plan for my life?” The key to answering this big question is actually found in taking what may seem like small steps.
The servant with two talents had no idea what the big picture was, just that he was to take care of what his master had given him at that point in time. We only begin to see the big picture become a reality when we’re faithful with the relationships, opportunities, and obvious needs God has already placed right in front of us.
Often we pray for God to give us a big opportunity to share the gospel when we have not been intentional with the existing relationships in our lives. We pray for God to show big ways we can serve Him when we have not taken initiative with opportunities that exist within blocks of our own home.
We want to meet big needs and make a big difference, yet we often don’t realize this will require small, messy, risky steps of faithfulness with no fanfare- much of what may seem very different initially from the big picture we dreamed. We can easily forget that the big picture begins and continues to develop as we take small steps of faithfulness, following Jesus one step at a time.
What opportunities, relationships, and needs has God placed in front of you today? How can you display faithfulness with these?
I recently read this and I felt it needed to be shared. What truth!! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things. Let’s seek to be faithful over what may seem like little things and the big picture will continue to develop one step at a time. Be faithful with a cheerful heart.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 25:22-23
A Thousand Years
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)
I recently read. When I was younger, there were events throughout the year that I just “could not wait for.” I marked them on my wall calendar with a countdown of the months, weeks and days. I delighted in crossing off each day, bringing the ‘event’ closer to fruition.
But by the time the event came, it passed so quickly… I spent months waiting and within a few hours, it was over.
So often, we wish away the time in anticipation for certain events, so much so that we miss what each day and moment has to offer us.
In 2 Peter 3, people who didn’t believe in Christ were starting to taunt the early church saying, “Isn’t Christ coming back? Aren’t these the ‘Last Days?’ WHERE IS HE?”
“With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day…” In other words, it’s not about the length of time. God isn’t measuring eternity and the ‘age to come’ according to a moment in time. He’s not saying to Himself “WOW, we’re running out of time, I’d better go back…”
He waits. Listens. Breathes. He’s patient. He allows us to journey. He doesn’t have a gold calendar hanging on His wall where He impatiently marks off each day as if it doesn’t matter in anticipation for His ‘Come Back’. Every day matters. As does all who fill each day. And while there is a spiritual urgency that can be felt, it relates more to authenticity than a countdown.
There is space and time. Don’t be hasty, don’t rush wishing away the time. Breathe through each day, cherish each moment…
ALL moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
What a way to look at each day. Instead of rushing through each day wishing away the time teach me Lord to breath through each day cherishing each and every moment for every moment is a key moment, help me to Live every moment, Love every day! I can so easily become distracted and loose sight of what truly matters, each moment. Amen.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Peter 3:8-9
Painting a Portrait
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)
The National Portrait Gallery in London, England, houses a treasure of paintings from across the centuries, including 166 images of Winston Churchill, 94 of William Shakespeare, and 20 of George Washington. With the older portraits, we may wonder: Is that what these individuals really looked like?
For instance, there are eight paintings of Scottish patriot William Wallace (c. ?1270–1305?), but we obviously don’t have photographs to compare them to. How do we know if the artists accurately represented Wallace?
Something similar might be happening with the likeness of Jesus. Without realizing it, those who believe in Him are leaving an impression of Him on others. Not with brushes and oils, but with attitudes, actions, and relationships.
Are we painting a portrait that represents the likeness of His heart? This was the concern of the apostle Paul. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” he wrote (Phil. 2:5). With a desire to accurately represent our Lord, he urged His followers to reflect the humility, self-sacrifice, and compassion of Jesus for others.
It has been said, “We are the only Jesus some people will ever see.” As we “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (v. 3), we will show the world the heart and attitude of Jesus Himself.
Father, please build the heart of Christ into my heart that those around me will see Him clearly and desire to know Him too. Amen.
When I read this just this morning I knew it needed to be shared. To some we are the only Jesus some people will ever see, how are you portraying Christ? When others see you and your life do they desire to know Him too? Every single morning I encourage my daughter to show The Love of Christ in all she says and does. My prayer is that I do just that in my attitude, actions and relationships. Help me today Lord to show Your love, even in those challenging moments.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 2:1-11
He Knows
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. (Psalm 139:4)
It’s comforting to know that God loves us with a deep familiarity. David wrote, “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether” (Ps. 139:4). Imagine having a quiet conversation with Jesus where you’re telling Him the deepest matters of your heart. Just when you’re struggling to get the words out, He gives you a knowing smile and expresses exactly what you couldn’t quite say. How good it is to know that we don’t have to get our words just right to talk to God! He loves us and knows us well enough to understand.
You know all about me, Lord, and You love me. Thank You for understanding me completely! Please help me to love You and follow You today. Amen.
When I read this it made me think of the many times I’ve struggled to express what I wanted to say to The Lord but what truth I was reminded of today, He loves me so much and knows me so well, He understands even when I can’t quite get the words out. God hears every unspoken word. What peace!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 139:1-12
Who Sharpens You?
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)
When you are stuck in sin, what are you compelled to do? Are you compelled to engage other believers and prayerfully work through sin’s power in your life? Hopefully, that is the case. Unfortunately, many believers urge themselves to withdraw, retract, and disengage from those who would walk through our sin with us because it can be embarrassing admitting we have messed up. However, this is the last thing we should do!
Let us remember, as Christians, we are called to confess our sins to one another (James 5:16). This is not an irrational rule meant to shame us into compliance. Contrarily, it is intended for our benefit and building one another up in love and grace. What we seem to forget is that what we struggle with, others have or do as well. Our Christian brother or sister has already been through what we are experiencing and can be there to help us through it. Don’t let pride keep you in sin!!
We may be grieved by our sin but continue to live in it because we aren’t confessing it and being sharpened in our fight against it. Repentance is much more than feeling sorry about our sin; it is literally turning around and going in the opposite direction. Rather than living in the dark and returning to sin, confess your sin to a brother or sister and stay accountable to him or her. When this happens, you will find you both become sharper, more useful tools for the Lord.
Who sharpens you?
This blessed me when I read it and I felt it needed to be shared. Just remember it’s not a free pass to gossip but to genuinely find that one person in your life who sharpens you, won’t judge you, get mad at you but love you and pray with you and for you and who will be honest in love and in return you do the same for them. You may be thinking, I don’t have anyone in my life I can go to and that’s the furthest thing from the truth, go to God, talk to Him and He will bring someone into your life who sharpens you. Believe Him for that person in your life and you go out and be that someone for someone else. Allow God to use you to be that person that someone is looking for to sharpen them. It could be your spouse, your child, your co-worker or even your friend. I needed to be reminded of this today. Here I am Lord, use me.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 27:1-17
Kindling
And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them. (Isaiah 1:31)
I recently read. Humankind is possessed of a self-destructive bent. We consistently over-indulge in lifestyles and behaviors that will ultimately bring about our demise (i.e. addiction to drugs, alcohol, smoking, deviant sexual activity).
When we live life outside of God’s will and companionship, many of us follow our sinful tendency of utter selfishness. We live and work for ourselves, and essentially pursue first and foremost that which will bring us pleasure.
In a sense, what Isaiah was so eloquently speaking of here is that when we live worshipping ourselves or idols, we become kindling, and everything we put our hand to acts like a spark. This epitomizes the destructive nature of sin, that we would labor toward the very thing that will destroy us! It’s like a full gas can and playing with matches.
Be weary then, for though sinful living can be immediately gratifying, our adversary the devil “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Living in habitual sin and disregard of the Lord will bring about our ultimate judgment, and there will be no one “to quench” the agony of eternal separation from God.
Do you live selfishly in service of only your pleasure?
To some this may seem harsh but it’s truth and we as followers of Christ must speak the truth in love and urgency, God is returning soon, we must be ready and in return seek to live a life that leads others to Christ not into eternal separation from God.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 22:37
You Are Worthy
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)
Most days I feel unworthy. I don’t feel like I deserve anything good to happen in my life. I don’t feel worthy of love or friendship. I plain just don’t feel worthy of any kind of blessing or goodness or kindness showed to me.
Now, if I let these feelings overtake me, I can fall into a deep pit of despair and depression that becomes overwhelming, and you know Satan loves to just kick you when you are down. I’m not sure if you realize this, but your enemy doesn’t fight fair. You are not in a boxing match, for that has rules; you are in a street fight with the devil and there are no rules in a street fight. He will bludgeon you when you are down and he won’t let up.
Finally, when I come to my senses, I can hear that still, small voice say to me, “My body was broken for you and you are mine.”
Do you not realize you were worthy of His dying for you? You may not feel worthy, but you are worth-ful. No man dies for anything that doesn’t have worth. He died because you have worth to Him. He died so that you could have everlasting life with Him, an abundant life full of His blessings and goodness.
It doesn’t matter how you feel; it only matters what He says. You are His. Trust in this today, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
When I read this it made me wonder how many folks there are in this moment feeling so inadequate, so unworthy, so defeated. I pray you are encouraged and uplifted by this today, knowing that you are loved and when the enemy tries to beat you when your down just remember to look up, call out to Jesus, just a whisper of His name and He will be there with an outstretched hand to help you up. I’ve been there personally and in that moment all I could utter was Jesus and I instantly felt His presence surrounding me and I knew in that moment that everything was going to be okay. He’s just as real as the breath you breathe. He’s waiting for you to call out to Him today. You are His! He loves you!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 53:4-5