Work Together
When Paul used the phrase “work together” in the context of suffering, he used the word from which we get our word synergy. He wrote, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). He wanted the Romans to know that God, who didn’t cause their suffering, would cause all their circumstances to cooperate with His divine plan—for their ultimate good. The good to which Paul referred was not the temporal blessings of health, wealth, admiration, or success, but being “conformed to the image of his (God’s) Son” (v. 29).
May we wait patiently and confidently because our heavenly Father is taking all the suffering, all the distress, all the evil, and causing them to work together for His glory and our spiritual good. He wants to make us like Jesus.
I read this today and I wanted to share it because we, including myself, all need to be reminded that the growth we gain from waiting on God is often greater than the answer or result we desire.
Thank You Lord for reminding me today that You will cause all my circumstances to cooperate with Your divine plan, for my ultimate good. No matter what lies ahead of me, You are already there. Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:28-30
Keep Trekking Forward
Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? (Numbers 16:13)
The Israelites were miraculously brought out of Egypt by God. They had been slaves to the Egyptians and were treated with contempt. In turn, they cry out to God (Exodus 2:23-25), and He hears their cries and rescues them from oppression. God never tells them that it will be an easy journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
On their way through the wilderness, God continually provides for them as only He can. We read though that some of the leaders were getting tired of the wilderness and looked back at their Egyptian slavery through rose colored glasses and saw it as a place of milk and honey, which was what the Promised Land was to be.
We can often be like the Israelites as we are making a life change God has brought us to. This life change could be the stopping of a particular sin, ending a bad relationship, or even attending a new church at which God needs you to help. These changes God has called us to are not easy journeys.
Often times, our experience through the wilderness is the hardest. Like the Israelites, we can choose to look back in the past and see it through rose colored glasses or look toward the land flowing with milk and honey God has for us. As you come to that crossroad, you can look back or keep trekking forward. Remember that there are greener pastures ahead.
Have you been looking back lately?
I choose to continually look forward starting today. After reading this I was reminded of how it’s so easy to become overwhelmed with life but when Christ is your anchor He is faithful who promised. So even in the moments when you are questioning where you came from and where you currently are just remember to keep trekking forward. The only time you should look back is to see how far God has brought you. Be encouraged today, be faithful, He will not fail you.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 31:8
From Panic to Peace
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
I Here I am, lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. No sleep. Body still, mind racing. Panic building.
Did my daughter realize she hurt my feelings with that comment?
What if I don’t make my deadline?
Why does life seem darker at night? Not just literally. It’s as though Satan and his minions are just waiting for me to be alone so they can begin the battle for my mind.
Recently I began to meditate on Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer. . .” Did the Apostle Paul really mean not to worry about anything? Is that even possible? Isn’t worry just part of human nature?
Yes, worry is part of our human nature. Unfortunately when sin entered the world, emotions like worry did too. However, our fallen human nature always clarifies what being separated from God looks like. And it often looks like fear.
As God’s beloved children, we are called to faith, not fear. Faith says, “God is in charge of my life; I will trust Him, even when circumstances might suggest He’s not there. I believe God loves me and knows what is best for me.” Faith always crowds out fear.
My heart longs to live in faith; however, at times this is difficult. But here’s the key: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
If I haven’t made time to hear from God through His Word, I find my prayers being more of a monologue of fear-based worry.
But when I make time to listen to God, I’m reminded of His promises and I become familiar with His voice. As a result, my prayers really do change from panic to praise. In bed at night, a dialogue evolves (no longer a monologue). When I turn to God with my concerns, I can hear His response. As John 10:27 tells us, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them. . .”
God’s Word reminds us to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). In other words, when I devote myself to God first, all the rest will sort itself out, and this brings peace.
What is most pressing in your life right now? Whatever that is, put God’s Word there instead. Replace worry with the truth of God’s love and power. Then we can trust that God will do as He says: “Keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed” on Him (Isaiah 26:3).
As I think about God’s promises, panic turns to praise, praise turns to peace and peace turns to sleep. I begin to understand what Paul meant when he said, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
It is possible to experience God’s peace. When we learn to cast our cares on God and trust Him to handle them, faith replaces fear. Worry sees problems, but faith sees the God who can handle the problems.
God’s Word changes how we cast our cares. When we choose to cast them onto Him instead of into the air, we’ll find comfort in His promises. Then maybe we can finally get a good night’s sleep.
Heavenly Father, thank You for watching over me at night. Forgive me for the times I have worried. Help me to be devoted to You and Your love, not my circumstances. Instead of tossing and turning at night, I want to remember to turn the pages of Scripture in my mind. I want to rest in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When I read this I felt there was so much truth in it, it was just what I needed and my prayer is that it blesses someone out there just as much as it blessed me. Worry sees problems, but faith sees the God who can handle the problems. May we live each day in this truth!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 26:3,4
Ultimate Value
We are at the start of another New Year and for a great many of us that means that we are hoping to kick off a year in which the healthier, thinner, stronger, more controlled version of ourselves at last becomes a reality. Health and physical wellness are indeed very important. How we take care of our bodies can reflect how we view ourselves and our purpose and worth before God. So any effort to improve ourselves physically requires us to first improve ourselves spiritually- to deepen our understanding of why God made us physical beings and what He has to say about our bodies and how we should view them.
Our culture is at war with itself on this topic right now. The vast majority of images projected into our consciousness depict physical beauty and worthiness as thin, fit and impossibly attractive. Even our thinnest and most beautiful counterparts are edited to even more unrealistic levels of perfection before they are inserted into our advertisements and media. But at the same time, society wars against ‘fat-shaming’ and doing anything that might suggest to a person, no matter their size, weight, health or appearance that they are anything but beautiful. It feels contradictory to have impossible models always held up as the standard of beauty but then to be told that regardless of how opposite from them you are, it doesn’t matter, you’re still beautiful.
These two, seemingly opposing aspects of culture are, strangely enough, both rooted in our heart’s knowledge of our Creator’s view of us and His promise of a perfected, eternal life. The fit supermodel reflects our yearning for the physical perfection that awaits us in Heaven and the battle cry of ‘beauty in all sizes’ reflects that we know that even with our earthly shortcomings, the One who determines ultimate beauty and worth looks upon us and cries ‘MINE!’
There is so much that can and should be said about physical health and how it relates to our relationship with the Lord, but it is important to start by recognizing what David recognizes here in Psalm 139. The Psalmist recognizes that God created us. We were designed by choice and with purpose. Not only were we created on purpose, we were created well. The workings of the human body are utterly incredible in their complexity and function and these are the broken forms! David also says that our bodies were not hidden from the sight of God which is incredibly telling. That means that our bodies’ design is holy. God has pre-ordained all our days on this earth. He knows how long our lives will be and what journey our body will go through here, whether long or short. David wraps up by praising God for His thoughts because he knows that he was born in the thoughts of God and he grasps what an honor that is.
The God of the universe thought of you, planned your exact design and called you into being. His thoughts, like His people, outnumber the grains of sand yet we are among them always. We were not thought of by God and then forgotten. He formed us in the womb, brought us out into life and carries us in His thoughts all our days and into eternity. We have great value to God and that is shown by how much He thinks of us, let alone what He does for us.
So as you start 2017, whatever physical goals you may have for yourself, remember Who formed you and Who gives you ultimate value- it is not the glossy magazine or the glowing screen or the opinions of others. The God of heaven and earth designed you and loves you and calls you His own. Always start there when you go to consider how to value and care for the body He gave you.
When I read this I felt it gave a great perspective on what many people strive to attain and like it ultimately said, remember who formed you and who gives you ultimate value. God loves you and calls you His own. This blessed me, as I myself start this year off wanting to improve myself physically and spiritually. It has shifted my mindset more so towards the spiritual aspect as apposed to just the physical aspect. I was not thought up by God then forgotten, He formed me in The whom and He carries me. Every change starts with The One who made me and when I look to Him for every thing in my life He alone will help me to fulfill my goals and dreams. Him alone. I am blessed.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 139:13-18
Thanks-Living
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23:6)
Wanting to mature in her spiritual life and become more thankful, Sue started what she called a Thanks-Living jar. Each evening she wrote on a small piece of paper one thing she thanked God for and dropped it in the jar. Some days she had many praises; other difficult days she struggled to find one. At the end of the year she emptied her jar and read through all of the notes. She found herself thanking God again for everything He had done. He had given simple things like a beautiful sunset or a cool evening for a walk in the park, and other times He had provided grace to handle a difficult situation or had answered a prayer.
Sue’s discovery reminded me of what the psalmist David says he experienced (Ps. 23). God refreshed him with “green pastures” and “still waters” (vv. 2–3). He gave him guidance, protection, and comfort (vv. 3–4). David concluded: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (v. 6).
I’m going to make a Thanks-Living jar this year. Maybe you’d like to as well. I think we’ll see we have many reasons to thank God—including His gifts of friends and family and His provisions for our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. We’ll see that the goodness and love of God follow us all the days of our lives.
Dear Lord, You bless me in more ways than I can count. Thank You for Your love for me. Amen.
When I read this I thought what a fantastic idea now and at what a positive reflection of the year past. Be grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Let’s choose this year to count our blessings, not our problems and see what God will do and has done. We have so much to be thankful for!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 23
Taking Time With God
For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (Isaiah 30:15)
I recently read, It can be hard to put time aside from our eventful days to rest and be quiet before God as today’s Scripture instructs.
Being quiet before God gets even harder when a monkey wrench is thrown into our busy lives. This could be a death in the family, a rebellious child, the loss of a job, or anything at all that is unexpected. When any of these happen to us, our first response is often to set things back to “normal mode”. Who wouldn’t want to do this? We look for the plans of action necessary to set things in order and ask God to bless us along the way. We fall into the trap that action is the only solvent for the unexpected problems in life. When many times, we simply need to live as the Psalmist and “be still and know that [He is] God” Psalm 46:10. Our comfort won’t come from solving the issues alone, but knowing God and his ways during our busy life.
Begin taking 5 minutes out of your workday to be in a quiet place and rest in God. As we begin to make this a habit, we will understand its importance and remember to make more time during our busy lives for God.
May we be still today, even for a moment and make time with God. He is patiently waiting for you to make time for Him. Let that day be today.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 46
The Power of Simple Words
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)
Raucous laughter marked the guests in my father’s hospital room: Two old truck drivers, one former country/western singer, one craftsman, two women from neighboring farms, and me.
“…and then he got up and busted the bottle over my head,” the craftsman said, finishing his story about a bar fight.
The room bursts into laughter at this now-humorous memory. Dad, struggling for breath as his laughing fought with his cancer for the air in his lungs, puffs out a reminder to everybody that “Randy is a preacher” so they need to watch what they say. Everything got quiet for about two seconds, then the whole room exploded as this news makes them laugh harder and louder.
Suddenly, about forty minutes into this visit, the craftsman clears his throat, turns to my dad, and gets serious. “No more drinking and bar fights for me, Howard. Those days are behind me. Now I have a different reason to live. I want to tell you about my Savior.”
He then proceeded to do just that, over my father’s surprisingly mild protests. If there’s a sweeter, gentler way to present the gospel message, I’ve never heard it.
My dad listened and watched, and some years later believed in Jesus too.
It was a simple testimony from an old friend living a simple life, reminding me again that simple isn’t naïve or stupid; it’s direct and unpretentious.
Just like Jesus. And salvation.
As I read this I struggled with even sharing it because to some it may come across a bit rough around the edges but I kept coming back to it with the thought that this is reality for many people and there past but what is wonderfully amazing is that once we turn our lives over to Christ we all have a simple testimony to share with an old friend from our past. We truly have a different reason to live. May we share our testimony with someone today, no matter how dark your past was, let us present the gospel message today to someone in need. Is there someone in your life who could hear a simple testimony from an old friend living a simple life?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Peter 1:12-21
On Time
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son. . .(Galatians 4:4)
Sometimes I joke that I’m going to write a book titled On Time. Those who know me smile because they know I am often late. I rationalize that my lateness is due to optimism, not to lack of trying. I optimistically cling to the faulty belief that “this time” I will be able to get more done in less time than ever before. But I can’t, and I don’t, so I end up having to apologize yet again for my failure to show up on time.
In contrast, God is always on time. We may think He’s late, but He’s not. Throughout Scripture we read about people becoming impatient with God’s timing. The Israelites waited and waited for the promised Messiah. Some gave up hope. But Simeon and Anna did not. They were in the temple daily praying and waiting (Luke 2:25–26, 37). And their faith was rewarded. They got to see the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to be dedicated (vv. 27–32, 38).
When we become discouraged because God doesn’t respond according to our timetable, Christmas reminds us that “when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4–5). God’s timing is always perfect, and it is worth the wait.
Heavenly Father, I confess that I become impatient and discouraged, wanting answers to prayer in my own time and on my schedule. Help me to wait patiently for Your timing in all things. Amen.
When I read this I smiled because I am often late myself but thank God we serve a living King who is never late but always on time. My prayer today is if your waiting on God for answers, do not loose faith or hope, He is never late, He is always right on time. Be encouraged today in knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 2:25-38
Spreading Joy
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)
I recently read, When Janet went to teach English in a school overseas, she found the atmosphere gloomy and depressing. People did their jobs, but no one seemed happy. They didn’t help or encourage one another. But Janet, grateful for all that God had done for her, expressed it in everything she did. She smiled. She was friendly. She went out of her way to help people. She hummed songs and hymns.
Little by little, as Janet shared her joy, the atmosphere at the school changed. One by one people began to smile and help each other. When a visiting administrator asked the principal why his school was so different, the principal, who was not a believer, responded, “Jesus brings joy.” Janet was filled to overflowing with the joy of the Lord and it spilled over to those around her.
The gospel of Luke tells us that God sent an angel to ordinary shepherds to deliver an extraordinary birth announcement. The angel made the surprising proclamation that the newborn baby “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10), which indeed He did.
Since then this message has spread through the centuries to us, and now we are Christ’s messengers of joy to the world. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we continue the practice of spreading the joy of Jesus as we follow His example and serve others.
How might you spread the joy of Jesus to others today?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 16:16-24
Christ the newborn King
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
I am more excited for Christmas this year than I have been in a long time. My little ones are approaching the age of learning and the slow, repetitive teaching about Christmas and why we celebrate has been so very good for my soul. The daily teaching of why we celebrate Christmas has fed my soul’s appetite to celebrate my Savior. I am normally a big Christmas fan anyway. I love the decor, the music, the lights, the yummy goodies- it’s all so fun. But this year I am excited for it in a deeper way than I have been in a few years. This year, I am excited to really celebrate the coming of Christ and not just the presents and food. My joy in the coming of Christ is deepened this year because of my deep hope for Christ to be Savior to my children as He is to me. They need Jesus as I do and the thrill of Hope for their souls gives me renewed vigor to rejoice.
The eagerness in my heart this year has convicted me of its absence in years’ past. The thrill of hope should have been there always, but so often I failed to feed the flame. Christmas become too commercial to me. Too much about the presents, too much about the pretty lights and jingle bells and too little about the humbled King who submitted Himself to 33 years on death row for my sake. I lost sight of the celebration of the advent of my salvation and I know I’m not alone in my misguided tunnel vision.
All this sparkle and singing and feasting and beautifully wrapped gifts are just shabby child’s play of the celebration that Heaven has prepared to celebrate our salvation because the Father has rescued the Prodigals from their pig pen. I hope you join me in a renewed anticipation and joy in the celebration of Christmas this year. I hope the twinkling lights on your tree are nothing compared to the shining, shimmering thrill in your soul when you celebrate the birth of Jesus. I hope that the decked out tree reminds you of the rough tree limbs that ran red with the blood of your salvation so that you joyfully, humbly celebrate Christ the newborn King and all that His coming means.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 9:6-7