Monday, April 30, 2012

Go with Christ


I recently read an article by Mark Carver called, Some Thoughts on Go and Make Disciples of All Nations” It really got me thinking about this whole realm of discipleship and following Christ.  The great commission comes from Matthew 28: 19-20:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

All Christians are confronted with the command of Jesus found in the Great Commission that says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Most of us have thought through this verse. It is among the last recorded words of Jesus and therefore carry more weight. In this command there are three questions presented whose answers provide the framework for the task to which Jesus has called us to. Think about these verses, and we’ll take a look at some questions that need to be asked over the next few days.

Be wise today and always – Go with Christ.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Followhood


We have all heard of being part of the “hood” or priesthood, motherhood, fatherhood, etc. What would a group of sold out followers be called? Are you part of Jesus’ “followhood”? Jesus said in John 12:26: Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

I heard recently that insanity can be defined as: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Another way to say it would be; Doing the same old things & expecting a different outcome. If we are not following Christ then we cannot complain about our circumstances. The original believers were called “Christ Followers”, and that is what we should be about doing in our daily lives.

Remember - “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

Be wise today and always – be a Christ Follower.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Following Truths


Luke 9:23-26  Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Three truths we must remember to follow Christ:

The DESIRE to Follow (v.23)
Following Jesus requires a deeper knowledge of God, a deeper desire to pray before acting, and a more serious reflection about the Christ found in Scripture. (“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13)

The DENIAL of Self (vv.24-26)
To follow Christ means to renounce one’s will and ways
By living for ourselves we die, by dying to ourselves we live. (Born twice die once)

The DAILY Walk (v.23)
Every new idea should be born of prayer, quiet reflection, and careful consideration of the steps and thoughts and heart of Jesus. (Daily dying to self)

Go and preach the Gospel, and if you must, use words.”- St Francis

Be wise today and always – be consistent.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Follow Jesus


Jesus called His disciples by saying, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. They left their nets and boats and turned their lives over to Him. In essence he does the same with us we are called to “Follow Him”. As we turn our lives over to His will and ways we will be taught how to share the Gospel (be Fishers of men).

In order to follow someone you turn away from your past life of sin, turn your life over (towards) to Christ, and take the steps necessary to follow Him.

Jeremiah 10:23 -I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Proverbs 16:9- In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Galatians 5:24-25 –Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

1 Peter 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Be wise today and always – keep in step with Christ.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Following Christ


For the next couple of weeks we’ll be exploring what it is to be a follower of Christ. I was recently reading a book by the famous preacher C H Spurgeon who over a hundred years ago had this to say about following Christ. Brethren remember, to keep close to Jesus Christ is right. It is in itself to keep close to integrity, for the Lord Jesus never stepped out of the right path. He never asks any of his followers to do anything which be a breach of the right, or which will make them turn aside from uprightness. If we could put our feet down exactly where his feet went down, even though we had to walk up to Calvary itself, it would be our duty so to do, for his path was perfect rectitude, and in him was no sin. We challenge heaven, with its omniscience, to detect a flaw in him. We challenge hell, with its malice, to discover in him an aught that is amiss. Lovers of the right and of the true, ask grace that you may be as he was. You cannot be more eminent for virtue than he. You cannot serve your God better. You cannot do better than keep close to every step that he has taken, and, whether in life or in death, to follow him. It is right, then, because he deserves it; it is right, again because in itself it is according to the eternal rules of equity.

Some things never change regardless of time. Jesus’ path was perfect may our desire be to follow Him as closely as possible. Amen?

Be wise today and always – follow the leader every day – Jesus!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

People


People need the Lord and the Lord knows we need people in our lives! I read recently that Dr Phil, trained psychologist and television personality, shared that he studied over 1000 case studies of people deemed successful in their chosen fields. Not one of these people did it alone. Every person testified that they could not have achieved the level of success they had without a strong team and support system, whether that be family, colleagues, or a faith community. In most cases, it was a combination of all three.

God believes in teams. We may call it fellowship, ministry, or doing life together. Let’s make sure that we do it well. Real life happens in small groups.

Are you part of one?

Be wise today and always – allow people to be part of your life.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Victory!


We know by many Biblical passages that Jesus proved he has authority or victory over death. 93 times the Word of God we see authority is used mostly in the New Testament concerning Jesus and His authority.

How does this authority play in to your relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior?

Look at the definition:
1. the power to determine or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.
2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization:
3. a person in whom authority is vested
4. a person having the legal power to make and enforce the law
5. an accepted source of information or advice

Does Jesus have authority over your life?

That’s the only way to know victory!

Be wise today and always by giving God authority over all your life.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Listen!


Let he who has ears to hear, use them” Jesus used this phrase eight times in the Gospels and eight times in Revelation. Look at James 1:22-24 –  22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. Don’t just listen but obey!

Look at the parable of the seed and the Sower found Luke 8:1-8  1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.  4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

In all four cases the seed, the Sower, and the message is the same.
What’s different? – It’s the listener!

Be wise today and always – listen and obey God’s Word.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Forgive


How did Jesus love His disciples?  

Let's look at John 13:1-7, 1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
 
He forgave their sin before they even committed it.

Jesus washes feet for two reasons.
1. To give us mercy. He offered mercy before they even sought it.
2. To give us a message. Jesus gives us unconditional grace, and we are to offer unconditional grace also.

Relationships don’t thrive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful.
We have three options to deal with hurt: to flee, fight, or forgive.

Be wise today and always - forgive like Jesus.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Attention


Jesus knew and used God’s Word and so should we.
If we are to be just like Jesus, we must have a regular time of talking to God and listening to His Word. 

When He asks for our attention is He getting it?
Our time with God should be the highlight of our day.

Tools to help listen to God:
1. Have a regular time and place.
2. Value quality over length
3. Have an open Bible
4. Before reading the Bible pray.
5. Remember that understanding comes a little at a time, over a lifetime.
6. Receive your lesson for the day and use it.
7. Have an open heart.

Be wise today and always - give God your attention.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Relevance


We see the relevance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Acts 2:22-24.  
22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.


Mankind’s problem is that we have a spiritual disease called sin.
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

Salvation comes down to personal acceptance.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

We all can have a new beginning.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Be wise today and always – take Christ rule your heart.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Worry

I heard of a church sign that read: Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help. While this is funny and true that sometimes ministry causes us to worry, I am sure that's not what they had in mind. Maybe they were thinking of the passage where Jesus talked about worry in Matthew 6:25-24.
6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Thank you Jesus for your great wisdom and hope that you give to us!

Be wise today and always - live for God, He’ll take care of you.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Anointed

Jesus is Anointed at Bethany in Matthew 26:6-13
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

2,000 years later we are still reminded of this woman's gift, love, tenderness, and service. 

What will you be remembered for years from now?

Be wise today and always - focus on Christ. 

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Prioritize


Jesus’ authority is prioritized for us Matthew 28:16-20.

 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

When must make His commission come alive in all we do as believers. We are to go, make disciples, baptize, teach, and obey His commandments.

Be wise today and always - know He is with you every step of the way.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Criticism


Jesus’ Authority is Criticized in Mark 11:27-33
 27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
 29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
 31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
 33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
 Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Don't allow critics to stop Jesus from working in you, your family, church, and community. Let His light shine. The darkness loses every time.

Be wise today and always – always have an answer concerning Christ.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Authorized


Jesus’ authority is emphasized as He appoints His disciples to go and minister. Look in:

Mark 3:14-15
He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

Mark 6:7
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

Jesus empowers and authorizes His followers today as well.

Be wise today and always accept Jesus’ authority to serve Him.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Recognition


Jesus’ authority is recognized in:

In Mark 1:22
The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

In Mark 1:27
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”

In Mark 2:10
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,

When people see Jesus in action they recognize His authority. 
Do they see Jesus at work in you?

Be wise today and always recognize and show Jesus’ authority.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Authority


93 times in the Bible the word authority is used. For the most part it is in the New Testament referring to the authority of Jesus. As we contemplate Easter and Christ Victory over death let’s look at His vital aspect of Christ

Jesus’ authority is prophesied in Daniel 7:14, He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Be wise today and always - see Jesus’ authority over all history.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Be Jesus


I’ve said many times, “If Jesus is in you, then He should be coming out of you. If He’s not coming out of you then maybe He’s not in you!” Easter should not be a one time a year event. We should celebrate the risen Lord every day of the year!

We see in John 20:24-31, Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

A new life in Christ is worth sharing!

Be wise today in always – be Jesus to the world around you today.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Got It


An old country Preacher once declared, You can't share what you ain't got.

In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told to always be ready to share our faith - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Remember AAA:
Admit you are a sinner and want to turn from your sins.
Accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and eternal life.
Acknowledge Him as Lord of your life.

If you got it - now share it!

Be wise today and always – share the Gospel.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Continuing


Rarely do we see someone forsaking the Gospel and breaking their relationship with Christ in one instant. It’s usually starts with getting off course, staying apart from God’s plan, and then not returning to the faith. Max Lucado calls this “casual abandonment”.  We are warned about this in Hebrews 2:1We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away

We have just come through a season where many of us have studied 40 Days in the Word and the excitement of Easter. Do not forget to continue to feed on the Word of God, and live every day for Him. If you stray off of His purposes – turn back immediately! You’ll find Jesus there.

Be wise today and always – stay in the Word.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Paralyzed


In Max Lucado’s book, Six Hours One Friday, he speaks about the disciples being paralyzed in the Upper Room. They came back there after Jesus’ arrest and death on the cross.

John 20:19a - On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,
-         Trained and taught but didn’t know what to say
-         Marched for 3 years but now they sat
-         As they looked at the walls of the upper room they also looked inside themselves in self examination
-         They could not forget Jesus and even though they fled, they came back together
-         This was the beginning of the first church

Upper room futility
-         enough religion to come together but not enough passion to go out
-         a little bit of faith but no fire
-         good people, ideas, plans, meetings, and intentions but the door remained locked

John 20:19b-22 - Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Only one thing can change this futility – They saw Jesus and received His joy, forgiveness, peace, and Holy Spirit.

The same is true for churches today.

Be wise today and always – seek the risen Lord.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Jesus Has Risen


  Happy Resurrection Sunday! Let’s look at the excitement shared in Matthew 28:1-10. 
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
   5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
   8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

He has risen indeed! Don’t be afraid – Go tell somebody. Amen!

Be wise today and always – live the resurrection of Christ every day of the year.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Hosanna!


The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” - Matthew 21:6-11

The people's cries of 'Hosanna' came from Psalm 118:25-26 25 LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you

Hosanna means "save now." Despite what Jesus had foretold about his mission, the people were looking for a military Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel's independence.

When we say “Hosanna” are we looking at the temporal or the eternal? Praise God! He can save us from our sin and punishment, so that we may be with Him forever and ever.

Be wise today and always – Hosanna!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Serving


Before Jesus’ last meal on earth He took the position of the lowest slave and washed His disciple’s feet.   

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. – John 13:12-17

Jesus sets the example for all believers, and gives us a promises blessing if we are obedient.

Be wise today and always – serve others.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Open Up


Today we will finish our study of Psalm 24:7-10.  7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?  The LORD strong and mighty,  the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates;  lift them up, you ancient doors,  that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory?

   The LORD Almighty - He is the King of glory! This Psalm has been lifted up on many occasions and will continue to sound. Christ is returning to earth and we shall rise to meet Him in the air. 

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in" (vs. 9).  The author of this psalm, King David, is especially speaking to those who have put off receiving Jesus, and those who know they need the righteousness of Christ. They know that they should come to know Him by faith, but have kept the ancient, rusty doors of their hearts shut.

The King of glory is at the door of your heart. Will you not let Him in?

Be wise today and always - may the gates of your hearts swing wide open!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Seek First


Let’s look at verses 5-6 from Psalm 24 today.
5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.  6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.

The generation who seeks God’s face (His purposes and ways), and live out their faith will receive God’s blessing. Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

When we seek God and His righteousness, all other things are added unto us. We can join in the chorus and approach the hill of the Lord.

Are you part of that “generation”?

Be wise today and always – seek God with all you have.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Your Standing


Let’s continue our study of Psalm 24 by looking at verses 3-4.
 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

Psalm 15 is only 5 verses long, but it has a lot to say about who may stand before God.

 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; 3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; 4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts,  and does not change their mind; 5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.  Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Give thanks to the Lord for giving us the answer of how to live in obedience and faithfulness.

Be wise today and always – follow God’s decrees.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Song for Today


Today let’s look at the first two verses of Psalm 24.
 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

In today's world of disappointment we may ask ourselves, who is able?

Don’t ever forget these attributes of the Lord…
He is able to save. He is able to protect.
He is able to preserve. He is able to meet our needs.
He is able to ascend to heaven’s throne. He is able to take you with Him.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.

Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy

Jesus is the one to look to, to do more than we could ever imagine, for power, to save and destroy, to keep you from stumbling, and clean you in to perfection.

Be wise today and always know Jesus is more than able!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Seeking


There are so many pressures on us these days. As believers we should want to be the very best at so many duties and titles we have: Husband, Wife, Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister, Worker, Christian, Neighbor, Friend, etc.. Let’s be honest it wears you out, and when can feel defeated.

In Matthew 6:33 Jesus instructs us to: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

We need to focus on just one thing – being a man or woman of God who loves and follows Him with all our heart. Then everything else will fall in to place. You cannot be the “best” at any of those things mentioned above unless you are right with God.

Take a deep breath, say “Thank You Jesus”, and work on that relationship. You’ll be amazed how things will fall in to place when you get that one right.

Be wise today and always – love God with all you got.