Changes

I am looking forward to Willowcreek’s Global Leadership Summit this summer. I recently was looking at some of the statements from last year’s speakers that caught my attention.

If you want to be a hero do what God tells you! It’s all about obedience and doing it God’s way not the worlds.

Failure means you can try again with experience. You’ve learned something that can help you succeed! Learn by doing, and keep your focus on Christ – Go!

 Every day we move closer or farther away from where God wants us to be. Our walk with God is intentional. There is only one way – His! May our desire be to get as close to Jesus as possible, and be His hands and feet to the world around us.

Be wise today and always – seek God’s wisdom.

You may have noticed I’ve “double posted” blogs the last three days. I was told recently that by posting in the evening it will double readership, so we are going to give that a try. Starting tomorrow I will only be posting in the early evening, and we’ll see how it goes. Thank you, readers for your encouragement and prayers. May Jesus be honored and praised every day!

History Repeats

The definition of a Prophet in Hebrew means literally, “Speaking Faith”. In other words it is like God saying, “Here is what I got!”

There are two things God wanted to tell Judah in the book of Isaiah:

1.     They were too self reliant on their wealth, army, and intelligence.

2.     They were guilty of making alliances with un-godly nations, and their hope was in other gods not in the God of creation.

Sound familiar? We need to know our history. so we don’t forget the things of the past that can lead to ruin.

In Isaiah 6:1-13 the call goes out to, Who will tell them? The response then should be the same as today, Here I am Lord, send me!

Be wise today and always – be ready to go and speak God’s truth.

Your Mind

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. - Matthew 22:36-38

It’s never too late to begin loving God with all your mind. Pray for the mind of Christ, and consider these four ideas to stay engaged:

1. Keep asking questions

Learning in community is the best way to learn. This is fellowship and discipleship.

2. Continue your education

Challenge yourself.The bible is deep and has no bottom! Drink deeply from the Word of God.

3. Learn outside your comfort zone

We will drift into comfort, but schedule discomfort. Change is good!

4. Learn from life

Life is a school all unto itself seen through God's heart, eyes, and mind.

Stretch your minds, but don’t become information addicts.

It's not about memorizing facts, but attaining Godly wisdom.  Be deliberate and passionate about the work you are doing for the Lord (which is everything).

Be wise today and always - renew your mind and grow in wisdom.

Say No

About a year ago I was at a bookstore trying to find my next reading “treasure”. As I was looking at a book I heard an employee next to me talking to a woman who had “borrowed” one of the stores carts. She had loaded it with items. The employee told her she wasn’t suppose to use it, and would take her books to the front where she could pay for them later. The woman strongly resisted saying, ‘You can’t have them. Somebody will steal them.”

That person left and shortly another employee came to relieve her of her cart but met the same resistance. It was getting a little weird, so I went to the other side of the store where the music is displayed. After laying down a cd I was looking at, a hand quickly reached in front of me grabbing the music disc, and putting it on her cart. Yes, the woman had followed me! I went down further and she reached in front of me again grabbing the item I was looking at. I quickly went down the row over to the next aisle, and within seconds she was standing at my side.

I asked, “Can I help you?” She replied, “I’ve ran out of ideas of things to put on my cart so I will take things you are interested in.” I prayed quickly and looked her in the eye, “You need to stop this right now.” She looked down and said, “I will, I promise, I am sorry.” She left her cart and walked away. I guess that was a hobby of hers to go around picking up all sorts of things, and then leaving without buying. The employees certainly were glad she was gone.

I thought about this later and came to the conclusion that this is like our relationship with God sometimes. We get busy doing all sorts of things that really don’t help others, but we don’t know how to stop. If we are in the Word and listen to the Holy Spirit we will be convicted to end this “sinful” behavior. It’s freeing when we’re told to stop! We can promise God that we will stop, say we are sorry, and then change our behavior. That’s cool. I think they call it repentance and forgiveness.

Do you need to “stop” certain behavior, thoughts, or words today?

Be wise today and always – confess bad behavior and ask forgiveness.

Act of Obedience

Consider what God's Word shares in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

When it comes to giving your attitude is an accountable action. You can't out-give God, but it sure is fun to try. It also puts a smile on His face.

If you are searching for God's approval then start with obedience! Verse 8 reassures us of this, God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Be wise today and always  - give cheerfully.

Obedience

I was using the ATM at my local bank. It’s set up like a lot of banks with a set of glass doors to the machine and then another set in to the bank. I always watch the people coming in while I’m making a withdrawal. I saw this man coming in the door at a pretty good clip. He comes in the first set of doors and turns right behind me and runs right in to the glass wall!

He falls to the ground hard, and his file and papers going flying. I turned and helped him to his feet. As I picked up his papers I asked if he was okay. He replied, “What happened?” I told him he ran in to a wall. He said, “That’s impossible, the man from the bank told me to come through the doors and turn right and I’d be at his desk.”  

Well, he was okay and went on through the second set of doors to his appointment. I thought now there is someone who takes instruction literally!

Even though it was kind of funny I can appreciate someone taking and following directions. Jesus said, “If you love me then obey my commands”. Makes you think. If God spoke literally to us and told us to go and do this or that, would we?

Wait a minute, I think He did.

Be wise today and always – obey the Word.

Immersed

Consider the prophesy found in Joel 2:28-29 - “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. ²⁹ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Joel says that God will pour out his Spirit on all people. The Lord will draw near to men and women and make Himself known and felt in a powerful way. They are immersed in His presence.

John Piper gives this analogy-There is a great difference between perceiving a lake at a distance and being immersed in the lake. So there is a great difference between experiencing God as a distant object of knowledge and being immersed in his presence.

When God draws near to a person (immersed) by his Spirit, he does so to reveal himself. -of his beauty - power - mercy - truth – holiness – greatness, and His love. We are soaked by the presence of a holy God. This prophecy began to be fulfilled at Pentecost as reported in Acts 2. Until Jesus returns this same filling is available to all believers.

If you are not often moved deeply by God’s Spirit then pray Joel 2:28-29 and that the Lord would be seen in all areas of your life. Amen?

Be wise today and always – be filled to overflowing by God’s Spirit.