What's Best

For a long time, over 400 years after Israel returned from Babylonian captivity, God was silent. But there was hope. In the midst of being taken over by the Persians, then Greeks, and then the Romans God’s promises were still true. His greatest promise of sending a Savior to the world was yet to come, and His people longed for this coming King.

The prophets foretold of God coming in the form of a man that would create a kingdom that would last forever. Then as now people had their own ideas about what God should and would do. The Jews wanted a conquering King to destroy the enemy and make Israel the mightiest nation on earth. Today  many have the wrong expectations of God. They expect Him to be like a genie in a bottle, and grant all our wishes to give us happy lives.

God always knows what is best for us, and we need to be more in tune with His plans and purposes for our lives.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in him. Psalm 37:9-40

Praise God today and always for knowing what’s best for us Amen?

Tongues

I was recently reminded of this story about things that can happen at church.

An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps,  "Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely. "The front row please," she answered.

"You really don't want to do that," the usher said "The pastor is really boring."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired. "No." he said.

"I'm the pastor's mother," she replied indignantly. "Do you know who I am?" he asked.

"No." she said. "Good," he answered.

Funny story but it brings to mind about how we need to be careful with our words and attitude. James 1:26 tells us, "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."

May only blessings come from our mouth. Amen?

Clean Up

If you’re in any way stuck in the past, there are people around you who might suffer from you not being fully present. The past is good to remember and reminisce about, but focus on the present.  You can’t go forward very far driving a car if you’re looking in the year view mirror! Jesus has the best plan to move us ahead.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” - John 4:13-14

Have you ever cleaned out a packed basement, garage, or shed? Over the years things just accumulate; they don’t work anymore, stuff breaks down, get outdated, we just have no use for them, and they take up space that could be used for something else.

We need to do that with our lives as well. Clean out junk; bad habits, un-repented sins, unhealthy lifestyles, and wrong ways of thinking. It should be replaced with Godly restorative and healthy behaviors and actions.

It can start today. Are you willing?

Go Forward

Do you believe God has provided you with everything you need today and tomorrow? If so, why do you think so many of us still tend to look to the past for how we would like things to be? This tends to happen with our whole life experience -looking back and not ahead. This kind of thinking was going on with the Disciples. Jesus called it lack of faith, and commanded them to go forward sharing the Good News.

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  - Mark 16:14-15

Jesus was telling the Disciples (and His church), “That life will not be the same (after encountering the risen Savior), there are new tasks to do” When you accept Christ in to your life you’re changed forever. Not just for eternity but from that day forward, so let’s look forward – Jesus is there. Amen?

Good Growth

My church family helps me grow in my faith and helps with making lasting friendships. The bible is clear on the fact that Christ followers are to spend time with one another in worship, discipleship, and encouragement.

Magnify (Honor) the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! Psalm 34:3

Let us go on ... and become mature in our understanding, as strong Christians ought to be. Hebrews 6:1

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

I praise and thank God for his example of how church should be, and how I am to be a part of it. Amen?

Connectedness

Being a Christian is about believing in Jesus as Savior, and belonging to His family (the church). Peter said, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 So we’re talking about two important relationships here. The first is vital: accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Redeemer from your sins. What you do with Jesus determines your eternity. Christ followers spend a lot of time on this. It’s called evangelism and witnessing. It’s how people hear God’s truth and are saved.

The second relationship is vital to the believer – becoming part of God’s family, the church. Acts chapter talks about the “behavior” of Christ followers. (They) were baptized(1) ... and joined the other believers ... they worshiped together regularly at the Temple (2)... and met in small groups in the homes (3) for communion... Acts 2:41-42, 46

Our spiritual family should be important to us. The Bible uses words like “they continued to meet”. They remained connected. The word connect literally means fused together.

How would you rate your “connectedness” to God’s family? Make changes to your schedule and prioritize family time. Amen?

Healthy Life

Three years ago I read a book that not only drastically changed my thinking, but will allow me to live a more productive life. It's called the Daniel Plan by Rick Warren. It's important to follow God's plan, and set goals to bring Him glory. The following are from the book.

FIVE REASONS WHY I NEED TO SET PERSONAL GOAL 

1.   Goal setting is a spiritual discipline.

      “God plans to bring all of history to its goal in Christ. Then Christ will be the head of everything in heaven and on earth!” Eph.1:10 (GW)

2.   Goals focus my energy.

      “I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air.”1 Cor. 9:26 (NCV)

      “Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.” Eph. 5:16 (NLT)

3.   Goals stretch my faith.

       “According to your faith will it be done to you.” Matt. 9:29

      “Everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Rom.14:23

4. Goals build my character.

      Paul: “I do not claim that I’ve already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving toward the goal for which Christ Jesus has won me to himself.” Phil. 3:12 (TEV)

      “Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.” Eph. 4:13 (CEV)

5.   Goals give me hope.

      Job: “I do not have the strength to endure. I do not have a goal that encourages me to carry on.” Job 6:11 (NLT)

      “The plans I have for you are plans to prosper you, not to harm you. They are plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 (NIV) 

I hope you are encouraged to do something to make your life healthier and happier. God desires you to be your best, and will help you. I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17 

Change your life today, and set some goals. Read The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, and check out the Daniel Plan Website Here