John 10:14-15 - Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me....and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Exodus 23:20 - God said, "See I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."
Have you ever taken a wrong turn and found yourself hopelessly lost? I have. Sometimes I find myself in a place I don't want to be. I immediately start looking for someone to give me directions so I can find my way.
This reminds me of my spiritual journey. When I become confused, about the circumstances happening in my life, or tired because my direction is unclear, where do I turn for help, to receive directions to get back on track? SCRIPTURE! Scripture is my guide. The words of Christ help me in times of the storms of life. They calm me. Its guidance orients me and provides assurance and comfort. It never changes.
I am so grateful that Jesus rejoices when I find my way back, and no matter where I wander Jesus looks for me until He finds me.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Changes (Oppportunities from God)
Psalms 107: 1 - "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever."
Changes
Have you thought about changes that occur in our everyday lives. Sunrises, sunsets, weather and seasons are some examples. In a sunset the most glorious change occurs as the gray-green sky turns to vibrant, pinks, reds, oranges and purples. In sunrises, the brilliant sun's rays glistens and shines like diamonds reflecting on the dew of trees, plants and grass.
God's presence and love appears in many different forms as well. Some of life's changes we welcome, and others break our hearts. In the midst of all life's changes God sustains us, and strengthens us. With changes that occur in our lives we can rely on God's love, grace, mercy and presence to never leave us.
Changes
Have you thought about changes that occur in our everyday lives. Sunrises, sunsets, weather and seasons are some examples. In a sunset the most glorious change occurs as the gray-green sky turns to vibrant, pinks, reds, oranges and purples. In sunrises, the brilliant sun's rays glistens and shines like diamonds reflecting on the dew of trees, plants and grass.
God's presence and love appears in many different forms as well. Some of life's changes we welcome, and others break our hearts. In the midst of all life's changes God sustains us, and strengthens us. With changes that occur in our lives we can rely on God's love, grace, mercy and presence to never leave us.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Gift of Choice
Psalm 119:19 - "I have chosen the way of truth. I have obeyed your laws."
People talk about Free Will. God gave us free will - we can choose. In the book of Matthew chapter 7: 13-14 we are told we can choose:
People talk about Free Will. God gave us free will - we can choose. In the book of Matthew chapter 7: 13-14 we are told we can choose:
- the narrow gate or wide gate
- narrow road or wide road
- big crowd or small crowd
- Verses 24-27 tell us we can build on rock or sand.
- Chapter 6: 24 say we can serve God or riches.
- Chapter 25: 32-33 says we can be numbered among the sheep or the goats.
God gives us eternal choices and eternal consequences. One of God's greatest gifts is the gift of choice. My prayer for you is you choose wisely. Max Lucado
Friday, January 29, 2010
New Abundant LIfe Now
John 10:10 - Jesus said, "I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness."
There are no guarantees in our future. No one knows what tomorrow has in store for you. Nothing is certain. For many, FAITH is just a ticket to heaven. JESUS didn't die on the cross just to pay the price for our sins, to save us so we could have eternity, but to bring us new and abundant life now. Paul wrote, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life," Romans 6:4.
That new life begins the minute you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Christ gives you new life so you can work to make this world more like God wants it to be, to share the good news about the eternal kingdom. Christ is relevant for your life now and hereafter.
Have you heard the song; What the World Needs Now is Love. The lyrics are: What the world needs now is love, sweet love. Not just for some, but for everyone.
What would this kingdom on earth be like if all believers lived now, as God intends us to live?
There are no guarantees in our future. No one knows what tomorrow has in store for you. Nothing is certain. For many, FAITH is just a ticket to heaven. JESUS didn't die on the cross just to pay the price for our sins, to save us so we could have eternity, but to bring us new and abundant life now. Paul wrote, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life," Romans 6:4.
That new life begins the minute you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Christ gives you new life so you can work to make this world more like God wants it to be, to share the good news about the eternal kingdom. Christ is relevant for your life now and hereafter.
Have you heard the song; What the World Needs Now is Love. The lyrics are: What the world needs now is love, sweet love. Not just for some, but for everyone.
What would this kingdom on earth be like if all believers lived now, as God intends us to live?
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Three-Legged Stool
Rev. 2: 10 - The Spirit says, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
I read a devotional by M.D. Thiel in the Upper Room. He shared a story about milking cows by hand. He needed a firm foundation to do his job: a three legged stool.
As Christians we need a firm foundation in order to do our daily work for our Heavenly Father.
Our foundation is our Bible - based faith. We also have a three legged stool for our firm foundation:
I read a devotional by M.D. Thiel in the Upper Room. He shared a story about milking cows by hand. He needed a firm foundation to do his job: a three legged stool.
As Christians we need a firm foundation in order to do our daily work for our Heavenly Father.
Our foundation is our Bible - based faith. We also have a three legged stool for our firm foundation:
- God is love (1John 4:8)
- God is holy (Lev. 11:44)
- God is spirit (John 4: 24)
Our earthly task last until we die. We are supported by God's love, holiness and spirit. This makes our journey possible.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Enough For Today
Matthew 6:34 Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
There are so many things in our world to be disturbed about. We find ourselves in situations that overwhelm us. We wonder how we can handle the situation, complete the job / task, over time.
I truly believe if God brings me to a situation, He will bring me through it. When I become anxious I recite Matthew 6: 34. I know Jesus is encouraging me to deal with today's concerns, to trust Him for the rest - (for all I need in the future). I know nothing is impossible for God. When I trust God for one-day-at-a-time strength, things become less overwhelming. Things that seem impossible become more than possible, they become accomplished.
Strength for tomorrow will come tomorrow. God will give me what I need today and tomorrow. He will do it again and again.
I also rely on Isaiah 55: 8 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, declares the Lord and Proverb 3: 5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
There are so many things in our world to be disturbed about. We find ourselves in situations that overwhelm us. We wonder how we can handle the situation, complete the job / task, over time.
I truly believe if God brings me to a situation, He will bring me through it. When I become anxious I recite Matthew 6: 34. I know Jesus is encouraging me to deal with today's concerns, to trust Him for the rest - (for all I need in the future). I know nothing is impossible for God. When I trust God for one-day-at-a-time strength, things become less overwhelming. Things that seem impossible become more than possible, they become accomplished.
Strength for tomorrow will come tomorrow. God will give me what I need today and tomorrow. He will do it again and again.
I also rely on Isaiah 55: 8 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, declares the Lord and Proverb 3: 5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Like Minds
Phil. 2:5 - Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
In my devotional today it talked about twins, being of one mind. that they think alike and many times act alike even when they live far apart.
Right now Caden and Nehemiah our twin great grandsons are visiting us. Although they are babies they seem to be of the same mind.
As I reflect on the Christmas season, thinking about the birth of Jesus, I wonder how different our world might be if we bore a striking resemblance to Jesus. Paul tells us to align our minds, intellects, and priorities with the thoughts and actions of Christ. If we do then we can truly be Christ's vessel, to touch others.
Through us others can catch a glimpse of Christ. This means we would have to make sacrifices, be obedient and serve in order to be in Union with Christ.
Ask yourself - "What one, small thing can I do today to reflect Christ presence in my life?
In my devotional today it talked about twins, being of one mind. that they think alike and many times act alike even when they live far apart.
Right now Caden and Nehemiah our twin great grandsons are visiting us. Although they are babies they seem to be of the same mind.
As I reflect on the Christmas season, thinking about the birth of Jesus, I wonder how different our world might be if we bore a striking resemblance to Jesus. Paul tells us to align our minds, intellects, and priorities with the thoughts and actions of Christ. If we do then we can truly be Christ's vessel, to touch others.
Through us others can catch a glimpse of Christ. This means we would have to make sacrifices, be obedient and serve in order to be in Union with Christ.
Ask yourself - "What one, small thing can I do today to reflect Christ presence in my life?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
