Romans 5:2 / New Living Translation - "Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory"
When you pull up to the drive-through to place an order for the coffee that may start your day, and you hear the cashier say, "Your order was paid for by the car in front of you." This unexpected generosity gives birth to humbling gratitude, and the day is now overcome with God's presence. A stranger may have been the instrument of kind provision, but the inspiration is unmistakable.
God is the author of generosity, providing us with all we need. Look at all he gave to Adam and Eve, and how little he asked for in return! They walked in his presence daily, enjoying authentic relationship with their Father. Just don't eat the fruit from that tree or you will die. Even when they ate it, God provided atonement for them.
We, like Adam and Eve, have sinned and deserve death. But Christ is our substantial provision! As if eternity in his kingdom weren't enough, he blesses us each and every day, whether we acknowledge it or not. Some things, like free coffee at the drive-through, are small provisions. Others are subtle or unseen altogether. But he is working his love out in generous portions for you!
In what ways have you seen God generously provide for you lately?
Friday, April 29, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
He Gives Me Life
John 11:25 / New King James Version - "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live"
Do you want to know a secret? The world has been lying to us. It says, "Eat, drink and be merry, because tomorrow you will die." It says, "Seize the day for pleasure; it might be the only one you have left!" But this is only a half-truth, a deception of God's Word that gives birth to flesh and sin instead of life and hope.
The truth is that we will live forever. Whether in heaven or hell, we will exist for all eternity. It is because of this truth that we must seize the day. Not because we fear our own death, which leads to light, but because we fear the death of those walking in darkness. Death has been sold as being the end of everything, but it is only the end of opportunities to put our trust in Jesus Christ.
It is said that for those who don't have salvation in Jesus Christ, this side of life has the greatest happiness they will ever experience; for followers of Jesus, it has the least. It will only get better when we are face to face with our Savior, through whom we have hope, joy, peace, and the comfort of eternal light.
As you go about your week, find people to share the truth with. Be the light in the darkness, that they too might receive eternal life in Jesus! How can you embrace the truth that the best is yet to come?
Do you want to know a secret? The world has been lying to us. It says, "Eat, drink and be merry, because tomorrow you will die." It says, "Seize the day for pleasure; it might be the only one you have left!" But this is only a half-truth, a deception of God's Word that gives birth to flesh and sin instead of life and hope.
The truth is that we will live forever. Whether in heaven or hell, we will exist for all eternity. It is because of this truth that we must seize the day. Not because we fear our own death, which leads to light, but because we fear the death of those walking in darkness. Death has been sold as being the end of everything, but it is only the end of opportunities to put our trust in Jesus Christ.
It is said that for those who don't have salvation in Jesus Christ, this side of life has the greatest happiness they will ever experience; for followers of Jesus, it has the least. It will only get better when we are face to face with our Savior, through whom we have hope, joy, peace, and the comfort of eternal light.
As you go about your week, find people to share the truth with. Be the light in the darkness, that they too might receive eternal life in Jesus! How can you embrace the truth that the best is yet to come?
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
He Knows Me By Name
Psalm 139 1–4 / The Passion Translation - "Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You have examined my innermost being with your loving gaze. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord, You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I'm about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take, before my journey even begins"
There are people who are terrible with names. And then there are parents. They address you by every name in the household - quite possibly including the dog or cat - all while looking you in the eye ... and they gave you the name in the first place. It's been done to most people and I'm sure if you are one of those "most," you probably have or will do it to your own children one of these days.
Depending on your name, there may be thousands of people with your name, or there may only be a handful. Either way, it makes no difference to God. He knows you fully. He doesn't take a stab in the dark when you are approaching him, guessing a name and hoping he gets it right. He knows exactly who you are and why you are coming to him. He knows why you have stayed away for so long. He knows your deepest need, your most painful wound and your darkest thoughts. And still he loves you!
Listen to God as he calls out, "My beloved ones, I know you." How does hearing that you are intimately known by God bring you comfort?
There are people who are terrible with names. And then there are parents. They address you by every name in the household - quite possibly including the dog or cat - all while looking you in the eye ... and they gave you the name in the first place. It's been done to most people and I'm sure if you are one of those "most," you probably have or will do it to your own children one of these days.
Depending on your name, there may be thousands of people with your name, or there may only be a handful. Either way, it makes no difference to God. He knows you fully. He doesn't take a stab in the dark when you are approaching him, guessing a name and hoping he gets it right. He knows exactly who you are and why you are coming to him. He knows why you have stayed away for so long. He knows your deepest need, your most painful wound and your darkest thoughts. And still he loves you!
Listen to God as he calls out, "My beloved ones, I know you." How does hearing that you are intimately known by God bring you comfort?
Sunday, April 24, 2016
He Blesses Me
1 Samuel 2:1–2 / New Living Translation - "My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God"
Consider for a moment the most joyous time of your walk with Christ. Imagine the delight of that season, the lightness and pleasure in your heart. Rest in the memory for a minute, and let the emotions come back to you. Is the joy returning? Do you feel it? Now, hear the truth: The way you felt about God at the highest, most joyful, amazing, glorious moment is how he feels about you at all times!
What a glorious blessing! Our joy is an overflow of his hearts joy toward us; it is just one of the many blessings God showers over us. When we realize how good he is and that he has granted us everything we need for salvation through Jesus, we can rejoice!
This season of your greatest rejoicing can be now, when you consider the strength he provides, the suffering from which you have been rescued, and the rock that is our God. His blessings don't depend on our feeling joyous; we experience joy because we realize God's gracious and loving blessings.
Lift your praises to him and let your song be never-ending. Relive the season of blessing each and every day!
Consider for a moment the most joyous time of your walk with Christ. Imagine the delight of that season, the lightness and pleasure in your heart. Rest in the memory for a minute, and let the emotions come back to you. Is the joy returning? Do you feel it? Now, hear the truth: The way you felt about God at the highest, most joyful, amazing, glorious moment is how he feels about you at all times!
What a glorious blessing! Our joy is an overflow of his hearts joy toward us; it is just one of the many blessings God showers over us. When we realize how good he is and that he has granted us everything we need for salvation through Jesus, we can rejoice!
This season of your greatest rejoicing can be now, when you consider the strength he provides, the suffering from which you have been rescued, and the rock that is our God. His blessings don't depend on our feeling joyous; we experience joy because we realize God's gracious and loving blessings.
Lift your praises to him and let your song be never-ending. Relive the season of blessing each and every day!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
He Is Real
2 Peter 1:3-4 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires"
The test for authenticity is often measured by applying some kind of force or foreign substance to that which is being tested. Determining whether something is made of real gold can be accomplished in a number of ways. Perhaps the most symbol is by rubbing the gold on an unglazed ceramic plate. The color of the mark left on the plate determines the authenticity of the gold. Real gold will leave a gold mark. Fake gold will leave a black mark. You can see the analogy, can't you?
At some time in our lives, we will undergo an authenticity test. We might be put through several – daily. What mark will we leave when we encounter those tests? When we brush up against difficulty? If we are authentic Christians, The mark we leave will be gold – the true mark of Christ. Unfortunately, black marks and scars cover many who have been hurt by fakes.
God is real and he is good. He has given us an example of how to remain authentic in a world full of fraud and deception. If you have been hurt by someone you thought was being real with you, you are not alone. Remember God's great and precious promises today, and press on in his strength.
How can you continue to leave an authentic mark of gold when you brush up against difficult situations?
The test for authenticity is often measured by applying some kind of force or foreign substance to that which is being tested. Determining whether something is made of real gold can be accomplished in a number of ways. Perhaps the most symbol is by rubbing the gold on an unglazed ceramic plate. The color of the mark left on the plate determines the authenticity of the gold. Real gold will leave a gold mark. Fake gold will leave a black mark. You can see the analogy, can't you?
At some time in our lives, we will undergo an authenticity test. We might be put through several – daily. What mark will we leave when we encounter those tests? When we brush up against difficulty? If we are authentic Christians, The mark we leave will be gold – the true mark of Christ. Unfortunately, black marks and scars cover many who have been hurt by fakes.
God is real and he is good. He has given us an example of how to remain authentic in a world full of fraud and deception. If you have been hurt by someone you thought was being real with you, you are not alone. Remember God's great and precious promises today, and press on in his strength.
How can you continue to leave an authentic mark of gold when you brush up against difficult situations?
Friday, April 22, 2016
He Gives Me Rest
Matthew 11:28-30 / The Passion Translation - "So everyone, come to me! Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me, I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear"
There are times when grief leaves you bone tired. The thought of doing even the most simple task seems overwhelming. Getting out of bed, getting dressed, cooking dinner, or taking kids to practice become insurmountable chores. The world continues to spin, and you can think of nothing you would like better than to stop and get off for awhile. Trying to keep up with life's demands feels impossible.
So don't try.
Admit your weakness and ask God for his strength. You will find that he is very resourceful when you allow him to be. Someone shows up on your doorstep with dinner? Accept it. That was a gift of rest from God. A friend swings by to pick up your kids for practice? Say thank you. That was God, too.
Accepting that we need help can sometimes be the hardest part. Once we let go of the need to appear as if everything is ok, we are in a better position to receive help. How do you feel knowing that God is gentle, humble, and easy to please? Can you find your refreshment and rest in him today?
There are times when grief leaves you bone tired. The thought of doing even the most simple task seems overwhelming. Getting out of bed, getting dressed, cooking dinner, or taking kids to practice become insurmountable chores. The world continues to spin, and you can think of nothing you would like better than to stop and get off for awhile. Trying to keep up with life's demands feels impossible.
So don't try.
Admit your weakness and ask God for his strength. You will find that he is very resourceful when you allow him to be. Someone shows up on your doorstep with dinner? Accept it. That was a gift of rest from God. A friend swings by to pick up your kids for practice? Say thank you. That was God, too.
Accepting that we need help can sometimes be the hardest part. Once we let go of the need to appear as if everything is ok, we are in a better position to receive help. How do you feel knowing that God is gentle, humble, and easy to please? Can you find your refreshment and rest in him today?
Thursday, April 21, 2016
He Brings Refreshment
John 4:13-14 / The Living Bible - "The water I give them," he said, "becomes a perpetual spring within them, watering them forever with eternal life"
Have you ever been so thirsty you thought you would never be able to take in enough water to quench your thirst? Maybe you have been somewhere so hot you were sure you would jump in a dirty puddle just to cool off. Imagine stumbling upon an oasis in the middle of the desert or a crystal clear swimming hole at the bottom of a waterfall in the jungle. How refreshing that would be!
The word refreshment itself sounds like a cool drink for the weary soul. The Bible says, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7/NIV) God's Word is our source of life and energy. It gives us what we so desperately need, and it is available all the time! If you spend time in the Scriptures, you will find his Word is in you, waiting to revitalize and invigorate you.
God's Word will never run dry. His water is life-giving and eternal-refreshing! That perpetual spring is in you ready to be drawn upon at any moment of the day or night. What an encouragement that is when we are tired, frustrated, sad or confused.
In what areas of your life do you sense a need for refreshment? Spend time in the Word of God and find that long, cool drink you are looking for.
Have you ever been so thirsty you thought you would never be able to take in enough water to quench your thirst? Maybe you have been somewhere so hot you were sure you would jump in a dirty puddle just to cool off. Imagine stumbling upon an oasis in the middle of the desert or a crystal clear swimming hole at the bottom of a waterfall in the jungle. How refreshing that would be!
The word refreshment itself sounds like a cool drink for the weary soul. The Bible says, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7/NIV) God's Word is our source of life and energy. It gives us what we so desperately need, and it is available all the time! If you spend time in the Scriptures, you will find his Word is in you, waiting to revitalize and invigorate you.
God's Word will never run dry. His water is life-giving and eternal-refreshing! That perpetual spring is in you ready to be drawn upon at any moment of the day or night. What an encouragement that is when we are tired, frustrated, sad or confused.
In what areas of your life do you sense a need for refreshment? Spend time in the Word of God and find that long, cool drink you are looking for.
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