Work Impartially

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. ~ 1 Peter 1:17

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are accepting and believing that He has paid for your sins and the Holy Spirit begins to transform your heart, mind and life to want to live in accordance with God’s ways.  This way of thinking and living is counter intuitive to how the world wants you to live and your judge on the matter no longer becomes the world, but God himself.  No one else’s opinion should matter.  The world would have us live for ourselves, but as believers of Jesus, we should live in hope, holiness and out of a deep respect for God.  Being a child of God, we know that He has good things in store for us, but we must remember that He will judge us all fairly for our time here on earth and our actions, or the way we lived.  Not that our salvation can be taken from us, but that our heavenly rewards will be justified.  We don’t fear God out of a terrified state, but we should fear God as an act of reverence, respect and awe.  We should want to live a God pleasing and God fearing life when Christ takes His rightful place in our hearts.  2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Living lives set apart from non-believers will have its challenges when we live in such a self-centered world, but we must learn to love people and God first.  We should not fit comfortably into the world’s view of things.  We should act humbly and learn to walk the way God desires.  Our hearts should not desire monetary growth for personal gain, but we should long for spiritual growth and a profound reliance on our Creator.  Let us live differently so that our hope and light will attract others for His glory. ~ Amen

Sincere Love

Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9

So many of us use the word “love” casually.  We love hot dogs, we love a certain band, we love our new jeans, and I really love your new hair cut!  What happened to the word “like”?  Because believe me, my love for my children is not the same love I have for a piece of cheesecake.  Do not love as the world loves.  As Christians, we are to love genuinely, sincerely, and authentically.  We should not have a fake attitude of love, but love out of genuine care and act as such towards people in meaningful ways.  We are then called to hate evil; not people, but the sin - let me be very clear about that.  God loves all people, but He hates sin and we are called to do the same.  Living in a world and society where there is so much confusion about right and wrong we need to spend a lot of time in prayer and making sure we know God’s word.  Morals and values have shifted so much that what used to be wrong is now considered acceptable and what used to be right is now considered close mindedness.  Make sure you know what God’s word says and continue to love and pray for people with a genuine heart, but loathe sin.  Having eyes and ears like Jesus and seeing the world and people as He does brings a fresh perspective to how we are to live.  Finally, we are told to cling to what is good, or stick to it and hold to it.  As children of God, we are supposed to be lovers of good.  When we hold onto what is good and righteous according to God, we become transformed and can touch others in our lives with that same goodness.  We must love moral goodness and hate evil because it is the destroyer of good.  Let us love people, hate sin and cling to the goodness of God’s authority so that we may be lights to a dark world. ~ Amen

Built House

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. ~ Matthew 7:24

During his sermon on the mount, Jesus tells a parable, or story of two men who build houses.  One man built a house on rock and another man built his house on sand.  When the storm came, the house on the rock could withstand the pressure while the house on the sand collapsed.  The man who built his house on the rock was considered wise while the other man was considered foolish.  Well of course!  Who builds houses on shifting material?  The point of the story is that foundations matter.  In order to have a strong, steady and stable home the foundation must be of solid and sturdy material, or else the house won’t last long.  The same is true of our lives.  Our spiritual and worldly lives.  The spiritual meaning of the parable is that we are each building a life that is either stable, or shaky.  The proper foundation for life is God’s word and Jesus’ teaching and not just listening to them, but acting on them and living His word out.  In today’s culture it is easy to get turned around and swayed by the world and our flesh.  Our human nature and reactions are often contradictory to what Christ would have us do.  We have to be intentional about following His ways even when they seem hard and don’t make sense to us.  A wise man will follow God’s ways no matter the pressure of the world because he trusts God.  A life lived with God as the foundation will be much more stable, protected and steadfast when the storms of life come their way.  When the world’s house on sand gets caught in a storm it often crumbles and leads to destruction as there is no sure foundation, faith, or trust in the life they have built.  Do you want a strong, anchoring, trustworthy home?  Anchor yourself and your life in Christ.  Do not build your house on the way of the world that changes at a moment's notice.  Let us build our homes, families, work, church and communities on the firm foundation of God’s word and truth.  The wise man has faith and hope here and a life of everlasting love, peace and hope for the next. ~ Amen

Your Commands

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. ~ Psalm 119:19

Until I reach my heavenly home with Jesus, I realize that I am a soul living in a temporary body in this temporary world.  I am making a pit stop, if you will, for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God by living for Him and praising Him.  This earthly home will be destroyed one day and followers of Jesus will be with their Maker in their eternal home forever.  I pray I will not be worldly driven, but divinely driven and live a life pleasing to no one else other than God.  To be his hands and feet in this world and bring others to know Him as their Lord and Savior.  To desire to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.  Seeking to live in God’s ways of obedience, trust, patience, love and humility are my ultimate goals instead of living according to the desires of this world and my flesh.  The truth is I should act differently than the world and I should feel a little uncomfortable down here when I am following God’s commands, for His ways are higher than our own and the world’s.  However, I get complacent and sometimes I act just like everyone else.  It’s easy to get sucked into selfishness, gossip, whining and an entitled attitude, just to name a few.  That’s why I try to start each day off with my quiet time; to dive into prayer and God’s word.  The word of God, the bible, should be my instruction manual on how to live life and how to live according to God’s guidance, direction and wisdom.  There will be times of confusion and discord on earth, but as followers of Jesus, we can find the truths and stability for right living in the bible.  We should look, act and respond differently than the world does.  We should find great strength, hope and direction in God’s word when faced with struggles and confusion.  Instead of getting caught up in the desires of our flesh and the arguments of the world, we need to remember that this is our temporary residence and that our true home is with God in HIs kingdom.  We should seek God’s guidance and His alone, not the world’s, to live a righteous life in a broken world.  Let us ask God to reveal His word and truth to us so that we do not fall into the world’s ways.  Turn to God and ask for a deep desire for His guidance and trust in Him. ~ Amen

Were Willing

But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. ~ John 6:20-21

We will all go through storms in our lives.  Do you invite Jesus into the mess, or do you become fearful?  God stands ready, willing and able to calm our fears and lead us through every difficulty we face.  He is waiting for the invitation.  As our Creator, our Father, and as God, He has the power to direct His children and even desires to be called upon to deliver us from and through trials.  The disciples were terrified as the storm raged on and they were in the middle of the sea; it didn’t look good, but Jesus walked on the water to calm them and reassure them that they don’t need to be afraid.  In the hours before the storm, the disciples had witnessed Jesus feed thousands with a minimal supply of fish and bread so you think they would have tremendous trust in Jesus instead of being fearful.  After all, Jesus was the one who sent them across the sea, but sometimes there are trials even in our obedience and God longs for you to ask for His help and trust Him.  Sometimes difficulties are tests of faith God has ordained.  In storms that seem insurmountable, God longs to show you HIs faithfulness and goodness.  By the disciples being “willing” to take Jesus into the boat “immediately” the boat reached their destination.  In my own experiences, I have felt comfort, complete peace and strength when I lay my fear, hurt and storm at Jesus’ feet.  Things may not always work out the way I want them too, or in my timing, but they do work out.  Sometimes God allows difficulties and trials in our lives so that we must lean into Him.  We must call on Him and trust Him in those times in order for our faith journey to grow.  Let us not get discouraged, or become fearful in our trials, but let us call on Jesus and trust that He will lead us to our destination. ~ Amen

Sober Mind

The end of all things is near.  Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ~ 1 Peter 4:7

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have in our arsenal to help us navigate the ways of this world.  Prayer can go where we can’t.  Prayer can soften hearts, help us stay alert and give us power to walk through our most difficult days.  In a world of confusion and despair, being alert and prayerful in all things gives us sound judgement where things seem less than fair.  Because we are living in the last days, the days before Christ comes back and makes everything right, we should be alert and prayerful that we are living godly lives for His glory.  Instead of living for the world and ourselves, we should pray that God would help us make the most of our time here for His kingdom.  We should not be wasteful, or stingy with our time, but giving and loving to those around us.  We need to have clear minds and hearts so that we are ready for the judgement when Christ fulfills his promises in the end.  Be courageous in your walk with the Lord and be prayerful that you are living according to his ways.  Have clear thinking and be on alert for the devil who wants nothing more but to destroy your faith and life.  It is to our advantage to give glory to God all our days through our devotion and faithful living for God’s glory, not our own.  The small acts of obedience, love and humility can have significant impacts on the world around us.  We don’t have to move to Africa, give up our possessions, or build mega churches; start prayerfully where you are now and show God’s love and kindness to your fellow neighbor as we await the coming of Christ.  Invite people into your home, your church, your lives and let them see Christ in you.  For His glory.  Love one another, be self-controlled, be loving and generous, humbly serve others and be patient.  These small gestures showered in prayer can turn hearts to be ready for the glorious return of Christ.  Let us be ready and make the most of our time while we await His return. ~ Amen

Numbered Days

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.” ~ Psalm 39:4

David’s prayer to God is a prayer all followers of Jesus should ask so that we can keep our eyes fixed on the important eternal values instead of the fleeting and temporary values of life on earth.  Our lives here on earth may be nearly 100 years, if we’re lucky, but God’s heavenly realms will last forever - a limitless amount of time.  More time than our minds can fathom.  Our life is a detour on earth and not our final home.  We have been given a mission while here and we must make the best use of our time and skills to love God and love people.  I also hear David’s plea in this prayer to help him deal with difficulties and life’s challenges by reminding him that his life on earth is short.  When confronted with so much evil, wickedness and worldly stresses of an uncertain life, we need help remembering sometimes that this is all temporary.  We will one day overcome this world and what will they say at the end of your life?  That you made the most of every opportunity to show Jesus?  That you were a successful, or greedy business partner?  That you didn’t have time for your family as you were a workaholic?  That you were helpful, or kind?  Or were you a miserable soul?  Our days are numbered and our time here is short.  We need to be about the business of Jesus.  He deserves the glory and honor and He wants us to help spread the Good News and lay the difficulties at His feet.  What is most important to you?  Is it important to God?  Being mindful of our days and time and how we use them is important; it can even be life changing for someone you come in contact with.  Your smile, your voice, your encouragement and maybe even just your presence can make an impact.  Let’s be mindful of our days for God will lead us home one day soon. ~ Amen 

Sovereign Lord

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation….” ~ Luke 2:29-30

Jesus is our salvation and Simeon knew it.  Jesus was just a little infant newborn when Mary and Joseph brought him to the Temple in Jerusalem for purification and to register him as their first born son.  Simeon was a righteous and devout man who loved God, obeyed His commands and loved His people.  He knew that the Israelites had been waiting for a Messiah and since he was such a godly man, God promised Simeon that he would not pass away until he saw the Lord.  Wow!  Can you imagine what it must have been like to be physically holding the baby Jesus?  An ultimate privilege of trust.  The Savior of the world.  Israel’s wait was over.  And just like that, Simeon was ready to pass away as he now knew everything would be okay.  Jesus would somehow fix everything.  Simeon didn’t know how, but he knew everything would be made right again for Israel and all to come.  We can have that same assurance today. Jesus will make everything right. Of course we know that in the end we win, but even in our waiting Jesus is everything we need.  He is our Provider.  He is our Comforter.  He is our Faithful Father.  He is our peace during a storm and so much more.  Jesus is our salvation and our redeemer back to our Father God.  As much as this life has to offer, I am satisfied because of and through Jesus.  Because of Him I live, move and have my being.  Jesus made my life complete when He reconciled me back to God.  Nudging Jesus’ little fingers and looking at that sweet baby face, Simeon knew his life was made complete and Jesus was the reason.  We can have that same feeling and hope when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior and when we feel His presence in our lives.  Let us share this good news of Jesus with the rest of the world so they may have the same hope as Simeon did and we do now. ~ Amen

Pride Humbled

The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will today disappear. ~ Isaiah 2:17-18

Our arrogant, prideful and superior view of ourselves often leads to destruction and loneliness.  No one wants to be around someone who always thinks they are right, belittles others ideas, or opinions, or always has to have the better story and last word.  In the Old Testament, Israel acted very arrogant because they were God’s chosen nation and figured that meant they could do whatever they wanted, but then when God disciplined them they got all upset.  Arrogance annoys us because it annoys God.  After all, who do you think you are?  Time and time again God opposes prideful people in the Bible and exalts the humble.  God doesn’t call us to be arrogant, but quite the opposite, and so why would anyone exalt themself?  When you are arrogant and proud you have forgotten your true place in life and it’s just a matter of time before God will remind you.  He is God.  We are not.  To be arrogant is to slap God in the face and tell Him you don’t need Him, but one day we will be forced to be humble before our Almighty God.  The arrogant and prideful tend to live for themselves and their own haughty ambitions and desires.  Oftentimes they are more judgemental than helpful and more full of themselves than the one who they claim to serve.  In the end, God will be the only rightful and sovereign God standing and deserving all mankind’s praise and glory.  Arrogance and pride will be destroyed and ultimately everyone will bow down before Him.  Philippians 2:10-11 says, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Will you be forced to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, or is He your Lord now?  The nations and all the people of the world will know the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  Those who once were arrogant and prideful will be silenced and reminded that they are subject to God’s will and will be judged accordingly.  It is a powerful reminder that God alone will be triumphant and no one else will be able to boast.  Those who relied on themselves will see the destruction of their ways by God’s authority and power.  Let us all humble ourselves now and give God the authority and supremacy in our lives that is His and His alone. ~ Amen

Fruit Tree

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ~ Genesis 3:6

Obedience.  Sometimes sin looks so yummy and fun.  Surely I can have one small taste and no one will be the wiser.  Ah!  In a “me first” world, it’s easy to get caught off guard by our physical wants.  It’s tempting to do for me what I want and me alone.  With so much now considered morally right when it used to be considered morally wrong, who really knows what sin is?  So much confusion.  As long as I am happy and no one else gets hurt it’ll be okay….right?  We all have a tendency to look at sin the way Eve did – it will meet a need; it’s pretty and it won’t be harmful (a downright lie from the devil).  I mean how bad can it be if it’s helpful, pretty and makes me smart?  The thing about sin is that it doesn’t matter how it looks; if God told you not to do it, don’t do it!  It’s sin when you disobey God no matter how shiny the package; how big the raise; or how badly you want it.  Having societal rules and law enforcement help keep our communities in some kind of order.  The same is true of God’s rules when it comes to our spiritual lives.  Sin and disobedience wreck havoc on our spiritual lives and sometimes has a ripple effect for our families and those we love.  That’s what happened with Eve and her husband, Adam, when they disobeyed and brought sin into this world.  The consequential ripple effect will last for the rest of mankind. We became separated from God (physically); the ground became cursed and we now have to work and labor for our needs; we became mortal beings and would experience pain, sickness and death all of which were not part of God’s original plan, and now we have sin to be on guard against.  Sin and disobedience always leads to some sort of spiritual death.  The good news is Jesus came and died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I could ask for forgiveness and be in right standing with Him again.  I want to  make it a priority to listen to God and stay away from the shiny sins of this world.  ~ Amen

Soothing Tongue

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. ~ Proverbs 15:4

“The tongue is the smallest muscle in your body, but it’s the most deadly.”  My mom used to say this and I never really understood what she meant until middle school when I realized that age group can be so mean to each other.  Most words out of pre-teens are hurtful, mean, sarcastic and just plain rude all in the name of fun.  Words can be hurtful, but they can also be encouraging.  Which ones roll off your tongue?  The years have come and gone, but some of those hurtful words are still with me from middle school.  I couldn’t tell you what I had for dinner last Thursday, but I remember the words and feelings I felt in the 7th grade when I was told “no one loves you” because I stood up for a friend.  Years later, as I have grown older, I can see how my own words have helped grow my children, or deeply cut them.  I wish I could say that I have always been a champion for my spouse and my kids, but I have torn them down and watched their eyes swell with tears more times than I would like due to some remark of mine.  This is something I am personally conscious of and work on intentionally although I have to tell you it is not easy.  I want my words to bring life and encouragement to people.  I desperately want to give hope and healing in times of pain and grief.  How can I show love if my tongue is a deadly weapon?  We need to be careful how we yield that fleshy sword.  I want to breathe life into situations and people who are struggling.  I want to be a positive influencer.  I want to be gentle and peace giving, even in my anger and disappointment.  I don’t want to break spirits; I want to lift them up.  I want to build people up.  Enough tearing each other down; there is already enough of that.  I want to bring truth, encouragement, hope and love.  I want to speak positively over everyone and every situation.  Let us be wise people with gentle and encouraging tongues and let us learn to bite our tongues when we feel them wanting to go rogue as deadly weapons.  Lord, help me control my tongue and let wholesome, encouraging words roll off it! ~ Amen