Promise for Today Favorite - Getting Along

May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!
2nd Thessalonians 3:16 The Message

There’s a prayer that has made numerous trips around the Internet that goes something like this - 'Dear Lord, So far today, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped about anyone, haven’t lost my temper with anyone, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent. And I’m very thankful for that. But, in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of this bed, and from then on, I’m going to need a lot more help.'

The life of a Christian is all about right relationships. The right relationship with God, relationships with other followers of Christ, and relationships with non-believers. I have to say at some points in life, it would be so much easier to be a selective hermit. There would be fewer opportunities to be angry or spiteful. Less time consumed with solving other people’s issues for their lack of planning, resulting in fewer opportunities to judge. So much less chance of offense if you’re not around other people.

Right off the top of my head, I see two major things wrong with that. One – The Word tells us that the world will know we are Christians by our love toward each other, so if we choose NOT to be around others because we can’t stand to be around them… well, I just don’t think we need to go any further there. The writer of Hebrews instructs us in 12:14 (The Message) to "work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears."

And two, if we’re never tested, how will we know? James 3:17a tells us that "Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced."

It can be very hard work. That too is acknowledged and issued for instruction. The second part of that same Scripture assures us we "can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor."

So, I’d have to say, No, we can’t all just get along. Without God, it’s impossible. However, with God, all things are possible. Difficult, at times, but definitely possible.

Prayer:

Father,
          Hear our cry for right relationship with You. How You could love us in our unlovable state and continue to do so during our petty differences is beyond me. Help us to learn by following Your example toward US. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Acceptable

 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Romans 12:1 NLT

Who said it would be easy? Did someone say that being a Christian would make life a breeze? What part of "sacrifice" do we not understand?

Oh, we know Christ gave His life as the once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins. We know that. Right? Do we think it was easy because He is the Christ? Do we think it was easy because He is God's Son and He knew He would be resurrected and come back to life?  Do we think He was being glib when He said, "No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily...?" (John 10:18) Do we remember how Scripture tells us, "He fell on His face and prayed, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me..." (Matthew 26:39 NKJV)

Sacrifice is not convenient. It's not fun. It means we're going to be denied something we really want or forfeit something we already have or give up something we value highly. And it may very well involve some sort of pain and/or suffering.

Were the stripes on His back convenient for Him? And yet He took them willingly to pay for our healing and our peace. Isaiah 53:5 reads, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Did anyone hear Him whine about it? Is there anywhere that it's recorded, 'I gotta do this for them and that for them 'cause God is telling me I have to...I have no choice... '
Listen, it's not an acceptable sacrifice if we're whining about it.

We always have a choice, as did Jesus. He chose to live a life of sacrifice. He could have chosen convenience. He could have called 10,000 angels, but He chose to do the Father's will. Can we do any less and still be acceptable?

Prayer:

Father,
        Let our lives be a sweet-smelling sacrifice of praise and worship. By Your Grace, in Your Strength, not ours, help us to be all You've called us to be. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today Favorite - So Busy

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

1st Peter 4:7 NIV

We are so busy. We work too many hours. We over-commit to outside influences, events, and projects that we, for some reason, believe we must do. We set the alarm because we're afraid we'll oversleep because we didn't get to bed early enough to get enough sleep so we would wake up refreshed and be ready to do the day. 

We text because we don't have time for a regular conversation. We e-mail because it generally takes less time and we don't have to wait for the give-and-take of a conversation that could get deeper than time allows or affords us. We have game apps on everything that isn't nailed down, so that we don't ever have to sit quietly without some form of entertainment.

We are so busy, we don't even want to think about having to cook dinner. Oh, we can get a soft drink and something that sort of resembles the four food groups...well, if you don't look closely... at any given fast food drive-through lane. It's a quick fix - an immediate response to my demand. And the choices are pre-defined, so we don't have to think about it. We just pick from what we're offered, swipe our card and go... and eat going down the road to our next engagement or to home in front of the computer or TV... and we want to make it spiritual by proclaiming, "Thank God for drive-throughs..."

Well, I have discovered that as convenient as they are, I cannot be healthy going through fast food drive-through lanes all the time. I'd like a sit-down meal. Sometimes I like it when others make it and bring it to me. Sometimes I like it when I make it and take it to somebody or invite someone over to sit with me and dine. Sometimes, it's the joy of the preparation. The stopping of the go-go-go long enough to plan a meal, but most of the time we're even too busy to do that. Do you know it's the #1 totally acceptable excuse for 90-plus percent of the things we choose NOT to do? Everybody understands busy...

I've just been in such a fog - I'm so busy...  I can't even think straight - I'm so busy...  Ever heard one of those? Ever uttered one of those? Do you ever flop into bed at night and you're too tired to pray? I'll pray twice as long tomorrow, God, I know you understand... No... The Creator of the universe who keeps all things in perfect balance, including the planet we're spinning on, the King of all kings and Lord of all, who ALWAYS has time for us does NOT understand...

We tend to treat our prayer life like fast-food junkies. We won't sit in the line too long - we throw our prayers at the box - and expect God's answer by the time we get to the window. And if we don't get it, if we have to pull up and wait for any length of time, we have been known to mutter, "This is the last time I'm coming here... I'll go to such-and-such where I don't have to wait."

Can you hear our Father? "Children, wash your hands and face and come sit at the table. Dinner will be ready soon. Just sit here and give Me a few minutes. I've got everything you need and want right here."

Have we prayed yet? The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Prayer:

Father,

         In Colossians 4:2, Your Word tells us to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Help us to recognize the need to be clear-minded and self-controlled so we can do just that. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Promise for Today - Wisdom, Understanding and Common Sense

For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.
Proverbs 2:21 NLT

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.
Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.
Proverbs 2: 1-11 NLT

Prayer:

Father,
           Your Word instructs us to ask You for wisdom if we don't have it. So we come before You and ask for it, because You promised that You would give it to us and not chastise us for doing so. We know when we ask that our faith must be in You alone - according to Your Word. And so it is, Lord. We're not wavering. Our loyalty and trust is in You alone. We will not be unsettled as the waves of the sea, tossed and blown by the wind. Give us Your wisdom, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Fixing Your Mind

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 The Amplified Bible

We're a nation of worriers, a trait inherent in our human nature. Talk radio and reality TV - all designed to get us lathered up and worried, and then to get us talking about what's worrying us, and what YOU should be worried about if you really understood what's going on in the world.

I know what's going on in the world. Let me break it down for you...

2nd Timothy 3: beginning with verse 1, "You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!"

Sound familiar? We get sucked into the world's philosophy and its way of dealing with life and its challenges, and we forget that the Word clearly tells us we live in this world, but we are not of it. We are citizens of a kingdom whose Builder and Maker is God! We are not to be governed in our spirit by what is not of God. So fix your mind on the things of God "...whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things..."

That will fix your mind.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for renewing our minds in You. Keep us ever focused on those things which are important to our life with You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - The Way I Am

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them.
Titus 2:12-15a NLT

“I was born this way.”
“I’ve always been like this.”
“That’s just the way I am!”

We’ve all heard these statements at one time or another…probably coming from our own mouths and usually as an excuse for our behavior. Although one or more may be factual, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, these statements no longer have anything to do with you. "Used to be" doesn't live here anymore...

You may have been “born that way” – but as a follower of Christ, you have been born again. For starters, let's look at 2nd Corinthians 5:17 NLT, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

And if you’ve “always been like this” – then it’s high time for a transformation. Romans 12: 1-2 NKJV, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
There’s no time left to excuse our acceptance and tolerance of any of our ways that are not God’s ways. The Great I AM did not make excuses for us – He made provision for us through the Cross and the Blood of His Son. According to Scripture, we are called to do no less.

Matthew 10:38, "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine."

Mark 8:34, "Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.' "

So much for “that's just the way I am”… How about we do it The Way of the Great I AM?

Prayer:

Father,
           Shine Your Light of Truth in our lives. Expose the dangerous deceptions in the guise of acceptance and tolerance. Forgive us for the complacency we have allowed in our lives. Help us learn to righteously wield the Sword of Truth in our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Let's Be Reasonable

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 NKJV

I had a conversation with a friend who mentioned the struggles he is experiencing with a particular project and how it seemed to be ongoing. He presented it laughingly, but it was obvious he wanted some relief. He said his wife told him God was developing patience in his life like He did with Peter. His response was, "I told her, Peter didn't have to deal with this..."

I quipped, "You're right, he didn't. But he was inverted and crucified, so I guess we could get an upside-down crucifixion arranged for you, if you think that would be easier to deal with." Let's just say I'm not the author of the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

According to our Scripture for today, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice... Wait a minute. Doesn't sacrifice include fire and burning meat? Let's face it. We all like grilling, but not if WE are the sacrifice. When God puts me to the test and I make a comment like my friend made, my sister asks, "Hmmm... do I smell barbecue? Something's burning..." Clearly, SHE is not the author, either, of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The Bible tells us we are to be holy and acceptable to God. How? How do we do that - holy AND acceptable? Scripture tells us in Romans 14:17-18, ... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Notice this is not a multiple choice statement. It does not read righteousness OR peace OR joy in the Holy Spirit. It's a package deal. Holy AND acceptable! Righteousness AND peace AND joy in the Holy Spirit! How in the world do we do that?!?

By the mercies of God. Now, THAT's reasonable...

Prayer:

Father,

           By Your mercies, which are new every morning, we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto You, which is our reasonable service. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.