Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 NLT
Winter's coming - we're pulling out heavier coats, scarves, gloves, boots, and maybe even thermal undergarments. All of it designed to keep us warm and protect us from the elements. If we had a choice, most of us would prefer to wear cut-offs and sandals, but let's face it. The reality is we don't want flu, fever or frost bite, so we wear the proper attire.
In the same way, God chose us to be the holy people He loves, so we must clothe ourselves properly! Sure, it seems easier to take offense at people in our lives - he said, she said, they did this - and then nurse, curse and rehearse it and be angry and hateful and become self-centered and whine and complain. And we want to hurt them if they hurt us. However, if we do that, then we are certainly not dressed appropriately.
Our Scripture for today tells us we MUST clothe ourselves accordingly. What will we wear? Do we have the proper attire?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for providing the proper dress code in all the right sizes. Help us to choose to wear You at all times. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
* Do We...?
Abram believed the Lord, and he [God] credited it to him [Abram] as righteousness.
Genesis 15:6 NIV
There is much to be said for believing. There is much more to be said for taking action based on what you believe. It's easy to say we believe something. The real proof is how we respond when it comes to what we claim to believe.
In Mark 9:23-24, Jesus says to the child's father, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Let me throw this question out there. If we say we believe God's Word, why don't we act upon it? Are we afraid? Do we fear what people will think, see or say?
Revelation 21, John tells us, And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Do we believe we are made new? Do we live like it?
Do we remember that God lumps cowards in with unbelievers? That's found in verse 8 of the same chapter, Revelation 21. In fact, He also includes cowards and unbelievers with the abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Do we believe that?
Prayer:
Father,
In response to Your declaration that all things are possible to him who believes, we cry out as the father of the child did, “Lord, we believe; help our unbelief!” We want to be living proof of You, O God! We know Your perfect love casts out fear because Your Word tells us it is so. And we believe Your Word. Help us to live like it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Genesis 15:6 NIV
There is much to be said for believing. There is much more to be said for taking action based on what you believe. It's easy to say we believe something. The real proof is how we respond when it comes to what we claim to believe.
In Mark 9:23-24, Jesus says to the child's father, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Let me throw this question out there. If we say we believe God's Word, why don't we act upon it? Are we afraid? Do we fear what people will think, see or say?
Revelation 21, John tells us, And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Do we believe we are made new? Do we live like it?
Do we remember that God lumps cowards in with unbelievers? That's found in verse 8 of the same chapter, Revelation 21. In fact, He also includes cowards and unbelievers with the abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Do we believe that?
Prayer:
Father,
In response to Your declaration that all things are possible to him who believes, we cry out as the father of the child did, “Lord, we believe; help our unbelief!” We want to be living proof of You, O God! We know Your perfect love casts out fear because Your Word tells us it is so. And we believe Your Word. Help us to live like it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, January 5, 2015
* Doing Good
Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Acts 10:38 tells us that everywhere Jesus went, He was doing good and healing those who were oppressed. However, doing good doesn't come naturally to most people; and yet, it is the very heart of what we are supposed to be doing in our life's work. Ephesians 6:6b-7 reads, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow."
Isaiah 1:16-18 NLT
Learn to do good. I don't know how many times I've read this Scripture and totally missed these 4 words. Learn to do good. Or as it hit me, LEARN to do good.
Romans 2:6-7 tells us that God “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; And we are all familiar with Galatians 6:8b-10, ...he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Peter tells us to commit our souls to God in doing good. The world's view of a 'do-gooder' often has a negative connotation. However, God sees things MUCH differently. Therefore, as we have opportunity, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Please! Someone call me a do-gooder because of my actions.
Prayer:
Father,
Teach us about doing good for others. We want to learn all we can from following Christ's examples and following Your Word. Help us to accomplish this, O God! We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen
Sunday, January 4, 2015
What Are You Doing? +
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Romans 2:13 NLT
I'm not writing this to lay a guilt trip on anyone who might read it; however, my heart is convicted within me, so I am writing it here.
I have squandered a lot of time in my life; time I've spent on mindless activity and my own selfish pursuits. Somehow I don't believe God had the likes of Words with Friends, Trivial Pursuit or any match 3 games in mind when it comes to gaining wisdom and getting understanding. And although FB tends to indicate otherwise judging by the pictures posted there and the time spent perusing - in the eternal weight of things, I don't think it matters who ate what where, when and with whom.
For one week, I challenge you to take the time you might spend on FB and/or playing games and/or watching TV, and utilize it to begin a Bible reading plan (check out www.biblegateway.com for different reading plans), and/or pray for those who need prayer, and/or reach out to encourage someone with a phone call or a handwritten note. So, for one week, what are you doing?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to correct us. Help us, O God, to sow for eternity, to lay up treasures that won't burn up like so much chaff. Keep us ever mindful of Your will and way. Renew a right Spirit within us, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Romans 2:13 NLT
I'm not writing this to lay a guilt trip on anyone who might read it; however, my heart is convicted within me, so I am writing it here.
I have squandered a lot of time in my life; time I've spent on mindless activity and my own selfish pursuits. Somehow I don't believe God had the likes of Words with Friends, Trivial Pursuit or any match 3 games in mind when it comes to gaining wisdom and getting understanding. And although FB tends to indicate otherwise judging by the pictures posted there and the time spent perusing - in the eternal weight of things, I don't think it matters who ate what where, when and with whom.
For one week, I challenge you to take the time you might spend on FB and/or playing games and/or watching TV, and utilize it to begin a Bible reading plan (check out www.biblegateway.com for different reading plans), and/or pray for those who need prayer, and/or reach out to encourage someone with a phone call or a handwritten note. So, for one week, what are you doing?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to correct us. Help us, O God, to sow for eternity, to lay up treasures that won't burn up like so much chaff. Keep us ever mindful of Your will and way. Renew a right Spirit within us, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
* After Its' Own Kind
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
Genesis 1:31 NLT
How many of us have heard our mothers say (in reference to our having children), "I don't wish you any harm, just one exactly like yourself!" For some of us, that could be a very scary thought and experience!
I've been reading in Genesis, about everything God did when He began Creation. Specifically, how He created everything to produce after its own kind. Plants, birds, wildlife, people. I see this more and more clearly with my youngest grandchild. There are days she is SO my son and other days when I see my daughter-in-love's face or actions. It's then I'm reminded most of this portion of Scripture.
What if there was someone terrible in our ancestral lineage? What if the story is full of spiritual blight? Does this mean we're destined to have that bad seed sown and harvested in our life? No, and I'll tell you why. In Genesis, God decided to make man in HIS own image and breathed HIS breath of Life into us - everything to produce after its own kind... Think about that for a moment.
Then think about this. When people look at us, do they see our Father? Do we act just like Him? Are we producing after His kind?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Breath of Life and Your mercy and Grace. Thank You for making us in Your image and likeness. Be reproduced in us so strongly, Father, that people would see You in us no matter what! Help us to keep sowing the best seeds of You for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Genesis 1:31 NLT
How many of us have heard our mothers say (in reference to our having children), "I don't wish you any harm, just one exactly like yourself!" For some of us, that could be a very scary thought and experience!
I've been reading in Genesis, about everything God did when He began Creation. Specifically, how He created everything to produce after its own kind. Plants, birds, wildlife, people. I see this more and more clearly with my youngest grandchild. There are days she is SO my son and other days when I see my daughter-in-love's face or actions. It's then I'm reminded most of this portion of Scripture.
What if there was someone terrible in our ancestral lineage? What if the story is full of spiritual blight? Does this mean we're destined to have that bad seed sown and harvested in our life? No, and I'll tell you why. In Genesis, God decided to make man in HIS own image and breathed HIS breath of Life into us - everything to produce after its own kind... Think about that for a moment.
Then think about this. When people look at us, do they see our Father? Do we act just like Him? Are we producing after His kind?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Breath of Life and Your mercy and Grace. Thank You for making us in Your image and likeness. Be reproduced in us so strongly, Father, that people would see You in us no matter what! Help us to keep sowing the best seeds of You for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, January 2, 2015
* Gleaning
When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 23:22 NLT
In a day and age when the world seems to be more and more about ME-ology, what's in it for me, selfies and selfishness, what's mine is mine, I love reading this passage of Scripture.
Provision certainly was made; however, I think it's important to note that the poor and the foreigners still had to come to the field and glean the grain that was there for them. It was available to them, but they had to work for it.
In some ways, this puts me in mind of harvesting God's Word for our lives. The main haul is the message or sermon we hear, but we have to dig into the Word to get what is left there for us. Not handed to us, not dropped in our laps, but rather, there for us if we will bend to the task and begin gleaning.
God has promised us that when we seek Him, He will be found. Let us glean all that we can from Him.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the provision You have made for us. Help us to gather all that You have provided so that we fulfill Your perfect plan for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Leviticus 23:22 NLT
In a day and age when the world seems to be more and more about ME-ology, what's in it for me, selfies and selfishness, what's mine is mine, I love reading this passage of Scripture.
Provision certainly was made; however, I think it's important to note that the poor and the foreigners still had to come to the field and glean the grain that was there for them. It was available to them, but they had to work for it.
In some ways, this puts me in mind of harvesting God's Word for our lives. The main haul is the message or sermon we hear, but we have to dig into the Word to get what is left there for us. Not handed to us, not dropped in our laps, but rather, there for us if we will bend to the task and begin gleaning.
God has promised us that when we seek Him, He will be found. Let us glean all that we can from Him.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the provision You have made for us. Help us to gather all that You have provided so that we fulfill Your perfect plan for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, January 1, 2015
* Every Day - His Way!
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-3 The Message
My slogan for this new year is Every Day - His Way. I want my life to reflect my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In order to do that, I must make the choice to let go of my will and embrace His, for I know that God only wants the best for my life. Trials will come, but they provide opportunities to grow in grace and develop Christ-like character. By God's grace and with His direction, my life will be changed according to the choices I make in obedience to Christ. As always, it's all about the choices.
New Year's Day marks the anniversary of the first Promise for Today that I emailed to a handful of friends and family members in 1996. When I first started the Promise, I used other people's devotions from books I had and then later, I purchased more. We went through quite a few over the years. Sometimes, I'd take them directly from a book, but I always let people know what book we were using. And sometimes I would elaborate and add my own comments. Those of you who know me know that written words are my passion... but I started with the works of others.
Then in 2007, my beloved former pastor, Doc (Dr. Howard O. Jameson) challenged me to step up, to make it personal and write from my heart about how God's Word affects me, rather than from someone else's heart and perspective. It has been the most challenging commitment of my life.
The Promise started with the following excerpt from Max Lucado's book, When God Whispers Your Name. Every year, I send it out as the first Promise of the New Year to remind us of our choices.
Max Lucado writes:
It's quiet. It's early. The coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose.
I Choose Love ... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I Choose Joy ... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I Choose Peace ... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I Choose Patience ... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I Choose Kindness ... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I Choose Goodness ... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I Choose Faithfulness ... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I Choose Gentleness ... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I Choose Self-Control ... I am a spiritual being ... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Prayer:
Father,
We choose You. Thank You for the power of Your Word to change our lives and our choices for how we live the life You have given us. Give us the courage to walk in the conviction of Your Word. Father, we ask that You guide us in EACH step of life. I pray Your provision and protection over those You have allowed me to touch with Your Word. Let us be ever mindful of You, Lord, the Author and Finisher of our faith. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Then in 2007, my beloved former pastor, Doc (Dr. Howard O. Jameson) challenged me to step up, to make it personal and write from my heart about how God's Word affects me, rather than from someone else's heart and perspective. It has been the most challenging commitment of my life.
The Promise started with the following excerpt from Max Lucado's book, When God Whispers Your Name. Every year, I send it out as the first Promise of the New Year to remind us of our choices.
Max Lucado writes:
It's quiet. It's early. The coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose.
I Choose Love ... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I Choose Joy ... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I Choose Peace ... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I Choose Patience ... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I Choose Kindness ... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I Choose Goodness ... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I Choose Faithfulness ... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I Choose Gentleness ... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I Choose Self-Control ... I am a spiritual being ... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Prayer:
Father,
We choose You. Thank You for the power of Your Word to change our lives and our choices for how we live the life You have given us. Give us the courage to walk in the conviction of Your Word. Father, we ask that You guide us in EACH step of life. I pray Your provision and protection over those You have allowed me to touch with Your Word. Let us be ever mindful of You, Lord, the Author and Finisher of our faith. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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