Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
2nd Corinthians 4:1-6 NIV
Need Your Help Breaking it Down - no, I'm not talking about furniture or heavy trash pick up or dancing. I'm talking about verse 6.
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
What is "the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ"? Seriously, I'm asking for your help...
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Work Ethic
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23 NLT
Ethics moments are becoming a hot business topic these days. Some of them have to do with what is the legality of the defining line of gift or bribe. It also has much to do with personal integrity - what you will or won't do that affects the business bottom line. In my mind, how you choose to live your life on a daily basis determines your work ethic. If the standards you've chosen are good, your work ethic will be a good one.
So, it's surprising to me every time I hear someone say, "Yeah, but that's just what I do at work" Or "That's the spiritual part of my life..." As though there are two different parts of their life. But the Truth is everything we do is supposed to be as unto the Lord, so doesn't that make our whole life spiritual, if we're following Christ?
I'm sure I've used this verse before, but I think Romans 12:1 in the Message says it best, So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
And Paul even talks about eating again the same way in 1st Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
So if we Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people, shouldn't we, as Christians, have the highest standards for our work ethic?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for setting the standards for our lives and for giving us the grace to be able to implement them in our everyday, ordinary life—our sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life. We want to place our lives before You as an offering - holy and acceptable to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Colossians 3:23 NLT
Ethics moments are becoming a hot business topic these days. Some of them have to do with what is the legality of the defining line of gift or bribe. It also has much to do with personal integrity - what you will or won't do that affects the business bottom line. In my mind, how you choose to live your life on a daily basis determines your work ethic. If the standards you've chosen are good, your work ethic will be a good one.
So, it's surprising to me every time I hear someone say, "Yeah, but that's just what I do at work" Or "That's the spiritual part of my life..." As though there are two different parts of their life. But the Truth is everything we do is supposed to be as unto the Lord, so doesn't that make our whole life spiritual, if we're following Christ?
I'm sure I've used this verse before, but I think Romans 12:1 in the Message says it best, So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
And Paul even talks about eating again the same way in 1st Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
So if we Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people, shouldn't we, as Christians, have the highest standards for our work ethic?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for setting the standards for our lives and for giving us the grace to be able to implement them in our everyday, ordinary life—our sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life. We want to place our lives before You as an offering - holy and acceptable to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Are You With Me?
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2nd Kings 6:15-17 NIV
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2nd Kings 6:15-17 NIV
Now and again, in the tough times of life (which everyone has experienced), we tend to feel outnumbered and often, alone. Looking at the circumstances, we begin to believe that LIE. Nobody cares. Nobody's there. We're all alone. Lies, lies and more lies!
The Truth is found (always!) in God's Word. In Hebrews 13:5, God promises to never leave us nor forsake us (the writer of Hebrews is actually quoting Deuteronomy). And Jesus declared in Matthew 28:20 that He will always be with us - even to the end of the age. The age hasn't ended... So, you are not abandoned. No! You are not alone.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as Elisha prayed that You would open the eyes of everyone who can only see the circumstances that surround them. Light up their lives with Your Presence and holy fire. Shine the Light of Your Truth to dispel the darkness of satan's lies. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, June 4, 2018
Business Casual
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...
Ephesians 6:13-14a NIV
Some people LOVE to dress up. They have to get just the right outfit to wear for whatever event or party they're going to next. And the question is usually, "What are you wearing?" Sometimes, even if it's for a meeting! (Actually, that one I can relate to.) The thing is, I'm not a "Big Event" kind of person. Business casual is more my style, at work and at home.
However, my daughter's getting married in July. I have clothes that I could wear to "A Wedding" - that is, someone else's wedding. Someone who is not related to me in the first person. I don't have anything that is suitable as the mother of the bride. Oh, I've looked at a few dresses in a moment here or a moment there online, but nothing's hit me as "this is it". At least, nothing I'm willing to pay the price for ...yet. However, in the back of my mind, I know I have to be dressed for the occasion, and dressed appropriately.
Believe it or not, thinking about it today, made me think about the armor of God and how it is the perfect example of being dressed appropriately. Putting it on should be a daily event in our lives because of what we face every day. Battles decide who is victorious and who is enslaved. You don't go into battle against the enemy of your soul in business casual!
There's nothing casual about the schemes of satan to enslave and destroy our lives, so we must be suitably dressed. If you think about it, it is quite marvelous that God provides us with every weapon suitable to rise to every occasion, but please note - He starts with the belt of Truth. You see, if we go in knowing the Truth, we will not become enslaved to any of satan's lies! So, what are you wearing to this big event?
Prayer:
Ephesians 6:13-14a NIV
Some people LOVE to dress up. They have to get just the right outfit to wear for whatever event or party they're going to next. And the question is usually, "What are you wearing?" Sometimes, even if it's for a meeting! (Actually, that one I can relate to.) The thing is, I'm not a "Big Event" kind of person. Business casual is more my style, at work and at home.
However, my daughter's getting married in July. I have clothes that I could wear to "A Wedding" - that is, someone else's wedding. Someone who is not related to me in the first person. I don't have anything that is suitable as the mother of the bride. Oh, I've looked at a few dresses in a moment here or a moment there online, but nothing's hit me as "this is it". At least, nothing I'm willing to pay the price for ...yet. However, in the back of my mind, I know I have to be dressed for the occasion, and dressed appropriately.
Believe it or not, thinking about it today, made me think about the armor of God and how it is the perfect example of being dressed appropriately. Putting it on should be a daily event in our lives because of what we face every day. Battles decide who is victorious and who is enslaved. You don't go into battle against the enemy of your soul in business casual!
There's nothing casual about the schemes of satan to enslave and destroy our lives, so we must be suitably dressed. If you think about it, it is quite marvelous that God provides us with every weapon suitable to rise to every occasion, but please note - He starts with the belt of Truth. You see, if we go in knowing the Truth, we will not become enslaved to any of satan's lies! So, what are you wearing to this big event?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for providing the perfect things to wear for every occasion. As it reads in the Message, Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. They are the armor by which we win. Cause us to be ever mindful of what we should be wearing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Who'd You Say You Are
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Micah 7:8 NIV
When it comes to who we are, do we believe the lies of the enemy of our souls, or do we believe what the Word of God declares about who we are? We already know the enemy's lies because we hear them every day. How often do we hear or read the Truth of God's Word over the facts of our lives? Find out who you are. Start here.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Micah 7:8 NIV
When it comes to who we are, do we believe the lies of the enemy of our souls, or do we believe what the Word of God declares about who we are? We already know the enemy's lies because we hear them every day. How often do we hear or read the Truth of God's Word over the facts of our lives? Find out who you are. Start here.
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone.
It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life...
...All this energy issues from Christ: God raised Him from death and set Him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from His rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which He speaks and acts, by which He fills everything with His presence. Ephesians 1:11-14, 20-23 The Message
So, When it comes to who we are, do we believe the lies of the enemy of our souls, or do we believe what the Word of God declares about who we are?
Prayer:
Father,
I ask You - the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make us intelligent and discerning in knowing You personally, our eyes focused and clear, so that we can see exactly what it is You are calling us to do, that we may grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life You have for Your followers. Fill us with a fresh and overwhelming desire to read Your Word - to know You. We give You praise for the utter extravagance of Your work in us who trust You. Father, give us endless energy and boundless strength! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, June 2, 2018
What God Wants
You cannot brag that you are saved by the work you have done. God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would do good works. God had planned in advance those good works for us. He had planned for us to live our lives doing them.
Ephesians 2:9-10 ICB (International Children's Bible)
We spend our lives trying to figure out who we are or what our purpose is in life. We know it's more than a paycheck and bills, right? As Christians, we want to please God, so we ask Him for answers. We ask and we ask and we ask, but sometimes, we don't wait long enough to hear the answers.
However, if we DO hear the answer, sometimes we don't like it. Or we want to debate what it is He wants us to do because we believe we can't do it, we're not good enough, we've made too many mistakes, or we fear failure. Any of that sound familiar?
Earlier today, I listened to Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns) give his testimony of his first day at university where he planned to major in music, because that's what he knew. In the first class, the professor told the students they were going to take a test to see what they knew, that it was comprehensive and would take about two hours to finish. Mark immediately panicked because he's dyslexic. Then when he actually began to read through, he realized he didn't know any of the answers. He said eight minutes into the two-hour window, he wrote his name at the top of the paper, got up, turned it in face-down, on the professor's desk, and then walked out.
The story goes on (look it up, it's a great testimony), but what God told Mark that day was, "Mark, I don't need you; I want you."
God doesn't need our talents and abilities, as though He's lacking anything. He's not. What He wants is our willingness to say, "Yes, Lord!"
What God wants is you. Just say, "Yes!" He's got the rest.
Prayer:
Father,
In the million-to-one odds of life, there are at least a million reasons why I can't do it. But I thank You for being the One who is the reason I can. I am willing, Father. Help me to remember that You are the reason and the answer for all of it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ephesians 2:9-10 ICB (International Children's Bible)
We spend our lives trying to figure out who we are or what our purpose is in life. We know it's more than a paycheck and bills, right? As Christians, we want to please God, so we ask Him for answers. We ask and we ask and we ask, but sometimes, we don't wait long enough to hear the answers.
However, if we DO hear the answer, sometimes we don't like it. Or we want to debate what it is He wants us to do because we believe we can't do it, we're not good enough, we've made too many mistakes, or we fear failure. Any of that sound familiar?
Earlier today, I listened to Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns) give his testimony of his first day at university where he planned to major in music, because that's what he knew. In the first class, the professor told the students they were going to take a test to see what they knew, that it was comprehensive and would take about two hours to finish. Mark immediately panicked because he's dyslexic. Then when he actually began to read through, he realized he didn't know any of the answers. He said eight minutes into the two-hour window, he wrote his name at the top of the paper, got up, turned it in face-down, on the professor's desk, and then walked out.
The story goes on (look it up, it's a great testimony), but what God told Mark that day was, "Mark, I don't need you; I want you."
God doesn't need our talents and abilities, as though He's lacking anything. He's not. What He wants is our willingness to say, "Yes, Lord!"
What God wants is you. Just say, "Yes!" He's got the rest.
Prayer:
Father,
In the million-to-one odds of life, there are at least a million reasons why I can't do it. But I thank You for being the One who is the reason I can. I am willing, Father. Help me to remember that You are the reason and the answer for all of it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, June 1, 2018
What Could You Do If You Didn't...
Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are.
Ephesians 5:11 The Message
We live in a day and age where there are SO many things to distract our attentions and take up our time. I find myself 'held captive' sometimes - my evening wasted or at the least, non-productive because I was distracted. I challenge you to think about it honestly for a moment.
I'm not throwing condemnation or chucking guilt at anyone, but how many minutes in a day do we fritter away? What could we have accomplished had we intentionally utilized them? If we laid aside the TV, or web-surfing or the games on the cell phones for one night - just one night...
How many people could we touch with love by reaching out in a quick call?
Ephesians 5:11 The Message
We live in a day and age where there are SO many things to distract our attentions and take up our time. I find myself 'held captive' sometimes - my evening wasted or at the least, non-productive because I was distracted. I challenge you to think about it honestly for a moment.
I'm not throwing condemnation or chucking guilt at anyone, but how many minutes in a day do we fritter away? What could we have accomplished had we intentionally utilized them? If we laid aside the TV, or web-surfing or the games on the cell phones for one night - just one night...
How many people could we touch with love by reaching out in a quick call?
How many 'Thinking of You' note cards could we sign, address and stamp?
How many people could we pray for? How many lives would be changed?
How will we know what we could do, unless we just try it and see?
Prayer:
Father,
Grant us Your perspective on our lives and times and what little things we can give You in small return for what You've given us. Let us become fully aware and conscious of what could be done in the little moments when given to and guided by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
How many people could we pray for? How many lives would be changed?
How will we know what we could do, unless we just try it and see?
Prayer:
Father,
Grant us Your perspective on our lives and times and what little things we can give You in small return for what You've given us. Let us become fully aware and conscious of what could be done in the little moments when given to and guided by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
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