Psalm 97:10-12 Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
It’s easy to claim we love the LORD, but how well do we proclaim that we hate evil? We are programmed to be tolerant and full of political correctness. Speaking against evil is not too acceptable. We have become so immersed in our society that we are desensitized to what is truly evil. Satan is wise in his disguise of evil. He slips it in slowly, letting us become comfortable with it, until we eventually embrace it. If you are looking for the pleasing guidance and light of God, with the joy He brings, tune your heart to be more sensitive to evil. Learn to hate evil and fight for righteousness.
Father, I have become desensitized to some degree to the evil that permeates our society. While I can’t rid the world of evil, show me a little more each day how to rid myself of the evil I allow. Prick my heart to the things that are detestable to You. Help me rid them from my life! I love You! Amen
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Daily Dose 10-16-19
Psalm 85:8-13 I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
We often want to cling to the promises of God without looking at the condition of those promises. If we really want the Glory of God to dwell in our communities and nation, we must begin living life according to God’s expectations. Love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace are characteristic of God’s Holy people and pave the way for His blessings. If you don’t seem to have blessings in your life right now, look at the road you have built for God to transport His blessings. He will not send His best blessings down a path littered with hate, pride, bitterness, strife and doubt. Clean up your highway and get ready for the arrival of His best blessings!
Father, You have sent so many undeserved blessings to me. I am grateful beyond expression. But, I want more of You. I want to live my best to receive Your best. I love You! Amen
We often want to cling to the promises of God without looking at the condition of those promises. If we really want the Glory of God to dwell in our communities and nation, we must begin living life according to God’s expectations. Love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace are characteristic of God’s Holy people and pave the way for His blessings. If you don’t seem to have blessings in your life right now, look at the road you have built for God to transport His blessings. He will not send His best blessings down a path littered with hate, pride, bitterness, strife and doubt. Clean up your highway and get ready for the arrival of His best blessings!
Father, You have sent so many undeserved blessings to me. I am grateful beyond expression. But, I want more of You. I want to live my best to receive Your best. I love You! Amen
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Daily Dose 10-13-19
2 Thessalonians 1:11b-12 (MSG) …we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
A valuable part to fulfilling your Godly calling is having others pray for you to measure up to God’s plan. Begin today praying for the ministry of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let them know you are praying for them, and ask them to pray for you. Living up to our potential is not done in a vacuum. We need the added strength and support of others cheering us on. Take a moment today to encourage someone you know who is devoutly following His calling. Let them know they have your prayerful support.
Father, I thank You for special people I know personally, and those I know of, who are doing great work for You. I pray You will strengthen and sustain them for Your Kingdom. I love You! Amen
A valuable part to fulfilling your Godly calling is having others pray for you to measure up to God’s plan. Begin today praying for the ministry of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let them know you are praying for them, and ask them to pray for you. Living up to our potential is not done in a vacuum. We need the added strength and support of others cheering us on. Take a moment today to encourage someone you know who is devoutly following His calling. Let them know they have your prayerful support.
Father, I thank You for special people I know personally, and those I know of, who are doing great work for You. I pray You will strengthen and sustain them for Your Kingdom. I love You! Amen
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Daily Dose 10-12-19
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Always – continually – all…These words do not leave room for, except – whenever – some. We like to compartmentalize our lives into what’s good and bad. We tend to look at situations as challenges or blessings. However, when following Christ, there should be a consistent attitude of joy and thanksgiving – despite the circumstances. If you, like most of us, have a hard time rejoicing during a trial, change your perspective. There will always be an angle for joy and thanksgiving…it takes a trained eye! The great masterwork artists often created paintings within the main view of the work. When you look close up, you see the painting of detail. When you step back, you realize the big picture tells a very different story. In the details of our trials, it’s very easy to live in worry and fear. Living in faith, is standing back from the painting of our lives, knowing the greatest Master of all times is creating a work of art that will tell His story in a way others will view in amazement. Take your eyes off your details and look at the big picture. You are a work of His art!
Father, Thank You for refreshing my view when life’s challenges come. May I allow the Holy Spirit to be the docent in Your museum, training my eye to always see things from Your perspective. I love You! Amen
Always – continually – all…These words do not leave room for, except – whenever – some. We like to compartmentalize our lives into what’s good and bad. We tend to look at situations as challenges or blessings. However, when following Christ, there should be a consistent attitude of joy and thanksgiving – despite the circumstances. If you, like most of us, have a hard time rejoicing during a trial, change your perspective. There will always be an angle for joy and thanksgiving…it takes a trained eye! The great masterwork artists often created paintings within the main view of the work. When you look close up, you see the painting of detail. When you step back, you realize the big picture tells a very different story. In the details of our trials, it’s very easy to live in worry and fear. Living in faith, is standing back from the painting of our lives, knowing the greatest Master of all times is creating a work of art that will tell His story in a way others will view in amazement. Take your eyes off your details and look at the big picture. You are a work of His art!
Father, Thank You for refreshing my view when life’s challenges come. May I allow the Holy Spirit to be the docent in Your museum, training my eye to always see things from Your perspective. I love You! Amen
Friday, October 11, 2019
Daily Dose 10-11-19
Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Trust is a word that is used loosely in our society today. It’s so much more than believing someone will return what they borrowed from you, or keep your secret. The trust we should have in the LORD is not a reaction to one circumstance or situation; it is a way of life. Trust in the LORD does not expect to have a perfect life free from worries or concerns; it is confidence knowing we can withstand the trials life brings. The analogy in this scripture of the tree sending out its roots to the stream paints a beautiful word picture of how we find strength and confidence in the LORD. When we spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word, we are nourished. That stream is our picture of God the Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They strengthen and sustain us. They give us confidence for the days we feel weary and insecure. But to access that strength, we must trust and turn our lives to them. Believe God and His promises. Accept Jesus and His sacrifice for you. Avoid sin and disobedience that quench the Holy Spirit’s ability to guide you. Send your roots to the stream and be nourished to stand strong!
Father, You are my confidence. Without You, Your Son, and Your Spirit, I am a mess! Prick my heart to send my roots to You instead of wasting my energy with worry or
frivolous concerns. Because of You, I stand tall and can bear Your fruit! I love You Amen
Trust is a word that is used loosely in our society today. It’s so much more than believing someone will return what they borrowed from you, or keep your secret. The trust we should have in the LORD is not a reaction to one circumstance or situation; it is a way of life. Trust in the LORD does not expect to have a perfect life free from worries or concerns; it is confidence knowing we can withstand the trials life brings. The analogy in this scripture of the tree sending out its roots to the stream paints a beautiful word picture of how we find strength and confidence in the LORD. When we spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word, we are nourished. That stream is our picture of God the Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They strengthen and sustain us. They give us confidence for the days we feel weary and insecure. But to access that strength, we must trust and turn our lives to them. Believe God and His promises. Accept Jesus and His sacrifice for you. Avoid sin and disobedience that quench the Holy Spirit’s ability to guide you. Send your roots to the stream and be nourished to stand strong!
Father, You are my confidence. Without You, Your Son, and Your Spirit, I am a mess! Prick my heart to send my roots to You instead of wasting my energy with worry or
frivolous concerns. Because of You, I stand tall and can bear Your fruit! I love You Amen
Monday, October 7, 2019
Daily Dose 10-7-19
Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
With the entire Bible serving as an instruction manual for the church, this scripture would be highlighted in the chapter of How to BE a church. All the virtues we should exhibit are held together by three actions – forgiveness, love and thankfulness. If you are not happy with your congregation right now, look to your virtues. Are you exhibiting these virtues to bring peace, or are your actions inhibiting peace among your congregation?
Father, I want to be a part of the peace Christ brings to the church. May I allow the Holy Spirit to prick my heart to choose virtue over self-centeredness, and peace over pride. Help me to fully forgive and be fully forgiven by others. Bring Your peace! I love You! Amen
With the entire Bible serving as an instruction manual for the church, this scripture would be highlighted in the chapter of How to BE a church. All the virtues we should exhibit are held together by three actions – forgiveness, love and thankfulness. If you are not happy with your congregation right now, look to your virtues. Are you exhibiting these virtues to bring peace, or are your actions inhibiting peace among your congregation?
Father, I want to be a part of the peace Christ brings to the church. May I allow the Holy Spirit to prick my heart to choose virtue over self-centeredness, and peace over pride. Help me to fully forgive and be fully forgiven by others. Bring Your peace! I love You! Amen
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Daily Dose 10-6-19
Colossians 2:11-15 (MSG) Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it's an initiation ritual you're after, you've already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.
Living in the fullness of Christ is freedom! So many avoid Christianity thinking they could not be obedient – some may not like giving up sins. Freedom comes to Christians when they begin to worry less about what they do or don’t do, but rather what was done for them. We can never measure up, do enough or be good enough to be Godly people. But, because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we don’t have to be! He paid off every debt of sins we have committed or will commit. Living a life in His complete fullness comes when we lose desire for sins because we know how much they cost.
Father, My debt was steep and Your Son paid it off! The accuser had strong arguments for my condemnation, but You looked at Jesus and He vouched for me, now I live, “Not Guilty!” Help me seek more of the fullness of Christ. Give me the strength to overcome the desire for sin or traps satan sets so I may enjoy the freedom of living this redeemed life. I love You! Amen
Living in the fullness of Christ is freedom! So many avoid Christianity thinking they could not be obedient – some may not like giving up sins. Freedom comes to Christians when they begin to worry less about what they do or don’t do, but rather what was done for them. We can never measure up, do enough or be good enough to be Godly people. But, because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we don’t have to be! He paid off every debt of sins we have committed or will commit. Living a life in His complete fullness comes when we lose desire for sins because we know how much they cost.
Father, My debt was steep and Your Son paid it off! The accuser had strong arguments for my condemnation, but You looked at Jesus and He vouched for me, now I live, “Not Guilty!” Help me seek more of the fullness of Christ. Give me the strength to overcome the desire for sin or traps satan sets so I may enjoy the freedom of living this redeemed life. I love You! Amen
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Daily Dose 10-3-19
Philippians 3:10-14 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Even as close as Paul was in His relationship with Christ, he admitted he still didn’t completely comprehend it all. He understood that this life race is a cross-country marathon, not a level track sprint. We will have uphill treks that are tough to endure. We will have obstacles in our path. Other runners may trip us up or encourage us to stray off the path. It is so important to maintain focus and keep looking forward. Whatever is in the past should be left in the past. Carrying past hurts and failures around is like a runner trying to endure a race with backpacks dragging him down. We must accept Christ’s victory over things of the past, focus on Him and run our race with perseverance.
Father, Take away the backpacks that drag me down on this life race. Help me to overcome and run with focused freedom! I am not a prize worthy of the price You and Your Son paid, but You paid it anyway. Help me to remember that cost everyday and be motivated to love more because of Your love for me; forgive more because You forgive me; trust more because You are always faithful; and, encourage more because You are my strength. I love You! Amen
Even as close as Paul was in His relationship with Christ, he admitted he still didn’t completely comprehend it all. He understood that this life race is a cross-country marathon, not a level track sprint. We will have uphill treks that are tough to endure. We will have obstacles in our path. Other runners may trip us up or encourage us to stray off the path. It is so important to maintain focus and keep looking forward. Whatever is in the past should be left in the past. Carrying past hurts and failures around is like a runner trying to endure a race with backpacks dragging him down. We must accept Christ’s victory over things of the past, focus on Him and run our race with perseverance.
Father, Take away the backpacks that drag me down on this life race. Help me to overcome and run with focused freedom! I am not a prize worthy of the price You and Your Son paid, but You paid it anyway. Help me to remember that cost everyday and be motivated to love more because of Your love for me; forgive more because You forgive me; trust more because You are always faithful; and, encourage more because You are my strength. I love You! Amen
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Daily Dose 10-2-19
Philippians 3:10-14 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Even as close as Paul was in His relationship with Christ, he admitted he still didn’t completely comprehend it all. He understood that this life race is a cross-country marathon, not a level track sprint. We will have uphill treks that are tough to endure. We will have obstacles in our path. Other runners may trip us up or encourage us to stray off the path. It is so important to maintain focus and keep looking forward. Whatever is in the past should be left in the past. Carrying past hurts and failures around is like a runner trying to endure a race with backpacks dragging him down. We must accept Christ’s victory over things of the past, focus on Him and run our race with perseverance.
Father, Take away the backpacks that drag me down on this life race. Help me to overcome and run with focused freedom! I am not a prize worthy of the price You and Your Son paid, but You paid it anyway. Help me to remember that cost everyday and be motivated to love more because of Your love for me; forgive more because You forgive me; trust more because You are always faithful; and, encourage more because You are my strength. I love You! Amen
Even as close as Paul was in His relationship with Christ, he admitted he still didn’t completely comprehend it all. He understood that this life race is a cross-country marathon, not a level track sprint. We will have uphill treks that are tough to endure. We will have obstacles in our path. Other runners may trip us up or encourage us to stray off the path. It is so important to maintain focus and keep looking forward. Whatever is in the past should be left in the past. Carrying past hurts and failures around is like a runner trying to endure a race with backpacks dragging him down. We must accept Christ’s victory over things of the past, focus on Him and run our race with perseverance.
Father, Take away the backpacks that drag me down on this life race. Help me to overcome and run with focused freedom! I am not a prize worthy of the price You and Your Son paid, but You paid it anyway. Help me to remember that cost everyday and be motivated to love more because of Your love for me; forgive more because You forgive me; trust more because You are always faithful; and, encourage more because You are my strength. I love You! Amen
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Daily Dose 10-1-19
Psalm 73:24-26 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Each new season is a reminder that life on this earth is always changing. We experience seasons of celebration and contentment, as well as those where things do not always go according to our plan or on our timetable. Joyous times can change to heartache in the blink of an eye. No matter what season you are in life, whether it is a time of celebration or struggle, God is with you for the journey. His presence deepens the pleasure in the good times, and provides strength and comfort for the difficult times. The constant in the inconsistency of life is the unchanging, unwavering Hand of God protecting and loving His children through their walk – so walk on!
Father, I look back on my seasons of life and know that, without fail, You were always there. You have been and will always be my first One I go to for celebration of good. You have been and always will be my first One I go to for guidance, strength and encouragement. I am so grateful for Your past provisions. It gives me comfort for today and confidence for the future. You are my strength and I love You! Amen
Each new season is a reminder that life on this earth is always changing. We experience seasons of celebration and contentment, as well as those where things do not always go according to our plan or on our timetable. Joyous times can change to heartache in the blink of an eye. No matter what season you are in life, whether it is a time of celebration or struggle, God is with you for the journey. His presence deepens the pleasure in the good times, and provides strength and comfort for the difficult times. The constant in the inconsistency of life is the unchanging, unwavering Hand of God protecting and loving His children through their walk – so walk on!
Father, I look back on my seasons of life and know that, without fail, You were always there. You have been and will always be my first One I go to for celebration of good. You have been and always will be my first One I go to for guidance, strength and encouragement. I am so grateful for Your past provisions. It gives me comfort for today and confidence for the future. You are my strength and I love You! Amen
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