Living in the Now...Preparing for the Future

                     

 

 

    

1 Peter 1:3-5

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

NKJV

 

I remember at a church I once attended, most of the songs we sang  were about the "sweet by and by."  The songs written at in the 1800's and seemed to reflect primarily on the hardships of life and the glory of the afterlife in heaven.  I enjoyed singing those songs- and still do- but find myself preferring songs about walking with the Lord here and now, on Planet Earth.  I enjoy songs about His current blessings in my life, His strength, His provision, and His peace.

But recently as times have become more difficult and the political climate more frightening, I find myself, like the believers of old, looking more and more beyond what is here to what shall be in heaven. Today's verses encapsulate a little bit of both viewpoints- a living hope and a future in heaven.  I think that a Christian is well served to keep the balance in their mindset and life.  We walk with Jesus today and can enjoy the abundance of His Spirit as we do the work He has left for us to do.  Simultaneously, we can look forward to a glorious inheritance in heaven where there will be no more to overcome.  We will enjoy His presence,  peace and joy forevermore! What a beautiful plan the Father has prepared for those who love Him and who are eager for His return.

Dear Lord, help me to see the world as You do.  Help me to live in expectation of Your return and my deliverance.  Also, Lord, help me to live today to the fullest I can as I walk in Your Spirit.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

  Ps 37:39

 

39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord ;

He is their strength in the time of trouble.

NKJV

 

Life can be tiring. Take yesterday for instance.  I was wearing all of my "hats" that day.  I was trying to finish my billable contacts  for my social work job, typing my case notes, washing clothes, tidying the house, planning for an upcoming ministry event this Saturday night; one on Sunday morning; one on Sunday night; some quarterly scheduling for church, paying bills and running errands.   This necessitated a trip to a town 45 minutes away.  One of my kids (who, because I am merciful, shall remain nameless) was out of sorts all day. I was constantly counseling, threatening, warning and disciplining.  Life can be tiring!  By the end of the day all of this blog I could eek out was two sentences.

 

The frustrations of life can not only leave you tired,  but weak as well.  It can zap our strength and leave us feeling weary and unmotivated.   I am so  grateful  that my salvation does not depend upon me.  God is my strength in times of trouble.

 

He reveals His strength to me in so many ways.  In innumerable ways, really.  When the harried(ness) of my day could cause me to have a total fit of carnality, I feel Him holding me together.  When I am at the end of myself, He is there!  When I no longer know which end is up, He  is there.  In Him, and Him alone, I live, move and have by being.

 

On the way home from such a day, I turned out some praise music and immediately, I felt Him rain down His love and compassion on me.  Like a frantic child being soothed by a parent, I felt the Lord holding me near and assuring me that everything was going to be alright.  We expect the Lord to show up on our behalf when we are facing major life catastrophes.  But I am grateful that He offers His strength on days that it is just the little things that cause me to fray!

 

 

 
Dear Lord, You are so good to me!  I thank you and praise You that You are faithful to me, even when I am too stressed to feel You.  Thank you for the strength You give in troubled times.  In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Sherri

Frenemies: What to Do with Them

 

 

 

Luke 23:34

 

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 

This passage almost perfectly sums up Who Jesus is.  He is the Savior, dying for the sins of the people who torment Him.  He is the Lover of our souls, loving them enough to pray for them even as they heaped pain and suffering upon him.  He is the loving Son, honoring his Father and standing as a go-between between for God and man.  He is a man stripped of worldly treasures and honor.

Jesus went through all of that for you.  And for me.  He loves us so much! He is such a great example to us of how to pray for our enemies, and how to intercede for those who are deceived by the devil.

Much of our world is lost and undone without Jesus.  It is easy to look at them and become angry.  It is easy to judge and blame them, but not so easy to love and pray for them.  Especially when they are mistreating us.  But that is our mandate.  Loving the unlovely.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the example that You are.  Help me to show your love to others.  Inspire me to pray for others and stand in the gap.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

.

 

Commissioned with Compassion

 

 

    

Mark 5:18-19

 

18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."

    

Gratitude and devotion...these are not common character attributes seen today.  But they are important.  Especially in our relationship with  the Lord.   God has done so much for each one of us.   Particularly to those who have received Him as Savior.  Like the formerly demon-possessed man in today's account, we should have an equal desire to remain in the presence of the Lord.  It should take effort to tear ourselves away from time with Him.

 

But just as it was essential that the former demoniac use His time to testify to others about the great acts Jesus performed on His behalf, we must do likewise.  We must testify to the miracles God works in our lives.  We must bear witness to the goodness and compassion we have generously received at the hands of Jesus.

 

If we do not tell, people will die without knowing. This man was told to go home and tell his friends.  Sometimes our closest friends and family are the hardest to witness to.   Sometimes our relationship baggage makes it hard to give a "Bible-in-hand" explanation of the truth about Jesus.  We can, instead, tell about the little things that He does for us from day to day. Get a discount at the store?  Give Jesus the credit!  Have a tough work situation turn around?  Share it with those closest to you- acknowledging the hand of God. 

 

God has had compassion on us.  We must pay it forward in our relationships and in the situations the Lord brings our way.  Witnessing does not just have to be door-to-door.  It can certainly be heart-to-heart over a cup of latte.

 

Dear Jesus, thank you for all the compassion and goodness You have shown me.  Anoint me to share it with others.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

Fleecing the Father

 

 

        

Judg 6:36-40

 

So Gideon said to God, "If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said —  37 look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said." 38 And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew." 40 And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground.

NKJV

   

Have you ever felt unsure or in need of additional reassurance?   I surely have!  I especially feel that way when I am stepping out in a new direction, or doing something frightening or intimidating for the first time.  Sometimes the decisions that we are making are bigger than us.  Sometimes the consequences of making a wrong choice are so great that we can become paralyzed in our decision-making.

I love today's passage about Gideon.  I see myself so much in this "mighty man of valor" who saw himself as nothing.  He saw himself as one from the least tribe, the least clan and the least in his family.  He was hiding for fear of his enemies when the Lord  declared him to be mighty and valiant.

It would be easy to belittle Gideon's lack of faith.  After all, an angel had already appeared to him  and consumed his sacrifice in a miraculous way.  That should surely be enough for anyone.  But, oh, what a merciful God we serve!  He understood Gideon's frailty and insecurity.  He recognized that he was just a feeble man who had been through so much that he was broken in spirit.  He allowed him the blessing of not one, but two "fleeces."  Later, He even gave him a third confirming sign of his call. 

We need to be a people of faith.  We need to grow in our walk with the Lord that we no longer require three angelic trumpet blasts and an earthquake to prove God wants us to call and give someone an encouraging word or to give a generous offering.  We need to walk by faith and not be sight.  But when we are over our head, when we are stepping out in faith, when we have a large task to do- He understands our frailty and is willing to confirm His purpose to us!

Are you needing some reassurance today?  Ask your Father.  He knows you, he understands you and He is infinitely patient with you!

Dear Lord, I need some extra assurance today.  Please confirm Your will to me and show me the direction You would have me go.   In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Fragrant Friends

 

 Prov 27:9

 

9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend

is as sweet as perfume and incense.

 

 

What a blessing of God it is to have treasured friends.  Life is full of acquaintances, but true friends are few in a lifetime. When others fall away during difficult times, a friend remains.  When a friend sees your weaknesses, they love you no less.  A friend is divine provision.

Everyone in life is searching for love, acceptance and affirmation.  One way that we offer Jesus to a hurting world is through friendship.  When we invest in people's life as true friends, it earns us the right to speak counsel to them.  We cannot do this in an unnatural or strategic way.  People can tell when we are inauthentic or just befriending them with an agenda.  We have to be genuine.  We have to be interested in others and willing to invest of ourselves. 

Sometimes friendship requires us to speak painful truths to each other.  A  real friend tells the truth when a lie would be easier. A real friend  walks through the painful stuff with us and listens to our tired, old stories  and complaints and still cares.  When you have a friend that loves you enough to give you Godly counsel, show appreciation to them.  Welcome their feedback as the fragrant gift that it is, and strive to be the kind of friend they need in return.

If you are lonely for friendships, begin to ask the Lord to send you friends.  He knows how to meet your needs.

Dear Lord, thank you for blessing me with Godly, supportive friends.  Help me to be a good friend too, and to be a friend to those who need You.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

Just Government

    

 

 

Isa 9:6

 

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

NKJV 

 

Are you a fan of government?  On the national level?  The state level?  The local level?  If you are like me, there are people you think are doing a decent job, and others...well, not so much!  Regardless of how they are doing, or who it is, I must confess a blanket distrust of the government.  Why?  Because it is built on politicians who tell you what you want to hear to get your vote.  I am sure there are exceptions, but that is my typical feeling.

 

NEVER have I looked at a president or other governmental official and called them, "Wonderful, Counselor,  or Prince of Peace." Those titles are reserved for Jesus alone.  He is the only one worthy of those accolades and the only one truly just to lead us.  There is a day coming that King Jesus will be in charge. There will no longer be fear in the land.  There will be no oppression.  No lack.  No dread disease.  His government will be just, righteous, holy and fair.  He will be the ONE we can truly put our confidence in.

 

Until that time, we must pray for our leaders.  Pray like never before.  Decisions are being made on a global level that could be ripped from the very pages of the Bible. If we want America to stand, then we must pray.  We must repent on behalf of the people who have scoffed at God's laws and rebelled against Truth.  We must pray that God will deal with the hearts of our leaders and protect our military.  As Christians, we must stand in the gap and form a hedge of protection around our nation.  The Bible is full of examples of how God responds to His repentant children when they call on His Name. 

 

Until Jesus is crowned King and Ruler of this World, we have a job to do!  Criticizing, blaming and making fun does not change anything.  Prayer changes things!

  Dear God, I intercede on behalf of our President, Congressmen, Senators, Governors, judges and all elected officials.  Turn their hearts to You.  Reveal your direction and plan to them.  Protect our country and military, O Lord, I pray.  Forgive us for our sinfulness and rebellion. We need you in America, Dear Lord!  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

Overtaken by Blessings

 

 

  

Deut 28:1-2

 

"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord  your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord  your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord  your God..."    NKJV

I have worked from home for our youngest child's whole life. Although it is a tremendous blessing to be with him (and my older children as well) it is quite a challenge to get much done with a preschooler underfoot and only 1-2 days per week of child care.  Because of that, I have often found it cheaper to bribe him than to hire a babysitter.  I negotiate with him, "Andrew, if you will play and let me work from now until Daddy comes home, I will take you to the Dollar Tree and get two prizes!" Two dollars is cheap childcare by most anyone's standards.  The pitfall to that is that he began to think that every time he was good he should be rewarded with a prize.   A habit I neither want, nor can afford, to perpetuate!

 

When I read the first few verses of Deuteronomy 28, I get so excited about all of the blessings that the Lord outlines that are available to me, His child!  I deserve death, judgment and an eternity in hell, but He saved me- and gave me everlasting life.  How could I dare to ever hope for more than that? And yet I can do much more than hope!  I can rest in His promise that it will come to pass.

 

It pleases the heart of God when we grant Him lordship and obey his decrees.  His commandments are for out benefit.  They are given to keep us from bondage, pain and sickness.  Avoiding the things that He prohibits is a blessing in itself.  But He will place an additional blessing for obedience on top of that.  It is essentially a triple-fold blessing.  That is the best deal around!

 

Are there areas of life that seem to be cursed?  Do you feel impoverished rather than blessed?  I urge you to check out the rest of this passage to see if you can find an area of concern that you can correct, and put yourself back under the spout of God's  provision and blessing.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for all of the wonderful blessings that you constantly pour out into my life.  Show me any areas where I am not walking in obedience.  I desire to  walk i the center of your will for my life.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

Everlasting Consolation

    

2 Thess 2:16-17

 

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

NKJV

 

What a great word today's verse is!  It is so rich in many wonderful aspects, it is almost like holding a prism up to a light. 

 

 

First of all, it reminds us of the wonderful truth that God loves us.  Sadly, this world is filled with people who have no idea that they are loved.  Especially by the Almighty God!  In all we say about God, we must always promote the fact that He is love!  He does not have a single motivation of His heart that is not born of love.  That is so reassuring! 

 

Furthermore, he has given us everlasting consolation!  As a kid, I loved to watch the games shows- The Price is Right; The Family Feud; and Wheel of Fortune.  I would always get tickled, especially on the Price is Right, when a person would bomb out big time and be sent home empty-handed...well, except for their lovely parting gift.  A consolation prize of a year's worth of "Rice a Roni" or some other item.  I almost imagined the person saying, "Well I lost 10,000, but that's OK, Bob.  Because now we have a free side dish for a whole year!"  That is pitiful consolation.

 

The kind of consolation that we receive in Christ is neither cheap nor paltry.  His consolation is rich, deep, and all encompassing.  There is not a hurt that we feel, that He does not have the balm to sooth away our pain.  His love and comfort penetrate to the deepest recesses of our heart and provide blessed relief and consolation.  This results in good  hope.  Not half-heart open but full-on, faith building hope!  He can make us believe that everything is going to be all right, even in the times that nothing looks alright.

 

He has give us an everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, which allows us to be established in every good word and work.  That is a mouthful!  To have good  thoughts, which later, turn into good words, takes a redemptive work of Jesus.  But He is able to put His words in my mouth and  anoint them to speak life into others and into the situations that I face.  His Words have creative power in them, and when we speak His Word within the context of the Bible, they are life-giving and life-changing!

 

Additionally, he establishes me in good works.  So much of what we do for Him is born of selfish motives, guilt, necessity and a need for recognition.  To be able to serve unselfishly and effectively is a by-product of the grace of God.  I am so thankful that He provides me with all I need to carry out the assignments that He is gives  me.  And He gives me the ability to be established in them.  He can make me solid, firm, sure and immovable!  That is pretty incredible when you think about how double-minded we can be within ourselves.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the richness of Your Word, as well as the richness and depth of your grace.  I praise you and bless You for the grace, love, comfort and consolation that you have given me.  Help me to be a vessel to share these grace gifts with others.   In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

Abandoned to His Care

 Ps 25:20

 

Keep my soul, and deliver me;

Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.

NKJV

 

Abandoning ourselves to God is an act of worship, as well as an act of faith.  When we trust him to "keep our soul", we are trusting all of ourselves to Him.   To  those of us  who have been hurt before and who have had people let us down, it can sometimes be a stretch to really trust in anyone.  Even God.  Or perhaps,  especially God.

 

Trusting in the unseen hand of God is a leap of faith. We can know Him and His character, but that only happens through spending time in His presence, and ultimately, taking a risk.  To enjoy the full benefits of abiding under His wing, we have to make the decision, "I am all in."  Not withholding anything about us is required.

 

For so many of the situations in life that we find ourselves in, there is no "escape hatch." If  God does  not come through, we are stuck in them.  But thank the Lord, He is a faithful deliverer, and we can trust Him to bring us out! 

 

 We do not have to be afraid that He will allow us to be put to shame.  When we place our confidence in Him, even if His answer is different than we hope, we can trust He is looking out for us.  He will never make a decision concerning us, that is not based in love and the highest level of concern.  He will always do what is best for us and provide us with strength and support in the wait.

 

What are you holding back from God?  In what areas are you not fully trusting?  You can rely on Him.   Why not let go of the burden you are carrying?

 

Dear Lord, please help those who are struggling with self-care today.  Help them to rely on you.  Help them to abandon self-preservation, and instead trust in you.  Multiply grace to them, Lord, and show yourself mighty on their behalf.   In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

Living on Purpose

 

    

2 Tim 1:9

 

8  "who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began..."

NKJV

What is your purpose? Why are you here? Perhaps you have entertained these types of questions about yourself. I know I have! 

Every human being was created in the image of God and for His glory.  He made us to have communion and fellowship with Him.  Each life has value and worth, and all should be done within our lives to bring glory to God. He has made us to have relationship with Him.  All of us have an even greater purpose.  We have some type of mission. We have a mission field or area of ministry.  In order to know what that is, it is important to discern His direction and plan for Your life.

When the Lord saves us, He redeems us from sin. Our lives then become His; the direction and purpose  are His design and choice.  Too many Christians receive Christ in order to avoid an eternity in hell, but continue to direct their own lives, with no regard for His purpose for them.  This is a warning sign that Jesus is not truly LORD of your life.

No matter your season in life or station, you are here because God has willed it so!  You still have purpose, you still have a calling.

So how do you find out what it is?  Begin to evaluate what your passion is-  what you have a burden or drive for.  Then try some things and see how it works.  If you step out in good faith and miss God, He will be faithful to gently steer you back to the path.  God is pleased when we try to know His will, and will reveal  it to us in His time.  Seek His direction.  Then listen!

Dear Lord, I want to know Your direction.  I desire to hear Your voice and fulfill Your purpose for me.  Reveal yourself to me, O Lord, I pray.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.