A Beautifull Mind

Phil 4:8-9

 

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

NIV

My seventeen-year old son and I were having an interesting conversation this week.  We were imagining what it would be like if we could hear the thoughts of other Christians during the Sunday morning worship service.  I imagined some were planning lunch; others were thinking about their carburetor problem or perhaps taking note of which boy was sitting with what girl.  Then my thoughts ran to the more general, everyday thoughts that we entertain.  If anyone could hear my thoughts sometimes, I fear that they would be greatly disappointed in me.

For the remainder of this devotional, please visit with me at http://www.lacedwithgrace.com.

 

The Rock

 

    

Ps 18:1-4

 

I love you, O Lord , my strength.

2 The Lord  is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horna of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the Lord , who is worthy of praise,

and I am saved from my enemies.

NIV

 

God is good and gracious to His children.  He watches carefully over us to protect us.  He grants us strength, direction and favor.  He causes us to enjoy Kingdom benefits while we still walk this life.   I am grateful that the blessings of the Lord are not limited just to eternity in heaven.  There is so much joy and peace to be enjoyed every day!

But as long as we live in this world, there will be struggles and hardships as  well.  This world is in the clutches of our enemy and there is a cosmic struggle between good and evil.  Don't get me wrong- Jesus has already overcome the enemy.  His strength is nothing compared to that of God.  But until the fullness of time,  when God is ready to bring an end to Satan, we will struggle not only with the enemy of  our soul, but also with  our own tendency toward sin.

Despite all of that, there is still good  news.  During our worst days- He our my rock, fortress and deliverer.  He is a  safe shelter and we can run to Him and find a sanctuary.  In Christ, I am delivered from all of my fears.

There are times in life that we have to stand until we see God move.  We have to pray until our breakthrough comes.  We have to defy the enemy and stand in faith.  We have to endure while we wait to see how the Lord works it out for our good.  But during those days, we can still find solace in Him.  A safe place to hide.  His ability to hide us goes beyond our understanding.  He can cause us to stand when we are without strength.  Run to Him!  He is all you need.

Dear Lord, I need to find refuge in You.  I need you to shield me from my circumstances.  Allow me to feel the assurance of Your presence, Your protection and strength.  Reveal yourself to me as the Rock.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

The Retreat

Need to get away?  Is a retreat in order?  Check out today's blog as I am visiting Laced with Grace for the day!


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All In

 

    

Luke 14:33

 

In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

NIV

 

Where did we get so misguided?  Why do so many Christians believe that they can just "add Jesus" to their lives and keep on trucking?  Being a follower of Christ is an "all or nothing" proposition.  It is a game changer.  It is a life changer.  It is the best decision a person will ever make.  But it is a sober decision.  A weighty decision.

Being a follower of Christ means to go where He leads.   To live as He lived.  Jesus was all in.  He traveled from place to place teaching, preaching, healing.  He did not have an agenda separate from that of the Father.  He just lived to further the Kingdom of God.

I understand (and so does God) that we have families, we have jobs, we have grass to mow and dishes to wash.  There are necessities of life that must be considered.  But what portion of our time is really fully His?  Is it all ear-marked for other activities?  If we had a leading of the Lord, would we have time to carry it out? 

These are not easy questions, but they are important ones.  Our time, our resources, our vocation, our family...they are all His.  We have to live with an ear attuned to the Father.  We have to sense His direction and be willing to make quick course adjustments.  You may very well work 30 years in the same job, or you may find yourself called to full-time ministry.  Either way, it is His call.  Ours  is just to follow.

Dear Lord, help me to be a follower.  Enable me to discern your leading and direction. I choose to make you first.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.