SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
OBSERVATION
There is so much in this section! But I write today of what jumped out at me from the very beginning...the first verse! Paul is reminding those who believe in Christ to purify themselves. Believers are to purify themselves because of the promises — what promises? The promises Paul has been laying out from chapter one to chapter six: God has delivered us from the sentence of death, that we are victorious in Christ, that we are part of the New Covenant and have hope in the resurrection and in the presence of the Spirit of the Lord, and on and on.
Further, he is directing believers everywhere to purify themselves from EVERYTHING that contaminates body and spirit. Believers are to pure in both their physical body and in the spiritual beings.
APPLICATION
How quickly I forget that my job here on earth is not to make myself happy, not to accomplish my goals, and not to look out for number one. I can so easily find excuses for small compromises that demonstrate a decided LACK of faith in His promises. When I buy the enemy's lies that the Father's ways are somehow not fulfilling and that the way of the flesh will make me happy, I rob myself of the victory that He wants to demonstrate in me.
Today I declare that I am a vessel made for the Master and that His holiness will dwell in me! Today, I lay aside thoughts, impurities, greedy fingers, gossiping lips, deceitful words, wandering eyes — and I seek His strength and power!
PRAYER
Lord, thanks for the reminder and the encouragement! I am not my own, I am bought with a price! I sacrifice the desires of my flesh now so that Your holiness might be present in me. Because of your direction, I determine to walk in your ways, not by my power, but by Your Spirit. Amen.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Let Us Not Become Weary
SCRIPTURE
Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
OBSERVATION
I've often used this verse to encourage myself whenever the going gets tough or I just don't "feel like" doing whatever . . . and not because of the harvest I will reap. I press on because I know it's what Jesus did. How many times does the Bible record that Jesus was tired and yet the people followed Him, wanting more and more of Him. He pressed on, but did make time to get away and pray and, on occasion, rest.
Verse 10 goes on to say that 'as we have opportunity' we are to do good to others, especially Christians. Hmmm, how many times have I had an opportunity and let it pass me by? How many times has an opportunity presented itself and I was simply not sensitive enough or in tune with the Holy Spirit enough to see it as such?
APPLICATION
Here's what I'm taking away from these verses today. First, unless I'm praying or getting needed rest, I will press on - not becoming weary in doing good. God will give me what I need to overcome my weariness. Secondly, I am going to look, I mean REALLY look, for the opportunities to do good to all people on a regular . . . no, on a daily basis.
PRAYER
Father, I pray for supernatural ability, strength and energy when it comes to doing good. Please give me wisdom to discern what "good" I should be doing so I do not try to do everything. I know you have not called me to do everything. So I ask that it is clear to me what good I am to do. I also pray for Your sensitivity and love when it comes to opportunities I am to act upon. Let not another such opportunity pass me by due to lack of caring or awareness. Amen.
Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
OBSERVATION
I've often used this verse to encourage myself whenever the going gets tough or I just don't "feel like" doing whatever . . . and not because of the harvest I will reap. I press on because I know it's what Jesus did. How many times does the Bible record that Jesus was tired and yet the people followed Him, wanting more and more of Him. He pressed on, but did make time to get away and pray and, on occasion, rest.
Verse 10 goes on to say that 'as we have opportunity' we are to do good to others, especially Christians. Hmmm, how many times have I had an opportunity and let it pass me by? How many times has an opportunity presented itself and I was simply not sensitive enough or in tune with the Holy Spirit enough to see it as such?
APPLICATION
Here's what I'm taking away from these verses today. First, unless I'm praying or getting needed rest, I will press on - not becoming weary in doing good. God will give me what I need to overcome my weariness. Secondly, I am going to look, I mean REALLY look, for the opportunities to do good to all people on a regular . . . no, on a daily basis.
PRAYER
Father, I pray for supernatural ability, strength and energy when it comes to doing good. Please give me wisdom to discern what "good" I should be doing so I do not try to do everything. I know you have not called me to do everything. So I ask that it is clear to me what good I am to do. I also pray for Your sensitivity and love when it comes to opportunities I am to act upon. Let not another such opportunity pass me by due to lack of caring or awareness. Amen.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Zealous for the Right Purpose
SCRIPTURE
Galatians 4:18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.
OBSERVATION
Paul is writing this letter to the Galatians because they are being persuaded by others to go back to the old covenant law and away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul observes that they are falling back into old legalistic habits that the Pharisees observed to gain favor in God's eyes. He says that these people are zealous to win the Galatians over, but for no good. He even states in verse 11 that he fears he has wasted his efforts on them.
Paul goes on to state that it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.
APPLICATION
So, if Paul tells us it's okay to be zealous for the right purpose, we must only be zealous for Jesus. But not like a crazy zealout, who acts out in silly, embarrassing ways which might turn people away from Jesus. But, instead, to be on fire for the Lord in a righteous zealousness that can be used by the Holy Spirit in pointing others to the kingdom of God.
What attracted me to this verse is that Paul goes on to say to the Galatians that they are to do so even when he is not with them.
This immediately reminded me that I am to pursue righteousness and to be on fire for the Lord at all times, not just when people are watching. I am to live out Jesus' love constantly, not only when I'm in church or around other Christians. I am to be transparent in my life because the One King who matters most of all is always observing me.
PRAYER
Father God, please make me mindful, every second of every day, that You are observing how I reflect your Son. Keep me aware that, at times - to some people, I am the only representative of Christ they might see. Forgive me when I fall short of being on fire with a zealousness that would attract others to your kingdom. Thank you for Your son, THE example and for Your word, our guide to life. Amen.
Galatians 4:18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.
OBSERVATION
Paul is writing this letter to the Galatians because they are being persuaded by others to go back to the old covenant law and away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul observes that they are falling back into old legalistic habits that the Pharisees observed to gain favor in God's eyes. He says that these people are zealous to win the Galatians over, but for no good. He even states in verse 11 that he fears he has wasted his efforts on them.
Paul goes on to state that it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.
APPLICATION
So, if Paul tells us it's okay to be zealous for the right purpose, we must only be zealous for Jesus. But not like a crazy zealout, who acts out in silly, embarrassing ways which might turn people away from Jesus. But, instead, to be on fire for the Lord in a righteous zealousness that can be used by the Holy Spirit in pointing others to the kingdom of God.
What attracted me to this verse is that Paul goes on to say to the Galatians that they are to do so even when he is not with them.
This immediately reminded me that I am to pursue righteousness and to be on fire for the Lord at all times, not just when people are watching. I am to live out Jesus' love constantly, not only when I'm in church or around other Christians. I am to be transparent in my life because the One King who matters most of all is always observing me.
PRAYER
Father God, please make me mindful, every second of every day, that You are observing how I reflect your Son. Keep me aware that, at times - to some people, I am the only representative of Christ they might see. Forgive me when I fall short of being on fire with a zealousness that would attract others to your kingdom. Thank you for Your son, THE example and for Your word, our guide to life. Amen.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Don't Take for Granted . . .
SCRIPTURE
Job 29:2-6 How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness! Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.
OBSERVATION
Job has lost everything - family and servants, wealth and material possessions, his respect and credibility in the community. He feels deserted by God. He feels that God has taken away all of His blessings.
In these verses, Job cries and longs for the days when all of these things were still a part of his life. He acknowledges that all of these blessings were from God and since they have all been stripped from him, he assumes that God is no longer with him.
He indicates that those were the days of his prime. When everywhere he went, God's light lit his way. It would be easy to see how he felt that God was gone. Not only is everything gone, but he is also being falsely accused of wickedness as a result of all of these curses.
How confused Job must have been through all of these trials. Here was a man, living a righteous life suffering horror upon horror! But even in the midst of all of this, Job does not curse nor blame God. He does not reject nor deny God. He merely feels separated from Him.
How often we question God over much smaller things. The Bible tells us our righteousness is like filthy rags. Yet we cringe at the thought of trials and losses much smaller than what Job endured. We are always asking, "why?".
APPLICATION
I think I can use Job as a model for me in two ways. #1 - Don't take for granted the blessings God has given me - family, children, home, provision, credibility, respect, and #2 - when I am feeling cursed or separated from God, realize that He is always there; He is always in control; He loves me more than I can comprehend; He has my best interest at heart; and He will deliver me.
PRAYER
Lord, I offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for all that You have blessed me with! It is more than I deserve. I also ask forgiveness for the many times I have questioned You and pray that I will become totally blind in my faith and trust upon You - at all times and in all situations. AMEN.
Job 29:2-6 How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness! Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.
OBSERVATION
Job has lost everything - family and servants, wealth and material possessions, his respect and credibility in the community. He feels deserted by God. He feels that God has taken away all of His blessings.
In these verses, Job cries and longs for the days when all of these things were still a part of his life. He acknowledges that all of these blessings were from God and since they have all been stripped from him, he assumes that God is no longer with him.
He indicates that those were the days of his prime. When everywhere he went, God's light lit his way. It would be easy to see how he felt that God was gone. Not only is everything gone, but he is also being falsely accused of wickedness as a result of all of these curses.
How confused Job must have been through all of these trials. Here was a man, living a righteous life suffering horror upon horror! But even in the midst of all of this, Job does not curse nor blame God. He does not reject nor deny God. He merely feels separated from Him.
How often we question God over much smaller things. The Bible tells us our righteousness is like filthy rags. Yet we cringe at the thought of trials and losses much smaller than what Job endured. We are always asking, "why?".
APPLICATION
I think I can use Job as a model for me in two ways. #1 - Don't take for granted the blessings God has given me - family, children, home, provision, credibility, respect, and #2 - when I am feeling cursed or separated from God, realize that He is always there; He is always in control; He loves me more than I can comprehend; He has my best interest at heart; and He will deliver me.
PRAYER
Lord, I offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for all that You have blessed me with! It is more than I deserve. I also ask forgiveness for the many times I have questioned You and pray that I will become totally blind in my faith and trust upon You - at all times and in all situations. AMEN.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I Will Maintain
SCRIPTURE
Job 27:2-6 As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
OBSERVATION
Because Job is being persecuted, he has been accused of wickedness. Here he defends himself against these accusations and continues to stand up for righteousness. He states he will never admit to what he has being accused of and that until he dies, he will maintain his integrity. It sounds that he is not only defending himself but also reaffirming his Godly life - to others and to himself. It feels like he is encouraging himself to 'fight the good fight', despite the doubts of others.
APPLICATION
While reading these Scriptures, I was so moved by Job's stand. The entire chapter speaks to his determination even in the darkest of days. He's lost everything and nearly everyone he loves. His wife and his friends have mocked and accused him. And yet, he continues to stand firm for the Lord.
You know, I'd like to think and say that I would do the same thing if I were in Job's shoes. But, quite honestly, if all of these things had happened to me, I'm not sure how I would react. I often think about how I would conduct myself if I was persecuted for my faith and I imagine a strong stance. I think we all do. But we are weak in our humanness.
So, how to we combat the really BIG battles when and if they come? It has to start with mastering the small battles. It has to be on the foundation of a strong prayer life and relationship with Jesus. We certainly can't do it alone! As humans, we would fail. But, God can provide the supernatural everything that we need in the toughest of times.
I often think the main thing that separates believes from non-believers is that one fact. No matter what hardship we may encounter, we have a hope that is Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father, strengthen me daily so that I can stand firm when the storms come. I want to remain steadfast in my reliance upon you. Strengthen my faith and keep me in a daily pursuit of righteousness. Amen.
Job 27:2-6 As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
OBSERVATION
Because Job is being persecuted, he has been accused of wickedness. Here he defends himself against these accusations and continues to stand up for righteousness. He states he will never admit to what he has being accused of and that until he dies, he will maintain his integrity. It sounds that he is not only defending himself but also reaffirming his Godly life - to others and to himself. It feels like he is encouraging himself to 'fight the good fight', despite the doubts of others.
APPLICATION
While reading these Scriptures, I was so moved by Job's stand. The entire chapter speaks to his determination even in the darkest of days. He's lost everything and nearly everyone he loves. His wife and his friends have mocked and accused him. And yet, he continues to stand firm for the Lord.
You know, I'd like to think and say that I would do the same thing if I were in Job's shoes. But, quite honestly, if all of these things had happened to me, I'm not sure how I would react. I often think about how I would conduct myself if I was persecuted for my faith and I imagine a strong stance. I think we all do. But we are weak in our humanness.
So, how to we combat the really BIG battles when and if they come? It has to start with mastering the small battles. It has to be on the foundation of a strong prayer life and relationship with Jesus. We certainly can't do it alone! As humans, we would fail. But, God can provide the supernatural everything that we need in the toughest of times.
I often think the main thing that separates believes from non-believers is that one fact. No matter what hardship we may encounter, we have a hope that is Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father, strengthen me daily so that I can stand firm when the storms come. I want to remain steadfast in my reliance upon you. Strengthen my faith and keep me in a daily pursuit of righteousness. Amen.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Did You Wash Your Hands?
SCRIPTURE
(Mark 7:5 & 15) "And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, 'Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?'. . . there is nothing outside the man which going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man."
OBSERVATION
Tradition often becomes the norm by which people form their convictions. For many, during the time of Christ, external cleanliness was a sign of godliness. Jesus took the opportunity to challenge their shallow beliefs, and focused on the importance of the state of one's heart. A lot of people with clean hands will spend eternity seperated from a Holy God.
APPLICATION
How often today do we put a great emphasis on doing good things. Many people are convinced that if they lead a good life, helping others, they will receive God's favor and "go to heaven to be with Him." Good deeds and clean hands still won't gain you entrance into heaven. The Psalmist writes, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." The only soap that cleanses the heart and renews the spirit of a person is the blood of Jesus. Have you washed your heart today?
PRAYER
Father, I pray that my actions will be a reflection of my heart. Cleanse me from within and I will be able to serve You externally.
(Mark 7:5 & 15) "And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, 'Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?'. . . there is nothing outside the man which going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man."
OBSERVATION
Tradition often becomes the norm by which people form their convictions. For many, during the time of Christ, external cleanliness was a sign of godliness. Jesus took the opportunity to challenge their shallow beliefs, and focused on the importance of the state of one's heart. A lot of people with clean hands will spend eternity seperated from a Holy God.
APPLICATION
How often today do we put a great emphasis on doing good things. Many people are convinced that if they lead a good life, helping others, they will receive God's favor and "go to heaven to be with Him." Good deeds and clean hands still won't gain you entrance into heaven. The Psalmist writes, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." The only soap that cleanses the heart and renews the spirit of a person is the blood of Jesus. Have you washed your heart today?
PRAYER
Father, I pray that my actions will be a reflection of my heart. Cleanse me from within and I will be able to serve You externally.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I Don't Have Time to Rest
SCRIPTURE
(Mark 6:30&31) "And the apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them,'Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)"
OBSERVATION
Jesus had sent his disciples out on their own to preach forgiveness of sins and to heal the afflicted and deliver the demon possessed. They returned having had great success. Jesus then took the opportunity to instruct them on the need for rest. When something exciting is happening we often deny ourselves to accomplish the task or ride out the wave of the annointing. Jesus instructs us to do His work but also to pace ourselves with regular times of rest.
APPLICATION
A sure way to "burn out" is to be at every church meeting, and be involved in multiple church ministries. We each have giftings given for the purpose of fulfilling our part of the ministry. We also must learn to pace ourselves and say "no" once in a while so that we can have times of rest. If you don't have time to rest, you are out of the will of God!
PRAYER
Lord, don't let my zealous desire to serve blind me of the need to rest. Help me to appropriate the words of Jesus, "Come away to a lonely place and rest a while."
(Mark 6:30&31) "And the apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them,'Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)"
OBSERVATION
Jesus had sent his disciples out on their own to preach forgiveness of sins and to heal the afflicted and deliver the demon possessed. They returned having had great success. Jesus then took the opportunity to instruct them on the need for rest. When something exciting is happening we often deny ourselves to accomplish the task or ride out the wave of the annointing. Jesus instructs us to do His work but also to pace ourselves with regular times of rest.
APPLICATION
A sure way to "burn out" is to be at every church meeting, and be involved in multiple church ministries. We each have giftings given for the purpose of fulfilling our part of the ministry. We also must learn to pace ourselves and say "no" once in a while so that we can have times of rest. If you don't have time to rest, you are out of the will of God!
PRAYER
Lord, don't let my zealous desire to serve blind me of the need to rest. Help me to appropriate the words of Jesus, "Come away to a lonely place and rest a while."
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