Great Advice/Listen

 

      The Holy Spirit is the believer’s teacher and guide. There are times I find myself trying to take His place. I judge or I preach or I talk over others with a point I want to make. When it comes to my beautiful daughters, I often give them answers to questions they did not ask. Wanting the best for our children often means allowing them to find the answers for themselves just as we did. We learn through trial and error, through prayer, through patience and, often, through mistakes, or through times of hardship.

     The Holy Spirit will do His job. He will find the answers and the solutions. Some great advice comes from the Holy Scriptures:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

     The Holy Spirit will do His work in our lives and in the lives of other believers. He intercedes in our lives and brings us into God’s will. Be quick to listen to Him first. Can’t find the answers? Don’t know what to pray? Allow Him.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance of the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Father,

We thank You for the Holy Spirit’s work within us. He will teach and guide, comfort and intercede for us as we seek answers. We long to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

One Day We Will Know

 

     Studying the Scriptures and listening to other mature believers has brought my life joy and peace and yes, blessings and happiness. But faith in Christ does not mean life is easier, or that there is less suffering or that we have all of the answers. We just know the One who does. He is wiser, stronger, deeper and more complex than our feeble minds could conjure up on our best day.

     Some of the wise and mature believers in my life have suffered; some of them in unimaginable ways. Somehow, through their time of great suffering and loss, they have come to a deeper love and trust in Christ. Jesus can redeem our suffering. Look at this verse with me.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example; that you should follow in His steps.  1 Peter 2;21

     Jesus suffered for us. He gave His life for us. He took all of the ugliness and suffering and sin of the world on His shoulders. We may have to suffer for a little while in our earthly lives, too. Let’s follow in His steps. He counted it pure joy.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

     Running the race with perseverance as we follow Him, following in His steps does not mean getting everything we want. He gives us what we need, wherever life takes us. Enough grace for each moment. He is sufficient for the day. Our earthly suffering will be redeemed one day as we, too, get the answers to our questions.

   We will know the answers to: Why? How can it be? How can I go on? What purpose could this serve? Why her? Why me? How could You allow this, Lord? He hears us. Not only does He hear, but He understands. He has been there in the depths, too, in anguish.

     One day we will know. In the meantime, trust Him with it all. I have seen lives changed through the powerful testimony of those who have suffered. Our testimonies bring glory to our God. Powerful, eternal answers are there at the end of the race. Follow in His steps, keeping in step with the Spirit. It may include running with perseverance Hold on to Jesus. We’re almost there.

Dear Father in heaven,

Let Jesus be our example. The suffering servant gave it all for us for the joy set before Him. We don’t get it. We don’t understand it. Any of it. But we trust You. You gave us Jesus and to Him we turn.

I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to Your statutes.  Psalm 119:59

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Dance of the Spirit

 

     Thank God, He loves us! I don’t know about you, but every now and then I just have to ask our Father how he puts up with me. He allows me to return to Him, and in His great mercy, He kindly forgives and forgets again. New mercies, tender mercies, loving kindness each and every day. The more we seek Him and return to Him, the steadier we become. Our next turning back may not take quite so long.

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

     We get ourselves in trouble if we move too far ahead of God or lag too far behind. The Holy Spirit is there. He lives within us, always available to guide and give Godly wisdom. We can train ourselves to listen and to heed His voice as our commander in chief. After all, He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. Don’t get too far ahead of His plan so He has to yank you back into place. And don’t wait until He has to drag you by the scruff of the neck to catch up.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Galatians 5:25

     Keeping in step with the Spirit. Let Him lead the dance of your life. We need a little discipline, some hard work studying the word, some good communication with our instructor and pretty soon, our steps will be fluid and practiced, just like a beautiful dance, synchronized with the One of our hearts.

Dear Jesus,

Teach us the dance of life in the Spirit. It is like no other movement on earth. Give us a sure and practiced step today as we face the challenges of life. Take the lead.

Amen

 

He Knows You

 

     I pray these words of God will hit our hearts directly, in a way we will not forget. As we give careful thought to our ways, remember God has you in the palm of His hand. It is just a matter of us turning and continuing to return to Him time and time again. Life is precious and good. But life hurts. We suffer. We grieve. We worry. We fight. We make mistakes. We ache for our loved ones. We say the wrong thing. We think the wrong thing. We recognize our human frailty. And there He is…waiting to hold us.

    Turn to him. He knows you and He loves you more intimately than any relationship known to man.

     Read these words slowly and take them into your heart. Accept His unconditional love for you, no matter how you feel or what you are going through. Give Him the anxieties that weigh you down. He is right there, ready and waiting. Incline your ear and listen:

Does He not see my ways and count my every step? Job 31:4

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30

You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  Psalm 139:1-12

     His mighty right hand is holding you fast. His hand will guide you. The darkness is as the day to Him. Allow His face to shine upon you and bless you right now. He is there.

Dear Father,

Your presence surrounds us and envelops us. Make Your presence known to us. We surrender to Your love. Let us easily step into the life of Your Spirit today, allowing you to take our hand and lead us out to the life You have given to us.

In Jesus name.

Amen

 

Give Careful Thought

 

     Attempting to walk and stay in step with the Spirit leads us to consider our thoughts and our actions. Knowing the word of God and the ways of God and the works of God and the wonders of God causes our thoughts to turn to Him first. Can we ask Him to guide our thoughts each day? And at the end of the day can we consider how our day matched up to all we know of God? Carefully consider this verse:

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26

     Haggai was a prophet of God sent to give a message to his people on rebuilding the temple. His words ring true for us even though they were written in 520 B.C. He was sent to the people to re-focus their attention to the things of God. The book of Haggai has only two chapters and he uses the phrase, “give careful thought…” four times.

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:5

     Who tells us to give careful thought to our ways? The Lord Almighty speaks. The definition of “almighty” is all-powerful, omnipotent, in control. Can we put aside our own desires to work on His? Can we ask ourselves if our lives and our thoughts and our actions are pleasing to the Almighty One? Let’s give careful thought to our steps today.

Dear Father in heaven,

You are The Lord Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. We want to walk with You in all of Your ways. Guide our footsteps today and guide our thoughts to align with Your good and perfect will.

Amen

An Inside Job

 

     The Bible describes in great detail the temples built in Jerusalem, the first built by King Solomon.  Herod’s temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. and the Jewish people were scattered to the ends of the earth. Another temple will be built in Jerusalem in the very last days on earth and preparations are being made right now. www.templeinstitute.org

     Believers in Christ house the Holy Spirit. The outer temples that housed the presence of God have been replaced by an inner working of the Holy Spirit. God now dwells within and among us. I find that incredible and it is one of the reasons that Jesus told His followers:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  John 14;12

     Greater than these? Jesus was the living God and everywhere He went flowed His grace, love and healing power. As believers that same Holy Spirit lives within us! The Holy Spirit of the living God will bring hope to others, will show mercy where none is deserved, will bring compassion to a hurting world.

     You are the temple of God!

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?   1 Corinthians 3:16

     Can we learn to surrender our lives to His leading? I know it is a process that will never be finished, but His patience with us never wears thin. Let’s take a step at a time and follow Him!

Dear Jesus,

Show us how to live our lives as Your children, showing love even when it doesn’t come naturally. Give us patience when we want to shout, compassions when we are tired and hope where there seems to be none. Teach us.

Amen

Godly Hearts

 

     I don’t know about you, but even on a bad day, or a day of suffering, just knowing Jesus brings deep joy. Knowing this life is temporary and what is to come brings hope. God wants us to keep a cheerful and a hopeful heart. Solomon reminds us; it is good for our health.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17;22

     Having a happy heart shows. We all know those with a cheerful heart. And we all know those with unhappy hearts. It shows. Shine with the radiance of God today. Bring cheer to someone around you. Being critical, negative or crabby dries up the bones. A healthy heart is a cheerful heart and that comes from knowing Jesus.

Jesus,

Thank you for the delight You bring to our lives. If we show Your hope and joy, others will want to know about You. Make us different as we find joy in Your presence.

Amen

Godly Humility

 

     God delights in a humble heart. Pride is behind both the fall of the angels and the fall of humankind. Jesus humbled Himself to become a man and went willingly to a cross for us. Humility before God allows Him to build us up in our faith.

When pride comes, there comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12

     When we come before God in all humility, asking for His guidance and surrendering to His will, we will receive His riches.

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

Father,

Take away our pride and control. You know what is best. Discipline and guide us until we come to our knees in humility before You. You promise us life in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Godly Discipline

 

     Solomon speaks often of the value of discipline when training our children. Acquainting them with Jesus and His love will give them security, faith and a firm foundation for life.

Train your children in the way they should go and even when they are old they will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

     The Amplified Bible adds the words, “in keeping with their bent or gift.” One of the best gifts we can give our children is to see them in their uniqueness. We can’t form them into our own image or coax them into a certain path. God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us and each one of our children. Each has their own gifts. Each will react to the world in different ways.

     Some will be extroverted, some introverted. Some will want to follow a detailed plan and others will want to forge their own way, to go with the flow. Some react from emotion and others from logic. Some work best with their five senses, others from intuition. Their passions and values will be their own. What a remarkable creation God has made in all of its diversity. Introduce your children to Jesus and in growing old they will not depart from Him. It is the greatest gift you can give to your one-of-a-kind child.

Father,

You love and know our children even better than we do. Teach us to see them with the loving kindness in which you created them. They belong to You and we are grateful for the way you have made each of us. Help us to see each other through Your eyes.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Godly Wisdom

 

     A Proverb a day keeps the doctor away. Or is it an apple? Just read through Genesis to see what happens when you take a bite from the wrong type of fruit! King Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived. When God asked him for his wish, he asked for wisdom from God. God was pleased with his request.  He promises to give that wisdom to all of us.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generousldy to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1;5

     If any of you lack wisdom? When compared to the wisdom of our Creator, it applies to all of us. This week we will look at a few of the words of King Solomon as he gives Godly advice to his son and to us. Reading just one Proverb a day moves us into the realm of God. They are filled with wisdom for each one of us. A good place to begin in asking God for wisdom is to have a fear of the Lord, not “afraid” but a reverential awe.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Father,

We ask for Your wisdom as we bow before You in reverential awe and fear. You promise to give to us generously. Your Spirit gives us Godly wisdom and teaching from Your Word. Be with us this week as we seek You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Heavenly Hope

 

     Let’s move into heaven, with a glimpse of what is to come. Jesus gives us a peek at just some of what is to come, but I believe much of the glory would be far too astounding and miraculous for our earthly minds to comprehend. We wait, with our imaginations whetted, with our hearts pounding with hope, with awe-inspired words to hold onto while we remain. One day, soon, Jesus will appear to take us home.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

They will see His face and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:4-5

     Read through Revelation 21 and 22 for more of the glorious heaven and earth to come. I pray this week of anticipation brings hope and light to a sometimes dark and dreary world. Keep an eternal perspective as you live out your life. Spread the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is risen and He lives forever. As He is, so will we be one day soon. He conquered death for us all and we don’t want anyone to miss out on our heavenly home.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen Revelation 22:20-21

 

Heavenly Hope

 

 

     Heaven awaits. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He knows the end from the beginning. Evil will be vanquished one day and His will and His promises will remain forever. Let your mind move with anticipation into the throne room of heaven.

However, as it is written, “what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived-the things God has prepared for those who love Him-these are the things God has revealed to us through His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3;13

    Today what God sees as evil is being called good and good, evil. One day all things will be right, all will be transformed, even our bodies. For now, we are in a temporary tent, one day to be transformed into a forever body, like the Lord’s after His resurrection.

For we know that in this earthly tent that we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body) we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made by God Himself, not by human hands 2 Corinthians 5:1

     I encourage you to read more about our eternal bodies in the beautiful verses found in 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

     Longing for heaven? Somedays I do. As my 90-year-old friend, Phyllis, said, “Aging is not for sissies!”  I can’t wait to have perfect vision again, or to see my brother, who died of a debilitating Parkinson’s disease leaping for joy. Yes, it will come to pass. Stay at peace. Jesus is waiting with your resurrection body and a mansion prepared just for you, never to perish or wear out. It’s made for forever!

Lord,

We wait with anticipation and hope for heaven. While we are here, give us the peace that transcends all understanding, the comfort that comes from Your Spirit. Give us angels to surround us and shine your everlasting light upon us now.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Heavenly Hope

 

     Keep an eternal perspective as your life continues to unfold. The Bible helps us do just that, reminding us of the short journey we have on earth. Most of us have said our earthly goodbyes to some precious loved ones. We celebrated the life of a dear life-long friend on Saturday. We grieve at the separation, but we can grieve with hope!

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve as the rest of mankind who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

     Hope remains when we have Jesus. We grieve, but we grieve with hope, the hope of heaven, the hope of reunion, the hope of spending a beautiful eternity in the presence of Jesus. Life is fleeting.

For all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall. 1 Peter 1:24

Why you don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

    Most of the world fears death, placing all of their hope on this life. With an eternal perspective, forever sits in contrast to, at the most, 90 or 100 years, most even more brief. Whether we are in the body or with the Lord, we are His.

Father,

Help us keep eternity ever on the horizon, working to honor You through our short days here on earth. Your Gospel can be shared. Your glory is available to shine. Your sacrifice and Your resurrection take away our fear as we move closer and closer to heaven.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Heavenly Hope

 

     This week will be a week of anticipation. Are you looking forward to an event, a birth, a wedding, a family celebration, a vacation? As we journey through life, we often look ahead. What’s next? College, job, retirement? Life marches on. Memories form and hope remains. Hope for a future, and a plan with a loving God and Father.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

     “Hope and a future,” are, indeed, words of anticipation. Place your trust in Jesus today and forever. Heaven awaits and whether we are here or there, we are in good hands.

For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 2 Corinthians 5:7-9

     Paul wrote the verses above. He was one of a few escorted into the throne room of heaven and he longed to go back over his lifetime of ministry. Be at peace. The anticipation of heaven is real. We need have no fear of death. We will be present with the Lord. Place your life in His hands. We await heaven!

Father,

Your plan for us is good, whether here or there, now and forever. What a glorious homecoming awaits us! You long for us as much as we long for You. We walk by faith as we live to serve and to please You.

In Jesus name,

Amen