July 19, 2008
Jeremiah 6:16
Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it!
There's an old saying that says "you can't re-invent the wheel". As I consider this verse in Jeremiah I think of that saying. I think of this current culture that longs to find peace on its own terms; as if a new form of salvation could be devised.
We live in a generation that craves unlimited power and possessions. This insatiable lust is a condition that has existed since "the fall" yet man has not learned the inevitable lesson: the human soul is not satisfied with anything in the mortal realm. We are designed to crave the eternal - God has drafted us to require Him. Until we completely surrender to that plan we will constantly be fighting the aching hunger of the flesh.
Don't resist Him; recognize the plan of God and ask Him to show you the eternal way. Then you will find rest and peace for your soul.
July 12, 2008
Proverbs 31:8
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Job 36:15
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.
Last year I was made aware of a terrible crime going on across the globe: its human trafficking. Human trafficking is "the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or sex slavery." (Condoleezza Rice, June 2007 Trafficking In Person's Report).
God's intent for humanity is freedom. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:3) Christ died for our freedom spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically - globally.
For more information on how you can help save people from this crime visit www.Myspace.com/relentlesscampaign or write to relentlesscampaign@gmail.com
July 7, 2008
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (AMP)
But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you (21st Century KJV)
In a series of devotionals based on love the hallmark verse for all believers is this: Love those who hate you and be good to them. This is really the defining trait of Christians. It's only the character of God in a human being that can enable them to love those that reject them. This is exactly what Christ exemplified on the cross; unconditional love. Human nature cannot pull it off - but we are not our own - we are born of God. God's love is amazingly powerful it can empower us to love everyone.
Whoever fits into the "enemy" category in your life - love them. Believe the best of them; forgive them; lift up your heart to the Father, stretch out your hands and love them.
June 30, 2008
John 17:22&23
I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them as You have loved Me.
"...You love them as much as You love Me" John 17:23 NLT
We have been given so much! Christ has given us the same glory and honor that He received from heaven. Think about that for minute - that's huge! The VERY same glory and honor that is in Jesus Christ is in the heart of His followers. It's through this impartation that we are made able to live in unity with each other. We don't have the ability on our own, but through Him the impossible can become a reality. When we engaged in this promise, surrendering completely to the work of Christ in us, we are lifted above human nature into the nature of God - love. It all begins with the revelation that we are greatly loved. God literally loves us with the same intensity that He loves Christ His Son.
June 28, 2008
I Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails...
I have often heard it said that love is a risk worth taking. Although that sounds so noble, it's far from the truth. Love is not a risk. Love is a certainty. Love is from God; we know from I Corinthians 13 that is a beautiful thing but it is also a powerful force. Love covers the sins of mankind. Love came to earth in the form of the Messiah, Jesus Christ and Love lived, was crucified and then rose again so that mankind would be set free from sin. Love never fails because God is love. Every time we walk in love we are Christ like and exude His character. Every time we walk in judgment or hatred we deny the character of Christ in our lives.
I am an everyday woman who needs the power of God to walk in love. My natural tendency is to walk guarded, withdrawn from the crowd thinking I'm protecting myself from the risk of rejected love. But God has convinced me that freedom is only found when I open my heart to Him and pour His love out on people. There will always be those who choose to judge and reject. I don't want to live like that; I want to give love a chance to redeem both myself and all those around me. So, I choose to believe God and His Word. I choose, with certainty, to walk in love.
June 27, 2008
Joshua 1:7
Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
In a recent quiet time of prayer and meditation my heart was reminded of the great command made to Joshua as he stepped out to lead Israel. God told him not to turn to the left or the right. When it comes to turning - I think of driving a car. I always look first and then I turn the wheel. That's the way it works in life, too. If I keep my eyes fixed straight ahead, I move straight ahead. If I look backwards, I move back. If I look from one side to another, I end up moving in whatever direction I'm looking.
So I asked you... are you looking from side to side; to the left or to the right? Are you checking out who’s beside you and what they are doing? Are you assessing the 'little' in your hands and then doing nothing because you’ve discounted what God has given you? If your answer is "yes" to any of these - admit it and quit it! Quit looking to the left and to the right. Walk in love, looking straight ahead. Looking unto Jesus, step out in faith, trusting Him. You were created to live an influential life and bring hope to your world. God is leading you in triumph and victory. Keep your eyes on the prize; walk straight; stretch out what He’s put in your hand and the sea will part.
June 16, 2008
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
While recently watching the classic movie "My Fair Lady" I was reminded, in a comical way, of the power of words. The story depicts the life of a woman who goes from living a life of poverty and obscurity to that of an elegant socialite through the transformation of her speech. One comical scene at the horse races depicts how the change in her speech without the same change in her mind is of little use. When both her mind and mouth come under the discipline of her tutor - she truly emits the grandeur of a queen.
Are you seeking a grand transformation in your life? The only power that can bring change to our lives is the power of God, found in His Word. There is nothing too difficult for God - He can make all things new and redeem us from every pitfall in life. But it's not done through a magical prayer - it's through our surrender to His ways. Both our mind and heart must be won over to His wisdom until it flows out of our mouth. When our mind and mouth are submitted and committed to His wisdom, our lives are transformed. His Word has transforming power - it's His Word that brings about the change.
Lord, let the words of my mouth and the thoughts that I think become more and more in line with Your great wisdom and loving-kindness. Amen.
June 10, 2008
Psalm 37:3
Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
Don't you just love it when you have a new assignment given to you in the middle of a busy week and you find that it's an easy job. All you have to do is a few simple steps and follow up until it's done and 'voila' - 'there you have it' - mission accomplished. If only all of life was that easy - right?
Often we over complicated some of the things that should be that easy. Jesus tells us that living life shoulder to shoulder with Him - in the yoke of salvation - should be easy and light. David says that it's this simple: "trust in the Lord and do good." The combination of those two choices will result in the promise of a life settled within the faithfulness and fulfillment of God.
June 3, 2008
II Timothy 2:1
So You, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:10
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Not far from my home is a health food store that I occasionally visit for our vitamin supply. I find it fascinating to walk the isles and check out all the organic foods, the varieties of tea and other "healthy" items they sell. I am a label reader and get a kick out of the claims some of these products make; "Younger looking skin in just three weeks", "Burns fat", "Promotes memory recall"... the list goes on and on. Though I'm sure many of the products have real positive results, they each have limited potential. We know that - we expect it.
There is source of strength that goes far beyond our expectations; the power of God. Far better for our well being than anything found in that health food store is the relationship we can have with Him. The Bible tells us how knowing Him intimately results in the highest quality of life. Soundness, health, peace, and joy are the potential benefits for every believer. Before you make your "Power Shake" or reach for your bottle(s) of vitamins/minerals consider an extra dose of God's power for your day. Ask Him to fill you fresh with His grace and the power of His might. He will enable you to reach the heights and go the distance.
