Freedom to Love

"For you have been called to live in freedom,

my brothers and sisters.

But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.

Instead,

use your freedom to serve one another in love.

For the whole law can be summed up

in this one command:

'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Galatians 5:13-14

"A good Christian family shouldn't own that kind of movie."  From the other room I overheard this heart-piercing proclamation as my well-meaning friend returned a borrowed DVD to my daughter. 

It's easy to get caught up in arguments about the law; what a "good Christian" should or should not do.  But we are free from the burden of following the whole law through faith in Jesus Christ, not so we can sin, but so we can love. (Matthew 11:30, Romans 7:6)

Serve

Fever wracked her body, sending her consciousness into the realm of confusion and disorientation.  One day melted into another, the fog of sickness only broken by the touch of a loved one's gentle, cool hand.  Peter's mother-in-law was near death when the Healer arrived, delivering her from the depths of delirium. (Matthew 8:14-15)

The first thing this woman did when healed was to begin serving her Master by preparing a meal for Him.  Jesus has delivered me from many areas of bondage, as well, but I am free not simply for my own enjoyment.  Just as He came not to be served, but to serve; I, too, am saved for a purpose that is greater than myself.  (Mark 10:45)

I am free from the law of sin and death so that I can love God by serving others, considering their needs before I think of my own. (Romans 8:2, Philippians 2:3-4)

Bear

The fighting men took great care in protecting the sheep and shepherds belonging to an unknown wealthy man.  When it came time for shearing, the leader respectfully asked for provisions in return.  Unfortunately, the foolish farmer saw no value in returning the favor and rudely denied their appeal for help.

It must have been hard for Abigail, a sensible and beautiful woman, to be married to such an imbecile.  Fortunately for Nabal (and it turns out David), he married well, despite his poor character.  It would have been easy for Abigail to lambaste her husband for his rough and insensitive ways, but instead she smoothed things over, knowing that this was what needed to be done even though it was something her husband was incapable of doing. (1 Samuel 25)

Just as Abigail saved her family that day from the vengeance of David, my desire to bear with others in their weaknesses can prevent a world of hurt.  Accepting those around me as they are gives God a chance to work on them in the way He sees fit.  When I try to make the changes come about myself or force a loved one to do the right thing, I usually only end up with strife and pain.

I am free from the law of sin and death so that I can love God by making allowances for the faults of others. (Ephesians 4:2)

Submit

At great peril to himself, the outcast stopped to help the victim who lay suffering in the hot sun.  Even though it was dangerous to pause on this stretch of the highway, or for him to even come into contact with this favored race of people, he considered the needs of this man to be more important than his own safety.  As a result, the despised Samaritan saved the dying Jewish man.  (Luke 10:30-37)

It is easy for me to help those I like and get along with, but a bit more difficult for me to think of sticking my neck out for those who are different than I or who get under my skin.  Love, however, never gives up and always is ready to believe the best of any person.  (1 Corinthians 13:7)  Putting the needs and rights of my brother and sisters before my own out of respect for Christ is my calling.  (Ephesians 5:21)

I am free from the law of sin and death so that I can love God by yielding my own rights for those of others.

I am not a good judge of Christian behavior, although I easily tend to place myself in that role.  Instead of worrying about how others are living, I have been freed from judging myself and others based on the law.  Not that this means I can do whatever I want without consequence, but that I have been liberated from the heavy yoke of the law so that I can love by serving, bearing with and submitting to one another.  In this way I have the freedom to love.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can not get caught up in "should" and "should not" when it concerns the law and simply let God love through me.

How do I fail to walk with the Spirit in my day-to-day life and instead try to behave in the way I think I should?

When does my own effort to do good fall short?

The Influence of Changed People

"I was personally unknown to the churches

of Judea that are in Christ.

They only heard the report: 

'The man who formerly persecuted us

is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.'

And they praised God because of me."

Galatians 1:22-24

The change was remarkable.  Physically, the once large, lumbering teenager became a tall, thin young man as 60 pounds of extra weight melted away.  Emotionally, the former trouble maker who had been kicked out of school multiple times and spent several months in juvenile detention for fighting and confronting the school resource officers now became a mentor for other young men, leading them toward the Light.  Spiritually, the once self-proclaimed atheist who couldn't care less about the things of God, transformed into a young man who invited Jesus into his life and who wanted to go to church and learn more about the One who made him for a purpose. 

There is nothing as powerfully influential as a changed life.  No other message for repentance is as strong as the significance found in observing the transformed life.

Enemy to Friend

The diminutive man was hated by all.  His very presence drew looks of scorn and words of ridicule.  As a tax-collector for the Roman invaders, he used his position for his own benefit, inviting even more contempt from his own people.  

When he heard Jesus was in town, however, his heart was drawn toward the Healer and Teacher.  Whatever it was that this man had, Zacchaeus wanted some of it.  His life was empty of meaning and he was tired of living for himself, ignoring all the hurt his actions were causing. (Luke 19:1-10)

The life of Zacchaeus changed the day he encountered Jesus.  He went from a man considered to be the enemy of the Jewish people to one who went out of his way to make restitution.  

In a similar way, I went from being dead in my sins and an object of God's wrath to one who was made alive in Christ.  (Ephesians 2:1-5)  

Faith in Jesus Christ made me, an enemy of God, into His friend. (Colossians 1:21,John 15:15)

Destroyer to Harvester

"ummm. . . Lord. . . are you sure you want me to go see that man?  I have heard of all the terrible things he has done against your people: killings, beatings, imprisonments.  This is the man you want me to lay my hands upon so you can restore his sight?"

Ananias, a believer from Damascus, was worried for good reason.  Saul was the worst enemy of the first church.  He did all he could to destroy their mission, persecuting them without mercy.  And Ananias was supposed to believe that he was the one chosen to take God's message to the the world? (Acts 9:1-19)

Only God could turn one who was the biggest destroyer of the Gospel message to the most influential harvester of it's fruit.

Glory to God

There was no other explanation:  She was a virgin, pledged to be married, yes, but still pure.  Suddenly, she showed up around town with child.  People were talking, spreading rumors that she had secretly slept with another man, but no one knew who it could be.  How else could she be pregnant unless she had been with a man?  The answer, however, lay hidden within a message delivered by the angel Gabriel to the young woman. (Luke 1:35)

The Holy Spirit came upon Mary and implanted the Christ child within her womb.  No matter what people assumed, the only explanation for her unwed pregnancy was that it was the work of the hand of God: only He could accomplish such a feat as this.

In the same way, only God can get the glory for the transformation of a changed life.  No amount of willpower, motivation or inspiration can bring about the radical change that Jesus creates. 

When others witness the amazing alterations in a person's life, God then gets all the glory for the great things He has done.

God uses changed people to change people.  Seeing how He can turn an enemy into a friend and a destroyer into a harvester makes people sit up and take notice, resulting in God receiving all the credit for what He has accomplished.  What influence upon the world is God having through my changed life?  (2 Corinthians 6:16-17)

Christ and Him Crucified

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting

the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ

and are turning to a different gospel--

which is really no gospel at all.

Evidently some people are throwing you

into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

. . .As we have already said,

so now I say again:

If anybody is preaching to you a gospel

other than what you accepted,

let them be under God's curse!

Galatians 1:6,7,9

The flyer attached to my mailbox with the telltale fish sign drew my eye as it fluttered in the wind.  Curious, I walked over and plucked it off the post.  "Now is a good time to return to the Catholic Church."  The flyer gave an invitation to Catholics to come back to the flock and gave ten reasons why people decide to return to a Catholic congregation after a prolonged absence.  Reading through the pamphlet, I discerned a different kind of gospel than what I've been taught.

Followers were encouraged to come back so they can receive true forgiveness by confessing their sins to a priest where they will receive absolution, that only the Catholic Church has the fullness of grace and truth, and that the communion ceremony holds some kind of special power and gives spiritual nourishment.

While it is true that the Catholic Church boasts millions of members, the message they preach is not consistent with the Gospel I have learned through scripture. Staying true to the Gospel as I've been taught is an issue of life and death.

Blood

It was a necessary act, this spilling of innocent blood.  As this life-giving fluid flowed from the body of the Son of God, He gave up His own life while simultaneously giving millions of the guilty a chance to live. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  This spilling of innocent blood became the ultimate sacrifice.

Many believe they can get right with God through effort or good intentions.  Others think confession in itself can save them.  The truth is that no one can reach God's standards on their own and that He cannot forgive my sins, no matter how repentant I am, without the blood of Jesus to cover over my transgressions.  (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:7-9, Hebrews 9:22)

The Gospel I've been taught includes the importance of the blood of Jesus to the forgiveness of my sins.

Law

He held the stones in his hand, aware of the gravity of the words God had personally engraved into the tablets.  Moses had just spent 40 days with God on the mountain, receiving the specific rules and instructions He wanted His people to follow.  As he prepared to present the word of the Lord to those who awaited his return, Moses could hear the sounds of revelry.  (Exodus 32)  This man, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, knew deep down inside that the holy tablets he carried in his hands could do nothing to change the wicked heart of man.

I can try my best to obey the law as found in the Bible, but my best will never be good enough.  If I follow a gospel that tells me I must obey the rules as a way to become righteous, I will set myself up to be judged according to the Law.  (James 2:10)  God will then condemn me as a law breaker and send me to eternal death.  (Romans 6:23a)

If it were possible to become righteous by following the law, then why would God go through such heartache and pain in sending His Son to die on the cross?  If I was able to live righteously on my own, then Christ died for naught!  (Galatians 2:21)

Instead, I must remember that the law is powerless to save me, but can only show me where I fall short and need a Savior. (Romans 4:15)  Thus, the law draws attention to my need for Jesus!

The Gospel I've been taught includes the powerlessness of the law to save me.

Grace

The very one who made her life a living Hell lay on his deathbed.  Here was her chance for revenge, for some kind of retribution.  He's only getting what he deserved, she thought as she remembered all the hurt he had caused her.  

Then, she did the extraordinary.  This victim who had suffered at the hand of evil, forgave.  Instead of exacting vengeance, she offered grace, and shared the saving message of the Gospel to the man she wanted to kill for so many years.

It is not easy to offer grace to those who hurt me.  Sure, for the ones I love I would gladly lay down my life.  For those whose evil intent is obvious, though, I could not imagine doing anything nice for them, let alone giving my life so they might live.  Yet, that is exactly what Jesus did for me!

While I was still a sinner, bent on living my life my way and unwilling to even acknowledge my Creator as Lord, He loved me enough to send Jesus to die for me.  My uncovered sin made me an enemy of God!  (Colossians 1:21)  Even so, Jesus paid the ultimate price to cover a debt I couldn't pay: the death penalty my sin deserves for breaking His law.  (Colossians 2:13-14)

The Gospel I've been taught includes the gift of grace God offers through faith in Jesus Christ.

While some messages I hear may sound good or may be a part of a tradition I grew up with, I must be careful to stay true to the Gospel as I've been taught.  Only the Gospel of Christ and Him crucified can save me from eternal condemnation. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep the truth of the Gospel at the forefront of my mind.

When am I easily swayed by a message that sounds good but may not be true?

How do I try to earn grace by what I do, forgetting that Jesus already did everything required to earn me God's favor?

Commendation

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves

with some who commend themselves.

When they measure themselves by themselves

and compare themselves with themselves,

they are not wise.

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, 

but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us,

a sphere that also includes you. 

We are not going too far in our boasting,

as would be the case if we had not come to you,

for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting

of work done by others.

Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,

our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,

so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.

For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.  

But, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'

For it is not the one who commends

 himself who is approved,

but the one whom the Lord commends."

2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Powerlifting is a sport consisting of three events: Bench press, squat, and deadlift.  Each one provides an opportunity for the athlete to demonstrate his or her strength and power.  When I competed in powerlifting, I learned the proper technique and methods of training.  Being naturally strong, I excelled, making it to the Nationals and setting some records for my division.  

One area I struggled in, though, was in going down low enough on the squats.  The regulations required that my hip joint fall below my knee at the lowest point of the movement.  While I felt like I was practically sitting on the floor when I squatted down with the weight on my shoulders, the judges at the competitions were using specific guidelines to decide whether or not the lift was good, and what they were seeing clearly fell short.  Until I rectified this problem, several of my squat attempts were disqualified for failing to meet the standard.

It's the same with me and my walk with the Lord:  My own perception of myself is not accurate.  Either I'm not as bad as I think, or I'm looking at myself through rose-colored glasses, seeing myself as better than I am.  Whichever category in which I fall, I can't deny the fact that I'm not a good judge of my own character.

In order to walk closely with the Lord, I need to see things more from His perspective.

Comparison

There was a man who was willing to go to great lengths to deliver the messages God sent for the people of Israel.  Most probably looked at him as a righteous, honorable man of God to be esteemed.  At the beginning of his ministry, when Isaiah saw the Lord seated on His throne in all His glory, he, however, was only aware of his own unworthiness.  His response to a Holy God was,  "Woe to me! . .I am ruined! for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5)

Comparing myself to others, or letting others exalt me, gives me an inaccurate picture of my state.  Evaluating my condition against the Lord Himself, however, shows me my true identity: A Sinner incapable of any good.  Without the blood of Jesus cleansing me of all iniquities, I have no hope. 

My own accomplishments are nothing to brag about, but my identity as a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus is something about which I can spend a lifetime boasting.

Obedience

Later, this same mighty prophet of God was asked to do the unthinkable.  As one who took seriously the commands of God, it would have been improper and downright blasphemous for him to be seen in public without proper covering.  God, however, gave Isaiah the direction to do just that.  

For three years, he was required to go about his life without clothing or shoes.  In this way, God was delivering a stark warning to His people: do not trust in the might of Egypt and Cush, for I will soon humiliate them and use Assyria to carry them off, stripped and barefoot, into exile. (Isaiah 20)  

God gives each of us a ministry, a purpose, and a calling.  While my friend may excel in serving others, I have different gifts.  If I were to compare myself to what she is doing out of obedience to God, I would start to feel incompetent and worthless.  When, however, I pay attention to my own relationship with God and where He is leading me, it is then that my life takes on a sense of purpose and meaning.

Like Isaiah, my calling may not make sense to anyone but God.  My obedience to His purpose for my life, however, will result in much blessing.

When walking down the path on which my Shepherd is leading me, it is important that I keep my eyes front and center, trusting God with my whole heart.

Promotion

Anything at all was his for the asking.  God appeared to the young king in a dream with this incredible offer.  Instead of going for the obvious requests of riches and power, Solomon asked for understanding and discernment in leading his people.  Pleased, God gave him what he asked for, but also what he did not request: Wealth and honor so that the reputation of King Solomon would be great among all the world!  (1 Kings 3:5-14)

It is easy for me to get into the habit of tooting my own horn.  I can justify this habit with the thought that no one really knows how difficult my life is, how much I sacrifice, or how hard I labor for the Lord, so I must enlighten them.  The truth is, however, that God is the One who truly sees my efforts and His opinion is the only One that should count to me. (Galatians 1:10)

Let me take a lesson from Solomon and allow God to be the One doing the promoting instead of trying so hard to get for myself what I think I deserve.

My perspective is shallow and self-centered, making me a horrible judge.  Instead of trying to use myself or others as a standard, taking my cue to act from other believers, or working hard to lift my own efforts up for all to see, I can let God be the yardstick, shepherd and promoter.  In this way I am leaving all commendation in His hands as I keep my focus on Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let go of all desires to promote myself or the ministry to which I'm called.

How do I think I'm better than I am, or that I'm not good enough to be used by God?

When do I look for ways to seek praise? 

Divine Demolition

"I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

For though we live in the world,

we do not wage war as the world does.

The weapons we fight with are not the 

weapons of the world.

On the contrary,

they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

We demolish arguments 

and every pretension that sets itself up

against the knowledge of God,

and we take captive every thought

to make it obedient to Christ.

And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience,

once your obedience is complete."

2 Corinthians 10:2-6

Dust scattered everywhere, laying a fine layer of silt over everything within a half-a-mile radius.  Every time the wrecking ball launched another attack on the concrete structure, it weakened a little bit more until finally, with a deep groan, the building gave up it's integrity and fell to the ground in a heap.  Now it was time for the bulldozer to come in and clean up the debris.

Tearing something down takes less effort and time than creating it.  While it may take months to build a house, it can be destroyed in less than a day.  Waging war against that which sets itself up against the Kingdom of God, however, is not so easy to tackle.  For this kind of demolition, we need divine power.

Strongholds

The young man was given a critical yet frightening mission: To deliver the warnings and prophecies of God to His disobedient and wayward people.  The Northern Tribes were already in exile at the hand of the Assyrians as punishment by God for their defiance and unfaithfulness, but they still weren't getting it.  (2 Kings 18:11-12)  

God's chosen people had been experiencing the consequences for their actions for a hundred years, but still insisted on living life their way instead of God's.  Out of God's great compassion for His own, however, He sent a messenger to petition them to repent and come back to their first Love.  (Jeremiah 3:11-15)

Unfortunately, most did not heed God's warnings for they were too set in their ways.  How much this is like me in this present age.  There are strongholds of all kinds in my own life like fear, doubt, sloth, apathy, hardness of heart and selfishness that keeps me from fully giving my life to Christ.  These areas of sin are so cemented into place that its like they become a part of my identity.  It takes power from above to demolish these fortresses that block the love of God from flowing freely in my life. 

The weapons God gives me with which to wage war in this world contains divine power to demolish the strongholds of sin in my life.

Arguments

It is said that the man who serves as his own attorney has a fool for a lawyer.  Anyone facing trial in this day and age would be wise to gain experienced counsel in order to give them the best chance against the charges brought against them.  This, however, is not the advice Jesus gave to His apostles.

When warning them that they would be arrested and brought before governors and kings, he said to not worry about their defense.  Instead, He said, "God will give you the right words at the right time.  For it is not you who will be speaking--it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."  (Matthew 10:19b-20)  Now that's what I call a good defense!

I need not worry when faced with opposition to the Gospel.  It is not necessary for me to study stock answers as preparation for facing every possible argument, like some cults train their followers to do.  Instead, I can believe that God will give me the words that will, ". . .destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." (1 Corinthians 1:19)

The weapons God gives me with which to wage war in this world contains divine power to demolish arguments at odds with the Truth.

Disobedience

The people prone to waywardness and defiance listened to the words of their leader.  Moses said, "If you obey the LORD your God, you will experience many blessings such as in the success of your business efforts, in your families and general welfare, in the abundance of God's provision for you; pretty much everywhere you go and in everything you do you will find blessings from God." (paraphrased from Deuteronomy 28:2-6)

Things are no different today.  While following God's commands will not earn me eternal life, paying attention to how He wants me to live my life does bring a blessing with it.   As a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I have the power to tear down my disobedient spirit and live with a desire to follow my Shepherd down the path where He leads me.

The weapons God gives me with which to wage war in this world contains divine power to demolish my disobedient heart and transform me into a woman who desires to go where He leads me.

Trying to live my life for Jesus is not always easy.  As I strive to dwell in the kingdom of God while still in this fallen world, I will need to wage war on that which sets itself up against God's ways.  For this, I will need God's power to demolish strongholds, arguments and my own disobedient spirit.  When I experience this divine demolition, I will truly understand that the battle belongs to the Lord. (1 Samuel 17:47)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let God fight my battles for me.

When do I hide behind certain strongholds of sin instead of letting God tear them down?

How do I attempt to use intellectual lines of reasoning instead of letting God demolish arguments that come up against the truth?

Choose to Listen

"Therefore say to the children of Israel:

'I am the LORD;

I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,

I will rescue you from their bondage,

and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm

and with great judgments.

I will take you as My people,

and I will be your God.

Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God

who brings you out from under the burdens

of the Egyptians.

And I will bring you into the land which I swore

to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;

and I will give it to you as a heritage:

I am the LORD.'

So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel;

but they did not heed Moses,

because of their anguish of spirit

and cruel bondage."

Exodus 6:6-9 NKJV

The days on the calendar stretched before me like a never-ending chasm, separating me from my husband and one-year-old daughter.  The bond I shared with our first-born was so strong that I couldn't imagine spending one night away from her, let alone dozens as the doctors prescribed. 

As an active young mother who relished the fresh air of outdoors, I savored my long daily walks shared with my baby-daughter in her stroller as we explored the area within our neighborhood or on the path circling the nearby lake.   Now, laying in the hospital bed at barely 24 weeks-gestation awaiting the birth of our triplet daughters, I fell into a state of discouragement.  How could I stay confined to this bed, alienated from the ones I love for the remainder of my pregnancy?

It was hard for me to listen to the doctor's orders when I was in such a state of discouragement and bondage.  It is similar with me and God.  Sometimes I cannot even take in His great promises because of the condition of my heart.

Discouragement

Grains of sand gritted against his skin, mixing with the tears that streamed down his face.  Rolling over to shield his eyes from the unrelenting wind, the solitary man was careful to stay within the confines of the narrowly shaded area of the thorny bush under which he lay.  A groan escaped his lips as his exposed leg met the unforgiving hardness of a pointy rock.  "Why can't I just die?  I'm as good as dead, anyway.  I've had enough, Lord!"  (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Elijah hit a low-point in his life, knowing that the evil Jezebel was out to kill him.  Thinking all hope was gone, the formerly brazen and faithful prophet became depressed.

Like Elijah, it is easy for me to become disheartened when things seem impossible.  When I'm focused on the difficulty of the circumstances, I tend to fall into the depths of despair, making it nearly impossible for me to hear God speak of His great promises.

When my heart is in anguish, it is hard for me to listen to the mighty words of God.

Cruel Bondage

Day after day he labored for his master's benefit.  Despite no wrong-doing of his own, he found himself enslaved to another in a foreign country.  He worked hard, living up to the teaching of his father without knowing if he'd ever see him or the rest of his family again.  Joseph's life was not going the way he had imagined it would.  (Genesis 39)

It is hard to see the goodness of God when I'm stuck in a situation I didn't anticipate.  Perhaps its the sudden death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, or the onset of disease.  Whatever the situation which burdens me, it can distract me from the message of hope God speaks into my life through His uplifting promises.

When I feel bound by difficult circumstances or unexpected tragedies, it is hard for me to listen to the great promises of God.

Choose to Listen

Whether I am sinking into a pit of despair or under the weight of an overwhelming load, I can choose to listen to the Truth of God's powerful guarantees as given to His people as they labored under the heavy hand of the Egyptians.

God promises me freedom from that which weighs me down, giving me a chance to live wholeheartedly for Him. (Galatians 5:1)  He also gives me the assurance of redemption from the jaws of death through faith in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:14)  In addition, the God of love promises my adoption into His family based on His compassion for me as His child. (1 John 3:1)  And most importantly, I am brought under His lordship as the sovereign Lord of all creation. 

When I choose to listen, I hear of the wonderful promises God offers to me.

Just as I had a hard time heeding the voice of my doctors when they kept me hospitalized for the good of my unborn triplets, discouragement and bondage can work against the message of  hope God has for me.  If, despite the difficulties, I choose to listen to what God has to say, I will find the Truth that will bring a full, meaningful life; salvation from certain death; inclusion into His family; and submission to a God who loves me.  This is the message that comes from intentionally preferring God in the midst of the hard times of life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will turn away from discouragement and bondage and toward God.

How do I let my feelings of despair keep me away from God and His promises?

When am I held back in life because I choose to let my circumstances get me down? 

   

Today is the Day

"As God's partners,

we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift

of God's kindness and then ignore it.

For God says,

'At just the right time, I heard you.

On the day of salvation, I helped you.'

Indeed, the 'right time' is now.

Today is the day of salvation."

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NLT

"Why do today what I can do tomorrow?"  This is the motto of the procrastinator.  While it may not bring much harm to put some things off, it is not the same with God.  He is calling me, why wait?  I choose this day to not let the grace God extends be for naught;  I'd rather make it count!

Be Reconciled to God

Her life was a series of failures: Failed marriages.  Failed relationships.  Failed religious pursuits.  She was an outcast, shunned for her choice of lifestyle.  No one thought about her or cared to know her.  No one, that is, except the man who seemed to know the intimate details of her life but loved her enough to offer her living water that would eternally quench her thirst.  After this encounter with the Messiah, her life would never again be the same. (John 4)

Jesus stands at the door of my heart, waiting for me to invite Him into my life. (Revelation 3:20)  On my own, I have no rights to God because my sin has set me up as His enemy. (Colossians 1:21)  But the moment I let Jesus in, allowing His redemptive work accomplished on the cross to cover my sins, I am reconciled to a Holy God who loves me.

Jesus already did all the work, what am I waiting for?  

Today is the day to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ and to begin to live for Him.

Answer the Call

Times were bad.  The nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, both peoples following their own ways.   God wanted someone to deliver a message of repentance and salvation to the wayward people.  Who would go?  He put out the call: "Whom shall I send as a messenger to the people?"  Anyone could answer.  Who would be the one to step forward? 

It turns out that Isaiah was the man who responded to this call of God.  (Isaiah 6:8)  As a result, Isaiah became one of the most prolific as well as oft-quoted prophets.

What is God bringing to my attention that could be a part of my life's purpose?  Am I bothered by the homeless problem in my own community, or the horrific holocaust we call abortion or the lack of respect for marriage in this country?  Perhaps I could take the initiative and answer the call to love others and take a stand for righteousness.

It's not always easy to step out in faith, especially when I'm going out on a limb.  But as Oswald Chambers said, "Then comes the call to spiritual tenacity, not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately on the certainty that God is not going to be worsted."  

God put out the call, so what am I waiting for?

Today is the day to step forward in faith and begin to live for Him, believing with all certainty that the dream He placed on my heart will come to pass.

Tell Others

They were confused and helpless.  The people reminded him of sheep without a shepherd, floundering around in the mundane details of their lives, searching for some kind of meaning and purpose.  He spread the Good News and healed the sick, but more kept coming.  There must be more workers! (Matthew 9:35-38)

The heart of Jesus went out to His people.  They needed Him and the message He delivered, but as God stuck in a mortal body, He saw the need for back-up.

When was the last time I told someone about Jesus?  Or brought the Words of life that would bring healing to the hurting?  Or spoke the Truth in the midst of deception?

God prepared the harvest, so what am I waiting for?

Today is the day to speak the Truth in love for all to benefit.

It is easy to put off the action for which I know I am destined.  Instead of waiting, it is my intention to make today the day I will be reconciled to God, answer His call, and tell others what they so desperately need to hear.  Today is the day of salvation!  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I won't wait another day to begin living for Christ.

When do I hear God calling but fail to step forward in faith?

How am I afraid to speak the truth?