Important Documents

I received a large envelope with these words on the outside: “This Envelope Contains IMPORTANT Legal Instruments for Your Safe Keeping.” Can you guess what was inside? If you guessed a wedding license, you were correct. Also marked on the envelope are the words, “Do Not Bend.” One might think that this document is of great importance. To the couple whose name is on the document, it is of great value. The Word of God should have words like these on the cover: Important documents for living the abundant life, should be read daily, and shared with everyone that they might believe the truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Coloring in the Lines

When toddlers scribble, we look at their handy work and say that it looks so good. As children grow, we expect them to learn to color in the lines. The more they work with their color crayons, they learn to change shades with a crayon. Some people become incredible artist with a box of crayons. Our maturity is seen in how we color with our character.

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Miss Marked

Have you ever been disappointed because something was missed marked? A couple of months ago I set out to purchase a backpack sprayer. To my amazement, I found what I thought was a great deal on a very nice sprayer. I checked the label on the shelve to see if the sprayer was in the wrong spot. No, it was in its right place. When checking out, the price more than tripled. The sprayer as well as the shelf label was miss marked.

I knew that the shelve price could not be right, but there was hope. Does our shelf appearance reflect our true nature?

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

Remember

This morning a friend of mine told me that she forgot to take her medication. Without the medication, her back will so begin to hurt. The other day, another friend told me he was not ready to start taking his medications. He did not know how they might affect him. I think that we can be like both my friends when it comes to trusting in God for our daily needs. I want to urge you to remember what He has done for you and trust that He will deliver what is best for you today.

Psalm 78:7 (NIV)

7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Proper Pressure

Have you pushed a wheel barrow that had a low tire? Maybe you have ridden a bicycle with low tire pressure. What a difference proper tire pressure makes. Life is easier when we are filled with the Spirit. Listen to the rich words God has given to us. Life will be easier when we are led by His Word.

Ephesians 5:18-21 (NIV)

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Buying a Used Car

When looking at a used car to purchase, you want to see its history. Has it been in a wreck? Does it have cancer (rust)? What might a new paint job be hiding? You can actually take a little magnet and run over the body to see if the paint is hiding body filler.

When we become believers, our damaged parts are not just repaired and painted over, but we become new. That is a miracle that God does with us. The history is there for us to learn from; however, we need to live in the new life. So, I want to encourage you to let go of the past and walk in Him.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Before Blinkers

When I first began riding a motorcycle, we used arm signals because we did not have blinkers. Yes, there were scary times when I was not sure the other vehicle was aware of where I was going. Fear of not being seen happened especially driving in dark conditions. Today, I have to work hard not to get frustrated with those drivers who do not use their turn signals. As believers, it should be very clear for all to see where we are going by our actions. We need to go the extra mile to help others see where eternal hope is found. I want to encourage you to be diligence to walk in the light and to let your light shine so that others might also walk in the light.

Hebrews 6:9-12 (NIV)

9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation.

10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.

12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

THE HEAVIEST DISAPPOINTMENTS - STEM FROM PEOPLE

I've tried different ways to handle disappointments in relationships. One way is to ignore the disappointment, to shut it in a box and hope the lid holds. Another way is to gloss over it with a quick statement such as, "People will let you down, but God never will." True, but does this really help me process the hurt? As I looked at people in the Bible and how they handled disappointments, I found myself back in Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NIV)

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

On the other side of mourning lies a place where we can consider how to respond to the person who disappointed us. There are a number of possible responses. Listen to God on which dance He would have for you.

Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Trouble Times

Most of us know this passage as the wedding passage, 1 Cor 13. Yet Paul was writing this passage to a group of believers who were walking though troubling times. It is interesting how we tend to overlook the short comings of those we love and have little patience for others. Are we not to love as Christ first loved us?

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

[1] … If I speak human or angelic tongues a but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. [3] And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. [4] Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, [5] is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. [6] Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. [7] It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, [10] but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. [11] When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. [12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. [13] Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love— but the greatest of these is love. …

Proper Weld

I took metal shop in high school to learn how to weld. My test was when the instructor came by with a hammer to see if he could break apart the pieces of metal that were welded together. Thinking that if I added more welds to the two pieces, the instructor would not be able to break apart my weld. I was wrong. A good mentor and friend showed me a few years ago the key to doing a proper weld. If you are taking two flat pieces and wanting to hold them tight with a weld, you need to grind a little off of each piece. It is then that the weld can bond the two at that point. At that point, if done properly, the weld will be stronger than the other parts of the now one piece of metal.

As believers wanting to stand united, we may need to knock off a few of our own thoughts or ways so we can be bonded with other believers.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Power in a Word

Positive or negative, our words or lack of words speak loudly. How many times have you and I missed opportunities because we held on to our words? How about those times we wished that we could have taken our words back? In Ecclesiastes we are told that God has given us a time for everything. As we communicate with God, He will give us the wisdom on not only when to speak and when to hold our tongue, but how to communicate as well.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 (NIV)

7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

Proverbs 15:1-2 (NIV)

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Blinker

The blinker lights on the dashboard of my motorcycle are out, which makes it difficult to know when they are on or off. However, I have noticed that I can see the reflection of the blinker not only in the back of the head light but also in the trim around the windshield. Where do you see the reflection of God? If we all are created in His image, shouldn’t we see His image in all people? My mom would challenge me to look for the good in all people. Yes, like my blinker, at times it’s hard to see. Join me in seeing people as God does.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

12, 18, or 24

When I graduated from college, I ordered an eighteen-karat class ring. Yes, I wanted something a little nicer than my 12-karat high school ring. Do you know how many karats it takes to have pure gold? As believers we are to be pure as opposed to having the world in us. That means that we are to strive for righteousness, with out sin. Many times, I find myself mixing my thoughts and feelings in my attitude. That is like adding copper or another alloy to gold. The more we add, the less the karats.

Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)

14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,

15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

16 as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

A Little Drip

The floor was wet on the wash room. Was it the hot water heater or the wash machine that was slowly flooding the room? Isn’t it amazing what a little drip can turn into? The little drip over time can have such an impact. You know where I am going. Either the hot water heater (the world), or the wash machine (the Kingdom); can make a big change by a constant drip. Will you be that constant in someone’s life for the Kingdom?

James 1:4 (NIV)

4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

What Drives You?

How many times do we let escaped opportunities paralyze us? Or maybe the actions of others direct our paths. Do our circumstances dictate our actions? Paul was run out of many towns for preaching the gospel. But, he kept on preaching wherever he found himself. When he was thrown in prison, his attitude was not swayed by his circumstances. We need to live today for what God has for us, not worrying about what others think, say, or do. He is the God of not only today, but tomorrow.

Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

16 Be joyful always;

17 pray continually;

18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

A Word From God or A Word from Man?

Who do you listen to? Where do you go for advice?

Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (NIV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

Get In The Boat

Recall after Jesus fed the 5,000, He ordered the disciples to get in the boat and cross over the Sea of Galilee? Did you notice that the disciples were where God wanted them and doing what He asked? In the midst of obedience, they faced a ferocious storm. Why are we surprised when we find ourselves in the same ”boat”? If we are where God called us to be, doing His will; keep going on the path and realize it is all about Him and His desires.

Matthew 14:22-27 (NIV)

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Shelter-Where do you seek refuge?

Fortunately, we dodged Hurricane Laura this past week. However, our friends to the east saw the power of nature at their doorsteps and on their rooftops. Our house is a wonderful place of shelter until a category four hurricane comes to visit. It is at these times that we evacuate as our shelter may falter. In life, we face many challenging attacks. The place of refuge is in the hands of our Lord.

Psalm 119:114-116 (NIV)

114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!

116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Guard Rails

Guard rails are put up along roadways to help keep is safe. Safe from what? Many times they keep us safe from dangers that are easily seen.

When we drive over those high over passes, because of the guard rails we are not afraid. They also keep us safe from those dangers that we may not see. When there is a drop off, a sharp turn or a cliff; they protect us.

When we see God as our guard rail, we will find protection. Remember to keep your eyes on Him.

You make your saving help my shield,

and your right hand sustains me;

your help has made me great.

You provide a broad path for my feet,

so that my ankles do not give way.

Ps 18:35 & 36

Teaching

School is starting soon if not already for the young people of today. With all that is happening around us, most students will have a major paradigm shift going to school. Instruction needs remain constant for young people. Pray for and encourage teachers as well as parents.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

[16] All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, [17] so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Proverbs 22:6

Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.