We eventually become what we think. Over time, our thoughts affect what goes on in our hearts, and subsequently the direction of our lives. We are to “hide His word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him”. Many times, I find my mind wandering, producing nothing of value. I find that a good time to quote scripture.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7).
What are some things that irritate you? If you are like me, there are a few things that just rub me the wrong way. Some examples are, People who park in handicapped parking places that don’t appear to need to utilize that parking spot. When people don’t use their blinkers when driving. Or when people don’t pick up after themselves. I am sure that you are thinking about other things that irritate you. But the better question is, what do I do that irritates God? I need to allow those triggers to move me to focus on how I can better please my Lord.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
1 John 3:22
And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
Early yesterday morning I woke up with this song, “I Stand Amazed”, on my mind. It was because I was recalling seeing some of the actions of many of you. We are called to be Christ-like in our actions and many of your actions came to my mind. Last week, I walked into a hospital room to find Fred, a Bible Study teacher, tending to one of his members. When I visited the rehab center, I learned that Sharron, Karen, and Lanna had been there earlier that week reaching out and encouraging a couple of sisters in the Lord. It was Michael who gave me a call to inform me of a couple of situations of two men in our church. Then David stood in the gap and filled in for a pastor at a funeral. Yes, I felt as if I was standing in the presence of Jesus as these people were acting like Christ and tending to the sheep. Where will you stand today? How will you be a reflection of our savior?
John 21:15-16 (ESV)
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner condemned, unclean
How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song will ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Saviour's love for me
He took my sins and my sorrows
He made them his very own
He bore the burden to Calvary
He suffered and died for me
Oh, how marvelous, how wonderful
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Saviour's love
Forever I will sing Your praise
Jesus, Risen King
Oh my God I stand amazed that You loved me
When with ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
It will be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me
How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Saviour's love
How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Saviour's love for me
At the basketball game this weekend after a young lady was called for a foul. Her mother shouts to her daughter from the stands, “That is not a foul!” The dad in the stands at his son’s baseball game yells out for all to hear, that was a ball is not a strike don’t wing at those balls. The problem with both parents was that they were not in charge of the game. Just like those parents, we at times want to be in charge of what is right and what is wrong. There is only one who is in charge of what is right and wrong!
Psalm 50:6 (ESV)
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
Nothing is too small to present to Him. Nothing escapes His attention, His care, and His love. God’s Word affirms over and over that He is a God who cares about the details. In Matthew 10:30 God is so intimately acquainted with us that “the very hairs on your head are all numbered” (NLT). Psalm 147:4 tells us that God “counts the stars and calls them all by name” (NLT). Many times I have heard people say that “it is no big deal”, when faced with a little issue in their life. I want to remind you that God is concerned about every aspect of our lives. We should seek Him in everything.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There are many things that I use when I don’t understand how they work. The internet being one. This morning I came into the office early to write a devotional and my laptop could not find an internet connection. So, I put off this task waiting on someone to help me establish a connection to the internet. After doing a few other tasks, I pulled out my tablet to begin working on this weeks Bible Study. Without thinking about it, my tablet established an internet connection. After a while, it occurred to me that if my tablet was receiving an internet signal, why not try my lap top again. Still not receiving a signal, I now turned to my old desk top computer that is connected to the internet. After writing this devotional I tried to cut and paste it into my email. That is when my old computer froze up. So back to my lap top, which now has found an internet connection. There are a lot of things I don’t understand about technology. There are more things I don’t understand about my God and how He works, but I am still learning to walk by faith.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” This is the Lord’s declaration. Isaiah 55:8
Next week I might write what I started out to write for this weeks devotional… Again, God might have other plans for my devotional. Have a blessed day and walk by faith and not sight.
Every day, there is potential for things not to go our way. We can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God can use them to help us look to and rely on Him. For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to worship Him or to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice. The choice is ours to make.
Psalm 32:10-11 (ESV)
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
When I am looking for a repair shop, I search out the reviews. Customer satisfaction brings not only repeat customers back, but can draw new clients as well. Share what the Lord has done for you and He will use that to reach out to others.
Psalm 61:1-4 CSB
[1] God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. [2] I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, [3] for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. [4] I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
This weekend the family had a birthday party for my 6-year-old grandson. The location of the party was at the recreation center with lots of balls for the kids to play with. I noticed that almost all the kids were interested in securing a ball for themselves and actively. However, there was one young man that just stood around, not fitting into all the activities. He seemed to be overlooked by the rest of the partygoers. No one invited him to join them in their activities. How many times have we seen this play out in different environments? The one who eats alone in the cafeteria, the one who sits by themselves in a busy park, or the one who is all alone at church. As believers, we have a responsibility to see the needs of others.
John 21:15-17 (ESV)
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Greed comes in many forms. Greed for approval. Greed for applause. Greed for status. Greed has many faces but speaks one language: the language of more. We need to realize that God is the giver of every good gift. Also, know that He will supply all of our needs according to His riches. Pray before you go after anything.
Luke 12:15, “Be on your guard against every form of greed.”
When buying gifts for the ones that I love, I strive to find the perfect gift for each of them. There are times that I have to sacrifice in another area in order to come up with the money to purchase the best. The perfect gift is one that will give great joy. If you had all the resources at your disposal as well as the knowledge of what was available, would you strive to find the perfect gift to give to that special someone?
That is what our Heavenly Father did in giving the perfect gift to His one and only Son. Do you realize that in all that God created, He chose to give you and me as a gift to His Son? When you look in the mirror, do you see your worth to the Father? We need to praise our Creator and Provider for the righteousness that gives us value to the Son.
John 17:24 (ESV)
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see the glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
I really like the song,” I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. However, when I stop to think about what Heaven is going to be like, I can’t wrap my head around it. When I shop for tires for the car, they advertise them as good, better, and best. My best day here can’t come close to a perfect day in Heaven. There will be no pain, no crying, and no tears in Heaven. We will be in a special place that Jesus has prepared with us in mind. That should put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step as you walk through the day. God bless you as you share this wonderful promise with others.
Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV)
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
The other day I was traveling to the medical center in downtown Houston. I have made this trip many times and know many different paths to take depending on traffic. This particular day I decided to plug my destination into the WAZE app. It told me that I should arrive by 8:28 in spite of the early morning traffic. The first thing I decided to do was to take a short detour in order to get another task taken care of as I was passing nearby. That only set me back two minutes. I did not want to pay the tolls that were involved in following the directions, so I opted for another way. That added another three minutes. Then I was directed down a road I have never traveled. I decided to trust Waze only to save two minutes in spite that the road was one of the roughest roads in Houston. Yes, Waze would always find me whenever I had gotten off the path and redirect me to my destination. I did arrive twelve minutes behind the first anticipated time that WAZE had given me.
Our walk with the Lord is like my journey to the medical center. If we would be willing to pay the price and follow and His directions, we would be a part of God’s perfect timing.
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Yesterday my wife and I were talking about some issues about a friend in need. Our 5-year-old grandson was in the other room on an I-pad. Thinking that he was engulfed in what he was doing, we did not think that he would be listening to us. My wife said that little ears hear everything. I am thankful that what we were discussing would be fine for him to hear, as he did hear what we were saying. There are times that others will over hear our conversations. What will they get out of what they hear?
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
The other morning as I was driving to the church, it was still dark and it was raining. As long as there was not oncoming traffic, I could see the center strip of the road just fine. Yes, I was in my lane. However, when the headlights from oncoming traffic were in my eyes, I had to look to the white stripe on the right shoulder of the road to keep in my lane and avoid an accident.
I thought of how the Holy Spirit guides us if we will but look for His guidance. Just as the white stripe is there on the side of the road, the Holy Spirit is there beside us to guide us not only through harsh conditions, but through all conditions as we walk through this life.
John 16:13 (NIV)
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Many people are enjoying spring break. The normal grind of life is put on hold for some fun and relaxation. I would like for you to write down the first 5 things you did as you began your day. Yes, pause from reading and jot down your list of activities.
Do you realize that our God, our provider, who is always with us never takes a break? The 121st Ps is one of my favorites.
Psalm 121:1-4 (ESV)
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Many examples in the Bible show us that God would have us rest, so taking a break is not a bad thing. Now check your list against Matthew 6:33. Yes, it is good to have breaks, but not good to move God down in our agendas nor is it good to leave Him out. Have a great day in our Lord!
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Sunday morning, we were challenged to fast from complaining for 24 hours. It wasn’t even an hour and a half after the service that I heard a fellow church member complaining. That had me thinking about how much complaining we do. When we look in the mirror and we see something we don’t like; when the weather doesn’t suit our plans; when we get on the scales and see too much; when the lines at the store seem to go on forever or someone is not ready when it is their turn at the counter, what do we do? We need to remember that we are not our own and life is not about us. We are to have the mind of Christ living in us. I want to pass this challenge on to you. After you make the first 24 hours without complaining, go the second mile. Then go the third and fourth mile until you are known as one who does not complain but rejoices in all things for the glory of God.
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world
This weekend, my five-year-old grandsons came running up on the porch crying because his six-month older cousin referred to him as a little kid. When the older grandson saw the impact of his statement, he began to weep as he saw the hurt, he caused to his cousin. Jesus wept not because Lazarus was dead, but because of the pain it caused in the hearts of family and friends. We need to have a tender heart that sees the hearts of others like Jesus sees.
Jesus wept. John 11:35
Ever wondered why after Jesus healed Lazarus, Jesus asked for the people to remove the stone from in front of the tomb? It seems to be a little thing to roll a stone away compared to bringing someone back to life. My take is that as we look at what Jesus did, we will see that He does what we cannot do and leaves what we can do to us to do. If you want to see the glory of God, I want to urge you to be about doing what Jesus has called us to do.
John 11:38-40 (NIV)
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.
39 "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors to help you “score high on exams.” Yes, I read a lot of Cliffs Notes instead of reading the books in college. I was amazed to learn how many of my professors knew that I did not read the books. One professor said that there is so much more in the book that Cliffs Notes miss. It is like only using what you hear in the church to be your guide through life. If God has a plan for our lives, do we just want the “Cliffs Notes” version of instructions?
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
