Young and Old

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9 NIV

How can any person stay on the path? Young and old and in between...we all need to live according to his word. And this seems to be such a simple explanation for our young people and our children. 

When they ask how they stay away from drugs: live according to God's word. When they ask ask to abstain from drinking: live according to God's word. When they ask how to escape gangs and unlawful behavior: live according to God's word. The devil says it's not that easy. God says yes it is. Live in Him and he will live in you and that alone is more powerful than any earthly force.

So let us gird ourselves and keep ourselves in God's word. For us. For our elders. For the generations to come.

Cast Aside Your Fear

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

As I was driving home from North Carolina today, I put my iPod on to listen to Christmas music. One of the songs that appeared randomly twice was one of my favorites...Hallelujah. One of the verses is, "Hail, hail to the guiding light, that brought us tonight to the stable. Hail, hail to the newborn child, cast aside your fear and be thankful." What a perfect complement to today's verse. I have a lot going on at work and it's hard to be out, but in reality what needs to be done is out of my hands...I've done my part. But I still worry. Why would God care about that?

Well, He cares for me, enough to send his son to die for me,  so I'm pretty sure he cares about all aspects of my life. As try as I might I can't solve everything on my own. Sometimes I need help...from others or through divine intervention. It's possible! But he can't work through me if I'm weighed down with worry, so he wants me to lean on Him. I do my part. He does his. And his is perfect.

So as we come into the season in which we celebrate his birth, cast aside your fear, cast your cares on him, and be thankful.

Here They Come!

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:1 NIV

I don't know of one celebrity or politician who doesn't have 'messengers', those who arrive at a destination beforehand to prepare the living and working quarters, arrange for cars and appointments, etc. That's what they do. When they arrive, people waiting anxiously to get a glimpse of the celebrity know it won't be long till they show up.

Now just think about that in God's terms. He sent his messenger to prepare the way. Shouldn't we be just as, if not more anxiously awaiting His coming? God's messenger has come. Jesus came and prepared the way for us to be with him. That means God is not far behind.

We should be watching and waiting!

But I Want to Cross the Street

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

So here's an excellent follow up to my previous post. I have one job to do: fear God and keep his commandments. Oh, and love others. That doesn't seem to hard right? Then why do I always want to do things my way? Why do I want to cross the street when he told me not to? Why do I want to judge others when I don't want to be judged ( and God makes it very clear that's His job). So why do we do this? Because we are human and we make mistakes.

God knows this. He even says that all have sinned, there is no one righteous enough. So then why would God even care to use us if we can't keep up? You're gonna love this answer: because the human condition is broken and scarred. If we can show God's love to others through all of this sorrow, we may lead them to him and to eternal life. That is God's goal. Not our comfort. Not our wants. Our soul. All souls.

Be the broken vessel God uses by letting him live through you by keeping his commandments.

Don't Cross the Street

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV

It's taken me a few days to get back to these little vignettes.  I've been reading and contemplating on my daily verses but not recording my thoughts here. I've not done a good job of obeying God's request of me to do this. I have been like a child who forgets that her father told her it was dangerous to cross the street alone. But I did anyway. And now it's going to be hard to get back because the street is busy and I've no one to hold my hand.

Oh but I do have someone! You see, God is not unlike any earthly father. He does chasten us when necessary and if I've disobeyed it may be harder to get back, but he is always there to help. He's calling to me when it's safe to cross. He's ready and waiting to take my hand and walk me home.

But for the grace of God go I.

Thankful for Star Wars

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 NIV

For certain today was a good reminder to be thankful for the abundance we have. It's evident in the amount of food eaten today all across America. But as we revel in our fortune, let us not forget where the blessings come from. We are to be thankful each and every day because God sustains us each and every day.

Earlier today we were talking about what we are thankful for. I said George Lucas and Star Wars. I was chided somewhat but I had a good reason. We should be thankful for innovation and vision that enables us to live with the conveniences we have, some of which helped cook the food we ate today. And of course I am very thankful for my family and the many, many blessings.

So yes, let's be thankful for it all.

From Trial to Praise

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13 NIV

I love that my Bible app has been posting verses of Thanksgiving this week. There are so many hidden all through the Bible, tucked away just waiting for us to find them. They peek around corners of stories that may cause us to be afraid, or of verses echoing troubles we may have. With every trial or tribulation, there is praise to be found.

So as we celebrate our traditional thanksgiving holiday, remember that even through troubles we may have, crisis that come our way, and things that happen that we think may crush us, there is praise to be found, there are praises to sing to God.

Real Victory

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV

I am loving these verses of Thanksgiving.  I see people posting things each day that they are thankful for, which is cool. So these daily verses of thanks fit right in. I am so thankful for the victory we have...victory over death, sin, and eternal separation from God. This is truly something to be thankful for!

I love the word 'victory' here. In daily life it's not often we experience a victory. Most people are burdened by life's struggles and may not even know what real victory feels like. But we can have it in Jesus!

So praise him for your victory today!

Real Victory

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV

I am loving these verses of Thanksgiving.  I see people posting things each day that they are thankful for, which is cool. So these daily verses of thanks fit right in. I am so thankful for the victory we have...victory over death, sin, and eternal separation from God. This is truly something to be thankful for!

I love the word 'victory' here. In daily life it's not often we experience a victory. Most people are burdened by life's struggles and may not even know what real victory feels like. But we can have it in Jesus!

So praise him for your victory today!

Indescribable Gift

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

Short, sweet and to the point. God's indescribable gift! Praise him! Thank him!

Earlier in this chapter, the writer is telling those in Achaia that he appreciated their generosity and encourages them to give abundantly, that it shows obedience to God. And not just provisions, but sharing of the gospel, sharing of knowledge, sharing of love. The more they share the more they receive. This is how God works through us.

So share him today with someone. Share God's love. Share your talents. And praise him for all he has given us!

Keep it Simple

Lord , you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

When I read this verse I asked if there was anything specific I could read into it. And the truth is, there is not. It's a verse of praise. It's a verse of knowing who God is and trusting him completely. I'm sure a theologian could unpack this verse, but I love it for what it is....simple praise of our wonderful Lord.

Praise him for completing wonderful things in your life that he planned before you were born.

Be the Blot

But you, Lord , are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 NIV

I had to clean a shelf on the refrigerator today. Something spilled and was stuck to the glass. I had to take a glass scraper and chip away at the edges until it was gone. If you've ever done this you know you have to start with the  outside. You won't have much luck trying to get to the middle part without chipping away the edges first.

I had been thinking on this verse today and realized this was a good analogy. We are that blot. If we are in God, he is a shield around us. In order for Satan to get to us, he'd have to chip away at the edges. Well guess what? God has defeated him. God is stronger. There is no chipping of his armor. Satan loses. Wow.

We can feel safe and secure knowing God is our shield. 

More than Life

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:3‭-‬4 NIV

We often say that we love something more than life itself. I certainly feel that way about my children and my spouse. But what about God? Do I love him more than life? We don't see him here physically, we don't have a physical blood bond.  We do however have a bond that is greater than life itself...his promise of eternity with him.

So yes, I do love him more than life itself because I know that this life will end, but praise God he never ends! I will praise him as long as I live, and guess what? Because he lives in me I will live forever with him!

Let your heart sing his praises today!

Give Thanks

I will give thanks to you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 NIV

This verse seems very straightforward in light of the coming thanksgiving holiday.  It is a day that reminds us to be thankful.

But how can we possibly tell all that God has done for us in just one day? It would take me an eternity...and so it shall. I shall have an eternity to praise God. But I should also be praising him here everyday. And how should others know how awesome he is if we don't say it? People need to see and hear God's work in us.

Be thankful every day.

Just Ask!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NIV

Oh what a perfect verse for today. Not only because I am fervently praying for sweet friends going through trials, but also because just last night I knew exactly what I wanted and asked God. In faith I knew I could ask. This verse went through my mind as I did. And my heart swells knowing God is not only able but willing! Imagine the possibilities if you just let yourself have faith and believe his word!

So praise him who is able and willing to do what we ask beyond our imagination. Oh what a freedom that is. This verse is so very powerful. I'll say here what I often do...just repeat as necessary.

Praise him. Ask him. He is able! Praise God!

Let Your Heart Pray

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in Godʼs love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20‭-‬21 NIV

We know we have earthly things to attend to, so walking around all day doing nothing but praying seems counterproductive.  My dad used to say, don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good. I think he was right, and this verse backs that up.

If we are walking in God's way, our hearts are always tuned in. At times I find myself praying in my heart even though my mind is on something else. The Holy Spirit prays through me, and I think that is the best kind of prayer. For who knows us better than the Holy Spirit?

I'm going to change my daddy's statement a little: be heavenly minded while you do earthly good.

I Know

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 NIV

I love this verse. You can't help but swell with faith when you read it. But I want to focus on two words, "I know." God says, "I know." Not 'I guess', or 'I think', or even 'maybe'. "I know." Period. God knows. Let that sink in for a minute. Think back to when you were in school and you needed to know your grade, so you asked your teacher, the one person who should know. And the teacher answered, "I'm not sure." Do you remember how you felt? Unsure. Afraid. Worried. Because the one person who should know, didn't.

But God knows. That's pretty definitive. And because he knows, should you worry about anything? Should you be afraid? Should you wonder how you're going to move on or get out of a situation? No! God is certain of his plans for you. He doesn't want you to despair. He wants you to have hope and for you to be as certain about your future as he is. Isn't that cool?

Let this verse be your praise today and let it build your faith.

Glorious Joy

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8‭-‬9 NIV

I decorated for Christmas a little early this year. I couldn't help myself.  We put halloween away and put Christmas out. Maybe I'm rushing the season a little but but it fills me with "inexpressible and glorious joy." Maybe it's the hope and love we experience this time of year. Maybe it's the food and gatherings with friends. But whatever physical expressions the season brings, I know why we celebrate Christmas the way we do. Because of Jesus.

I understand and know that Jesus wasn't really born at this time of year and that Christmas started as a secular winter harvest celebration. But we use the season now to celebrate Christ's birth, a miracle that also fills me with inexpressible and glorious joy.

And even though I've never seen him, I believe.  If you have ever looked into a child's eyes, if you have ever seen a sunset, if you have ever seen someone help the homeless, you have seen him and you have witnessed what this verse talks about.

Be that glorious joy.

Tempting

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:13‭-‬14 NIV

Wow. This one hits close to home. I've been angry at God. He knows it so there's no use in me hiding it. I've asked him why did he do this to me or to my family. Yep. Been there, done that.

But I was wrong and I asked for forgiveness. God doesn't 'do' stuff to us. He doesn't tempt us or throw sinful things our way to get us to trip up. God loves us. He loves us but allows us free will so that we should love him in return. Satan roams around throwing rocks in our path.  But God send his angels so that we don't trip over those stones.

So the next time you want to shake your fist and ask why, remember that God loves you and will help of you just ask.

God is in Control

Yours, Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord , is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV

This verse is exactly why we as Christians should never worry about anything really, especially things like elections and changes in leadership whether at a national level or even at our jobs or in a church. God is on the throne. Nothing surprises him.

Does this mean we shouldn't pray or be involved? Absolutely not. As Christians we have a duty to pray and be willing to lead when necessary or help our leaders. We don't sit back and do nothing.

So pray, lead and do God's work. And know he's got it all under control.

A Man of Your Word

For it is Godʼs will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as Godʼs slaves. 1 Peter 2:15‭-‬16 NIV

This is the 2nd day in a row that my daily verse is a perfect reminder for our poloticians. It's also a stern reminder for the rest of us. In every wall of life we will either encounter someone that does this, or we will find ourselves as that person. Haven't you ever used your good reputation for something less than kosher? Maybe you've thought about it, thinking "they know me and would believe anything I tell them."

God warns us to not be deceitful. That it's better to do good rather than talk a good game and not follow through. Be a man or woman of your word, of God's word. Living under God's rules will not enslave you but free you to walk in the path he has chosen for you.

Serving Your Own Interests

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 NIV

Wow. Just wow. This verse is not only powerful, but very timely. And I'm not just talking about the race for president, but all political races. Why did they seek office? Was it a career choice? Was it to have the ability to effect change in their community? These are just a few of the questions any candidate should have asked of him or herself prior to seeking a political seat of any kind. Because if the answer is for their own selfish ambition and pride, then they do not have a servant's heart. Of they do not have a servant's heart, they cannot serve those who elected them.

Just think how great our community, our state, or our country would be if those elected to serve actually served others in all humility. This is true of all leaders, not just elected officials.

As Christian leaders we should model this. As Christians, we should pray for our leaders to model this.

Knowledge

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV

I am happy I was able to return to college and obtain my bachelor's degree. I learned a lot during those years. I've also earned a lot since, especially when tackling something new. I learn what works and what doesn't, and then use that knowledge the next time around.

I've dwelled on this verse for a bit and while I don't have all the answers around what it might mean, I know God. I fear him. So I don't have to have all the answers because I trust the one who does. I know my Savior will lead me in the direction I need to go. He will gently push me away from things I don't need. That's all I really need to know.

Who do you trust to guide you?

Mediators and Elections

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5‭-‬6 NIV

My daughter and I were watching the movie, "Recount", about the 2000 election fiasco in Florida. Perfect movie for election-eve. And the fact that her dad and I were extras in the movie had no bearing on our decision to watch...but I digress. She was confused about all the commotion...just recount the ballots! I explained that 20 plus attorneys, justices, etc could not come to a decision about one election law.  There were mediators and advisories issued but no one heeded them.

But praise God we don't need 20 lawyers in order to win our case that we should go to heaven. Jesus is our mediator. And he had no hidden agenda, he wasn't in it to win. He was in it to save us, to defeat death and forever bring us to be with God. I don't remember one attorney or judge from that time who would have given up their own life for justice and for right.

But Jesus did. His is the ultimate ransom for our souls.

Infections

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Proverbs 15:31‭-‬32 NIV

I just called the dentist for a problem that I want to just go away. It sounds very complicated, not to mention expensive, to get one tooth fixed that has a possible infection. I really don't want to go. But what happens if I ignore the infection? There could have serious repercussions if I don't take care of it.

This is what sin is like if we don't heed advice from God's word and those he's placed in our lives to give us good instruction. It will just sit and fester and not get any better. God loves us and wants to see us whole and well, ready to do his work.

Your Body

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Godʼs mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV

I spent time yesterday thinking what this verse might mean. As I was growing up, preachers and teachers talked about how this verse meant we should dress modestly, not have tattoos or piercings, and eat good things. But those are all earthly responses. I exercise regularly, dress modestly and try to eat right. But none of those things are going to show any other human that I worship God.

I believe that this verse tells us to give God not just our mind or our hearts...but all of our bodies. We praise him with our mouths saying his words, we worship him with our hands doing good works, we honor him with our minds dwelling on him, we pursue his kingdom with our feet as we go where he tells us. This is presenting our whole body.

It takes all of ourselves every day.

People Pleaser

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV

I think the proper response to this verse would be, 'word'. I like to think that I am a people-pleaser. But with this verse in mind, what does that really say about me? Am I trying to please people for the wrong reasons? Or am I of good intention and following God's word in being kind and gentle with people? It really does warrant some introspect.

We should want to do good work and do good for others not to please them but to be pleasing to God and walking in his word.

Don't be a people pleaser, be God's vessel to serve others.

Just Praise Him

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord ; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1‭-‬2 NIV

When I read this verse my heart began to sing. Sometimes we don't need to ask God for anytbing. We don't need to tell him anything. We just need to praise him. Let your soul praise him all day long. Smile to yourself knowing your heart is in his presence.

It's not about what God can do for us. It's about what he's already done. And for me, that's enough.

Snares

My eyes are ever on the Lord , for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:15 NIV

I love this verse. We all get in situations, snares, that bind us and hinder us from moving forward. I've certainly been there. Sometimes it's our own doing, sometimes not. We look around trying to find some way out. We squirm and fidget and forget how we got there in the first place. Sometimes, like a wild animal caught in a snare, we chew off our own foot to get free. But all that does is hurt us more.

David says that when he gets in situations like that, he keeps his eyes on God. He praises him. He prays. Because he knows only God can truly free him. We must wait for God's hand to move to free us.

What snare are you in that you've been working to get out of?

Hear our cry

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18‭-‬19 NIV

As a parent I am tuned into the cries of my children. When I hear them cry I immediately come to their aid. It's my duty as a parent. We care for our children and want to take care of them. I want to shield them from all harm and make sure they are safe.

God is our father and he is no less of a concerned parent than we are. He hears us when we cry out to him and he comes to help. He may not always be able to keep us from the consequences of our actions, but he will be there to see us through.

He loves us and wants to save us.