Tag Archives: daily walk

December 14 – Get Out There

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Acts 27-28

These chapters are the final accounts of Paul’s missionary journies. The man had endured beatings and stonings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, opposition, and rejection. But he also saw many people come to believe in Jesus, he started and supported churches, and he talked to world leaders about the Lord.

Paul had been radically changed after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He lived the rest of his life with the singular goal of sharing the Gospel with everyone he met.

In Bible study yesterday, we talked about Jesus’ commission to us to go into the world and tell people about Him. Our world that consists of people in our homes, neighborhoods, cities, states, countries, and beyond. We are to be as passionate as Paul was to share the only Truth that matters.

May God find us faithful as we get out there and talk about Jesus.

May God find me faithful.

December 11 – It’s My Right

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Romans 14-16

I believe our generation really could use a dose of Paul these days. We are always hearing about our “rights” as Americans, and about the anger that results if someone believes their rights have been denied them. We’ve become a nation of entitled people whose only concern is their personal rights.

How many government buildings no longer display the Ten Commandments or a nativity scene because some said they had a right not to see those things? What about the school that stopped displaying the American flag, or the one that no longer plays the National Anthem, because someone said they had a right not to honor this nation? We hear about a person’s “right” to health care, an education, a living wage, to make decisions about their bodies.

Off soapbox.

Paul talks about a person’s “right” to eat certain food. What about drinking alcohol, wear what they want to wear, love who they want to love? (14:13ff)

The NASB titles chapter 15, “Self-denial On Behalf Of Others.” And that’s what I think we need to hear today. Once again I am reminded that my right to do something doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t set that right aside if it will encourage someone to come to the Savior. My rights will never outweigh a person’s eternal soul. And I never want my rights to be a stumbling block to an unbeliever.

December 6 – Unimpressive, Contemptible, and Blessed

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2 Corinthians 10-13

Paul seems a little defensive. He must have been receiving some pretty harsh criticism from some of the Corinthian Christians. They said his letters were “weighty and strong,” but felt he was “unimpressive” in person. They went as far as saying his speech was “contemptible.”

Ouch.

Paul admitted that he was not a great public speaker. But he made no apologies for the message he proclaimed. That’s what I think God would have us see today.

We might not all look like Beth Moore, or preach like Billy Graham, or sing like Big Daddy Weave. But God loves to do great things through the least of us. And He does every time we submit ourselves to Him and take those steps of faith.

When we fumble over our testimony over coffee with an unsaved friend, God is glorified. When we quietly shovel snow for our neighbor, or take soup to a sick friend, or sit with someone who is mourning, God is glorified. When people recognize that what we do or say can’t possibly be by our own power, God is glorified.

Paul told his critics, “you might not like how I talk or how I look but that will not stop me from telling you the Truth.” You see, it was the message that was important, not the messenger.

We might not even like the way we look ourselves. We may have no confidence in our abilities. But let God have His way and see what amazing things He can do through us anyway. He will be glorified. And we will be blessed… and a blessing!

December 5 – A “No Tithe” Zone

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2 Corinthians 5-9

What are your views on tithing? Is church-giving a subject talked about in your fellowship? What is your reaction when you read the sermon title in Sunday’s bulletin, and realize the subject is money… again? Do you hold to the opinion that what goes into that plate is between you and God (and maybe your accountant at tax time)?

The church in Macedonia was known for their generosity. 8:1-3 tells us this body of believers “… in a great ordeal of affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.”

Yes you heard it. Affliction, joy, poverty, and wealth all in the same sentence.

It seems they didn’t worry about what 10% looked like. They saw a need, and they gave beyond their ability.

My view on tithing? I think we should throw that mandate out the window. What if we really gave as God laid it on our hearts to give? What if we didn’t stop at 10% when God nudges us to give more?

Do you know what it costs to keep your church building and ministries running? You should. Then, with that number in front of you, maybe you should ask God what part of that He wants you to cover with the resources He’s given you. (I’m talking to myself as well)

But, you say, my kids need new shoes, my mortgage is due, I’m going to need a better car soon. I can’t give more than 10%. Sometimes that’s even more than I can give.

What if God used the same formula to bless us? What if we are receiving only 10% of what He is able to bless us? I’m not sure I want only 10% of His blessings. I’m not sure He wants only 10% of mine, either.

December 4 – Momentary, Light Affliction

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2 Corinthians 1-4

Paul talked a lot about the sufferings he was enduring. He used words like affliction, excessive burden to the extent he wanted to die, a peril of death, anguish of the heart, and in 4:7-10 he said:

… we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Verse 11 says he was constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake. Then in verse 17 he said:

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

Momentary? Light? He just got done listing a bunch of affliction that doesn’t sound momentary or light to me. How could he say that?

I think it’s perspective. And it’s a perspective I’d like to adopt.

Everything that happens in our lives happens for one reason only. That is to point us and everyone around us to Jesus. From an irritating hangnail, to this cold I’ve been fighting, to my sister’s cancer, and the tragic death of her son, everything that happens is an opportunity to reveal my Savior to myself, and to people I come in contact with.

That’s why I think Paul could describe his life as having momentary and light affliction. He wasn’t focusing on the pain. His only focus was on Jesus. He didn’t let the circumstances sideline him. He kept on sharing the Gospel.

We all go through hard times, personal pain and difficulties. Life is hard. But Paul’s example tells me that the worst this life can throw at me won’t last forever. And if Satan thinks he can use my suffering to cause me to doubt God, or to be angry at Him, or to steal my joy, he’s wrong.

Don’t miss what Paul said at the end of verse 17. The hardships we go through in this life are producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

A weight of glory. That’s what’s ahead for those of us who keep our eyes on Jesus.

Dear God, I pray for those who are going through valleys today. I pray for those who are looking at the toughest battle of their lives, or who despair of life itself. God, may we look to Jesus. May we trust Him to be exactly what we need, to give us exactly what it takes to get through. Help us to keep our eyes facing forward instead of inward. Give us Paul’s perspective, that what we face, as hard as it is, as painful as it is, can produce something more wonderful than we can imagine. Thank You for being exactly what we need in the darkest hours of our lives. May Jesus be glorified.

December 2 – Gifts And Service

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I Corinthians 12-14

Do you know how important you are as a member of God’s Church? I hope you have attached yourself to a congregation of believers in a local church. That place offers an avenue of service that only YOU can fulfill.

“But,” you say, “I didn’t go to college. I can’t teach a Sunday School.”

Or, “I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. They wouldn’t want me in the choir.”

Or, “I can’t be on a visitation team. I wouldn’t know what to say.”

Paul, when talking about Spiritual gifts, says something we all need to hear. Look at 12:7:

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (emphasis mine)

To each one. That’s you. As a follower of Jesus, God has given YOU a gift to be used for His glory. We are all part of one body. But like Paul says, not everyone is an eye, thankfully. Not everyone is an ear. (That would just be weird) Some are fingers, toes, kidneys, eyelashes. And ALL are important. ALL are needed for a healthy body.

Don’t think God hasn’t gifted you. The Bible tells us He did. And your church – God’s Church – needs YOU to use what you’ve been given.

November 30 – Not My Problem

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1 Corinthians 5-8

In our society we are told that each of us should take care of ourselves above all others. That our happiness needs to come first before we can make anyone else happy. That our rights trump the rights of anyone else.

What does the Bible say about that? Paul, in chapter 8, gives us an example. He says we know that idols are pretend gods, so food offered to idols isn’t unclean. There is nothing wrong with eating it.

However, if our eating that food causes anyone to stumble in their faith, Paul advises us to not eat it.

“But,” you might say, “I like what they’re serving.” Paul says, “I know. Don’t eat it.”

You might say, “I need to eat it so I can be a better mom.” Paul says, “Find something else to eat.”

You might say, “I have a right to eat it.” Paul says, “Get over yourself. We’re talking about someone’s eternal soul.”

And you might even say, “If they don’t like me eating that food, it’s not my problem.” Paul assures us it is:

But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

This example might translate into drinking alcohol, going to certain movies, attending a ballgame instead of going to church. I don’t know what God is speaking to you about, but I think He’s telling us that just because we “can” do something, it doesn’t mean we “should.”

I firmly believe if we live our lives considering the eternal lives of people around us, and are less focused on ourselves, we’d be truly happier, and they would see Jesus.

What we do and how we represent the Lord is very much our problem.

 

 

November 29 – What Matters Is Jesus

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I Corinthians 1-4

The Corinthian church had hit a rough  patch. In fact, it sounds like they were on the verge of a split. So Paul wrote a letter that gets to the heart of the matter. Jealousy. Pride.

“Stop it,” he told them. “Who cares who dunked you in the water? It doesn’t matter. What matters is Jesus.

“Who cares who is seeing people come to Christ first? It doesn’t matter. Some people plant seed, others reap. What matters is Jesus.

“Who cares who is honored, or has the best pew in church? It doesn’t matter. We are all servants of God. No one brings anything to the table they have achieved on their own.”

For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (4:7)

What matters is Jesus. Paul seems to be telling us to get over ourselves. Keep you eyes on Jesus. YOU be obedient.  YOU be wise with the wisdom God gives. YOU be foolish in the eyes of the world.

Who cares what people think? What matters is Jesus.

 

November 25 – Walk In The Spirit

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Galatians 4-6

If we walk by the Spirit, it has to be evident. The Holy Spirit living in me just can’t look like everyone else. He is God, after all.

When we put our faith in Jesus, God sends His Spirit to take up residence. The evidence of that will translate into love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Paul tells us we are free from the chains of sin and free to live godly lives. But he also warns not to let our freedom in Christ turn into an opportunity for the flesh.

“…walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.”

This tells me temptations will continue to come, even after I’ve given my heart to the Lord. But through the Holy Spirit in me, I have the power to resist.

I want the Holy Spirit living in me to be evident to everyone I come in contact with. Not because I want them to think what a nice person I am. But because I want them to recognize the amazing God living in me, and want Him in their lives, too.

November 22 – Walk The Talk

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My reading plan had me reading the entire book of James this morning. Every verse in these five chapters is gold, as far as I’m concerned. So I sat here and asked God what was the one thing I should glean for the sake of this blog today. Here are my thoughts.

I think, as I look at the entire book of James, the author’s challenge to us is to live a consistent Christian life. What does that look like? Words like patient, steadfast, humble, self-controlled, fair, wise come to mind. The fruit of the spirit comes to mind.

The theme of the book might be found in 1:22:

But prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Or in 2:17:

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

It’s one thing to profess faith in God, to believe that Jesus is the Savior. But the proof of that faith is lived out day by day, by the way we treat people, by the way we handle hardships, by what we say and how we say it. The Christian life isn’t lived in a closet.

I hope you’ll read James today and let God point out the things in your life that can use some refining. Let’s determine to not only wear the name of Jesus, but to live our lives in obedience. If you are a Christian, I pray you act like one.