Reach
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10
Do you ever wonder how far your reach is? I
am not talking about how long your arm is, but something a little bit
different. When you share a kind word with someone or compliment them
on performing well, what kind of impact do you think this makes? I know
that any time someone compliments me it makes me feel good, but it also
makes me realize how I can pass on something similar to someone else.
We have all heard of passing it on; when we pass on something good we
see how it impacts others who then impact other folks and so forth.
Now, think about sharing something from God's Word, like His redemption
through His blood. The smallest scripture or principle that could have a
positive impact on one person could then be easily spread to others.
Think about the discussions regarding Noah this past week. The same
could be said for prayer, for stories of salvation and even stories
about how God has changed you. You really never know how far your reach
is in your life, but I know one thing, your reach is only as far as
your effort to make a difference. Make a difference and increase your
reach by doing something positive to impact someone this week. Then let
God take your kindness and extend your reach.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Fantastic Friday #411 - Ready
Ready
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:1-5a
What do you find yourself getting ready for during your week? Do you find yourself occupied with trying to ready yourself for the next thing around the corner even though you have no idea what it is? Do find time preparing for a major change in your life that never quite happens when you think it is or the manner which it is going to occur. I wonder how many of us leave our homes during the week saying to ourselves I am not going to slander anyone, or that I am going to be peaceable and considerate to everyone we come in contact with today. How many of us actual say I am going to be gentle towards everyone. The enemy places so many things in front of us that can distract us from being obedient, and focusing on the true reason God wants us to be kind to others. Being obedient to God and good to others readies us for the next thing that God will place in front of us, or the next major change in our lives. Instead of being ready for the next thing around the corner, ready yourself to be gentle towards others and show your obedience to our Lord. When we are obedient, we will always be ready.
Have a great weekend.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:1-5a
What do you find yourself getting ready for during your week? Do you find yourself occupied with trying to ready yourself for the next thing around the corner even though you have no idea what it is? Do find time preparing for a major change in your life that never quite happens when you think it is or the manner which it is going to occur. I wonder how many of us leave our homes during the week saying to ourselves I am not going to slander anyone, or that I am going to be peaceable and considerate to everyone we come in contact with today. How many of us actual say I am going to be gentle towards everyone. The enemy places so many things in front of us that can distract us from being obedient, and focusing on the true reason God wants us to be kind to others. Being obedient to God and good to others readies us for the next thing that God will place in front of us, or the next major change in our lives. Instead of being ready for the next thing around the corner, ready yourself to be gentle towards others and show your obedience to our Lord. When we are obedient, we will always be ready.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Fantastic Friday #410 - Give Up
Give Up
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8-10
Have you said to yourself this week, I give up? Have you ever thought about what the phrase give up actually means? It means to concede or relinquish and could even be seen as giving in to a desire. The word give, by itself, has a much different meaning. When you give, you perform this action voluntarily for someone or some thing not asking for anything in return. Looking at this phrase and word alone, which of them do you really practice. Do you regularly concede to the enemy because it is easier to please your flesh, or do you voluntarily sacrifice yourself and time to please the Spirit. These two are very different. One gives in and one doesn't. In one situation we are focused inwardly and the other we are focused outwardly. The main lesson we can take looking at these words should be that we should not give up, but give ourselves to the Spirit and let Him be our guide. By giving in to the Spirit, we give up our life that is full of desire and self-centeredness for a life that is God-centered and full of service to others.
Have a great weekend.
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8-10
Have you said to yourself this week, I give up? Have you ever thought about what the phrase give up actually means? It means to concede or relinquish and could even be seen as giving in to a desire. The word give, by itself, has a much different meaning. When you give, you perform this action voluntarily for someone or some thing not asking for anything in return. Looking at this phrase and word alone, which of them do you really practice. Do you regularly concede to the enemy because it is easier to please your flesh, or do you voluntarily sacrifice yourself and time to please the Spirit. These two are very different. One gives in and one doesn't. In one situation we are focused inwardly and the other we are focused outwardly. The main lesson we can take looking at these words should be that we should not give up, but give ourselves to the Spirit and let Him be our guide. By giving in to the Spirit, we give up our life that is full of desire and self-centeredness for a life that is God-centered and full of service to others.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Fantastic Friday #409- Clear
Clear
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18
Do you sometimes find things not to be really clear in your life? The world is not clear and we constantly see how often people or groups suffer around the world and in the U.S. when they don't have God as the central focus in their life. What is even more unclear is when God allows challenges or hardships in our lives when we were least expecting it. What is very clear to me is how we respond to these bumps in the road. I am very introspective when it comes to challenges, and I don't always react immediately to something so that I can have a clear mind and heart as I continue to grow and prepare myself for a response after seeking God's wisdom. In my younger years I would have responded quickly without giving much thought to how my response impacted others. What I have learned with age and my continued growth in Christ is that I need to be cognizant of God's plan for my life and not try change His path for me. My God is in control of all these things that seem so unclear to me, and some day they will be clear. Until then, allow God to guide you with the Holy Spirit and let Him clear things up that sometimes seem very murky.
Have a great weekend.
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18
Do you sometimes find things not to be really clear in your life? The world is not clear and we constantly see how often people or groups suffer around the world and in the U.S. when they don't have God as the central focus in their life. What is even more unclear is when God allows challenges or hardships in our lives when we were least expecting it. What is very clear to me is how we respond to these bumps in the road. I am very introspective when it comes to challenges, and I don't always react immediately to something so that I can have a clear mind and heart as I continue to grow and prepare myself for a response after seeking God's wisdom. In my younger years I would have responded quickly without giving much thought to how my response impacted others. What I have learned with age and my continued growth in Christ is that I need to be cognizant of God's plan for my life and not try change His path for me. My God is in control of all these things that seem so unclear to me, and some day they will be clear. Until then, allow God to guide you with the Holy Spirit and let Him clear things up that sometimes seem very murky.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Fantastic Friday #408 Obedience
Obedience
16 The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.’
17 “Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.’”
18 Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ 19 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” Jeremiah 35:16-19
Do you find it hard sometimes to be obedient? Maybe at times you struggle and your mind tends to slip away from the focus being on what God wants for you. Or, it could be a time when you try and make a deal with God that you will do whatever it is later, whether reading His Word or helping someone who really needs it. With either scenario, your lack of obedience tends to create a separation you have made by turning your back on God and this falls right into the enemy's hands. He wants you to be disobedient and not follow the path God sets out for you. The enemy also wants you to make deals with God, when we all know God does not make deals. So how do we battle our own disobedience? Take a look at this scripture from Jeremiah. The Rekabites, a relatively obscure group of people in the Bible, were told many years earlier not to partake of wine, not by God, but by their forefathers. God uses these people as an example to the people of Judah who were being disobedient. If the Rekabites could be obedient to their forefathers, why couldn't the people of Judah be obedient to God who had provided them everything? Through their disobedience these people of Judah suffered and the Rekabites were promised to always be able to serve God because of their obedience. If you get a chance today, read the entire chapter in Jeremiah, I think you will see an interesting picture of obedience and reward. It is not easy sometimes to be obedient, because we let the enemy put doubt in our minds. It is now important to think about how you can be obedient to God and not turn your back on Him and all He has given us.
Have a great weekend.
16 The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.’
17 “Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.’”
18 Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ 19 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” Jeremiah 35:16-19
Do you find it hard sometimes to be obedient? Maybe at times you struggle and your mind tends to slip away from the focus being on what God wants for you. Or, it could be a time when you try and make a deal with God that you will do whatever it is later, whether reading His Word or helping someone who really needs it. With either scenario, your lack of obedience tends to create a separation you have made by turning your back on God and this falls right into the enemy's hands. He wants you to be disobedient and not follow the path God sets out for you. The enemy also wants you to make deals with God, when we all know God does not make deals. So how do we battle our own disobedience? Take a look at this scripture from Jeremiah. The Rekabites, a relatively obscure group of people in the Bible, were told many years earlier not to partake of wine, not by God, but by their forefathers. God uses these people as an example to the people of Judah who were being disobedient. If the Rekabites could be obedient to their forefathers, why couldn't the people of Judah be obedient to God who had provided them everything? Through their disobedience these people of Judah suffered and the Rekabites were promised to always be able to serve God because of their obedience. If you get a chance today, read the entire chapter in Jeremiah, I think you will see an interesting picture of obedience and reward. It is not easy sometimes to be obedient, because we let the enemy put doubt in our minds. It is now important to think about how you can be obedient to God and not turn your back on Him and all He has given us.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Fantastic Friday #407 - Complacent
Complacent
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:3-6
Do you have the experience of knowing or seeing people who are really pleased with themselves, or they are overly satisfied with their situation? Do you know people who seem to act like they know it all about God and what God has planned for their life? I look at the life of Paul who was humble and never seemed satisfied with just living a life that focused on his needs, but more on needs of others and making sure others knew about Jesus. His friend Timothy was urged to give instructions to the church about opposing false teachers. He also gave instruction on how to worship, church leadership, and basically how to devote yourself to God. In some ways he was stern and bold, but he was not overly satisfied with his own circumstances and felt led to share what God wanted him to share. When people get overly satisfied with themselves, they tend to get complacent. Complacency can make them forget who they are in Christ. It is important not to be complacent, but focus your efforts on Godliness, because as verse 6 says, this along with contentment provides great gain. No complacency allowed.
Have a great weekend.
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:3-6
Do you have the experience of knowing or seeing people who are really pleased with themselves, or they are overly satisfied with their situation? Do you know people who seem to act like they know it all about God and what God has planned for their life? I look at the life of Paul who was humble and never seemed satisfied with just living a life that focused on his needs, but more on needs of others and making sure others knew about Jesus. His friend Timothy was urged to give instructions to the church about opposing false teachers. He also gave instruction on how to worship, church leadership, and basically how to devote yourself to God. In some ways he was stern and bold, but he was not overly satisfied with his own circumstances and felt led to share what God wanted him to share. When people get overly satisfied with themselves, they tend to get complacent. Complacency can make them forget who they are in Christ. It is important not to be complacent, but focus your efforts on Godliness, because as verse 6 says, this along with contentment provides great gain. No complacency allowed.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Fantastic Friday #406 - Magnificence
Magnificence
nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
and cumin with a stick.
28 Grain must be ground to make bread;
so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
but one does not use horses to grind grain.
29 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent. Isaiah 28:23-29
When I began looking at this week's writing and scripture, I thought about just including verse 29. The more I read over and over again, I could not ignore verses 23-28 because of the full picture this grouping of verses show. I think magnificent is a great word that is underutilized in our society today. We may say that something is great, awesome, or just cool, but how many of us use the word magnificent to describe our view of something. If you look closely at this scripture, it paints a picture of a farmer who is being guided by the Lord to work and provide grain for food. It gives full credit to our Lord Almighty for all these actions that this farmer performs. How many of us look at our daily work or families as being full of magnificence. Maybe we don't look at these things in this way because we are looking at them as human-controlled and not God-controlled. If we view our Father as the Wonderful God He is; and we view His wisdom and creation as being full of magnificence, then maybe our view of work and family would be changed. Take a look at your magnificent life and family and realize that the magnificence comes from God and not you.
Have a great weekend.
23 Listen and hear my voice;
pay attention and hear what I say.
24 When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?
Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil?
25 When he has leveled the surface,
does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place,
barley in its plot,
and spelt in its field?
26 His God instructs him
and teaches him the right way.
27 Caraway is not threshed with a sledge,pay attention and hear what I say.
24 When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?
Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil?
25 When he has leveled the surface,
does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place,
barley in its plot,
and spelt in its field?
26 His God instructs him
and teaches him the right way.
nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
and cumin with a stick.
28 Grain must be ground to make bread;
so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
but one does not use horses to grind grain.
29 All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent. Isaiah 28:23-29
When I began looking at this week's writing and scripture, I thought about just including verse 29. The more I read over and over again, I could not ignore verses 23-28 because of the full picture this grouping of verses show. I think magnificent is a great word that is underutilized in our society today. We may say that something is great, awesome, or just cool, but how many of us use the word magnificent to describe our view of something. If you look closely at this scripture, it paints a picture of a farmer who is being guided by the Lord to work and provide grain for food. It gives full credit to our Lord Almighty for all these actions that this farmer performs. How many of us look at our daily work or families as being full of magnificence. Maybe we don't look at these things in this way because we are looking at them as human-controlled and not God-controlled. If we view our Father as the Wonderful God He is; and we view His wisdom and creation as being full of magnificence, then maybe our view of work and family would be changed. Take a look at your magnificent life and family and realize that the magnificence comes from God and not you.
Have a great weekend.
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