Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. Philippians 2:15b-16
When people hear that I've never been drunk or used drugs, often their mouths fall open and they stare at me, speechless. "I didn't know that was possible in today's world," they say. By God's grace, my teenager sees this kind of lifestyle and it influences him to live a clean life.
Paul encourages us to be shining lights for a world of crooked and perverse people. If those words were true a mere thirty years after Christ's ascension, how much more accurate are they today? Crooked and perverse people surround us.
The way you live sets you apart. The seeds you plant by living free of the entrapments of the world have power and faith that many people will witness. Your spouse. Your children. Other children. Co-workers. People you might never know. You get one life and one race for God. Don't run it in vain.
How do you live your life? Are you innocent as a child? Are you engaged in worldly pursuits?
Father, when we're faced with temptation to live as the world does, remind us to live clean and innocent. Please show us how our lives affect others and how they see you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Throwing off the old
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:22-24
Throw off the former way of life. I love the way that sounds, and I wish it was as easy to do as it sounds… But maybe it’s not as hard as we make it.
When I was twelve years old, I began experiencing symptoms of depression. Listlessness and poor self image were the easier-dealt-with problems. Suicidal tendencies were another thing entirely. Over the next several years, my parents took me to counselors, doctors, and church mentors. Some wanted to talk about my thoughts and feelings. Some wanted me to take pills. The one that helped most was a young mom from the church. She taught me about women in the Bible, about faith, about friendship, and about prayer.
Through the prayers of this woman, my mom, and others who loved me, God began drawing me nearer to Him. Though I rarely have suicidal thoughts now, each day begins a new battle for my mind. I work to throw off the old, sinful nature (i.e. lack of trust and faith, joylessness, etc.) and to renew my thoughts and attitudes.
I knew Jesus Christ before all this began, but through it I’ve grown to know Him better. His love, His sacrifice, and His power have become more real to me. As if taking holy medicine, if I miss a daily dose of prayer and time in the Bible, my thoughts reflect it. Would I rather not battle depression? Perhaps. But if losing the need to fight meant losing the need to seek Him, I’d rather do battle.
Spiritual seeds are usually planted in and through situations we don’t expect and would rather not experience. Whether you fight depression or some other potentially debilitating condition, renewing your mind and attitudes is a daily effort.
Are you ready for any situation to plant seeds? Are you spending time in the Bible and in prayer to keep your thoughts where they belong?
Father God, help us throw off our former ways and learn to renew our thoughts and attitudes. Draw us near and remind us to spend time in your word and in prayer with you. Amen.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Miracle of Salvation
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth. the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1: 13 - 14
Do you remember when you first believed the good news of the work of Christ? Excitement and joy filled our hearts as our spirits were awakened to a new life. This event is a miracle that only be accomplished by God's power and Christ's work. Though this event and the subsequent communion with God through the Holy Spirit makes us feel incredibly special, it is not for us alone. We no longer work for our own agenda but we are co-workers with God to help others believe. It is by receiving truth that dispels lies that God can awaken someones mind and begin to affect their heart. This is the miracle.
We have been focusing on sharing the good news of Christ this month; planting seeds that will bear fruit to the harvest. This week let's focus on the seeds and harvest in our own lives. Let's take a few moments today to thank God for the work of his salvation in our own lives.
Father, thank you for the miracle of salvation in my life. Thank you for continuing to meet me and grow me up in that blessed salvation.
Blessings.
Do you remember when you first believed the good news of the work of Christ? Excitement and joy filled our hearts as our spirits were awakened to a new life. This event is a miracle that only be accomplished by God's power and Christ's work. Though this event and the subsequent communion with God through the Holy Spirit makes us feel incredibly special, it is not for us alone. We no longer work for our own agenda but we are co-workers with God to help others believe. It is by receiving truth that dispels lies that God can awaken someones mind and begin to affect their heart. This is the miracle.
We have been focusing on sharing the good news of Christ this month; planting seeds that will bear fruit to the harvest. This week let's focus on the seeds and harvest in our own lives. Let's take a few moments today to thank God for the work of his salvation in our own lives.
Father, thank you for the miracle of salvation in my life. Thank you for continuing to meet me and grow me up in that blessed salvation.
Blessings.
Friday, October 21, 2011
No other name
"There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
How many gods and paths to salvation can you name in our culture today? Buddha and Mohammed are the most visible, but people worship all manner of creation with the hope that it will bring them to enlightenment and salvation. Money, sex, wisdom, food, nature, and other people can become gods in our lives if we allow them. And the believers of the first century church were exposed to belief in all the gods of mythology, including Zeus, Aphrodite, Isis, and others.
Are any of these names capable of saving us?
"We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20
In an age of deceit and blatant idol worship, Peter and John knew the truth. They took every opportunity to tell about Jesus Christ and many people were saved, set free from bondage to false gods and empty hope. What a harvest they gathered from those seeds planted! We have the same opportunities to tell about everything we have seen and heard. They might be things the world overlooks or bypasses without understanding, but wisdom, faith, special knowledge, healing, and miracles are gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Dear God, please open my eyes to see and hear things of you. Give me boldness to share everything with someone who needs you. Amen.
What have you seen and heard of Jesus, and who can you plant a few seeds in today?
How many gods and paths to salvation can you name in our culture today? Buddha and Mohammed are the most visible, but people worship all manner of creation with the hope that it will bring them to enlightenment and salvation. Money, sex, wisdom, food, nature, and other people can become gods in our lives if we allow them. And the believers of the first century church were exposed to belief in all the gods of mythology, including Zeus, Aphrodite, Isis, and others.
Are any of these names capable of saving us?
"We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20
In an age of deceit and blatant idol worship, Peter and John knew the truth. They took every opportunity to tell about Jesus Christ and many people were saved, set free from bondage to false gods and empty hope. What a harvest they gathered from those seeds planted! We have the same opportunities to tell about everything we have seen and heard. They might be things the world overlooks or bypasses without understanding, but wisdom, faith, special knowledge, healing, and miracles are gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Dear God, please open my eyes to see and hear things of you. Give me boldness to share everything with someone who needs you. Amen.
What have you seen and heard of Jesus, and who can you plant a few seeds in today?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Seeing the one who controls the wind and the waves
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.... And [the disciples] awoke [Jesus] and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" Mark 4:37, 38-39
Storms are going to rise up in our lives. Whether we believe in Jesus as Savior or not, as humans in an imperfect world we face trials and difficult times. The key is in how we respond to the trials. Too often, we focus on the storm, as the disciples did. Huge waves roll in, threatening to topple us. Cold, wet wind bites through our clothes and skin, soaking and freezing us. Darkness falls, oppressing us and the light of hope.
This is a vital time to plant seeds of faith for those who don't know God, who don't know His faithfulness, who don't know His unchangeable love. Instead of seeing the storms that blow around us, we can choose to watch the One who controls the wind and sea.
And if we listen closely enough, we can hear His voice speaking calm to the storm and to our hearts.
Dear Jesus, please speak calm to the wind and the sea that rage in my life. Show Your power, and help me point people to You. Amen.
What storms are you facing? Can you plant a seed of faith for someone who watches as you face the wind and water and yet see only Jesus?
Storms are going to rise up in our lives. Whether we believe in Jesus as Savior or not, as humans in an imperfect world we face trials and difficult times. The key is in how we respond to the trials. Too often, we focus on the storm, as the disciples did. Huge waves roll in, threatening to topple us. Cold, wet wind bites through our clothes and skin, soaking and freezing us. Darkness falls, oppressing us and the light of hope.
This is a vital time to plant seeds of faith for those who don't know God, who don't know His faithfulness, who don't know His unchangeable love. Instead of seeing the storms that blow around us, we can choose to watch the One who controls the wind and sea.
And if we listen closely enough, we can hear His voice speaking calm to the storm and to our hearts.
Dear Jesus, please speak calm to the wind and the sea that rage in my life. Show Your power, and help me point people to You. Amen.
What storms are you facing? Can you plant a seed of faith for someone who watches as you face the wind and water and yet see only Jesus?
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Gospel of Christ
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes....for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Romans 1: 16 - 17
The gospel of Christ, translated the good news of Christ, is the power of God to save individuals who will respond in faith. Many seeds are scattered which direct seekers to self-help, meditational thoughts from Buddha and direction from icons of the culture declaring you must ONLY believe and good things will happen. However, scripture very clearly says it is the gospel of Christ that God uses to save. Clearly, if we can scatter seeds directly related to the good news of the work of Christ, then it becomes possible for those seeds to grow into faith, trust, and hope.
Let's pray for the individuals we know who desperately need Christ to have open hearts and minds toward Him.
Father, we ask that you soften hearts toward Christ and reveal the lies being believed that offer only momentary relief.
Think about how you first believed in Christ. What seed from that experience can you offer to someone else?
Blessings
The gospel of Christ, translated the good news of Christ, is the power of God to save individuals who will respond in faith. Many seeds are scattered which direct seekers to self-help, meditational thoughts from Buddha and direction from icons of the culture declaring you must ONLY believe and good things will happen. However, scripture very clearly says it is the gospel of Christ that God uses to save. Clearly, if we can scatter seeds directly related to the good news of the work of Christ, then it becomes possible for those seeds to grow into faith, trust, and hope.
Let's pray for the individuals we know who desperately need Christ to have open hearts and minds toward Him.
Father, we ask that you soften hearts toward Christ and reveal the lies being believed that offer only momentary relief.
Think about how you first believed in Christ. What seed from that experience can you offer to someone else?
Blessings
Friday, October 14, 2011
Four ways to sow for the harvest
In an earlier post, we said one way to reach people for spiritual harvest is to pray for them. That is the first thing and the most consistent action we should be taking to show others the way to eternal life and freedom in Jesus. But let's look at other ways. How did Jesus reach people when He walked the earth?
Talking to the Samaritan woman at the well:
Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10
Jesus knew people at the heart level. He spoke to this woman's deepest need. I believe what he says is not arrogance, but prophecy. He knew she would ask Him for the living water. Showing her sincere desire to understand, the woman questioned Jesus about the contents of the well and how He could possibly get living water for her.
The next thing Jesus does is speak in practical terms:
Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again." John 4:13
We can meet people with things they understand and with facts they can relate to. We drink, we get thirsty, we drink again, and on the cycle goes. But Jesus says the person who drinks of His living water will have a "fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14)
After revealing her life situation, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. He reveals Himself to her, saying, "I AM the Messiah!" We must not rush people into a heartfelt decision for Jesus, but we must not delay. How can we know when the time is right? We listen to them, and we listen to the Spirit reveal His perfect timing.
What was the result of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well? She didn't walk back to her people, calmly and quietly replaying her interaction with Him. She raced back to the village so fast that she left her water jug at the well. And she didn't keep her new-found knowledge to herself. She told everyone she'd come face to face with the Messiah.
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" John 4:39
Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:42
The Bible tells us that Jesus is love, and as He doesn't tolerate lies we know He spoke the truth. I believe His actions are prompted and characterized by love. The people He met recognized this, and the people you meet will recognize it, too. Speak the truth in love, waiting on the word of the Lord, and pray for the people you want to see added to the Kingdom. Then watch the Spirit move.
What would you do if you met Jesus face to face? Can you be a physical representation of His love and truth to anyone in your life?
Talking to the Samaritan woman at the well:
Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10
Jesus knew people at the heart level. He spoke to this woman's deepest need. I believe what he says is not arrogance, but prophecy. He knew she would ask Him for the living water. Showing her sincere desire to understand, the woman questioned Jesus about the contents of the well and how He could possibly get living water for her.
The next thing Jesus does is speak in practical terms:
Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again." John 4:13
We can meet people with things they understand and with facts they can relate to. We drink, we get thirsty, we drink again, and on the cycle goes. But Jesus says the person who drinks of His living water will have a "fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14)
After revealing her life situation, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. He reveals Himself to her, saying, "I AM the Messiah!" We must not rush people into a heartfelt decision for Jesus, but we must not delay. How can we know when the time is right? We listen to them, and we listen to the Spirit reveal His perfect timing.
What was the result of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well? She didn't walk back to her people, calmly and quietly replaying her interaction with Him. She raced back to the village so fast that she left her water jug at the well. And she didn't keep her new-found knowledge to herself. She told everyone she'd come face to face with the Messiah.
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" John 4:39
Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:42
The Bible tells us that Jesus is love, and as He doesn't tolerate lies we know He spoke the truth. I believe His actions are prompted and characterized by love. The people He met recognized this, and the people you meet will recognize it, too. Speak the truth in love, waiting on the word of the Lord, and pray for the people you want to see added to the Kingdom. Then watch the Spirit move.
What would you do if you met Jesus face to face? Can you be a physical representation of His love and truth to anyone in your life?
Begging for Life
"There was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death." John 4: 46-47
The royal official is another "outsider" most likely from the Roman government who comes to Jesus seeking his intervention. He is not part of religious Jewish society but comes seeking Jesus to heal his son anyway. Somewhere he must have heard about Jesus' compassion acts of healing for the sick, so he came seeking the same for his son. At some point, the seed was sown and when this man had the opportunity he sought Jesus for his sons healing. Jesus only spoke the words and the son lived.
"He himself believed and his household." The harvest that day was a Roman household who before receiving back their son only knew Jesus from afar. That day they knew him personally.
Father, I ask that any who only know you from afar would take the step of asking you for personal knowledge of you in their lives.
Blessings
The royal official is another "outsider" most likely from the Roman government who comes to Jesus seeking his intervention. He is not part of religious Jewish society but comes seeking Jesus to heal his son anyway. Somewhere he must have heard about Jesus' compassion acts of healing for the sick, so he came seeking the same for his son. At some point, the seed was sown and when this man had the opportunity he sought Jesus for his sons healing. Jesus only spoke the words and the son lived.
"He himself believed and his household." The harvest that day was a Roman household who before receiving back their son only knew Jesus from afar. That day they knew him personally.
Father, I ask that any who only know you from afar would take the step of asking you for personal knowledge of you in their lives.
Blessings
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Does seeing and hearing lead to believing?
"We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:3
I'm sitting in a popular coffee shop, listening to the elevator music and pieces of conversation that float around me. Over the din comes a man's voice, speaking slowly, carefully forming each word.
"How are you feeling, Mom?" He's on the phone several booths away, but I hear his voice as if he sits beside me. He waits while she speaks.
"I know you're tired. Let me pray for you before we go." He has to repeat it twice, and each time he expresses patience and kindness.
And to my astonishment, he prays. Loudly. Slowly. With the entire coffee shop listening. I'm embarrassed and saddened to admit that this astonishes me. How different would our world be if we all took opportunities as this man does, as the disciples did, to pray for others? To do so without shrinking or puffing ourselves up? And in praying, to actually see and hear and have fellowship with Jesus and His followers?
For those of you that don't know Jesus, let me say this: sometimes having a personal interaction with Him looks different than we expect. It's not ethereal or mysterious. It's not soul-shaking. It doesn't alter the planets. But hopefully it alters us, and in time it should shake our souls to the point of seeking Jesus and everything He stands for.
This man's simple action of love altered my day. Changed the course of my actions. I pray you see and hear Jesus in your life through simple actions of love, that your actions and your souls are shaken by knowing Him. And I pray that, seeing and hearing, you believe and accept Him.
"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn - not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." John 1:12-13
Whether or not you believe Jesus is the Savior of the world, have you had a personal experience that brought you closer to accepting Him? Please share your thoughts with us!
I'm sitting in a popular coffee shop, listening to the elevator music and pieces of conversation that float around me. Over the din comes a man's voice, speaking slowly, carefully forming each word.
"How are you feeling, Mom?" He's on the phone several booths away, but I hear his voice as if he sits beside me. He waits while she speaks.
"I know you're tired. Let me pray for you before we go." He has to repeat it twice, and each time he expresses patience and kindness.
And to my astonishment, he prays. Loudly. Slowly. With the entire coffee shop listening. I'm embarrassed and saddened to admit that this astonishes me. How different would our world be if we all took opportunities as this man does, as the disciples did, to pray for others? To do so without shrinking or puffing ourselves up? And in praying, to actually see and hear and have fellowship with Jesus and His followers?
For those of you that don't know Jesus, let me say this: sometimes having a personal interaction with Him looks different than we expect. It's not ethereal or mysterious. It's not soul-shaking. It doesn't alter the planets. But hopefully it alters us, and in time it should shake our souls to the point of seeking Jesus and everything He stands for.
This man's simple action of love altered my day. Changed the course of my actions. I pray you see and hear Jesus in your life through simple actions of love, that your actions and your souls are shaken by knowing Him. And I pray that, seeing and hearing, you believe and accept Him.
"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn - not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." John 1:12-13
Whether or not you believe Jesus is the Savior of the world, have you had a personal experience that brought you closer to accepting Him? Please share your thoughts with us!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Lambs In The Midst Of Wolves
Concern over someones spiritual well-being is not always appreciated. Bigger than the resistance of some people to spiritual truth is the resistance of the evil one to the on-going work of God. When Jesus was praying for his disciples prior to his death, he acknowledged the on-going spiritual battle they would face as they sowed spiritual seed and worked along with Him in the harvest souls. This battle guarantees disciples will be hated so Jesus also asked the Father to protect them.
Today as we sow seeds in the lives of others, we can be encouraged that Jesus prayed for our protection and salvation. He asked the Father to protect us and to bring us into glory with Him. "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given Me, be with Me where I am, so they may see My glory which You have given Me before the foundation of the world."
It encourages me to know that Jesus prayed for all believers from all historical ages; knowing the battles and needs we face even today. Jesus prayed for our spiritual needs that will protect and keep us to the end of our lives when we face the Father. Who will we pray and work for today?
Blessings
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Witnesses to the ends of the earth
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus tells us to spread the word, to share His Good News and teach others all over the globe about Him. It's one of the best known commands in the New Testament: The Great Commission. If you've ever had the thrill of leading someone to salvation in Jesus Christ, you know it often doesn't come quickly or easily. In our sin, we resist even the security of unconditional love and acceptance. How, then, do we fulfill this desire to go and make disciples, to sow seeds that will reap a bountiful harvest?
We pray. We ask for souls, for guidance, for boldness. And we trust that the Lord gives it.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
We don't have to go to the ends of the earth to find someone who needs Jesus. Often, it's someone we know. The lonely, troubled, endangered, weak, and unprotected all need Him. But so do those who outwardly appear strong, intimidating, and in control. Who can you pray for today?
Father God, we covet souls for Your divine grace and gift of salvation. Please reach them with Your love. Open their ears and eyes to see their need. Prepare their hearts to receive Your word, and may we experience the power of Your Holy Spirit as we witness to them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Jesus tells us to spread the word, to share His Good News and teach others all over the globe about Him. It's one of the best known commands in the New Testament: The Great Commission. If you've ever had the thrill of leading someone to salvation in Jesus Christ, you know it often doesn't come quickly or easily. In our sin, we resist even the security of unconditional love and acceptance. How, then, do we fulfill this desire to go and make disciples, to sow seeds that will reap a bountiful harvest?
We pray. We ask for souls, for guidance, for boldness. And we trust that the Lord gives it.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
We don't have to go to the ends of the earth to find someone who needs Jesus. Often, it's someone we know. The lonely, troubled, endangered, weak, and unprotected all need Him. But so do those who outwardly appear strong, intimidating, and in control. Who can you pray for today?
Father God, we covet souls for Your divine grace and gift of salvation. Please reach them with Your love. Open their ears and eyes to see their need. Prepare their hearts to receive Your word, and may we experience the power of Your Holy Spirit as we witness to them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Jesus Felt Compassion
This month we are focusing on sowing spiritual seeds and the following harvest. Sowing spiritual seeds can take place in many forms and since this blog focuses on prayer, of course, we consider prayer one of the most loving gifts we have to offer someone. Prayer enters the spiritual realm and allows us to battle with God for that person.
God is able to take the spiritual seeds scattered by his people and water them with the Holy Spirit to bring someone to the place of wanting life in Him. We really don't know how this happens, it is one of the mysteries of God. We do know He gives everyone the opportunity to choose to know him; the offer is for all.
Jesus had compassion and the multitudes followed him. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will provide you the privilege of offering up prayers and words of hope to someone in distress.
Father, we pray that you will help us see the one person who needs our prayers and support the most. Help us offer seeds of hope that you can use to bring this person to a place of rest in you.
Blessings
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