All of us have had to put something together, whether it’s a bicycle or a doll house. We try to follow the directions, but sometimes they are just too small to read or are written in broken English. In truth, our lives are full of instructions: owner’s manuals for our cars, appliances, tools, etc. Thankfully, there is only one manual that we truly need. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Have you read His word today? It will give you all the instructions you need. God bless you!
Exceptions to Every Rule?
We have all heard the expression, “There are exceptions to every rule,” but are there? Let’s talk about forgiveness. The families of crime victims have been heard to say that they don’t feel that they can ever forgive; I guess that might be a human reaction. We, however, have examples to teach us otherwise. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” I recently read a quote by William Arthur Ward which says, “We are most like God when we forgive.” Jesus forgave us without exception. Let’s try to follow his example, amen? God bless you!
I Want It Now!
Do you remember when you were a small child in the store with your mother? I can hear it in my head, “I want this, I want that, I want it mommy!” I suppose as adults, we can be the same way, maybe wanting bigger homes, cars, or a more important job. Fortunately, God sees a bigger picture for our lives, and he knows what’s best for us. James 4:2a says, “Ye have not because ye ask not.” He wants us to ask Him for things, and he will always give what we ask, as long as it’s for the right reasons. God bless you!
Who are you waiting for?
Have you ever been at an airport and struck up a conversation with someone? Often, the question is asked, “Who are you waiting for?” We might respond with, “I’m waiting for a friend or loved one.” We stare out the gate exit windows seeking their arrival. Lamentations 3:25-26 talks about waiting. It says, “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Today, while we wait for his coming, let’s be patient and prayerfully wait. God bless you!
Stress Relief
So many of us live busy, hectic lives. Work piles up, or you are doing the work of others and yours as well. Our responsibilities seem endless, and we just don’t seem to catch up, and then stress piles up on top of that. It’s a recipe for a health disaster! But…. we have the cure for that – God’s word. Scripture is full of tools for resolving these issues. Psalm 3:8 reassures us in hard times: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep, for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Isn’t it good to know that in the chaos of our busy days, God is there for us? God bless you, and may you find peace and rest today.
Who Do You Count On?
Most people want to be self-sufficient; and even though we might be willing and happy to help others, sometimes we are the ones who need a hero, and we have one! Even though we don’t see him, we have the Holy Spirit! Romans 8:26a says, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities..” The Spirit comes to our rescue when we need help. He guides, strengthens us, and sustains us. Let’s all give thanks and praise God for giving us a hero. God bless you!
Are You Out of Gas?
Once in my life, I played chicken with the gas gauge: I lost, and running out of gas is no fun. Many amateur runners, including me, get so far into a race and “run out of gas” and need to walk. We need to fill the tank. In the same way, when our soul feels spiritually empty, we need to go to God for a refill of wisdom and endurance. How? By spending time in prayer, bible study, praise, and worship. When we feel our faith starting to run out, He will fill our tank. Isaiah 40:31 says. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. The next time your spiritual tank is getting low, turn to God for a refill. Amen?
To Serve or Not to Serve
Recently, I was asked if I would participate in a “serve” day. My answer was. “Of course.” Serving God is one of the most important principles of our faith, as we are expected to help the church with a joyful spirit. Scripture is very clear to all of us about this. Each of us is given gifts that we should use to serve others. The Bible teaches that serving others is not about doing great things but about doing small things with great love. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Let’s all be aware that others may need our support and be ready to help in Jesus’ name. God bless you!
The Benefits of Gratitude
There are studies that show people who express gratitude experience improved sleep, higher stress tolerance, and more meaningful relationships. Gratitude not only benefits us physically, it also draws us nearer to God. When our perspectives shift off of us and onto God, who gave up everything for us, that’s when we find fresh hope, joy, and purpose around us. Psalm 136:1 says, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Today, let’s praise him and show him the gratitude He deserves! God bless you today.
Under Construction
Some people say, “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” I’m still saying that! Just like our careers, our spiritual life can be like that. We are all under construction and are constantly changing and growing. The truth is: God’s not finished with us yet! We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us in our growth, and one day, we will be finished. 1 John 3:2 says, “Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” Until then, let’s be part of the construction crew, growing in the Lord, starting with a firm foundation, our faith, until the day we are no longer “under construction.” God bless you!
