Scripture:
Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
Ephesians 1: 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Observation:
The Psalmist writes that “the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love…”
I continue to long for a greater fear of the Lord. I never had to fear a parent’s wrath and have not ever been in trouble with the law, so I have not had that innate “fear” that some have.
I seem to know in my head to fear the Lord but it doesn’t always prove to reflect in my daily living. I think the reason I don’t fully reflect this is somehow I have misunderstood Ephesians 1 when Paul says, “4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…”
Application:
It is so easy to live my life routinely and without passion if I just assume it’s all taken care of. I’m adopted. It’s done.
Oh, but that is FAR from the truth. I have been chosen by the Ruler of all things, the King of kings, the Almighty One who has always been God has never not been God, is God right now, and will be forever, the Holy One, the Creator that made me, knows me, and gives me life.
If I choose to see this for what it really is, my life can’t help but be changed. When I pause and reflect on the Lord I have numerous reasons to fear Him put my hope in His unfailing love.
I fear Him, because he is the only one I should fear. I put my hope in Him because He is the only one that has unfailing love.
Prayer:
I ask that You God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of Your mighty strength, which You exerted in Christ when You raised him from the dead and seated him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms. I want to know you more. I thank you for your unfailing love. To You be the glory and power forever. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Heart Exam
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 27:19, As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
OBSERVATIONS: I recall hiking around our local Todd Lake in the summer of last year on a beautiful sunny day. The air was still and the water was like glass. From the northern side of the lake, near the large meadow, I could easily see the reflection of Mt. Bachelor in the water, radiant in all its majestic beauty, with snow covering portions of its mountainside. In this verse Solomon used water as an analogy to illustrate how we can see the kind of person we are by simply taking a truthful look into our heart. Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, spoke of a similar thing when he affirmed in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
APPLICATION: The condition of your heart speaks volumes about your character, what kind of person you are. And your heart’s condition can easily be determined by looking at what you place value on. What are the three most important things in your life? Those things that you spend the most money, time, and interest on? Now in what way do these things shape your heart and character? Is God pleased and glorified by these changes in your life? These are good questions to ask ourselves periodically.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take an honest look at my heart’s condition from time to time, and to determine when my interests, values, and passion needs to be realigned to be in harmony with your will. Give me the strength and fortitude to make those changes in my life, for your glory alone.
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 27:19, As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
OBSERVATIONS: I recall hiking around our local Todd Lake in the summer of last year on a beautiful sunny day. The air was still and the water was like glass. From the northern side of the lake, near the large meadow, I could easily see the reflection of Mt. Bachelor in the water, radiant in all its majestic beauty, with snow covering portions of its mountainside. In this verse Solomon used water as an analogy to illustrate how we can see the kind of person we are by simply taking a truthful look into our heart. Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, spoke of a similar thing when he affirmed in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
APPLICATION: The condition of your heart speaks volumes about your character, what kind of person you are. And your heart’s condition can easily be determined by looking at what you place value on. What are the three most important things in your life? Those things that you spend the most money, time, and interest on? Now in what way do these things shape your heart and character? Is God pleased and glorified by these changes in your life? These are good questions to ask ourselves periodically.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take an honest look at my heart’s condition from time to time, and to determine when my interests, values, and passion needs to be realigned to be in harmony with your will. Give me the strength and fortitude to make those changes in my life, for your glory alone.
Monday, June 2nd, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
On Getting Advice
SCRIPTURE:
“For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
One of the repeating themes of Proverbs is to seek counsel. “A wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:13). “Plans fail for lack of counsel” (Prov. 15:16). “Plans…with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). Once again, in today’s reading, “for victory you need many advisers” (Proverbs 24:6). The Bible says that King Solomon was the wisest person who ever lived. Yet when he wrote Proverbs he said he still needed the input of others. He was basically saying, “Don’t go it alone – always get others’ perspective.” Unfortunately, sometimes in our culture asking for advice is perceived as a sign of weakness or a lack of confidence. In reality, just the opposite is true. It takes strength and confidence to be vulnerable enough to ask. We should never make a major decision without the wisdom and counsel of others. It is foolish not to ask for it.
APPLICATION:
God wants me to look to others for counsel and direction. The fact is, I don’t have it all put together! I have blind spots. I don’t see all the angles and alternatives. I lack the objectivity to evaluate every choice. God wants me to make a renewed commitment to never make a major decision alone. I’m so grateful for the staff, leaders, friends and family who I can go to for advice.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to never be ashamed or hesitant to ask for advice. Thank you that I can always come to you. I really need your wisdom and direction in my life. Let me be open and vulnerable with others that I can make the decisions that bring honor and glory to You. AMEN.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)