Thought for Today - Sharing Your Salvation

''Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.'' Ps 107:2

Storytelling has been around for as long as people have been on the earth. We like to share our experiences, to boast of victories and find sympathy in our defeats. Why then do we often keep silent about the most important experience of all? When each of us trusted the Lord for salvation, we went from death to life, snatched from the brink of hell - so why do we let the fear of man intimidate us into silence about that wonderful event? There's a world around us that needs to know our Lord. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

Thought for Today - Merry Christmas!

''For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'' Luke 2:11

If I were God, coming to save the earth, I don't think I'd choose to be born, helpless and needy, and in a stable of all things! It's a good thing I'm not God, because His humble birth accomplished what all the trumpets and fanfare of the world could not. His ability to share in our trials, to be one of us, started in a noisy, smelly stall. Even though it has lost a lot of its meaning, the day commemorating this lowly birth is still one of mankind's most beloved holidays, not because it displays a triumphant King but because it represents a humble Lord. So, sing the carols, eat festive food, spend time with people that are dear to you - but don't lose sight of what's behind the celebration: a manger, overshadowed by a cross; God in skin, humble for us.

Merry Christmas!

Thought for Today - No Coincidences

''And it came to pass in those days that a degree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.'' Luke 2:1

Sometimes I wonder if God doesn't laugh at our ''coincidences,'' a concept that is purely human and completely unbiblical. There is no such thing - everything that happens either originates with God or is something He allowed to happen.

Clearly, a long journey was not Mary's idea of a smooth pregnancy. The tax registration was highly inconvenient. But from our perspective, knowing the story, it was exactly what God planned to fulfill prophecy.

So, what coincidences or even inconveniences are happening in your life? I think, when we get to heaven, we will be very surprised at what God was doing all that time. Remember that He sees both the details and the big picture. An inconvenience might just be a blessing in disguise.

Thought for Today - Jesus' Purpose

''For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.'' Luke 19:10

Parents want the best for their children. They usually have high hopes for their children's successfulness and happiness, and dream about their children's future. Jesus' future was clear from the moment angels proclaimed His coming - clear from the moment the Father set into action a course of events that would change all history. The Baby in the manger was there for the express purpose of sacrificing Himself for all mankind. He knew His purpose better than anyone. Thank God for that life-giving sacrifice!

Thought for Today - The Gift of Jesus

''For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...'' Isaiah 9:6a

Familiar words, popularized by Handel's Messiah and often quoted at Christmas. Let's stop and ponder a few moments on this gift. ''A son is given'' - God, wrapped in skin, to give us what we couldn't obtain for ourselves. The gift is not so much the cute baby sprawled in the straw as pictured in nativity scenes as it is the battered and bloody body of a Savior dying on a cross. Without Easter, there would be no Christmas. The prophecies foretold the coming Lord - beautiful in humility, powerful in helplessness, God in human flesh. This is the gift!

Thought for Today - The Magnificat

''And Mary said: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.''' Luke 1:46-47

Mary knew the road ahead of her was not going to be easy. As a betrothed woman pregnant with an apparently illegitimate child, she was degraded in her society. As the mother of God's Son, she had an enormous responsibility. Scripture says she ''pondered these things in her heart,'' so I think she probably had a lot on her mind when she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. But at Elizabeth's validation of their shared knowledge of who this miraculous Child was, Mary's first response is praise. In beautiful, poetic words she reveals her intimate knowledge of and relationship with God - the very God whose Son was in her womb.

How often do I speak rashly when my mind is full or my heart is heavy? Today, let's challenge ourselves to watch our words and make a habit of speaking praise and things glorifying to our Lord!

Thought for Today - My Help

''I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.'' Ps 121:1-2
Again the psalmist reassures himself of God's power - the Creator of all things is certainly capable of handling my problems! The psalmist's refuge, the One to whom he turned when he needed help, his best defensive tactic against the enemy, has always been and will always be our God!

So where do we turn when in need of help? Is our first response to trouble one of hiding, fighting, or running to other people? God wants to be our first, not last, resort - He is the only one who really can help!

Thought for Today - Faithfulness

''He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.'' 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Everyone you know will let you down sometimes. Every human is fallible, a sinner or a redeemed sinner. Only God is truly faithful and cannot lie or break a promise.

Not only is our God faithful to keep His promises, He's also powerful enough to do so. The Lord of all creation is certainly capable of fulfilling His word! ''He will do it.''

Today, as we go to our Father in prayer, let's claim His promises from scripture, knowing without a doubt that He is both capable and faithful to fulfil those promises!

Thought for Today - Directions

''Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.'' Psalm 143:8

When we are lost, confused, or in unfamiliar territory, we need directions that can be trusted. The psalmist here describes turning to the One who is both fortress and guide, the only One who knows the way. He can be trusted to give accurate directions as well as strength for the journey. The psalmist speaks of lifting up his soul to this Guide, trusting Him implicitly, and hearing His love and mercy in the morning. Some days life might feel like walking blindfolded down a treacherous and windy path, but His sweet voice will safely and surely guide us as we trust Him!

Thought for Today - Love

''For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'' Romans 8:38-39

The God who created all things is certainly above all things, and nothing He created is able to break His love for His special creation, you and me and every other person made in His image.

This is my favorite verse, affirming in every moment of every day that this love will never leave me, never let me down, never stop loving me. Praise Him!

Unbreakable, unstoppable, enduring, overwhelming love! What a beautiful, priceless, wonderful love this is!

Thought for Today - Sovereignty

''This was the Lord's doing, it is marvelous in our eyes.'' Ps 118:23

This was the Lord's doing... How many things can we find that can be identified in this way? Logically, everything - so let's name a few.

Creation - the flowers and trees and rivers and rocks. That was the Lord's doing.

I once knew a couple who framed this verse with their wedding photo. A good marriage is the Lord's doing. Healthy friendships, good parent-child relationships - all definitely the Lord's doing.

Survival every day, the reason I thank God before every meal, every single breath - all the Lord's doing!

How about famine and hunger? Hard times? Consequences to foolish actions? Death?

Everything is the Lord's doing...and it is marvelous in our eyes. We cannot understand His mind or question His actions, only obey His sovereignship and worship His majesty. Let's marvel today at God's doings!

Thought for Today - Equality in Salvation

'''For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.''' Luke 2:30-32

These words, spoken by a man who saw Jesus as a baby and knew who He was, sum up Jesus' purpose in coming to the earth. He was the salvation meant for all peoples, redeeming God's chosen people Israel and opening it up to everyone else. No longer was there a difference between people groups, no longer an exclusive relationship with God based on race or heritage. Jesus opened the door wide for all people, a love that takes each of us as we are and redeems us. Revelation and glory, indeed! What a beautiful God we serve, a God willing to sacrifice everything out of love for us!

Thought for Today - Blessings in Obedience

''Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.'' Ps 112:1

The psalmist describes such a beautiful relationship with the Lord. This relationship included righteous fear of who God is, but also included delight in everything about Him right down to His commandments. In fact, he descirbes 'great' delight in obeying the Lord, and the result is abundant blessings. Do you want to be blessed? Fear God and delight in His commandments!

Thought for Today - Doing Justly

''He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?'' Micah 6:8

This verse has been on my heart for some time as God is teaching me what He wants from me. I understand the concept of loving mercy, and we're working on the 'walking humbly' stuff, but what does it mean to 'do justly'? Another version translates it 'seek justice,' and God says plenty in the Bible about protecting the helpless from injustice. But 'do' is also a verb - DO justly. Doing justly means that everything you do is just. It means that every action has a pure motive, is done with others' best interests in mind (not simply your own), and is right and honorable to the best of your ability. Everything we do should have a ring of justice to it, every action should be made with thought to the most honest option. Employees can do justly in protecting their employer's assets, friends can do justly in being honest with each other. It comes down to personal integrity, and that is what the Lord wants of us.

I also posted on this verse on another blog: Doing Justly.

Thought for Today - Praying Constantly

''Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.'' Luke 18:1

Like the disciples who fell asleep in Jesus' hour of need, so often we get tired or find other excuses to justify our lack of prayer. The Bible is full of verses such as ''pray without ceasing'' (1 Thess 5:17), but how many days have I spent more time on facebook or pinterest than in communication with my Father? Why is it easy to make time to spend with my friends but hard to find time to talk with my Best Friend? God loves prayer! He loves hearing from His children and talking with them. Today let's not take prayer for granted but rather take advantage of our direct line to the ear of God and pray without ceasing!

Thought for Today - Authority from God

''But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?''' 1 Samuel 26:9

Whether or not we agree with our leaders, we must recognize that they have been placed in their positions of authority by God. David was running for his life from a murderous king, but he still respected and honored the king's position and did not hurt him. Let us remember to pray for our leaders and honor them, whether or not we agree with them.

Thought for Today - Rejoice

''Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.'' Ps 86:4

Watch a small child when his or her favorite person enters the room. Usually the child will drop the toys and run to that person, arms outstretched, expecting and trusting to be held and loved. David poetically translates that image into our relationship with the Lord. We run to God, lifting up our souls, knowing that He is the only one who brings joy. Today, in every situation, let's run to God and let Him hold us and rejoice us - there's no better place to be.

Thought for Today - Overcomers

''He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.'' Revelation 3:5

In this passage in Revelation, Jesus individually addresses several churches, alternately praising and reprooving them for their deeds. He continuously promises eternal rewards, however, to those who ''overcome.'' The things we struggle with in this life seem overwhelming, but a bigger perspective in light of eternity shows these things to be just ''light afflictions'' (2 Cor 4:17). He provides the strength daily to hang in there and overcome - and what wonderful things await us in heaven!

Thought for Today - True Religion

''Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.'' James 1:27

Someone once said that when we have a decision to make, and one option lines up with a Biblical mandate, there is no need to pray about it - God has already spoken. Here He makes it clear that His heart for those who are alone in the world is so incredibly tender. As the body of Christ, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus reaching out to the widows, the orphans, and anyone else alone and helpless.

We are also to keep ourselves ''unspotted'' from the world. Is it just me or is that so difficult sometimes? We are called to be in the world but not of it. Lord, help us remain unspotted!

Thought for Today - Ownership

''The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter.'' Ps 74:16-17

What a beautiful expression of God's ownership over His creation! Since He has made all of it, including us, how can we hold back anything from Him? He has it all but He still wants our hearts.

Thought for Today - Sacrifice of Praise

''Therefore let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.'' Hebrews 13:15-16

Even in the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel declared that God desires obedience more than sacrifices. Here we see that we are still to offer sacrifices - the sacrifices of praising God and of obedience. These things truly are sacrifices - they're certainly not easy - but He declares that this is how to please Him. Today, no matter the circumstances or how difficult the sacrifice, let's focus on praising God!

''And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.'' 2 Sam 7:28

In this passage, David humbly thanks God for everything that God has done for him and everything that He promised to do in the future. David also praises God for His strength, mercy, and character. How often do we take time to thank the Lord for the abundant blessings He gives us as well as praise Him simply for who He is?

Thought for Today - With Jesus

''Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.'' Acts 4:13

One of my favorite verses! These men had no formal training, but simply being in the presence of Jesus gave them everything they needed to reach out to their community. The very people to whom they were witnessing were amazed at their boldness and knew its source. When people see us, do they understand from the way we live that we have ''been with Jesus''?