planning

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

– Proverbs 16:9

I am a planner.

I have lists for everything, sometimes even lists of my lists!

I am preparing to travel, so my lists right now are endless!

It is interesting to realize that as much as we plan, it is ultimately the Lord who determines our steps.

We are responsible to choose our course, and yet the Lord takes those choices and uses them for His glory.

This should sober us in choosing wisely today, yet relieve us that God is ultimately in control.

The Scripture presents a picture of our responsibility AND God’s sovereignty.

This is a work of wonder, which fills the heart with awe.

Have a blessed day! 

Praise!

He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

—Deuteronomy 10:21

He is our praise!

The God who parted the Red Sea and supplied manna to the Israelites in the wilderness is also the God who did the most amazing miracles in us — He has turned our selfish hearts to do His will and turned our lives to do His eternal work in the world.

Then, after doing those things in us, He has gifted us and empowered us to do those things He has placed in our hearts.

He is our praise, the One we worship and the One who makes us worthy worshipers!

Have a blessed day!

Accountability

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

– Romans 14:10-12

We need to examine our life in the light of what will pass God’s judgment on that final day.

We have been given a way to measure our life to determine if it is productive or not.

How will your day change if you know that you will give an account to God?

How will it affect your work?

Your family time?

Remember that we live for an audience of One, for it is God’s opinion that ultimately matters in the end.

Have a blessed day! 

Circles

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

—Proverbs 10:17

God has given each of us a circle of influence, a place where our lives impact others for either good or ill.

In much the same way, each of us is also influenced by others, some of whom can help us see and overcome our problems and shortcomings.

However, if we reject or snub discipline and correction, we not only harm ourselves, but we lead others astray.

The choices we make don't determine just our destination; they also greatly impact others!

Who is in your circle?

Have a blessed day! 

Bite your tongue!

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

—Proverbs 10:19

We are constantly filling our world with noise.

If it is not the sound of our own voices, then turn up some other noise to fill the silence.

I am guilty of having music in my ears quite often.

With the proliferation of radio talk shows, we are even given the opportunity to sound off to that noise.

Unfortunately, quite often we say things that are harmful, hurtful, or foolish.

God's wisdom reminds us to learn to hold our tongue and let silence rule over more of our time rather than the noisy words that so often clutter our world.

Have a blessed day!

Clean hearts

If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.

—Ecclesiastes 10:18

I spent the weekend cleaning house, and I am exhausted!

I feel like part of me thinks, that I will keep the house spotless now, it should be easy, since it’s just two of us living there . . .

I can remember fussing at my kids about cleaning their rooms, picking up laundry, doing chores.

Then I get lazy.

Laziness is not just an attitude, it is a lack of action.

It is a choice to let important matters suffer neglect.

Trying to explain that if they don’t pick up their dirty clothes, they don’t get washed, they have nothing clean to wear the following week.

Or not doing dishes means the kitchen stinks and there isn’t silverware when it is time to eat.

It works this way in our spirits too!

If we don’t keep things clean and pure, positive and uplifting in our hearts, then our hearts get just as dirty and dusty.

And once the dirt starts to accumulate, we get lazy about wanting to work hard to keep it clean.

While the results of this choice may not always be evident, over the passage of time, the basic results of idleness are borne out by the accumulating signs of decay and destruction.

I need to go clean some more  . . .

Have a blessed day! 

Popularity contest?

He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering.

– 1 Samuel 13:8-9

One of the recurring faults of Saul’s leadership was his fear of what others thought of him.

Saul was threatened by David, he was anxious about the Philistines, and he was governed by the crowds.

This caused Saul to prematurely offer a sacrifice, which only the priest could do.

The fear of man is a snare and will cause leaders at any level to cross boundaries and do things that they should never do, I think we are seeing a lot of that in this election season.

Every leader faces this challenge.

Every person faces it as well – you see it everywhere – in schools, in workplaces and sadly, even in churches.

Popularity seems to be key, but in reality, we need to look to the Lord.

Are we tossed back and forth by the whimsy of popularity, or are we rooted in who God has made us to be?

Have a blessed day!

How do you choose your path?

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

– Proverbs 14:12

So many times we hear that we have to choose the right path, but we may not understand why it matters what path we take.

It is important that we base our plans for the future upon what God values and not just on what we (or others) think is right.

Instead of trying to determine what we think is the best path, take some time and seek after the wisdom of God in Scripture.

You may find that the extra time that you spend in the planning stage is FAR less than the time you spend dealing with any disastrous results at the end.

Have a blessed day! 

drama? no, thanks.

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

—Proverbs 10:8

It's easy to give our opinion – regardless of whether others want it.

It's kind of fun to "put in our two cents worth."

I think some people do this just to see what kind of trouble or drama they can stir up.

It's easy to "talk the talk" and tell people exactly what we think, or worse, what we think they want to hear.

Unfortunately, however, our talk can often be a way to keep us insulated from the obedience God desires.

Sometimes, it is better to just sit back and listen.

Sometimes the drama unfolding does not require our input.

No matter our age or experience, if we are wise, we will accept the righteous commands of God!

Have a blessed day! 

Fall planting

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

—Hosea 10:12

What a beautiful challenge!

It was just last week that I mentioned “we reap what we sow”, so why not sow seeds of happiness, kindness, hearts full of Jesus?

Even more beautiful is the promise that God will help us break up the unplowed ground in our hearts as we seek him.

He will pour out His blessings and His righteousness on us as we pursue His righteousness.

I am going to start planting today, are you?

Have a blessed day! 

temptation

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

—1 Corinthians 10:13

Most people who know me, know that I have struggled with my weight my whole life.

I have been super fat, I have been super skinny and I have been that happy medium.

My biggest challenge? Temptation.  I cannot stay away from milk chocolate and unhealthy snacks and there are no “healthy portions” in my world.

But, I carry on each day, working to lose the weight I have gained or to maintain the happy medium.

In the face of temptation, God has promised us two things: (1) a way out, and (2) the power to stand up under trial.

Can we truly believe this?

Yes, of course, because Jesus demonstrated this power, God promised us this power, and we can look at brothers and sisters in Christ who have triumphed by this power!

However, we must not think that the way out means that we are not going to face challenges, hardships, or difficulties.

Any one of us that have faced any type of struggle – weight, addiction, illness – we know that we have to face the stormy days.

Character is produced by both refusing to give into the temptation and also refusing to give up during the challenges we face for remaining faithful.

God will provide us a way out, but He is also interested in developing our holy character.

Where the balance is between the two is God's work.

Whether we choose to remain faithful is our work.

Have a blessed day! 

During the storm

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

– Psalm 134:1-2

Song Reference!!!

I’ll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I’ve cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

Although my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

This Psalm and song of praise reminds us that worshiping God is the right posture in all circumstances at all times.

How often do we thank God when we are in the middle of a struggle?

Praising God will renew our perspectives and bring light into a darkened soul.

This kind of praise is not based upon feelings or moods; it is an intelligent response to the realities of life.

Praise can lead us through difficulties, humble us in victories, and empower us when we feel weak.

Let praise be your compass and watch how much better you can navigate the path before you.

Have a blessed day!

Fill your heart

“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

– Daniel 12:13

I am not afraid to die, I know that when I die it will be a glorious reunion.

But I keep my calendar so full, too full and I wonder what happens if I get to the end of my life and there are still many things left undone?

Daniel felt this way during a heavenly vision, but the angel of the LORD assured Daniel that he was not responsible for the things to come.

Daniel’s priority was to be faithful with what was in front of him.

Our reward is not based upon how much activity we have done, but how we have been faithful to what God has set before us.

I will continue to fill my calendar – but will be more careful to fill my heart.

Have a blessed day! 

which do you chose?

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

—Proverbs 10:6

Jesus told Peter, "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword."

Violence begets violence and rarely does a violent person not have to taste the bitter repayment of violence.

God's Wise Man is saying essentially the same thing in this verse, but with one key addition.

Blessings come to the person who is righteous.

We reap what we sow!

Have a blessed day! 

connecting

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. “He Himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

– 1 Peter 2:23-25

If anyone could have fought the injustice that was thrust upon him, it was Jesus.

Yet that was not what Jesus came to the earth to do.

He came to reveal how a holy and perfect God could still love His rebellious creation.

Jesus did this by willingly giving His life in our place to restore us to God.

In other words, Jesus did not resist the pain of a sinful world -  He took our sin so that you and I have the tools to resist the temptations that assail us every day.

How? By connecting US to the Shepherd of our soul.

Have a blessed day! 

Alone

For we live by faith, not by sight.

– 2 Corinthians 5:7

Sometimes, I feel alone.

Even if I am surrounded by people, I can still feel completely, totally, utterly alone.

We all have times when we feel alone and of no value to ourselves or those around us.

In reality the Holy Spirit is all around us, yet our earthly limitations blur our ability to see the heavenly realm.

This is where faith comes into play as a powerful tool.

We can either be ruled by our inability to see the invisible God, or we can believe the good news that God is with us and guiding our lives.

Our choice will have a profound impact on how we view circumstances around us.

I know what my choice is.

Have a blessed day! 

IF

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."

—Mark 9:23

A desperate father comes to Jesus with a request for help and says, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help."

IF there is anything Jesus can do to help?

IF?

IF!

Jesus tells the desperate father that everything is possible for the person who believes.

We believe that God can bring healing.

We believe that our Father in heaven will act for our best eternal good and the eternal best good of our loved ones in need.

We believe, so we ask in faith with a commitment like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

These three friends believed that God could spare them from the fiery furnace and confidently told King Nebuchadnezzar, "We serve a God who is able to deliver us, but even if
He does not, we will not worship other gods who are false!" (Daniel 3:16-18)

There is no “IF”, there is only God.

Have a blessed day!

Words hurt

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

– Colossians 3:21

“You never do anything right!”  I heard this a lot growing up.

I wish that someone had told my parents and teachers not to say things that hurt.

Words can and do wound deeply.

This is an important reminder…for in our quest to make life run smoothly, we can become so demanding that we drive our children away from us.

Children need their fathers (and mothers) to give instruction and protection, but at a pace that kids can handle.

Don’t sacrifice your child’s sense of worth on the altar of expectations that may not be realistic.

Have a blessed day! 

Fame and fortune or knowledge and instruction?

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

– Proverbs 8:10-11

If we are given a choice between instant fame and a path of long and hard work, most would choose instant fame.

We are dazzled by the sparkle of fame and wealth, but do we see knowledge and instruction in this light?

We are so excited by the thought of stardom and as a result we can’t see the wisdom that stands at the crossroads of our soul.

Yet godly wisdom is greater than any earthly wealth, for this kind of knowledge will heal and restore the damage of bad decisions that warp our perceptions.

So choose and pursue this kind of instruction, because there is nothing that compares to it…nothing.

Have a blessed day! 

I love to tell the story

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.

– Psalm 66:16

Every one of us has a story and there is power in our stories.

The account of a changed life can give a weary heart hope, it can mend a broken heart and fill an empty spirit.

You may think that you don’t know the Bible well enough, but you know that we overcome the enemy by the blood of Jesus who forgives our sins.

The power of our story and not shrinking back from telling that story is what makes the enemy fade.

Being a witness is not being an expert; it is telling others what you have seen, felt and heard.

We can all do that.

Have a blessed day! 

Be kind to each other

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

– Ephesians 4:2-3

I find it interesting how many times things are repeated in the Bible.

It is like “someone” is trying to get a point across or something!

For real!!  Here is another verse that tells us that we need to be more interested in building each other up than tearing each other apart.

It is easy to be critical, but when we bear with others we enter into their story and the little things that cause them to act the way that they do.

This is an opportunity for the church to be counter-culture to the world around us.

We should try to value others for who they are and not simply for what they can do.

Have a blessed day!