Today's Thoughts

If you haven't already done so, you might want to check out the free Bible app, You Version. Over a million people have downloaded the app. You can also find it online at bible.com.

I recently began checking out the site because I found out that they have Bible plans that you can sign up for. They will send you daily reminders, if you wish. I signed up for the Seven Mile Miracle Easter Devotion.

While reading today, this quote stuck with me --

"It was impossible for Jesus to save Himself if He was going to save us."

This is so true. Jesus could have taken away the pain, shame, suffering, and loss, but he endured it for us.

What I'm Reading: Psalm 40

"I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3

No matter what you're going through, God is there with you. Through good times and bad, let Him be your comfort.

We all have difficult times. You are not the only one. Through these times, it is important to lean on Him and remind yourself of His goodness.

"You are For Me" by Kari Jobe and "Never Once" by Matt Redman have been tremendous helps to me. I hope you'll listen and find hope as well.

Called a Christian?

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. ~Acts 11:26

Jesus followers did not name themselves Christians. They were named by the others who saw their lives lived out each day. What if this were the same today? Is Christian simply a title you give yourself because that is how you want to be identified or could people call you a Christian by looking at your life?

Thought for Today

It helps to remember this verse when being tempted. No temptation is strong enough that we can't walk away from it.

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
~I Corinthians 10:13

Happy Veteran's Day!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 33:12

Thought for Today

The Christian life is not a way "out" but a way "through" life.

Rev. Billy Graham

God Uses Ordinary People

You don't have to be a celebrity to be used by God. Even if you aren't beautiful or smart, don't have a good job, didn't go to college, and can hardly read, God can still use you.

Just look at David. He was a shepherd. The prophet came to David's house to ask his dad for a king. No one thought to bring out David because he was just a simple shepherd.

1 Samuel 16
Samuel Anoints David
1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long
will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
2 But Samuel said, "How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me."
The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate."
4 Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?"
5 Samuel replied, "Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me."
Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel,
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."
12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Money Trees, Plaques, and Windows

We visited a new church last night. It was a mixture of mostly traditional with a bit of contemporary mixed in. I was thankful that the pastor wasn't wearing a suit and tie and that the people were dressed modestly, yet casual.

There were stained glass windows in the auditorium. They weren't even outside windows. They were there for decoration with a light behind them. I guess these were just for looks. At the bottom of each window was someone's name. The names were actually a part of the window and not on a plaque.

Churches are full of these kinds of things - money trees, bricks, stained glass windows, plaques - all with names of recognition for good deeds. I want to remind us of Jesus said. This is from Matthew 6:1-4.

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Let's be careful not to get caught up in praise and recognition for the things we've done. It is easy to get wrapped up into these things.

Cultivate Joy

Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2

Serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13b

Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. I Peter 4:10

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy. Psalm 116:11a

Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11

Thoughts for Today

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)