Proverbs 16:2 "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD."
The writer says that men always think what they are doing is innocent and will hurt no one. But God truly understands our motives. And many times our motives are not pure.
I always think I am doing what is right and honorable. Sometimes, when I take the time and sit back and reflect on what I am doing and why I am doing it I realize my intentions are not always praiseworthy. I have to ask myself questions to get at my intentions. Why am I having this conversation with this person? What am I trying to gain or get by doing this particular action? Am I always living to better myself and take from others? I think it is a good idea to take time often to sit quietly and ask God to critique ourselves.
Dear Jesus, help me to see me for who I really am. Please help me to always have pure motives. Amen.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Just Wait
2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Paul seems to be talking a lot about death here and how we are all slowly dying and are experiencing pain and hardship in this life. Paul was arrested, imprisoned, shipwrecked and often went without food and shelter all for the sake of Christ. He tells the Corinthian believers that our momentary troubles will seem insignificant compared to what God has in store for us throughout eternity.
As I read Paul and his letters and learn more about Jesus and his way, I realize I should really never complain about anything! Of all people I have little to complain about. I never experience hardship, suffering or persecution. Maybe I am doing something wrong? That's another topic...As for now I should know that no matter what I experience or go through, what is coming, what God has in store is going to be awesome!
Dear Jesus, help me to put myself in the right position to truly live for you. And help me remember what you have in store for me. Amen.
Paul seems to be talking a lot about death here and how we are all slowly dying and are experiencing pain and hardship in this life. Paul was arrested, imprisoned, shipwrecked and often went without food and shelter all for the sake of Christ. He tells the Corinthian believers that our momentary troubles will seem insignificant compared to what God has in store for us throughout eternity.
As I read Paul and his letters and learn more about Jesus and his way, I realize I should really never complain about anything! Of all people I have little to complain about. I never experience hardship, suffering or persecution. Maybe I am doing something wrong? That's another topic...As for now I should know that no matter what I experience or go through, what is coming, what God has in store is going to be awesome!
Dear Jesus, help me to put myself in the right position to truly live for you. And help me remember what you have in store for me. Amen.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Perfect Author
Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
The writer of Hebrews is encouraging the Christians to focus on Jesus and not grow weary in their pursuit of him. The writer claims that Jesus is "the author and perfecter of our faith."
My faith has to be rooted in and focused on Christ alone. He authored and created my faith and he has perfected it. He authored it as God and perfected it as the perfect man. My hope and eternal security lie in what Christ did and accomplished on the cross. My faith is not in my ability to do anything, but in what Christ has done for me.
Dear Jesus, help me to read more about the faith you authored and better live the faith you perfected. Amen.
The writer of Hebrews is encouraging the Christians to focus on Jesus and not grow weary in their pursuit of him. The writer claims that Jesus is "the author and perfecter of our faith."
My faith has to be rooted in and focused on Christ alone. He authored and created my faith and he has perfected it. He authored it as God and perfected it as the perfect man. My hope and eternal security lie in what Christ did and accomplished on the cross. My faith is not in my ability to do anything, but in what Christ has done for me.
Dear Jesus, help me to read more about the faith you authored and better live the faith you perfected. Amen.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Constructive
1 Cor. 10: 23 "Everything is permissible-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible-but not everything is constructive."
Paul is writing to the Corinthians and instructing them on what types of practices are permissible. He says that lots of things are permissible, but not everything is good for us. Paul was referring mainly to some of the dietary restrictions the Jews had before Christ. His contention now is that we are under a new covenant and things we once needed to abstain from are now permissible. Yet, that doesn't mean everything is good for us.
I have a certain amount of freedom in Christ. I do not live under the law nor am I a legalist. I do not believe that tattoos or drinking or even smoking are sins. However, these things may not be good for me. So every day I must make a decision on what is right and good and true and I must have faith in Christ to help me with these decisions. Living in grace requires much more faith than living under the law. Under the law you could just read what is right and what is wrong-not much thinking or faith required. Now we must wrestle with decisons and place our faith in Christ and believe he will honor our choices.
Dear Jesus, help me to choose what is right and good and contructive. Amen.
Paul is writing to the Corinthians and instructing them on what types of practices are permissible. He says that lots of things are permissible, but not everything is good for us. Paul was referring mainly to some of the dietary restrictions the Jews had before Christ. His contention now is that we are under a new covenant and things we once needed to abstain from are now permissible. Yet, that doesn't mean everything is good for us.
I have a certain amount of freedom in Christ. I do not live under the law nor am I a legalist. I do not believe that tattoos or drinking or even smoking are sins. However, these things may not be good for me. So every day I must make a decision on what is right and good and true and I must have faith in Christ to help me with these decisions. Living in grace requires much more faith than living under the law. Under the law you could just read what is right and what is wrong-not much thinking or faith required. Now we must wrestle with decisons and place our faith in Christ and believe he will honor our choices.
Dear Jesus, help me to choose what is right and good and contructive. Amen.
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