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The Intersection of Culture and Faith
“Don’t rock the boat.” “Be seen, not heard.” Do you agree or disagree in regard to sharing your Christian beliefs and...
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What Makes My Heart Sing
Of all the ways that God is described, FORGIVING, is one of God’s character traits that I most appreciate. It’s His character trait that makes my heart sing. Why? Maybe because I’m so mindful of my sins. Maybe because no matter my intent, no matter how hard I try, I fail every day. Maybe because I’m aware of those who aren’t forgiving; who pridefully stand in judgement of the one who sins and points out the error of their ways. I’m blessed to have a husband who reflects Jesus’s heart of love and forgiveness. But, I know some wives and husbands who don’t forgive. There are some parents and children who don’t forgive. Some friends don’t forgive. First John 1:9 states it, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to FORGIVE us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That is good news to which we can cling. And, it’s an example He tells us to follow.
Lord Jesus, thank You for FORGIVING us. We pray we not take Your forgiveness lightly, but rather, commit to live more fully for You.
Is Your View of God Accurate
Some people have a wrong view of God. They say accuse Him of not being tolerant. However, our faith is based on the tolerance* or forbearance of God. Romans 3:25b-26 says, “…in the FORBEARANCE of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” It’s not that God is tolerant of sin. Rather, sin is so “intolerable” to God that He sent Jesus to die for our sins; so we could be made new and empowered to overcome sin. God “passed over” or “paid for” sins that had been committed and would be committed. Our forbearing Lord is just. Our forbearing Lord is the justifier (just as if I’d never sinned) of the one who places their faith in Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forbearance, for bearing with us and justifying us so we can stand before You as if we’d never sinned. Amazing!
*”Forbearance,” http://www.blueletterbible.org
Why Doesn’t Your Skin Fit Your Face
Tammy, age 4, was with her mother when they met an elderly woman. Tammy looked at the older woman’s wrinkled face and asked, “Why doesn’t your skin fit your face?” While we may laugh at the child’s innocent question, we can understand why she might ask such a question. No doubt, her mother had explained when trying on different size clothing that if they sagged, they didn’t fit. The woman’s saggy skin didn’t appear to fit her face. The Bible speaks of things as fitting or not fitting a Christian. Ephesians 5:1 and 4 say our character needs to fit Christ’s character. We’re to imitate God and walk in love. Immorality, impurity, greed, filthiness, silly talk, and coarse jesting don’t fit a Christian. How can we be sure our thoughts and actions fit Christ’s? We can check ourselves in the mirror of the Bible. We can change to fitting behavior if we’re sagging in sin.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us Christ’s righteousness to wear. Remind us to daily wear it, not our old saggy sins.
Who is For You in the Game of Life
“Which team are you for?” “Which candidate are you for?” We often talk about who we’re for. But have you ever thought about who is for you? It’s a good question. Who is for you? Are you blessed to have a friend or family member who is there for you? But, what if you don’t, and you daily fight the loneliness and sadness of getting through each day on your own? God has an important message for us in Romans 8:31. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is FOR US, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over FOR US ALL…” GOD is FOR YOU. Not only is He not against us, the fact that He’s FOR US is amazing! Say it out loud. “God is for me. He is for me.” God is in the game of our life…saving our souls. Rescuing us. Making a place for us in heaven. Righting our wrongs. Extending grace. Wiping away our tears. Interceding for us. Guarding us. How much is He for us? A tiny bit? A big amount? The Father and Son are so for us they rescued our souls from Satan’s dominion by Jesus switching places with us on the cross. The next time we’re tempted to feel sorry for ourselves or Satan whispers, “you’re doing life all alone,” answer back loud and clear, “Wrong! God is with me and FOR ME.” Then, in genuine gratitude, thank the Heavenly Father and Son.
Heavenly Father, Precious Savior, thank You for being FOR US. We praise You, thank You, and pray our lives reflect our gratitude.
Light in the Darkness
Are you going through a dark time physically, emotionally, or spiritually? It can happen to even the most dedicated follower of Christ. What should we do in the midst of trials, temptations, and despair? Turn to God, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness would love nothing more than for us to stumble and fall in the darkness. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Regarding this verse, Charles Ryrie notes, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumbling in the shifting shadows of our culture’s ever-increasing darkness, believers can walk by the FATHER OF LIGHTS’ moral, physical, intellectual, and spiritual illumination.
Father of Lights, illumine our spirit with the Light of Your Spirit so we live as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.
Dear friends, God connected us through our 365 Days of Praise, Beyond Ourselves podcasts, Bible studies, and conferences. Now, we have 3 new venues for spreading God’s Word and Love: “Something to Think About” Instagram stories, UpLIFT radio, and a Prayer Wall. We’re excited to invite you to join us in what God is doing through your generous donation of any amount.
GIFT IT FORWARD – “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”
Instagram stories are reaching people in innovative ways. We’re dedicated to using it as a platform for Christ. “Something to Think About” are 60 second videos that invite people to think about Biblical truth as it relates to their daily life.
GIFT IT FORWARD – UpLIFT RADIO
People listen to the radio in their cars and homes. Our new 60 second UpLIFT Radio spots being developed are designed to encourage and inspire listeners with Biblical truth and God’s love. With your gift, we’ll be able to expand our reach to new listeners.
GIFT IT FORWARD – PRAYER WALL
If there was ever a time people need prayer, it’s now. But not everyone is plugged into a prayer group or has someone they can call for prayer. Our new Prayer Wall that we want to add to our website will allow people to post a prayer and know that someone is praying for them.
Thank YOU for Helping us reach others
*Charles Ryrie, the Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition, New American Standard Bible 1995 Update, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, page 1969.
Is Your Warning Signal On or Off
Beep Beep. Driving down the highway, my car signaled a warning to me that I had veered from the center of the lane. I love the beeping feature on my car. What’s interesting though, is I can turn it off. Why would a driver not welcome an alert? Because if they’re veering regularly, that beep can become annoying. When a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit becomes a warning signal in our spirit. We can either welcome His alerts or stop them by choosing to not read our Bibles or pray. What if we crash and want to get back in the center lane of His will? We can pray, ask forgiveness, and read the Bible. We can ask Him to be our guide. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit.” In other words, walk by God’s prompts and alerts.
Heavenly Father, thank You for “overs” as we learn how to go through our day paying attention to; not ignoring, the warnings of the Holy Spirit. Our heart’s desire is to stay in the center lane of Your will. Teach us. Help us!
Where Can I Go from God
I was in high school when Psalm 139:7-10 first caught my attention. The words were so beautiful that I picked up my guitar and wrote music to accompany them. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.” What comfort it is to know that wherever we go, God’s Spirit will be there and His hand will lead us. Which of the verses are your favorite? Which provide you the most comfort? What does it mean to you that God is everywhere and His hand will lead you?
Lord God, we praise You that You are EVERYWHERE, and there is no place we can be apart from Your presence. Thank You.
Friends, God connected us through our 365 Days of Praise, Beyond Ourselves podcasts, Bible studies, and conferences. Now, we have 3 new venues for spreading God’s Word and Love: “Something to Think About” Instagram stories, UpLIFT radio, and a Prayer Wall. We’re excited to invite you to join us in what God is doing through your generous donation of any amount.
GIFT IT FORWARD – “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”
Instagram stories are reaching people in innovative ways. We’re dedicated to using it as a platform for Christ. “Something to Think About” are 60 second videos that invite people to think about Biblical truth as it relates to their daily life.
GIFT IT FORWARD – UpLIFT RADIO
People listen to the radio in their cars and homes. Our new 60 second UpLIFT Radio spots being developed are designed to encourage and inspire listeners with Biblical truth and God’s love. With your gift, we’ll be able to expand our reach to new listeners.
GIFT IT FORWARD – PRAYER WALL
If there was ever a time people need prayer, it’s now. But not everyone is plugged into a prayer group or has someone they can call for prayer. Our new Prayer Wall that we want to add to our website will allow people to post a prayer and know that someone is praying for them.
Thank YOU for Helping us REACH Others
Are You Worried About the END
Do you ever worry about the end? True, our day comes to an end. Our weekend comes to an end. Vacations end. Time with loved ones ends. But, we need not worry because there’s one thing that never ends: God. Psalm 90:2 states, “Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” God has no end. He is EVERLASTING. He will exist no matter what happens to the earth and world. If you’re feeling a sense of loss or loneliness; or if it feels like everything in our world is changing too quickly, you have a reason to praise. God is EVERLASTING. He will never end. His presence will be with you.
Lord, You are the EVERLASTING GOD! We rejoice and rest in You.
Dear friends, God connected us through our 365 Days of Praise, Beyond Ourselves podcasts, Bible studies, and conferences. Now, we have 3 new venues for spreading God’s Word and Love: “Something to Think About” Instagram stories, UpLIFT radio, and a Prayer Wall. We’re excited to invite you to join us in what God is doing through your generous donation of any amount.
GIFT IT FORWARD – “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”
Instagram stories are reaching people in innovative ways. We’re dedicated to using it as a platform for Christ. “Something to Think About” are 60 second videos that invite people to think about Biblical truth as it relates to their daily life.
GIFT IT FORWARD – UpLIFT RADIO
People listen to the radio in their cars and homes. Our new 60 second UpLIFT Radio spots being developed are designed to encourage and inspire listeners with Biblical truth and God’s love. With your gift, we’ll be able to expand our reach to new listeners.
GIFT IT FORWARD – PRAYER WALL
If there was ever a time people need prayer, it’s now. But not everyone is plugged into a prayer group or has someone they can call for prayer. Our new Prayer Wall that we want to add to our website will allow people to post a prayer and know that someone is praying for them.
I Can’t or I Can
“I can’t do it!” Have you ever felt that way? Maybe you feel that way about your job or ministry. Maybe you know what you need to do as a parent, but don’t have the energy and stamina, so you say, “I can’t.” Perhaps you feel you “can’t” be the Christian that God desires you to be. If you feel that way, you’re not alone. I wish I had a penny for every time I’ve felt inadequate for a task. But, the wonderful thing is, Hebrews 13:20-21 assures us that God is able. “Now the God of peace, … equip you in every good thing to do His will…” We can say along with Paul, “not that I am adequate in myself, but my adequacy comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping us do every good thing to which You call us through Christ in us. We love and praise You.