Beyond Ourselves

Have you ever worked hard for what you thought was for Christ but you experienced little joy? As a matter of fact, you felt agitated as you worked? If and when that happens, it helps to step back and consider if what we’re doing is a mission Christ assigned to us and we’re relying on His wisdom and power, or if it’s an activity we decided was a good idea and we’re pushing through in our own strength. Why is this important? Colossians 1:18 explains that Christ is “head of the body, the church…so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” In other words, if it is not Christ’s idea then it’s not a good idea and will not be empowered by Him. Why? As a body is lifeless without its head, so we the church are lifeless apart from Christ. We may do what we consider to be important, but if it is done apart from Christ’s calling and Spirit it is merely human effort. Therefore, it is important for us to continually seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) so that both our individual and corporate actions flow from Christ’s mind and are done in His power. When we do the work Christ assigns us it may be challenging and difficult, but we will also experience Christ’s joy. Matthew 25:23

Lord Jesus, we praise You, HEAD OF THE CHURCH and life of the body of believers. May our words and actions be an extension of Your heart, strength, and power. 

Are you hurting, struggling, or stressed? If so, are you crying out to God? That’s what David models for us to do. Psalm 86:10 records his words,  “You are GREAT and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.” His words are not mindlessly spoken. Rather, they are heartfelt and spoken in the midst of his afflictions and needs. When David says, “You are great and do wondrous deeds,” he is professing his trust in God’s GREATNESS. He is looking at the heavens and saying, “You alone are God. I know nothing is too difficult for You. I know You can help, so do!”  Today, we can re-affirm our faith in God’s GREATNESS. We can pray the words David prayed.  Join me in praying for our nation to turn to God during this time of national crisis and that His will be accomplished. Pray for the needs on your heart. Believe that your great God hears you. Walk out your belief with a hopeful heart. He does hear you and He loves you so very much.

Heavenly Father, we believe in Your greatness. We know You see us and hear our prayers. Please forgive our sins, for ways we have strayed from faithfully loving You and following You.  Show us the way You want us to walk. Increase our hunger to daily study the Bible so we walk in Your will. We love You.

Christ Jesus, You are the GOOD SHEPHERD who laid down Your life for us. We love You and praise You! 

Have you ever had a “bad taste in your mouth” after experiencing something unpleasant? Many today would say, “yes.” Many are going through life with a “bad taste” in their mouth. They’re “fed up” with the news. They can’t “stomach” another …..whatever.  That’s where followers of Christ come in. Second Timothy 2:21 describes believers as vessels. As Christ’s vessel, we have the opportunity to “serve” the Lord’s love and Word to those who are spiritually hungry. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is GOOD; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Many are starving for some good in their lives. Will you serve Christ’s goodness, mercy, and love to them?  If you’re not sure how, Discovering His Passion will show you how Christ engaged people in spiritual conversations and how you can, too. Believe – Know Jesus as Savior is a link you can share in an email or text. God is GOOD. Let’s share the good news of His GOODNESS with others.

LORD, You are GOOD! Help us be available vessels who share Your WORD and LOVE with others.     

Have you ever thought about how God is a God of “order”? If not, consider how God’s order is pointed out in Jeremiah 31:35. “‘Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed ORDER of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The Lord of hosts is His name.’” God is a God of order. He created order in the universe. He created order for our days, nights, and seasons. He created order in protons, neutrons, and electrons making up atoms. And of protons and neutrons being made of three quarks each.  If you’re struggling to have order in your days, weeks, and years or order in your family, business, or ministry, call on God. Ask Him for wisdom on how to better order your life, family, days, and weeks. Begin each day with a prayer to the God of Order then walk in His counsel.

Heavenly Father, You are a GOD OF ORDER. Please order our days so we live faithful, full lives that bring You honor.