Thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5 We cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to obedience of Christ.

Loving Father, According to your word I choose my thoughts and must filter them against what you have written.  In my mind’s eye I view each thing that comes to mind and must thrust out, in Jesus name, each idea that is opposed to the knowledge of You! The only way to know what is against you is to spend time in your word and seek your presence in my life. You are the reason for my very being! I will praise you at all times for I know that dark and light cannot live in the same space. I have learned, when I praise you, darkness is cast out of my thoughts and I am able to cast down all the imaginations of thought that is not in line with your thinking. I am able to share your love more easily with those whom I come in contact. I thank you that your word has so many different praises with which I can praise on days I am not able to find my own. You are the God of might and glory. There is none like you. Your greatness surrounds me with majesty, wonder, and light. These are your thoughts and the thoughts that you draw me into which cast out rebellious thoughts and proud obstacles that bar me from loving you and others. Thank you for taking the knowledge of you from my head to my emotions/heart. 

Reflection: What thoughts have I allowed past the filter in my mind which is disallowing God to be the full focus of my life? What beliefs am I holding that fuel ungodly passions in my life? Why have I not removed these strongholds of self-doubt, pride, fear, and distrust?

The challenge for today: Invite the God of the universe to work to filter thoughts through the viewpoint of praise.    

Comment: All the thoughts that come into our heads are to be checked and either kept or rejected by the filter of the truth of God’s character of love.

Additional verses:  Psalm 22:26 (NLT); Psalm 150; James 1:17; Acts 26:18

Selflessness

1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek his own satisfaction, but look to the welfare of others.

Loving Father, This verse flies in the face of everything our culture stands for. The primary thought is to have more, be first, it is all about me, no matter who I hurt.  Please forgive me for buying into any of these myths. You showed your thought of my welfare first in sending your only son to pay for my sin, in a word selfishness. The sin problem was already in the universe so you created our world to be the showcase of what happens when self-seeking abounds. It is where the universe gets to watch the principles of love be trampled under the feet of me first. Christ was not self seeking, did not demand his “rights,” or request to be in charge. He left the adulation of angels in heaven knowing the abuse he would suffer by those claiming to serve you. Yet to put an end to sin, Jesus had to become a human, showing all, it is possible to live the principle of love. In Your kingdom of love I am to desire to be of assistance for those around me, helping whomever I can. How can I say I love you, who I have not seen, if I can not love those around me who I see all the time? Thank you for teaching me to look for the wellbeing of others.

Reflection: What areas of my life do I need to clear selfishness?  Who do I know that would benefit from my looking to their needs?

The challenge for today: Assess who might need help and provide it. 

  

Comment:  Put the needs of others well-being of others first.

Additional verses:  Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 12:7-9; Hebrews 9:26; Romans 8:3; Philippians 2:7; 1 John 4:20

Restored

Job 42:10    After Job Prayed for his friends, The Lord stopped Job’s distress and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Loving Father, It is interesting to me that Job prayed for his tormentors, otherwise known as friends, before you restored him and his fortune.  I know Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us, but this is not always easy. For many days Job withstood the rebukes of his friends, who distorted his character and yours. But Job turned to you and you rewarded him for his faithfulness. You even tell his friends to seek Job’s prayers for their forgiveness. Lord, I want to be like Job who is an early example of Christ and the suffering he would bear for us. When I view my challenges through the filter of Job and Jesus, I realize I have so little to complain about. Even the trials are not hard to contend with when looked at through the reality that it could be worse. Death for Christ was a release from the struggles and trials of this world. He moved into a new and much better reality. The glory of what is to come is spoken of so often for those who overcome the tests this world puts before me. I look forward, holding on to the promise that you are with me everywhere I go.

Reflection: Are there people in my life that I should be praying for who I feel have wronged me or your name? From whom do I need to ask forgiveness? How does viewing the lives of Job and Jesus help my perspective when dealing with trials?  

The challenge for today: Forgive and pray for an offender who sought forgiveness.  

Comment:  God restored when Job prayed for his tormentors.

Additional verses:  Matthew 5:43-44; Luke 6:35; Job 42:7-9; Hebrews 13:5  

Greedy Hearts

Isaiah 33:31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.

Loving Father, Forgive us for taking your name in vain. When we take the name of Christ, it is you who is to be honored and receive the glory. Jesus’ commandment is the command to love as he loved. This is self-sacrificing love, one hard for us to understand, yet it is not without boundaries. Jesus invited all who wanted to follow to come, but he did not try to chase down or convince those who walked away. He allowed them to go. Jesus’ rebukes were for those who claimed to be your children, most often the Pharisees, the religious leaders of his time. They had the rules and regulations they followed meticulously, forced others to try the same. They were full of greed, using the temple services for unjust gain.  Their hearts were cold to the need of others. It was more important to be “correct” than merciful. If they had studied your word with open hearts, they would have found the places where you “desire mercy over sacrifice.” My heart is saddened as I see people who claim to be followers of yours, even leaders, who use your Son for gain.  The pendulum has swung to where anything seems to go and yet the love for others is cold. Churches live in their own little worlds not involved with each other, especially if the understanding of who you are makes them “right.” My heart cry is that you teach us to love as you love, to live for you remembering the craving for money is the beginning of sin. Please check my heart for anything that is out of line with yours.

Reflection: Why is money so deceptive?  How can the desire for gain overshadow love for others? What can be done to make sure I don’t fall into the greed trap?

The challenge for today: Honestly assess where money is being spent. Use this guide to check how money is being used to help others.   

Comment: Love is lost when greed takes hold. 

Get Up!

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falls seven times, yet rises up again: but the wicked will fall into trouble.  

Loving Father, Sometimes it seems so challenging to get up after mistakes and problems! Your word calls your children to make the choice to get up and start again. Thank you for helping me identify areas I need to work through, facing the difficulties in my life. Some of them are from other peoples’ choices, some from choices I have made. In the long run, I desire to learn from each one to gain a closer walk with you. You encourage me to keep my eyes looking at the God of salvation so I won’t be afraid. I pray for your abiding peace through the storms of life, the calm assurance that though times get rough, you are bigger than the biggest challenge I may ever face. Lord, you are my strength and my shield, and ever present help in trouble.  I am able to get up again for I know that nothing is too hard for you. You reward the faithfulness, shown in the little choices, by giving greater challenges to face. Thank you for the calm places in my life where I can thank you with depth of feeling for the tranquil time. Thank you for the giant waves in my life, for I find that is where I grow the most. You are the God of wonder, might, and glory. Thank you for encouraging me to get up again when I have failed!

Reflection:  Why are those who follow God able to get up when tragedy happens? How does knowing a loving Father who wants our best help process painful times or major mistakes?

The challenge for today: Review life events to see if there is a place that needs to be picked up. 

    

Comment: Sinners find more trouble as they sin, but when believers make mistakes they accept forgiveness and move forward.

Additional verses:  Isaiah 12:2; Matthew 28:5; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 46:1

Getting Through

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not drown you: when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flame will not ignite on you.

Loving Father,It is a gift to know that when we are in the rivers or fires of life, you are there with us. You don’t promise to take us out of the challenges we face; you do promise to help us through them. Thank you for being the same God who brought the children of Israel through the red sea; the one who walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the midst of their fire. You rarely work the same way twice, Father, but I know you are a God to be trusted!There have been many times in my life where I could not see your leading. I have wandered in the wilderness of doubt, lost loved ones, and gone without. But you, Lord, have been there through it all with me. I like Paul am learning to be content in all situations. There is nothing too hard for me when you are with me. You inspire me to live a more connected deeper life with you. Thank you for sheltering me in the shadow of your wing. 

Reflection: What specific protection can I thank God for right now? How does remembering the times he has been with me through the water and fire give me courage when facing new challenges? 

The challenge for today: Recount the places God has helped in tough times.

   

Comment:  The challenges you face are not bigger than God!

Additional verses:: Exodus 14:29; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 3:17-18; Philippians 4:11; Philippians 4:13; Psalms 91 

Sing!

Psalm 13:6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he dealt bountifully with me.

Loving Father, You are worthy of my praise because you are a God who deals abundantly with your children.  My heart is fixed, unchanging toward you. I will sing with praise in my heart. I will sing and praise you because I will not be able to sing when I am dead. I look to encourage others by singing all the styles of music you have provided, making melody in my heart to you, my Lord and my God.  When I am happy I will lift my voice in song and make a joyful noise to the God of my salvation. I am practicing my Father to sing a new song to you. I want to be a part of the choir that sings the song of Moses when we arrive in Heaven. My greatest joy is to sing a joyful song to the creator of all that I know, including the majestic heavens above me. Great and marvelous are your works will be the theme of my song to you forever.

Reflection: What is it about music that can lift the soul and draw us into worship? How can I help others to find a voice to praise you? In what way is praise very different from thankfulness?

The challenge for today:  Sing without worrying who is listening!  

Comment: Praise God in song for his generous dealing with us.

Additional verses:   Psalm 57:7; Isaiah 38:18; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13; Revelation 15:3 

Joyful Noise

Psalms 66:1-4 Make a joyful noise to God, all you lands: Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.  Say to God, “How terrible are you in your works! Through the greatness of your power your enemies will submit themselves to you.  All the earth will worship you, and will sing unto you; they will sing to your name!”

Loving Father, When I see the heavens universe through the pictures telescopes share, I am in awe of you! There is reason to make a joyful noise to you, Oh Lord! All of nature sings to you! Your glory and beauty is displayed in the galaxies flung in space. How can I be silent when the majesty of heaven fills the night sky? Even with the naked eye the stars shine in defiance to modern man’s attempt to explain the unexplainable.  I will sing for joy in your presence, shout with gladness for all you have done! You are able to take care of all that we fear. To live in the glory of your presence is to walk in light and life. There is coming a time very soon where the whole world will worship you and sing to your beautiful name the name of Jesus. For at that name every knee will bow and tongue confess that he is Lord! Father, Praise be to the beauty of your plan for your earthly children!

Reflection: Why is praising the Lord so often mixed with the laments of the Psalms? How does praising God’s name lift him up? Are there others about me that need to hear me praise his name?  How am I making a joyful noise unto the Lord?

The challenge for today:  Make a joyful noise for the Lord!  

Comment:  We are called to Praise the name of the Lord with joyful noise and song.

Additional verses: Psalm 19:1; 1 Chronicles 16:33; Psalm 5:11; Revelation 15:3; Philippians 2:11;  Romans 14:11

Choose

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Loving Father, It is so easy for me to look at the children of Israel as a group of people who were willfully disobedient. Yet, I know in my own life it is easy to drift and go with what is common culture, even when my inner soul knows it is not how you call me to live.  There are so many influences pulling at my life. Television, radio, movies, and just being with other people, these all influence my thinking as to what is right and wrong. The balance is in Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship. Each choice I engage either draws me into a closer relationship with you or pulling me farther away from my relationship with you. Joshua, like Moses, is very clear with the children of Israel that they needed to make a choice. He chose to follow you. My life is an accumulation of the choices I have made. Each choice started with a thought I chose to keep or reject. Thank you for being the God in my head, reminding me the good to choose. I pray to hear your still small voice calling me to a closer walk with you.

Reflection: In what ways has popular culture influenced your life? How does media influence the choices you make? What do you need to do to protect yourself from cultural values that are counter to God’s kingdom values? What are today’s idols?

The challenge for today:    Choose to be counter culture and serve the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Comment:  Life is a choice, choose it wisely

Additional verses: 1 Peter 4:3; Deuteronomy 30:19; Proverbs 1:29; Isaiah 7:15; John 7:17; James 4:4  

Wickedness

Isaiah 1:4-5 Ah sinful nation, a people burdened with evil, offspring of evildoers, children that are dishonest: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger, they moved backward. Why should you be wounded anymore? You will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

 Loving Father, It is easy to feel everything is right with you, but not check what you have asked me to do. Following you isn’t about how I feel; it’s about doing what you ask no matter how I feel. When I love someone, I look for ways to please them. You told me that I please you when I do what you ask. In Jesus’ longest recorded sermon he did not do away with your laws, but broadened their focus. I live in a society that says anything goes; do what feels good! The challenge of living without boundaries is I hurt others and myself with my selfishness, another name for wickedness.   I am burdened with evil everywhere I turn. It has become so common that its offensiveness is lost.  Please forgive my callousness. I have walked away from you and your design for my happiness. Thank you for the promise that when I turn to you, you accept and heal me.

Reflection: Where do my actions show a drawing away from God? Why do I not notice the sin in my life? What do I need to resolve in following God’s calling for my life?   

The challenge for today: Accept being a sinner. Review and confess the places God is not being followed. 

 

Comment:  God is disgusted with evil in his chosen.  

Additional verses:  Matthew 26:39; Proverbs 14:14; Matthew 5-7, Jeremiah 3:22; Proverbs 3:1; John 14:15; John 13:34-35; 2 Chronicles 7:14