Whether we come with questions seeking answers or desiring to start the day to the sound of the Savior’s voice, God still speaks to those who seek Him. We sometimes complain of God’s silence, when it’s our hearing that’s at fault. Today, I begin by listening and saying to myself, “Let me hear…”
A beautiful benediction for today. May God “comfort” (encourage, urge, call) your heart and “establish” (strengthen, plant, to make stand) every “good word” and every “good work” of yours. Now go. Live for Jesus. You have all you need in Him.
Words have power. A thoughtful and well chosen word is like a beautiful and expensive gift to the hearer. It has the power to hang about the neck and wrist of its recipient as a continual reminder of encouraging grace. We have the power in Jesus’ name to bless others with such words.
What is God’s will for your life? Be full of joy, prayerful, and always thankful. Be the body of Christ in this world!
The Lord is the Potter and we are the clay. Does the clay tell the Potter what to make? Does it complain that some are made special and others for common use? I would rather the Potter’s hands be on my life than to be cast aside. Even when He must pound, prod and press to mold me and make after His will, I want His touch on my life. I trust the Potter’s hands.
Many of the Psalms and prophets refer to God as the Shepherd and themselves as His flock. This imagery was familiar to a people who raised sheep for generations. Their beloved King David was a shepherd as a boy, so this title became attached to the coming of the Davidic Messiah as well. So, when Jesus comes announcing himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, the flock of Israel should not have been surprised. After all, they had been praying for centuries that the Shepherd would “give ear” and listen to their cry.
When we share the gospel we pray that our presentation will not just be words. But that we will have what the apostle Paul had, namely the power of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit and overwhelming passion and conviction in our voices.
These are among Paul’s final instructions to the church at Colossae to a man named Archippus (“Master of the horse”). He also mentions this man in his letter to Philemon. Apparently, Archippus was a fellow minister who needed encouragement to continue the ministry God had given him. Paul called him out on this. If Paul were writing to our church today, would he call you out to “fulfill the ministry” that the Lord has given you?
Something we often get backwards in our world today… borrowing to build and furnish our house, before we’ve established our income. Proverbs instructs us in wisdom and wisdom says, build up your business first, then build your house. This might also apply to church planting. First minister to your community, rent space, meet in homes, disciple new believers… then look for a home. It may take 19 years, but it’ll be worth it!
Jeremiah is hard reading. Not because of its advanced vocabulary, but because of its message: warning and impending judgment. Yet, it still contains much hope and encouragement for those that would repent. Here, it encourages us to stop following every new and enticing way that we see in our culture. Instead, look for the “ancient paths,” the ones where the saints have trod and left us a sure route to peace. And for us, especially consider the One who walked the Via Dolorosa to Calvary. Follow Him.