“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word” (Psalm 119:37)

May 25, 2011

The things that fill our eyes are ultimately worthless. The Word of God is eternal and able to save. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

“Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12)

May 24, 2011

What Jesus said to His disciples. What did Jesus do that we are called to do? How does His going to the Father cause our doing to be even greater? Are you involved in “greater things” for Jesus?

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11)

May 23, 2011

With the increase of smart phones, laptops, and online Bibles, Scripture memorization is becoming a lost art. Yet, our increased access to the Word doesn’t equal the benefit of having it dwell in our minds and shape our thinking. Are you “hiding” God’s Word in your heart?

“They would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43)

May 22, 2011

Some believed in Jesus but kept quiet because of fear. Are you one of those who prefers man’s approval over God’s? Choose to live for the applause of One. Fear God not man.

“But David found strength in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6)

May 21, 2011

In the KJV this same verse reads, “But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” When everyone around you is discouraged and things look bleak, do you know how to do this? There is strength and encouragement to be found in God alone during these times. Seek Him.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22)

May 20, 2011

Get advice before you act. Cultivate a personal board of advisors for your life decisions. Choose those whose lives exemplify wisdom. Then, be humble enough to follow their counsel.

“And in that place many believed in Jesus” (John 10:42)

May 19, 2011

In some “places” Jesus was rejected, but in the land where John the Baptist had preached, they believed. I wonder what it is about some “places?” Was it John’s plowing that made them ready to receive Seed? I pray that the “place” we are now will be receptive to the Gospel!

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14)

May 18, 2011

One of the seven “I am” statements in the gospel of John. Jesus describes the relationship between Himself and His followers as one of “knowing.” This implies intimate, relational knowledge. Christ calls us not to a religion, but to a relationship.

“This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3)

May 17, 2011

What Jesus said of the man born blind before He restored his sight. Difficult circumstances are not easily diagnosed. What if God has trusted us with a trial, so that He might display His power in us? Would you pray “Lord, be glorified in my life” regardless?

“I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am'” (John 8:58)

May 16, 2011

Jesus claimed pre-existence to Abraham and more. By using the phrase “I am,” he claimed to be God. This is the Name that God gave Moses at the burning bush. Not “I was.” Nor “I will be,” But “I am.” Self-existent. Eternally present. God.