“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you” (Deuteronomy 4:2)

March 25, 2011

What Moses told the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Unfortunately, humanity always has trouble with two problems: legalism and lawlessness. Without Christ’s abiding life we cannot fulfill the Spirit of the law.

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (Luke 6:12)

March 24, 2011

Have you ever stayed up all night talking to one you love? Did you complain of being sleepy? Did you reach for a sleeping pill? Or were you surprised that the sun came up so soon? I wonder what Jesus spoke of with His Father.

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25)

March 23, 2011

Live the life of the open hand. One hand lifted and open to God, one hand extended and open to others. Let God’s grace flow to and through you to others. Become a conduit of grace and be refreshed.

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16)

March 22, 2011

Following Jesus we learn His rhythm of working out of rest. Lord, teach us to work out of a place that is fully secure and at rest in You. Not striving, thriving.

“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4)

March 21, 2011

Will you go deep and let down today?

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night” (Psalm 63:6)

March 20, 2011

How David spent a sleepless night. Did his thoughts of God give him rest that dreams would not? There is a rest deeper than sleep found in Christ alone.

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5)

March 19, 2011

Even our work should come from a place of rest knowing that Christ has finished the work of our salvation. All is well. Rest in Him.

“His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Luke 3:17)

March 18, 2011

Have you gone down to the threshing floor to lay at Christ’s feet? This is what Ruth did for her kinsman-redeemer. Your redemption is in Christ alone.

“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52)

March 17, 2011

Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Every year set a couple of goals in each category. Call them your Luke 2:52 goals. Ask God to help you grow more like Jesus. Then, depend on Him for change.

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure” (Proverbs 11:14)

March 16, 2011

Do you seek counsel before making decisions? Success is often a matter of following wise advice. Be willing to humble yourself to learn from others. Surround yourself with godly counselors.