Creator… Gen 1:1
Sustainer…. Acts 17:24-28 He is our #1 fan and support system
Abba Father….. 1 John 1:3 Our loving father
Love….. 1 John 4:8 He seeks what is best for us.
Almighty…. Rev. 1:8 Yes, He is “all that” and more!
Everlasting Goodness…. Rev. 4:8-11
The Ultimate Giver….. John 3:16-17
Identity Theft
Who are you?
Who are you deep inside? Where do you get your identity from?
The evil one is a master at stealing our identity. John 10:10 tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” He is constantly trying to make us think that worth should be determined by our accomplishments, our looks, our income, our heritage, ect. But we all have those fears and whispers about it all not being enough.
God tells us a different story. He gives us a story of hope. “For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13, 14 It’s not about my accomplishments or my weaknesses or my trying harder and harder. It's about God’s goodness.
God is inviting us into a story of newness. “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT. God is inviting me into a story of living my design that he made in me. That sounds like a much more enjoyable life to me!
Challenge for the week: Take some quiet time and reflect on the unique things God made in you. Talk with God about how he wants to shine through those things.
The Power of Praise
Praise the Lord.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1
WHAT IF…we took seriously this concept of focusing on and praising (truly appreciating) God daily?
Think about how it would change our outlook on life! It would eliminate so much negative thinking and give us hope.
WHAT IF…we took this one step further and focused on praising and encouraging other people?
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16
Think about how this would change not only our lives but others. Think about how this would make the world a better place!
Challenge for the week: Live each day intentionally praising God and look for opportunities to praise and encourage others!
The Magic of Community
“Thus the very purpose of his self-giving on the cross was not just to save isolated individuals and so perpetuate their loneliness, but to create a new community whose members would belong to him, love one another, and eagerly serve the world.” John Stott
Jesus Loves the Church
As we look at the scriptures, we know that the church had nothing to do with the building but it was the people, the lovers of God, the followers of Christ. These are the people who are trying to put their faith into practice. The ones who are helping and serving others in love. The ones walking with Christ and trying to constantly learn from him. This is what the church is about.
1 Thess. 1:3 Paul says, “ For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love motivates you to serve others, and how unrelenting is your hope-filled patience in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now that is the church!
Be Imitators of God
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph. 5:1,2
In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of the apostles and told them that they needed to do the same. To be imitators of God, it takes action not just talk. It also takes humility. Jesus knew who he was, that he was the son of God. He had nothing to prove to anyone. Because of that, he had no problem humbling himself to wash their feet. When we are sure of who we are, children of God, we too have nothing to prove! And this opens the door for us to also humble ourselves.
The beautiful thing about all this is that this imitation leads to blessings! John 13:17 says, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:9
Thought Question: What act of service can you do this week to show your love for others?
In Search of...
Today our passage is Matt. 13:44-46. It tells about the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Both of those who found them knew that they had found something very valuable and that it was worth great sacrifice. Did you know that Jesus looks at us in that way? We were valuable enough for him to give his life and go through great suffering for!
What about us, what are we seeking? Answers to our problems, relationship issues, money problems, just trying to understand what this life is all about? Where do we go for answers? Jesus says that he is the way, the truth, the life. (John !4:6) Is it time to take a risk and seek Jesus? The Bible tells us, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you…” (1 Chron. 28:9) I think you will find that it is worth the time and effort!
The Journey to the Unknown
Our journey with God is filled with mystery. And mystery can be exciting but it can also be scary! How do we navigate this quest?
Q…Question There is nothing wrong with asking questions. Ask God, he is big enough to handle it! Ask others, to help us understand our way.
U…Unknown It is good to look for answers and try to understand more but when it comes right down to it, we are just not going to understand it all in this life.
E…Enlighten The more we walk with Jesus, the more we understand. The more we get to know him and his way of thinking, the clearer things will be.
S….Struggle Sometimes, we assume that because we walk with God, we won’t have any struggles. God clearly tells us, “in this world, you will have trouble.” It can seem like God is silent in some of these times. But remember that he is there.
T…Trust We need to keep walking toward our north star even when we don’t understand! Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”
Thought Question: What question do you need to bring before God this week?
What Pleases God?
It is so easy in this world to feel like you fall short, that you are just not “good enough”. So when it comes to God, we are often certain that we fall short. Let’s see what God’s word says.
Hebrews 11:5,6 says, “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
And chapter 13:15, 16 adds, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
These passages tell us that it takes faith and loving others to please God. Now this faith is much more than just believing that God exists but it is accepting that we have a God that wants to walk with us in our daily life because he loves and accepts us. The Bible tells us that he delights in us. What good news!
And this is not based on our superior performance but on the love and goodness of God. God is the ultimate loving parent, if we will allow him to be. God wants to work in your life and make you the best you can be.
Psalm 37:23, 24 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Challenge for the Week: Start your morning by inviting God into your day. Walk in faith with him. See what a difference it makes in your week!
A Little Lagniappe
“Lagniappe” is a word used fairly frequently here in Louisiana. It means, “a little something extra.” This idea can actually be found in the Bible! In Matt. 5:41 it says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” A little history will help us understand this. In New Testament times, Rome was in power. The Romans had a law that stated a nobleman or soldier could command a citizen to leave what they were doing and be a guide or a load bearer for exactly one mile. For obvious reasons, this was not popular with people.
Now, you see, Jesus was pointing out that the first mile was the law mile…I do it because I have to. But the 2nd mile would be the love mile…I do it because I choose to.
Let me illustrate the difference that this could make with a story:
A man is working in his fields when a soldier comes along and commands him to come and carry his pack. The man has literally put pegs in the ground one mile from his home so he knows exactly where his responsibility ends. He heard Jesus’ sermon but thought that it was ludicrous! He saw no point in wasting his time like that! So, at the peg he throws down his load and stomps back home. He is so aggravated that he can’t keep his mind on his work and heads home. On the way in, he kicks the dog in his foul mood and he proceeds to treat everyone in his home harshly.
Another man is working in his fields. He heard Jesus’ bold statement and has been deeply pondering the meaning of it. A soldier comes along and commands this man in the same way. The man goes with a good attitude and soon strikes up a conversation with the soldier about his home and family. He walks the one mile and continues on. By the time he gets to the second mile, the soldier takes his things and thanks the man and tells him to go home and enjoy the rest of his day. The man goes home, finishes his work and has an interesting story to tell his family that evening. His mindset was different and his experience was totally different also.
Question: Where can you give a little lagniappe this week?
Overcoming Discouragement
Sometimes in life we find ourselves sitting in discouragement, depression or even despair. Maybe it’s an unfortunate turn of events, a relationship problem, stress at work, a health issue or even a loss. We want to be positive but we just can’t get there right now!
David seems to have this same problem in Psalms 42. He’s crying out about how down he is and yet he knows the answer is in God. He reminds himself over and over in this chapter and the next. So, what can we do to find help?
First of all, before we rush off, we need to sit and take a deep look within and ask ourselves, “What is really going on with me and how did I get here?” Look at the decisions we made or am I too busy. Have I let worry and negative thinking reign in my mind, have I spent time with others who bring me down or is this just an outright attack by the enemy?
Next, we need to go to the Father! We need to remember that we are children of God and we can cry out to him as David did. Maybe the only thing we can say is, “Help!”. Our God hears us. The Spirit will intercede for us. Take hold of Jesus hand and walk with him, even if it is just baby steps!
Thought Questions:
Are you struggling? Ask God to show you one small step that you can make this week to move in a new direction!
Keeping Our Relationships Afloat
Some preventative maintenance for our relationships from the book of Proverbs:
S…how Consideration- Prov. 11:25, 25:17 Relationships need space and freedom.
H…old Your Tongue - “If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong. Prove you’re wise from the very start - just bite your tongue and be strong!” Prov.10:19 TPT
I…nvest in Building Others Up - “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Prov. 12:18 NIV
P…ersonally Admit Shortcomings and Your Need for God - No one is perfect. Be humble and honest Prov. 11:2
S…how love at all times - Prov. 3:3, 17:7, 21:21
Relationships are worth the work. We need to put all our heart into them!
Thought Question:
What one point is most needed in your relationship this week?
I Speak Jesus Last Lesson in Luke
This is the last of the series, “I Speak Jesus” based on the book of Luke. The focus of the entire book is all about Jesus. Last week, we saw where Jesus was crucified, buried and raised from the dead.
In the last chapter of Luke, Jesus appears to those closest to him. Of course, they were stunned and terrified! Jesus spent time with them to help them believe and understand what they were seeing. Then he told them in Luke 24:46-49, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
This is exactly what he wants of us today!
Do you remember the story of the demon possessed man in Mark 5? He was in a terrible state and Jesus healed him! He was so grateful for the huge change in his life, that he wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus told him to go home and his family and to “tell what the Lord had done for him.” Jesus knew what a powerful story it would be for the man to tell of his experience and encounter with him!
The best thing we can do is to share our journey with Jesus. Listen to the song, “I Speak Jesus.” Let his power and healing flow through your life and let his love flow through you to others. We just need to let our lives “Speak Jesus!”
Thought Question:
What is one way that you can “tell what the Lord has done for you” this week? Remember, your actions can speak as well as words!
Death, Burial and Resurrection
Luke chapters 23 and 24 tell us about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Why did he go through all of this? Because of his love for us! Sin required a sacrifice and Jesus paid the price. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus shouts out about the love and power of God.
The sacraments of communion and baptism keep this fresh in our minds.
Brennan Manning said that we are living in the “present riseness” of Jesus. This is not easy. The challenge is to die to those things that keep us from following Jesus. Things that hurt and hinder us. Heb. 12:1-3 Paul said in Galations 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” That isn’t saying that I deny that unique design that God put in me but that I remove those unnecessary things that take my eyes off of Jesus and my walk with him.
Thought quesitons:
What are some of the things that God designed in me and makes me unique? What are some unnecessary things that are hindering me in walking with God?