Our True Vocation

TODAY’S VERSE
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him.” Isaiah 58:6-7

TODAY’S THOUGHT
The children of Israel had forgotten that God had them here on this earth to be His representatives, to show people the way to God. They were to love people and share the importance of knowing Jehovah. Instead they thought that they had somehow “deserved” the status that they had as the “Children of God”. They began to act as they were “gods” unto themselves. When God favors us with certain status or vocations we can easily fall into a trap of thinking that we achieved the status and vocation by our own merits. This leads to pride and arrogance. This is what God pointed out to the Israelites. They were fasting and God was not listening to their pomp and circumstance. Instead God wanted equality, justice and love among all people. Bryant Meyers, in his book, “Walking With The Poor” writes,
“When the non-poor play god in the lives of other people, they have stopped being who they truly are and are assuming the role of their true vocation as well. Instead of understanding themselves as productive stewards working for the well-being of their community, they act as if their gifts and position are somehow rightfully theirs, or earned by merit, and hence are solely for themselves and for their well-being.” The prophet Isaiah asked the people, “What is it that God has required of each of us?” He answered with a sobering indictment, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him.” Most of us live such a privileged life. Let’s do all we can to give back to those in need.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you take the plight of the poor seriously. You hate injustice and love mercy. Help me to love others the way you do. Help me live my true calling, as a productive steward working for the well-being of others in need. Show me today Lord how I can make a difference in the lives of others.
AMEN

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Calm The Inner Sea

TODAY’S VERSE
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’”
Mark 4:39-41

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27

TODAY’S THOUGHT
I have never been on a stormy sea. I can only imagine how fierce the storm must have been. Here are seasoned fishermen and they were exceedingly afraid. Now it did not help that they were going across the lake. The deep part of the lake in the center regions was referred to as the “abyss.” Many frightening fishermen stories were based on journeying into the abyss. Add to that the fact that they left in the evening. It was dark! Finally, they were going to the “other side”. Everyone knew what the “other side” was. It was where that horrific demon processed person lived in the caves. Jesus knew where they were going and fell asleep on the back of the boat. The storm was fast, furious and fierce and they cried out to Jesus. What they saw happen next was shocking to them, and they had seen healing miracles! Jesus stood and commanded the sea to be still! And it did. Now I don’t know about storms on the sea, but I know about storms inside the “sea” of my mind. There is an abyss, there is an “other side” that frightens all of us. Dread, fear, worry, remorse, addictions, obsessive thinking; it seems that our ship is going to sink. When you feel all is lost, do what the disciples did — cry out to Jesus. Name your fear, tell Him exactly what it is that you dread; be specific with your doubts. This same Jesus that said to the sea, “Be still” says to you, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, you calmed the sea, please calm my troubled heart with the peace only you can give. I take the horrific storms of my life and submit them to your command. You say, “peace be still” so I choose not to be troubled or afraid.

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Be Like Elijah

TODAY’S VERSE
“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
James 5:17-18

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
I Kings 19:3-4

TODAY’S COMMENT
I love the way James starts his example of Elijah and his miraculous prayer life. He says, “Elijah was a man just like us.” No wonder we feel pressure to be a super saint. You know, go to church with the halo just right and “S” on our chest. But that was not the point James was trying to make. James was really saying, “There are no perfect people needed to get God’s work done!” I am sure that the image of Elijah that James had in his mind wasn’t just the praying for rain to stop and start again; not just the fire coming from heaven to consume the altar; not just the flour and oil continuing to be supplied to the widow and her son; nor was it just the image of Elijah asking God to raise the widow’s son from the dead. I am sure that James also remembered the fact that Elijah was afraid of Jezebel’s threat to kill him and ran, fleeing for his life. He knew that Elijah became exhausted and sat down under a tree and prayed that he would die. James knew that Elijah was a person just like you and I. Elijah had emotions that could lead to despair. He had depression, doubt, and fear. Like us Elijah exercised doubt and faith; fear and courage, advance and defeat.  But he also saw God work through Elijah’s life and prayers. God used Elijah even with his imperfections. God can do the same for you and I. We do not have to be perfect. We do not have to pretend to be something we are not. We can be like Elijah, real with God about our deepest feelings and fears. God will meet us where we are and give us strength to live for Him. Be real with God today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank you for the example of Elijah. What a wonderful testimony of your grace. How you took this person who could be so courageous one moment and so afraid the next, and used him for your glory. Father, use my life. I give it to you, in all its complexity and contradictions. Thank you that I do not have to be perfect, just available. Use me for your glory I pray.
AMEN

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The Real Deal

TODAY’S VERSE
“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
Job 42:5
 
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to walk in our Christian experience and really believe that we know God. We are like a baseball fanatic. You know the kind. He can tell you everything about a certain player. He can quote their batting average, number of homers, lifetime RBI’s. He knows where they played college ball, the names of his wife and children. He even has an autographed baseball. Yet he has never met the player. Never went to his house, sat with him at dinner or even had a discussion. Everything he knows is from reading or listening to commentators. Now don’t get me wrong, there is passion! Chances are he will fight you if you say something derogatory about the player. There is passion but it is based on admiration not friendship. Job came to a place where everything he thought he knew about God seemed empty and vain. And then He met God. Job knew all about God, He “worshipped” God, He even lived the way he thought God wanted him to; but when he saw God, it all changed. Knowing God in a personal and intimate way changes everything. And the beauty is that God created each of us with the ability to know Him. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit who is to teach us all things and bring us into intimate fellowship with God. But the choice is yours. You can choose to spend time with God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you or you can continue to “know” about Him. Cry out to God today and ask Him to open your eyes like He did Job’s and you will be able to say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” 
 
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, sometimes I feel so phony inside. I talk about you, I read about you, I pray to you, but I don’t seem to see you. Today, Lord, help me be conscious of your presence. Father, speak to me. Help the eyes of my heart to see you. I want to know you in a deep and personal way. I pause now Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit, reveal yourself to me. I will wait here till I sense your love for me. (Wait)
Thank you Lord for your reality. I love you Lord with all my heart. In Jesus Name.
AMEN

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Prayer and Thanksgiving

TODAY’S VERSE
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Prayer changes things. Karl Barth, a twentieth-century theologian wrote, “He is not deaf, He listens; more than that, He acts. He does not act in the same way whether we pray or not. Prayer exerts an influence upon God’s action, even upon His existence. That is what the word ‘answer’ means. The fact that God yields to man’s petitions, changing His intentions in response to man’s prayer, is not a sign of weakness. He Himself in the glory of His majesty and power, has willed it.” Paul knew this. That is why he tells us to stop being anxious. Instead, we are to pray, petitioning God, with thanksgiving in our heart. Why? Because we are coming to our Heavenly Father, who loves us, cares for us, is all powerful and will work everything according to His will. We can trust God with the ultimate outcome and in exchange He gives us something greater than any answer we could ever ask for. He gives us a promise. A promise to guard our heart and mind with His own peace. Not just any peace, but a peace that transcends anything that we can imagine. What is bothering you? What is it you need? What is breaking your heart? Talk to God about it. Today, right now, bring your requests to God and let His peace guard your heart and mind.
 
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you know my needs. You know my anxious thoughts. I bring my circumstances to you and ask for your help with all my requests. Thank you Lord for hearing me. Thank you for caring. Thank you most of all for the peace that you bring to my heart and my mind.
Amen

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Joy Is A Choice!

TODAY’S VERSE
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.”
Philippians 3:1

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4

“The joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Nehemiah 8:10

TODAY’S THOUGHT
I remember years ago reading a book that deeply touched me. It was called, “Happiness is a Choice!” Often we are tempted to think that joy is the result of our circumstances. However, the premise of “Happiness Is A Choice” is that we don’t have to be subject to all the variables around us. We can choose to be happy. We can choose joy. Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” As a Christian, we can agree with the first part. Our joy does come from a deep sense of well being. However, unlike the rest of the definition, our joy is not dependant on success, good fortune or prospect of possessions. Rather our joy is an emotion that is evoked by a faith in a God that loves us.
Nehemiah tells us that joy that comes from God is a great source of strength. Paul takes our joy to a new level and says, “no matter what happens, we should be joyful.” In fact he says we should “Always be full of joy in the Lord.” He meant it so much that he repeated it for emphasis when he wrote, “I say it again – rejoice.” What are you facing today? What circumstances do you find yourself in? It doesn’t matter, you can choose joy! If you are struggling and not sure how you can be joyful, ask God to supernaturally open your eyes to who He is and to give you a joyful heart. He will.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today I choose joy. Fill me from the top of my head to the depth of my soul with joy. Help me rejoice today in my well being in you. Help me rejoice today dear God in who you are, and that I am your child. Help me rejoice today, that all my sins are forgiven, that you know me personally and love me unconditionally. This is a fantastic reality and today Lord, I choose joy!
AMEN

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I Am To Blame

TODAY’S TEXT
“Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? Samaria, its capital city!
Where is the center of idolatry in Judah? In Jerusalem, its capital!”
Micah 1:5

TODAY’S MESSAGE
A little background in order to understand the significance of today’s text. God’s chosen people; the Jews had divided into two nations. Most of the twelve tribes went north and called themselves Israel. Their capital was the city of Samaria. Those left were in the South and called themselves Judah. Their Capital was Jerusalem. God was trying to call the people back to Himself through His prophets. Micah comes and says, “The Sovereign LORD is making accusations against you.” Next he explains all the bad things that God is going to do to them. He then asks, “Who is to blame for the rebellion that Israel is doing?” and “Where is the center of idolatry?” What makes this passage so significant, is not the questions. Rather, it is the answers. We would think that the people responsible for the backslidden condition of the Jews would be some subversive group, or those practicing the black arts. Instead the answer is that the people in the capital cities are the ones responsible for the spiritual bankruptcy of the nation. Those that should be the closest to the Lord are the ones rebelling against the Lord and practicing idolatry. This should serve us notice. If the Capital of God’s chosen people had a hard time following God how do we think we are going to do it on our own? It is only through reading His word, keeping close to Him in prayer, and surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, can we have any chance of living the life that He wants us to. Today commit yourself to God. Repent of any rebellion toward Him. Put away your “idols”, that is anything in your life that you put above your allegiance to God.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I confess that I have been the one that has stumbled. I am to blame for rebelling against you. I have ignored my relationship to you. I have made other things in my life more of a God to me than you. Forgive me. Today I choose to follow you. I put away those things that cause me to stray and commit myself to follow you.
AMEN

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Help My Unbelief

TODAY’S VERSE
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. – Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
Romans 4:18, 20-21
“The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’”
Mark 9:24

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Everyday you get a choice. Circumstances may change, but your choice never does. Will you choose to live with faith and hope today or not? You don’t get much time to make up your mind. Fear comes knocking on your heart’s door. He brings worry and doubt with him. Self pity, anger and apathy are right behind. Before you know it you have wandered down the road with all those familiar companions that you have walked with so many times before. Faith and hope were never invited to come along. It would be like inviting light to join darkness. They can’t coexist.
Abraham was no different than you or I. He was human. He had emotions. He had struggles and disappointment. But he knew God and he chose, against all hope, to hope. He decided not to waiver in believing God and the result was that his faith grew. As his faith grew he became convinced the God was able to do whatever He promised. God can grow this same faith in you. You can respond today, the same way the father who wanted his boy healed by Jesus did. When Jesus told him, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” the father said, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I want to believe with all my heart. I want to experience your supernatural presence in my life. So, today I choose hope. Today, I choose to put my faith in you. I cry out from the depth of my being, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” Thank you that you will indeed help my faith get stronger. In Jesus name I pray.
AMEN

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Forget the Past

TODAY’S VERSE
“I have not achieved it (perfection), but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:13-14

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul started the whole “No perfect people allowed” movement! He knew the pressure that Christians were getting from the religious people. Get circumcised, follow the commandments, obey the law. Paul knew that this was a trap. He knew that there were two kinds of people that miss God’s standard of perfection. Those that say they do and those that pretend they don’t. Paul did not have to pretend to be perfect, he had a better way! He forgot his sin. Paul knew his struggle. He knew his shortcomings but instead of putting on the pretence of perfection, he focused on one thing: “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead”. How about you? There comes a time when you have to make a choice. Are you going to let the past dictate your life or your future? Follow Paul’s example, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you know my past better than I do and yet you are willing to forgive. Help me to do the same. Help me to forgive and forget the pass and focus on what’s ahead. Help me live in the present reality of your love and forgiveness and then press on toward living my life for you.
AMEN 

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Thinking Right

TODAY’S VERSE
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
II Corinthians 10:5

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

TODAY’S THOUGHT
You have heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” I think in reality we are more like what we think.” Thoughts, whether conscience or on a more hidden level, affect the way we feel, perceive reality, act or react. Thoughts help create our moods, attitudes and beliefs. Anger, jealously, pride, envy, sadness, rebellion, these and many other negative emotions or behaviors have their root in the way we think. That is why it is so important to be aware and take responsibility for our thoughts. Paul instructs us to consider our mind in a Spiritual war. We are to demolish any rouge thoughts that set itself up against Godly thinking. We are to take our thoughts captive and put it through a Godly filter so it becomes the way He would have us think. Paul also gives us a list of the kinds of thoughts we should dwell on. We should dwell on thoughts that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. We have a choice, we can rule our thoughts or we can let them rule us. Today, let Jesus be the Lord of your thought life. Let Him help you with the way you think.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I bring you my mind and my sub-conscious mind. Help me bring all my thoughts into the light of Your Holy Spirit. Today, Dear Lord, help me dwell on thoughts that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.  In Jesus Name.
AMEN

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