Anticipation - 1Thess. 1:3

"As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Thess. 1:3

These are the things that stand out to Paul when he thinks of the Thessalonians: things that they DID, and their living in ANTICIPATION of Christ's return. I find that I'm generally OK at being a good person and DOING good things/deeds, it's the living in "continual anticipation" part that gets me -- I don't do this well, and it MUST affect my witness. I tend to live for today and plan for tomorrow, even though I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. How is this any different from the way the rest of the world lives? 1Thess. 1 talks about the Gospel spreading because of the way the Thessalonians lived their lives -- Christ was evident, something was different. How am I different? Am I living in anticipation? This has to be the missing piece; other than salvation itself, it is THE thing the world cannot have.

Jesus, I repent of my poor witness of you. The world should be seeing something different when it sees me, and I fear that often it sees a reflection of itself. Holy Spirit, I pray that you change me. On my own I simply do not have the strength.

Today's reading: Mat. 28; 1Thess. 1-3

"Fairness" Defined - Mat. 20:13-15

"He answered one of them,' Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take it and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be angry because I am kind?"'
Mat. 20:13-15

Funny how we automatically look at this as unfairness to the worker as opposed to KINDNESS by the owner--I know I did the first time I read this. What a great salvation message! Who wants fairness from a perfect God?! What would define fair? Would I measure up? It's doubtful. I am very content serving a kind and merciful God -- I am thankful that "fairness" is not part of the equation!

Lord, thank you for inviting me to your feast even though I know I am not worthy.

Today's reading: Mat. 20-22

Ambassadors - 2Cor. 6:3

"We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry." 2Cor. 6:3

I often wonder how I am doing in my walk relative to this verse. Obviously, my hope is that my life will point others toward Christ--at the very least it should not be leading people astray! But it's hard to picture how others see you... and our view of ourselves is obviously biased. Am I sending mixed images of Christ to the world by the way I live? In 2Cor. Paul is painting a picture of the Christian who has completely submitted EVERY aspect of his life to Christ--it is no longer he who lives, but Christ living through him. This being the objective, I often feel far from success. I am far too carnal and materialistic, I want to live for Christ and enjoy the world at the same time. Am I trying to "serve two masters"? This is difficult for me to reconcile. I know that God knows my heart when I am a less than perfect ambassador, but there are times when that is not even a comforting thought.

Holy Spirit, I pray that you shine your light on those areas of my life that need your transforming work, then fill me with the power to do something about it!

Todays reading: 2Cor. 3-6

Strength - 2Cor. 12

"Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2Cor. 12

I mistakenly read 2Cor. 12 instead of 1Cor. 12 -- LOVED it though! I am particularly taken by the sentence, "...I am quite CONTENT with my weaknesses... For when I am weak, then I am strong." I, like most, consider my weaknesses, well... weaknesses, or liabilities--failures on my part. Paul considers it strength, because then CHRIST is allowed to work instead of him trying to operate under his own power. Paul became "content" with the "thorn in his side." The sooner I can accomplish this in my own life, the sooner I eliminate one of Satan's greatest weapons against me.

Lord, this is a tough one. I am not good at this at all, and I am certain it is because of my pride. Show me how to be content with my failures and limitations, KNOWING that this is where Christ's strength can really be shown.

Today's reading: Job 37-38; 2Cor. 12 (really 1Cor. 12)

Real Power - 1Cor. 1:17

From 11/8/2007 reading:

"For Christ didn't send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News--and not with clever speeches and high sounding ideas, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power." 1Cor. 1:17

The message to me in 1Cor. 1-2 is that the power of the cross lies in its simplicity. That man, in all his "wisdom," diminishes that power by adding rules and complexity to try to make themselves FEEL better about what they believe. Man's pride never ceases to amaze me. God reaches down from heaven with the simplest of all messages, and man's response is, "It can't be that simple, let me add to it because I don't want to be seen as simple." Man's wisdom does nothing but get him into trouble--I, like Paul, want to stay plugged into the REAL source of power--a very simple message.

God, I am a simple man, thank you for a simple message.

Today's reading: Job 33; 1Cor. 1-3

Not Even One! - Job 31:6

"Let God judge me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity." Job 31:6

The more I read Job the more I understand its purpose. In reading chapter 31, you see a description of the "perfect Christian." If Job were honestly describing himself, this was a truly honorable and God-fearing man. A man who examined his every action and shaped it to comply with what he believed God was asking of him. If this was the only measure, I would be considered a failure when compared to Job. With human eyes, this is what we see; when we read Ps. 14 we get to hear what God sees: "The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one!" Ps. 14:2, 3 This is where Job's familiarity with God leads him astray. He THINKS he understands Gods perspective of what being right before him is; he thinks his acts will lead to righteousness. This could be the only reason for him to ask to be judged by God "on the scales of justice." This is either pure ignorance or arrogance when viewed through the lens of Ps. 14. No matter how good a man is, he will NEVER be good enough. Job was right earlier in realizing that he needed a mediator--he should have stopped there!

God, thank you for sending Jesus for I KNOW I am worthless on my own.

Today's reading: Job 31, 32; ; Gal. 5, 6

My Father - Ps. 121

From 11/1/2007 reading:

"The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." Ps. 121

What an amazingly comforting Psalm. I am not walking alone. I have the God of the universe by my side who loves me and cares for me. Whom and what shall I fear? HE has the plan, and nothing will derail it. He has a plan for me, and as I put my trust in him my concerns vanish. What a great and loving God we serve.

God, thank you for loving me this much; thank you for your promises, thank you for the peace you bring to my life.

Today's reading: Ps. 121; Mk. 9, 10