Journey, Day 20 ... The REAL deal

Today marks the half-way point of our journey.  You may be surprised that so much of our thought and focus has been inward to this point. Looking intentionally inward is an important discipline for followers of Jesus, but only if the focus is on God’s truth and how it affects our lives. We’ve all known people who do nothing BUT focus on their own lives … their riches and accomplishments or their troubles and hurts. That’s not a right focus. It leads either to pride or worry and does not draw others to find God for themselves.

When we focus on God’s truth and his character as revealed in Scripture, we become.  We don’t need to perform or to be good enough to come to God. Instead we find a growing desire to be more like him … the One in whose image we are made. It’s really an amazing thing!  God’s desire for us is exactly what makes us most ourselves. Ahhhh!

The Treasury Department trains people to become expert at spotting counterfeit currency.  You would think that they point out the errors and mistakes to watch for in phony money, but that isn’t what they do at all.  Experts are given genuine currency to study, to touch, to fold and crumple and even smell and in that familiarity they learn to spot anything that isn’t the real thing. You know where I’m going here.  As we walk with God, we are able to recognize him in our own lives and in this confusing world around us. The Bible calls this discernment.  

As you journey today, focus on Jesus and the way he lives and loves. Just think about THAT personality and give thanks that you have been created to be like that …the real deal. 

“LORD Jesus, you are such a lovely example of true love!  Help me recognize you in the people I meet, and help the people I meet recognize you in me.”

Journey, Day 19 ... Who will you be?

The question for today is simply this: who will you be?  Not who are you or what have you done, but what did God have in mind when he fashioned your unique self?

As you journey, ask God to give you a glimpse of what you are intended to become. Think about Jesus meeting Peter and telling him "you are Simon, but you will be Peter."  Strange thing to say … unless the one saying it knew Simon better than Simon knew himself.  The gospels show us an excellent story of this one disciple becoming who he was created to be: Peter!
He was impetuous and out-spoken and kept making mistakes and getting correction. He cut off a guys ear trying to protect Jesus, tried to correct Jesus moments after calling him the Christ, and denied he even knew Jesus.  Then in the book of Acts we see him becoming a strong leader who still occasionally messed up.  He was a work in progress. By the time we get to the books Peter wrote at the end of his life, there are glimpses of a mature, godly personality emerging: still Peter, but now a much better Peter.  His personality was formed by spending time in relationship with Jesus. It took a life time. Read these words from Peter’s pen.  It’s hard to believe it’s the same guy that God the Father had to interrupt on the Mount of Transfiguration!

I Peter 3: 14-16  “…in your hearts revere Christ as LORD.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

I believe that each one of us will become more what we were created to be as we spend time with Jesus.  Isn’t that what we ultimately want out of life, to become what we were created to be?  Especially if you are facing decisions and choices.  The more familiar you get with the personality of Jesus and the more you learn to recognize how he handles situations, the more like him you can become. Faith isn't about religion.  It’s about walking well through your life in the company of God and letting who he is change you.

Ask.  Listen.  Imagine what God has in mind for you.  Can you thank him for progress you are already noticing?  How cool is that!?

“LORD Jesus, make me more myself today, according to your design.  Help me realize that this is my heart’s desire … and yours.”

Journey Day 18, WHO SAYS?

Keeping it simple today... or maybe not.

Oswald Chambers writes this about obedience … obedience is not always good, and disobedience is not always sinful. One MUST identify and recognize who is behind everything we choose to obey. We obey Christ … nobody else.  Thought provoking. “Many a soul begins to come to God when he flings off being religious, because there is only one Master of the human heart, and that is not religion but Jesus Christ...."

Seems to me a lot of guilt-ridden people have not looked carefully to see who is behind the rules by which they live. Jesus doesn’t want us to live in guilt. What he tells us is straight forward, and the consequences of our choices are life or death, but not guilt.  We are made to live free, to think and to choose freely.  Guilt is always a sign of something that needs to be dealt with, not a condition of a holy life.  It’s a symptom, not a badge.  Guilt means one has either not recognized a sin, has not confessed it to the ONE who has already forgiven it, or doesn’t believe that what Jesus did was enough.  Read that again.

I’m praying today that you find guilt-free joy in fellowship with the One who loves you.  As you journey, let freedom in Christ be your goal.  Guilty people do not convey the good news of forgiveness well.  Get yourself free first and you will see people all around you who need to see what freedom looks like.  Begin praying for them and for God to minister peace and freedom through you.

You can do this.

"LORD Jesus, what you have done IS enough to cover me.  Thank you so much.”

Journey, Day 17 ... sparrows

Luke 12: 6&7

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

What a strange verse of Scripture to ponder today ... or it it?
The fact is, God Almighty is more in tune with our lives than we ever imagined. Scripture teaches us that he loves his WHOLE creation, even the birds.  Remember Genesis 1.  God hasn't changed since Creation. Every step recorded in Genesis 1 (please read it with emotion) we hear God say, "It's GOOD!"  I hear delight as God brings something out of nothing .... creating a habitable place in which his people will live.  It's good!  It's good!!  Then comes the purpose of the physical world, and with the creation of human male and female God says, "It is VERY good!"  Again, hear his delight.

The story of Noah is about God’s provision for ALL his creatures.  At the end of the book of Jonah God mentions his love for all those simple people as well as all the animals.  The book of Job is filled with God detailing the behaviors of all his created beings. The Psalms NOTICE creation and thank the Creator.   Over and over … we get the picture that God actually loves what he has made and cares for the details of life and death with great intimacy. The more I study Scripture, the bigger God gets. He created, sustains and cares for ALL of his creation in ways we may not have even considered.

As you journey today, NOTICE.  Notice God’s creatures, great and small. Let him develop a deeper love in you for the created world around you. Spend time giving thanks for the small things you notice.  Why so many colors?  So much variety?  Different smells and tastes and textures?  Why?  For God’s own delight and that of his human image bearers!  That’s you and me!! It's all about you and me.  Honestly, how many shades of green can you see just from your window?  

That’s enough for today.  So happy to be journeying with you each toward your individual goals.

“LORD Jesus, take my 5 senses today and heighten them so that I notice the things I have missed everyday.  I want to notice what you have made and give you praise for it all.  Please help me.”

Journey, Day 16 TOTALLY NEW!

Hi ladies.

Today, I'd like you to consider what Paul told the church at Ephesus about what Jesus followers should be like.  (From the 4th chapter of Ephesians)
Expect better of yourself, for God's sake.  Be a new person. Don't talk people down, but instead offer words that they need ... that will build them up.  Be truthful.  Don't act stupidly when you're angry.  Stop taking what isn't yours and get to work on your own life.... (4:32)"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Walk in the way of love.  Then he adds ..."and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God  ..."

Wow.  I know you can see the relevance of this wisdom to our world right now.
I would vote for someone who could make this happen.  I would follow someone who could set such an example. (I do.)  We begin by doing these things ourselves, and as we do, we become new women.  New!  Not fixed. Not even improved. New.  

Here's what I'm thinking. There is power in that little book of Ephesians.  It was written into a 1st century culture, but the principles are true today.  Have you ever just read it like a letter? Do that. Then do it again. Own it. It’s for you and it's amazing.

I’m praying for your sense of good and right to be honed by God's Word today, and that you will want to act like a new woman, powered by the Spirit of God.  Those nearest to you should notice without you saying a word. I'm assuming if doing wrong grieves God,  that doing right delights.  Give it your best shot.  Delight God. :)

“LORD Jesus, walk with me today.  Keep reminding me that I’m not a fixed person or even an improved version of myself … your love has made me NEW!  Help me journey today like a new person.  I’d like to delight you today.”

Journey, Day 15, "Jesus, help yourself to my life ..."

This morning I want to bring you some words from Oswald Chambers:
"Paul focuses Jesus Christ's idea of a New Testament saint in his life, viz., not one who proclaims the Gospel merely, but one who becomes broken bread and poured out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for others lives. ...The real test of the saint is not preaching the gospel, but washing disciples’ feet..."

How true!  Our lives are touched and molded and changed the most by interactions with others.  Words can be misspoken and misunderstood, but actions over time get people’s attention. Consistent kindness helps me remember that I am not a Christian so I can talk about it, but so that I can represent Jesus in a world he loves.

As you journey today, notice the people you encounter and be aware of the opportunity you have to be kind, in Jesus name. My prayer is that by prayer and small acts of love, your own life will be an illustration of Jesus to someone.

“Paul became a sacramental personality; wherever he went, Jesus Christ helped Himself to his life.”  (again, Chambers.)

Wouldn’t it be amazing to be known as someone THAT connected to Christ?

“LORD Jesus, help me to see people today the same way you do.”

Journey, Day 14 ... Think on these things

Ph. 4:8 - "Finally brothers and sisters, 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.”

Today as you journey, your challenge is to look back at the last 2 weeks and thank God for journeying with you this far! What have you accomplished that surprises you?  Thank him for it.  What temptations are you facing as you try to be true to your commitment?  

Name them in prayer and ask God to give you exactly what you need to be strong, and thank him that he will provide for you tomorrow.  Have you found ways to creatively make progress toward your goal even when time is an issue?  Enjoy your success with the Author of creativity!  Today is all about you and how God walks with you.

My prayer for us all today is simple.  Reflect on your accomplishments and thank God as you journey. Keep your mind on the kinds of things mentioned in the Scripture the whole time you journey today. You have so much to be thankful for!!

Faithful Hearts loves and honors every ounce of effort you are selflessly giving to enable our ministry to continue, and we fully hope and expect God to meet you day by day with new blessings in your personal journey.

“LORD, please help me remember whatever is good and right today.  Please help me to focus on things that make me become more like you.”