Faithful Women.

Proverbs 31:28-29
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”

Often times, we overlook so many things and people in our lives. It's what we have everyday. Yet, we utterly bog down our minds with what we want and what we don't have.

When was the last time you praised a woman of faith such as your mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, youth pastor, or even a complete stranger? They care for us, they love us, and they are a true representation of Christ.

Take some time to write a note of appreciation to at least one woman in your life. Think about where you would be without the faithfulness that Godly women portray. Wouldn't we be missing a huge chunk of our lives? It's hard to imagine. As we're nearing the Thanksgiving holiday, tell them how precious they are to our identity in Christ.

Thank you God for the women in my life who have molded me into the person I am today. Also, Lord, remind us of the great, faithful women in the Bible who accomplished so much. Help us show appreciation to those in our lives.

Water, Water, Water.

John 4:14
14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Have you ever been so anxious to get home and drink a nice, big glass of water after working or even running errands? Sometimes, cold water just tastes so good and is extremely satisfying. Even if water isn't always your preference compared to a soda, for example, when it's the right time, water is perfect and it probably wouldn't be traded for anything!

Jesus offers another source of water. It is already purified by him. It's the water that is brought to us in part by the Holy Spirit. Just a glass of drinking water can do the trick for a few hours, but the spiritual water is what gives us eternal life now and forever.

God, remind us that Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us. Sweep our stubbornness and sinful desires aside allowing the Spirit to take precedence. May our lives reflect the joy, delight, and refreshing nature that your presence and being provides.

Have a great weekend!

Suffering for Him.

Philippians 1:29
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

This is one of those hard concepts to wrap your mind around. Suffering. We see it everyday. We're either facing a fairly challenging time or we can see the pain of others on their faces. So then, how is it a privilege? It's not, unless it's for Jesus. Remember, how the other day I said that we need to do things for the glory of God. Sometimes, whatever we're called to do isn't going to be easy. It's going to take some effort and you may get "scraped up," so to speak.

Also, don't forget about the disciples. They were joyful only because they were willing to suffer for the name of Christ. The important thing here is that Jesus suffered for us so that we can be saved from destruction on earth.

When we suffer for the kingdom of God, it's definitely an inspiration for others to live faithfully. It provides a true revelation of character. Incredibly, because of Jesus Christ, we are worthy due to Jesus' victory on the cross.

Live on the Gospel.

Philippians 1:27-28
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

It's time to glorify God in everything we do. Live like we have been redeemed. Sometimes I know I get so wrapped up in everything that I have to do that I forget to set aside some time for God. Try setting aside some time today and love the Lord.

Work together with your friends to spend time with God as well. That way you can come together and share the good news with those who are unaware of it. Many don't even know what the good things in God really are. When you come across opposition, don't plot revenge. Work together well so that you can bring out the best in the worst of times.

We count on you Lord to give us the purpose to be united and show love for one another even when it's hard to love. Remind us that we are responsible to go out into the world as disciples.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.

John 21:17
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Does this question that Jesus asked sound familiar? Notice how it says "Jesus asked him the third time." Jesus is asking Peter if he really loves the Lord. Peter's response is a polar opposite to the way he answered just days before: (Matthew 26:35 - But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same).

So many times our own identity gets in our way and speaks out very bluntly. Our true love that exists within our spiritual well-being, however, is only discovered when we experience the pain Jesus felt when Peter answered this question.

You see, Peter just loved Jesus the way a typical man loves a good-natured individual. This is no extraordinary love; it's just emotional love that never affects the spirit of a person. True love isn't just a matter of declaration.

When the Lord asks us to respond to this question, it's definitely hard to respond as we should because we feel like we're in pain trying to make sure all of our life is in line with God's. Still, this painful moment is how God convicts us and reveals his truth.

Assuming the Responsibilities.

1 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.”
4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.”
And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.
7 Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Have you ever looked up to someone because everything they did seemed perfect? It's always a compliment when you tell someone something positive, but it's also a great step of ambition for you to try to be more like them.

That's just something that I thought of as I was reading the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha was younger and was a novice. She looked up to the great prophet Elijah. Soon, it was time for Elijah to go to heaven. It's really neat to read that Elisha wants a "double portion" of his spirit. No, this doesn't mean that he wants to be twice as good as Elijah was or anything. However, he's referring to the tradition back in the time period of the firstborn son receiving a double inheritance when his father died. As the oldest son, Elisha would be the leader of the family and would take over Elijah's responsibilities. Elisha was ready when he says, something like "I am ready."

In New Testament times, this is similar to Jesus and his disciples. Jesus would teach his disciples based on his own personal choices. Before he went to heaven, he told them (from Acts 1:8), "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." He passed the torch to the Disciples and their greatest goal was to be as much like Jesus Christ as possible.

Jesus didn't just give the responsibilities to his disciples, but he gave us the responsibilities as well. Just like the Disciples stepped up to act like Jesus, we should do the same. Don't just do it to impress others, do it to glorify the Lord.

How do you want to be more like Jesus?

Gideon's Cut.

Judges 7:2-7
2 The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ 3 Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
4 But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
5 So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” 6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
7 The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”

According the Bible, Midian was a very densely populated place, like a swarm of locusts. That didn't help Gideon and his army. They already thought that they were too small to be successful. Thus, they took advantage of an opportunity that was given for soldiers to leave; 22,000 of them left. Believe it or not, God told them to cut the army down even more. The Lord devised a creative plan. Those who lapped stayed and those knelt down to drink, were sent off. Not many people lap the water with their tongues, but the ones who did, they remained. This left only 300 men.

So, why was the army cut down significantly? It could have been a test of faith. After all, it didn't seem possible, but God always has sight of victory in the end. It may have been a lesson as well; to teach the men that success (as described in the remainder of Judges 7) was only possible because God was with them.

Do you think life is giving you unavoidable circumstances and impossible hurdles? Think about what you're dealing with now. Are you stressing or are you relying on God? Are you panicking or are you putting your faith in the Lord? Think about Gideon's victory and how you can apply it to what you're experiencing.

This summer I had a series about what God didn't promise. This is another reminder that God did NOT promise that life would be easy (See July 31 post). Contrast that with God's promise repeated throughout the Word: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Always take your issues to God and pray. Be honest. Open yourselves to be comforted by him. Wait for God to direct you. Finally, get prayers and support from your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Body Aches.

1 Corinthians 12:24-26
24 [...]while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Remember how yesterday I talked about dead fingers and such? Now, imagine that you cut your finger just most of the way off...not all the way off. I think that might even hurt longer than cutting it all the way off. Our fingers and toes aren't a huge portion of our body, but when those seemingly little pieces are in pain, our whole body is wailing and we can't turn our attention away from it.

This is how the church should operate. No one's spiritual gifts makes someone more important than the rest of the congregation. We should ache just as much for the injured person who sits next to us in the pews as we do for the injured pastor preaching at the pulpit. The same goes for celebratory circumstances!

Unfortunately, we're not perfect; as humans, we have favorites and tend to rank other people by their intelligence, popularity, and social/financial status. Under these judgmental conditions, the body can't heal if it pretends like a broken arm or leg is normal. The church can't survive if we pick and choose whose side we take.

God, grant us with an equal and appropriate amount of concern for all members in the church. How would you feel if you were in pain and some just left you on the wayside?

Dead Skin, Bones, and Faith.

1 Corinthians 12:21-24
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

Okay, so I'd give today's scripture a couple reads. I know I had to read this several times to make sense of it. Here's what I concluded...

First of all, to set this up a little, imagine that you or someone who know has lost a finger or two. It may have been due to malfunctioning equipment. One second, you have ten, then the next eight or nine. Whoever loses a finger would have to learn how to adapt. It was be difficult, but in time, the new feeling and look becomes permanently etched in their mind. The finger isn't so lucky of course. In fact, a finger without a body is dead skin and bones.

Paul said that Christians are meant to work together. That means, some are fingers, some are elbows, some are feet. No matter what we are, it is not accurate to say that we can live without the rest of the body. We thrive off one another to survive. As long as you're involved in a body of Christ, you will grow spiritually. If you're not, then you will just be dead in your faith.

So, never assume that you don't need to go to church "because I have God." It is crucial to be surrounded by other followers whenever possible. If you try to live for God alone, what do you think the consequences are?

For a Reason.

1 Corinthians 12:17-20
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Have you ever been excited to get the newest piece of technology, but then when you own it, that wonderful feeling disappears? Better yet, have you ever wanted something specifically designed, but by a play of cards, you don't get it? Suppose, you want a specially designed license plate. You don't want to pay the extra money. You just hope that, with the luck of a draw, you'll get a neat acronym or your favorite numbers. Either way, it doesn't work out your way so much.

I want to say that God doesn't work that way. He doesn't hand out random license plates, so to speak. He provides you with spiritual gifts according to your design. After all, you were fearfully and wonderfully made! He gives people specific gifts based on specific situations in specific needs.

God made and placed the parts of the Body of Christ in accordance with his plan. You are not an accident; you are somebody! You have a part in the body and in God's kingdom for a very special reason.

Why do you think it's hard to believe that God made us and our spiritual gifts for a reason?

By the way, don't forget to spend some time appreciating those who died for our country. Happy Veterans Day!

The Body's Various Functions.

1 Corinthians 12:14-16
14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.

Hold it now, isn't this contradiction from yesterday? Didn't Paul just say that we're all one body brought together by the Spirit and given the same Spirit to drink?

Well, Christianity does involve unity, however, we're not all carbon copies of another. That would become monotonous. Sometimes I know I get the idea: "Man, why can't we all just be the same? Then, life would be so much simpler." While that may be somewhat true, how uneventful our lives would be! God devised a completely different plan. What is true is that we are brought together by the same everlasting Holy Spirit; we're just marked by different gifts and powers.

There's no doubt that our spiritual gifts define who we are and what our purpose is. This makes us all unique.

Make sure you're using your spiritual gifts as you should be. In fact, pray that God provides you with a clear picture of what your gifts are. May you have the full desire to use your gifts to serve the Lord and others.

You may think that you can live without a body part, but chances are, it was used for a specific reason at some point. The same goes for you as a member of the Body of Christ. If you find yourself questioning your role, pray as I said before, and be open to God's plan taking some time. Finally, I know that alone, "I'm No Superman" as the song from the television show "Scrubs" goes: "But I can't do this all on my own. No, I know...I'm no Superman."

Drinking and Consuming the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13
3 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Do you ever find yourself eating or drinking something too fast because you're in a rush? Then, indigestion kicks in and maybe some hiccups as well. I know that happens to me frequently. I was so used to eating in a short time frame in middle and high school that now that I'm in college, when I technically have more time to sit down and eat, I still eat fairly quickly out of habit. Don't you think we get rushy when it comes to our spiritual lives as well? Try slowing it down over the next few days and open yourself up to what the Holy Spirit has to offer.

Meanwhile, Paul wants us to know in today's reading that everyone who is a follower of Christ is included in the Body of Christ via the Holy Spirit. It doesn't matter what we look like, how tall we are, or what our financial status is. God takes everything that might look different among others and throws it out of the picture.

As soon as a true believer of Christ trusts him, then they are immediately filled up with the Holy Spirit to guide them through everyday tasks. Now, relating the eating and drinking concept that I shared above, we can drink and consume the Holy Spirit by putting our faith in Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus would be much harder without the work of the Holy Spirit. Learn to appreciate it. Slow down, and remember that God's spirit lives in you and your brothers and sisters under Christ.