Put it into Practice...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 47:13-23 / NT - Philippians 3

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." - Philippians 3:13-16

In earlier years our family Doctor had his own medical practice. I often wondered what it was that he practiced. He updated his expertise quite regularly through various workshops and seminars, but what did he practice on me? Over time I had concluded that aside from the newest upcoming procedures, he took what he had already learned and put it into practice.

Paul was driven to grow in Christ. He wasn't satisfied to stay where he was spiritually. He pressed and strained toward greater goals for the Lord. But while he pursued new ground for Jesus, he was careful to live up to what he had already learned. Paul always put his gains into practice.

Are you living up to what you've learned today? Or are you occasionally preoccupied with new stuff and slip back from the basics? Don't ever lose sight of what you've already learned and be sure to put it into practice.

Think about this: "Practice is the soul of knowledge." ~ Thomas Adams

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 48 / NT - Philippians 4

No Complaints...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 46:19-47:12 / NT - Philippians 2

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" - Philippians 2:14-15 

Whenever I plan to make a major purchase of electronics, appliances or a car, I spend hours reading product reviews. They are some help, but the complaints are often beyond belief. Given the opportunity, people will complain about the silliest things and expend incredible time and effort in the process. It's such a joy to meet someone who doesn't complain.

Paul wrote about the humility and sacrifice of our Savior in this chapter. He pointed us to Jesus as our example for selfless living. This kind of lifestyle will always produce people who face life without complaining and arguing. As a result our lives shine like stars in the world, with quality, purity, and contentment. People will listen to our witness because they see our consistent joy.

No one likes to be around complainers. Arguments turn people away. But we have been sent into the world to bring the light and joy of the Gospel. The next time you want to complain, consider the Lord's selfless sacrifice for us and find reason to rejoice. To win people to Christ, you often have to woo them first.

Think about this: "Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." ~ Alphonse Karr

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 47:13-23 / NT - Philippians 3

He Always Finishes...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 46:1-18 / NT - Philippians 1

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:4-6 

Throughout history, works of art have been left unfinished, for a wide variety of reasons. Some of these have, over time, become quite valuable as is, while others have little or no value. No matter the outcome, every artist begins their work with high expectations of finishing.

Paul was full of expectation as he prayed and worked for the Lord. He had great confidence that his labor would never be in vain. He knew that the Lord's work would certainly come to completion in those he had led to Christ. It is God alone who saves, sanctifies, and sustains us until the end. And God always finishes what he starts!

Are there times when you feel spiritually depleted and wonder if the Lord has given up on you? Did you begin your walk with God with great excitement, only to arrive at a place of confusion and doubt? Stop for a moment and remember... You are God's work and He always finishes what he starts! 

Think about this: "God watches and weeds us, and continues his labour upon us, till he brings us to the end of his promise." ~ Richard Sibbes

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 46:19-47:12 / NT - Philippians 2

Breath of Fresh Air..

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 45 / NT - Ephesians 6

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." - Ephesians 6:7-8

Before I entered the ministry I worked in a quite a few jobs. On occasion I worked in management and  was responsible for a number of employees. Until that time I would never have believed how many people sleep on the job. With such experiences being  found, I believe that the work ethic of this country is in trouble. In such an atmosphere every believer who serves wholeheartedly can be a breath of fresh air.

Paul addressed a number of deep spiritual issues in this letter. Yet, he comes to one of the most practical and wide spread need for everyday life. While there only a few ministers, missionaries and Christian workers, the rest of believers make up a huge work force. The witness and testimony of each on is only as strong as their work ethic. If they sleep on the job, no one will listen, but if they serve wholeheartedly, they will be well received as a breath of fresh air.

Where do you work my friend? How well do you do your job? Do you go the extra mile in the Name of Jesus? Are you able to lay your day's work before the Lord as a sacrifice of praise for His glory. It doesn't matter what little benefits may come your way in this life, for the Lord will reward everyone for whatever they do. A job well done and the Lord's promised reward will always be a breath of fresh air.

Think about this... “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” ~ Jim Elliot

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 46:1-18 / NT - Philippians 1

A Very Serious Matter...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 44 / NT - Ephesians 5

"Therefore do not be partners with them." - Ephesians 5:7

A number of years ago I had a friend who went into business with an unbeliever. They were partners. Over time the decisions of the unbeliever led the business into a federal investigation and brought the business to the brink of bankruptcy. My friend almost lost his house, car and family security. Partnership is a very serious matter.

When Paul wrote about immorality and greed he expected a complete break from such a lifestyle. He pointed to the empty life and final outcome of those who remain in this path. Furthermore, he gave clear counsel for believers to separate from those who live in this way. Because Paul knew that partnership was a very serious matter.

It has been said that believers are to live in contact with the world, but never in contract with them. This passage is a strong support for such counsel. Choose your partners wisely my friend. Be involved with those who will lift you up and not tear you down. An immoral and greedy partner will eventually bring you into spiritual bankruptcy. Be very careful, because partnership is a very serious matter.

Think about this: "The money, the pleasures, the daily business of the world are so many traps to catch souls." ~ J. C. Ryle

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 45 / NT - Ephesians 6

Build Up...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 43 / NT - Ephesians 4:17-32

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29

One of the more common complaints about the recent political battles is the amount of abrasive and critical attacks made from both sides of the aisle. Rather than working together in more productive and positive ways for America, the time has been largely spent tearing the opponent down. The best way to win the hearts of others is to build people up with words of grace.

Over the last two millenniums since Paul wrote these words little has changed. People are more prone to make themselves look good by making others look bad. This is just the way we are without a renewed spirit and mind in the likeness of God. In contrast, the mark of a true believer is clear: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) This is how we build others up with lives of grace.

Take an inventory this week my friend. Jot down the nature of every conversation you participate in during the next few days. Look especially for "build up" or "tear down" content in each encounter. I have no doubt that you will be surprised at the results. We need to be intentional to "put on the new self" and "build up" others on every occasion.

Think about this: "One of the first things that happens when a man is really filled with the Spirit is not that he speaks with tongues, but that he learns to hold the one tongue he already has." ~ J. Sidlow Baxter

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 44 / NT - Ephesians 5

A Smooth Ride...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 42 / NT - Ephesians 4:1-16

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:2-3

I've been on a large boat, feeling the engine roaring with incredible force to cut through stormy waters. I have also been in a small canoe, when one stroke of an oar would propel us a great distance in quiet waters. Life is much like maneuvering a ship; the more peaceful the waters, the smoother the ride. 

Paul often addressed the subject of peace to believers. One might conclude that such a concern would be unnecessary for the children of God. Yet, the instructions were given in detail to be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. The Christian community should be a place where peaceful waters prevail, always providing a smooth ride.

Are you making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace? Do you treat others with humility, gentleness, patience and love? These are the ingredients that provide and sustain peaceful waters for a smooth ride. Stormy waters are never fun... so don't make waves. Make it a smooth ride. 

Think about this: "Our Lord has many weak children in his family, many dull pupils in his school, many raw soldiers in his army, many lame sheep in his flock. Yet he bears with them all, and casts none away. Happy is that Christian who has learned to do likewise with his brethren." ~ J. C. Ryle

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT Yr. 3 - Ezekiel 43 / NT - Ephesians 4:17-32