Filled...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Joel 2:1-17 / NT - Colossians 2

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." -Colossians 2:8-10 

Self help books and new life-changing programs are beyond number. The issue comes down to this;  people feel inadequate to face the challenges of life. Sadly, even believers find themselves in this deceptive rut. The lingering value of previous conferences quickly slips away as a new approach enters stage left. If the child of God would look within, they would have no need to look elsewhere.

The problem stated above is far from new. Paul found it necessary to give warning and counsel to the believers of his day. There have always been charlatans and profiteers that would take captive poor souls who were insecure. Human traditions have always been attractive for the moment. But in time, every tradition and philosophy loses it's luster and inadequacy returns with a vengeance. There is only one timeless answer that never fails the child of God. Look within, for you have been filled in HIM.

Where is your adequacy, security and sufficiency my friend? Do you feel as if the ground on which you stand constantly slips away? Is there a sense of hollowness in your philosophy of life? Well, take a moment and gaze upon your Savior. In Him the fulness of deity dwells and you have have been filled in Him, and He is all you need!

Think about this: “The lawyer can deliver his client but from strife, the physician can deliver his patient but from sickness, the master can deliver his servant from bondage, but the Lord delivers us from all.” ~ Henry Smith (1560-1591)

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Joel 2:18-32 / NT - Colossians 3

The Basics...

Today's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Joel 1 / NT - Colossians 1

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." - Colossians 1:9-10

You can dress up your car to the fives with the slickest hubcaps, sport suspension, finest audio system and sharpest interior tweaking. Yet, if you don't change the oil and keep the engine in good shape, eventually all that you will have is a pretty lawn ornament. You need to take care of the basics.

When you look carefully at Paul's prayer for the Colossians, he was all about their spiritual condition. I have no doubt that he had concern for their physical and financial issues, but his priority was for their knowing the will of God and living in a manner worthy of the Lord. He always prayed about the basics.

When you attend your church prayer service my friend, what is the focus of prayer? Prayers are lifted up for broken bones, lost jobs, safe traveling, church projects or youth activities. While all these requests are important, how much time is spent on the spiritual welfare of people? When do we pray without ceasing that our church family would be filled with spiritual wisdom to bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God? Are we really praying for the basics?

Think about this: “Prayer is awe, intimacy, struggle—yet the way to reality. There is nothing more important, or harder, or richer, or more life-altering. There is absolutely nothing so great as prayer.” ~  Timothy Keller

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Joel 2:1-17 / NT - Colossians 2

Thoughts...

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

"Finally, brothers, 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

When our boys were children we had all kinds of toys to entertain and challenge their abilities. One such toy was called "Domino Rally". After a lengthy domino creation was built, the last step was to knock the first domino down and watch the rest follow. Life is like falling dominoes. Tyrone Edwards put it this way... "Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny."

When Paul wrote to the Philippians he directed them into a life of humility, joy, gentleness and contentment. While all this comes from a close walk with the Lord, it begins in our thought life and from there the spiritual dominoes will fall. When thoughts are right, your actions and lifestyle will be right.

What are you thinking today? What preoccupies your mind? Only you can choose what you think about. If you want to live a Godly life, start with your thoughts and the rest will fall into place. 

Think about this: "God's thoughts, his will, his love, his judgments are all man's home. To think his thoughts, to choose his will, to love his loves, to judge his judgments, and thus to know that he is in us, is to be at home." ~ George MacDonald

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Yr. 3 - Joel 1 / NT - Colossians 1

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