Daily

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Every day I wake up and start out with the same routine, as most people do. Monday through Friday, I prepare myself to go to work. At work I clock in, check email, look at my list of things that I want to accomplish, find out what my boss wants me to do, redirect what I thought I might be doing and then get started.  I do this so that I might win the respect of those I work for. 1 Thessalonians 4 remains one of my favorite scriptures. I appreciate that Paul gives us a hint of what the life of a Jesus follower should look like.

God made me to work with my hands. I am fortunate that he’s given me the ability to create beautiful things as well as author writings. He gives each of us gifts and strengths and asks that we use them and do it in a humble manner, that we might gain respect from others. The reason~~~so that the people around us will see Jesus. No matter what I do or how I spend my day, I want to reflect my savior and his love. I want to be like him.   

Pray for All the People

1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Last night Tim and I watched 48 Hours and listened to the sadness and fear in the voices of the people who survived the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado. My heart and prayers went out to them and the friends and families of the victims. I also thought about the man who performed such a horrific act. His family must be in shock. God asks me to pray for all of the souls involved, but I’ll admit it is difficult to pray for the perpetrator. But, Timothy brings the charge to pray for all people. I am asking that you join me as I lift this situation up to God and seek his peace and guidance.

Also, would you pray for a group of folks leaving today for a week long missionary journey to Mexico?  A group from True Life Christian Church is traveling south to reach out as the hands and feet of Jesus. I pray that they find opportunity and that they are covered by safety. I also know a young man who is preparing to go into the mission field on a more permanent basis. Please pray for Marion as he ventures into an unfamiliar land with Jesus in his heart and hands.

I praise God for prayer!

  

Sunshine and Shadow

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

In the spring, I planted zinnia seeds like the ones I remembered from my childhood. With rain and sun green sprouts shot up and over time displayed a riot of color.  One morning when I left for work, I took a moment to admire the blooms. They reached their faces to the sun. When I got home that evening, I noticed that the buds bowed their heads because the sun had moved to the other side of the house.

The movement of these simple flowers reminded me of how I strive to be as a follower of Jesus. In seeking him I search for his light and raise my face to meet his. The warmth of his love and grace refuel my soul. In the darkness of life I bow my head and pray for his guidance. In time he sends his answer. I am amazed over and over again how the most common elements of nature speak volumes about our incredible God. Whether sunshine or shadow, he stays the same. I just need to stay focused on his light.

Watch Out for Will-o'-the-wisp

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

“Girls day out!” my granddaughter declared as my daughters, my granddaughter and I spent the afternoon watching the movie Brave. Without spoiling the plot for anyone, I’ll just say that the young Scottish princess, Merida, determined to change her destiny, initially follows the will-o’-the-wisps (ghostly lights that lead travelers off their path) right into trouble.

As I watched the story unfold I couldn’t help but think about those will-o’-the-wisps. As a follower of Christ, he has a purpose for my life and a path set before me. If I listen to the Holy Spirit and seek his guidance, I stay in step with him and follow God’s plan for me. If I become distracted by will-o’-the-wisps, A.K.A. the devil, I veer off into trouble and chaos. When I accepted Jesus as my savior and followed him in baptism, he gave me the gift of his Holy Spirit, my guide for life. I choose to follow him.