Thursday, October 31, 2013

October 31 - Sacrifice

All choices hold some degree of sacrifice. We can only choose to do one thing or the other and something must be set aside in order to do so. Choosing our daily sacrifices creates a discipline that helps us to endure the larger ones we encounter. When we look to each day with the realization that today is only a stepping stone in our path, we can hold on with patience, perseverance and hope until the day when we step completely into God’s eternal reward and reap the benefits of our choice to follow Jesus.   

 
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. - Hebrews 13:15

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

October 30 - Blessings

Most authors find moments termed as "writer's block". For me, they come as "inspiration block". I can't find the profound words or the story to spark them. I pray, but God's answer is to wait. Some days it is simply that God has other plans and I don't even get to my computer until well after the sun has risen. On those days I am blessed to be able to go back to old posts and pull from them so that the Day by Day can continue. And that is the beauty. Life always continues. Filled with ups and downs, interruptions and moments of lost inspiration, it still goes on. And God is there, helping to open us to His Calling and find the inspiration to carry on, day by day, moment by moment. I am grateful for a God who always sees the bigger picture and am blessed to share a part of that picture with so many.  My prayer today is that your day be blessed and no matter where your journey leads you, you will feel the presence of God holding you along the way.

The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; -  Numbers 6:25

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

October 29 - Forgiveness

We are human. Mistakes happen. But the glorious thing is; there is redemption. God has sent Jesus to make sure all turns out okay.  The action needed from us is a pure and contrite heart. When we make mistakes, we must set our pride aside and take on the Spirit of Christ. Just as God has forgiven us, we must forgive each other. Take a step toward freedom. Embrace the one who has offended you and look into him, not merely at him. Then you will see with the eyes of Jesus.

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.  Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4: 7-8

Monday, October 28, 2013

October 28 - Freedom

Today our school is celebrates National Red Ribbon Week. The event was started in commemoration of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique (Kiki) Camarena who lost his life battling the war against drugs. The red ribbon became his symbol of courage and determination to live a life of freedom and help those around him. Kiki was a believer that one person CAN make a difference and he sacrificed his life to prevent drugs from entering the United States.*

Many times we think of martyrdom as something of the past or in lands beyond our life circle.  Kiki is a modern day reminder that, even here on American soil, people give from their heart and are martyred for their beliefs. Christ has given us a true Freedom. When we place our soul in His hands, He may lead us somewhere we never felt we would go. But, even in the face of true danger, we will be able to stand firm and know that we rest in God's hands and are carried to Him in victory.


Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. - 2 Corinthians 3:17


*http://www.prc3.org/redribbon/history.htm

Friday, October 25, 2013

October 25 - Silence


Often times more thoughts can be conveyed in silence than words could ever tell. I pray that today you may find beauty in the silence of your heart.

 

Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the Lord had made his journey successful or not. - Genesis 24:21

Thursday, October 24, 2013

October 24 - PERSONAL BEST

I woke this morning and shuffled over to the wall light switch. As I popped the light on I wondered if Benjamin Franklin ever refused to get out of bed because he would rather to play with electricity than write the Constitution?"  God has graced us with so many talents. We are called to use them all for His Kingdom. Our hobbies can make just as much of an impact on another as our occupation. It is up to us to give them our personal best in order that they may be fruitful. In the moments that we would rather play, let us remember the rewards of a disciplined life.  Benjamin Franklin's first desire was to go into the clergy. His life's course resulted in touching more lives than he ever imagined as a lay person. Trust God, and embrace the path you are on. When you give your personal best, God's light with shine through you for all eternity.

Out of all your gifts you shall present every offering due to the LORD, from all the best of them, the sacred part from them. - Numbers 18:29

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

October 23 - Communication

Within every organization, committee, family, or friendship, to achieve a common goal you must have the same vision.  The key to knowing this vision is communication.  No effort, no matter the intention, can lead to success without full communication within the whole.  Our path with God is the same.  We may live a good life, do good things, and be well and successful in man’s eyes, yet unless we talk with God, understand His vision, and set our goal to His goal, our life will end in futility.  God has given us many means of communication.  He speaks to us through prayer, scripture, and tradition.  He reveals Himself in history and in present day through His people, His church.  Speak to Him. Listen to Him. Trust His vision. And enjoy a fruitful, successful life.

 

Now you too, in Him, have heard the message of the truth and the gospel of your salvation, and having put your trust in it you have been stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit of the Promise, - Ephesians 1:13

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

October 22 - Broadminded


When we limit our thinking to our own ideas, we often miss the mark.  A grumble, complaint, or merely a suggestion from another can be misconstrued as a direct hit against our selves. By stepping back and looking at the big picture, we more readily see the situation from the other's eyes. Knowing the whole truth and acting with the compassion and discretion of God's Holy Spirit, we can all work together to bring goodness to every moment.

 
So Jesus called them to him and said to them, 'You know that among the gentiles those they call their rulers, lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt.  Among you this is not to happen. No, anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all.' - Mark 10:42-44

Monday, October 21, 2013

October 21 - Talent

A friend recently commented, "Any talent is a gift from God and when you are asked to use this gift, you do."  I had to sigh, for in that moment I wished I were not so talented. Yet it was a good reminder that with God's Grace we are given a precious gift of discernment. We can seek His directive and can make a conscious choice of how we return our gifts to Him. Giving your all is giving your best. Through our Holy Spirit, we are able to embrace our opportunities and rejoice that God sees us worthy to contribute to His Kingdom.

 
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. James 1:17,18

Thursday, October 17, 2013

October 17 - Holy Spirit

Our God is good and always answers prayer; many times unexpected and in unconventional moments. This morning I resolutely questioned My Maker on how He expects me do everything that He has placed before me.  I whined, "I can't even get to work on time, and now I have to do this!?  I don't know how I can do it all." 

I did make it to work and popped into our school's assistant principal's office for a picture moment. She had several children surrounding her desk. As I stood there enjoying the moment, a first grader read a sentence from her paper: "The Holy Spirit helps me get to school on time." The child then locked her eyes on mine with a big smile.

I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in the Holy Spirit and I believe in answered prayer. I pray that I can have the innocence, purity and unyielding trust of a child to be strengthened in faith and enlightened in truth. Through Christ, I will be able to do all things.

 
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. - John 16:13

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

October 16 - Encourage


When we are faced with a journey that calls us to be something greater than we suppose we are, remember, Christ is before us and is leading us in every moment. It is in Him that we have our strength and through our faith and trust in Him we will find success and His Glory will prevail. 
 

To end then, brothers, we wish you joy; try to grow perfect; encourage one another; have a common mind and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

October 15 - Truth

Interpreting scripture is not a simple task. Oftentimes we try to rewrite the words, hoping they will be easier to digest. We seek to form the verse to our circumstances, rather than our circumstances to the verse. God's Word is truth, complete and whole. When we try to restructure His words, a lot of the interpretation becomes construed. Even within the books of the Bible, you can find differences in each author’s interpretation of many events. God has given us scripture to reveal His Essence. The truth is centered on who He is, not who man is.  A deeper understanding of our Maker is revealed when we read not only one verse, but look at the complete chapters, cross-referencing old and new testaments, and contemplate the circumstances surrounding the initiation of every word.
 
 
 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

Monday, October 14, 2013

October 14 - Release


We can spend so much time in toil and misery; we fail to see the good around us. Lift your cares to God.  Let Him take on your burden. Trust that He is the one with the answers and the purpose for your journey. When you place your hope in God and rest in His love, you release your spirit and can celebrate each moment in joy.



And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath". - Mark 3:27

Friday, October 11, 2013

October 11 - Encourage


The most beautiful person in the world will never believe they are if another does not tell them.  If the most powerful person in the world is told they have no power, they will begin to doubt. Humanity is built on encouragement. Our strength lies in hope. Encouragement from others pushes us a little more and lifts us from the drudgery of doubt. Today, reach out to your neighbor in hope. Share your joy and remind them of their worthiness. Our God is awesome and His creation is amazing. Let us rejoice that we are His.



Take me as your pattern, just as I take Christ for mine. - 1 Corinthians 11:1

Thursday, October 10, 2013

October 10 - Difficulties


“There are two kinds of persons in the world: those who think first of difficulties and those who think first of accomplishments in spite of the difficulties”, Samuel Warren. Remember God has placed us in each moment. What we receive out of it is our choice.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. – 2 Samuel 22:31

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

October 9 - Memories

A trip down memory lane isn't always whimsical and fun. Sometimes feelings and emotions are triggered that have been hidden for decades. We may even find ourselves faced with the decision to once again forgive something we thought we had put behind us. The blessing is that our naturally human responses are covered by a Supernatural Divinity. Shifting our focus to God, helps us to put our feelings into perspective and reach out in love and compassion in our present moment. Yes, we may feel pain, sorrow and even anger, but in remembering our past, we know these emotions will once again pass. Place your hope in our Eternal God. Rejoice that His forgiveness and compassion lasts forever and use these moments to grow deeper in trust and faith. Embracing your Loving Father will allow Him to bring you new memories of joy.


The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. - Proverbs 10:7

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

October 8 - Trust

This is the day the Lord has made. . . . In all of its ups and downs, turns and twists, consequences and surprises, it is God's day. So no matter what unfolds, whether joy filled or stressful, reach up to the Lord who orders all things. Place your faith and trust in Him as He holds each moment and let us rejoice and be glad.

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24

Monday, October 7, 2013

October 7 - Prayer

How did Jesus pray?  I read this question just the other day.  My immediate response to this question has always been to dissect the Lord's Prayer: Jesus gave homage to God, asked for God to provide all needs including bringing His Kingdom to us on earth, asked for us to forgive and be forgiven, and to keep us safe from all evil.  Yet, this is just the surface of prayer. Jesus walked daily with God. He lived and breathed "prayer". Wikipedia defines prayer as "an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with a deity". Jesus walked so closely with God that He never broke communion, not even for one millisecond of His life. God was around Him, within Him, and throughout Him. Jesus saw with God's eyes, loved with God's heart, and touched with God's hands. All power within Him was God. All purpose was for God. As we walk our daily life, let us be so close to our Lord, that we readily know where God is leading us. Let us take on His Spirit, and go with God always before us, within us and throughout our being. 

Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same." Luke 10:36,37

Friday, October 4, 2013

October 3 - Shameless


There are times in our lives that God places us within a life-changing moment.  Our split-second perspective and the action it releases can make or break life as we know it.  In these brazen moments, lies the ever present need for truth. Holding God’s Word in our hearts, defines the words that come across on our tongues. 


Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.” - 1 Kings 17:24

Thursday, October 3, 2013

October 3 - Sacrifice

Jesus' sacrifice for us began long before His death. From the moment of His conception, He humbled Himself and made Himself obedient to man. He Above All Things, grew in submission to his earthly parents, setting the stage for His ultimate submission to God, The Father. His example of deferring to Mary at the Wedding of Cana exemplifies His devotion to our Heavenly Father as honoring the 4th Commandment, "honor your father and mother", gave precedent to His own desire. As we choose our path each day, let us put aside all pride and self need, remembering the example of Jesus and how every breath He took, brought glory to God.

And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." John 2:4-5

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

October 2 - Empathy

One of the hardest things to do is to listen without response.  Try it some time.  Most likely, you will find yourself trying to solve the other person's problem before that person has even finished speaking. We have the answer. We know the direction they should take. We are swelled with passion, ready to steer them in the right path. Once they see it our way, they will be much better off. We can't wait to make them understand this concept. Stephen R. Covey, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", wrote, "Seek first to understand" involves a very deep shift in paradigm. We typically seek first to be understood. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. They're either speaking or preparing to speak. They're filtering everything through their own paradigms, reading their autobiography into other people's lives." Listen completely; hear the whole story, then in the silence that follows, we will better know our neighbor. And, in this knowledge, we can hear God's response.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

October 1 - Cross

The only way to overcome a problem is to acknowledge that it exists.  Once accepted, it becomes our cross to bear.  When we look on our troubles with the hope of Christ, our cross no longer is an anchor of pain and uncertainty, but we can lift it high, knowing that within this journey lays the hope that conquers the world.

 

Christ became obedient for us unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above every name. – Philippians 2:8-9