James 1-5

Today we read the book of James.  Experts (I'm not one of those) tend to believe the author is Jesus' brother.  As I look back at these five chapters, my Bible is covered in highlights.  There is so much scripture for our practical use in living out a good life.  This book is definitely another one of my favorites.  We find advice on quarrels, true wisdom, love, prayer, talking nicely, humility, patience, and suffering, just to name a few.  Paul tells us in his many letters that we are saved by faith, not our own works.  Yet, James reminds us that living in faith means "doing" for God.  If we have faith, if we are faithful, our lives will reflect many good deeds.

So, there is balance to be found here.  How do you find this balance in your life?  We have faith in what we can't see, and we are saved by grace alone.  However, in faith, we are also called to live for God.  James points out that our lives are proof of our faith.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14, 17

In light of our reading today, I started thinking about working for God.  What am I doing for Him now because of His grace that is always at work in my life?  What is He asking me to do next?  What do I need to share for Him and with Him?  What do I need to change for Him?  There are so many possibilities, I realize.  I just have to ask Him. 

And so, I know I need to pray through it all.  James 4 is a great place to start reflecting on the closing year and begin the new year that's right around the corner.  Bring it all to God.  

2 ...You do not have because you do not ask God.

8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:2, 8, 10

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for Your saving grace.  I am drawing near to You God, and I pray You will come near to me.  Fill me with Your love and help me hear Your Holy Spirit.  Speak to my heart.  Tell me, Father, what do You need me to do for You today?  I confess that I especially fall short in my struggle to ______________.  Show me one step at a time how to live for You.  

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

Titus and Philemon

Today we read two books in the Bible, Titus and Philemon.  Both of these are letters from Paul.  Titus is the third of the "pastoral epistles" as Paul gives instructions for appointing elders in Crete.  It's a place known by it's trouble, and apparently the people need strong leadership and guidance in their faith.  Imagine that.  Philemon is Paul's shortest book, only one chapter.  It's to the point as he writes specifically to ask Philemon to forgive a slave (turned Christian) whose name is Onesimus.  Paul makes it clear that he loves Onesimus as a "brother in the Lord."  

Onesimus brings up, at least for me, the power of our relationship with Jesus to transform our relationships with others.

2 Timothy 1-4

2 Timothy 1-4 is the second of the "pastoral epistles" from Paul.  Paul writes in his old age, based on his experiences, to encourage Timothy in his own ministry.  It seems to be a "passing the torch" sort of letter.  He gives warnings against false teachings and terrible times ahead.  Paul also reminds us that the Bible is the primary source we need in our faith. 

Even though Paul writes to Timothy, I feel like we are all called by God to some sort of ministry that is ours based on our God-given gifts.  We may not be preachers, or teachers, big evangelists, or missionaries traveling the world, but we all have something God is asking us to use for Him.

Today, I am thinking about my own gifts.  What has God given me that He needs me to use for Him?

What about you?  What are your gifts?  How is God asking you to use them?

1 Timothy 1-6

We read more from Paul in 1 Timothy 1-6.  Yet again, Paul is writing a letter full of Christian advice.  He's trying to keep believers on God's path and help us be more and more Godly as we grow in our faith.  Except this time, he is specifically discussing the roles of those in leadership positions of the church.  That's why this book is known as the first of three "pastoral epistles."  Despite Paul's direction toward leaders of the church, much of what he is saying is valuable to regular believers too.  I think that's because even though we may not directly serve the church in our profession, we are still serving God as we attempt to follow Christ in our day to day lives.  No act of service is insignificant.  Sometimes the best way to lead is to be a follower.  Jesus showed us that himself!

 I love how Paul describes Jesus.

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Jesus is our divine middleman.  He is our direct connection to God.  He is the One who gets us from here to there at all times.  

Paul reminds us that God sent Jesus for all people so that He can especially use those of us who become well aware of how much we need Him.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 2:15-17

Are you aware of areas/times in your life in which God has displayed immense patience and mercy (like Paul)?

What made you aware of God's transforming presence and mercy?

How do you think God uses that experience for His glory?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for sending Jesus to be my eternal mediator and ransom.  Open my heart to the ways You call me to be more like Jesus.  Use my experiences for Your glory, and help me to share your grace with others, especially _____________.  Now to You, Lord, the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Thessalonians 1-3

2 Thessalonians 1-3 is Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians.  Apparently, there was some confusion after they received false testimony that Christ had already come again.  They were afraid they had missed the boat, so to speak.  Have you ever felt like that in your faith?  I have.  Paul reassures them that, as believers, they will KNOW when Christ comes again because He has called them to share in God's glory.  How amazing!  He also encourages Christians to work for God in all that we do.  It's never too late to be transformed, but the time is NOW.

1 Thessalonians 1-5

Woohoo!  We are moving right along today as we read the book of 1 Thessalonians.  Paul is still writing to encourage people in their faith.  Sure, the letter was written to the Thessalonians centuries ago, but Paul's words are still full of the Holy Spirit, a Holy Spirit that is very much alive in our lives today.  In this way, as we read these Holy Words, Paul is ministering to us too.  We are reminded that because we believe in Jesus, God calls us to a life that is different, better, full of promise, and joy.   

God wants us to open ourselves up to all He has to say to us and all the blessings He wants to pour out to us.

As we grow stronger in our faith, He calls us to be more and more like His son in the ways we live in love for others.  

How are you today, really?  Where do you need some encouragement in your faith?  How is Paul speaking to you?

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21

God is always trying to tell me something.  There is always room for me to grow as a believer and follower of Christ.  How about you?  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for the salvation and abundant life I have in your son, Jesus.  Lord, help me open my life to you in all the ways you are calling on me.  I also pray for ___________ today.  Fill _________ with your Holy Spirit so that he/she/they will know that You are Lord of all, our loving, comforting, guiding, and healing Savior.  Encourage us together, as brothers and sisters in Christ, to stand firm in our faith and experience the blessings of life spent with You, now and for eternity.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen  

Grace and peace,

Colossians 1-4

We read another letter of Paul's in Colossians 1-4.  It's another good book in the Bible under our belts after today.  This one echoes some of the same sentiments for Christian households that Paul mentions in Ephesians.  Paul is also reminding believers to pay attention in our faith, so we do not get distracted by our own ways and traditions that keep us from Christ.  

Christ is at the core of our faith as believers.  As Christians, we are always a work in progress.  First, we believe.  That's a blessing in and of itself.  After that, we all have an opportunity to realize the spiritual fullness we can have in Christ.

Philippians 1-4

We read the book of Philippians today.  Paul, the apostle who used to persecute Christians before He came to know Jesus, writes a letter to the church in Philippi.  It's a love letter of sorts, full of joy.  It's interesting because Paul is imprisoned at the time.  He references being in "chains."  Through Paul, we can see again and again how God uses adversity in our lives to give us a stronger voice and a big purpose. 

Paul's words are full of more good advice when we are struggling with our own "chains."  He doesn't let his circumstances stop him from living out God's purpose for him.  He lets them motivate him instead.  

Here are a few thing's I've learned from Paul during his hard times...

1. Be like Christ.  Keep nurturing the relationships God brings into your life.  Love as you go.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

Philippians 2:5

2. Rejoice always, no matter what because God has a plan, and He's working on it.

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

Philippians 2:13-14

3. Keep praying.  Talk to God.  Listen for His answers and trust Him.  He's with you, and He hears you.

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I rejoice in You, Lord! I am so grateful for the people you bring into my life.  I thank you as I remember [name those on your mind] ________________.  I pray with joy for them.  Work in me, Lord, to fulfill Your good purpose.  Give me the strength to do all things for Your glory with gentleness.  Bless me with Your peace, God, which transcends all understanding.  Guard my heart and mind in Jesus.

In the Name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Love in Christ,

Galatians 4-6 & Ephesians 1

Paul continues his ministry to the Gentiles through his letters in Galatians 4-6 and Ephesians 1.  He is desperate to win believers for Christ and keep us on the right path.  As we finish reading Galatians, Paul wants us to remember that we live by the Spirit, not by the law and our own efforts.  And because we live by the Spirit, we are blessed with the spiritual gifts of Christ.  We have an eternal freedom.  It's pretty amazing stuff, and for some reason, it's all too easy for us to forget the power and presence that is within us as we get caught up in the influences of the world.  

No matter what we do, whether wonderful or horrible, we cannot earn our own relationship with Jesus.  If you believe in Him (and it's never too late), then you know God has blessed you with His grace and a life-saving faith.  

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 1:13

As a believer, you can never fall out of grace.  What a gift to be free in Christ!

Paul tells us, today, exactly what God wants us to do in response to this beautiful, perfect, and undeserved gift.

6 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Galatians 5:6

I want my faith to count, wherever I find myself in this life.  I want to make it personal.  How about you?

How do we love in faith?

A special prayer today from Paul-  After you pray for your own heart, feel free to pray this prayer for those on your mind today.  It's empowering.

Dear God,

I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You, Lord, have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in Your holy people, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength You exerted when You raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come (Ephesians 1:18-21).

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,

2 Corinthians 1-4

Today, we begin reading Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.  Apparently, his first letter to the troubled and lost people wasn't enough to convince them of the need to dig deeper in their faith.  In 2 Corinthians 1-4, Paul defends his words and pleads with people to believe that everything he does and says comes from the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ's love that is at work in him.  
The bottom line is this.  Paul is disappointed in people.  He explains,

4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

2 Corinthians 2:4

We can all relate to the way Paul is feeling because we have all had to experience disappointment in loved ones at some point, right?  That's just part of our imperfect human love for one another.  

Paul's answer to this disappointment is more love, compassion and comfort.  

1 Corinthians 1-4

We hear more from Paul in 1 Corinthians 1-4.  He writes a letter to the church in Corinth.  It seems the people have become a little lost.  They are not getting along.  Their hearts are not in the right place (with Jesus).  Selfishness and self-righteousness are taking over.  Members are going their own ways instead of growing in Christ.  Paul writes to encourage them and give them a little wake-up call.  He reminds them of their beliefs and hopes to inspire them to draw on the strength and unity they have in Jesus.  

Even though Paul writes to a church in Corinth way before my time, his message is just as relevant today.  The issues and weaknesses Paul addresses are timeless.  Not only do Paul's words apply to churches (as congregations), but they also apply to me as an individual who believes.  

We all get a little distracted, even completely lost sometimes.  It happens way too easily right before our eyes, and we don't even realize it.  This world we live in is crazy like that.  

All of a sudden we just know in our hearts things don't feel right.  They don't look right.  We become unsettled and restless.

Romans 7-9

Paul is talking about some really heavy stuff in Romans 7-9.  While these chapters have some of my all-time favorite scripture, they do not come without a huge sense of responsibility for me.  Paul is trying to explain that Christ's death means things of this world also die in us when we believe.  Through our faith, we are called to let go of old ways and embrace all the newness we have in our risen Christ.  Thank goodness God knew we couldn't do it on our own.  The Holy Spirit is a crucial GPS system for all of God's children.  

Paul points out that we can't help ourselves.  We mean well, but we mess-up and get tangled in sin all the time.  Even with the Holy Spirit in our lives, we still make mistakes and wrong turns.

19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

Romans 7:19

Jesus is such a necessary gift from God.  How many times do I catch myself doing the very things I said I wouldn't do because I know they are wrong?  It's too many times to count; I can tell you that.

Romans 1-3

We hear more from Paul as we begin reading Romans today.  This man really has a way with words, doesn't he?  He writes to the Roman Christians on his way to Spain even though he had never met them.  He's so good at encouraging people in their faith and explaining God's grace through faith.  We can learn so much from Paul.

Paul inspires me.