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.

Hebrews 10-13

As we finish Hebrews (chapters 10-13) today, the author explains what it means to apply our faith in Christ.  He reminds us how God worked in the lives of other faithful believers (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses...).  We have a "great cloud of witnesses" to encourage our own faith.  Through our faith, we can accept hardship as God's discipline for His children.  And no matter what, we always have a greater hope for things to come in Christ.  We just have to support one another and keep our eyes on Him.

Life has so many distractions.  And I don't know about you, but I am easily distracted by what I "see".  Hebrews reminds us to hold on to our faith.

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:13

Faith.  We can't see Him (literally), God; but we know He's with us and full of promises for us.  So, as we run around this holiday season and every other day after, I hope you'll join me in your own faith.  Let's cheer each other on in focusing on what we cannot see, despite all that is distracting us.    

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Hebrews 12:28

Towards the end of Hebrews (chapter 13), we get tidbits of good advice, little reminders for how we can be faithful Christ followers.  We have written direction for putting our faith in action.  I especially love the reminder about being kind to strangers,

2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

We never know when our random acts of kindness are a part of God's purposeful, life changing grace.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for the example I have in Jesus, who is with me always.  Forgive me for getting distracted by all that I see.  Help me remember to hold on to my faith, no matter what the season.  Open my heart, Father, and guide me in welcoming all those You bring into my life, even strangers.  You, Lord, are my Savior, my Rock, and my Redeemer.  I am in awe of Your Mighty Power at work in me and all those who believe.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

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

Hebrews 5-9

Sorry, this post is late today.  Hopefully it is worth the wait...

Hebrews 5-9 is about Jesus, our High Priest.  He is our mediator, always interceding for us. He is our connection to God.  He died for us.  He lives forever.  He is all we need, and we are now called to live that way.  The Hebrews need to reconcile their Old Testament Laws with the new life we all have in Christ.  

25 Therefore he is able to save completely[a] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

                    Hebrews 7:25

I think the most important part of the verse above is to note that Jesus is "able to save completely."  But, here's something I've learned from my own life.  I took for granted (for way too long) Jesus' saving grace and neglected my own role in my relationship with Him.  I was so distracted at times, convinced that I could and should handle things on my own in order to be successful, that I was missing out on my Savior's power to save me "completely."  

Hebrews 1-4

Today we begin reading Hebrews (1-4), a book in the Bible whose author is unknown.  Paul, Barnabas, Luke, and Apollos are all possibilities.  It was intended for Jewish Christians to help them understand the sovereignty of Jesus Christ in living out their faith.  Their faithfulness before Jesus depended on their own acts and good works (offerings, sacrifices, sacred rituals), but their faithfulness with Jesus depends on belief in Him and is .  His blood is our ultimate sacrifice.  There was a lot of letting go of the "old" (before Christ) and embracing the "new" we have in Christ.  It seems to me that this transformation applies to all of us as we strengthen our faith.

There is power in TODAY with Christ in our lives.  God power.  That's the message I get from today's reading.  

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.

Everyday Reading Project: December 15-21

For more on this Everyday Reading Project click here.

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,

Ephesians 2-6!

Oh my gosh!  I love so many of the scriptures in Ephesians 2-6.  I found myself highlighting more words than not.  I think it's because Ephesians is all about how to live life God's way.  Day to day life, struggles, your marriage, your family, raising your kids, being a good person…all these things are covered.  This book tells us what we need know and what we need to pray to realize the full potential of our faith.  

Why faith?  Why live in faith?  Why nurture it?  Why believe in something we can't see?  Why listen to a voice the world can't hear?  Why follow the steps of a Spirit who leads us right through the unknown?

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,

Galatians 1-3

The book of Galatians is another letter from Paul.  I keep reminding myself of how much Jesus has changed him.  Remember his earlier days, persecuting those who believed in Jesus?  Now look at him.  In Galatians 1-3, he reminds us that we are saved by faith, not our own acts.  We find freedom in Christ.  So when we find ourselves worrying about being good enough through our own works, well, we are missing the power of God's grace in our lives.  

Paul asks us this important question today,

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?

Galatians 3:2

Paul's question is just the thing we need to stay grounded in our faith.  My faith is about what I believe in my heart, not about how well I follow rules.  

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26-27

That's how I have to see myself AND all believers, as precious children of God.  Jesus changes us, just like he does Paul.  

Think about that.  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for sending Jesus to make me one of your precious children.  Strengthen my faith.  Draw close to me, Lord.  Help me, Jesus, to live by Your Holy Spirit.  Help me reach others with your love and grace.  I pray for your presence and life changing love to fill _______________ today.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

2 Corinthians 9-13

We're moving right along in our Bible reading as we finish 2 Corinthians today.  Paul wraps up his second letter to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 9-13.   It seems to me like Paul is pleading with the believers at this point.  He is defending his ministry, boasting about his sufferings and God's power, and encouraging generous giving.  Paul is trying his best to help us realize that by God's grace, through Christ, we are made strong in our weaknesses.  

If you read with me yesterday, you might remember me talking about graceful giving and how God blesses us so we can bless others.  Paul reminds us again today,

8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

God gives us everything we need, all the time.  And He doesn't give just so we can barely get by day to day.  He gives to us with such grace that we will "abound."

I have to admit.  I am too quick to forget that.  I get caught up in what I see (that is part of my weakness), not the powers at work in me that are unseen (my strength).  I catch myself worrying about not being enough, having enough, and thinking about what I don't have that I think I need.  But here's the thing I have to remember-- what I have IS what I need in Christ.

Paul challenges the Corinthians to do a little self-check in their faith.  He challenges me too.

5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5

Oh yeah, God.  Christ is in me.  He is sufficient.  He's in you too, if you believe.  We all have much to celebrate.  Because of that, Paul tells us,

11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

So continuing this whole discussion of graceful giving…God wants to be at the center of our giving.  He is the heart and soul of our holiday season.  He is the source of our gifts, so He will also be at the source of all we truly need to give.

What does "full restoration" mean for you?

What does God truly need for you to give as we celebrate and honor Jesus' birthday?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank you for your abundant blessings in all things, at all times.  Thank you for giving me all that I need.  Help me work for You and the full restoration I have in Christ not because I have to earn it but because I am overflowing with gratefulness.  I pray for your love and peace to restore all those on my mind today.  Speak to my heart and show me what I need to give You. 

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,

2 Corinthians 5-8

Paul talks more about the struggles we have as Christians in 2 Corinthians 5-8.  In Christ, we find reconciliation with God.  Christ is our direct connection to God.  Living in Christ, means having faith, relying and depending and believing in things we cannot see.  Paul talks about sorrow as something that can be Godly and good when it brings us to repentance.  He also encourages giving in response to God's grace in our lives.

Graceful giving is where I want to zoom in today.  It seems appropriate to get this whole giving thing right in light of the Christmas season that is upon us.