A SOFT TAP AT THE DOOR

But be holy in all you do, just as God, the One who called you, is holy.

1 Peter 1:15

I have something against the lying voices that noise our world. You’ve heard them. They tell you to swap your integrity for a new sale. To barter your convictions for an easy deal. To exchange your devotion for a quick thrill.

They whisper. They woo. They taunt. They tantalize. They flirt. They flatter. “Go ahead, its OK.” “Don’t worry, no one will know.”

The world rams at your door; Jesus taps at your door. The voices scream for your allegiance; Jesus softly and tenderly requests it. The world promises flashy pleasure; Jesus promises a quiet dinner … with God.

Which voice do you hear?

In the Eye of the Storm
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

Note: How appropriate and timely is God’s message to us. I sit alone in a hotel room on a business trip. God’s sends a gentle reminder to “…be holy…”

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 202

FORGIVENESS FREES THE SOUL

If you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased.

1 Peter 2:20

Is there any emotion that imprisons the soul more than the unwillingness to forgive? What do you do when people mistreat you or those you love? Does the fire of anger boil within you, with leaping flames consuming your emotions? Or do you reach somewhere, to some source of cool water and pull out a bucket of mercy—to free yourself?

Don’t get on the roller coaster of resentment and anger. You be the one who says, “Yes, he mistreated me, but I am going to be like Christ. I’ll be the one who says, ‘Forgive them, Father, they don’t know what they’re doing.’”

Walking with the Savior
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 201

REFLECTING GOD’S GLORY

Our faces, then, are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like him.

2 Corinthians 3:18

The purpose of worship is to change the face of the worshiper. That is exactly what happened to Christ on the mountain. Jesus’ appearance was changed: “His face became bright like the sun” (Matthew 17:2).

The connection between the face and worship is more than coincidental. Our face is the most public part of our bodies, covered less than any other area. It is also the most recognizable part of our bodies. We don’t fill a school annual with photos of people’s feet but rather with photos of faces. God desires to take our faces, this exposed and memorable part of our bodies, and use them to reflect his goodness.

Just Like Jesus
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 200

SECURE IN HIS GRASP

God is strong and can help you not to fall.

Jude 24

You and I are on a great climb. The wall is high, and the stakes are higher. You took your first step the day you confessed Christ as the Son of God. He gave you his harness—the Holy Spirit. In your hands he placed a rope—his Word.

Your first steps were confident and strong, but with the journey came weariness, and with the height came fear. You lost your footing. You lost your focus. You lost your grip, and you fell. For a moment, which seemed like forever, you tumbled wildly. Out of control. Out of self-control. Disoriented. Dislodged. Falling.

But then the rope tightened, and the tumble ceased. You hung in the harness and found it to be strong. You grasped the rope and found it to be true. And though you can’t see your guide, you know him. You know he is strong. You know he is able to keep you from falling.

A Gentle Thunder
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

Note: This may not have been a special Word for you today but I have found myself on both sides of this subject. I have experienced the times of needing the strong hand of God securing me when I have fallen off the cliff. I have also experienced the joy of having been rescued by the Almighty. Today’s Word is a wonderful reminder of the faithfulness of the One who promised.

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 199

WHAT IS YOUR PRICE?

Life is not measured by how much one owns.

Luke 12:15

Jesus had a definition for greed. He called it the practice of measuring life by possessions.

Greed equates a person’s worth with a person’s purse.

1. You got a lot = you are a lot.
2. You got a little = you are little.

The consequence of such a philosophy is predictable. If you are the sum of what you own, then by all means own it all. No price is too high. No payment is too much.…

Greed is not defined by what something costs; it is measured by what it costs you.

If anything costs you your faith or your family, the price is too high.

When God Whispers Your Name
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 198

A LITTLE LIGHT PLEASE

Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.… And they cried out in fear.

Matthew 14:25–26 nkjv

Every so often a storm will come, and I’ll look up into the blackening sky and say, “God, a little light please?”

The light came for the disciples. A figure came to them walking on the water. It wasn’t what they expected. Perhaps they were looking for angels to descend or heaven to open.… We don’t know what they were looking for. But one thing is for sure, they weren’t looking for Jesus to come walking on the water.…

And since Jesus came in a way they didn’t expect, they almost missed seeing the answer to their prayers.

And unless we look and listen closely, we risk making the same mistake. God’s lights in our dark nights are as numerous as the stars, if only we’ll look for them.

In the Eye of the Storm
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 195

GOD CALLS YOUR NAME

This is what the Lord God says: I, myself, will search for my sheep and take care of them.

Ezekiel 34:11

He’s waiting for you. God is standing on the porch of heaven, expectantly hoping, searching the horizon for a glimpse of his child. You’re the one God is seeking.

God is the waiting Father, the caring Shepherd in search of his lamb. His legs are scratched, his feet are sore, and his eyes are burning. He scales the cliffs and traverses the fields. He explores the caves. He cups his hands to his mouth and calls into the canyon.

And the name he calls is yours.…

The message is simple: God gave up his Son in order to rescue all his sons and daughters. To bring his children home. He’s listening for your answer.

And the Angels Were Silent
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 194

A HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE

Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you.

Matthew 7:7

Go back and report to John what you hear and see: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk … and the good news is preached to the poor.”

This was Jesus’ answer to John’s agonized query from the dungeon of doubt: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

We don’t know how John received Jesus’ message, but we can imagine. I like to think of a slight smile coming over his lips as he heard what his Master said. For now he understood. It wasn’t that Jesus was silent; it was that John had been listening for the wrong answer. John had been listening for an answer to his earthly problems, while Jesus was busy resolving his heavenly ones.

That’s worth remembering the next time you hear the silence of God.

The Applause of Heaven
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 193

LIVING IN GOD’S PRESENCE

Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need.

Ephesians 6:18

How do I live in God’s presence? How do I detect His unseen hand on my shoulder and His inaudible voice in my ear? … How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into His presence.

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with Him in silence.

Give God your whispering thoughts.… Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God.

Give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on Him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God.

Just Like Jesus
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 192

WHO IS MY BROTHER?

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” Jesus answered, “… seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21–22 niv

Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we’d ever imagine.

We could do the same.

I’m not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can’t I call that same man Brother? If God doesn’t make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I?

And if we never agree, can’t we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can’t I tolerate the mistakes of others? … If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn’t I extend the same grace to others?

When God Whispers Your Name
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 191

THE CURE FOR DISAPPOINTMENT

I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me.

Jeremiah 32:27

We need to hear that God is still in control. We need to hear that it’s not over until he says so. We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.

Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.” …

The way to deal with discouragement? The cure for disappointment? Go back and read the story of God. Read it again and again. Be reminded that you aren’t the first person to weep. And you aren’t the first person to be helped.

Read the story and remember, [the] story is yours!

He Still Moves Stones
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

Thought: (after reading Scripture in context) Israel and Judah provoked God’s anger by their idol worship, their desecration of the temple, their sacrifice of their children to false gods. In His anger, God allowed their city to be captured and plundered by the Babylonians. What are the idols we are worshipping today … houses … cars … jobs … our favorite activities? What are we putting ahead of God? Are we desecrating our places of worship … placing focus there on any and everything but Jesus? Are we sacrificing our children … failing to raise them in righteousness … failing to discipline … failing to give them a work ethic … sacrificing them to their passions (designer clothes, games, cellphones, MP3 players, etc.)? Has God’s anger been provoked by our sin and our city given over to the hands of evil?

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2nd Chronicles 7:14).

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 187

A PROMISE DELIVERED

I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was prepared like a bride dressed for her husband.

Revelation 21:2

The Holy City, John says, is like “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

What is more beautiful than a bride? …

Maybe it is the aura of whiteness that clings to her as dew clings to a rose. Or perhaps it is the diamonds that glisten in her eyes. Or maybe it’s the blush of love that pinks her cheeks or the bouquet of promises she carries.

A bride. A commitment robed in elegance. “I’ll be with you forever.” Tomorrow bringing hope today. Promised purity faithfully delivered.

When you read that our heavenly home is similar to a bride, tell me, doesn’t it make you want to go home?

The Applause of Heaven
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 186

WALKING WITH GOD

You were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person.… Made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy.

Ephesians 4:23–24

Healthy marriages have a sense of “remaining.” The husband remains in the wife, and she remains in him. There is a tenderness, an honesty, an on-going communication. The same is true in our relationship with God. Sometimes we go to him with our joys, and sometimes we go with our hurts, but we always go. And as we go, the more we go, the more we become like him. Paul says we are being changed from “glory to glory” (2nd Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).

People who live long lives together eventually begin to sound alike, to talk alike, even to think alike. As we walk with God, we take on his thoughts, his principles, his attitudes. We take on his heart.

Just Like Jesus
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 185

WHO’S IN CHARGE?

Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

Worry … makes you forget who’s in charge.

And when the focus is on yourself … —you worry. You become anxious about many things. You worry that:

• Your co-workers won’t appreciate you.
• Your leaders will overwork you.
• Your superintendent won’t understand you.
• Your congregation won’t support you.
  

With time, your agenda becomes more important than God’s. You’re more concerned with presenting self than pleasing him. And you may even find yourself doubting God’s judgment.…

God has gifted you with talents. He has done the same to your neighbor. If you concern yourself with your neighbor’s talents, you will neglect yours. But if you concern yourself with yours, you could inspire both.

He Still Moves Stones
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

PRAISE REPORT: Our trip to Kids Across America Kamp was a blessing. There were the last minute additions and changes to our list of kids. We changed one girl slot the day before we left and were able to add two boys to our group within the last five hours before bus departure. Some parents did some fast packing. We ended up with 35 youth and 6 adult leaders … the exact group I believe God wanted at KAA this year. We had safe travel to Golden, MO arriving at 2:05 p.m. KAA opens the gate for the buses at 2:00 p.m. The first evening brought a thunder storm during our evening outdoor picnic (that made for soggy hamburgers). After that our weather was great all week … don’t hate … we had temperatures in the low 80’s during the day and low 60’s at night … very pleasant for camping and sporting activities! The week at KAA was great. Many of our kids rededicated their lives to Christ, several during a session called Crosstalk. The only real bump in the road was our return trip. There was a mix-up with the bus company on our departure time. We ended up leaving kamp about 16 hours later than planned. I am trusting that even in this, God had a purpose. We arrived back in MS late but safe. Overall, it was a GREAT week, to God’s glory and praise!!! Thanks again to all of you who helped in any way … especially you prayer warriors who included us in your petitions this last week.

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 184