Linking up with TGIF @ Bible Love Notes! "You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,
as you offer them
the message of life.”
Philippians. 2:
15b-16a (TEV)
It was one of those clear, crisp nights, when the sky is inky black
and the stars are beautiful, bright pinpoints of light. Spellbound by their clarity and beauty in the
vast darkness of the night, deep appreciation welled up inside me and I thanked
the Lord for His awesome handiwork. |
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Shine Like Stars
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Crowding out Jesus
In a recent daily devotional, I read the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10. As a “chief tax collector”, Zacchaeus associated with a motley lot known for their dishonesty, extortion, and violence.
When he was told Jesus was coming, he ran outside to catch a glimpse of the man whose reputation preceded Him. People heard about Jesus’ teachings, His healings, and other miracles, and wanted to see for themselves. Though Zacchaeus was rich and had a job and a home, he obviously still had some unfulfilled need that he felt Jesus could satisfy.
After discovering a throng of people, many of whom would welcome a chance to push, shove, and poke the local tax collector, Zacchaeus skirted the crowd, ran ahead, and climbed a tree. Though not a very dignified posture for a tax collector accustomed to having servants, nice possessions, and getting what he wanted, Zacchaeus did what he had to do to see Jesus.
Knowing what was in Zacchaeus’ heart, Jesus reached out to him. Immediately, Zacchaeus’ welcomed Jesus into his home and his life. The change was transforming—so much so that he even offered to give away half his belongings!
Sometimes we can’t see Jesus either—not because of a crowd blocking our way, but because something within or around us keeps us from getting close to Him—pride, unhealthy relationships, love of possessions, wrong priorities, fear of what Christ will ask of us, unforgiveness, and other roadblocks.
Just like Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ heart and reached out to him, Jesus knows us and reaches out to us. The question is, how have we responded? Do we welcome His presence? What keeps us from connecting with Jesus?
Our answers are personal. What must I do (or stop doing) to draw closer to Jesus? How important is it to me to stay connected? Am I allowing Jesus to mold and make me after His will? All it takes is a willing heart because He has promised, “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8)
Be encouraged!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Transformed by Scripture
Photo my Mimicry on Morguefile |
- To correctly interpret God’s Word we need God’s Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21). Wesley recommends that before we open our Bibles, we seek the Holy Spirit’s help to understand what we are reading, and conclude our time in God’s Word by asking Him to engrave God’s truths on our lives.
- Just as we need food every day, we need God’s Word daily. Reiterating God’s instructions in Joshua 1:8, Wesley suggests we read Scripture both in the morning and in the evening, choosing passages from both the Old and the New Testaments.
- Wesley encourages us to note the basic threads of our faith in the passages we read. We will see how God purposefully wove together His message from Genesis to Revelation. (John 5:39) As we read, we can keep these questions in mind:
- Which verses help me see my sinful nature?
- How does this scripture dovetail with Jesus’ sacrifice for my salvation?
- What aspects are mentioned of the new life Jesus offers me?
- How am I challenged to holier living?
- Wesley advocates meditating on truths we find in the Bible, allowing God’s living, active Word to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. (Hebrews 4:12) The all-exposing beam of Scripture will prompt both praise and repentance.
- Lastly, the Word of God is a lamp to guide us in our daily living. (Psalms 119:107) Wesley admonishes us to prayerfully search the Scriptures with the intention of learning God’s will for our lives, and then determine to follow it.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Training for a Race
Photo from Morguefile |