In His Word 1-18-10

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced inhimself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. 2 Corinthians 10:7
All who are acceptable because of their faith simply say, "The message is as near as your mouth or your heart."And this is the same message we preach about faith. So you will be saved, if you honestly say, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe with all your heart that Godraised him from death. God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others. The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, no matter if hat person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. All who call out to the Lord will be saved. How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news. Yet not everyone has believed the message. For example, the prophet Isaiah asked, "Lord, has anyone believed what we said?" No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. But am I saying that the people of Israel did not hear? No, I am not! The Scriptures say, "The message was told everywhere on earth. It was announced all over the world." Did the people of Israel understand or not? Moses answered this question when he told that the Lord had said, "I will make Israel jealous of people who are a nation of nobodies. I will make them angry at people who don't understand a thing." Isaiah was fearless enough to tell that the Lord had said, "I was found by people who were not looking for me. I appeared to the ones who were not asking about me." And Isaiah said about the people of Israel, "All day long the Lord has reached out to people who are stubborn and refuse to obey." Romans 10:8-21
For whom do we serve Christ? Who do we please when we follow Him? Is it so we feel good about ourselves? Is it because we want to please our parents? Is it because we want to be in the "in crowd?" Or is it because we love Him with all our hearts and minds and strength and souls? Do we serve Him to please Him or us today?

Early in the morning, just before I pull myself out of bed, I sometimes think of how warm and soft the covers are, how cuddly it is in there. In that peaceful, comfy place, where I know I am safe from the harsh world we live in, I just want to wait where I am.

God will often allow me to stay there just a little while longer, where I feel safe and warm and content. But then He calls me out of my comfort zone into a new thing. New things are always hard for me because, just like climbing out of the warmth and comfort of the covers into the harsh cold of the room, I find that starting on a new path with the Lord can often be difficult.

There are things to do to get ready for the day. We have to find things to wear. We gather the things we use as we go about our tasks and get ready for work or play each day. What about our walk with the Lord each day? Do we gear up for that? Do we ready ourselves for walking in His Word, In His love, In His presence? Do we prepare our hearts and minds for the day that is ahead?

How can we do this? Here is a simple list to follow as you prepare to spend a day with Christ:

  • Rise up early and take a shower. Then kneel before Him in prayer and ask Him to cleanse you of all impurities and create in you a clean heart.
  • Pick the perfect scents to cover yourself. Worship in His presence, for our worship is as a sweet savor pleasing to the Lord.
  • Choose your clothes wisely to meet the needs of the day. Put on your garments of praise. Rejoice before the King of Kings. Tell Him of His goodness. Even though He knows how you feel, share it with Him as you put on your garments.
  • Prepare your feet for the weather, shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Kneel and pray, walk and praise, wander and worship as you ready yourself for the day.
  • Gather the essentials - food and beverage. Delight in His living water that fills all your deepest needs and desires. Seek the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Put on your coat against the weather. Pray for the knowledge that He is with you always and He has your back. Nothing will happen to you today that He is not there to help you through.
  • Walk out the door ready for work, play, or study. Carry with you the Knowledge, the Peace, the Joy and the Love of Christ, that you may share that with those around and about you.
And that is what you need to get through the day. That is how to ready yourself and to get moving after a long weekend rest. Delight to do His will today!

Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding and directing our paths each day. Thank you for giving us the Word to read and the words to speak, to encourage one another in our daily walks with You. Help us today to keep our minds and hearts on You and enjoy the day. In Jesus' name, amen.

Suggested readings: Romans 9:1-33; Romans 10:1-21; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 2 Corinthians 11:1-33; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14.