Life Journal November 27, 2007
Today's Readings: Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

Judging the Gift

Scripture

Now when Jesus came back to Bethany and was in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very precious perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "For what purpose is all this waste? For this perfume might have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor."

But Jesus, fully aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother the woman? She has done a noble (praise-worthy and beautiful) thing to Me. For you always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me. In pouring this perfume on My body she has done something to prepare Me for My burial. Truly, I tell you, wherever this good news (the Gospel) is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told also in memory of her."

Matthew 26.6-13 (Amplified Bible)

Observation

The woman gave Jesus all she had . . . . and there were those, those who were close to Jesus, who didn't like it.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

How often do I not approve of a gift that is given to God? It's either too much or not enough. Who am I to judge the gift or the giver? Instead of appreciating and encouraging others in giving what they have, I find that I sometimes do the opposite. Is it because I am jealous? Is it because I didn't think to do it? Really doesn't matter what the reason--I need to stop and celebrate the gift given and the giver.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times that I have been like the disciples, judging the gift and the giver. May I see both the giver and the gift through your eyes and appreciate and celebrate them. And, may I do a better job of giving my all to you. In Jesus name, the most precious gift I have ever been given, amen.

Life Journal November 26, 2007
Today's readings: Matthew 23-25

Sheep or Goat?

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

"Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' And he will answer, 'I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me. And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.'"

Matthew 25.31-46

Observation

Jesus makes it very clear that we are to help others [not judge where they are]--and in that way demonstrate that His love lives in us.

Application [How will I be different today because of what I have just read?]

It is easy to drive or walk past someone who needs help--thinking . . . . in my "righteousness". . . . that they are not deserving of my help--afterall, they could get a job and make better choices.

What if Jesus allowed them to be in the position where they needed help to see if I would help them? What if it is Jesus that I am walking or driving past?

When Jesus talks about the "least of these" he is not just talking about those I feel are deserving of my help--but anyone who needs help.

And what is interesting in these verses is that I don't hear Jesus telling them to just "throw money at them" --but to invest in the person--to feed the hungry, to give a drink to the thirsty, to invite folks into our home, to clothe the naked, to care for the sick, and to visit those in prison. Giving money is easy, but it isn't very personal. Helping folks means getting involved.

This is going to require me to step outside of my comfort zone. I don't mind helping with money--but to get involved in someone's life is completely different. Am I a sheep or a goat? Am I willing to do what God is calling me to do? Am I willing to love the unloveable, the outcast?? I can only do it if I see myself doing it for Jesus. I have to look through different eyes.

Prayer

Father God, this isn't going to come easy . . . . but I want to love in Your name. I want to reach out in Your name. I want to see people through Your eyes, not mine. May my heart be broken in the same way Your's is over the lost and outcast. I need more of You in my life to do this Lord. Fill me to overflowing. Thank You for trusting me with helping and loving others, I pray that I will be a faithful servant. In Jesus name

Life Journal November 18, 2007
Today's Readings: Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11-13

Serving In My Weaknesses

Scripture

"But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud.

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12.7b-10

Observation

God can use what I and others perceive as weaknesses.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

How often do I use my weaknesses as excuses to not do something--or to blame for something that I didn't do well [not necessarily because of weakness--but because of me not being prepared, or going about it wrong, etc.]?

I sometimes [probably more times than I would like to admit] allow my weaknesses to serve as excuses--not allowing God to work through them. Ouch.

I need to allow God to use all of me--including my many weaknesses--for His glory.

Prayer

Lord God, sometimes I don't see/understand how you could use me at all--especially with all my weaknesses. Yet, Your Word tells me that in my weakness You show Yourself--that way You get the glory--not me. Use my weaknesses. Use me. Thank You!

Life Journal November 17, 2007
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 7-10

Giving From the Heart

Scripture
"Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But, the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

"'Godly people give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will never be forgotten.'

"For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will gtive you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

"Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. "

2 Corinthians 9.6-11a

Observation

You cannot out give God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

A good reminder of how generous God is. Everything I have comes from Him and belongs to Him. I need to be "alert" to where He would have me give--giving in His name--to glorify Him.

Where have I been holding back?? I need to be more aware of God's nudging, especially when it comes to helping and giving to the poor.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, everything I have came from You and belongs to You. Help me to remember that. Help me to do what You want me to with all I have. Help me to remember that You provide for all my needs--I cannot out-give You! Afterall, You gave the greatest gift of all--Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray.

Life Journal November 16, 2007
Today's Readings: 2 Corinthians 3-6

A New Life

Scripture
"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!"

2 Corinthians 5.17

Observation

We are to be transformed into a new creation when Jesus Christ comes to reside in us.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

It is easy for me to look at others and "judge" where they are in their Christian walk. Are they a new person?

Rather than worry about others, I need to focus on myself and my walk. I need to make sure that I am not falling back into old ways and old habits. I am called to live and be different. Am I??

When I get upset or lose patience with someone am I reflecting the love of God? Do I look for the faults in others to build myself up? My walk now should not reflect my old life. Does it? Probably more than I would like to admit.

Today I need to be aware of the life I am living--and my attitude toward others. Do I reflect Christ or the world?

Prayer

Lord, today as I walk and work and reach out to others, may my life reflect a new me--because of You and what You have done for me. Lord, may my focus be on You today as I walk in the newness of life that You have called me to.

Life Journal November 15, 2007

Today's Readings: Job 41-42; 2 Corinthians 1-2

Suffering For Christ

Scripture

"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort."

2 Corinthians 1.3-7

Observation

Our troubles allow us to be comforted by God--so that in turn we can more fully understand the struggles of others and comfort them.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I don't know that I had thought about my troubles being suffering for Christ. That is an interesting thought--especially this week.

What I find is that most people really don't want to be comforted in their troubles--they (includingg me) want to whine and complain and have people take their side about how they have been wronged. I don't think that agreeing with someone within the midst of their troubles is necessarily comforting. It is certainly not how God comforts us.

We are to use our troubles . . . . and the comfort that God gives us . . . . to encourage others. We are even told that the more we are weighed down with troubles that God uses that for the benefit and salvation of others.

I have to admit I get a little self-centered in my troubles--feeling very sorry for myself--and sometimes not really wanting comfort until I have felt enough pity for myself that I am ready to move on. How different would my life be (and a shorter period of struggling with my troubles) if I looked to God immediately for comfort and then focused on being an encouragement to others who might be going through the same or similiar thing? Hmmmmmmm

Once again, it is a matter of taking my eyes off myself and putting them on God. Looking for the higher purpose of what is going on in my life and allowing God to use ALL of me.

Prayer

Father, I need to look differently at my troubles. I need to look to You quicker and to then use my experiences as comfort and encouragement for others. IT IS NOT ABOUT ME! Thank You for reminding me--yet again. Thank You for Your patience with me. Use me for Your glory.

Life Journal November 14, 2007
Today's readings: Psalm 149, 1 Corinthians 15, 16

Everything Done With Love

Scripture

"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love."

1 Corinthians 16.13-14

Observation

While we are instructed to be on guard, to stand true to what we believe, to be courageous and to be strong--we are called to do them (and everything else) with love.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Paul's words are ones that I needed to hear today. "Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong." Yesterday was a rough day. Everyone has them. These words make me want to stand a little taller--a little straighter--ready to face a new day.

The catch comes in the next sentence. "And everything you do must be done with love." All of those things are to be done in love . . . not anger . . . . not getting even . . . . not giving in . . . . We are to stand true, be courageous and be strong--all in God's love.

The last sentence doesn't say should be done with love, could be done with love--no, that EVERYTHING I do MUST be done with love. Which takes me back to chapter 13.

So, that means I need to depend more and more on the work of God, through His Holy Spirit, in my life--because I am not capable in my own strength to do any of those two verses. Today, I will be on guard. Today I will stand true to what I believe. Today I will be courageous. Today I will be strong. And everything I do today I will do with love. Not because I am able to do these things--but because of what God is capable of doing in me and through me.

Prayer

Lord God, I am feeling pretty beat up and weak today. I pray that You will be with me and work in my life so that I may be on guard. That I would stand true to what I believe. That I would be courageous and strong. And, above all, that I would do everything today in love. Not the kind of love that I am capable of--but rather the kind that comes from You. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray.

Life Journal November 13, 2007
Today's readings: Job 39, 40; 1 Corinthians 13, 14

Loving Others

Scripture

"If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the porr and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not deman its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

"Love will last forever, . . ."

1 Corinthians 13.1-8a

Observation

Love is what matters most.

Application

The Love chapter. It is often used in weddings or in celebration of anniversaries or other special occasions when we talk about love. All nice. All comfortable. It's easy to share these words or think of them with people that we love.

But, I think these words are suppose to go further than that. Not just those that I already love. What if these words are what I am called to do with everyone? What if I am to take these words to heart and love EVERYONE this way--not just those who I already love or those I find easy to love.

These words about the characteristics of love paint for me a picture of God's love. . . . therefore giving me a picture of what love really looks like. It is more than a word--it is more than a feeling--it is intentional . . . it is action.

So, God is calling me to love everyone this way. Wow. That won't be easy. But, imagine the impact it could have if I truly do try and love everyone God puts in my path this way. It will be life-changing for me . . . . and maybe others. It is certainly something that won't be expected by many (actually more people than I would like to admit). Quite a challenge. Am I up for it? I pray that I am .

Prayer

Father God, as I read about love, I see a glimpse of Your love for me. It is the kind of love that I am commanded to love You with, to love my neighbor with, and to love my brothers and sisters in Christ with. I cannot do it without Your help, Your strength, Your wisdom, Your eyes, Your heart, and Your Word residing within me. I want to learn to love as You love--not just those I like and love already, but everyone You put in my path. It's scary asking this, Lord. I know that there will be a cost to it. Afterall, Your love for me cost You Your Son. But Lord, I want to be more and more like You. So, help me love like You do. Thank You. And, by the way, I LOVE YOU, heavenly Father.

Life Journal November 12, 2007
Today's readings: Job 37, 38 [one of my favorites chapters]; 1 Corinthians 12

Everyone Has a Place

Scripture

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.

"Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, 'I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,' that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, 'I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye,' would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye--then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just a big ear, how could you smell anything?

"But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, 'I don't need you.' The head can't say to the feet, 'I don't need you.'

"In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, wheil other parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

"Now all of you together are Christ's body and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it."

1 Corinthians 12.12-27

Observation

EVERYONE has a place and a role/part in the body of Christ, His Church.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I really didn't intend to do this Scripture today. I was all set to do one of my favorites from Job. But, I felt very drawn to day to interact with these verses in 1 Corinthians. Why? What do you want me to learn today, God?

Do I recognize everyone's place in the body? Do I see each one as important? Do I encourage all members of the body--or do I just look to those who do "what I want them to do" or those "who agree with me?" Hmmmmmmm

I know that I find myselft getting frustrated when I see people not fulfilling their role in the body--those who just come and sit and don't participate . . . . . and whine/complain. I think of all we could be accomplishing for the Kingdom if we all did our part and worked together and didn't focus on the little things that bring such distraction to the body.

I need to look at everyone with different eyes--I need to see them through God's eyes--and see what role they need to be fulfilling in the body and then do all I can to encourage them to do what it is they have been called to do. I need to help them recognize and reach their Kingdom potential as part of my role in the body of Christ.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word today and what You had for me to learn and grow through. I have a lot of work ahead of me . . . . but the good news is--I don't have to do it alone. Lord, I need Your gifts of discernment and encouragement and wisdom as I work to help the body recognize and reach their Kingdom potential. I am so excited Lord about what You are going to do! Thank YOU!!!!

Life Journal November 10, 2007
Today's readings: Job 35-36; 1 Corinthians 7-8

Using the Right Tools

Scripture

"You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for."

1 Corinthians 8.1b-3

Observation

Love is the primary tool for building up the church.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

In a time of "how to books" that gives us "knowledge" of how we need to "do" church so that it can grow, I find these verses very inspiring.

No matter how much we know, how much we do "right," how many different books we read to learn the "magic trick to building up the church," there is only one thing that truly builds up the church . . . love.

All the information/knowledge can help . . . . but it really can't help if I leave out the most important thing--love. I must first love God and then demonstrate my love for Him by loving others.

My focus needs to be on loving God and then loving others if I am going to build up the church.

Prayer

Dad, thanks for Your Word today. As always, it reminds me of what is truly important. I confess that sometimes I get caught up in new ideas . . . . but it is only because I want to see Your church to be healthy and growing. I want to see us reaching out and loving those who don't know you. Lord, help me to discern what will benefit the Kingdom building and what will get in the way--help me to use the right tools--the tool of love. Thank You.

Life Journal November 9, 2007
Today's readings: Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4-6

Living In Power

Scripture

"For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power."

1 Corinthians 4.20

Observation

Talk is cheap--living out our faith can only be done through the power of God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

We know the right words--we know how to sound "Christian." But, does our lives truly demonstrate what we say we believe? This can only happen if we live out our faith by allowing God's power--living in us in the form of the Holy Spirit--to rule our lives.

Yet, I often live a powerless life. Why? Because I try to do it myself. How much more could "I" accomplish if I allowed God to work through me and in me to accomplish what He wants for the Kingdom? It is a matter of giving up control . . . . daily--or even minute by minute if necessary.

Why would I choose to be powerless when I can walk in God's power--when I can live and operate and move and have my being in God's power????

I often ask when small petty conflicts arise--Is it a Kingdom issue? But, I must move past the asking--the fancy talk--and move into Kingdom action--walking in God's power.

Prayer

Father God, I don't know why it is so difficult to let go and trust You. I give up so much when I don't. And yet, I hold on to what I know so tightly. Lord, help pry my fingers loose. I want to give you complete and total control. I want to have Your power in my life. I want to be more than fancy words--I want to live and walk in Kingdom power that I can only receive from You when I give You complete and total control of my life--when I allow the Holy Spirit to reign in my life. Lord, I look forward to what You are going to do in my life and through my life. Thank You!!

Life Journal November 8, 2007
Today's readings: Job 30; 1 Corinthians 1-3

An Untapped Source

Scripture

"But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets. . . . And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world's spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. . . . But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."

1 Corinthians 2.10,12,16b

Observation

God uses His Holy Spirit to teach us and reveal more of God to us.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

As I read God's Word today I realize how little I count on the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truth and wisdom to me. I talk about how important the Holy Spirit is in my life, but do I take advantage of this amazing gift that God has given me. What more could I do if I truly plugged in to the Holy Spirit, if I allowed the Holy Spirit to rule in my life. To think that, because of the Holy Spirit [which is actually God] residing in me, I have the mind of Christ. It is more than I can comprehend. And what I am realizing today is that I do not depend on the Holy Spirit--therefore, do not receive even a fraction of the benefits of having Him in my life. What a waste. How much more could I do if I were to truly turn my life over to God/Christ/Holy Spirit?!?!?!?!

Prayer

Father, I confess that I do not depend on the Holy Spirit as I should. I want You, through Your Spirit, to reign in my life. To give me wisdom, strength, . . . . . to give me the mind of Christ. It is what you desire for all of us. . . . even me. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. May I continue to give myself to You more and more so that the Holy Spirit can reign in my life. Thank You for Your promises. May I be filled with more and more of Your Spirit each day.

Life Journal 7 November 2007
Today's readings: Job 31, 32; Galatians 5, 6

What Really Counts

Scripture

"What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people."

Galatians 6.15b

Observation

If Christ truly lives in us then it needs to show--we cannot remain the same.

Application (How will I be different because of what I just read?)

How many people do I know that claim to know Christ, but their lives don't show it? How often does my life not show it? Ouch.

When we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit comes and resides in us. Galatians 5 talks about how the Holy Spirit gives us the desire to do what we should. Verse 17b-18 says, "These two forces [our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit] are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law."

It doesn't say it will be easy, but it does tell me that I have help. So, I can make the right choices. I can be changed into a new and different person!

And what will that person look like? Galatians 5.22-23 tells me: "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Do these fruits show themselves daily in my life? I have work to do, but praise God, I have the Holy Spirit to help me!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to be changed and different. I don't want to live by my evil desires. But, I cannot do it alone. I need Your help through Your Holy Spirit. Open my ears so I can hear His direction. Open my eyes so I can see the path You would have me follow. Strengthen me. Help me especially with self-control. May I give all control over to You. Thank You Father.

Life Journal November 6, 2007
Today's readings: Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3, 4

Child of God

Scripture

"So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians--you are one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and now all the promises God gave to him belong to you....And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you."

Galatians 3. 26-29; 4.6-7

Observation

Once we accept Jesus as our personal Savior we become a child of the Most High God!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I am God's child. I AM God's child! So, why do I act like an orphan so much of the time? I should walk with my head up, walk in boldness and strength and love--because I am God's child.

My earthly parents adopted me--gave me their name, their love, and their acceptance as their child. God has adopted me into His family--He has given me His name, His love, and His acceptance as His child. I am God's child!

Just as I went to my earthly parents for all my needs, for direction, for protection, for my care--God wants me to look to Him to meet all my needs, for life's direction, for my protection, and for my care.

He loves me as His own. He loves me as He does His Son, Jesus. He wants me to walk as His child.

I think about children arguing over whose dad has the best job, is the strongest, provides the best. And I think--it's my Dad! God is the best Dad ever. And He is my Dad!!

I need to remember today just who my Dad is--I am God's child!

Prayer

Dad, thank You for loving me so much. Thank You for taking such good care of me. Thank You for loving me enough to discipline me when I need it. Thank You for sending Jesus so I could be Your child. I love You Dad!

Life Journal November 5, 2007
Today's readings: Job 28, 29; Galatians 1, 2

Pleasing God

Scripture

"Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people I would not be Christ's servant.

Galatians 1.10

Observation

We can't please people and God--you have to choose who you are going to please.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

Sometimes it is hard to do what we should to please God when people are all around us telling us what, how, when, and where we should do everything. As a pastor, I have many who see their role as being my "boss." When, in truth, I only have One--God. And try as hard as I might to listen and be faithful to what God calls me to do, sometimes it is really hard when all the other voices are shouting at you and angry because you don't do it their way--which obviously is the right way.

So, how can I be different--how can I bring "peace" to my life as a servant of the Most High? I can't. I have to listen for God's voice and then do what He asks--no matter the cost. I have to weigh what I hear/do against the Word so I make sure it is His voice I am following and not my own--or someone elses.

Sometimes it would be easier to take the road everyone points to--but God never promised me it would be easy to serve Him. I must make the choice--who do I serve . . . . God or man? May I be found faithful in serving God.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for sometimes giving in to the pressure of others. I pray for wisdom, courage, boldness, strength, and compassion so that I can walk in the ways You want me to go. I cannot do it without You. And, Lord, please open the eyes and ears of others so that they will also hear Your voice and see the path and journey You are calling us to.