thought-for-today

Downhill ride

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:16:54 +0100

One of the problems that every believer, whether male or female, encounters when it comes to living the Christian life is his or her own logical perceptions of his or her situation. We tend to think that God doesn’t know what He is doing. We resort to humanistic reasoning and try to decide what we would do if we were God. This, of course, is a downhill ride with no place to stop.

Worship in Spirit and truth

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:13:27 +0100

When the Samaritan woman saw Jesus for who He was, she became honest about her sin; she was going in the right direction. Jesus knew this honesty was essential if she were to worship in spirit and truth like the Father wanted.

We too must deal with sin. We must deal with what is on the inside, for it is on the inside where the real person is. You see, God wants “real people” as His worshipers—people who surrender to Him from the heart and worship Him with everything in them. Have you honestly dealt with your sin and your surrender to Jesus?

Cover up

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:09:55 +0100

John 4:19-20 Shows us were the woman at the well tries to take the focus off herself after Jesus has revealed her sin.

How is your heart now? Is there some sin you are trying to cover up? (Like the woman at the well, do you want to change the subject when you are under conviction?) Deal with whatever the Holy Spirit has shown you. He will always lead you to the truth.

Breaking Ground

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:36:25 +0100

Return to your former lifestyle of righteousness, to a time when you were close to God and obeyed His Word.
Accept God's mercy and forgive those who have wronged you.
Allow God to "plow up" the hardened ground of your hearts, especially in those areas where you have long neglected His will.
Grieve over your sins.
Ponder the consequences of sin that you are experiencing.
Accept responsibility by admitting you have brought these consequences upon yourself.
Make seeking God your highest pursuit.

^{Hosea 10:12-13
12} I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’

¹³ “But you have cultivated wickedness and harvested a thriving crop of sins. You have eaten the fruit of lies—trusting in your military might, believing that great armies could make your nation safe.

Forgiveness

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:18:35 +0100

Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right. It makes you Free

Going through the motions

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:15:35 +0100

Do you ever feel as though you are merely going through the motions as you serve God? Ask the Lord for insight into the areas of your life where your "obedience" is really self-serving or mere ritual. Pray for opportunities to administer true justice, and show mercy and compassion, while avoiding oppression and thinking evil of others.

Your past

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:25:53 +0100

You cannot alter your past, but you can put your past on the altar. If you surrender your past failures to God, you may be surprised to discover that instead of a hindrance to Him using you, they may become the very thing that makes you useable.

How to Grow a Tree That Bears Fruit

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:24:28 +0100

How to Grow a Tree That Bears Fruit

Plant the seed. (If you have not yet trusted Christ, do so.)
Care for the root. (Water it with God’s Word and cultivate it with prayer.)
Care for the fruit—pick it when it is ripe. (Be obedient to what God calls you to do in the opportunities He gives you.)
Prune it. (Be willing to let go of things that hinder your fruitfulness.)
Wait. (There is no substitute for time—younger Christians should not be frustrated if they bear less fruit than older, more mature Christians.)

strength

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:22:10 +0100

Zechariah 4:6 says "`Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty" What situation are you facing that seems overwhelming? Bring that situation to the Lord, asking him for the strength you need.

worry

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:44:13 +0100

What are you feeling worried about right now? How has God been part of your process of working through your stress? Have faith and turn it over to God. I know you have considered every option a thousand times in your head, but have you really prayed? Have you stopped to consider God's character or the promises of his Word. What truth or truths about God might help you respond to stressful situations with rest and peace? Spend some time praying through the issues that are troubling you.