Day 2320: What a GREAT God we serve . . .

Scripture:  I must not worry about anything; instead, I should pray about everything, presenting my requests to God with a thankful attitude! And the peace of God, which surpasses human understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:6, 7

Thoughts/questions: The great equalizers! There are many levels of achievement and abilities, but certain things are equal to all – like traffic, as the clunker and Tesla stand side by side! While listening to a sports talk show yesterday, the speaker referred to differing levels of skill sets players have, but all 53 players on an NFL team are equal in that they all can and should hustle!

God has quite a few equalizers Himself with peace being the equalizer in today’s verses. We have various life circumstances and some can cause great distress and anxiety. When we ask God the wrong question, we experience even less peace. So, what is the wrong question?

Why! A pastor who lost a child after a long battle with her illness sought to know why. In a long story shortened, he finally came to the conclusion that God wasn’t answering his prayers because he was asking the wrong question. He learned that instead of asking ‘why’ regarding his experiences, he should have been asking a question God would respond to and give him peace.

What? That’s the right question! When we know the whys we might not like the answer and that knowledge makes us Godlike. When we accept our circumstances and then ask God what He can bring to us to deliver us and bring us peace. (which is better than understanding the why) God WILL answer that question and bring us peace, hope, and purpose!

We need to stop asking why and start asking what! God will answer!

Suggested Prayer: Thank You God for always being there with me throughout all of my circumstances . . .

Day 2319: Always think about the way you think and what you think about!!!

Scripture: And I am not to be conformed to this world, but I am to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.  This will enable me to prove what the perfect will of God is – His good, acceptable and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

Thoughts/questions: As a Christ follower, change is still hard, but is mandatory as we spend time with Jesus. The above verse states that ‘I am to be transformed by . . .’ and what follows is quite surprising and seemingly not very spiritual.

It would seem that what should follow could be – by more prayer; by more Bible reading; by attending more church services; or by increased fellowship. But no, Paul clearly states that our ability to not be conformed to the world but to be transformed is by changing how we think!

The world tries to conform us to its standards continuously through advertising and pressure to conform. Facebook posts, Twitter, Instagram and more bombard us with how others believe we should think, act and believe. How do we counteract that?

Our minds – they must be renewed from the wrong way of thinking. Our focus must transcend the temporal and attempt to comprehend the eternal! We must consider ourselves as children of the King! We must be confident in our purpose! We must think more of serving than being served! We must accept our lives knowing God will work through all of our circumstances for our good or the good of others. AND more!!!

Change your mind!!! Be transformed!!! Be Romans 12:2’d

Suggested Prayer: Father God, my mind turns inward and downward. Help me to always think outside of myself – towards others and You . . .

Day 2318: Times they are a changing!

Scripture: I should not be surprised when I go through fiery trials which test me, as if something strange was happening to me.  Instead, I should be rejoicing as I am sharing in the sufferings of Christ, so that at the revelation of His glory, I will be glad with exceeding joy.  For if I am insulted because of the name of Christ, I am blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon me! I Peter 4:12-14

Thoughts/questions: The Bible doesn’t specifically address religious freedom, but it surely is a major factor in the lives of many throughout the world. In North Korea, their religious freedom was defined for me by our guide: “You can believe anything you want, you just can’t talk about it.”

A Facebook friend challenged me to tell him what religious freedoms I had lost over the years as an educator, as his position was that there is not a decline in religious freedom in the U.S. Reviewing what I’ve already done and comparing it to what I would be ‘free’ to do now, was eye opening for me.

In a very short time, religious freedom has evolved in the U.S. trending towards the definition used by NK. Will U.S. citizens soon be in a position like many around the world? Will freedom no longer exist? Will those in the U.S. also be living in a country where Peter’s words apply directly to them?

Things are changing rapidly. Put on the full armor of God and be ready for anything!!!

Suggested Prayer: Almighty God, protect and bring peace to all who believe in You and suffer persecution . . .

Day 2317: May your weekend’s rest inspire your Monday!

Scripture: All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. II Corinthians 5:18  If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.  Matthew 18:15

Thoughts/questions: Today, being one within our families is the topic! (Read yesterday’s if you haven’t)

If there is a broken relationship within your family and you are even indirectly involved, God has called you into a ministry of reconciliation regardless of circumstances. After all, He reconciled us, and our circumstances were collectively far worse than you might be experiencing!

Two scenarios – your son asks you why Aunt Jenny never comes to Christmas, and you state, “I never talk with her and we just don’t get along.” By stating this, you open the door for your son to never talk with you someday, as you have shown him the way.

Second scenario – your son asks the same question. This time you state, “there was a previous falling out with her and every Christmas I invite her to come and try to fix things, but she never chooses to come. Also, on her birthday I send her a card each year but she never responds.”

The second scenario demonstrates to your son your attempts at reconciliation – much better! If there is an issue like that in your family, you may not be able to fix everything, but do whatever you can as you attempt to be ‘one’ in your family!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, there is someone in my family I need to reach out to. Help me to do so with kindness and love . . .

Day 2316: May the Lord grant you rest this weekend. This will be one of a 2 part series on a special word.

Scripture: Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:2  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. I Peter 3:8

Thoughts/questions: In George MacDonald’s The Highlander’s Last Song, two characters were having a discussion and one asks, “What’s the most important word in the English language?” The answer surprised me – “One!”

My first response was that ‘one’ was a pretty weak answer given all the powerful words we have at our disposal. However, as I considered it further, it was clear what an important word it is! One!

Being one in your family, at your job, on your team, within your church, with God, with self, amongst your friends, AND if only the world would operate as one (not a political oneness, but being one with no war or hate). Whether you are alone or in some type of group, being one brings so much to the table!

May your goal be to always sense oneness within yourself, with God, and with others! As Hebrews 12:14a says, “make every effort to live at peace with everyone . . .” (including yourself!!!)

Suggested Prayer: Almighty God, help me to make every effort I can to be a unifier wherever I go . . .

 

Day 2315: In less than 2 weeks, God2me will be having its eighth year anniversary – I wouldn’t believe that except I just wrote it myself . . .

Scripture: Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Luke 5:22  Why are you so afraid? Matthew 8:26   Why are you bothering this woman? Matthew 26:10

Thoughts/questions: If you want to gain wisdom and insight into people’s lives, ask ‘why’! The most important questions probably are of a spiritual nature, but the why question ranks right at the top any other type. Jesus used the why question often and we should follow His lead.

The other lead I’ve followed is that of Chuck Swindoll when I met him for the first time at a local restaurant. He came in and saw me talking to the hostess and said, “I see you know this guy.” She responded, “Yes, he’s my favorite teacher.” And then he responded with a word that changed my life, “Why?”

Her response then told him so much about her and me! All that insight and personal information at the cost of a 3 letter question! Now, whenever someone says they really like so and so, I ask them why. Answers vary tremendously, which isn’t important. The importance lies in being able to get to know that person’s motivation via the ‘why’ question!

The ‘what’ of one’s response isn’t as important as to the ‘why’ beneath their response! And once you become aware of the why, often spiritual conversations will result! Ask why; why; and why!!!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for showing me how to use questions to gained an increased awareness of those around me . . .

Day 2314: The world’s a mess – pray hard!

Scripture: But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9

Thoughts/questions: One of God’s first recorded conversations started with a question and Jesus asked 307 questions recorded in the Bible. Questions are definitely important!

As a teacher, I found questions worked far better than telling a student what to do. Asking them ‘are you already done with your work?’ got them back on task better than, ‘get busy and do your work!’ There was no arguing, no countering a perceived authority, no ‘don’t tell me what to do’ looks . . .

Questions, like God’s first question, dig deeper than the words they contain. God wasn’t trying to find Adam and Eve. He knew where they were, and His question challenged them to look for the deeper meaning – where were they spiritually as they had just sinned.

Questions can diffuse anger and minimize confrontation. Jesus did this often when people verbally attacked Him. Read the gospel of Mark for an entertaining and educational view of Jesus’ wisdom through the use of questions. Often His accusers were silenced by His question.

For those of you who like to be in control, questions do just that. Questions direct the conversation like an interviewer does on TV, and moves the conversation like the rudder of a ship!

Questions also show interest! Use them to show you care about people, and aren’t using them because you needed two more ears to listen to what you have to say! Lots of power in questions and we’ll spend a few days on this topic! Pray to become a wise questioner!

Suggested Prayer: Jesus, help me to follow Your example and become someone who asks important questions . . .

Day 2313: The last day regarding the importance of Jesus’ last words!

Scripture: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Thoughts/questions: The last words of the last words – one would think these would be of special importance!

Jesus assigns us some tasks with His last earthly comments, and then punctuates those words with a promise that we can accomplish those because we won’t be going at it alone!

A forever partner! Jesus reminds us that He didn’t command us and leave us. No, He is faithful no matter what our circumstances to ALWAYS be with us! We are NEVER alone! NEVER!!! Remember, when there was only one set of footprints, we were not alone but it was then that He was carrying us.

His words are so much more than, ‘I’ll be back!’ or ‘No matter where you go, I will find you!’ He hasn’t left us, nor has He lost us, as He is with us now and always!

Suggested Prayer: Jesus, I can’t do it on my own! Thank You for always being with me . . .

Day 2312: Two more days on these last words of Jesus!

Scripture: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Thoughts/questions: Once while coaching a basketball team, I thought their skill level was higher than it actually was and therefore tried to motivate them instead of teach them. That was frustrating for all of us and when I eventually reverted to teaching them, things went a lot better!

After someone chooses to follow Jesus and is baptized, they are to be taught! And not about Scriptural principles, but about obedience! Sometimes we try to motivate people to try harder. Jesus made it simple – teach new Christians (and maybe some old ones) to obey!

Obedience must not be easy if we have to be taught to do it. If you’re a parent, how did you teach your children to obey you? Repetition? Punishment? Rewards? Maybe God uses those tools with us as well.

If your in a position of teaching in any way, take these words to heart and teach your students, children, grandchildren, and those you mentor to obey! (And don’t be surprised if God is trying to teach you the same thing!

Suggested Prayer: Father God, for You, to obey is better than to sacrifice. Help me to obey . . .

Day 2311: Spoke 6 times over the weekend on 6 different subject areas – and my voice held up! Blessed weekend!

Scripture: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Thoughts/questions: Why would we baptize in the name of each part of the Trinity? For at least the following two reasons: 1) To reaffirm the Trinity! Each person of the Godhead is included in our symbolic regeneration! We are complete!

2) Each person represents something different as we emerge from the water. In the name of the Father affirms that we are a child of God – our true identity! In the name of Jesus shows our need for a Savior as we become dead to the old life and alive to our new life in Christ! And in the name of the Holy Spirit as this moves us forward in our walk as we live victoriously through the power of the Holy Spirit!

All of God is there to indwell us when we are baptized! An amazing transformation!

Suggested Prayer: Father, Son and Holy Spirit – may I always be open to Your complete infilling . . .