Monday, October 25, 2021

Monday, October 25, 2021
The Psalmist David considers the Creator’s absolute fascination with him.

Psalm 139: 17-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand . . . (NASB)

God is not only interested in your life – He is infinitely, immeasurably, and continuously . . . interested! The Bible calls us His “workmanship”, or it could be translated “masterpiece”! So, as a sculptor makes many drawings of their subject, from different points of view; so, God meticulously planned your creation . . . and ever since . . . you have been in His thoughts to preserve and protect.

The Psalmist David is here considering God’s earliest dealings with him: how he was taken from the sheepfold to the palace; how he was delivered from Goliath . . . throughout his life God was there thinking of him, to guide and direct. When you feel abandoned, know that God will never leave or forsake you. His thoughts about your well-being are more than can be counted!

Friday, October 22, 2021

Friday, October 22, 2021
The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian church about following the example of Christ.

Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (NASB)

The foremost example of Scriptural greatness was when the Son of God stepped down from heaven’s glory and voluntarily set aside His outward manifestation as Deity! He was willing to voluntarily empty Himself of all the things He loved to do as God’s Son. Then, the Bible says, let this be an example to you of humility.

There is no way anyone can ever imagine what it meant for God’s Son to empty Himself in this way! He laid aside all the wonderful things only God’s Son could do . . . like being in more than one place at the same time. It was like Superman giving up flying! He had a right to those things, but for you He was willing to give them up. Remember that next time someone cuts you off in traffic or takes the last doughnut in the break room!

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Thursday, October 21, 2021
The apostle Paul wrote his protégé Timothy to live as a role model.

I Timothy 4:12 [the apostle Paul wrote] Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (NASB)

When you are young in the faith your reputation stretches before you like a roll of paper . . . unblemished! Determine the boundaries you will self-impose to keep you a sharp and useful tool in the service of the King. You may limit yourself in certain areas not because they are wrong, but because they don’t contribute to your ultimate goal of usefulness to God. Remember someone is looking up to you – Scripture calls us to live as a role model, and as example of right living!

Timothy was a pastoral intern who travelled with the apostle Paul. In this letter to Timothy, Paul refers to Timothy’s job to the church of Ephesus — to provide direction to spiritual leaders who were older and served longer in the ministry. It was a charge that required skillful handling! Are you in such a situation today? Take a hint from Paul’s advice to Timothy: see the impact of how you speak with others through their eyes! Do what is necessary to keep your conduct, personal purity, and walk with God credible and accountable.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Wednesday, October 20, 2021
The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to avoid the example of ancient Israel.

I Corinthians 10:5-6 [the apostle Paul wrote] Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.  Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.  (NASB)

The is a deadly mind-set that says: “if I sin and nobody knows about it” it’s no big deal!  Sin is a big deal and has devastating consequences.  For the Christ-follower, our lives should reflect a 180 degree change of direction away from sin — following hard after the ways of Jesus!  It’s an old-fashioned concept called “repentance”.

The nation of Israel had been delivered from hopeless, grinding slavery when God sent Moses to deliver them.  Instead of being properly thankful, the people lusted after the food of Egypt and murmured against God.  So, He sent a plague to punish the people.  Today, determine you will not be like faithless Israel giving into the temptation to lust for what you don’t have — count your blessings and trust the leading of God!

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
The apostle Paul wrote encouragement to the persecuted Thessalonian church.

I Thessalonians 1:6-7 [the apostle Paul wrote] You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers . . . (NASB)

Bible teacher Chip Ingram has a mission statement that declares he seeks to help “Christians to live like Christians.” That’s the purpose of all who name the Name of Christ . . .If Christianity in the 21st century is to have the same world changing influence it had in the 1st century, it will be because of Christ’s transforming power lived out in the lives of His followers!

The Christ-followers in this important seaport city of ancient Greece were suffering the persecution of Rome – and yet amid the pain and trial they discovered as they remained true to their faith – they were filled with Heaven-sent joy! Because of the testimony of one church in Thessalonica – others heard about it and began responding in the same way. Never underestimate the culture changing power of one church . . . or one life in Christ!

Monday, October 18, 2021

Monday, October 18, 2021
The apostle John shares the Savior’s example of greatness to the disciples.

John 13:14-15 [Jesus said] If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. (NASB)

A spirit of humility is not a default response for the Christ-follower! When you’re frustrated with someone, it’s far easier to give them a hard time about it. Christ asks you to take a step back and respond with His example: be meek and lowly of heart.

After 3 ½ years of pouring His life and teachings into these “uncommonly common” disciples — within hours Christ would hang on a cross – yet the disciples had been arguing about who would be “greatest” in the kingdom of Heaven! Jesus said the greatest must be servant of all – and then He demonstrated greatness by a humble act of servant-leadership.