“So whether you eat or drink
or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)
Oswald Chambers reminded me, “You need the surgical operation of external events and internal purification.” I must put God first in everything I think, say, or do. The fluff must be removed. I cannot do it on my own. He will guide me in baby steps to follow His lead. I only need to trust the Holy Spirit. I will look to Him for everything today. I hope you will, too!
“If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9 NIV)
Confession means to agree with God on His assessment of my actions and thoughts, and to name my sin to God. John reminds me that my sins are immediately and totally covered by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. I am as forgiven as I will ever be. I will thank my heavenly Father for being faithful to His promises to me, even when I am not. I hope you will, too!
“I appeal to you, brothers,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree with one another
so that there may be no divisions among
you
and that you may be perfectly united
in mind and thought.”
(1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)
When my husband makes Italian salad dressing, he measures oil, water, and spices into a bottle and shakes it vigorously. God does the same thing with His children in His church. Then we can add flavor to His kingdom. I will submit to the shaking. I hope you will, too!
“For to me,
to live is Christ
and to die is gain.”
(Philippians 1:21 NIV)
Matthew Henry wrote, “The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life. Death is a great loss to a carnal man, but it delivers a believer from all the evils of life.” Death ushers me into the presence of the One who loves me more than anyone else ever could. He knows me better than anyone else. What joy to be known by God. I will live and die daily for Him! I hope you will, too!
“He humbles those who dwell on high,
He lays the lofty city low;
He levels it to the ground
and casts it down to the dust.”
(Isaiah 26:5 NIV)
As a student in Austria, I befriended several families whose fathers had fought in the German army in the second World War. Their stories came to life in the visible damage left behind. I saw profound humility in their eyes as they told of their experiences. God humbled them and brought them to repentance. I will humble myself and repent of my rebellion today. I hope you will, too!
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides
you.”
(Psalm 73:25 NIV)
In Psalm 73 Asaph, the author, has a case of eternity amnesia. Paul David Tripp brought this to my attention in his “Everyday Gospel” collection, a treasured gift from a friend. Mr. Tripp reminded me that when I forget eternity, my view of today is distorted. Life looks radically different through the lens of eternity. I will thank my heavenly Father for helping me to view eternal life with Him when I am discouraged and confused. I hope you will, too!
“Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of
sins.”
(1 Peter 4:8 NIV)
I see God’s children everywhere. Some are angry at God for their painful circumstances. Some are proud of their blessings. Some are confused and frustrated, found beating their heads against figurative walls. They are each one His creation. He loves them more than I could ever imagine. Rather than envy the blessed or show anger or resentfulness to the offensive, I will ask my heavenly Father to teach me to love them as Jesus does. I hope you will, too!
