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Posted on 01/01/2024 3:15:48 PM PST by luvie
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Bible in a Year :
With one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Those words reflect the life of the apostle Paul who, after his dramatic conversion, faithfully set about to do the work before him and trusted God with the results. Paul’s words found in the book of Romans are some of the most theologically packed in the entire New Testament, and Packer sums up in close company with what the apostle wrote: “Glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:6).
Paul’s life is an example for us. We can glorify (honor) God in many ways, but one is by living the life set before us and leaving the results in God’s unchanging hands. Whether writing books or taking missionary journeys or teaching elementary school or caring for an aging parent—the same goal holds: Glorify Christ every way! As we pray and read Scripture, God helps us live with devoted obedience and keep our daily lives on track to honor Jesus in everything we say and do.
Reflect & Pray
What results do you find hard to leave with God? What’s one way today you can trust His plans and in doing so honor Christ?
Dear Father, please help me to honor You today.
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Very true! Is that your cup? It’s very cool!
Not my cup but the results of a search. :-)
I might just buy one though.
I have Tippy for my physical health (exercise).
And Blue for my Mental health! LOL!
You’ve got it covered! And covered well!
Bible in a Year :
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.
For years, a mother prayed as she helped her adult daughter navigate the healthcare system and find counseling and the best medications. Her extreme highs and deep lows weighed on her mama’s heart day after day. Often exhausted from sadness, she realized she had to take care of herself too. A friend suggested writing out her worries and things she couldn’t control on small pieces of paper and placing them on “God’s plate” at her bedside. This simple practice didn’t eliminate all stress, but seeing that plate reminds her those concerns are on God’s plate, not hers.
In a way, many of David’s psalms were his way of listing his troubles and laying them on God’s plate (Psalm 55:1, 16-17). If the coup attempt by his son Absalom is what’s being described, David’s “close friend” Ahithophel had indeed betrayed him and was involved in the plot to kill him (2 Samuel 15-16). So “evening, morning and noon [David cried] out in distress,” and God heard his prayer (Psalm 55:1-2, 16-17). He chose to “cast [his] cares on the Lord” and experienced His care (v. 22).
We can authentically acknowledge that worries and fears affect us all. We may even have thoughts like David’s: “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (v. 6). God is near and is the only one who has the power to change situations. Place it all on His plate.
Reflect & Pray
Where are your worries—on God’s plate or yours? What will you give to Him right now?
I often have concerns on my heart, dear God. I relinquish them all to You again. I’m emptying my plate and filling Yours.
Happy Thursday!
Heading over to a local apple orchard this afternoon.
Will see what apple varieties are ready.
Love the Honey Crisp, but might be too early for those.
Have a great day!
That sounds like FUN! :-)
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Me, too..except *ahhhhh-CHOOOOOO!!*
Oooo. Sorry about that.
Bible in a Year :
“If you, Israel, will return, then return to me,” declares the Lord.
A friend had violated the vows of his marriage. It was painful to watch him destroy his family. As he sought reconciliation with his wife, he asked my counsel. I told him he needed to offer more than words; he needed to be proactive in loving his wife and removing any patterns of sin.
The prophet Jeremiah offered similar advice to those who’d broken their covenant with God and followed other gods. It wasn’t enough to return to Him (Jeremiah 4:1), though that was the right start. They also needed to align their actions with what they were saying. That meant getting rid of their “detestable idols” (v. 1). Jeremiah said that if they made commitments “in a truthful, just and righteous way,” then God would bless the nations (v. 2). The problem was the people were making empty promises. Their heart wasn’t in it.
God doesn’t want mere words; He wants our hearts. As Jesus said, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34). That’s why Jeremiah goes on to encourage those who would listen to break up the unplowed ground of their heart and not sow among the thorns (Jeremiah 4:3).
Sadly, like so many people, my friend didn’t heed sound biblical counsel and consequently lost his marriage. When we sin, we must confess and turn from it. God doesn’t want empty promises; He desires a life that’s truly aligned with Him.
Reflect & Pray
In what areas of your life do your words not match your actions? What patterns do you need to change?
Father, please forgive me when my actions fail to match what I profess to believe.
For further study, read Part of the Problem—Understanding the Power of Words.
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