“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (Romans 6:13)

July 20, 2012

Stop trying to break a sin-habit and focus on giving that part of your life to God. Draw on the spiritual life of Christ that abides within believers. The Christian is not focused on no longer sinning, but living righteously for God.

“Who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us” (1 Chronicles 29:14)

July 19, 2012

David’s prayer as he donated his wealth to the building of the temple. He recognized that even our ability to give comes from God. Like David, when we recognize God’s ownership and our stewardship, we are found trustworthy to manage God’s resources.

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises” (Romans 4:20-21)

July 18, 2012

Abraham’s faith was characterized by full conviction. He knew and believed what God had promised him. For us to have such faith, we must first know God’s promises and then, we can decide to be fully convinced that God will keep them. What promises of God are you believing today?

“I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me” (Psalm 13:6)

July 17, 2012

A psalm of David. He didn’t think it unmanly to sing to his God. This warrior/poet/king was a worshiper. The shepherd king who slew a giant is also the author of most of the psalms. His harp playing and singing were so spirit-filled that they calmed king Saul’s disturbed soul. David was once accused of being undignified in his worship. To which he replied, “I will become even more undignified than this!” Real men of God worship!

“No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are” (Romans 3:20)

July 16, 2012

The law is a mirror, looking we see our sin. Some turn away and try to forget. Some put on makeup and cover up, pretending they are good. Others admit their sin and come to Jesus, being made right with God by faith.

“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (Proverbs 19:11)

July 15, 2012

Uncontrolled anger and lack of forgiveness are at the root of many hurting families and suffering souls. Keeping record of those who wrong us leads to isolation. Because eventually everyone will do something (intentional or not) to wrong us. Put away anger and start forgiving. Forgive as God forgave you in Christ.

“What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like” (1 Chronicles 17:18)

July 14, 2012

We can learn much from David’s prayer life. God has honored us with the gift of life through Jesus His Son, even while we were “yet sinners” (Rom.5:8). As David said, God knows what we are “really like.” I’m so thankful that God has loved me and saved me, even though He knows what I’m really like. Aren’t you?

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done” (1 Chronicles 16:8)

July 13, 2012

David wrote this song of thanksgiving for the Levites to sing on the day they carried the Ark into Jerusalem. Today, the very Presence of God abides in us through Christ. We are His tabernacle. If David had cause to celebrate, we have more. So, let us give thanks and proclaim God’s greatness to the whole world!

“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours” (Romans 1:12)

July 12, 2012

This is what “get-togethers” should accomplish– mutual encouragement of our faith. BTW, thanks to all for the birthday greetings today. You’ve encouraged me. I look forward to encouraging you back when next we get-together!

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord” (Proverbs 19:3)

July 11, 2012

Have you seen this? This type of person will not take responsibility. They have to find someone to blame. God is a convenient scapegoat. Funny thing is… He has already made provision for their foolishness (sin) through Christ. If only they would repent (admit their foolishness) and believe, then they could know true life, full and overflowing.