Choose This Day
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
Recommended Reading
Romans 13:13-14
Every child grows up learning to play the “Follow the Leader” game. Unknown to children, it’s really an instinctive tendency on the part of humans. As much as we might not like to admit it, we are all followers of something or someone.
As his logical, deductive mind did so often, the apostle Paul boiled down the “following” tendency into two major categories: We can follow the flesh (energized by Satan, the enemy of God) or we can follow the Spirit of God. To follow one means we are not following the other (for example, see Luke 16:13). And we are never in the “neutral” zone where we are not following one or the other. From the point in life at which we develop the conscious ability to make moral and spiritual choices, we are in a following mode. The “flesh,” in Paul’s terminology, is our natural (fallen) human instincts, oriented to self-serving and self-gratification. That’s what we follow if we are not following the leading of the Holy Spirit. The only way not to follow and carry out the desires of the flesh is to follow and carry out the desires of the Spirit.
Live in the choosing mode today, and choose wisely: Follow the Spirit of God.
The wisdom of the flesh is always exclaiming against the mysteries of God.
John Calvin
Toy Soldiers
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
You’re entering a war zone when visiting the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum. The largest display of toy soldiers in the world is arranged in dramatic scenes to tell the history of war in miniature. Twenty different world battles from ancient Egypt to World War II are refought using detailed, individually-sculpted figures. It reminds us that the history of the world has repeatedly been determined by wars and their outcomes.
We’re also entering a war zone when we begin the Christian life, but we aren’t toy soldiers and our battles aren’t miniaturized. According to Scripture, we struggle “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
We’re to be fully aware that temptation is lurking behind every bush, demons are opposing our every step, and our “flesh” is continually making treasonous overtures trying to undercut our spiritual progress.
We’re more apt to be victorious when we realize we’re at war.
Our temptations can be turned into stepping stones leading to nobility of character. By divine grace, all of us can be victors.
Herbert Lockyer
Troublesome Times
The street shall be built again and the wall, even in troublesome times.
Daniel 9:25
Recommended Reading
John 14:1-6
At the end of last year, the New York Times carried this headline: "Bad Times Draw Bigger Crowds to Churches." The story said that "bad times" were "good" for churches because when people are "shaken to the core," they become more open to the message of the Bible. The newspaper reported that the revivals that swept the United States in the 19th century were often triggered or touched off by economic panics. The great Fulton Street Revival (also known as the Businessman's Revival) broke out in New York City during the financial panic of 1857. And research has shown that during each recession cycle between 1968 and 2004, the rate of growth in evangelical churches jumped by 50 percent.
We aren't praying for bad news, of course, but the Lord often works wonders in troublesome times. Even in our individual lives, we often find that times of spiritual growth occur when we're pressed beyond our strength. Troubles have a way of driving us afresh to Him who said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1).
The Lord, who helped in troubles past, will save us to the very last.
From an old hymn, an anonymous paraphrase of Psalm 37:40
Bag of Cement
Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts...
Hebrews 3:7-8
Recommended Reading
Exodus 7:14-23
A certain man was driving down a bumpy country road when he spotted a bag of cement that had apparently fallen out of the back of a truck. Not wishing to see a perfectly good bag of cement go to waste, he stopped to pick it up believing he could get some use out of it. But when he reached down to pick up the bag, it was surprisingly heavier than he expected due to the fact that it had solidified into an immovable piece of cement. The bag of cement was created to be used for a specific purpose, but because it never reached its intended destination, it became a useless rock.
Just like that bag of cement, many people appear to be useable on the outside; but when God tries to draw near to them, they have hardened their hearts to His love and purpose.
Fortunately for us, it is never too late to listen to the voice of God. If you have made no room in your life for Almighty God and you wish to have a relationship with Him, pray and ask Him to soften your heart through His saving grace. You will then become a person with a purpose and a destination.
Of all the pursuits open to men, the search for wisdom is most perfect, more sublime, more profitable and more full of joy.
Thomas Aquinas
The Green Stuff: Christmas Trees
He came into the world…
Hebrews 10:5
Recommended Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10
In ancient Scandinavia, the evergreen tree was considered a symbol of life amid the bleak darkness of winter. Vikings reportedly cut down evergreens and brought them into their homes as a source of encouragement. In the 600s, Boniface, a British missionary, traveled across Europe using pines as object lessons of eternal life. Even the harsh winter couldn't kill them, said Boniface, who also used their triangular shapes to teach about the Trinity. For centuries afterward, people cut down trees and brought them indoors, creating a celebratory midwinter atmosphere. As an added benefit, the tree's fragrance provided a pleasing aroma during the confining months of winter.
According to tradition, it was Martin Luther who popularized trees as a Christmas symbol of the new life given us by the Christchild, and it was also Luther who wrote a carol that's been sung around Christmas trees for nearly 500 years: "From heaven above to earth I come, / To bear good news to every home."
May all the Christmas trees we encounter this year point our hearts upward toward our blessed Savior!
Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! Who is it in yon manger lies? Who is this Child so young and fair? The blessed Christchild lieth there.
Martin Luther
Golden Thoughts
In His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
Recommended Reading
Psalm 1
Laura Wilkinson, a radiant Christian, is a diver from Texas who practiced hard for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. But during preparation, she broke three bones in her foot. Unable to work out, she did the next best thing. Several times a day, Laura used mental imagery to practice her dive. She visualized herself climbing up to the 10-meter platform and walking through the motions of her complex high dives. She would see each split-second of her approach, posture, position, dive, entry into the water, and swim to the side of the pool. Her cast came off just before the Sydney Games, and she went on to compete and to win the first Gold Medal for a female American platform diver in nearly 40 years.
Our minds are powerful tools for adjusting our attitudes and actions. As we meditate on God's Word, mulling over it day and night, our thoughts are transformed. And our thoughts become the basis of all we are and all we do. A bit of hurried "devotion" in the morning isn't enough. Meditation happens all throughout the day. By meditation, we digest the wonders of God's Word and translate it into everyday victory.
A deep knowledge of spiritual things can only come by the way of unhurried reflection upon God's truth and by prayer.
Merrill Unger
Bearing His Name
In the Name of our God we will set up our banners! Psalm 20:5
Recommended Reading
Psalm 124
Earlier this year, a judge in New Mexico ruled against the wishes of a man wanting to legally change his name. The man wanted to call himself by an obscene term. The man claimed that he had a right to call himself by whatever name he wished, and the name he wanted was a word that wouldn't be printed in most newspapers in America, let alone a magazine like this! Thankfully the judge refused his request.
How wonderful to know that as Christians, we are called by His Name, which is high and holy. The word "Christian" means "Christ's Ones." Acts 15:14 says that God is choosing a people for Himself to bear His Name. When we become His children we bear His Name and should reflect His character.
Like the Psalmist, let's rejoice that God has given us the heritage of those who fear Your name (Psalm 61:5). And we can pray, "Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love your Name" (Psalm 119:132).
There is something unique and different about God's name... It is grander and higher and more significant than all other names... All God is, does, and says in included in His Name. W. Herschel Ford
