July 2018 Passages
July 1, 2018
The beginning is the start of time. Time as we know it began with the creation of the heavens and Earth. God modeled how time is to be used separating work and rest. Time is a gift. It teaches through history, provides opportunity to gain skills, develop relationships, complete work, fill your soul and provide balance. Embrace time.Use it wisely to the glory of him who created it.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
July 2, 2018
Light was created so we can see, to see beyond eyesight into the depths of life, the way to him. Noise, busyness, and cultural ideologies away from him is darkness. Jesus said," I am the light of the world." Light is good because Jesus is the light. Closeness with him separates our darkness revealing himself to us.
"And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
July 3, 2018
Each component of creation came from a command," Let there be", and obedience followed exactly as instructed, "And it was so." &nbps;As created beings are we above this same obedience? As people, We are all given the ability to reason and decide whether our purpose in him will result in" And it was so."
And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
July 4, 2018
Happy 4th of July! Boundaries establish limits. It can be evidenced by land surrounding water, the moon shining at night, and the sun bright during the day. Boundaries identify property, state lines, countries, and continents. Rules along with right and wrong are birthed from boundaries. As children of God saved by Jesus, protected, governed, and bound by his love we are held accountable by his boundaries.
And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
July 5, 2018
Jesus said ," I am the true Vine and my Father is the Gardner, no branch can bear fruit by itself." God produced vegetation for our bodies to be nourished and His word is the seed spiritually nourishing us to flourish to be used as a vessel for His good works- bearing much fruit.
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.
July 6, 2018
As with the seasons of the earth, there is a season for everything and for every activity under Heaven. Our journey is about developing a deep relationship with Jesus. Through these seasons there are times of listening and times to teach, time when pain and challenges stretch faith, where peace and joy give respite. All the while his light guides us.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so.
July 7, 2018
The grand culmination of all creation is introduced by the word, "then," which sets apart God's final work. From apparent conversation between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a decision was made, ("Let us" ) to make you and me uniquely in His image for grand purpose. Ponder today what God has designed you to do.
"Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
July 8, 2018
We work at full capacity in the spirit of God, doing his work for his purpose and being recharged in his rest: listening, studying his word, and worshipping. Outside these (working for personal gain) is empty, unfulfilling, meaningless.
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?
July 9, 2018
Some people will try and also believe they have things all figured out. But often it is not for us to know, especially in the entirety, only God. Only he knows and knows why. Trust him.
"I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat."
July 10, 2018
There are times God will warn us through people to change our course, to stop what we are doing. Yet there are times He, Himself, through His power will need to get our attention.
"The Lord says, “Now I will show them my power; now I will show them my might. At last they will know and understand that I am the Lord."
July 11, 2018
We will be disappointed and lost of we place full reliance on people - leaders, family, best friends, etc. Only in part can people provide love, direction, comfort, or fix situations. Only God fills every part of us and gives us our every need.
This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land."
July 12, 2018
Jesus said, "I will give them a fresh bubbling spring within them giving them eternal life." He is our "bubbly" springing forth life in us to conquer what wants to defeat us. Stand strong in him.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."
July 13, 2018
Think about the content of your typical daily conversations. Do any include God and what He has done for you or how you love him? Moses reminded the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6:7 to talk about loving him with your whole heart, soul, and mind when at home and going out. That reminder is also for us. To share with others the love you have for him and how he is working in your life can change the dynamic of the day and the heart of another.
"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done."
July 14, 2018
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight to what he knows about your heart and what stimulates your mind for you to see more clearly that which he desires to build in you and what is to be discarded.
"But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
July 15, 2018
Awareness of God, openness to Him, the desire to do His will, will make you pliable for Him to mold you to the likeness of Jesus.
"This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him."
July 16, 2018
At times, we do focus on ourselves; what has not been done, what could happen next, or what we do not have. Yet, an awareness of others around us; family, friends, co-workers, teammates, or even a stranger and extending kindness with a simple smile, holding the door, offering to help, listening, or to pray with them can lift them out of a pit of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness.
"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."
July 17, 2018
We are washed clean, blameless in the sight of our Lord Jesus not because of anything we did but only through grace extended to us in love, a gift freely given. It is for us to accept this by faith that Jesus is Lord and He saved us. May we have this assurance today and always and may what causes anxiety and worry be stripped away.
"Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness."
July 18, 2018
There will always be someone coming up through the ranks. Effort poured into work, image/status, athletics, community and politically held positions will be left to the next person who may or may not do it the way you do. The best that can be done is to give the best of yourself in him for the work you do.
"A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?"
July 19, 2018
Consequences of actions and decisions can bring about guilt and shame leaving a feeling of worthlessness and without purpose. Yet, drawing close to Jesus, praying to him, seeking his peace and learning from him will allow you to prosper in his purpose and to hope.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
July 20, 2018
Spending time with friends, watching TV, boating, swimming, reading, etc., gives respite from work and chores. But, it is only through Jesus by prayer, studying scripture, and relying on his power do we become refreshed in the depths of our being.
"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
July 21, 2018
The love of Christ on our hearts and with the knowledge of his commands were foretold by God to Jeremiah during the captivity of the Israelites in Babylon. Thankful to Jesus for this gift, to know him and to choose him.
"“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
July 22, 2018
Whatever the challenge and regardless of the circumstances, remember and believe that God is All Powerful and nothing is too difficult for Him!
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
July 23, 2018
A desire prayed for with the awareness of how we participate with God in the process to obtain it provides a deeper joy when it occurs than for the one who resents it took too long to happen. Our joy multiplies in the appreciation of the journey.
"A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil."
July 24, 2018
Time spent observing, listening, and talking with people who hold God in the highest esteem will provide opportunity to live wisely.
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
July 25, 2018
Lord, every day we face battles. Please open our eyes to you who gives us insight, strength, patience, and perseverance to overcome.
"You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever."
July 26, 2018
Lord, as we face hardships for your sake, may we be strengthened to keep taking the next step; and, the next step after that, always looking up to you who created us for your purpose.
"Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
July 27, 2018
Our treasure is Jesus . And, he commands us to get in the thick of life. Therefore, avoid the temptation to be disengaged or to sit back and accept what comes, comes.
"Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
July 29, 2018
Practice honesty with others, yourself, and with God. Deceit will always be discovered.
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."
July 30, 2018
Confess to Christ the sin he reveals to you by His Holy Spirit, then you will be brought close to him; forgiven and released from guilt.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin."
July 31, 2018
Allow yourself to be corrected. Even though it can cause pain or embarrassment, it provides life transformation.
"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."