Thought of the day….

Most of us a not as young as we used to be but just as Paul instructs young Timothy we should be the example to all around us. Each day we as professing Christians are surrounded by non-believers and they can see if we are real or just a lot of talk and no action. Daily we should be the pages of the bible in word and in deed to all that are around us, young or old and.

Today I ask, are you setting the example of Christ?

Thought of the day….

Last night I pick up a book off the bookshelf I have looked at in years. The book is titled The Doctor that Looked at Hands by Dr. John M. Ellis, and is primarily about vitamin B6 deficiency and its affect on the body. I’m sure you’re asking, why would you read that? Well, because even though the book is largely a medical book, Dr. John also describes his life, friends and family. Throughout the book Dr. John mentions his ranch foreman Dick Griffin, and he paints a larger than life picture of this real, Man’s man. He paints a picture of a Cowboy herding cattle, pinning livestock, and superb horsemanship. So why would he even mention this man? I think it was because he had moral values and strong character and integrity. Just like today’s scripture Joshua was man of integrity and strong moral character. God call us to be strong and courageous, and not veer to the right or the left and stay in His word so we will be successful for Him.

Today I ask, are you a person of integrity?

Oh, and by the way, the cowboy in the book was my Grandfather.

Thought of the day….

Yesterday I began a bible study of the movie Courageous, in the first lesson it looks at Joshua and how Moses turned over the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.  The Israelites followed Joshua because they saw in him the true actions of a Man of God.  We teach our children with words and actions but the problem comes when those two don’t match.

Some time ago on my commute I saw a baby calf with its mom and the calf was jumping and playing trying to get it mom’s attention. This scene makes me think of how the cows without words must teach her calf all it needs to know to survive. This caused me to think about, how, us as God’s people should be doing the same thing. The problem is that, in some cases, we try to teach our children with words and not our actions.  Sure we need to give clear instruction with our words but do our words and our actions match? We can say to our children “this is the way you should live” but if we then don’t live that instruction we paint a confusing picture. Our children learn more from our actions than our words. The Israelite people followed Joshua because he was the real deal, he lead with words and actions.   

Today I ask, do our words and my actions match?

Thought of the day….

Where do you stand? On the right, on the left or in the middle?  Today’s scripture is one where Peter is denying Christ.  We as Christians do the same thing, we deny Him by our words and actions. I’m on the right (I’m a Christian) I’m on the left ( I not acting or portraying a Christian) I’m in the middle (I’m riding the fence and won’t commit). God’s word says we all sin, but when we blatantly choose to do it we paint a confusing picture to others around us. We are supposed to represent Christ well as we are made in His image and that is the image He wants everyone to see.

Today I ask, are you denying Christ and misrepresenting Him?

Thought of the day….

Paul was probably the greatest preacher of all time. God’s word calls us to “preach the gospel”.  No we are not all called to be the preacher or pastor of a church but when we accept Christ as our savior we at that moment sign on to “preach the gospel”. Saint Francis of Assisi coined the phrase “Wherever you go, Preach, and if necessary use words”. We live a message every day, some messages are good and others are not so good but still a message. It’s our calling to make disciples for Christ, and to preach the gospel in word and in deed.

Today I ask, are you preaching the gospel?

Thought of the day….

Last night at Man Church, we watched the movie “Courageous”. It was the second time I have seen it and if you haven’t, I would recommend it. The movie is about being a father to our children and that we should spend time with them and love and teach them in the ways of the Lord, in the short time we have them. So this morning, I want to encourage you fathers, to look at the father you have been and through God’s grace see the Father you can be and be it.

Today I ask, are you being the father that God has called you to be.

Thought of the day….

James tells us that if we want to be near to God in a more personal relationship we must draw near to Him. We must seek Him and desire Him to be in a close personal relationship. We must repent of our sins, cleanse and purify our hearts, putting away our old habits. The last part of the verse reminds us that we can’t serve two masters or live two lives. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

Today I ask, will you commit to draw near?

Thought of the day….

In today’s verse Thomas would not believe that the others had seen the Lord unless he put his finger in the nail prints. If we believe that we are in Him and He is in us, we too should have the nail prints in our hands. Not literally, but in our actions. When we give a tithe, the church should see the nail prints, when we help those in need, they should see the nail prints, when we work each day, our co-workers should see the nail prints, when we are driving or shopping or at a sporting event or any activity, others should see the nail prints. Hopefully you get the point; others should see Jesus in all we do at all times. As a reminder this week make a conscious effort to look at the palms of your hands and think of the nail prints.

Today I ask, can other see the nail print in your hands in all you do?

Thought of the day….

I, along with others, have been working long stressful days in order to complete a major work project. In doing so, I have to admit, It have let the stress get to me and have let the most important thing in my life be less of my focus. As we work each day let us not forget who our employer is. Not our earthly one, but our heavenly one. Whatever we do let work at it with all our hearts so that God gets the glory.

Today I ask, in you busyness are you working as for the Lord?

Thought of the day….

In the last few days I have heard several pastors speak about being a “Romans 12” Christian. Romans 12:1 starts with what it takes to become a Christian. “Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God” That’s the start of everything! We must give ourselves fully, totally to God and then the journey begins.

Today I ask, have you given yourself to God as a living sacrifice to Him.