Tissues

Revelation 21:4
This devotion came to me while listening to a really great new song called, There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp. The chorus is taken directly from the scripture I picked for today and with news of more violence in Israel I started thinking about the day that all of it will be over. Whether from violence, disease, or natural causes about 102 people die each minute! It's hard to imagine the amount of mourning that goes on in this world every second of every day. What is equally hard to imagine is that there will be a day that all of that will be forgotten when; "He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NIV)" Kleenex won't be needed in heaven, that's one thing you won't have to carry around. For someone, like me who has been through difficult health problems, the fact that a day will come when my health will be perfect is exciting. A day when the blind will see, the deaf will hear, tumors will be gone, starvation banished, wars will cease, and all that will remain is the perfection God intended all the way back in the garden (of Eden). It is that which we live for and it is that which makes each day here livable. I really can't imagine how people could live a full life on this troubled earth without that kind of hope. A hope that says hang in there for the best is yet to come (to say the least). Be alert to those around you in trouble and be ready to offer them the hope that by giving their lives to Christ they can make it through the tough times and pain of this life knowing what lies ahead for those that fight the good fight of faith. With God's help you can make it through these dark days victoriously. Pray and stay strong!

A Pitcher

Romans 5:5
You could devote an entire blog on the subject of God's love for us, so one post on will barely do it justice. The first thing to understand is God is love (see 1 John 4:16); he should be next to the definition of it in the dictionary. If love is all about finding joy in making another person happy then God is like the ultimate at this. Romans 5:5 states, "Such hope never disappoints us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." A big endless pitcher of God's love is constantly being dumped on us. God has given everything, he didn't spare his Son, and as if that weren't enough he gave us the Spirit to live inside us. I don't have a clue how many times the word love appears in the Bible, (I'm sure one of my friends in seminary would know) but it's a lot. With God being all about love it is necessary for us to be all about that as well. Jesus said the greatest commandments were to love; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and the second to love your neighbor as yourself." As the Beatles sang, "all you need is love, love is all you need." Feeling warm and fuzzy yet? With us feeling lovestruck now, it is important not only to think about how we can love God more, but to reflect that love in our everyday lives. We need to be about dumping that pitcher of God's love onto everyone around us, especially unbelievers who could definitely use some of that joy in their lives. We need to pursue God's love more, meditate on it, breathe it in, and worship him. Let that be your focus today. There are so many great songs and books on God's love I could fill this page with links so I'll keep it to one of each of my favorites. Enjoy the song Love of God by MercyMe today during your quiet time.

A Bookmark

Ephesians 1:11

Sometimes it's a mere piece of paper, other times it's quite elaborate, but in the end it serves only one function, to help us keep and find our place in a book. Without it we would waste time trying to figure out where we were whenever we picked up a book to read. Another option would be to read the book straight through, but most of the time unless it's really short that's just not practical. In life many people loose their place as they go along and some may never even find the place to start. That's because we forget that, "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Ephesians 1:11, The Message)" Christ has wonderful plans for everyone, yet few plug into him and many never know him. Many people are roaming through the darkness looking for the answers, looking for something beyond the mundane, looking for their place in this world and have no idea that "apart from Christ you can do nothing (John 15:5b)." Want to find your place, your purpose, your sweet spot, your destination? Look no further than God's word. Seek him first, he is the Shepherd, he will lead you, he will make clear the way and everything will happen according to his will. Save yourself a lot of heartache and pain by giving up your control of your life. He knows you best, better than you know yourself! Search deep within yourself and consider the level of contentment you have in each area of your life. Are you living the life of your dreams? If you feel lost, off track, or unhappy spend time this weekend in His arms. Allow his light to help you find your place in this world. For more guidance in this area check out the really awesome book by Max Lucado, shown above. An inspirational song for you today is a classic, Place In This World by Michael W. Smith. If you have never given your life to Christ and need help with that click the "Need Him" link in my recommended links section. I can tell you for sure that He is the way, the truth, and the life, don't go another day without him.

A Calculator

I have a simple formula for you and it requires no calculator and no advanced math. It is this:

That's it, the most important equation you can ever work on. It is quite difficult, unlike math problems which have concrete answers, making myself decrease so Christ can increase can be quite challenging. Today's verse is a quote straight from John the Baptist in response to the shift from people coming to John for baptism to people going to Jesus to be baptized. John recognized that he came to prepare the way for Christ and now that Christ had arrived John's new job was to point others to him. His reply, "He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30 NIV)" John sets an excellent example for us as Christians, as our goal today should be the same as his was, to take the limelight off ourselves and point it on the one worthy of it. If we want to lead others to him the only way to do that is for us to point the way without getting in the way. It's not about us, we are simply vessels to bring others to him. After all, John was one of greatest servants of the Lord, bringing countless souls into the kingdom, if anyone had a right to feel important it was John, yet he made it clear he was not the Christ and was ready to step aside when Jesus came onto the scene. His way is hard to follow, living a life of humility and denying oneself goes against our human nature. Yet, our lives would be much better off if our pride, ego, and self-centeredness went down a few notches. When we fade into the shadows, the light of Christ within us shines more brightly. Today, think of areas in your life where you need a little more Jesus and a little less you. Also take the time to listen to Todd Agnew's, "In the Middle of Me" for some ideas.

A Hammer

Colossians 3:23-24
I spent most of the afternoon today working on a repair project at my place. As I thought carefully about how I was going to approach the job and hammered away, I tried my best to do quality work. No matter what I work on, whether for myself or others, I take pride in a job well done. It's also a challenge because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and get irritated when things don't look as good as I would've liked. I got to thinking of some things I heard when my parents were having a new house built for them a few years back. There were some on the crew that were like me and really did their best and there were others who seemed to either not care or just be poor carpenters. There were doors with trim around them easily off by 1/3 of an inch or more and it made me wonder if someone left their tape measure at home that day. For us Christians, God expects us to do our best at whatever we do. Paul wrote, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)" It doesn't matter if you collect garbage, construct buildings, or do open heart surgery, God expects nothing less than your best effort. Even more important than your paycheck is the reward God will hand you for giving it your all. Working hard with a smile also opens the door for us to witness to others when they ask why we have the work ethic we do. Today, as you head off to your "slaving job to get your pay" take a new attitude with you thinking of God as your employer; so even if you work for the sewage company, you'll make a positive impact in your workplace, and when eternal rewards are handed out, you'll come up smelling like roses.

Tape

Hebrews 10:23
Promises...God has blessed us with so many and is always faithful to deliver. He sticks with us always whether we deserve it or not. No matter how unfaithful people are God is always there waiting, coming through for us time and again. How sad it is that so often we walk away and fail to stand firm and not falter. It can especially be a challenge for us to hold fast to him, to our faith, to our hope, when times are so tough. Yet no matter how great the storm is we face, his grace, his mercy, his outstretched hands are there to bring relief. Scripture is filled with it, vast songs are sung about it, and no matter what our condition God never fails us. When you stand strong in tough times you become a great witness to those around you. When the world is crumbling it is up to us to see an opportunity. As we weather the storm, and hang tough through adversity without loosing our joy, others see that and will wonder how we can persevere through. We'll be ready to tell them of the hope we hold on to, of the solid rock we stand on, which is not of this world. It can't be brought down by natural disasters, crumbling economies, disease, corruption, or anything else! As Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Pray for God to encourage and strengthen you to be steadfast even when things are tough and know he will come through for you. Even if you've been torn like a piece of paper, God is the tape that will mend you. That is who he is. Listen to Hold Fast by MercyMe for some more inspiration today.

Luke 2:22-35

(I have decided from here on out that because I spend all Sunday working with children from the group home that I won't be posting a formal object devotional that night. The post that will be up for Sunday, which some may read Monday, will be based on the sermon I heard Sunday morning.)
Take a look at the scripture reading listed for today. Pastor Rob preached an excellent, passionate message about Simeon. The text talks about how Simeon had waited his whole life to see God's Messiah and had prayed that he would live long enough to see him. It's hard to imagine the thrill that came when Simeon, a very old man at the time, took Jesus in his arms and praised God for what he had done and was going to do through Christ. For us it is so easy to loose the excitement in our Christian walk, yet Simeon prepared his whole life for this one event. Do we worship God like he is preparing us for something great? Do we live each day readying ourselves for what God has in store for us? When was the last time you worshiped as if you had just received Christ for the first time? All of us go through dry periods in our faith, I know I have. It seemed for over a year I would have described myself as a lukewarm Christian, just muddling my way through each day. Fortunately, I got back on track like a slumping slugger hitting a grand slam. My dry period away from God made me thirst for what I was missing and eventually wanting that joy that comes from praising God with all that you are. Don't let yourself just remain in a rut when it comes to your faith. Whether you're on the mountaintop or in the valley, have everything or nothing in this world, you should be able to find fulfillment alone in worshiping God and telling others that Jesus saves. That's what Simeon lived for and it's all we need as well. Lord, help us to be passionate about you and live each moment in anticipation of seeing you face to face.

A Sharpener

Proverbs 27:17
Hallelujah Sunday is here again! Just in case you were thinking of hooking church this Sunday let’s consider an important reason that Christians should be in church each week and be active participants. This little nugget of wisdom comes from Proverbs 27:17 which states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (NIV)” While a short verse, it makes a huge statement. There are many reasons to gather together as believers. One is hearing and receiving the Word of the Lord. The Pastor brings messages to the people that the Spirit has breathed into him or her, hopefully messages that convict and challenge us in our spiritual walk. The sermon should be pushing us forward and causing us to grow as followers. We also sharpen each other through accountability. Small groups, Bible studies, classes, and the like can take us to the next level in our walk and move us into relationships where we can be there to strengthen and encourage each other. Another reason to come together is the worship experience. I have had some pretty powerful moments on my own with God, but there is just something about public worship that is indescribable, a movement of the Spirit only felt when the congregation is assembled. The moment you enter the sanctuary, the holy space, you feel that presence of God surrounding you. All these pieces come together as we meet and our sharpness as Christians increases, our desire for more of God increases, and our commitment to doing the work of the Lord increases. As Christians we are not meant to be hermits - sure you should spend time alone with your Father, but you should not undertake this spiritual journey alone. So when the bells ring this Sunday make your way to church and get yourself sharpened up to be the strong man or woman of God you are called to be!

A Phone

1 Kings 19:12
We are definitely a communication, information oriented society. There are so many ways we get in touch with each other, even with friends all over the world. The telephone started us down this road long before cell phones and the internet took things to a whole new level. We're accustomed to getting in touch with others right away, or at worst leaving a voice or text message. Most of us lack patience when it comes to waiting for an answer, we want a response right away. Our need for speed can cause problems in our walk with God. Our prayers don't always get the fast response we desire, or God doesn't act quick enough, and as it is rare that God audibly speaks with us, interpreting what he is saying is also a challenge. Even Elijah had problems with waiting for God to respond after Jezebel threatened to kill him. He took off running despite the fact that the Lord had shown everyone his power. When Elijah finally lay down to rest the Lord was able to speak with him.

11 ...And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice. 13When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave... (taken from the Amplified Bible c.1987)

In our fast paced world sometimes we need to slow down and listen for God to find him. He may come with the sound of mighty trumpets or a faint whisper. We may have a sudden revelation or maybe a friend drops a subtle, timely hint. It may have the intensity of stadium lights or the softness of candlelight. Even when it seems our world is falling apart around us like what was happening to Elijah we must realize God will answer when he feels it's the right time. Like Gandalf from "Lord of the Rings, Return of the King" who said, "For a wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." That is exactly what we can expect of God as well. So take heart if you have communicated with God about some important matter and have yet to get a response, be patient, listen for the still small voice and have faith that the answer will come at just the right time. Spend some time today just listening for that still small voice of God.

Windshield Wipers

Judges 6:37

It rained today, which doesn't happen much where I live in Tucson, AZ. As the rain fell I flipped on my wipers so I could better see where I was going. I got to thinking how much life is like that; sometimes where we're going just doesn't seem to be really clear and we need some assistance. I've spent a lot of time pondering where I'm at in this journey of faith over the last few years and wonder where I'm heading. There are times a sign or revelation from God would be nice because things seem to be smeary like worn out wiper blades. Times come when we look high and low, right and left, and just don't see the way. Take heart and know you're not alone, this predicament isn't uncommon for us as Christians to be in especially if our desire really is to follow God's plan for our life. Even Gideon wanted to be really sure he was doing God's will by asking the Lord for a sign, not one, but two, just to be certain! We find that story in Judges 6:36-40:

36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- 37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." 40 That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. (Taken from the NIV c.1984)

I've never tried something like Gideon did before but there isn't a reason not to pray and ask God to show us the way. Don't be discouraged if God doesn't respond as quick as you'd like either. If we keep seeking after the Lord we will find our direction. Today, whether your life is smooth sailing or a shipwreck take time to think about your life - where you've come from and where you're headed and ask the Lord to direct your steps, so that you are going straight on the road he has for you. Also, take the time to check your wiper blades because you know not when the rain will come.

An appropriate song to listen to with this devotion is "Revelation" by Third Day

A Clock

Ecclesiastes 9 (v. 12)
The alarm goes off every morning and like a shot out of a gun we begin our fast-paced, rat-race. Most of us are always on the run finding it hard to get everything we have planned accomplished. It seems there aren't enough hours in the day, days in the week, and so on. My mom once had a "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon on her bulletin board about this that always made me laugh. Calvin, with a scowl on his face, states that, "God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things and right now I'm so far behind, I may never die." He's not alone. Time is a commodity few of us have much of. Often our "to-do list" only gets longer the more we check off. In our hectic and busy world it is all to easy not to have the time for what matters most. It takes a conscious effort on my part to put in a good quiet time and meditate on spiritual things, in fact that is one reason I started this devotional blog. Not only is it hard for most of us to spend quality time with God, we often neglect our families as well. Despite how difficult it can be to make ends meet, it is important not to miss out on what really matters in life because we only have, "One Life to Love." (That's the title of a powerful song about this dilemma by the band 33 Miles.) Plan time into your day for those that you love and on occasion get away from it all with a vacation, retreat, a day at the park, or whatever. Jesus gives us that example to follow. He often got away from the crowds demanding of his time and energy and spent time with his friends and with his Father. Most of us when we're on our death bed won't be sad regretting that we didn't spend enough time at work. Unlike Jesus, we don't know how long we have under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9 is a sobering reminder that life is short, verse 12a states, "Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come." So today take some good advice from Ecclesiastes, "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love...Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Because, "You only get just one time around, you only get one shot at this..." ("One Life to Love", Clint Lagerberg and Jason Walker - 33Miles)

33 Miles Limited Edition Bonus CD

A Cup

Matthew 10:42
"If you give even a cup of water to one of the least of these in my name, you will surely be rewarded." Years ago at one of the church's I served at, we started handing out lemonade to kids on hot days as they were walking home from school. Eventually that simple act blossomed into a full after school program at the church aimed at reaching out to kids in the community as a witness to Christ. We had many young people become interested in coming to our church program and even telling their friends about it, all because of a simple gesture of kindness. You just never know where an act of compassion done in the name of Lord may go. Even something that seems small to us can become a way to share our faith with others and bring glory to Christ. Often, it ends up with us feeling blessed even more so than the person we were helping. What Jesus asks also takes a lot of pressure of you and I as followers. He doesn't expect us to go from town to town raising the dead or preaching on street corners (unless that's your calling); He just asks us to be faithful in the opportunities that He sends our way. A cup of water here, a cup of water there. If you don't receive many chances to reach out to those around you, pray that the Lord will present you with an encounter where you can touch another in His name. You will be amazed at how many little mission moments will come your way. Be mindful and alert throughout your day to ways you could be a blessing to others in the name of Jesus. Your small act of sharing could lead to another persons salvation, and that's no small thing!

A Lamp

Psalm 119:105
The word lamp is mentioned over 20 times in the Bible, being used as a symbol for many things. The verse I chose likely came to mind first because it is the chorus to the popular praise song, "Thy Word" by Amy Grant, which I have known for a long time. Most of us have probably heard the song or even sung it in church, so this verse should be pretty easy to remember every time you see a lamp. The verse is quite simple, yet powerful, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105 KJV)." Most of us have experienced a power outage at some point in our lives, and in that moment you realize how dependent we are on electricity. Our ability to function and do the things we normally do are greatly reduced without power. Yet think of how difficult our spiritual walk would become without the aid of the Bible. Just like a power failure. Our journey would be much more challenging without God's Word to give us direction, just as our lives become more difficult when the lights are out. Thankfully the Bible has survived and been preserved through many dark times in history; times when books were destroyed, Christians persecuted, and leaders of the church killed. Yet no one was succesful at ridding the world of it. Those determined to destroy it obviously hadn't read it, or they'd have come across the part that says God always wins, and good will triumph over evil. Unfortunately, for us today it's all too easy to take the Bible for granted. Most of us have more than one copy in our house and we have churches full of them. Don't let your Bible collect dust; read it, study it, meditate on it, it should be your guide for all that you do. All the answers to life's most important questions, solutions to your struggles, and a heaping dose of hope and grace are in there. It contains everything you need to keep your light shinning brightly and your path illuminated. So, next time the power goes out, why don't you fire up a battery powered light and curl up with your Bible; it won't be long before the darkness retreats to marvelous light.

A Mirror

1 Samuel 16:7

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"  It's the question asked by a vain, jealous witch, or maybe a celebrity, or maybe you or I.  It's the same now as it was since the beginning of human existence.  People are obsessed by looks, by the outward appearance.  We see it everyday.  There aren't any magazines at the store checkout line with a gray haired, acne covered, overweight, hermit on the cover - now are there?  While our looks and fancy outfits may fool those around us, our dress up doesn't fool God.  He sees right through the designer business suit to the corrupt, greedy, corporate scam artist underneath or the best dressed, beautiful celebrity model who is nothing but show.  We can't be too hard on ourselves for being misled, after all Samuel, a prophet of God had problems getting past the looks of Jesse's older sons when he went to anoint the new king.  Samuel was impressed with Eliab but God had rejected him.  1 Samuel 16:7 reads, "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"  If you're like me, you're pretty relieved by that statement.  Whether people stare google-eyed when you walk by or the saying, "a face only a mother could love" describes you, don't let it get to you.  Instead focus your efforts to the inside and how God sees you.  Seeking to become more like Christ and following the command to "Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself" is far more meaningful and way cheaper than plastic surgery, makeovers, and thousands of dollars in outfits to fix your outward appearance.  So when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, even if it causes it to crack, look deeper than the surface to what is underneath.  Then spend the beginning of your day dressing up on the inside, where God sees, and you'll be a whole lot happier and better off.      

A Ruler (the kind you measure with!)

Ephesians 3:18

Have you ever reached for a ruler to measure something only to find it was too short for the job?  Yup, me too.  Ultimately you end up at the hardware store buying the longest tape measure available so no matter what comes your way you've got the tool to handle it.  However, there are some things that you'll never have a big enough measuring stick for.  Take the ocean for example.  Just try the next time you go on a cruise to drag your measuring tape behind the boat to see how far you've gone.  Not gonna work.  No way, no how.  Well the apostle Paul also found something that a ruler is just not made to handle, although he prayed that we as followers of Jesus might come to know it.  In Ephesians 3:18 he prays that we "may have power, together with the saints, to grasp how wide and how long and high and deep is the love of Christ."  Put the poor ruler away, it doesn't stand a chance at this measurement.  It's quite a tall order for us to be able to understand the kind of love Christ has for us.  A love that left the splendor of heaven for a stable, a life of glory to be a carpenter, and a crown for a cross.  I stand in awe of that and fall to the ground over that and fumble for the words to say about that.  Perhaps, that's the conclusion Paul wanted us to come to.  When have you experienced a love so great, so perfect, so unending, so vast, that no word in our vocabulary could come close to defining it?  The desire of the Lord is to pour that out on you beyond measure!  How does that make you feel?  Overwhelmed?  Overjoyed?  How does that make you evaluate your worth?  Allow that to soak in for a moment.  Are you feeling the way I am about now - ready to worship?  I'm glad it's almost church time.  I pray that whenever you use a ruler now, you'll think of the immeasurable love Christ has for you!

A Pen (preferably one that writes)

Revelation 21:27

Pens are everywhere and about as common an object as there is.  Especially the irritating kind that don't write worth squat.  Anyway, not a day goes by that most of us don't write something; maybe not a blog or an article like I do but maybe a grocery list, a phone number, notes etc...  In case anyone was in doubt, I enjoy writing and am always picking up a writing implement, which got me thinking about something God has written and is still writing that is the most important document in existence.  I know, you're probably guessing it's the Bible, which is definitely the most important book you can ever read or study, that God created by inspiring others to write down the things he told them to.  But the book I'm talking about is quite critical, and while it will never reign at the top of the Bestsellers list there can be nothing more important than, "The Lamb's Book of Life."  Revelation talks about a list the Lord is writing of all those who have faithfully devoted themselves to following Christ and ultimately will be allowed to enter into his glory.  "Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty- but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27)."  That sure makes every list I've written seem pretty unimportant by comparison.  Earlier in that same chapter John describes what heaven will be like, and I have to say even if it were only half of what he describes it would be incredible.  I can't believe there's anyone who would want to risk not spending eternity there.  If you have some time read Revelation 21 and tell me it's not awesome.  Now, if you're unsure whether you've made the "Book" I can tell you there's no secret formula, password, or handshake you have to know to get in.  Quite simply, it is open to those who have asked Jesus to forgive them and be the Lord of their life.  No rocket science, no fine print - just ask Christ into your life.  (If you need help with that click on "Need Him?" under my recommended links)  For those already in the book I hope when you pick up a pen today images of heaven will come to you and you will delight in the fact that the Lord has looked favorably upon you and offered you eternity in his presence.  That, my friends is something that keeps me writing everyday!               

A CD (or DVD)

Jeremiah 29:11

There aren't many days that go by that we don't handle a CD.  A CD reminds me of our faith journey.  As our lives go by, more and more of the CD of our lives is written.  Some of us have lots of space left and others of us are reaching the end.  No matter how much of your life is left there is still time to evaluate what is written and ponder how you want the remainder of your life's CD to be filled.  Do you have errors?  Are there some scratches on your disk - some issues that can be taken to God and repaired?  How much of your CD has been written by God?  Who is running your life right now?  I know your life will have a much better outcome if you let go of your agenda and let God take over.  As one cute bumper sticker reads, "If God is your co-pilot, switch seats." God promises an exciting adventure!  Jeremiah 29:11 states, "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"  We have so much in store for us on the faith journey God has prepared uniquely for each of us, but it requires us to let go.  Don't be deceived by the verse either, God isn't promising it will always be smooth sailing.  I've had some real rough spots I've hit in the road.  There will be times our faith will be tested and we may be rocked to the core of our being.  But as an old saying goes, "Faith isn't really faith, until it's all you're holding on to;" or another, "That which doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger."  Those rough spots will either cause people to cling to God or walk away.  When you cling to God and come through the storm your faith will only become more solid.  Don't look at setbacks and walk away, instead look at them as an opportunity to be an overcomer and to grow.  Pick up a CD and take inventory of your life today.  Think on where you've come from and where you're headed.  Pray that God will direct your steps and write a life for you beyond anything you could ever imagine.  Blessings.      

The Eraser

1 John 1:9

I think it fitting to begin the common object devotional blog with an eraser.  An eraser reminds me that Jesus erases sins when you confess and give your life to him.  This is essential to the Christian - If it were not for the complete erasing of our sins by Christ there would be no point to our faith and this blog wouldn't even exsist.  We would be in a hopeless, unforgiven state, unworthy of fellowship with God.  Ouch!  Scripture says that when we enter into a relationship with Christ that He offers to remove our transgressions far from us, as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)."  Are there some things in your life you wish were erased?  We remember our wrongdoings, and others remember them too.  Isn't it nice to know that if you confess your sins God erases them; he remembers them no more!   Each time you pick up an eraser today think about how wonderful it is that the Lord erases our mistakes when we ask.  Take a moment now to give those errors up to God and allow him to forgive you and release the guilt you have over them.  If you have never asked the Lord into your life and had your sins erased, then let today be a day for a new beginning, one you will never forget.  Need help with making your new start?  Click on the "Need Him?" link under my "recommended links" listing.  God Bless you!