Read John 11, and Psalms 40-43 Memorize: John 16:33 This week, consider the following.
I’ll never forget that family vacation. It happened, returning from a camping trip to Galveston. My dad was driving us through Atoka, Oklahoma in our white, ’65 Ford station wagon when, wham! Bang! Crash! Out of the blue, s u r p r i s e, we’ve been sideswiped! No one saw it coming, no one saw where he [the sideswiper] went!
This kind of surprise is all together different from an invitation to eat free pizza or friends yelling SURPRISE from behind the couch as you turn the lights on and begin your unknown to that point, birthday party!
I’m guessing that none of us like to be blindsided by difficulty. Yet, Jesus told us that in this world we’d have trouble [John 16:33]. He said that sideswiping and even “head-on” collisions we’re common…so be ready!
Being “salted with fire” is a difficult phrase to fully understand from Mark 9:49. But, its as plain as day describing the firestorm of problems in this thing we call life. Most everyone can relate to the word picture [flaming problems raining down on us]. So why are we so undone by life’s surprises? Know this: trouble is coming. Be ready for it.
No, you can’t drive on the shoulder of life hoping to miss all collisions [you’d probably hit “do not drive on the shoulder” sign!]. But what you can do is entrust yourself to the One who has lived this life with overcoming success. He’ll guide you and give you strength to straighten out the twisted metal of your life and get back on the road. Besides all this… Life, with all of its “surprises” is a test. You pass the test not by avoiding accidents, but by learning and growing from the fender benders.
God is using problems to reshape a “new you” [Hebrews 12:11]. Eyes open? Be ready, trouble is coming! Now--- trust Him, looking for His redemption! Latch onto the idea that He’ll steer you safely to your intended destination. Look, He’s right there, at the wheel!
Week of April 18th Be patient. Remember “Just Desserts”
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. Proverbs 24:19-20
Read John 11, and Psalms 36-39 Memorize: Galatians 6:9 This week, consider the following.
Anytime someone mentions pie, especially pecan or pumpkin [with whipped cream, of course], my ears perk up! I would like the term “just desserts” if it really meant that I deserved some tasty things to eat! Unfortunately, we often label the coming justice concerning the unsavory actions of another, with this phrase.
One of the key ingredients to a new you, is the encouragement to stay on the straight and narrow course, even when it seems no one else does. God, who knows all, even the future, reveals the “deserts” of the wicked. It’s not pumpkin or peacan.
It’s punishment. More specifically, as the above Bible verse points out, it’s the lack of a “look-forward-to” tomorrow. Listen to those certain terms again… “no future hope,” and “[their] lamp…snuffed out.” I think God is saying, “don’t let it bother you if the loud and loose seem to be living high,” or “don’t pay attention to the likes of singer Billy Joel, who years ago confidently carried on about, ‘only the good dying young.’”
It’s hard to wait to the end of the meal sometimes to have our dessert. Pie looks good before the brussal sprouts and beets. Be patient. Trust. Live your life in the knowledge that one day God will make all things new. Our just desserts have changed since Christ took our place and paid our sin debt. Hang in there, the good stuff is coming. Christ is serving it up, whipped cream included!
Week of April 11th: Cleanliness is Next to Godliness!
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 Read John 10, and Psalms 32-35 Memorize: James 4:8
This week, consider the following. Were you part of the “strange kids society?” You know, those unlikely adolescents who liked to keep their rooms clean and tidy, even without threats and the withholding of food and water and such? Oh, you’ve never heard of such, you say?
Cleanliness, when it comes to our hearts, A.K.A. our inner self---the deepest “you,” is critical.
Think of it this way, if the pilot sets the plane on autopilot, with the wrong [contaminated] coordinates entered; you’ll end up at the wrong destination and/or even crash!
Our heart guides us. It’s the source of direction for life. We must guard it and keep it “clean.” Our worldview should be modeled after Christ’s view of life.
Christ’s work on the cross offers spotless hearts to all who’ll request them.
It’s funny how quickly we refuse to eat or drink something we think was tainted. But when it comes to what we put into our minds and then ultimately into our hearts, we seem to be quite careless at times. The old adage, “Garbage in, garbage out,” is a true statement. If you plant corn, don’t expect to harvest cucumbers! Ask God to give you “clean hands and a pure heart” [Psalm 24:3-4].
Heart contamination often comes in small doses. Remember, a series of seemingly insignificant [but wrong] choices can quickly mold and shape our character. It is essential that we choose to believe in God’s Word. To believe it as it is, complete, accurate, holy, and THE guide for life [read 2 Peter 1:3]. Unless we believe, we have little power for change and even littler reason to guard our hearts.
Want to be close to God? Be strange, and desire cleanliness! Believe and take Him at His Word---obey. Then, guard your “God-cleaned” heart. You’ll love the strength and hope this process affords.
By the way, don’t forget that God loves you. Remember Jesus’ precious words to that “woman caught in adultery?” “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” [John 8:11]. Staying pure in this world is tough. When you fail, get back up, ask God to forgive, and press on. Heart cleansing is an ongoing process [1 John 1:9]. Walk with God and you’ll never go wrong.
Week of March 28th: A second look at Christ on the Cross.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Read John 8, and Psalms 24-27 Memorize: 2 Cor. 5:21
This week, consider the following. Ever had to eat your words? Ever discover that what you thought wasn’t too important, turned out to be quite amazing? If so, you’re not alone. The key is to realize this about what really matters in life before we miss out!
I recall a certain preacher sharing his disdain for his wife’s actions. She let the vacuum cleaner salesman in the house! Even worse, she agreed to a “demonstration!” In his message he related how he felt totally helpless and finally decided that there was nothing left to do but to endure the pitch.
The salesman asked if they could take the sheets off of their bed. He then placed a frisbee sized, metal, company emblem/logo on the bed and proceeded to clean the exposed mattress. What happened next was amazing. After he finished cleaning the bed, he lifted the emblem and revealed the dirt remaining under the disk. There was a stark contrast! It was incredible what the machine had picked up!
I’m sure if we knew about all the body ash and crud on our beds, we probably would shy away from them and we’d certainly never slide into one at a motel again!
Jesus is The Divine Vacuum Cleaner. And, He’s not afraid of our life bed. Nasty and disgusting as it may be. Plus, He doesn’t require those looking for the demonstration to get clean before He’ll be our Friend. His action on the cross offers cleaning to all mattresses! He paid the debt to remove our wrongdoing and its consequences.
By the way, those who have accepted God’s demonstration of love are shocked when they too compare their dirty lives to the holy purity of God.
The day we call “Good Friday,” is the day Jesus willingly died for us. It’s God’s demonstration of His love towards us. He loved us while we were yet sinners. The cross is a gift. No purchase necessary. But don’t forget, its not a cheap gift and should be valued with all we are. The Cross and the forgiveness that flows from it, also inspires us to discover how to please God and live our lives in appreciation [Read Colossians 1:10-14].
And, I should mention, the preacher bought the vacuum and apologized to his wife! What do you need to do?
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; Romans 8:6
Read John 7, and Psalms 19-23 Memorize: Psalm 23:5a This week, consider the following:
Few things impress me like someone who has changed—namely for the better. It gives me hope to see people growing and overcoming. It’s exciting to hear, “I used to,” and “I used to be, but now…”
I guess that most of us know that God has a solution for all of our problems. And, we have had it burned on to our cranial hard drive that God is the source of life changing strength. But yet, so many of us still live in fear. We play and rewind and play the same mantra… What if I can’t or don’t even want to change? What if the change hurts? What will people think if I fail? Junior Asparagus [Veggie Tales cartoons] has it right… “God is bigger than the boogie man.”
Don’t let the imagined giant of fear; boss you around.
Take for example, unresolved anger [Eph. 4:26-27]. It’s a ‘foothold” the Devil loves! This giant can be a demanding ruler of our lives. What often happens is we become fearful we won’t be heard or we’re afraid that someone will have unfair advantage over us.
Guess what? These fears would be valid if we didn’t have the overriding promise of care and provision from God. See, because of God, I don’t have to hungrily grab for and attempt to hold onto, every scrap of my existence when wronged. It’s not that the offenses are not real, often they are. Often they hurt, even deeply. It’s that I’ve been forgiven and loved, “even though” I’ve wronged God and others. So, I have the power to love and forgive, trusting in the Lord’s provision for my life.
Do you feel like there’s no hope for change? Do you feel all alone and surrounded by trouble? Okay. Ponder on the meaning of Psalm 23:5… “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
You see, God gives us a banquet in the midst of our troubles! Indeed, I find commanding strength in forgiving others--knowing that I am secure in Christ. When I make Christ my [loving] Lord, I can change and find new life!
"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do".
John 17:4
Read John 4, and Psalms 10-12 Memorize Luke 10:41-42
From Phil, This week, consider the following.
As a public speaker, it really bothers me when, all of a sudden, I can't pronounce a word. I could, 5 minutes ago, but now, for some unknown reason, it comes out like I've got a mouth full of mashed potatoes mixed with taffy! Remember Fonzie? From the 70's TV show, "Happy Days?" He could never admit that he was wrong---"sorry" just wouldn't form in his brain and never came out of his mouth!
Some of us have this pronunciation problem when it comes to the word "no." Guilt and insecurity drive us at speeds we can't handle. Now, some others never say "yes" and that too is a similar sized problem. A "new you," living as a Disciple of Christ, needs to learn to discover what God wants and what God does not want.
Jesus modeled hard work, but He also moved on when it was time. Never do you see Him in the Gospels, worried sick that someone might get mad at Him for not living up to their expectations! He was confident in what He needed to do and Who it was that He served.
Choose [learn when to say "no" and when to say "yes"] how you spend your time according to the gifts and grace God has allotted you. Put your emphasis on learning about and growing like Jesus, and it will amaze you how other things you can then accomplish!
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Read John 3, and Psalms 7-9 Memorize Philippians 4:4 [and review Philippians 4:7] This week, consider the following.
Our dog “Katie” is always hungry. So she thinks. She is so excited to get table scraps that she just woof’s them down---how did she even taste it? She hurriedly eats it hoping for more. Does this sound like your day, your life? We live such distracted lives. Can anyone just enjoy the day? Are we always thinking what we need to do next?
Learning to “enjoy the moment” requires the discipline of focusing on the person or situation you’re presently with. But there’s more. God brings peace when we view life through trusting in His ability and goodness.
The Spiritual disciple of “solitude” and/or “meditation” can fine tune your ability to see life as God sees it. Solitude is for the purpose of clearing your mind and focusing on God. Meditation is reading and memorizing God’s Word [the Bible] and thinking deeply about its meaning and its application to your life.
So, take the time to enjoy the present, while being aware of what is important for tomorrow. God has a lot of blessings for those who will simply take the time to notice the roses and move close enough to enjoy the scent. As my dad [Phil’s] would often say, “sit down and rest your bones.” And in hearty agreement I would add, A “new you” can now enjoy the gift of today.Prayer Request
Oswego Christian… a place of Help, Hope, & Home Weekly Devotional [Discipleship] Thoughts by Phil Hays
Everyday: Believe in Christ! Pray, ask for God’s guidance. Begin the day in grace and hope. Keep the goal of “The New You” in focus. Remember, Change = God’s power working in small steps, single decisions. Speak to yourself with a “can do” in Christ, attitude! Get up when you fail. Make your goals known to a few others. Practice the Spiritual Disciplines…in one sense the old adage is true, “Practice makes perfect.” We become the people God intends when we “practice.”
Week of February 14th: Secure Your Foundation. “The one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house , it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:49
Read John 2, and Psalms 4-6 Memorize Philippians 4:8-9 This week, consider the following.
Look to God’s Word and apply it to your daily life. Surveys show that very few Christians actually look to the Bible for guidance. We must realize that God is our Creator and thus our “owner.” Chirst His Son, is also God and was of course present and involved in the Creation. God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit have always been and always will be. This is a foundation like no other. Since God wasn’t “born yesterday” and His is absolutely Holy and pure, He is the most trustworthy and best guide for our lives. You would do well to listen to what He has to say and then follow it.
Decide to not allow distractions or the “tyranny of the urgent” to prevent time with God, in His Word. Our mental well being is directly related to the extent that we allow the Word of God to regulate our minds and emotions. Practice the Spiritual Disciplines [see list this web-site]. Begin to trust that God is aware of your needs and will work to help you… being all you need. Wow! “What a Friend we have in Jesus!”
Oswego Christian… a place of Help, Hope, & Home Weekly Devotional [Discipleship] Thoughts by Phil Hays
Everyday: Believe in Christ! Pray, ask for God’s guidance. Begin the day in grace and hope. Keep the goal of “The New You” in focus. Remember, Change = God’s power working in small steps, single decisions. Speak to yourself with a “can do” in Christ, attitude! Get up when you fail. Make your goals known to a few others. Practice the Spiritual Disciplines…in one sense the old adage is true, “Practice makes perfect.” We become the people God intends when we “practice.”
#1 Week of February 7th: Identify your stressors. “Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.” Psalm 55:2
Read John 1, and Psalms 1-3 Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 This week, consider the following.
Pray and ask God to help you analyze your stressors. Then, list them and rank them. Again, ask God for guidance in each situation. Get away to somewhere quited and without distraction and prioritize life. By the way, who do you think will do this if you never do? You’re right, its up to you. Do it! Now, with your head cleared, focus on what really matters. Once again, ask God for wisdom.
The next is critical to regaining control via God’s peace…Define what you can control and what you cannot control. With His help, be responsible for your areas and then let God handle the rest. Stop worrying about things that you can not change… things not in your zone of responsibility or ability. Now ask: Is there any part of your attitude or belief system that is preventing you from accepting God’s peace? Do you have questions you need answered before you can put your heart at rest?
You must begin to develop an effective strategy for coping and finding success in a stress filled world. Find a trusted friend and discuss a coping/success plan. And/or call the Church and we’d be happy to assist you. Prayer Request
