Year: 2021
ALL THE DAYS
Whatever has us guessing, distracted, or frustrated, let us resolve that we will not get ahead of God; that we will not take matters into our own hands and end up with serious regret and sorrow in the wake of our impulsiveness. God has every intention of answering us — in His perfect time and way!
THE DIVINE CHANNEL
Many years ago the great protestant reformer Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560) and some colleagues were very discouraged and depressed. While taking an evening walk he came upon a group of children in prayer about their (Melanchthon’s) trying situation. Immediately his spirits were lifted, and he told his friends, “Brothers, take courage; the children are praying for us!”
EFFECTIVE FOR JESUS
Anyone can be a real, honest-to-goodness, sincere follower of Christ! And therein lies the key to impacting the people God brings our way: Our primary assignment is to just live what we say! As Terry Scott Taylor (singer/songwriter for Daniel Amos) sang years ago: “Words have their place but live what you say!” Folks, that’s something we all can do!
CONSIDERING SCRIPTURE IN CONTEXT
Jude urges the saints to staunchly defend (epagonizomai), vigorously fight for and protect the faith handed down to them by the Apostles. This fight was against false brethren (Gnostics), apostates who had covertly joined their fellowship, pretending to be brothers in Christ, but who in actuality were introducing false doctrine into Christ’s church.
CONTENTMENT IN CHRIST
Joy and happiness are not the same! “Happiness” comes from the word happenings and is emotions based on circumstances. Happiness therefore is superficial and temporary because circumstances change: Jobs end, health changes, new cars wear out, people disappoint us. Happiness, like joy, is a gift from God. We simply need to know the difference.
CHUCK, THE HAWAIIAN HIGH DIVER
Outlook determines outcome; attitude determines altitude! It’s a life-lesson the Apostle Paul mastered — and fleshed out for us in his letter to the Philippians! (Consider reading this marvelous letter to learn how you too can develop a positive life-outlook!). As someone has wisely put it: “Focus is literally your key to stripping everything of its power.”