Stay Sober

A story......

This story is about a man who imagined himself to be quite spiritual. He was talking with a more mature friend, and he asked his friend to pray for him that he might be humble. "Pray for me that I might be nothing," he said

.

His friend wisely replied,, "You are nothing, brother, take it by faith."

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose
the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
I Corinthians 1:27-29

On the Other Hand....

These words from Ray Stedman:

Ray Stedman said that every morning when he got up he tried to remind himself of three things:

First, I am made in the image of God. I am not an animal and I don't have to behave like an animal. I have an ability within me, given to me by God himself, to respond and relate to God. Therefore I can behave as a man and not as a beast.

Second, I am filled with the Spirit of God. The most amazing thing has happened! Though I do not deserve it in the least degree, I have the power of God himself at work within me. I have become, in some sense, the bearer of God, and God himself is willing to be at work in me through the problems and pressures I go through this day.

Third, I am part of the plan of God. God is working out all things to a great and final purpose in the earth, and I am part of it. What I do today has purpose and significance and meaning. This is not a meaningless day I am going through. Even the smallest incident, the most apparently insignificant word or relationship, is involved in his great plan. Therefore all of it has meaning and purpose.

And so.....

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly that you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.... Romans 12:3

Who Is Like Our God? Who makes known the end from the beginning.

 

"I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, 

what is still to come. 

I say, 'My purpose will stand and I will do what I please.'" 

(Isaiah 46:9-10)

I just keep meditating on and enjoying this passage! Isn't it wonderful to know who is really in charge? That brings me a profound sense of peace and exhilarating freedom!

What about you?

And I love to reflect on the words, 'I make known the end from the beginning.'

Think about Eve, at the beginning, in Genesis, receiving God's promise of grace given to her specifically, that her Descendant would one day destroy the evil that Satan had brought into her perfect world.

Read about that in Genesis 3:15 - a passage we call the protoevangelium, a Latin term meaning first gospel. It is referring to God's initial promise of salvation, immediately after Adam and Eve's fall. It prophesied a future Redeemer -- the "seed" of the woman who would destroy the devil's work by delivering a fatal blow to evil.

Then read Revelation 20 and see it happen! And we know it's going to happen. She was told the end at the very beginning.

 

John tells us, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).

God told us the end at the very beginning.

Looking Back with Awe

 Remember how empty and lonely life was before God reached out and claimed us as His children? And how joyous life became as we began to  understand and believe how much He does truly love us?

 It is still a great mystery -- and think about John 17:24, when  Jesus prays for His followers, and tells them that God loves them as He loves Jesus Himself!

Doesn't seem possible, but He does not lie!

After all, He loves us so much He would rather die than live without us! And so He did.

These words from Pastor Scotty Smith:

"To know Jesus through the riches of the gospel as the One to whom I belong, is one glorious thing. But to believe that He actually desires me is quite another breathtaking thing. To be desired is to be wanted, pursued, enjoyed, known and accepted, nourished, thought about, cherished. All of these are promised in the gospel. Only in the gospel can they be realized in part; only in heaven are they realized in full."

Isaiah speaks God's words --  Listen to what He says: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine" (43:1)

He wants us. He calls us by our name (No 'hey you, over there!') But in tenderness and love He seeks us to come to Him. The Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name!

Think about this picture -- of a loving parent, cradling his child and whispering: "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Today's challenge -- take that picture with you everywhere you go today.

Remember How We've Been Changed!

 

                                          Remember How We've Been Changed!

From Titus 3:3-8:

"At one time, we, too, were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.

We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves doing what is good.

These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

I remember, years ago, a spiritual that went something like:

Things I used to do, I don't do no more,

Things I used to say, I don't say more,

Things I used to want, I don't want no more -

There's been a great change since I've been born again!

Yes, there's been a great change since I've been born again! Doxology!

Psalm 5

 "Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto Thee will I pray, My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:1-3 KJV).

What a wonderful song! David sang these words and worshipped his God!

And when he prayed, he "looked up". In expectation? I think so.

The best way to start this day? This is how I did it --

I asked my magical music box to play and sing these words...just ask for the Maranatha Singers to sing Psalm 5....It is a perfect way to face all before us today...some of what we anticipate and some of which will surprise us! Listen to the words and sink deeply into God's love!

And look up!