Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
An upright man can stand tall no matter his height.
Psalm 37: 37
Daddy only stood 5’ 8” tall yet no matter where we went he seemed to be able to meet anyone as a friend. People gravitated to him though there was nothing outwardly remarkable about him. We still wonder how he struck up some of the conversations he did.
The most notable took place at the airport in Washington D. C. Daddy was waiting for my brother Dennis to get off his flight. When Dennis finally found Daddy he was standing in the middle of Robert Parrish (7’1”), Kevin McHale (6’10”), and Danny Ainge (6’5”), members of the Boston Celtics coming through the airport on their way to the Rose garden to pick up their championship rings from the President. We asked Daddy how he ended up talking to them and all he could say was, “I don’t know but they were nice young men.”
Are you easy to be around? When the lives of others storm out of control, are you an eye of calm? Are you a person of peace?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Distinguishing Marks
Week 4: Distinguishing Marks
To make your mark, aim ahead of the game.
Luke 13: 24
Daddy took us bird hunting when we were young boys. We had an English setter, named Snow who was trained to point and then run the quail out of the tall grass. I can still remember the flutter of their wings as the covey took flight and the ringing in my ears at the blast of my 410 gauge shotgun. My first shot and miss led to this proverb but I offer it to you for so much more than hunting quail. What can you do to aim ahead of where you are right now?
To make your mark, aim ahead of the game.
Luke 13: 24
Daddy took us bird hunting when we were young boys. We had an English setter, named Snow who was trained to point and then run the quail out of the tall grass. I can still remember the flutter of their wings as the covey took flight and the ringing in my ears at the blast of my 410 gauge shotgun. My first shot and miss led to this proverb but I offer it to you for so much more than hunting quail. What can you do to aim ahead of where you are right now?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Rotate Your Crops
Week 3: Learn from the Farmer
Rotate your crops.
Matthew 10: 7-14, Acts 13: 1-4
If you belong to a church or any organization it is easy to overlook this proverb. We all have routines and traditions. But, routines are meant to reflect efficient ways of doing things not exercises in futility. Traditions are meant to be celebrations of God’s goodness among us not limitations on that goodness.
As the land is eventually robbed of essential nutrients if the same crop is planted over and over again in the same field, we rob our church’s vitality when we don’t allow new things to be planted. We also take away from church vitality when we don’t mentor and train others to do what we do.
We do this not to catch a break but to have our faith stretched working with different people and doing something different from what we’ve done before. What new thing needs to be planned for in your life or in the life of your church? Who will you show how to do what you do?
Rotate your crops.
Matthew 10: 7-14, Acts 13: 1-4
If you belong to a church or any organization it is easy to overlook this proverb. We all have routines and traditions. But, routines are meant to reflect efficient ways of doing things not exercises in futility. Traditions are meant to be celebrations of God’s goodness among us not limitations on that goodness.
As the land is eventually robbed of essential nutrients if the same crop is planted over and over again in the same field, we rob our church’s vitality when we don’t allow new things to be planted. We also take away from church vitality when we don’t mentor and train others to do what we do.
We do this not to catch a break but to have our faith stretched working with different people and doing something different from what we’ve done before. What new thing needs to be planned for in your life or in the life of your church? Who will you show how to do what you do?
Monday, September 26, 2011
Learn from the Farmer
Prove you’re ready to begin the next season by how you finish the last.
Luke 6: 38, 2nd Corinthians 9: 6-15
There were three things we needed to do every year to close another season of growing and selling tobacco. We saved the seed from this year’s crop to be sown in the plant bed the following spring. We spread the stalks on the field to re-fertilize and restore the land that had yielded its increase to us. And, we stored all the tools and items that had been necessary to cultivate and harvest the crop this year and would be needed again in the future.
When and how do you evaluate your activity? They give you a schedule for soccer and football. They have play-offs and all-stars to help you judge how your children did. But, what do you go by to tell how your marriage is going? How do you measure the growth or the fitness of your spirit, soul, and body?
How will you save the seeds of faith that have been planted in your spirit this year? How will you restore your soul? How will you keep your body in shape for the next season?
Luke 6: 38, 2nd Corinthians 9: 6-15
There were three things we needed to do every year to close another season of growing and selling tobacco. We saved the seed from this year’s crop to be sown in the plant bed the following spring. We spread the stalks on the field to re-fertilize and restore the land that had yielded its increase to us. And, we stored all the tools and items that had been necessary to cultivate and harvest the crop this year and would be needed again in the future.
When and how do you evaluate your activity? They give you a schedule for soccer and football. They have play-offs and all-stars to help you judge how your children did. But, what do you go by to tell how your marriage is going? How do you measure the growth or the fitness of your spirit, soul, and body?
How will you save the seeds of faith that have been planted in your spirit this year? How will you restore your soul? How will you keep your body in shape for the next season?
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Learn from the Farmer
Package your work so that others can get the most out of it.
Colossians 4: 5-6
Daddy encouraged me when I was first called to preach to be able to share the good news in five minute sermons. "If you can't say what you want in five minutes, you probably don't know what you're talking about anyway." I've herd it refferd to as your elevator speech. Like the farmer you have to be able to sell what you produce otherwise it goes to waste.
What, about you, just doesnt sell? What can you prepackage? How can you highlight where the goodness of god is at work in you? How can you refresh your soul so it puts a smile on your face? How can you wear a lable of Christain and convoy the name of jesus rather then the brand of condemnation?
Colossians 4: 5-6
Daddy encouraged me when I was first called to preach to be able to share the good news in five minute sermons. "If you can't say what you want in five minutes, you probably don't know what you're talking about anyway." I've herd it refferd to as your elevator speech. Like the farmer you have to be able to sell what you produce otherwise it goes to waste.
What, about you, just doesnt sell? What can you prepackage? How can you highlight where the goodness of god is at work in you? How can you refresh your soul so it puts a smile on your face? How can you wear a lable of Christain and convoy the name of jesus rather then the brand of condemnation?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Pick the fruit when it's ripe
Pick your fruit when it’s ripe.
John 9, Galatians 5: 22-23
Work the works of God. Bless other people. Let the fruit you produce arise from the seeds God has planted in your life: gifts of knowledge, wisdom, discernment, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Work hard. You’ll be amazed at how much you can do when doing something worthwhile. Your pace intensifies when your production increases. Look up the fruit of the Spirit. Write them down. Memorize them and match them to the gifts I listed in the last paragraph. Ask people, “If you could only choose one of the nine which would you pick?” Once you hear their answer, pray and sow the gifts into their life. Pray for friends and family now.
___________________________________________________________________________________
John 9, Galatians 5: 22-23
Work the works of God. Bless other people. Let the fruit you produce arise from the seeds God has planted in your life: gifts of knowledge, wisdom, discernment, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Work hard. You’ll be amazed at how much you can do when doing something worthwhile. Your pace intensifies when your production increases. Look up the fruit of the Spirit. Write them down. Memorize them and match them to the gifts I listed in the last paragraph. Ask people, “If you could only choose one of the nine which would you pick?” Once you hear their answer, pray and sow the gifts into their life. Pray for friends and family now.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, September 23, 2011
Prune Your Schedule
Week 3: Learn from the Farmer
Prune your schedule.
John 15: 1-8, Hebrews 12
Prune your schedule. Measure your progress. Be quick to begin but slow to stop. Be more satisfied with what you can finish than what you can start or set off until later.
But, as Zechariah says, “Do not despise the day of small things.” Power is multiplied by the smallest change of our focus. Identify one thing you do, purchase, or spend time on that is unnecessary.
Prune it. Then give focus to the one necessary thing that will benefit you the most. Repeat as often as needed.
(Pray this proverb is universally applied.)
Have a great weekend. Hannah and I are traveling with my sister Janet and her husband J. B. to the East Carolina University football game with UAB. Karen is hosting the first "Ladies' Night Out" at Laurel Hill UMC tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers.
Prune your schedule.
John 15: 1-8, Hebrews 12
Prune your schedule. Measure your progress. Be quick to begin but slow to stop. Be more satisfied with what you can finish than what you can start or set off until later.
But, as Zechariah says, “Do not despise the day of small things.” Power is multiplied by the smallest change of our focus. Identify one thing you do, purchase, or spend time on that is unnecessary.
Prune it. Then give focus to the one necessary thing that will benefit you the most. Repeat as often as needed.
(Pray this proverb is universally applied.)
Have a great weekend. Hannah and I are traveling with my sister Janet and her husband J. B. to the East Carolina University football game with UAB. Karen is hosting the first "Ladies' Night Out" at Laurel Hill UMC tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Plant your seeds. Dream big dreams.
Week 3: Learn from the Farmer
Plant your seeds. Dream big dreams.
Hosea 10: 12, Romans 8: 28
“I know whatever you do, you will be fine. You will do well.” These were the words I heard my daddy and mamma say often to us as we grew up. They knew that if we held on to what is good, and trusted Jesus; everything would work out all right.
Why? God is committed to it. So, go ahead. Live boldly, today. Plant your seeds. Dream big dreams. God has got you covered.
Review what you wrote 3 days ago when you read "Transformation Is Normal". Reinforce whatever you need and write it down again. What dream will you run after today?
Plant your seeds. Dream big dreams.
Hosea 10: 12, Romans 8: 28
“I know whatever you do, you will be fine. You will do well.” These were the words I heard my daddy and mamma say often to us as we grew up. They knew that if we held on to what is good, and trusted Jesus; everything would work out all right.
Why? God is committed to it. So, go ahead. Live boldly, today. Plant your seeds. Dream big dreams. God has got you covered.
Review what you wrote 3 days ago when you read "Transformation Is Normal". Reinforce whatever you need and write it down again. What dream will you run after today?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Learn from the Farmer
Week 3: Learn from the Farmer
Plow your fallow ground.
Hosea 10: 12
The ground will not ready itself for planting. If we don’t turn things over the rain may benefit the weeds more than the soil. Be open to what is good. Never be quick to judge or dismiss someone’s best efforts. Never be quick to stop your own forward progress. Plow ahead knowing God’s grace is sufficient to turn everything in you right side up.
Remember the three reasons why a farmer cannot plow the ground.
1. It is too hard. If that is you, soak your mind in the water of God’s word. Ask God to pour out his Spirit on you.
2. It is too wet. Don’t make decisions when you are tired or depressed. Don’t commit yourself to what you know nothing about. Get yourself in good order then plow ahead.
3. You’re trying to plow too deep. Turn what you can give your attention to today. Don’t try to do everything or for everyone. Attend to God’s word. You can only plow as deep as it cuts.
Plow your fallow ground.
Hosea 10: 12
The ground will not ready itself for planting. If we don’t turn things over the rain may benefit the weeds more than the soil. Be open to what is good. Never be quick to judge or dismiss someone’s best efforts. Never be quick to stop your own forward progress. Plow ahead knowing God’s grace is sufficient to turn everything in you right side up.
Remember the three reasons why a farmer cannot plow the ground.
1. It is too hard. If that is you, soak your mind in the water of God’s word. Ask God to pour out his Spirit on you.
2. It is too wet. Don’t make decisions when you are tired or depressed. Don’t commit yourself to what you know nothing about. Get yourself in good order then plow ahead.
3. You’re trying to plow too deep. Turn what you can give your attention to today. Don’t try to do everything or for everyone. Attend to God’s word. You can only plow as deep as it cuts.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Follow Me
Week 2: Repentance
Follow me.
Matthew 9: 9, 16:24, 19: 21
God calls us this way because God knows where He is going. If you want to walk with God you have to follow. Isaiah 53 says we are all like sheep. We go astray. Every one of us has turned and gone our own way.
In Jesus Christ, each of us can be turned back in the right direction. Pray with me: Father, into your hands I commit my day. I walk through it as a follower of Jesus. Holy Spirit, come along beside me so my steps can match those of Jesus.
Write down some of the ways you will follow Jesus in obedience throughout the day? How will you carry out your work? How will you interact with your spouse? Your children? Your friends? Will you give yourself grace today?
Follow me.
Matthew 9: 9, 16:24, 19: 21
God calls us this way because God knows where He is going. If you want to walk with God you have to follow. Isaiah 53 says we are all like sheep. We go astray. Every one of us has turned and gone our own way.
In Jesus Christ, each of us can be turned back in the right direction. Pray with me: Father, into your hands I commit my day. I walk through it as a follower of Jesus. Holy Spirit, come along beside me so my steps can match those of Jesus.
Write down some of the ways you will follow Jesus in obedience throughout the day? How will you carry out your work? How will you interact with your spouse? Your children? Your friends? Will you give yourself grace today?
Monday, September 19, 2011
Transformation is Normal
Week 2: Repentance
Transformation is normal.
2nd Corinthians 3: 18
It is not a foreign custom or process. It is the inevitable occurrence of trusting God and being obedient to our calling. Let’s be honest. God is changing us. Others may not recognize it. We may not recognize it but we can quit denying God’s work. Next time a disparaging voice is heard let’s respond, “I’m sorry if I hid the obvious. I am becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus.”
What will be the new normal for you today? What will be transformed in the next 77 days? Write down what you believe in your heart needs to be changed. Turn blood into ink. Write it down and then take the next 77 days to turn ink back into blood.
Transformation is normal.
2nd Corinthians 3: 18
It is not a foreign custom or process. It is the inevitable occurrence of trusting God and being obedient to our calling. Let’s be honest. God is changing us. Others may not recognize it. We may not recognize it but we can quit denying God’s work. Next time a disparaging voice is heard let’s respond, “I’m sorry if I hid the obvious. I am becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus.”
What will be the new normal for you today? What will be transformed in the next 77 days? Write down what you believe in your heart needs to be changed. Turn blood into ink. Write it down and then take the next 77 days to turn ink back into blood.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Face Your Fears in Repentance
Face your fears.
Luke 11: 1-13
Bring your “A” game to each day. What does that mean? Well, you might have your own ideas about that but here’s my alliterative reminder.
Think of the Lord’s Prayer stuck on the first letter of the alphabet.
. Align yourself with the Lord.
. Answer your circumstances according to God’s will and way.
. Accept the day with a hearty gratitude and a gutsy hope.
. Attack people and problems with forgiveness.
. Assess every situation knowing Christ is for you and in you.
. Ask God to save you and deliver you from the evil one.
What does your “A” game look like?
Luke 11: 1-13
Bring your “A” game to each day. What does that mean? Well, you might have your own ideas about that but here’s my alliterative reminder.
Think of the Lord’s Prayer stuck on the first letter of the alphabet.
. Align yourself with the Lord.
. Answer your circumstances according to God’s will and way.
. Accept the day with a hearty gratitude and a gutsy hope.
. Attack people and problems with forgiveness.
. Assess every situation knowing Christ is for you and in you.
. Ask God to save you and deliver you from the evil one.
What does your “A” game look like?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Run Thin in the Wind
Week 2: Repentance
Run thin in the wind.
James 1: 2-4
Run thin in the wind. Lean into the wind. Don’t complicate things. Do everything as simply as possible. Let your work and influence be as aerodynamic as possible. You are not trying to call attention to yourself. If the wind is strong and you are living large you will get blown away. We are trying to make as much progress as possible so lean into the wind.
Allow your movement to be streamlined by the grace of God. If others bump into you don’t be offended or defensive. Show them how to lean forward with you. Who will get a different reaction from you today because you are leaning into the wind? What things will you let blow by that usually make you stumble?
Run thin in the wind.
James 1: 2-4
Run thin in the wind. Lean into the wind. Don’t complicate things. Do everything as simply as possible. Let your work and influence be as aerodynamic as possible. You are not trying to call attention to yourself. If the wind is strong and you are living large you will get blown away. We are trying to make as much progress as possible so lean into the wind.
Allow your movement to be streamlined by the grace of God. If others bump into you don’t be offended or defensive. Show them how to lean forward with you. Who will get a different reaction from you today because you are leaning into the wind? What things will you let blow by that usually make you stumble?
Friday, September 16, 2011
God Is Looking for Someone Who Will Change
Week 2: Repentance
If you won’t change, God will find someone who will.
Matthew 18: 3, Luke 10
God loves people. John 3:16 declares it. The cross proves it. Daddy taught us to know God had gone to great lengths to transform us from sinners to saints but God would not force his way on anyone. It is our choice.
It is also our choice to cooperate with God after that transformation has begun. Luke 10 describes a scenario where someone needs help. A scribe and priest see the need but bypass it to stay on their own agenda. The Samaritan stops, helps, and adjusts his schedule to the need.
I had a book to write, Moving at the Speed of Grace. I was going so slow I might not have finished except this proverb and a book by Andy Stanley, The Principle of the Path, (that used the subtitle I had planned on using), kicked me back into gear. Today, do what you need to do. You don’t want God to choose someone else. By the way, what do you need to do today?
Grace and peace,
Norman Ramsey
P.S.
Make sure I have your e-mail so you can receive our free monthly newsletter, The Pathway of Grace and be on the lookout soon for our new, short, teaching videos, the Two-Minute Drill!
If you won’t change, God will find someone who will.
Matthew 18: 3, Luke 10
God loves people. John 3:16 declares it. The cross proves it. Daddy taught us to know God had gone to great lengths to transform us from sinners to saints but God would not force his way on anyone. It is our choice.
It is also our choice to cooperate with God after that transformation has begun. Luke 10 describes a scenario where someone needs help. A scribe and priest see the need but bypass it to stay on their own agenda. The Samaritan stops, helps, and adjusts his schedule to the need.
I had a book to write, Moving at the Speed of Grace. I was going so slow I might not have finished except this proverb and a book by Andy Stanley, The Principle of the Path, (that used the subtitle I had planned on using), kicked me back into gear. Today, do what you need to do. You don’t want God to choose someone else. By the way, what do you need to do today?
Grace and peace,
Norman Ramsey
P.S.
Make sure I have your e-mail so you can receive our free monthly newsletter, The Pathway of Grace and be on the lookout soon for our new, short, teaching videos, the Two-Minute Drill!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Do We Really Want Progress?
Week 2: Repentance
Diligence cannot make up for the head start of disobedience. Repentance is the only remedy.
Luke 13
C. S. Lewis said, “We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” I could have used this quote early in my marriage.
Karen and I were riding back home from Charlottesville when I decided to take a shortcut. It was the wrong thing to do. Karen told me but I didn’t listen. I persisted down this road, turning where I could, hoping to justify that first turn off the road home. An hour later despite my diligence we were back on the road from which we started.
Jesus says there is only one functional “shortcut” that gets us from where we are to the straight and narrow way home: repentance. How will you turn onto the road of repentance, today?
Pray for our nation today. Many have been warning for the last thirty years we were walking down the wrong economic road. Pray we will repent from our "progressive diligence".
Diligence cannot make up for the head start of disobedience. Repentance is the only remedy.
Luke 13
C. S. Lewis said, “We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” I could have used this quote early in my marriage.
Karen and I were riding back home from Charlottesville when I decided to take a shortcut. It was the wrong thing to do. Karen told me but I didn’t listen. I persisted down this road, turning where I could, hoping to justify that first turn off the road home. An hour later despite my diligence we were back on the road from which we started.
Jesus says there is only one functional “shortcut” that gets us from where we are to the straight and narrow way home: repentance. How will you turn onto the road of repentance, today?
Pray for our nation today. Many have been warning for the last thirty years we were walking down the wrong economic road. Pray we will repent from our "progressive diligence".
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Best Place to Turn Around
Week 2: Repentance
The best place to turn around is where you realize you are going in the wrong direction.
Deuteronomy 30: 8-12
I picked up my son at the RDU airport in between Raleigh and Durham. As we came out of the airport, we noticed a vehicle that looked like it had run off the road. I called 911 on my cell phone and as I tried to tell the operator the location of the other car I got confused and took the wrong exit off the highway.
Immediately I told my son “I think I’ve gone the wrong way. This doesn’t look familiar.” I think I repeated that phrase for another five miles before I pulled over and into the McDonald’s drive-thru (without ordering anything –much to the embarrassment of my son) to get directions.
They confirmed what I already knew. I needed to turn around. Don’t waste precious time like I did. Don’t needlessly embarrass your children. Don’t prolong disobedience or speed up to prove you are lost. Is there anything, any attitude, any direction, from which you need to turn around? Write it down here but more importantly actually get turned around and headed in the right direction.
The best place to turn around is where you realize you are going in the wrong direction.
Deuteronomy 30: 8-12
I picked up my son at the RDU airport in between Raleigh and Durham. As we came out of the airport, we noticed a vehicle that looked like it had run off the road. I called 911 on my cell phone and as I tried to tell the operator the location of the other car I got confused and took the wrong exit off the highway.
Immediately I told my son “I think I’ve gone the wrong way. This doesn’t look familiar.” I think I repeated that phrase for another five miles before I pulled over and into the McDonald’s drive-thru (without ordering anything –much to the embarrassment of my son) to get directions.
They confirmed what I already knew. I needed to turn around. Don’t waste precious time like I did. Don’t needlessly embarrass your children. Don’t prolong disobedience or speed up to prove you are lost. Is there anything, any attitude, any direction, from which you need to turn around? Write it down here but more importantly actually get turned around and headed in the right direction.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Daily Essentials
Week 1: Paying Attention
Read your Bible. Say your prayers. Go to sleep.
I Timothy 4: 13-16
As a young boy, I heard my parents repeat these three sentences every night as we went to bed. If my brother and I got a little rowdy and wound up we would here them multiple times until we were threatened with parental help in getting them done. Why were these sentences so important?
There are three great things to which you always need to pay attention: what God says to you, what you say to God, and what happens in between. Our life was meant to be interactive within God’s life. That’s why Jesus said “You must be born again.” That is why we learn to trust God. That is why we need the Holy Spirit filling up the space between God and us.
Have you set aside time for these three essentials? When today will you read your Bible? When today will you pray? When will you sleep? Don’t forget. Pay attention. Do all three.
Read your Bible. Say your prayers. Go to sleep.
I Timothy 4: 13-16
As a young boy, I heard my parents repeat these three sentences every night as we went to bed. If my brother and I got a little rowdy and wound up we would here them multiple times until we were threatened with parental help in getting them done. Why were these sentences so important?
There are three great things to which you always need to pay attention: what God says to you, what you say to God, and what happens in between. Our life was meant to be interactive within God’s life. That’s why Jesus said “You must be born again.” That is why we learn to trust God. That is why we need the Holy Spirit filling up the space between God and us.
Have you set aside time for these three essentials? When today will you read your Bible? When today will you pray? When will you sleep? Don’t forget. Pay attention. Do all three.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Look both ways before you cross the road
Week 1: Paying Attention
Look both ways before you cross the road.
Proverbs 4: 23-24
We hardly had any traffic on the road where we grew up. It was such an occasion that if we were working in the field adjacent to the road we could easily stop our work and wave to every person passing by without losing any productivity. Yet, despite oncoming traffic being a rarity, we were taught this proverb.
Do not assume you know everything. Do not move forward on the basis of past experience. Examine what you need to get to today in a fresh way. Is there anything coming that would cause you to become more urgent in your tasks? Is there anything coming that would cause you to be patient and wait? You decide but look both ways before you cross the road.
Please, get to know the Holy Spirit. How? Do it the same way you would with the girl of your dreams. Ask the Spirit to go out with you. Think about the Spirit all the time. Keep things in the order Jesus kept things in. "Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and went about doing good healing all those oppressed of the devil." You were not primarily created to do good, you were created to be filled with the Spirit. Without the Spirit you will only add to the oppression. Without the verifying grace and peace of the Spirit don't even think about crossing the road.
Look both ways before you cross the road.
Proverbs 4: 23-24
We hardly had any traffic on the road where we grew up. It was such an occasion that if we were working in the field adjacent to the road we could easily stop our work and wave to every person passing by without losing any productivity. Yet, despite oncoming traffic being a rarity, we were taught this proverb.
Do not assume you know everything. Do not move forward on the basis of past experience. Examine what you need to get to today in a fresh way. Is there anything coming that would cause you to become more urgent in your tasks? Is there anything coming that would cause you to be patient and wait? You decide but look both ways before you cross the road.
Please, get to know the Holy Spirit. How? Do it the same way you would with the girl of your dreams. Ask the Spirit to go out with you. Think about the Spirit all the time. Keep things in the order Jesus kept things in. "Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and went about doing good healing all those oppressed of the devil." You were not primarily created to do good, you were created to be filled with the Spirit. Without the Spirit you will only add to the oppression. Without the verifying grace and peace of the Spirit don't even think about crossing the road.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sit Up and Watch Where You Are Going
Week 1: Paying Attention
Sit up and watch where you are going.
Proverbs 4: 25-27
This is the mantra I heard over and over again whenever we went for a ride when we were young. We were not allowed to complain. Ordinarily, Daddy wasn’t double jointed but somehow he could get his arm back to us in the backseat while he was driving without turning around.
But, if I listened to today’s proverb I didn’t have to worry about getting into trouble. This one statement has given me the ability to return to anyplace I have ever traveled. It gave me the gift of remembering. How I need to remember this proverb when I am listening to others or just going along.
Ask yourself today, “Where do I need to sit up and watch where I am going?”
Pray today for the country as we remember the wrongful and evil acts carried out on 9/11/2001. Pray that we sit up and watch where we are going as a nation and stand ready to turn to the Lord.
Sit up and watch where you are going.
Proverbs 4: 25-27
This is the mantra I heard over and over again whenever we went for a ride when we were young. We were not allowed to complain. Ordinarily, Daddy wasn’t double jointed but somehow he could get his arm back to us in the backseat while he was driving without turning around.
But, if I listened to today’s proverb I didn’t have to worry about getting into trouble. This one statement has given me the ability to return to anyplace I have ever traveled. It gave me the gift of remembering. How I need to remember this proverb when I am listening to others or just going along.
Ask yourself today, “Where do I need to sit up and watch where I am going?”
Pray today for the country as we remember the wrongful and evil acts carried out on 9/11/2001. Pray that we sit up and watch where we are going as a nation and stand ready to turn to the Lord.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Paying Attention - Straighten Up!
Week 1: Paying Attention
Straighten up!
Leviticus 26: 13, 2nd Samuel 22: 26
I used to slouch a lot. I use to slump my shoulders. I really have to pay attention or I will do it today, too. Your destination is determined by your inclinations. In other words, your future is determined by your focus, your life is determined by the direction you lean.
If you want great things but lean towards being lazy then your results will be lazy. Pay attention to what you are inclined to do. Then ask God to bend you into shape to accomplish what is needed today. Straighten up!
What does God need to straighten up in you, today?
Straighten up!
Leviticus 26: 13, 2nd Samuel 22: 26
I used to slouch a lot. I use to slump my shoulders. I really have to pay attention or I will do it today, too. Your destination is determined by your inclinations. In other words, your future is determined by your focus, your life is determined by the direction you lean.
If you want great things but lean towards being lazy then your results will be lazy. Pay attention to what you are inclined to do. Then ask God to bend you into shape to accomplish what is needed today. Straighten up!
What does God need to straighten up in you, today?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Paying Attention 3
Week 1: Paying Attention
Do a job well and you only have to do it once.
Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3: 23
Your ability to be paid for advancement is built on your ability to pay attention. No one wants to pick up after you. If someone has to come behind you to get the job done right, then the one who comes behind gets the job.
Daddy would make us repeat our work if it wasn’t done correctly the first time. Today, what do you need to make sure is done correctly the first time? What relationships need to be filled out with more detail?
Do a job well and you only have to do it once.
Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3: 23
Your ability to be paid for advancement is built on your ability to pay attention. No one wants to pick up after you. If someone has to come behind you to get the job done right, then the one who comes behind gets the job.
Daddy would make us repeat our work if it wasn’t done correctly the first time. Today, what do you need to make sure is done correctly the first time? What relationships need to be filled out with more detail?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Paying Attention 2
Week 1: Paying Attention
Keep your head up. Your feet will follow.
Ephesians 5: 8-10, Psalm 3: 3
Pay attention to your attitude. Don’t be discouraged. Dropping your head only means you will bump into things you shouldn’t. Dropping your head makes you walk like you are in the dark.
Keep your head up. God has confidence in you even if you don’t. Keep your head up. Otherwise, your prayers may sound like you are mumbling. Trust God. Keep your head up. Your feet will follow. What is it today you need to keep your head up to see?
Keep your head up. Your feet will follow.
Ephesians 5: 8-10, Psalm 3: 3
Pay attention to your attitude. Don’t be discouraged. Dropping your head only means you will bump into things you shouldn’t. Dropping your head makes you walk like you are in the dark.
Keep your head up. God has confidence in you even if you don’t. Keep your head up. Otherwise, your prayers may sound like you are mumbling. Trust God. Keep your head up. Your feet will follow. What is it today you need to keep your head up to see?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Paying Attention
Week 1: Paying Attention
Your opportunities are based on what you can observe.
John 4: 35
When I was a young boy Daddy often took us to Crawley’s Store. That is where I met Ed Crawley. Ed and his brother Harry ran the store. Ed had lost his sight as a young man but without eyes he could call us by name as we walked through the door. He could recognize us and initiate a conversation whether we had spoken or not.
We are asking God to awaken our senses so we can be like Ed Crawley. We won’t address a problem if it’s over our head or beneath our concern. So, we are asking God today for eyes to face the problems that are before us and the spiritual and physical sense to know they are there.
Your opportunities are based on what you can observe.
John 4: 35
When I was a young boy Daddy often took us to Crawley’s Store. That is where I met Ed Crawley. Ed and his brother Harry ran the store. Ed had lost his sight as a young man but without eyes he could call us by name as we walked through the door. He could recognize us and initiate a conversation whether we had spoken or not.
We are asking God to awaken our senses so we can be like Ed Crawley. We won’t address a problem if it’s over our head or beneath our concern. So, we are asking God today for eyes to face the problems that are before us and the spiritual and physical sense to know they are there.
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