Bible 116

 Receiving the sacrifice that Jesus made changes everything. We have hope that nothing else offers. Confessing my sin, my goof ups, and blunders with the our Savior changes the way I respond to life. What once irritates me to no end is changing to acceptance and patience. I think it’s because I’m realizing how much I’m loved by my Savior despite my faults. If He loves me that much, how can I be so reactive and negative. Joshua learned that what God says, He means it. At the same time, Joshua learned that God can be trusted to move us forward in life as we follow Him. 

Inside Out 6

 I’m learning that living in the light is acknowledging His presence regardless of the circumstances. If I’m not conversing with the Creator and Sustainer of all things, I’m living in the shadows or in the dark. I regret that I’ve thought there was some formula, some mountain top experience, or some type of effort that I needed to make to live there perfect Christian life. But there is no silver bullet to following Christ. It’s simply following Him, searching god where He is working, living BG the righteousness and the light that He shows. Not only that, but I’m free and unashamed to be vulnerable and authentic with those God brings into my life. To live in the light, is to love Him and love others as He has loved me. 

“

“Genuine transformation of the whole person into the goodness and power seen in Jesus and his “Abba” Father—the only transformation adequate to the human self—remains the necessary goal of human life. But it lies beyond the reach of programs of inner transformation that draw merely on the human spirit—even when the human spirit is itself treated as ultimately divine.” - Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ

Bible 115

  Huge problem for many is that have forgotten God or are ignoring Him. Many think they can twist Bible terms to make their negative agenda sound good, but I’m not sure that the agenda fits His Kingdom agenda. Looking back, I can see how I’ve tried to build a personal agenda only to enhance my resume without considering God’s presence. I’m learning that God’s presence is far more important than possessions, power, or prestige. I want to have no regrets with pursuing His will, not my will. 

Inside Out 1

 

I’m praying that our 40 days will draw deep wisdom into our hearts.  May we be changed from the inside out, forming a deeper love for our Savior. May our eyes and ears be open to have a clear vision of His kingdom working in and around us. May we be vigilant for the enemy’s deceit and discouragement, that we will be full of defiant joy for His leading in us. 

“A carefully cultivated heart will, assisted by the grace of God, foresee, forestall, or transform most of the painful situations before which others stand like helpless children saying “Why?” - Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ

Inside out 5

 Reading an listening to how many live out their faith each day inspires, yet makes me want to shout out my faith in our comfortable culture. We do not have much to fear in our present day, other than criticism. 

“I learned that faith isn’t about knowing all of the right stuff or obeying a list of rules. It’s something more, something more costly because it being present and making a sacrifice. Perhaps that’s why Jesus is sometimes called Immanuel - “God with us.” I think that’s what God had in mind, for Jesus to be present, to just be with us. It’s also what He has in mind for us when it comes to other people.” - Bob Goff, Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World

Oh, Father, thank You for Your salvation, Your love, and Your protection. We want to be skilled at sharing the right words at the right time, participating in Your kingdom work. We want to share Your love and our lives with others, even if we feel under fire and criticized. Please give us the heart to care for those who don’t know You, especially family members and those You have already placed in our lives. Give us courage to step out in faith to talk to them. Give us wisdom to know what to say. Open our eyes and ears to what Yiu are already doing. We want to be Your ambassadors and be unashamed of the gospel. Help us to keep our eyes on You. Amen. 

Bible 114

 I’m guilty of minimizing my praying. I’ve been far too passive and neutral too much of my life, rather than being in an active conversation with God. He is searching for those who seek Him. Feeling victimized by life does not fit the model of Psalm 50:15

“and call upon me in the day of trouble;

        I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Anticipating God to be active, to show us His presence and provision is far better than cruising through life events expecting nothing - or worse. 

John 21

 The disciples went fishing, wanting a quiet and safe place to grieve. But Jesus had other plans that day, showing up as the resurrected Messiah who lives His followers deeply. The interaction between Jesus, Peter and John was profound. Peter had denied Jesus but Peter found complete forgiveness. John had a unique relationship with Jesus, finding relief in the presence of the Savior. I wonder how I’d be different if I had been there, participating in the fishing expedition. What would Jesus have said to you and me as we stood on the shore?  

“God's call to obey is itself a grace. In this call, he is actively rescuing you from you. The joy or complaint of your heart always shapes your willingness to trust God and to do his will.”  - Paul Davis Tripp