Tag: glory

Foolish Redemption

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     Many Jews thought the good news of Jesus Christ was foolish, because they thought he would be a conquering King, bringing signs and miracles. Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected. Also, he was executed as a common criminal, and how could a common criminal be a savior? Greeks also considered the gospel foolish, and did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods, and they thought no reputable person would be crucified. To them, death was defeat, not victory.
     The good news of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many people today. Our society worships power, influence, wealth, and other futile things. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
     The message of Christ’s death for sins also sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness, but Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death. He will save us from eternal death, and give us everlasting life, if we trust him as our savior and Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won’t accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life, but their attempts will not work. The foolish people, who simply accept Christ’s offer, are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.

– Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1997-1998)

Hollow Man

Matthew 6:1-4

   It’s easy to do what’s right for recognition and praise. To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward. Jesus says, we should check our motives in generosity, prayer, and fasting. Those acts should not be self-centered, but God centered; done, not to make us look good, but to make God look good. The reward God promises is not material, and it is never given to those who seek it. Doing something only for ourselves is not a loving sacrifice.
   The term hypocrite used here means, a person who does good acts for appearances only – not out of compassion, or other good motives. His actions may be good, but his motives are hollow. These empty acts are his only reward, while God will reward those who are sincere in their faith.

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1566)

To Know God… To See Him One Day

Psalm 17

   We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess. When we put riches at the top of our value system, their power, pleasure, and security overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. We think we will be happy or content when we get riches, only to discover they don’t really satisfy, and the pleasures fade away. The true measurement of happiness, or contentment is found in God’s love, and in doing his will. You will find true happiness if you put your relationship with God above earthly riches

-Life Application Study Bible (pg. 964)

The Butterfly Song

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you

If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

(Written and composed by Brian M. Howard 1980)

Missed Opportunity

1 Thessalonians 5

How many opportunities have you passed on, to share the goodness of God’s salvation with others? I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve missed countless opportunities to tell others how amazing, and important it is, to submit to the authority of the almighty God.

It’s becoming more apparent that time on this earth is fleeting fast. Rather than allocate all our time accumulating earthly treasures and enjoying worldly pleasures, we should dive deep into learning how to live according to the will of God, who will soon judge the living, and the dead.

God cares very little about the affairs of this present world. In fact, while many tune in to major sporting events and entertainment venues, God is concerned about men’s souls. Money, fame, and status can do nothing to gain access into God’s eternal kingdom, but believing in the Lord, Jesus Christ, is all it takes.

While we may not be able to reach millions, God gives us time and opportunity to witness to those in our small circles. Take time daily to tell someone how good the Lord has been to you, because it may be just what someone needs to hear, to bring them out of darkness, and into God’s marvelous light!