February 18 – LIVING FULLY

 For in Him (the Lord) we live, we are moved, and we exist. As some of your poets have taught, “We are God’s children.” (Acts 17:28)

                As you think about what it means to follow Jesus, do your thoughts turn to what you must do and say, or to what you must be very careful not to do or say? Do those thoughts have a negative voice? Do they sound like a rule book?

                Paul did not see harsh rules when he pictured life lived God’s way. Paul is speaking to Greek listeners, many of whom thought the ideal life was about logic, reason, and ancient wisdom. Reminding them of a poem written to honor Zeus, he explains that His God really is a loving father (Isaiah 1:2). Many first century Greeks saw such emotion as a hindrance, believing the brain should always control your actions. Paul argued that the Lord wants to help you understand life with your mind, be moved by your emotion to love others in His name, and respond based on obeying His will that He shows you each time you act.

                If your life is tied to your rulebook, consider Paul’s view. Learn from your Father how to live freely and fully in Jesus.

February 13 – TIME TO SPARE

 Give generously. As you do, it will continue to be given to you – an overflowing return of generosity for more giving. It is your generosity that measures your own return. (Luke 6:38)

                Which resource would you most like to see multiplied? For many people, who have great responsibility, lots of problems to solve, and lots of new opportunities to pursue, the answer is time. For many, there is no more valuable, nor more scarce resource than that.

                Although this Scripture passage is often used to teach financial generosity, the context shows Jesus was asking even more. He was teaching listeners to resist the urge to criticize and blame others, even when they harm you. Instead, He said to give and to forgive; to take the time to think through why the offender has acted, and how that person became who they are. Then, Jesus counseled them to respond with love that results in real forgiveness and to invest generously in helping that person – whatever their need.

                Hear the promise of Jesus. Understand that He is challenging you to see the investment of your time in others who need you as the way to insure you will have all the time you need – and more. 

February 11 – PAUL’S ENEMIES

 Even though we live in this world, we don’t fight against other men as they do with each other. Our weapon is God’s power, and our enemies are the lies and destruction in culture that oppose our Lord. We fight by being obedient to God in every detail. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

                Who is your most challenging competitor or opponent? Picture the person, not their organization or a group. When you think of this person, do you see an enemy? Or, do you see a person of great value who you should love? In any battle, identifying the true enemy is important.

                Paul clearly explains in his writing that men and women are not your enemies. Instead, like you, they can be victims of the enemy. Your role as a follower of Jesus is to be used in their rescue, and Jesus explained that this is accomplished through God’s grace. God gives you the ability to obey His command to love. Paul refused to get involved in petty arguments and fight with the people who opposed him. His faith in God overcame his fears of being harmed or defeated, so he could focus on obedience, and fight the real battles.

                Today you have the same choice. Choose your enemies wisely.

February 8 – TONGUE TRAINING

 The Lord God Himself has given to me the tongue of His well-trained student so that I will know how to encourage and embolden those who are weary with my words. (Isaiah 50:4)

               Do your words give courage to those who depend upon you? Are they filled with hope and optimism? Do you inspire a confidence that helps them to overcome?

                God’s word through Isaiah points clearly to Jesus the Messiah. He lived this passage. Each person who came to Jesus found understanding and empathy. Jesus spoke plainly, and He brought hope with words that were true and alive. As God calls you to lead His people, He will also provide the well-trained tongue you need to encourage and strengthen the weary people who follow with you. You must will to give your life to the work of building relationships. This investment of time and energy allows you to know, understand, and empathize with your people. You are also called to spend your time, and invest your other resources to be sure that this word reaches the far corners of your community.

It takes courage and boldness to allow God to speak through you, so you must spend time with Him to become a well-trained student.