Let God Arise

Psalm ^{68:1 (KJV)} Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

You're at the end of your rope. You slaved for months to get a promotion. And watched it slide by. You changed your hair, lost the weight. But when you look at the mirror all you feel is hate. You read self-help books, memorized psychological techniques. Yet your marriage remains in shambles. You're not alone. Give up the fight. Let God arise.

The Next Generation

^{Judges 2:10} After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.

The next generation will determine the future of this planet. Their collective choices will determine life and increase for the future, or death. Therefore, God is calling you to teach the next generation about Christ and raise them to be leaders. Are you mentoring someone from the next generation? Are you telling them about your relationship with Christ? Are you encouraging them to read the bible so they will know their God? Are you a role model in what you say and do? Today, invest in someone from the next generation, and plant the seed of eternity in their hearts.

Family tree is from http://genealogy.about.com

His Perfect Plans

^{Jeremiah 29:11} For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Worry can wear you out. It can toss you onto the couch of sloth, where all you do is think and think, and sink and sink deeper into action-paralysis. And nothing in your situation changes. Worry can also toss you onto the treadmill of work, where you plan and plan, and run and run, and get more and more. But no matter how much you run, you remain worried and dissatisfied.

Today, stop staring into the face of worry. Turn your eyes to your Author and step into His adventure-filled plan. He promises to satisfy your soul.

Picture: "Hand Writing" by Tony Karp (www.ti-journal.com)

A New Heart

^{Ezekiel 36:26} I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

A new heart, a new spirit, what can be more delightful? Gone are the resentments that nibble at your heart during offense. Gone is your lack of compassion when you stare into the eyes of poverty and pain. Gone are the walls as you let your Savior pursue you and love you. He replaces your heart with His. All you need to do is ask. Today.

God Is Calling You

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." Hebrews 4:7

God is calling you.
He knows you woke up late,
And you're scurrying to get to an appointment.
But He is calling you to pray.
He knows your spouse or friend was inconsiderate, self-centered and rightfully deserves to be punished.
But He is calling you to forgive.
He knows that you are independent, efficient
Yet burdened by your own strength.
God is calling you surrender.
He wants you to put Him first.
God is calling you.
Right now.
Open your heart, surrender and sink into His loving arms today.

Photo from www.newscientist.com

The Great Commission

^{Matthew 28:19} (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

If you already have a relationship with Jesus, do not keep Him to yourself. Share Him with your family, friends and co-workers. You don't have to do anything grandiose. You can speak about how He changed your life in a casual conversation. You can pray for someone who is ill or going through difficult times. You can forward biblical readings and devotionals. You can encourage a fellow believer to take the next step in their walk by reading the bible or joining a local church. You can start a bible study at work.

Make an effort to bring someone one step closer to Christ today.

Artwork is called "Together-White" by Cynsaga (http://cynsaga.wordpress.com)

The Potter's Hands

^{Isaiah 45:9} "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?

Have you ever asked God--Why? Why me? Why is my spouse so difficult? Why do I have a special needs child? Why can't I ever provide enough for my family? Why was I abused and not her? God is molding you like clay on a wheel. He wants you to be more Christ-like, so you can be His vessel for others. Challenging times teach you to lean on Him for provision and healing. Difficult people mold you into the humble, kind and patient person He wants you to be. Trust your Potter and His perfect hands today.