The Eternal Signpost Oct.18

 

Somewhere close to the Biblical Jordan river, an amazing event happened: the baptism of Jesus, he came up from the water, the literal heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God like a bird sit on him when a voice proclaimed he was heavenly Father's Beloved Son. Jesus was born-beloved-baptized because this becomes one eternal signpost. For us, this was one demonstration that happened so that all other scriptures were fulfilled; this was a public announcement that this is the Messiah, the One who stands in for us! But also, the event can be a picture of what happens to us when we trust in Christ. He is the ultimate signpost! He points the way and we get claimed as a chosen part of the everlasting. Our personal views begin to change to other-centered desires. We receive the Spirit that grows in us heavenly principles as God’s special child. No earthly person, no technology, no advanced world or universe is more precious than being a part of the heavenly family.  

As a truster of Jesus, remember who you are everyday: A growing Beloved of the eternal family!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your gracious acceptance of me.

Think, then Do Oct.16

 

If you hold an idea long enough in your mind, you will act upon it. Part of your imagination is made in the image of the heavenly Father. God has instantaneous creative ability. You have a creative ability that takes earth-time. Although, you must think about something for a while and then you bring it to pass, whether good or evil. Be careful what you picture and dwell on with your mind. It can turn to action.

Prayer: Lord, keep me focusing my mind and every intention on your         kingdom guidelines.

Temptations Oct.14

 

Scripture promises you would not be tempted beyond your endurance, but with any struggle will come a way of escape.  Sometimes you may not see an immediate way out, but God’s Grace is there just the same--working out any problem becomes much like a slow healing. At times, healing comes instantaneously. Others must go through a process which may mean doctor involvement or other systems of health. In scripture, just like the angel could not come to help in war because he was busy in another place, [Dan. 10: 12-13]God uses your earthly time for the Holy Spirit to use the proper connections. All things are being influenced by heavenly principles and Son Jesus. Relax and trust that God IS working even when you might feel abandoned. 

Prayer: Lord, help me increase my trust in you, even when I cannot see your overall picture.

Surprises Oct.13

 

        Jesus of Nazareth is not some hesitant Savior, meaning you must beg over-and-over for his attention. In fact, every day his plan may seem a new surprise, a new gift for you which contains his intermingling joy.  Pay close attention. His ways are still not always what you think. Often, through unusual thinking or action, he sends you a blessing. It can appear even as some hardship, some health issue, a financial message, or a family event. Potentially, any activity may become his channel for surprise because he loves to give when you may least expect. Pray to recognize his gift and not some selfish hardship!

Prayer: Lord, help me remember you injected your love into every cell of my mind, body, and spirit; every neuron fired in my brain is surrounded by your love!

Connections Oct.12

 

As a Jesus follower, pay attention to the constant connection of your inner being and your outward behavior. Even though you live in this world but are not truly of it, you are to build bridges between spiritual devotion and physical outcomes. Think of the difference between the example of Mary and Martha in Luke’s gospel but remember they were still sisters. True fellowship remains the goal in spite of circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, with connections, help me know where and when I fit.

Genuine Help Oct.10

 

We are bombarded with advertisements and institutions that promise to offer some kind of relief. They ask: Can you be set free from the struggles and troubles? Do you wish for the prosperous conditions of those who do not follow Christ, who seem to have no problems? And yet, does not everyone eat, drink, and get hailed on? Is your constant goal to avoid discomfort or suffering? Psalm 121 points you to a magnificent truth: Believers and non-believers can have the same difficulties, but the heavenly Father will keep you from evil. Events that happen to you are neither good nor bad but have the potential seed for either one. God may allow you a hard, difficult, uncomfortable event, but His Spirit can keep you from doing evil. So it remains no accident in Christ’s model prayer that he prayed “. . . deliver us from evil.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray we pay attention when you deliver us from evil thoughts and ways.

 

Small Items Oct.9

 

Life twists and turns like a briar bush and interlays like a mosaic tile-floor as well. Jehovah is interested and just as concerned about the everyday little pieces of life as they fit together. Nothing exists too small or mundane, but what it may be a significant part of the mosaic of Christ. At the end of life you will see and understand, you will recall, piece by piece, the full mosaic that heavenly Father put together. Just lean on faith if you do not understand the pieces now!

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me pay attention to your doings of all the little facets of life.