Rv22

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" The one who is thirsty should come. Take the living water as a gift. 

The Bible ends with an invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good.  It is an invitation to receive the eternal gift of life.  To have a personal relationship with the Living God.  It is an invitation that should not be put away.

If you are not yet a follower, decide today.

Read it here.

Rv20-21

"Look, I am making all things new!" - God  As we get to the end of our Bible, we see tons of disaster that God is unleashing on sin and rebellion.  It is incredible, scary and universally extreme.  In the midst of it all, we see the hope for those who are in Christ.  God's promise of heaven is that He will make everything new!  Not only new, but unlike anything we have ever seen.  It will be awesome.  We have to be there.

Rv19

Merry Christmas! Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, has begun to reign! Let us be glad, rejoice and give Him glory.  -19:6-7

Rv18

The most prominent act of godlessness seems to be sexual sin!  Maybe a great gift to give this Christmas would be repentance from any and all sexual compromises.

It is the easy to see the downfall of Babylon, but often we fail to see how it compares to our lives.  Babylon was described as immoral, wealthy, proud and luxurious.  These words describe most Americans I know and there is no better time to observe this than Christmas.

The opposite of Babylon is pure, poor, humble and basic.  Rarely does that describe any American.  This is a humbling chapter to pounder the day before Christmas.

Focus of Christ at Christmas!

Read it here.

Rv17

It is heartbreaking to see people running hard away from God and toward their own self destruction.  What is the lure of sin?  God help us.

In this chapter, we are approaching the end of humanity as we know it.  People are still motivated to worship anything but the one true God, and to pursue their own evil desires.  From a distance it is unbelievable to read!

Yet, when you consider your life, how much do you truly live for Christ?  I know in my life, it still is easy to minimize all God is calling me to do while I pursue the things I want.  Sometimes those things are NOT what God would want for me.

Maybe it is not so unbelievable after all.

Read it here.

Rv16

I continue to be amazed at the response of people in the middle of God's judgement.  Why not repent?

Enormous 100 pound hailstones are falling from the sky as a direct expression of God's wrath. There is no question where they are coming from.  Instead of crying out to God for mercy and forgiveness...they continue to blaspheme God!

How do you respond to God's choices.  I am certain I have never seen anything close to this kind of thing, nor have I ever heard of anyone experiencing this type judgement.  Yet, I have encountered many different responses to God's choices in the lives of others.  Some almost expect their lives to be perfect or they will complain.  Others give God praise regardless of what happens in their lives.

What type of person are you.  Worship God in every situation.

Read it here.

Rv15

This world is so broken...so amazing, and beautiful and broken.  What will be my response to seeing Jesus in his full might? 

For some reason, I love Revelation.  I was driving home from a meeting last night crazy full of emotion, some good, some not.  I felt so disconnected from God, but the patience he shows me each and every day is amazing.  I find comfort in the book of Revelation (I know that sounds kooky) and the coming of his clear Kingship.  This world is so broken...so amazing, and beautiful and broken. 

What will be my response to seeing Jesus in his full might?  God on his righteous throne?  I'm sure nothing short of fear and weakness...and to think that Jesus has already picked me up, stood before the Almighty King, and declared my pure in his eyes!!!  Wow.  

Read it here.

Rv14

Imagine the sound of the mighty angel proclaiming the eternal gospel in a loud voice, "Fear God and give HIm glory!"

Today we have the privilege of proclaiming that same gospel to anyone who we know or have audience with.  It is our joy to know Jesus and the "good news" of His salvation.  I am shocked that so many don't have a clue.  I am even more shocked that those of us who do, tell so few.

With the events of Sandy Hook School, my heart is re-gripped by the need to share with everyone I love how they can experience the love and hope that only comes through Jesus.  For those who lost their lives who knew Jesus, there is hope.  For those who didn't know, there is such hopelessness.

Christmas is a season for hope.  Help people know Jesus, the reason for Christmas today.

Read it here.

Rv13

All of life is oriented around worship.  We will worship someone or something!  Direct your worship toward the One true God.

This chapter is full of profound imagery and graphic symbols.  The most profound thing for me is how all of it is directed toward who or what people will worship.  Either the beast or God Himself.

Those who worship the beast will do it out of fear, convenience or just foolish chooses.  Those who worship God will have to do it out of faith and perseverance.  It will be difficult.  It won't be easy.

What do you worship?  Who do you worship?  When things aren't going your way, do you tend to lose your heart for worshipping God?  Maybe this chapter should call us to purer authentic worship.

Read it here.

Rv12

Are you feeling slandered and accused today?  Just know the source of that is Satan himself!  He lives to bring charges against God's children.

The battle is raging but the war is already won.  Jesus has overcome the enemy for us, but his days are not yet over.  Every day Satan lives to  bring havoc on God's people and tempt them to walk in disobedience to God.

Notice the conquering formula the believers exercised in this chapter.  They conquered Satan by the blood of Jesus, the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives even if faced with death!  They lived to please Jesus.

Make it your goal today.

Rv11

If there seems to be craziness going on around you that you don't understand, choose worship!  God is in control and He is always worthy of our worship.

If you think this chapter is confusing, try reading the commentaries on this chapter!  In God's time we will see exactly what is meant by these things.

As I read I am continually struck by the craziness of all that is described.  No chapter even compares to this one in my mind.  God raises up powerful prophets who prophesy His truth. The beast emerges from the abyss and conquers them.  People leave them dead in the open streets and rejoice over their death.  They lay there over 3 days and then are resurrected.  After that God calls them to heaven.

What was the response to all this?  Again, amazing worship in heaven.  

Read it here.

Rv10

Just reading Revelation can give a person chills!  Experiencing its reality would be even more terrifying!

What happens in your heart when you read this book?  It is a difficult one to understand and there is so much of it that is symbolic.  As a result, Revelation is often read, but rarely understood.

Bottom line is that it is written to draw us to Jesus.  It was inspired to lead us to the One who has everything under control.  Jesus is the One who is, who was and who is coming.

As we seek to follow Him and trust in Him, all these things will be clear in time.  Enjoy the mystery.

Read it here.

Rv9

Does anyone else get freaked out when you read the book of Revelation?  If not, I don't think you are envisioning what you're reading!

Billowing from the abyss come freakish LOCUST that bite and sting!  They have gold crowns, faces like men, women's hair, teeth like lions, iron plated chests, huge wings and tails like scorpions WITH STINGERS!!!  And their job is to attack people to hurt them but not kill them.  In fact, people will want to die, but death will escape them.

And then....the rest of chapter 9.  Giant angels emerge and destroy 1/3rd of all humanity!  The description of these angels is even more freakish than that of the locust.  Are you reading this?

And what did the people do?  The text says, "they still did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and things of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood".  Wow, wow, wow.

Read it here.

Rv8

Silence is a discipline that is all but lost in this age of technology! Turn off everything today and spend 30 minutes in silence, listening to God.

Heaven stood in silence for half an hour.  It was the quiet before the storm of destruction was unleashed on the earth.  As the trumpets blew, the wrath of God was being poured out.

It is a horrible thing to be the object of a wrathful God.  I am so grateful that because of Jesus, we can be objects of His love and grace.

Read it here. 

Rv7

Believers today rarely worships with "all their hearts, crying out to God".  What would our gatherings be like if we purely decided to give everything we had to express our sincere gratitude to God?

Imagine a countless number of people from all over the world singing with one voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne!"  I can't wait to hear it.  I can't wait to join in with all my voice.

John continues to describe heaven with unimaginable realities!  I have had times in my life when I was caught up in worship with others, but never like this.  The scene is gripping to my heart and I would love for God's people to be better practicers of heavenly realities!

Read it here.

__________________________________________

Troy Nesbitt, Lead Pastor

515.232.5488 | troynesbitt@gmail.com

Cornerstone Church of Ames | www.cornerstonelife.com

a local church with a global vision

56829 U.S. Highway 30 | Ames, IA 50010

Rv6

Today the invitation from God is open to all of us.  He says, "Come to Me and you will have life."  A time is coming, when the invitation will not be to life but only to wrath.

In this chapter the powerful angels invite John to "Come" and see.  When he looked, he saw what would soon happen as God began to pour out his judgement.  What he saw was overwhelming!

Jesus also said, "Come".  His invitation is not to see the future wrath, but rather, to experience life and forgiveness.  He offers purpose and meaning in this life.  His invitation is now.

Everyone will respond to an invitation.  Either they will intentionally accept Jesus' invitation to "Come" to Him, or they will eventually experience the invitation to the wrath of God.  Choose the former.

Read it here.

Rv5

Heaven will not be about us!  It will be about Jesus.  Try to make today more like heaven by focusing on Jesus and not yourself.

Can you imagine this scene in heaven? Imagine yourself adding your voice to all those singing: "the Lamb is worthy!"

When MercyMe wrote the song, "I can only imagine", I wonder if they had Rev. 4 & 5 in their minds as the backdrop?  This scene in heaven causes me to tremble every time I think or read about it.  It will truly be awesome.

I love the image of Jesus being described both as a Lion and a Lamb.  As a Lion He conquered sin for all of us who believe.  As a Lamb He paid the price for our sin by His sacrifice on the cross.  He is both the Lion and the Lamb. 

Read it here.

Rv4

Heaven will be unlike anything we have ever seen or imagined!  It will be a wonderfully scary place!

John saw and heard things that were amazing, beautiful and scary at the same time.  His description of heaven has nothing to do with chubby babies with wings looking all cute.  In fact, his vision could be the furthest thing from that!

These amazing beings never stop saying: "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and who is coming."  They continually worship God.  One thing is for sure... God is to be worshiped and He doesn't seem to mind repetition.

Try to imagine heaven today.  Try to worship God continuously today.  It would be good practice.

Read it here.

Rv.3

Have you ever stopped to think that your opinion of yourself might be WRONG!  In fact, generally people actually don't have an accurate perception of themselves.

Having a misperception of self before others is bad.  Having a misperception about yourself before God is dangerous.  Sometimes eternally dangerous!  In this chapter, God is challenging the readers to see themselves from His perspective.  They were totally missing it, and really in danger.

If you want to know what is true about you from God's perspective seek the truth in His word.  Believe what it says.  Embrace the truth about God and yourself.  It is life changing.

If you want to have an accurate perception of how others see you.  Ask several trusted friends to share how you could improve your character.  If they are honest, you will learn tons.  Be careful, it might hurt.

Read it here.

Rv2

No matter what is going on, never forget that God is fully aware of everything!  He knows.  He cares. He has a plan.  Submit to Him.

Revelation 2 begins the specific letters to individual churches.  In every letter the phrase "I know" will appear and will direct the church to refocus her attention on obedience to the Spirit.  Almost in every case there is commendation and rebuke, encouragement and admonition.

If the Spirit were to write you a letter today, what would it's content look like?  What would God be commending?  What would He be challenging you to do?  Don't you think it would be a good idea to listen to Him and do what He says?

Let's decide to obey today.

Read it here.

Rv1

To Him who loves us and has set us free by His blood... be glory forever. Amen. 

The last book in the bible is filled with powerful and graphic images of Christ return, heaven and things that are coming.  It is the book that is probably read the most and understood the least!

Keep in mind, this is a letter from the apostle John.  The same love that permeated his previous letters is the love that motivated this letter as well.  He is addressing believers and calling us to live holy and vigilant lives, always expecting the return of Jesus.

I can't wait to learn more.

Read it here.

Jude

People who create divisions are characterized by two things: discontentment and grumbling.  It is reasonable then that unity is built on contentment and encouragement.

Are you the kind of person who is a joy to be around?  Do you make those around you better people?  Are you looking for good things to talk about and pointing out to others all that is going right?  Are you quick to give thanks and to look for something to praise God for?  If so, you are on the best path.

Unfortunately contentment is a quality to be developed NOT a characteristic that is natural to us.  People tend to naturally complain and point out whatever is not exactly the way they want it.  It comes natural to be critical and make negative things the object of our minds and conversations.

This should not be!  Seek to be the kind of person that brings life and energy to every environment.  Set your mind on the positive things around you.  Be content in every situation.  Always be grateful to God in everything.

Read it here.

3Jn

It is a good thing to pray for physical health.  It is an even better thing to pray for spiritual health.

John did not minimize being healthy physically.  He did desire for his readers to be as healthy spiritually as they were physically.  He said, "be is good health physically just as you are spiritually."  Possibly they were focusing on their spiritual well being and neglecting their physical well being and needed encouragement to be healthy, but I doubt it.

In our culture there is far greater emphasis on physical health than on spiritual health.  In fact, we tend to devote hours every day to our eating and exercise habits and very little time devoted to growing in our faith and growing spiritually.

What is your story?  How much time do you spend on the different aspects of your health?  Which is most valuable?  Which gets the most time, energy and attention?  

Something to think about.

Read it here.

1Jn5

What has the greatest influence on your life; the ways of the world or the word of God?  Generally what influences us is the god we serve.  

John is clearly saying that the world is flowing in a directions away from God.  He states that the whole world is under the "sway" of the devil.  Black friday will be packed with pursuits that God has nothing to do with.  Staying on course will be a challenge for us all.

Choose to follow hard after Christ today.  Cling to what matters and turn your heart away from the things that will only bring you emptiness.

God is calling us to live a different life.  He desires our lives to be in contrast with the "average" life of someone in this world.

Read it here.

1Jn4

Happy Thanksgiving!  Give thanks today for God's love.  It has been poured out on us through Christ.  Nothing better than that.

The greatest evidence of Christ in someone is love.  Love for God and love for people.  John says, "If you say you love God and don't love people, the love of God is not in you."  Loving God results in loving people...period.

Generally, the only thing we love is ourselves.  We want God to love us.  We want everyone else to love us.  When we begin to get God's love, we learn to express it to others.  If you struggle to love others, it is because you are not seeking God.  Draw near to Him and He will produce love for others in you.

Read it here.

1Jn3

Are you living what you are saying today? Words are cheap, actions tell the truth!  The apostle John was clear that our words mean nothing without the actions to back it up.

He said, "Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action."  The words, "I love you" are empty when our actions say, "I only love me!"

If you were to write a story based solely on your actions, what would that story say about you?  John is not challenging us to not talk about loving God.  He is challenging us to let our actions confirm the talk.  

Live out loud!  Practice what you preach!

Read it here.

1Jn2

Do not love the world or the things in the world, because these things disappoint and will ultimately pass away.  Instead, love God and pursue Him.  He will not disappoint and He is eternal.

It is so easy to love the wrong things.  In fact, we tend to pursue lusts as though they will satisfy our deepest longing.  Why is that?  Has any temporary thing ever satisfied the desires that you have?  In fact, obtaining the desire generally creates an even greater desire and greater disappointment.  When will we learn?

On the other hand, the bible calls us to love God and to pursue Him.  Although it is more difficult, it does not disappoint.  Pursuing the world leaves us feeling empty.  Pursuing God fills our tanks with satisfaction that last.

Pursue Christ today.

Read it here.

1Jn1

Confession is the cleaner of the soul.  IF we will confess, God will forgive and cleans!  Agree with God today, confess your sin and be forgiven.

The weight of sin is a heavy one to bear.  Most people don't even realize how heavy it has become until they begin to deal with it.  It is like a person who has gained 100 pounds over the past 20 years.  They know they are not in the shape they once were, but they have no idea how heavy the weight of fat is on their life!

Unlike fat, getting rid of the load of sin doesn't have to take time.  All that is required in humility and honesty.  Go ahead, have the guts to make it right today.  Lose the load of sin!  It is weighing you down.  Why not confess today.

Best verse, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Read it here.

2Pt3

Knowing what you know about God, what kind of person should you be? Peter challenged believers to actually live like they believe Jesus is coming back.  Live and act like people who will be judged by the living God.

What motivates you to live for Christ? Is it His love? Fear of consequences? Desire for reward? Are you motivated by anything?  In this chapter believers are getting discouraged with how long it is taking Jesus to return.  Their lives are not going great, so they are wondering if Jesus will ever return and take them home.  In fact, they are beginning to question "if" Jesus will actually do what He said.

Peter assures them that Jesus is coming back and encourages them to live as though it will be today!  When we get discouraged by God's timing we often tend toward not living for HIm.  Many decide to willfully ignore God's clear encouragement in their lives.  I don't want to be like that!  I am praying that we will be the kind of people who serve Jesus period.  

It is always best to do what Jesus would have us do.  It is never easy.  It is alway worth it.

Live strong today.

Read it here.

2Pt2

Here is a fact! God knows and He's got this!  Lest we forget, in a world that seems to be our everything, that God has somehow lost His grip on control, Peter brings us back to reality with this chapter.  

Sometimes in the present it appears that God is either "letting things go" or that He "doesn't have control".  I have thought too many times, "If I were god, I would do _________."  Who am I?  Who are you?  Whenever we think that we would actually do a "better" or "different" job than God is doing, we need a serious attitude adjustment!

When life is done, we will all face Him.  Live today in light of that fact.  Let go of your desire to "help" Him do His job and learn to really follow Him.

I needed that.

Read it here.

2Pt1

Avoid the ditches of "useless and unfruitful".  If you think that your faith begins and ends with "believing", then your life will not have a significant impact on eternity.  Peter's desire would be that each of us would add, with increasing measure, character to what we believe.

Examine this list to add: goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, & love.  He says, these things need to be yours and growing.  If they are, you will be useful and fruitful in your faith.  If they are not, you will be useless and unfruitful.

You cannot work for faith or salvation, but once you have received this wonderful gift, the work begins.  God is calling us to live out our faith in a productive manner.  What can we do today to make critical progress.  

Read it here. 

1Pt5

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God,...casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you."

Both James and Peter quote Proverbs 3:34 in their books.  They want to emphasis that God gives grace to the humble!  They begin by telling us that God resists the proud!  The word "resists" actually means apposes!  God is literally against anyone who's desire is to go it without Him, or to do it on their own.

This is so opposite our culture.  We value independence and autonomy.  We encourage self-reliance and personal effort.  We are looking to exalt ourselves and take credit for whatever good comes our way.  Can you see how this is a big problem?  Once again our culture is up-side-down.

If you were to "humble yourself" today, what would that look like?  Would there be a particular person you would need to have a conversation with?  Would you need to submit to a boss or be kind to an employee.  Would you stop overlooking those who you least enjoy and actually start valuing them?  Ask God to help you.  I know I need His help!!

Read it here.

1Pt4

"Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins." - Peter

When you love each other, you don't encourage sin, but you are quick to forgive sin.  Peter is acknowledging that it is impossible for us to not sin.  The question is, "What will you do when someone sins against you?"  If you love them, forgiveness comes easy. At least it should.

How many people do you love like that?  I know I am convicted that my "love list" is too short.  Whenever someone sins and I have little or no relationship with them, my default is to accuse and judge.  If I have relationship my default is to forgive and to find grace for them.  Why the difference?

Peter wants us to love more people and to forgive more people.  In fact I think he would extent the "more people" to everyone!  Love with an intense love.  God's love.

Read it here.

1Pt3

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous. The face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil."

Nothing you do today will escape the watchful eye of the Lord.  He will either be pleased with what He sees and hears, or He will be against what He sees and hears.  Since our hearts are to please Him, let these verses direct our words and actions.

Let the thought of God watching and listening in govern your life today.  Not in a sense that He will be angry if you don't, but in the sense that He will be so pleased if you do!

I know when my sons are doing the right things, my presence is not a burden, it is a blessing.  In fact, they call out to me to "look in and listen" to everything they are doing.  I want my life to constantly be calling out for God's approval.  Don't you?

Read it here.

1Pt2

"Submit to every human authority because of the Lord. Honor everyone. Fear God. Honor Governing leaders."  This is to be our christian response.  No one said we had to like the result, but we do have to respond in a manner that pleases Jesus.

Authority is a huge biblical principle that few Americans understand.  We only respect others when they do what we want.  We only follow others when that go where we want.  We only submit to others when we like what they are wanting us to do.  Do you see the pattern?  It is not God's way.

As believers, we are to set the pace in submitting ourselves to others.  Not because of them, but because of Jesus.  Can you submit to Jesus?  That means you will joyfully submit to others.  That IS submitting to Jesus.

Read it here.

1Pt1

Are you going through a trial? Might it be that God is purifying your faith through the trial?  Maybe He is helping you to see if your faith is genuine or not.

We have all heard the phrase, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  Maybe a more biblical phrase would be, "When the going gets tough, our faith keeps us going."  Or how about the phrase, "No pain, no gain."  Maybe it should be, "Got pain, grow faith."

I know these sayings can be trite, but they are true.  God uses the tough things in our life to bring about focus and strength.  His desire is to give us eternal life, not "your best life now".  Often the best life in eternity is rooted in a struggling life on earth.  Gain perspective and give God the honor due Him.

Remember James taught us that life is only momentary, your faith matters forever!

Jas.5

Confessing our sins to each other and praying for each other are lost habits in our christian culture!  We say, "I will pray for you" or "I am praying for you", but how often is that the truth?  I have found that very few people actually pray for others.  Let's stop SAYING we are praying and actually start PRAYING for each other.

On the other hand, who have you confessed sin to lately?  If you stop your confession with God, you have stopped too short.  Notice this chapter does not say, "Confess to the priest" or "confess only to God".  It simply says, "confess your sins to each other."

If you stop with confessing without getting prayer, then you have stopped short.  Get someone to pray for you!  Wouldn't it change things if we started this practice.  Let's do this!!!!!!!

Read it here.

Jm4

"Whoever wants to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy."  The paths are NOT parallel, they are apposed!

James is making clear again what his brother Jesus said many times to His disciples.  "If you love me, the world will hate you."  There is no such thing as being a friend of God and "fitting in" with this world.

John said, "Whoever loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  He went on to describe the world and full of lusts, pride and boasting.  Loving God to John, was not fighting for importance, but rather humbly loving others.

James describes the world and living out our selfish pride.  The "me first" culture.  He says, "God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  We need to not fight for position, rather, we need to submit to God.

In this clamoring world, who will you love?  Choose wisely.

Read it here.

Jm3

Wisdom from God is: 1.loving, 2.gentle, 3.compliant, 4. merciful, 5. full of good, 6. w/o favoritism, 7. w/o hypocrisy.  Now there is a list to live by.

We are encouraged to fear God and to seek His wisdom.  As we learn to follow Him this list will begin to emerge from our lives and hearts.  If that is true, how are we doing?  How am I doing?

Would this list of qualities describe you?  I am convicted.  Mostly by number 2 today.  An honest look at these qualities is a truly humbling challenge.

Read it here.

Jm2

Read it here.

Jm1

How have you been "stained" by the world?  Pure and undefiled religion is to care for others and to keep yourself "unstained by this world".

James is a refreshing book.  Especially after finishing Hebrews!  We go from a deep well with difficult truths to a great lake with a beach with treasures everywhere you look.  Every verse is quotable, tweetable or just a good one to know. 

I want to focus in on the "staining" that the world gives us.  James begins with trials.  He says that trials are not meant to stain us, rather they are intended to make us better.  The difference is our perspective and how we respond to the trial.

Then he moves on to money.  If you are stained by it, whether poor or rich, it will consume your life and thoughts.  Being rich or poor are both trials, and God is looking for us to honor Him regardless of our financial state.

Next he moves to emotions.  Particularly anger!  It too is a trial that will either destroy or grow us.  We should not be stained by difficult emotions and God's purposes are not accomplished as we yield to our emotions.

It is a challenge to care for widows and orphans.  I believe it is an even greater challenge to "keep ourselves unstained" by the things of this world.

Work hard at cleaning up the stains.

Read it here.

Heb13

Your life should be free from the love of money.  That freedom should be seen in the contentment that governs your life.  Are you content with what you have?

Jesus said, "you cannot serve God AND money."  There would have been dozens of options that He could have chosen to contrast with God in that statement, but He chose MONEY.  Why?

Paul said, "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and those eager for it have pierced themselves with many pains."  Money itself is not evil, but Paul warned that loving it leads to all kinds of wrongdoing.

Now here in Hebrews we are told to "not love money"!  So what should we do to counter our natural desire to love money and the things it buys?  I would suggest three things:  1. Decide to use your money to serve the one true God rather than pursuing money as a god. 2. Be generous with your money.  Let your giving determine your living. 3. Take making more money out of your decision making process.  Choose the best fit, not the most money.

Don't love money.  It won't love you back!

Read it here.

Heb12

"Run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith."

In the midst of difficulty, we should work hard at focusing on Jesus.  The storms and trials of life are intended to keep us focused and directed on the author of life.  When struggle takes us away from Christ, we know that we are not responding  correctly to it.

This chapter teaches that all struggle is discipline.  Discipline from God is intended to make us better.  It is done in love and has our ultimate good in mind.  Even though it is always painful, it is also purposeful.  Do we trust God with the difficulties in our lives?

Tough but true.

Read it here.

Heb11

Without faith it is impossible to please God, but faith is NOT the ticket which gets God to do what WE want.

This chapter is probably one of the best known in the New Testament and gives us tremendous confidence in faith.  God is truly worth living for and in order to live for Him it requires faith.  Faith is not natural to us, and, it too is a gift from God.

Living by faith will NOT give you what you want!  LIving by faith will give you a life that is worth living and will be rewarded by God.  He is a rewarder of those who seek HIm.

Live by faith...for Him.

Read it here.

 

Heb10

"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of a living God!"  We will either be excited to draw near to God or terrified at the thought of actually seeing Him face to face.  How we will respond will have everything to do with how we responded to Jesus.  

Read it here.

Heb9

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Robert Lowry in 1876 was inspired by this chapter to write a hymn that is still sung in churches today!  It has rooted deep in our hearts this mysterious truth; only Jesus' death on the cross can take away our sins.  There is nothing else.  Take some time today to listen to the song.  Both the original version and in its rewritten style by Jesus Culture.

Everyone thinks that they hear from God at some time or another.  Many claim to hear His voice constantly.  I love to hear from God and often mistake what I hear from myself as the "voice of God".  Robert Lowry got it right.  He took God's profound truth and put it to music in a way that we all can speak and sing the truth of God. And, we are still singing it!

I will all but guarantee that nothing I say or write will be shaping others 130 years from now!!!  Unless, of course, it is something rooted in God's word.  And even then, someone will likely be saying it better.

Read it here.

Heb8

LIsten to this promise from God,"I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins."

Do you actually think God forgets?  I think not.  The promise is that God will not hold our sins against us.  He has poured out His judgement on Jesus.  That is why this new covenant is so much better than the old one.

The old covenant required perfection!  The new one grants forgiveness for all who are trusting in Jesus.Put your hope in Christ and let God's mercy be the dominant atribute of God that you experience.

Love it.

Read it here.

Heb7

Much of Hebrews, I don't get.  This verse I do get, "Jesus is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

As confusing as this book can be, there are always nuggets of truth that we can cling to.  Later in this chapter it says that Jesus "offered Himself" as a sacrifice for our sins.  That fact alone should cause us to worship Him.

Read it here.

Heb6

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure...JESUS.  Are you trusting solely in HIm?

In the midst of a difficult chapter in a difficult book, we find clear understandable nuggets to grasp on to.  The writer of Hebrews is challenging our faith, not in the law, not in ourselves, but solely in Jesus!  He is the anchor.

Now the challenge will be not only to trust in HIm, but also to get to know Him, to listen to HIm and to obey HIm.  If you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.  Walk in HIs ways.

Read it here.

Heb5

Where are you in your understanding of the bible? Do you get it? Are you being lazy? Do you need help?

This chapter says that, "by this time you ought to be teachers, but you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God's revelation again."  It is one thing to be ignorant and young, it is a completely different thing to be "lazy" and "indifferent."

We will all give an account to God for what He has revealed in His Word.  Don't be lazy.  Get to know God through His word.

Read it here.

Heb4

God's word is Alive & Effective, cutting to the very heart of every human whether they read it or not!  It is the revelation of God and everyone will give an account to God for its content.

The writer of Hebrews gives each of us the same challenge...believe.  He says, "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."  A hard heart is a heart that refuses to accept the truth revealed in scripture.  A hard heart is one that continues to argue when the conviction of God is clearly on their soul.

I recommend that we all soften our heart toward God and His word.  What is He calling you to today?  Will you respond in faith?  I pray I will.

Read it here.

Heb3

 Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. 

These are some great verses to consider today!  Watch yourself is the first challenge.  Encourage each other is the second challenge.

It is not enough to be careful to follow after Jesus.  We must consider how we can help others to do the same.  There is a battle going on today for you life and the lives of those you love.  Will you be a winner or a loser today?

Be encouraged.

Read it here.

Heb2

If even Jesus was perfected through suffering, why would we think that God's goal for our lives would be to free us from all suffering?

Isn't it the tough things that we suffer that make us who God wants us to be?  Isn't it the difficult decisions that make us more dependent on Jesus?  The answer is most definitely!

No one enjoys struggles in life.  It is the struggles that help us to know God and long for eternal life free from all suffering.  Thank God that we do not hope in Him only for this life.

Read it here.

Heb1

Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. - 1:3

This verse alone would be enough to think about today, and the rest of the week for that matter!  Wow.  Listen to what the author of Hebrews is saying about Jesus.   First He is reflecting the glory of God through His life.  Second, He is the exact signature of who God is. And finally it is Jesus that is sustaining all things. In a nutshell....Jesus IS God!

Hebrews teaches that the period of time we live in is the "last days".  God sent Jesus to communicate his "final word" to mankind.  Jesus'  first coming is God's last communication on earth.  His second coming will be God's final judgement.

This will be a great book to read through.  Go slowly.

Read it here.

Philemon

Sometimes the shortest letters have the greatest impact!  Write a note about someone or to someone you love today!

Read it here.

Titus 3

What are you devoted to? Is it good works?  We are saved by God's mercy, but is our response to live for Christ?

Titus was to make sure that God's people were devoted to the things that honored Christ.  He never confused salvation with works, but he never separated the "saved" from the need to be devoted to good works.

Key verse (5), "He save us- not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy".  Yet, twice in this chapter Titus is to encourage the believers to be devoted to good works.

Let's go to work!

Read it here.

Titus 2

Have you ever thought about "Grace Instructing Us?"  It teaches us to say "no" to godlessness and worldly lust and to live sensibly, godly and right with God.

Most people think about Grace as a passive gift from God.  It is the eraser that God uses to forgive sins.  It is the help that God gives to get us through tough times.  It is the gift of salvation itself, if we will only accept it.  In a sense, all these things are true... but it is not just that.

Grace is God's power to live a godly life!  It is an instructor that encourages us to say "yes" to God and "no" to the things that are not godly.  In a sense, it is the gift of the Holy Spirit working from within.  It is desire, power and ability to make the right choice.

Are you living in Grace today?  It is the best way to live.

Grace to you.

Read it here.

Titus 1

Our lives would be way better if we chose to identify ourselves as "slaves" of God.  It was Paul's favorite way to identify himself.

Why would we object to such an idea?  Since God knows us better, cares for us more and always has our best in mind, it only makes sense to totally yield to Him.

Read it here.

2Tm4

What will you be able to say when your life is drawing to a close?  Will you have "fought the good fight, finished well, and kept the faith"?  Will you be looking forward to a "crown of righteousness"?  I pray we all will.

Paul was faithful until the very end.  Interestingly his first thought about the faith was that keeping it was a "battle".  LIterally it is a war.  It is the war of your life.  It is for your life.  Your very soul.  Will you fight for that!

He aslo described faith as a race.  It certainly was not a sprint!  More like a daily marathon of sorts.  Paul's goal was to finish well.  To be leaning in as he crossed the tape into eternity so to speak.  That was his goal.

Most men look back on their life and have regrets!  "I wish I would haves and I should haves".  Paul looked back and felt good about how he fought, ran and finished!  

It is a great goal for all of us!

Read it here.

2Tm3

If we literally avoided all the people in verses 1-5, could we hang out with anyone?  Further, Paul guarantees Timothy that everyone who desires to be godly will be persecuted!  Are you up for the challenge?

This chapter is filled with challenges.  What is that challenge?  To live a godly life devoted to the teaching of the scriptures.  This is a challenge we all need.

Some have had good examples like Timothy, who had a godly mom and grandmother.  Others have had no positive role models.  Either way, Paul is encouraging everyone to follow his example and the teaching of the word of God.

It is God's word that teaches us the path of godliness.  Love it.  Read it. Live it.  Pass it on to the next generation.

Read it here.

2Tm2

Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - Paul

This is a very active verse.  It calls for "fleeing" and "pursuing"!  It also tells us to do both of these things in the context of others who would share our same pursuits and retreats.  What are you fleeing?  What are you pursuing?  Who are you fleeing and pursuing with?

Paul recognizes that we function best in the context of others.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by men and women in a church who are running hard after Jesus.  It is easy to get caught up in pursuing the very things that I should be running from.

I am so thankful for others in my life to help me stay on the right path.

Read it here.

2Tm1

God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind!  Don't live in fear today, rather tap into the power, love and confidence that comes from knowing and living for Jesus.

Fear is crippling!  Especially the fear of man.  Proverbs says that we are to "fear God" only!  Jesus says, do not fear those who can only "kill you", fear God who will  judge you after you're dead.  When we don't fear God, we get ourselves into all kinds of trouble. Don't live to please men, but live to please God.

Power, love and confidence should describe our lives.  When we are living right, we will experience the power to say "no" to sin.  When love is our motivation, we will be a blessing to everyone we encounter.  When we are making sound choices, we will experience the joy of a life lived without guilt!  Paul says this is the life we should live.

Live one life today!  The life God wants for you.

Read it here.

1Tm6

Do you desire to be rich? Are you pursuing hard after money? If so, prepare yourself to be sorely disappointed!

The Bible talks much about money and this chapter says, "loving it is a root of all kinds of evil."  For centuries people who have value money above God are those who end up lonely and empty in this life.  

Our culture is one of the richest ever to live.  We also are the most discontented and unhappy!  We have more than 99% of the world and yet we want more!  In fact we, the 99% in our culture, want to be among the 1% of the richest of the rich!!!

God have mercy on our culture!  What God values is not money, but godliness. Especially godliness with contentment.  What are we to do with our money? Be generous and bless others.  Let your money serve God.  Don't be a slave to money.

Read it here.

1Tm5

Have you ever noticed how much Paul talks about people turning away to follow Satan?  Even some of the widows in this chapter are turning away!

My question is, turning away from who? From what?  Do they know they are following Satan or have they been deceived into following him?

Yesterdays text gives the answer as to what they know.  They are deceived.  They have no idea that they are being led astray.  I think this whole book gives the answer to who and what they are turning away from.  I believe it is the church and its leadership.

As a church leader this is a scary responsibility!  God has ordained the church to be the place of health and safety for believers.  God's plan for reaching the world is His church and the church is full of sinful people.  Any one of us can stray from God's path.  All of us have from time to time.  It is in the context of a healthy church, under the authority of godly leadership that clarity of vision comes.

I am so grateful to be in a church like Cornerstone.  I love being in a context with other men and women who continue to challenge my faith and walk with Jesus.  I pray my life will be one committed to being a good leader and a followable example to others.

read it here.

1Tm4

In the last days, people will depart from the faith because they will be listening to deceitful demons! Scary stuff.

What do you think these demons are saying?  What kinds of things are they lying about?  I believe at least some of the answer is in this chapter.  Paul was instructing Timothy to be careful to follow hard after God and His word and not these false teachers who suggest all kinds of rules outside of scripture.

Paul challenges Timothy to the greatest discipline...godliness!  Some seek to train their bodies, and there is some value in that.  Paul commands Timothy to train himself in godliness because there is great value in that!

Timothy was to watch his life carefully and make sure that it lined up with the teaching of God's word.  It is the only way to not get sucked into demonic doctrines that lead us away from Christ.

Read it here.

1Tm3

The church will once again be the leader in our culture when church leaders are actually leaders!  Often the only place that some men and women lead is in their church.  They are not leaders, but the church is so weak any volunteer becomes a leader.

It is a sad day when poor leadership or "no" leadership is in charge of leading the most important institution on earth...the church.  Our world is marked by times when the church had its rightful place.  History is shaped by the church when God's people give themselves fully to serving him and choose to use their gifts, even leadership, for His purposes and not their own.

Are you growing in your faith? Are you being an example to others? Are you leading your family? If the answer is yes to all of these, you should be leading in your church.

Get going!!!!!!

Read it here.

1Tm2

Do you pray angry prayers?  Do you argue with God when you pray?  In all your life has prayer been something you have associated with anger and arguing? Think about it.  Paul said men are to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger and arguing!

Who would they be angry with when they are praying?  Who would they be arguing with?  I have never really thought about this.

If the answer is God, let me totally agree with Paul and say....BAD IDEA!  When we pray we are to submit to God and enter His presence with absolute humility.  I am praying a happy prayer for all of you today.

Read it here.

1Tm1

What is the goal of your life?  Is it LOVE that flows from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith?  That was Paul's goal for Timothy.

Love does not come naturally!  It is something we have only as we tap into God.  When Jesus invades our lives His desire it to produce His love in us.  That love flows as we seek to have:1. a pure heart - having no unconfessed sin, 2. a clear conscience - having sought forgiveness from the sins we committed, 3. a sincere faith - being authentic rather than hypocritical.

These are key areas to work toward.  In your journey of faith, which is the greatest struggle for you?  Any area you neglect will be the area that Satan will destroy your walk with Jesus.  Keep confessing, asking forgiveness and living in the light.  It is the only way to stay on God's path.

Read it here.

SIN:

It takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, cost you more than you can afford to pay.

2Thess3

The Bible teaches that we should watch the company we keep.  In fact, it warns us to stay away for those who live irresponsibly.

I have been tempted many times to blame others for the sins of my children.  You know the saying, "they just started hanging out with the wrong crowd."  We all know that we choose the people we hang out with.  Every parent is saying the same thing!  A better way to say it would be, "my kid IS the wrong crowd."

I told my children that I would never say anything other than, "you are your friends and you are known by the company you keep".  Paul agrees.  Choose your friends wisely.  They will either draw you toward or push you away from Jesus.

Read it here.

2Thess2

Do you believe that Jesus could actually return today? Is your life a reflection of that belief?  What needs to change?

The early believers were confused about the second coming of Jesus.  In fact, many false teachers were teaching that Jesus had already returned and that they had missed it.  Paul assures everyone that Jesus' return will not be missed!  It will be fantastic and unmistakable.

The most interesting thing to me is Paul's encouragement in light of the second coming.  Stand firm in your faith and hold to the things you were taught. Let God's love and salvation encourage your hearts and give your strength to do good works in word and deed.

Live in light of Jesus' coming today.  Live and speak the truth to others.

Read it here.

2Thess1

Do you ever picture God taking vengeance on those who don't know HIm? Paul boldly declares that God will bring vengeance with fire on all those who do not know Him or obey His gospel.

There is a term that describes preachers who talk much about God's wrath.  We call them "fire and brimstone" preachers.  It seems to be a thing of the past.  Should it be?  I wonder if we truly were preaching the truth of God's word in the way it was intended if there would be more, "fire and brimstone" kind of preaching today.  Hmm.  Something to consider.

Read it here.

1Thess5

God wants to clean up every part of us! Our spirits, souls and bodies.  He wants to leave nothing a mess!

When God's Spirit comes to dwell in our spirit we are "born again".  We have new life in Jesus...spiritual life.  Our eternity is secured, sealed by the Spirit of God.

The bible talks much about our bodies as well.  We are to live in a manner pleasing to God and to conduct ourselves in a way that demonstrates that Jesus is living in us.  Our "bodies" are a temple of the Holy Spirit.

I believe the primary battle takes place in our soul (that part of us that is not physical or spiritual).  Consider our minds, our wills and our emotions.  With our minds we think, reason and remember.  With our wills we act. With our emotions we feel.  Jesus wants to even clean up our souls such that we have our minds fixed on HIm, our actions submitted to His will and even feel rightly toward every situation.

Now that would be a completely sanctified christian!  That is what God wants for us.

read it here.

IThess4

Everyone should know how to control their own body in a way that is honorable and pleasing to the Lord.  We should not yield to any lustful desires.  God has called us to absolute purity!

Sexual sin tends to be the secret sin in our soul!  In time, it will expose us and drive us away from Jesus.  Paul calls every believer to deal radically with any and all sexual sin.  In Ephesians there is not to even be a "hint" of sexual sin.  In Corinthians we are to "flee" sexual sin.  In this chapter we are totally "abstain".

My opinion is that believers should be better at fleeing, abstaining and steering clear.  Unfortunately too many are falling prey to the grip of sexual sin.

Stay pure!  It is worth it.  Sexual sin destroys from the inside out.

Read it here.

1Thess3

Nothing is better than hearing from others that your children are walking with Christ!  Live in such a way that following you would cause them to follow Him.

Read it here.

1Thess2

Who would you say you are truly sharing "your life" with?  Are you using people or giving yourself for their good?

This is an amazing chapter!  Paul clearly communicates that his life was all about others!  He had no desire to use his relationships for himself, rather he desired to live his life in order for others to know and follow Jesus.

In life there are givers and takers.  I want to live my life as an intentional giver.  Jesus gave Himself for me, how could I not give myself for others.

Read it here.

1Thess1

Are you the kind of person that you want others to be?  Could you say to those who know you, "I have set you an example of living by faith, working in love, and hoping for eternal life"?

Paul was confident that the life he was living was immulatable!  In fact, he encouraged everyone who knew to live like he lived.  Do you want people to be like you?  If everyone was like you would the world be a better place?  Do you live in such a way that others could follow your example and become more like Jesus?

Read in here.

Col4

If someone were to ask you, "What are you devoted to?", could you honestly answer, "Prayer"?  

Anyone who could answer "prayer" is beginning to figure it out.  God's desire is for us to realize we are dependent on HIm.  He wants us to recognize and acknowledge that we are continually in His presence.  He wants us to be interacting with Him about any and everything, in any and every situation.

Personally I am a "prayer lame-o".  God wants warriors who fight on their knees and I am convicted that I am far too slack when it comes to praying.  Today I plan to lean into God through prayer.  Will you join me?

Read it here.

Col.3

How much of your life does Jesus actually control?  He wants it ALL!!!  Are you willing to let Him have it?

Paul says, "When Christ, who is your life, is revealed", you will be revealed with Him.  Can you imagine that?  Actually being with Christ when He returns and having fellowship with Him.  That will be unbelievable.  Can't wait!

In light of this fact, Paul challenges the way a believer should live.  We are to "put away" anything that Jesus would not want in us and "put on" all that would bring honor to Him.  In essence God is calling us to a "total makeover".

Gear up today.  Take off YOU.  Put on JESUS.

read it here.