The post The Greatest Conversion Story was about
Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. He had been a persecutor of the
followers of Christ but suddenly became their strongest advocate. That’s how
God works; turning what seems to be something impossible into something that is
possible. Today’s inspiring video is about changing people for the better: Changed – Rascal Flatts.
Now to Him who is able to do far more
abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works
within us. - Ephesians 3:20
Like in
the post Focused on Opportunities to Share,
many may read the scriptures and seek the Truth but still need to be shown the
Way. When they ask questions and show an interest, it’s important that we take
the opportunity to share with them about Jesus.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such
a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For
the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
I’m
studying in Acts 8 about the early church being persecuted and scattered.
History has a way of repeating itself but somehow we seem to not learn the
lessons of the past. I remember one time putting an office chair together. It
was a struggle because the screw holes didn’t line up. I was able to get three
out of four screws secured but the fourth one just wouldn’t fit.
When
things don’t line up, we don’t have a chance for success. It’s the same with a
direction of a nation. If the plan for the future doesn’t fit with what God
wants, it’s not going to work. In the post “Petition
for Strong Leadership”, I wrote about the need for nations to have leaders
who build the future as “One Nation Under God”.
As
individuals and as a nation, the plan for the future has to line up with what
God has laid out. It is only when it does that we are assured of positive
results. So, this day, share with others God’s Plan for Us.
There may
be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business owner …
payroll must be met. When people want to be in panic mode, don’t follow or
listen … just keep heading steadily towards the victory.
Have the
attitude that you’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on
God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular
bases. Then people start to label you as “a winner”!
No matter
what, if you live your life with faith, hope, and love, you come out on top
because of the victory gained in Jesus Christ. Nothing can stop the Lord’s
purpose so continue to give Him glory just like this video points out: Give You Glory – Jeremy Camp
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or
gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from
your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish
or defect. - 1 Peter 1:18-19
As written in the post Focused on Our Strength, the early church
experienced growing pains but the disciples set priorities, discovered their
strength, and delegated some responsibilities to those blessed with special
skills.
The results were very positive
and this same strategy can be applied today by our leaders. Praying constantly
for God’s help in receiving the vision. There is no fear because God is always
near to hold us up on His shoulders so we can see far in the distance. Here’s
today’s video to inspire this thought: Shoulders
– For King & Country.
Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
In the
post Sense of Purpose, the followers of
Christ were put in jail for speaking in His name. Isn’t it disheartening that
now over 2,000 years have passed and there are those in our current society
with similar thoughts? Communication of one’s opinions and ideas are being
stymied by political correctness in much the same fashion as it was in the
first century against those who started the Christian church.
God sees
each of us as His child. We are unique individuals who can think on our own. We
don’t need a group to do all our thinking for us. We all can make our own
decisions by following the Holy Spirit and playing our part in this world.
Here’s our inspirational video for today: My
Place in this World – Michael W. Smith.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
There is a saying that character
is doing what is right when no one is watching. In the post He
Knows so Fully Disclose, I wrote about Ananias and Sapphira who sold some
property. They held back a portion of the money and took the rest to lay at the
apostles’ feet.
The husband and wife didn’t give
the full amount they had received; only a portion but wanted people to think
they had given it all. Their pride made them want to look good in front of
others. The result was that they died for lying.
In the post Believe
and Have No Need, I wrote about the believers becoming of one in heart and
mind. It was not about the individual but about something bigger. It was about
working together to spread the Good News of the Lord Jesus.
We can do the same today but at
an even greater rate because of the Internet. Thoughts and ideas can be shared
with believers across the globe. There are inspiring videos, quotes, thoughts,
and ideas that are easily shared daily.
Let us purposefully look for God
today in nature, music, sports, movies, at the golf course, work, the shopping
center, and in His people. Document what you see. Collect facts, quotes, and
personal thoughts from your experiences. Let us work together to highlight the
building blocks of faith that lay a path for us to step ahead and spread the
Good News.
Let us be thankful that Christ
has given us a helper in the Holy Spirit that we can lean on together as our partner
in the faith. Enjoy today’s video Lean
On Me – Bill Withers
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in
deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of
Christ. - Philemon 1:16
