Willing worshipper

In Luke 19: 37-40, the disciple recounts Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He says "the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" In verse 39-40, the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" He responded "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." The same is true even today; when the presence of God enters the sanctuary, your home, car, or wherever you are, be a willing worshipper and keep the stones quiet.

Faithful friend

If we have one true friend in our lives, we are truly blessed; one that we can tell our secrets in confidence, comfort us in times of trouble, and make us smile and laugh when our heart has been broken. We have the greatest friend that we could ever hope for in Christ, as the Bible declares in Proverbs 18: 24, "a man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Christ is a faithful friend who loves us consistently, so much that He laid down his life for our sakes.

A determined mind

When a person truly has their mind made up to do something, there is little that can deter them from meeting their goal. Jesus was determined to carry out his journey to the cross. In Luke 9:51-53, the apostle recounts "as the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem." As you begin this Holy Week, consider what your mind is made up to do for Christ, and be determined to navigate through any hindrances.

Humble servant

Apostle Paul was well educated and acquainted with Jewish laws and customs, but he had compassion on the Gentiles, and was able to preach a relevant word to all. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul declares "by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Considering all of his accomplishments, but Paul ascribed his success to the grace of God. True ministry that impacts change can flourish when those who minister can do so humbly, keeping their focus focus on Christ and not themselves.

Daily exercise

Health experts say that everyone should exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to prevent weight gain and promote overall health. Just as we exercise our bodies, we also need to exercise our spirit through fellowship with Christ. In 1 John 1:8-9, the apostle declares "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Sin is a part of daily lives; thankfully, Christ is willing and able to forgive and cleanse us of all of our sins.

Benefits of integrity

As believers, we should not worry about the evil plans that our enemies may plot against us. In Psalm 41:11-12, David praises God for his protection. He declares "I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. " When we, as believers, are walking uprightly before God, we can take comfort in knowing that the plans of our enemies will not triumph over us.

Scent of a worshipper

A sweet fragrance often evokes pleasant memories of special people in our lives. In the old testament, the priest sacrificed an animal and burned it completely on the alter, which created a sweet fragrance to God. When Christ gave his life for us, He became the ultimate sacrifice. In Ephesians 5:2, Paul encourages believers to "walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." When we show others love, sacrifice ourselves for others, and worship God, we send up that sweet fragrance to God that He desires from all of us.

Get dressed

As you return to work this morning, after having a peaceful weekend, prepare yourself and your spirit for the battles that may be ahead of you this week. In Ephesians 6:10-11, Paul encourages us to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." As you put on your clothes, pack your lunch and other things that you need for work today, make sure to put on the full armor of God today, so that you can stand in spite of all that you may face this week.

Disputes in the house

One of the saddest sights to see are two believers arguing over a dispute in court, especially when they do it on national television. As believers, we should be able to settle our disputes internally, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:4 "therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!" Regardless of our denomination or doctrine, we should be able to settle our differences based on our faith in Christ as the common denominator.

Weakest link

An old adage says that "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link." Our culture makes us think that we should eliminate the weakest link to make our unit stronger. The body of Christ is not so; instead of eliminating our "weakest link,"we embrace them. In Romans 15:1, Paul encourages those whose "faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord's followers whose faith is weak." When we encounter those who are weak in the faith, remember that they are truly precious to God. Instead of condemning those who are weak in faith, or pushing them out of our unit, pray for them and be patient, just as someone did for you.

The good life

Many books and seminars claim to hold the secret for living the "good life." As convincing as their claims sound, the "good" life is often just a fantasy for most people who buy those products and attend those seminars. David has a simple solution to really living the "good life." In Psalm 34:12-14, David says "does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." The secret to living a good, full life is really no secret at all: speak positively, tell the truth, do the right thing, and live peacefully.

Changing the soil

It's disheartening how some people can go to church weekly, hear and read the word frequently, and still have no change in their lives. In Matthew 13:3-7, Jesus tells the disciples the parable of the farmer sowing his seed. He scattered it on shallow, rocky ground, thorny ground, but the seed did not prosper because it did not take root. In verse 8, He says"still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." If you want true change in your life, consider the soil of heart when you encounter the word, then condition the soil of your heart through prayer, sincere worship, and study of God's word.

I won't complain

It's difficult to complain when you think about all of your many blessings. In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to consider "if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." As you prepare to go back to work today, think about how blessed you are to have a job, when there are millions of people who are out of work. Think about how blessed you are to have family and friends who love you. If that is not enough, consider how much God loves you, so much so, that He gave his most prized possession...His Son.

Be Effective

Sometimes it seems as though we are doing all that we can for God, but are not as effective as we would like. In 2 Peter:5-8, the Apostle encourages his readers to "make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." If your ministry is ineffective, add these important attributes and watch God move.

Unworthy, by greatful

When we think about God's unfailing love for us, it can simply overwhelm us, especially when we consider that we are truly unworthy. Jacob had the same revelation; he was hiding from his brother Esau, who he committed a terrible offense against, and he just thought about God's unfailing love and His faithfulness. In Genesis 32: 10, Jacob prays" I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps! " Regardless of what we have done, or who we have wronged, God is forever faithful.

Power of agreement

The power agreement is at work in our homes, in our relationships, jobs, and especially in our congregations. There is truly power in agreement; as Amos 3:3 declares "how can two walk together except they agree." When there is conflict in the house, the Holy Spirit is hindered; in addition, it's difficult for us to witness to others outside of the church unless we are all on one accord. Instead of focusing on the details of our doctrine and tradition that divide us, let's agree on the basics concerning our faith: the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our inheritance

One of the most prominent ways to gain wealth is to simply inherit it, as the inheritance is passed down from generation to generation , to make sure that the family's offspring are financially stable. This inheritance includes natural children and those who are adopted into the family. In Galatians 4:4-5, Paul declares "when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Our natural bloodline was corrupt and polluted, so God himself sent his Son and cleansed us with his own blood,so that we could be adopted into the royal family of the King of Kings.

Gift of praise

It is a common practice to bring the owner a gift when you visit their home, especially if you are visiting for dinner or any occasion that would cause the owner to work in anticipation of your visit. In Psalm 100:4, the psalmist declares that we should "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. " When we enter into God's house or His presence, the greatest gift that we could give Him is our praise.

Pity the fool

The meaning of the word "fool" varies from language to language, and culture to culture, but the Bible is clear in its definition. In Psalm 14:1, the psalmist declares "the fool says in his heart, 'There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.' The fool believes there is no God, so he has no hope, protection, or guidance. When you hear that someone does not believe in God, witness to them and pray for them. More than that, let them see the God that lives in you, so hopefully, they will accept Christ and no longer be a fool.

Good times

When we face trials, sometimes we lose sight of all of the great things that God has already done. In Psalm 143:5, David remembers the great things that God has already done; he thinks on the good times in his life, and says "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." When we experience those trials, instead of dwelling on the current situation, reflect on the great things that God has already done.

Open invitation

In Isaiah 55:1, the Lord gives an open invitation to all who are thirsty; He says "come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Since the Lord gives us the open invitation for all to come, we should do likewise, invite all into our churches, and make them feel welcome.

Refiner's fire

To refine gold, the refiner heats the furnace to nearly 800 degrees, mixes the melted gold with chemicals to purge the impurities, then washes and rinses it several times before setting it aside to cool. God's refining fire works in much the same way. In Job 23:10, he declares "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."At times, God allows us to go through trials because He is refining us and shaping us into the men and women that he intended us to be, washing us with the Word, and rinsing our sins with the blood of Christ. The process is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, but the end result is priceless.

Still, small voice

Some believers experience disappointment in their prayer lives because the feel as though God is not listening to them, or does not respond to them. In 1 Kings 19:12, Elijah seeks the Lord's presence"on the mountain...in the wind...in the earthquake...even in the fire; but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." Too many believers are expecting God's presence to appear in a grand way, when all the time, He is speaking to us through his Spirit in a still, small voice; we simply have to listen.