Consider Today

Even in the Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:06:00 +0000

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

There was something that happened when I was a child that made a lasting impression on me. My Dad was preaching for a congregation in a small town in central Alabama. One beautiful, bright sunny Saturday in May we, along with many in the town, were at the local baseball field watching the boys play ball. Many of them worshipped with us along with many of the coaches. All of a sudden one of the coaches, a very good friend and faithful Christian, fell on the sidelines. It was soon announced that he had suffered a heart attack and passed away. Such a sad day for our small community. The next morning you can imagine our surprise, yea astonishment for many, when his wife walked in for the worship hour. I remember my Dad telling us later about how many of the people there that morning could not believe and even criticized her coming. Her statement to those who were brave enough to say something was, “God is my strength, the church is my support, why would I be anywhere else?”

What a statement of faith. Oh, you might be criticizing her yourself as you read this. Sit back and think about where your thoughts are going. What does the verse above say? See FIRST the kingdom of God. It is not about seeking God only when things are good. It is not about seeking God when it is convenient. It is about seeking God first even when we are in the valley. So many people will come to worship as long as they feel great but what about when you don’t feel so great? I don’t mean when you have something others could catch, be smart about that. I mean when you have a pain here and there or just feel out of sorts. When we feel that way we will still find a way to go to work or to go to entertaining events. But we often push God aside .

Consider today. Do you want the blessings God promises to you? Do you want all these things to be added to you? If you do, seek God FIRST. Don’t allow anything to come between you and God. Just how important is this? Eternity depends on it. Remember. Don’t forget God or push Him aside. Seek Him first even in the valley.

Let Us Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:50:00 +0000

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:14-16

Here is another direction from God that involves action. Some say this verse involves singing while others say this is talking about prayer. It could be both. The verse says that we are to continually offer the sacrifice of praise. In other words, it is something that we do every day and during the day.

Everything we have comes from God. It is only right that we should lift our hearts to Him in praise. This praise should be continual. In other words, God should be first in our minds when we think about what He has given us. We should thank Him first even when we face the trails of life because our strength comes from Him.

Consider today. Do you praise God continually whether it be by song or by prayer or both? Is He foremost in your mind when you think of your life, your blessings, your family and everything you’ve been given? Choose today to continually thank God and give your praise to Him. Let us offer!!

Let Us Run

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:58:00 +0000

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1b-2

What does it take to run? It takes getting up off the couch. It takes moving our legs. It takes action. When we lay aside the weights we’ve been wearing (sin, pain, unforgiveness….) we will be able to run wide open. We will no longer be weighted down like a ship with it’s anchor dug deep into the ocean. We will be able to move without guilt and shame.

Then we can run. We can run looking to the prize set out before us. We can run looking to Jesus as our example. He is the goal and our motivation for running. Look at what He endured. He came to the cross willingly, determined to cross the goal line.

Consider today. Are you running or watching from the sidelines? What is it that is holding you back? Get rid of that today. Choose to run. Run with courage, run with endurance, run with patience. Your words for today should be, ‘let us run’.

Let Us Lay Aside

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:21:00 +0000

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.

Hebrews 12:1a

Can you just picture it? A man comes walking down the road. Well, he is not actually walking. He is stumbling, barely putting one foot in front of the other. As he takes another step he almost falls. His knee scrapes the ground as he shifts his weight and pulls himself back up only to do the same thing again. Why is he struggling so? You look and there, almost weighing him completely down is the ugliest, most grotesque bundle of mass that you’ve ever seen. Why in the world does he not get rid of that burden that is weighing him down so?

We should ask ourselves the same question. What I’ve described above is what we look like when we continue to carry the burden of sin and the cares of this world that we keep on our backs as we try to live. We carry the cares of this world because we do not put our faith and trust in God. We are trying to make it on our own. We are burdened with stress and worry, fear and pain.

So many continue to carry the burden of sin. They live their lives under the weight of guilt and regret. Every day is spent thinking about what we could have done or what we should not have done yesterday. Tomorrow is dreaded because it will only bring more guilt and pain.

We don’t have to live this way. If we, like the Hebrew writer describes above, would lay aside the weight of these cares and the burdens of sin, then we could run. Then we would be free. Then we could live our lives loving God, trusting in Him and living a life worthy of carrying His name.

Consider today. Are you carrying a heavy burden? Are you weighted down so that you can hardly move one foot in front of the other? Choose today to live the rest of your life light as a feather and as free as the birds in the air. Choose today to lay aside.

Let Us Consider

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:59:00 +0000

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.

Hebrews 10:24

Consider one another. That is a novel idea in our world today. The cry of the world is to consider yourself above everyone else. The world says that we should do whatever makes us happy regardless of what that does to anyone else whether that is your friends, parents, husband/wife, or your children.

Now, am I saying that we should spend our lives being miserable? Absolutely not. The thing is, when we focus on others, we find out that we are so much happier. By the way, what is it that makes us happy? So many people today think that happiness is found in partying, having things, and always getting my way.

Life is not about worldly activities, things or who gets their way. The song we used to sing as children says it well. Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last. That is where we find joy and where we will be happy.

Consider today. Do you consider others? You should encourage others to build love and to lead by example to good works. What are you doing for others? Consider one another.

Let Us Draw Near

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:52:00 +0000

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:19-22

There are many people who claim to be a Christian yet live their lives at an arm length from God. They do not pray. They do not spend time in God’s word. They do not attempt to come close or to draw near to God.

Yet one of our greatest blessings is the fact that, since Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us, we can come with boldness as it states in the beginning of our passage above before the throne of God. We can draw near to God. We can draw near to God with confidence. We can be sure that He hears our prayers and that He will answer them according to His will. He will always give us what is best for us. He will lead us in the straight path that will take us to heaven.

Consider today. Are you drawing near to God? Have you become distracted and caught up in the world so that you are living at an arms’ length away from the One who can provide for you, bless you and prepare a home for you in heaven? Choose today to draw near to God. Love Him. Read His word. Talk to Him. Spend your life drawing near.

Let Us Go On

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:50:00 +0000

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.

Hebrews 6:1-3

Go on. This is the dream of every teacher for their students. It is the dream of every parent for their children. It is the desire of God for all of His children. What does it mean? It means that we can’t sit where we are. We must continue to grow.

Once a student learns 1 + 1 = 2, it is time to move on. It is time to go on to subtraction, multiplication and division. Then to algebra, calculus and trig. A child goes from learning to crawl to walking. Then to running. They learn to dress themselves then to pick out their own clothes. They learn to do their chores then how to work at a job.

A person just learning about Jesus learns just that. They learn about Jesus. Then they learn about faith and trust. Once they have put away their sins, confessed Jesus before all and been buried with Him in baptism, they are not done. This is only the beginning. Now they must go on. They learn the elementary principles but must go on to learn the deeper things of Christ. This is God’s desire for us.

Consider today. Are you going on? Have you become stuck at 1 + 1 = 2? Are you growing as you should as a person, a wife or husband, a mom or dad, a child? Are you growing in your work? Are you growing as a Christian? Let us choose today to go on.

Let Us Come Boldly

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:33:00 +0000

Let Us Come Boldly

For we do not have a High priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

How easy is it to talk to someone when you know what you are going to say will be embarrassing? Is that why we, so many times, are reluctant to lay our lives out before God? Are we embarrassed about the attitudes and actions in our lives that we struggle with?

The verses above remind us that Jesus himself was tempted in every point just like we are. Yes, He was able to live His life without sin but he felt the struggle of decision. Jesus knows what we are going through.

Let us come boldly to the throne of grace. We don’t have to hide our face. God already knows our struggles. The only way to find the path leading to the strength to overcome our weaknesses is by laying them out before God. We must come boldly before Him so that He can bless us with His grace. He will help us.

Consider today. Are you trying to hide your life from God and those around you? The only way to overcome our struggles with sin is to be honest. We must open ourselves before God so that He can bless us with His mercy and grace. He will help us e our weakness. Let us come boldly.

Let Us Be Diligent

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:03:00 +0000

Let Us Be Diligent

For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:10-12

Do you know what it means to be diligent? The definition of diligent is to be persistent and hard working. If we wish to enter the rest God has to offer us we must be persistent and hard working. Wait a minute. That is not the message many preach today. Often you hear preachers say that all you need to do to secure your home in heaven is to say that you accept Jesus into your heart. There is nothing else that is needed. However, look at the verses above. Is that what God’s word says?

We want to enter the rest of God. If heaven is going to be our home where we can be at peace and rest with God, it will require that we are persistent and that we work hard. We must be diligent. Does this mean we can work our way to heaven? No. God is the only one who can save us and He does that by offering His grace which gives us access to salvation.

It is up to us to accept that offer of grace. We do that when we put our faith in God. It is not just a talking faith. It is a faith that moves to action. It is a living faith. Our faith leads us to trust God, name Jesus as our Savior confessing His name to all those around us, turn our lives away from the world repenting of the sins that have separated us from God and by being buried with Him in baptism rising to walk a new life. We will be persistent in living that new life for God. Yes, we will work hard to make sure we are living a righteous life following God’s ways laid out in His word and we will share that with all we can.

Consider today. Are you living your life for God? Are you a Christian? Choose today to live so that you can enter the rest God provides for those who love Him and live for Him. Let us be diligent.

Let Us Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Let Us Fear

Therefore since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

Hebrews 4:1

Fear. This is not a word we talk about very much except in the negative. It is true that we should not live a life of fear. Neither should fear be the driving force behind our actions whether good or bad.

However, there is such a thing as a healthy dose of fear. Let’s think about it like this. We should be serious. We should be serious about our walk with God. God is serious with us. To fall short of the promise of entering His rest is the saddest thing we could ever think of. Sometimes I think we have forgotten how serious the consequences of a life away from God are.

Are you taking God serious? Do you spend time in His word to gain knowledge of who God is, the life of Jesus and God’s desires for us as we walk with Him? Do you talk to God in prayer praising Him, thanking Him for the blessings of our lives, and talking to Him about your needs and desires?

Consider today. Are you remembering that your Christian life is serious? Is God a priority in your life? Do you put Him first? Live so that you will receive the promise of God and enter into His rest.

Big

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:10:00 +0000

But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built.

I Kings 8:27

Remember the song we sometimes sing about how big God is? My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do… Do we really believe what we sing?

When we were children, many of us thought this about our Daddy. He could do anything. There was nothing too big, no work too hard, no bully too big that our Dad could not handle. We felt so confident in his presence. There we were safe, protected and ready to face anything.

Why do we not feel this way about our heavenly Father? There is nothing too big, no work too hard, no bully too big that our Father cannot lead us through. In His presence we should know that we are safe, protected and ready to face anything.

Consider today. Have you lost faith in your Father? God has not gone anywhere nor has He gotten smaller. Our God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There is nothing our God cannot do. Put your faith and trust in Him to lead your life.

The Way of the Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:10:00 +0000

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps

I Peter 2:21

Over the last three weeks at the Enola Church of Christ, we’ve heard a series of lessons about the walking the way of the cross. We talked about the requirements for walking in the way, what we should expect along the way and what is waiting for us at the end of the way. As we consider that this morning, we should spend some time considering where we are on the way.

Have you begun to walk the way of the cross? That is begun when we hear and believe in Jesus. This belief leads us to turn from the way we are living that is sinful and following the world. We will willingly confess that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. Then we will be born again to a new life following the way by being buried with Jesus in the water of baptism. Once we have been washed clean we are ready to walk in the way of the cross.

Many people start out walking in the way of the cross yet they wander off the way as they live their lives. They may be pulled back into the world to a former life unwilling to give up whatever separated them from God in the first place. Some leave the way of the cross because it seems to be too hard. They don’t want to make any sacrifices. When the going gets tough, they quit.

Consider today where you are. Are you on the way of the cross? Did you start out on the way of the cross and wander off into the world? Choose today to re-align your life to the example of Christ. If you are not there right now, take the steps necessary to get on the way of the cross. If you were but have moved away, come back. Live your life following the way of the cross.

Thirsty

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:09:00 +0000

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

Psalm 42:1

What does it mean to be thirsty? Have you ever really thought about it? All you can think about is that cool glass of water and when you get it you can feel it running down your throat. Ah…. How good it feels!!! Do you thirst for God like that?

If we did, our church buildings would not be nearly empty on Sunday and Wednesday night. If we understood and were searching and being filled by Jesus we would not see so many “Christians” caught up in the world. If we thirst for God the divorce rate in the church would be null and our children would understand faithfulness.

Consider today. What do you thirst for? Is it to be filled with the water of the world? Thirst for God and allow Him to fill you with water that can truly quench your soul so that you will never thirst for the world. Are you thirsty?

Distractions

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:19:00 +0000

18) “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19) Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, “Follow Me!” 20) Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22) Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.” 23) Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

John 21:18-23

Our reading is a little long today, but it makes a very good point. Jesus has just told Peter that he is going to die in a way that glorifies God. Peter then turns and asks about John. In verse 23 the Bible says that a rumor (other translations use the word “saying”) went out among or spread saying that this disciple would not die. Now, that is not what Jesus said but that is not the point of this devotional.

The point is, how many times do we read scripture or hear lessons that hit home yet instead of looking at ourselves and taking the action we need to take, we turn our attention on someone else. We look at and think about how someone else should be responding to the verses we’ve read or the lessons we’ve heard. We allow ourselves to become distracted by the lives other people are living. This takes the focus off of our own.

This is one of the great tricks of satan. If he can tempt us and we fall into the way of always looking at other people, we will not do what we need to do to make our own lives right with God. So many times the words from our mouth and our thoughts are, “Boy, _____ really needs to read this.” Or, “I hope _____ is listening because they sure do need this lesson.” Our response to God’s Word and to Bible lessons should always first be, “How does this affect me? How do I need to change my life in order to be in God’s Will?”

Consider Today. Do you become easily distracted by looking at other people instead of applying God’s Word and message to yourself? Change yourself first to be like Christ then help other people to do the same. Stay focused. Don’t become distracted.

Like a Child

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:52:00 +0000

And said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

What does God require of us? This is a question we should seek the answer for if we want heaven as our home. This week we should examine ourselves to see if we growing and maturing into the man/woman that God would have us to be. To become as a little child. I’m afraid there are many who have trouble with this one. Think about it. What are some ways we should become like a child?

Humility Little children are humble. They do not do whatever they do to lift themselves up with pride. Have you ever seen a small child with a haughty attitude?

Forgiveness Little children can be hurt by a friend and the next moment be playing with the same one who just hurt them. They forgive in a moment. Children do not hold grudges.

Wonder Have you ever shown a child a bird, the lights at Christmas, or a pretty flower. Their eyes light up and usually they smile. They never look with disinterest at the world around them. There is wonder in their eyes as they see and experience God’s creation. They may be driving down a road that they drive down every day and their eyes still light up as they point with excitement and say “look, mommy, cows” every single time. Do you look at the world and the people around you like that?

Love Little children know how to love.

Read the verse above again. There is a phrase that is key to entering the kingdom of heaven. You must be converted. That is the only way you can become as a child.

Consider today. Do you have the child-like qualities in your life that will bring you into heaven? Is your spirit humble as you understand what you would be without God? Are you forgiving to those around you? Are you filled with wonder at the beauty God has given you to enjoy? Are you filled with love when you are with or even when you think about your family and friends? Become as little children so that you can enter the kingdom of heaven.

These Things

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:39:00 +0000

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Think on these things. What kind of things do you think about? The things we think direct our attitudes, our motivation, our general outlook on life. Paul admonishes us to think on things that are:

• True
• Noble
• Just
• Pure
• Lovely
• Good Report

Compare these words to the things that you think about. How do your thoughts measure up? Oh, we think that this is only referring to the things that we watch on TV, see at the movies or read. It is much more than that. Some hold grudges for things that were done to them, repented of or not. When you think on things like this it keeps the event stirred up in your mind. It often leads to bitterness and unforgiveness. People often keep on their mind mistakes they’ve made and sins they’ve committed. They just can’t let them go even after asking God for forgiveness. Keeping these things on your mind will not allow you to grow and move on to where God wants you to be.

Consider today. Determine that you will turn your mind away from thoughts that will take you away from God. Set your mind on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. Then you can develop the attitude of Jesus, you will be motivated toward good and you will have a positive outlook on life. Think on these things.

Our Leanin Side

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:54:00 +0000

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 4:10

I once received a story about an old man who, when he was asked to lead prayer, would always pray, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side.” Now, what could he mean by that? If you asked him, he would explain it this way. “You see, it’s like this…I got an old barn out back. It’s been there a long time, it’s withstood a lot of weather, it’s gone through a lot of storms, and it’s stood for many years. It’s still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn’t fall.

Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I’ve been around a long time. I’ve withstood a lot of life’s storms. I’ve withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I’ve withstood a lot of hard times, and I’m still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times. Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn’t. So we need to pray, ‘Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.’”

This old man said a lot in his explanation of the way he prayed. We have all been through much in our lives. Yet, at times, we find ourselves leaning toward temptation. It could be the temptations talked about above. Or, it could be the temptation to follow the world. We need God to lift us up so that we will not fall. The only way God can do that is for us to humble ourselves before Him. We need to admit our weaknesses. We must put our faith and trust in Him to hold us up.

Consider today. Have you humbled yourself before God? Are you allowing Him to hold you up? He is the only foundation that will never fall. Trust Him to hold up your leanin’ side.

Love God

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:15:00 +0000

But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Numbers 14:8-9

The word heed means to give careful attention to. That is what Joshua is telling the children of Israel. His instructions are still true today. What do we need to do?

1) Love the Lord our God
2) Walk in all His ways
3) Keep His commandments
4) Hold fast to Him
5) Serve Him with all our heart and with all our soul

It is simple and hard. The list is simple. Anyone can understand it. However to actually do it is not always easy. Just begin with the first one. Love the Lord your God. What does it mean to love? When we think of love today many people can only thing of physical attraction. That is not love. Love is a deep-rooted decision. It is seeing the benefit of living a life for God. It is trusting in the promises of God so much that you don’t worry or fall apart even in the troubled times of your life. It is being willing to do what is right no matter what the people around you are doing. It is knowing deep sorrow when you realize the sacrifice God made so that you can experience the joy of salvation and a home in heaven. Love is never giving up on God because He will never give up on you.

Consider today. Do you love the Lord your God? Does your life show that you love God? Choose today to love the Lord your God.

Prepare Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:11:00 +0000

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Ezra 7:10

Oh what would our world be like if we would follow the example of Ezra? What did he do?

First he set or prepared his heart. There are many who “go to church” but never prepare or set their heart to walk in the ways of God. They are too busy seeking and following their own path, their own ways. In order to prepare our heart we must submit to the will of God and give up our selves.

Second, he sought the Law of the Lord. What is God’s word to you? Is it a dusty book in the shelf that is only taken down when someone is born or dies so that you can fill in the heritage section? Is it that put aside book that you only pick up, if you think of it, on the way out of the door on Sunday? God’s word should be sought daily. We should desire to know what is in the word so that we can put it in our hearts and minds to live it out daily.

That is the third part. Not only did Ezra seek the Law of the Lord, he did it!!! So many times we hear but we don’t take it to heart. We must live the word of the Lord every day. Not only must we live it ourselves, we must teach it to others so that they can know the way of the Lord and receive the blessings that come from God.

Consider today. What do you need to do in order to put God first in your life, seek His word and do it? Throw off the world that is standing in between you and God. Study the word every day. Do what it says. Share it with others. Begin by doing the most important thing that will keep you faithful. Prepare your heart!!!

Only Two

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:30:00 +0000

If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people fo the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.

Numbers 14:8-9

Read Numbers 13 and 14. Moses sent out 12 men to spy out the land of Canaan. When the men returned to the Israelites, they carried a message of how great the land was. They told of the abundance of food and water. They also told about the people who inhabited the land. Yet, when they spoke of entering the land, 10 of the spies were frightened and protested entering it. They said the people were as big as giants and that they would never be able to take the land. These were the people who saw the plagues of Egypt. They were the ones who were led by God through the Red Sea. They were directed and protected by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night. There were only two who were ready to launch out and, by faith, trust God to fulfill His promises.

Were they not like so many who claim to be Christians today? They’ve seen God work in their lives and in the lives of their friends. However, when it comes to following God’s lead, they shrink back and claim that it can’t be done. Where is their faith?

Consider today. Where is your faith? When following God seems unpopular or when you must step out in spite of the fear, do you? Are you like the only two above who put their faith in God and were ready to run into the battle if need be to accomplish the will of God? Trust God. He has always fulfilled His promises and He will now. Will you trust in God even if there are only two? Choose to be one of the two.

A Song Too High

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:19:00 +0000

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” I Peter 1:13-16 The song leader at a worship service began the next song. After singing the first verse he stopped and adjusted the pitch. Why, because the song was too high for the audience to sing. He lowered the pitch to a more comfortable level and continued with the service. The thing is, the song leader pitched the song correctly to begin with. Other song leaders over time had pitched the songs so far below the correct pitch that the church was not comfortable singing them where they were written. Those high notes, at the correct pitch, are now above range and it is a strain to hit them. What about how we live? We live every day around worldly influences. Just listen to the language and see what is shown on television. Hear the words of popular songs. What about the books we read? We see the worldly lives of many of our friends and co-workers. What do we think when we read verses like the ones above? What does it mean to be holy? Have we become so accustomed, so acclimated to worldly actions and things around us that we are uncomfortable with the idea of living a holy life? Do the standards set by Christ seem too high for us to reach because we have let so much of the world in? Consider Today. Take time today to review your life. If we moved closer to the correct pitch in our singing, it would become easier and easier to hit the high notes. The same is true with our lives. If we begin to move closer and closer to the life God wants for us, it will become easier to turn away from the ways of the world. Choose today to sing the high notes.

Shine Like Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

Daniel 12:3

God has granted us the abundant gift of salvation. Those who are wise will choose to accept this gift following the path God has laid out for us in His word by believing that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. This knowledge will lead us to be truly sorry of the sins that have separated us from God and will lead us to repent and turn away from a life of sin and worldliness to focus in a new direction, the direction of heaven. This will not be something that we keep hidden away from others. If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God we will boldly and with confidence proclaim to the world what we believe. We will run to submit to baptism, to be buried in the water so that we can be washed clean and raised to a new life.

What is the result of choosing and living this new life? We will shine like the brightness of the firmament. Read Daniel 12:1-3. And, not only that, those who choose to live this life and influence others will shine like stars forever and ever. What a glorious way to look at eternal life.

Consider today. Are you wise? Have you chosen salvation? Are you living a life that will be a good influence on those around you? Make a decision now to follow God, do His will and shine like stars.

The Lord Will Find a Way

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:54:00 +0000

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Remember the song we sang as children, and sometimes as adults? I know the Lord will find a way for me…. If we mean what we sing, then why are we so stressed and worried? When we sing this we are saying “I Know”. What does it mean to know something? It means that you don’t have any doubts. It means that you can stand firm in your knowledge. If I know the Lord will find a way for me, then I should not have any doubts and I should stand firm in the knowledge.

But, there is more to the story. Sing the rest of the song. If I walk in heaven’s light, shun the wrong and do the right….. Uh oh. Now we understand why there are many times when we worry and stress. How are we living? Are we living for ourselves, following our own paths and making choices that take us away from God? This is the catch to the song. It is also the catch to the verse above.

Consider today. We can be assured that all things will work together for our good when we love God. What will we do if we love God? We will walk in heaven’s light, shun the wrong and do the right. Then we can live our lives and sing, I know the Lord will find a way for me!

Be Real

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:9-10

Have you ever met a person who, on the surface, appeared to be one thing that you found out later, they were not? Guess that’s a confusing sentence, but I think you know what I mean. Some people claim to live a certain way, but when you get to know them; you find that what they claimed is not how they really live. I read once of a couple who ran into an old college friend. They were so impressed as this friend related to them news of all the activities of the church she was involved in. She was teaching a class for children, she was involved in various ladies ministries and she was even helping in the church office. Yet, later on, the couple found out that this friend was having an affair with a married man. She was deceptive and dishonest when she visited with her old friends hiding her real life.

Now, we may not be involved in something like this woman was. But, are we truly honest with ourselves and with others? We try so hard to prove that we have no weaknesses. In doing that, sometimes, we rob ourselves of the strength we could gain from our brothers and sisters who fight similar battles to the ones we fight. In verses 5 through 8 of Colossians 3 Paul lists some of the practices and attitudes of the world. As a Christian we are to put off these kinds of activities and ways of thinking.

Consider today and read Colossians 3:1-11. Meditate on your life. Are there still things from your old life that are causing you problems? Be honest. That is the only way you can overcome the temptations of satan. Believe me, he knows what our weaknesses are. Lay them out before God and pray for help. Seek help from your brothers and sisters so that you can become strong to fight the temptations of the world. Don’t live a lie. Put your faith in God so that you can live a healthy, productive live showing others the way to Christ. Be real!!

Be Reminded

noreply@blogger.com (Cindi Burleson) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:55:00 +0000

“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yet, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you.”

2 Peter 1:12, 13

Oh how easily we forget. Our parents trained us to do many things when we were children. Such things as putting away a toy after we finish playing, putting our dirty clothes in the hamper, taking our plates to the sink after eating, washing behind our ears, etc…. But, as children, how many times did we forget to do these things. We had to be reminded often to remember the things we had been taught to do.

It’s funny (not the ha-ha kind) that we’re the same way as adults. This seems to be especially true when it comes to being what we ought to be as Christians. How easily we forget! We know we ought to read God’s Word. We know we should pray continually. We know that worshipping with our fellow brothers and sisters is important. We know that our lives should be growing to be more like Jesus every day. Yet, we must be reminded.

This reminding should stir us up to be what we need to be. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Many quote these verses to remind us that we should not stay away from assembling together and that is important. But look at the reason. It is to remind us, to stir us up to remember to do what is right. It is to help us to make the right choices.

Consider today. Don’t forget to do what is right. Remember to allow God to mold your life. Get into God’s Word so that you can remember His gifts and promises and so that you can remember what you need to be in order to live a God directed life. Pray always to stay connected with God and to remember His place in your life. Be Reminded.