“I urge you to imitate me…” 1 Corinthians 4:16

“Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised..” Hebrews 6:12

“Consider the outcome of (your leaders) way of life and imitate their faith..” Hebrews 13:7

After refreshing her cup of coffee, my always-stylish friend returned to our table with a chuckle. When I asked the reason for her amusement, she replied, “As I passed a nearby booth, a woman said,  “I want to look like you! Not just your clothes, I want to look like you when I’m your age.”

Whether joining me for our regular Monday morning meeting at a favorite restaurant or cleaning out the garage, Anne’s wardrobe is “together.”  Her finances are minimal so I know her clothing is not from the exclusive stores on the north end of town, but she always somehow knows how to dress whether the outfit is casual or dressy. On this particular morning she leaned toward the former: jeans, sandals, black tee and oversized white shirt. And a straw hat perched on her short, stylishly cut white hair.

But my seventy-year-old friend possesses much more than an innate talent for putting together the right clothing. It is her “inner wardrobe” that sets her apart, the quality that draws people. Anne spends much time in the Word, seeking to always obey what the Holy Spirit reveals. She devotes herself to life-changing prayer, prayer that includes her family, friends and their concerns, her church family, the broader Christian community, her country and the world. While reading the newspaper or hearing media broadcasts, she prays for people and events. She is well read, well informed. She attracts people not only to herself but to the Jesus she loves and follows.

The Apostle Paul was bold to say, “I urge you to imitate me“.  While recognizing his human tendencies, he also knew that, when controlled by God’s Spirit, he could relax and allow that Spirit to produce life that could be imitated. What an affirmation of God’s work within us when someone says, “I want to look like you!”

Lord, you know that too often there is little family resemblance between me and you. Please remind me to dress my spirit as well as my body each morning and thus draw people to your beauty.

By Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Just Like Jesus

Mirroring God’s Image

Son Reflectors

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“Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services.” Acts 13:13-14 (NLT)

Then, just a week prior to the start of the project, God’s Spirit rose up within me and clearly told me to walk away. No reasons were given – just a clear command from God.

In some ways, this is similar to the untold story of Mark. Mark was on a journey that was the opportunity of a lifetime — serving alongside Paul and Barnabas while they were literally changing the world. Then, out of nowhere, Mark announces he will return to Jerusalem and not continue on with the mission.

Many have speculated as to why Mark left, but several facts remain clear:

• Luke left out a description as to why Mark left.
• Some supported Mark (such as Barnabas), while others were angry and disappointed (such as Paul).
• Mark would later go on another mission with Barnabas and become a respected leader in the Church.
• Mark would later write the Gospel of Mark.

God clearly had a plan for Mark, as He does for all of us. To be Spirit-led, we are to follow His lead. This can sometimes cause dissension, as it did with Mark, and as it did when I decided not to go ahead with what seemed like a wonderful ministry opportunity. However, we must have faith in God’s guidance. Only God knows the roads we must go on to truly be His ‘hands and feet’ in the world.

Lord, we love to be in control, and we like to think we know how best to serve you. Help us not to fight against paths that you would have us take. Give us the strength to have faith that you will never forsake us or lead us astray. Help us to truly be Spirit-led. Amen.

By Daniel Forster
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

FURTHER READING

We Plan – God Directs

When God Interrupts Our Plans

Big, Big Plans

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“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Mona Shriver was taken completely by surprise. Gary, her husband of 20 years confessed to a long-term affair.  She was devastated.

Mona says, “I had to totally rely on God because there were a lot of days that I didn’t think I was going to make it.”

Through those difficult months, Mona learned that whatever happens in her life, whatever her circumstance, God would–and did sustain her!

Was it painful?  Yes, it was.  And there were many times when Mona had to constantly remind herself of God’s promise in the Bible: “My grace is sufficient for you.”  She read it over and over.

It took some time and a lot of work, but Gary and Mona’s marriage was eventually healed.  And today they come alongside other couples in an adultery recovery ministry. God’s grace is sufficient for you!

Unfaithful, Rebuilding Trust after Infidelity by Mona Shriver: https://www.hopeandhealing.us

The Shriver’s have ministered to couples in adultery recovery through Hope and Healing Ministries support groups since 1998.

by Vonette Bright
used by permission

FURTHER READING

**Marital Affairs

Rebuilding After a Wife’s Affair

When Your Husband Has an Affair

Are YOU having an Affair?

Starting Over

**Marriage Problems

My Husband No Longer Loves Me and is Going to Leave

What Pornography Brings to a Relationship

My Husband isn’t Meeting my Needs!

Elma’s Story – Nothing Left To Give
“My husband didn’t know how to acknowledge my feelings and show me the support I needed.”

Why is my Marriage in a State of Conflict?

How Can my Spouse and I Get on the Same Page?

Hope for Those without Hope

In-Laws – Stress or Blessing?

**Making Your Marriage Stronger

Two Keys to a Happy Marriage

Praying for your Husband

Praying for your Wife

Building Your Husband’s Self-Esteem

Faithful to Your Man

Adhesive Qualities in a Marriage – Glue only comes in one flavor

Getting a Proper Foundation for Marriage, Family and Life by Ed Becker

The Trust Factor

Love for a Lifetime

Grace to Keep on Yielding – A story of how a couple chose to compromise and yield their wills during a simple visit to a garden centre.

God Renewed My Marriage

What’s Love Got To Do With It? by Norm Miller

The post Nothing Else But God appeared first on Thoughts About God.

There are certain mountains only God can climb. Ascend them and you’ll end up bruised and embarrassed. Stay away from them and you’ll sidestep a lot of stress. These mountains are described in the final phrase of the Lord’s prayer, “Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”  A trio of peaks mantled by the clouds. Admire them, applaud them, but don’t climb them.

It’s not that you aren’t welcome to try, it’s just that you aren’t able. The pronoun is thine, not mine; thine is the kingdom, not mine is the kingdom. If the word Savior is in your job description, it’s because you put it there. Your role is to help the world, not save it. Mount Messiah is one mountain you weren’t made to climb.

Nor is Mount Self-Sufficient. You aren’t able to run the world, nor are you able to sustain it. Some of you think you can. You are self-made. You don’t bow your knees, you just roll up your sleeves and put in another twelve-hour day, which may be enough when it comes to making a living or building a business. But when you face your own grave or your own guilt, your power will not do the trick.

You were not made to run a kingdom, nor are you expected to be all-powerful. And you certainly can’t handle all the glory. Mount Applause is the most seductive of the three peaks. The higher you climb the more people applaud, but the thinner the air becomes. More than one person has stood at the top and shouted, `Mine is the glory!’ only to lose their balance and fall.

“Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”  What protection this final phrase affords. As you confess that God is in charge, you admit that you aren’t. As you proclaim that God has power, you admit that you don’t. And as you give God all the applause, there is none left to dizzy your brain.

by Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: The Great House of God (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001)

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://www.maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

• The Kingdom of Heaven
• Seeking the Kingdom
• You are God’s Chosen Servant

The post “Thine is the Kingdom…” appeared first on Thoughts About God.

The farmer was up doing repairs to the roof of his barn when he started sliding off. He prayed, “Lord help me, if you save me I promise to change my ways.” Just then his pants snagged a nail and stopped his slide. He quickly said, “It’s OK, a nail caught me.”

Question: Do we make deals with God and then when He answers do we forget to give Him what we promised? Or how about with other people? Do we do the same thing?

My prayer for you this week

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Amen.” Matthew 5:33-37

by Alec Niemi
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• The Power of a Mother’s Promise
• All Your Plans and Paths
• Be Blessed With Your Father’s Favor

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This spring our grandson was visiting on a nice sunny day so the two of us went to the back yard to do some clean up. The task would have gone faster without the help of a two year old but for the delight of being together I invited him to join me.

I learned two lessons from a two year old child’s perspective that day. In the middle of the afternoon it started to snow, one of those spring squalls that produce large flakes of snow. Domonic turned to me with a big smile and said, “Me chase snow!” He proceeded to run, turning in circles, laughing all the time while attempting to catch the snow flakes. His joy was infectious! The lesson I learned in watching him was that we need to enjoy the moments that God gives.

The second lesson Domonic taught me had to do with his wanting to help me.  In the clean up process we filled several baskets with debris. I started to carry the first one away when Domonic said, “Me help.”? I really did not need his help but I let him take hold of the basket.  He didn’t really have the strength to help, but I let him do it even though I had to slow down.  It gave him great pleasure to help his Papa!

I began to think about how God views us. I do not claim to be a theologian, but I am convinced that God does not really need our help. The fact that God invites us to join him in his work is because he delights in the relationship with us and knows we will be satisfied in that partnership with him. In my desire to help God, I am very much like a two year old trying to help his Papa.

So the lessons from a two year old that I learned that day were to enjoy each moment God gives, even though there is a task to be done, and to understand that God desires and delights in our relationship with him.

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!   Psalm 92:4-5 (NIV)

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.

Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:6-8 (NIV)

by Mike Woodard
used be permission

FURTHER READING

• A Better Perspective
• Perspective
• Trust in the Wait

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One of the prerequisites for being a servant of God is to think like a servant.

This would be fine if it wasn’t so impossible. We are all naturally wired to think only of ourselves.

Learning to give preference to others is one of the true marks of a Christian because it is so contrary to human nature. That’s why desiring it comes from God, and doing it comes through the Holy Spirit.

Paul said of Timothy: “I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares for your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:20-21, NLT).

Hidden in these verses is the secret to making an attitude of servanthood become a part of your thinking. It starts with Jesus. When you fall in love with Jesus, you focus on Him and worship Him. As you do this, you find out about Him – you get to know Him as you would a friend – and soon you come to know what matters to Him, until finally, you start to realize that what matters to Him, matters to you. This is not just a factor of familiarity, either. There is a supernatural element at work here as well. What matters to Jesus connects with the Holy Spirit in you, and the Spirit answers from deep inside you to the call of truth.

Other people mattered deeply to Jesus. He could read their hurt and pain. Scripture says He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Well where did that grief and sorrow come from if it didn’t come from the suffering of people around Him? In other words, He was carrying their grief. He was empathizing with their sorrow. Once a woman touched him in a desperate need to be healed, and He could feel the compassionate power go from Him even though He didn’t see who touched Him in the press of the crowd. He was that sensitive to the needs of those around Him.

Now truly, thinking like a servant doesn’t automatically make you one, but it goes a long way toward getting you there. If you are thinking like a servant, you are noticing others; and the more you are aware of others, the more the Holy Spirit can use you in reaching out to them. All this increases the opportunity for the gospel. People are simply not used to being served.

Take it from me, a guy who is not by any stretch servant material, it’s actually a relief to get off my most popular subject “me” and on to someone else. Ask God to help you think like a servant today, and I’m certain you’ll get a chance to be one.

Question: Where are there opportunities in your life (at home, work, church, or elsewhere) to “think like a servant”?

by John Fischer
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

When Inadequacy Slips In

The Other Side of Me

God’s Plan or My Plan?

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“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Have you ever had someone rub you the wrong way? Most of us probably have. No matter how hard we try to like them as a brother or sister in Christ, our personalities clash. We may even pray for God to help us see them as He does, hoping our attitude will be altered. But each and every time they put us on edge and our back teeth clench.

We are to love one another, right? That is the second commandment of Jesus (Mark 12: 31). So why can’t we “just get over it” and love this abrasive person? Perhaps because God is still sharpening us or them.

Often times we see the speck in someone else’s eye because it is similar to the log in our own (Matthew 7:3). People can bring out the worse in us. We see our faults magnified in them without realizing it. Or they may remind us of someone who hurt us in the past. Maybe that irritating trait they exhibit is exactly what God plans to use to help mold us, correct our misunderstanding, or build His love into our hearts, which doesn’t hinge on actions or words. He may use the personality that sets us on edge as a sword to cut away something in us that is keeping us from growing spiritually.

So if someone rubs you the wrong way, perhaps that is a good thing. Even better, it may be a God-thing.

Father God, when someone rubs us the wrong way, let us turn to You for discernment. Because Your son, Jesus, commanded us to love, let us call upon Your Holy Spirit to guide us, sharpen us, and mold us so we may indeed act instead of react. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by permission
https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/

FURTHER READING

• Having an Open Mind
• Bible Studies and more
• Going Deeper with God

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“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV

My favorite fast-food restaurant is known for cheerfully greeting its customers with, “How may I serve you?” After serving me, it’s often followed up with, “It was my pleasure to serve you.” How refreshing to hear! If I’m not in the best mood or frame of mind, these words can change my outlook on life in that very moment.

Are we finding ways to serve others throughout our week?

Are we finding ways to help or bless them? I just have to pause and look around; opportunities abound if I open my eyes, ears and heart.

At the last supper Jesus took a cloth and basin of water and kneeled to wash the disciples’ feet. This was a beautiful picture of the King of kings humbling Himself before others in a spirit of service. He set an example that any of us can follow.

• • How can I serve my family, friends and neighbors?
  • How can I serve a stranger?
  • How can I serve my church?
  • How can I serve you, Lord?

The Bible clarifies that as we do for the least of them, it’s as if we do it for God. Our service doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be meaningful and worthy when done with a sincere heart and pure motives.

I want to make a difference. I want to impact the lives of others in a way that lifts them up and encourages them, to make things better.

Lord, may I have a spirit of service reflecting the example of Jesus, commit to serving others, and pledge my obedience to you to further your kingdom work and glorify you.

By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

•  The Walk of Obedience – by Mary Pinckney

•  Blessed Obedience – by Ideletter McVicker

•  God Requires Risky Obedience – by Jon Walker

The post A Servant Spirit appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”  Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)

We live in a world that has become filled with mayhem.  Every side we turn there is a school shooting, a kidnapping, a family on the brink of falling apart or even a suicide as we have witnessed recently.

In the midst of all these challenges we have a tendency to become so consumed with our own lives and fail to see those crying out for help right around us.  That is why it is essential for us, as the children of God to hear the voice of our Father.

Every day we should position ourselves to hear what He desires to share with those around us. I love this scripture found in Isaiah 50:4; it reads, “The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning he will wake me   to listen like a student.” (GW)  We must become sensitive to His Holy Spirit.

Too many people are walking around not knowing what to do or where to turn and we hold the answers within us.  No, our lives may not be perfect, but we do serve a perfect God. He knows the plans and the purposes He has set for us. Along the course of our journey we should be willing to make ourselves available when He needs to interrupt our plans.  The challenge we are in right now, may hold the key to someone’s victory. That is, if we would take the time to stop murmuring and complaining and learn the lessons.

The Lord would often send others to help encourage and strengthen our hearts in hopes that we would begin to do the same for those that cross our path. Take the time today and pay close attention to that still small voice within.  Begin to share a smile, a hug, or just a few kind words with a stranger or a friend and watch their life blossom. You never know whose live you may be saving. That is the power of encouragement.

Nothing in our lives is wasted. Everything that we have encountered has purpose.  It helps to remember that we were not created to serve ourselves but to serve those around us. You are the answer to someone else’s dilemma. You are their miracle.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  19 Ways to Encourage Others – by Stacy W

•  I Like To Be Encouraged – by Katherine Kehler

•  Salvation Explained

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“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.”  Matthew 20:32

It might seem kind of obvious that when two blind men call out to Jesus for mercy that they want to be healed. But Jesus stops, calls them closer, and asks them directly, “What do you want me to do for you?”

I have noticed, sometimes, when I’m sitting by the side of life’s road, crying out to Jesus for mercy, he stops, calls me closer and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”

It’s one of those questions that clears the cobwebs. It cuts through to the core issue. After all, if I’m enlisting the Creator of the Universe on my behalf, I’d better know what I want.

How am I really feeling? What’s the real issue here? What do I need from God today?

There is power in clarifying your true need. And there’s power in bringing it before the throne of grace.

Today, what do you need Him to do for you? Ask for what you need – even when it seems kind of obvious. Ask. And watch how He moves heaven and earth on your behalf.

Dear God, Please help me be clear about what I really need and want. Thank you, that when I ask, you listen. Help me see the power of your hand upon my life, even today. Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   Crying Out to God   by Charles Stanley
•   The Stones Cry Out by Charles Spurgeon
•   Crying from the Cave by Bill Strom
•   How to Cry Out to God   by Charles Stanley

The post Clarifying your Need appeared first on Thoughts About God.

One of my favorite aphorisms is, “the more you learn, the more you know you don’t know”.

Today, we have access to more knowledge than at any point in history, but one thing is missing from all the access to this information: great wisdom.

Despite advances in technology, high levels of education and instant communication, many people still lack spiritual wisdom.

Godly wisdom and understanding is achieved when we apply truths in the Bible to our daily lives.

The best place to start is in the book of Proverbs, which is often referred to as wisdom literature, and within this book are rich and practical instructions for life.

The primary way we gain godly wisdom is by learning God’s Word, meditating on the Lord’s commands and applying these principles to our everyday lives. We are reminded in Proverbs, God’s wisdom is reserved for those that heed his instructions and choose to apply his truths to their lives (Proverbs 8:33-34).

Throughout life, you will face difficult decisions that demand a wise solution. When faced with these circumstances, meditate on the Scriptures and pray. When you are committed to trusting God and obeying his Word, he will pour out his wisdom on you (Jeremiah 29:13).

You may not always have the answers, and may struggle to make the wisest choice, but you can be assured that

“if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5-6).

Several benefits of acquiring godly wisdom include: living a godly life, growing spiritually, finding your purpose, living peacefully and being an enormous light to a hurting world.

Pastor David Jeremiah once said, ”When the peace of God follows the purity of God’s wisdom in our hearts and lives, it will affect those around us.” When godly wisdom becomes part of our lifestyle, we become God’s vessels, building the kingdom of God and pointing others to God’s perfect counsel and his endless love.

Dear Lord, help me to pursue your wisdom and to obey you. Thank you for teaching me to respond according to biblical principles, and enabling me to become the person that you want me to be so that I can influence the world for your glory. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

By Julie Lairsey
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Wisdom and Knowledge of God

•  Ask For Wisdom

•  Salvation Explained

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