Signs of Life is a 40-day devotional, “designed to help you express your love for God by reaching out in compassion to others.” This is what God has called me to do this year and this devotional seemed to be a perfect fit when I discovered it.
It’s my intention to share with you what I learn each day. However, my internet access at home is nil for right now, so I will not be sharing on the weekends; but I will share on Monday when I return to work. (My boss is okay with me using my work computer for personal business, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my work. Sometimes it gets quite busy here, so there may be some days I don’t share, but I’ll catch you up as soon as I can.)
It is divided up into six chapters entitled “Signs of Life,” “Dusty Shoes,” “Worn-out Knees,” “Rolled-up Sleeves,” “Open Hands,” and “Outstretched Arms.” (These remind me of one of my favorite Christian songs…”If we are the body…” will have to go find this and share.) At the end of each daily lesson is a life application section.
So, here we go!
Day 1
It opens with this statement:
“This book is a mirror by which you can see yourself as others see you.”
This day centered on our actions and how others view us. A key question that stood out to me was: “How do (people who don’t know us) recognize that we are God’s ambassadors?” Dr. Jeremiah’s list of attributes is not one that I can disagree with at all:
• Our smile;
• Our joy;
• Our compassion in the face of another’s misfortune;
• Our friendliness;
• Our simple lifestyle;
• Our willingness to commit random acts of kindness;
• Our benevolence;
• Our social ministries;
• Our tears;
• Our generosity; and
• Our public expression of our private faith.
It makes me stop and think about how the people I come across on a daily basis perceive me. For example, the checkout clerk at my local grocery store, or the waitress in the restaurant I just ate at, or even a stranger I pass on the street.
As Christians, we should be a light to a dark and dreary world. I like Dr. Jeremiah’s words: “It’s not enough just to talk about the Lord…. It’s not enough to serve Him in secret with our acts of private devotion. We have to display the lifestyle of the Nazarene in the midst of our corrupt culture.”
Our light cannot shine if we shelter ourselves from the world and hide in our prayer closets. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
I look at that list above and realize that I am sorely missing the mark in some. But I’m also happy to report that I believe I am very strong in some! And I'm probably complete wrong, as I don't think any of us see ourselves as we truly are. But that is the point of this book.
I am a work in progress, not perfect, but God is working on me. So I will pray that God continue to reveal to me what needs work and strengthen those areas that need strengthening. I’m so thankful that even in my imperfect self, He still loves me just as I am. And He loves the rest of the world the same way; we should love the world the same way He does.
Brandon Heath has a song out that always stings my heart when I hear it and I think fits here within today’s study.
(don't forget to scroll down and pause the music player)
Today's Life Sign is: My words & actions evidence Christ's indwelling.
Today's Life Verse is: Philippians 2.14-15.
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,"
Today's Life in Action: What characteristics in my life offer solid evidence that I am follower of Christ? What aspects in my life contradict the claims that I am a follower of Christ?
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