Signs of Life

Hello!

What a busy week I had last week! The bosses were away, so my co-worker and I decided to surprise them by painting and redecorating part of the office. It was much needed and so much fun. They came in today and were very pleased!

Needless to say, that over-rode my posting here at the blog. I attempted to post this past weekend from home, but the word document I was writing it in shut down on me. You would have thought the secretary in me would have saved it periodically as I was writing…but no. So I haven’t had a chance to write until now.

Let’s see, I ended on Day 5, so you are due a few days. I’m going to catch you up to Days 6 & 7, as those end the first section of the book, entitled “Signs of Life.” Day 8 begins “Dusty Shoes,” so I will save that day and a few following for my next post.

Here we go! 

Day 6

“Our most effective witness comes when others see hope & joy radiate from our lives.”

Dr. Jeremiah used the example of a court trial to make his point for today’s lesson. He asked, “If you were on trial, accused of being a Christian, would you be easily convicted?”

We often are on our best behavior when others are looking, but what about when we think others aren’t looking? It made me remember a time when I was out in public with one of my children and they offered an exclamation out loud for all to hear; and it wasn’t a very pleasant word. Unfortunately, my child had heard this word come out of my own mouth when I didn’t think they were close enough to hear (or even paying attention for that matter). It was a quick, and hard, lesson learned; don’t ever assume your child is not paying attention!

This lesson can be applied in our behavior with the world around us. Is our behavior consistent throughout the day? And for that matter, is our behavior consistent with what we say? As every parent knows, living by example speaks louder to our children than our mere words.

In today’s devotion, Dr. Jeremiah offered this poem by Edgar Guest:

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and much sharper than the ear.

Fine counsel can confuse me, but example's always clear.

The lectures you deliver may be very wise & true,

But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

Love it, love it, love it!!!

Life sign: Those who witness my life see Jesus.

Verse: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, Col. 3.23

Action: What can I do to be a more effective representative of God?

Day 7

“We don’t stay on earth forever; but after we’re gone, our imprint remains.”

I thought today’s devotion tied in nicely with Day 6. Remember, our behavior, not our mere words is what stands out to people. It will be those behaviors that will be our legacy.

We really need to be aware of the impact we have on others around us, especially on those we love. I want to be remembered as someone who loved and someone who could be depended on. I wonder, will my children remember how I prayed and found my strength in God? When they are in trouble and need counsel, will they remember how I turned to God and His Word to find answers and solace?

Or will they remember me as someone who gave a lot of lip service to my relationship with Jesus, but didn’t follow it up with my actual daily walk.

Dr. Jeremiah offered four (4) specific attributes for us to aspire to in order to achieve leaving the imprint of Jesus behind:

• Read the word so that our children see how important it is to us.
• Live honestly.
• Pray.
• Have an enduring testimony. (2Tim. 2.2)

Life sign:  The imprint of my Christian life will remain for eternity

Verse:  Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1Cor. 4.1

Action:  In what specific ways am I leaving behind a positive or negative, imprint in the lives of my family, co-workers and community.

So looking forward to having Dusty Shoes!!!!

Signs of Life

Day 5

“There’s a power in the presence of Christians that permeates the society and sets into play the grace of God.”

Today’s devotional revolved around our being salt in the world.  This is the message I saw Dr. Jeremiah preach when I originally discovered his book.  It rung so true to me that I decided to watch him again.  It was after his second teaching that I decided to buy this book.  So glad I did!

He explained this verse in such a way that opened a whole new understanding of scripture for me.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  Matt. 5.13

Salt prevents decay, provides flavor, promotes thirst and permeates food. When you break it down that way, it requires you to look at your role in this world in a new and fresh way. 

Salt has always been used as a preservative, and particularly so during biblical times.  So a statement like the one made in Matthew 5 was pretty significant at the time.  It’s clear that God intended for us to be a type of preservative while living here on earth.  In other words, our mere presence should prevent decay. 

When others, who know that you’re a Christian, are around you, don’t they clean up their language?  Aren’t they hesitant to do something illegal?  Granted, there are people who will act worse just to upset you, but they do that knowing full well what they say and do are wrong.  We are (or should be) a moral compass to others.

As salt, we also provide flavor.  Our interactions with others should be reflective of Jesus and His character.   His character qualities should be our character qualities, and they should be genuine.  Any of us can plant a smile on our face or be pleasant; but let’s be honest; we can all tell when someone’s heart isn’t matching their words.

Salt also promotes thirst.  Our interactions with others should cause them to want (or thirst after) what we have.  Has anyone said to you “there’s something different about you” (and mean it in a positive way)?  Or have they wondered how you make it through some of your toughest battles?  They should see our peace in our most difficult times and want it themselves.

In giving an example of how one Christian was so influenced by a preacher that “he made me hungry for the Word,” Dr. Jeremiah states in today’s devotional:  “Our commitment to scripture, plus our cheerfulness and our enthusiasm for Christ can influence others in the same way.”

So true.

And finally, salt permeates food.

Just a little goes a long way; a small amount of salt can completely change the taste of a dish.  We may be small, we may be one person, be we can have a huge effect on the world around us.

Today’s life sign is:  I am conscious of influencing those around me.

Today’s verse is:  Mark 9.50 "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Action:  What am I doing that causes others to thirst for the living water?

Signs of Life

Note:  I have received permission to quote Dr. Jeremiah, as long as the quotes are not excessive.  Yay!

Day 4

"Live your life in the 'always on' position with God"

Today's verse is John 10.27:  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
 

How do we know we are hearing God's voice?  How do we know that the thoughts in our minds are from God and not just our own thoughts?  When we are in constant communication with Him, when we are walking in the Spirit, when we are living in the moment with Him.

In today's devotional, Dr.Jeremiah talked about being in a "always on" position with God.  He used the analogy of dial-up vs broadband.  Log on, log off vs instant access at all times.  I think it was a great analogy to use in today's world.

How often do we go to church on Sunday (log on), then walk out the door (log off) forgeting about what we learned there as we go about our daily lives.  How often do we grab our bibles in the morning, (log on) read a few verses and call it good for the day (log off)?  We're all guilty of rushing and putting God on the back burner at times in our lives.

God promised that He is always with us, that He would never leave us nor forsake us.  If this is His promise to us, then it's us that leaves Him at home when we leave for work or go shopping, etc.  When we leave God behind in church or in our bible at home, we miss divine opportunities, appointments, and communications.  

Being in an always on position with God gives us a right attitude and a spirit of gratitude.  We realize His blessings and the magnitude of His presence.  

As I was going through the scripture that Dr. Jeremiah provided in today's study, this one stood out to me:

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.  If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.  Psalm 139.7-10

God is always there with us, and if we are in constant communication with Him, we will become like him.   And becoming like Him is the whole point, right?

So, are you in dial-up mode or broadband?

These devotionals are wonderful and the truths behind them can have a huge impact on the world around us.  I feel, however, that I am rushing through them.  Dr. Jeremiah suggests not rushing through and allowing a full day for each one.  But I think I need more than a day to absorb them.  So I will be spending more time with some of the devotionals.

Have a blessed week everyone!

Signs of Life

Note to readers: It occurred to me yesterday that I was quoting quite a bit out of this book and felt a twinge of conviction. The proceeds from this book fund Dr. Jeremiah’s ministries and I wouldn’t want anyone to think they can read my blog and not be bothered to purchase it. It’s a great book and I’m truly not revealing all that is in there. However, I felt the need to write and seek permission to quote as much as I am. So until I hear back, my posts will be more generalized and I will be sharing only the biblical verses that apply. If you wish to purchase the book, click here. I will also provide a link down to the right to access his website as well.

Day 3

Today’s devotional was all about the darkness in the world and the light of Jesus Christ.

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. Matt. 5.14-16

As I was reading this chapter, I recalled a conversation I had with my (previous) boss back in 2003. I’m very happy to say that he and his wife are now cherished friends. It was he that answered a million of my questions when I finally discovered that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus (very patiently, I might add). He always had an open door policy with his employees, so anytime I had a question about Jesus or something I read in my bible, he was right there and ready to answer them for me. It helped that we spent 8 hours a day working together! We were talking one day and he was explaining to me just what Dr. Jeremiah is talking about in this chapter.

We need to be a reflection of Jesus and shine His light into a very dark world.

This world lives in darkness. It seems every time we turn on the news we are faced with some kind of catastrophe, or an angry mob rebelling, crimes being committed, and heartache. People seek satisfaction from drugs and alcohol, they seek happiness in money and “things,” and there never seems to be enough. Everyone wants to be right, so you see our politicians arguing with each other instead of working together.

It’s overwhelming when you look at it this way and we wonder, what can we do? This is too big for us. Yes, the problems of the world may be too big for us. But the problems in our own little part of the world truly aren’t.

We can make a difference one day at a time, one person at a time. We have the opportunity in our everyday activities to shine the light of Jesus…and very brightly…as we walk down the street or even as we do something as mundane as grocery shopping.

I had to do that last night, grocery shopping that is. As I was shopping, I purposed to smile at everyone and take my time, no matter what. Right off the bat, I encountered a situation at the deli counter. Nothing major. It appeared they were out of the sandwich meat I wanted (it was on sale, a really good deal!). I smiled at the young man behind the counter and commented that it would take “a minute for me to figure out what other kind of yummy meat I could purchase, as there is so much to choose from.” In those few seconds of hesitation, he smiled back at me and while I perused the choices of meat, he took the time to go and look further. Lo and behold, he found the meat I originally wanted. And my, was it good!!! (herb roasted turkey breast)

A few minutes later, I found myself in a pretty crowded aisle. People were trying to get around those of us that were lingering in front of shelves. I was one of those lingering, trying to find the creamed corn (it was not my normal store). As I was standing there trying to not be in the way, I heard a small voice to my right say “excuse me?” Sweet lady, in one of those electric chair carts trying to get my attention. She need me to get something off the top shelf. I’m glad I lingered and had my listening ears on. I happily got what she needed and she was on her way.

I smiled at everyone. I got many smiles back. I also got some looks from others that said “are you crazy?” Maybe I was smiling too much? LOL!

Our everyday lives can affect just one person in a good way…or a bad way. It all depends on whether we have our light out on the nightstand or under the basket. Think about lighting a candle or turning on a flashlight in the pitch black. That candle or flashlight can instantly illuminate a large room, it is that bright. That’s what we need to be, a bright light.

But we also need to go beyond our everyday lives. Where would we not normally go? A nursing home? A prison? A homeless shelter? The streets?

(just one quote from the good Dr.)

“God has graciously given His children the capacity to meet human need in the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we do so, to be His light in a dark world. That is our very identity.”

Praying for all of us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, Who will empower us to meet the needs of others around us. If we all did something to spread the light of Jesus in our own little part of the world, perhaps it would have a bigger effect on the world at large.

God bless!

PS.  It's Friday, so I will not be posting again until Monday.  I'm going to work on my computer at home this weekend though, so maybe I'll get it up and running so I can post.

If We Are the Body

Here is a video of the song I mentioned in my Day 1 post. The song is by Casting Crowns. (Don't forget to scroll down and pause my music player!)

Signs of Life

Day 2

“The world around us can’t see our inner faith, but it can see our good works that flow from our faith.”

The life verse for today is James 2.17:  “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”

I often hear people exclaim loudly that “you are working for your faith” whenever the letter of James is brought up.  I’ve never quite understood that.  Anytime someone says “show me your faith without works” others get all worked up and make accusations of misleading newly saved Christians.

I don’t think it is misleading, I think it is leading them towards a deeper relationship with their Lord.  Just like any child, we are not to live our life on milk only, we need to be weaned and seek sustenance in the meat of God’s word.

And that’s what this devotional is all about; and it’s about a balanced theology.

Dr. Jeremiah says: “If faith doesn’t express itself in compassion, love, kindness, generosity, helpfulness, mercy, and good deeds…it’s not real faith at all.”  I agree with him.  It’s not that I feel I HAVE to behave this way; it is a natural WANT of me to behave this way.  These desires and attributes are a RESULT of my faith, not a means to my faith. 

In today’s devotional, he also provided some examples of how our faith works.  He states:  “A faith that works:

• Enables us to have a positive attitude in troubled times. (1.2)
• Inspires us to resist temptation. (1.12)
• Makes us good listeners. (1.19)
• Takes care of orphans and widows. (1.27)
• Gives honor to the poor. (2.5-6)
• Provides food and clothing for the needy. (2.15-16)
• Controls and restrains the tongue. (3.1-12)
• Doesn’t speak evil of others. (4.11)
• Doesn’t grumble about others. (5.9)
• Shows concern for the sick. (5.14)
• Prays fervently. (5.17)”

Throughout history, Christians who were living out their faith this way made huge changes in the world.

Something in today’s devotion stood out to me.  As Dr. Jeremiah was talking about how Christians throughout history affected our world, he provided this “satirical piece that brought this truth home to me…”

“I was hungry, and your formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.  I was imprisoned, and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.  I was naked, and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.  I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health.  I was homeless, and you preached to me the spiritual shelter of the love of God.  I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.  You seem so holy, so close to God, but I’m still very hungry and lonely and cold.”

In Dr. Jeremiah’s own words…”That’s not biblical faith.”  and “Real faith lends a helping hand gladly, freely, lovingly, and in the name of Christ.  Real faith is a balanced faith: it is a faith that works. “

This is getting quite convicting and I am only on day 2!  But it feels good, because I know that it is clarifying for me something I already felt deep in my spirit.  When my eyes were opened to righteousness, I knew the Lord was taking me down the path He had planned for me all along, and it is very freeing to follow that path as He lays it out for me without allowing myself to be distracted.

Today’s Life Sign:  My faith is expressed through works.

Today’s Life Verse: James 2.17

Life in Action: What am I doing for others that clearly reveals the presence of God in my life.

Signs of Life

You may remember me mentioning a few posts back that I was waiting for a book by David Jeremiah to arrive. It has arrived!

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?