Application

Sometimes, in life, I have to question myself.
Am I doing what I proclaim?  Practicing what I preach?  Am I pleasing my LORD?  Am I showing his love toward all - no matter what?


I have a tendency to lean toward a critical spirit.  It is problematic for me - duplicity really and I don't like it at all.  


I look at other Christians and wonder are they for real?  Do they read the same word I do?  Do they know the same Jesus?  


Early in my growing years as a Christ follower, I received and read a lot of scripture.  It was mainly received for information.  I can pretty much give you a jet tour of the whole bible and could within a year of following Jesus.  


There was one thing that was missing or maybe better stated: the one thing I feel that was missing in my scripture time was application.  


What good is knowledge without wisdom?  Just having knowledge gives pride; pride puffs up.  Pride is the exact opposite of humility.  Wisdom leads to a path of humility.


During the late 80's and early 90s, religious marketers effectively took a line from the book "In His Steps" by Charles Shelton:  'What Would Jesus Do?'  I like that and I still use it (even though I don't have the bracelet any longer), but I can only use it as much as I know about Jesus and about how he acted and reacted.


I read God's word daily and meditate, but is it enough?  For me, NO.  I have to ask, actually beg, God use your word to change my heart.  


Father, Change me to look like you son so that you may be glorified.  Use your word in my life to cleanse me, my heart, my mind and soul.  I want to be a vessel that honors you, one that you can use to build your kingdom.  Take control of my life so that I cast off judgement of others and am free to love like you love.


Let me know if you pray that way as well.  Can I pray with you?

Memorial Day!

Memorial Day - a day of remembrance.

What am I remembering today?

Did you know that our elders used to call this decoration day?  Yep.  Know why?  Well, I'm not really sure, but I think it came from a time when there was unity in the nation and towns would remember their fallen heroes.  EVERYONE showed their colors.  RED, WHITE & BLUE.

People would fly the flag on their front porch or display a patriotic wreath to cause us to remember.  Some would take little flags to the cemetery plots of fallen heroes.   We would decorate.  Few do those things anymore.  

I remember with my family in small ways.  We fly our colors.  I talk to my children about the sacrifice others have made to give freedom and security.   Pray with my children and ask God's blessing in their surviving family's life.  We enjoy a family meal together, which is a rare treat these days.  

It gives me a chance to talk about my Jesus.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus had great love.  He had great love for you and for me - for all man-kind.

How do we know that we are Jesus' friend.

Verse 14 says "You are my friends if you do what I command."

Verse 17 says "This is my command: Love each other."

This is what I focus on today and most days.  Jesus gave his all to change my life.  

Thank you, Jesus.  Change me to live more sacrificial for others the way you did.  Change me to love freely and openly for your honor and glory to build your kingdom.