Not Religion but Relationship
Some people look at faith as a set of religious exercises: attend church, do good deeds, pray, and read the Bible. But that’s not at all God wants for us. He wants a relationship. He’s set on redeeming a fallen world. He gave his life to make that possible, and He’s promised to stay with us forever. When Jesus returned to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be our helper, comforter, and friend. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to do what is right in a fallen world. His Holy Spirit is right there with you. He wants a relationship. Not a religion.
Hope
Having a bad day? How about a bad week or a bad month? Whether it’s an uncomfortable paper cut or a car accident, we can always find hope in the middle of our struggles. In the Bible, the Book of Hebrews tells us that if we believe God then we know we have the things we hope for. So take heart. We have a rescuer in God. He cares about all of our concerns, and He understands our trials. So find peace in the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John, “In this world you’ll have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Judge and Jury
In a court of law, the defendant stands before the judge and jury while evidence is brought forward meant to either convict or acquit. Lawyers prepare their cases and make their presentations with the hope that jury will rule in favor of their client. I’m so glad that in life, I have the opportunity to see everything I’ve done wrong acquitted. The Bible tells us that Jesus stood in our place so that we wouldn’t have to bear the punishment for our sin. Today accept the grace and forgiveness offered by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Then, it’s “case dismissed!” You belong to Him!
Dream Again
We’re encouraged to dream as children. Often, we’re asked questions like what we’ll be when we grow up, or who we’ll marry. However, somewhere in the middle of life, we find it hard to dream because life gets in the way. But God is asking you to resume dreaming, not for wealth or possessions but for the richness of life only He can provide. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Today ask God to show you His plan for your life and start dreaming again.
Helper's High
Harvard researchers conducted a study that showed how giving is such a powerful immune booster that it can be experienced just by watching someone else in the act of giving. In this well-known experiment, students who watched a film of Mother Teresa as she tended the sick in Calcutta got an increase in immune function. In the book Healthy Pleasures, psychologists described what they called the “helper’s high,” a warm glow and a sense of vitality that comes from being energized and calm. So, Go help someone today! It’s good for them and it will be euphoric for you!
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, and stems to enhance our psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma from these essential oils is soothing, and is widely believed to stimulate brain function. The Bible says that believers are the aroma of Christ to the people we encounter. As we produce the fruit of His Spirit, God uses us to enhance the spiritual well-being of the people around us. He uses our witness to stimulate soul function, just like essential oils stimulate brain function. We’re like spiritual aroma-therapists, spreading His fragrance! Let’s wear Him well!
Spirit Breath
I can’t see the wind, but I’m keenly aware that it’s all around me. I feel a gentle breeze brush against my face or rustle through my hair. Or I see its massive strength through powerful gusts that become hurricanes or tornadoes. Likewise, I can’t see God the Holy Spirit; but I know that He’s with me. I can feel His presence all around me. The word for “spirit” in both Hebrew and Greek means “breath” or “wind.” Like the worship song says, “You are the air I breathe, Your Holy Presence living in me.” May you feel the very breath of God Himself today! And may you know both His gentleness and His power!
Greater than a Picture
It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Think about some of the more stunning photos that you’ve seen lately. What have those pictures communicated to you? The photographer searches for the perfect shot just so she can speak through her lens. Did you know that God created the earth and all its beauty to try to communicate to us? I’m sure you’ll agree that while a picture of the Grand Canyon can be great, it will pale in comparison to the real thing seen with your own eyes. So, look around – what’s God saying to you today through the majesty of creation?
Let it Go
Have you ever said or done something that you regret? Maybe in the heat of the moment, you’ve lashed out at a co-worker because of something relatively insignificant. The feelings of guilt that are generated by regret don’t feel good. We long for ways to take back what was said or done. Author Tony Campolo once said that “the past has a way of draining energy from the present.” What’s been done in the past, while regrettable, needs to be forgiven and forgotten. Ask for forgiveness then, move ahead in life. Put the past behind you. Campolo continued to say that “the One who is the ground of all being forgives and forgets.” Let your regrets go and find freedom in God.
Known by Name
Our sun is just one among more than a billion stars in our galaxy. One of these stars alone, the Pistol Star, could contain a million stars the size of our sun within its sphere. And our Milky Way is not even a huge galaxy! Our neighbor, the Andromeda Spiral, contains about 400 billion stars. Scientists estimate that there are billions of galaxies, each containing even more stars. Scripture tells us that our Creator God determined the number of stars and that He calls them each by name. Not only can God count them, but He has named them. The Bible says that He also knows you by name! Do you know Him?