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It Started with Barnabas

8/31/2022

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Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
 
 
I was surprised some years ago to find out about National Encouragement Day (in the US) which is observed annually on September 12. Originating in 2007, in Arkansas, the day is dedicated to uplifting others and inspiring them toward good.
 
 
Quite often words in the Scriptures encourage us either to rise above our circumstances or our feelings of inadequacy, or to share words or deeds that would inspire others who are feeling less than their best selves. We are told time and again that we need not bow to fear because our God, the Ruler of the universe, stands with us not only while we are experiencing trials, but at all times.
 
 
One of the most encouraging passages in the Bible was written by the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. Although it was addressed to them, it gives us hope that at the end of this life, our Savior, Jesus Christ, is coming back for us.
 
“With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God's trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. Encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, CEV).
 
 
How did Paul, who suffered so much for the sake of the gospel, become such an encourager? It started with a devout, generous disciple named Joseph, whom we know as Barnabas. He earned the nickname Barnabas (one who encourages others) because he was always selflessly encouraging those around him (Acts 4:36-37, CEV).
 
 
When Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, was newly converted, followers of Jesus were suspicious as to his new-found faith and were wary of accepting him. Yet, Barnabas took Paul under his wing, and introducing him to the believers in Jerusalem, he encouraged them to welcome Paul (Acts 9:27).
 
 
Like Barnabas, we have the ability to become encouragers if we take the time to look for opportunities. Who around us needs their spirits lifted? Who could use a laugh or two? Who needs us to stand in the gap in prayer? What gifts do we have that might benefit someone else? How can we build someone’s self- esteem?  How can our faith in God allow us to see beyond someone’s past (or present) to uplift their future potential?
 
 
Of course we need not wait for a designated day to encourage others.  Start now.  Look for opportunities even among those whom we believe do not need encouragement.  Pray about it. We might be surprised to find that even those who ooze self-confidence may need someone to pour into them at some point. It started with Barnabas, perhaps it will continue with you.
 
PRAYER: Lord, your Word continually encourages us amid all the difficulties we face. We are strengthened because we have you always with us. Help us to encourage someone and to assure them that you are with them too. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.             
                                                ©M©dytations 2022

 ​
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Doing Good

8/31/2022

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​Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders


 
Do parents still teach their children the “Golden Rule”? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The basic premise is this: Do good. Without a doubt our world would be a completely different place if we all practiced this rule.
 
In one portion of his letter to the Hebrews (13:1-21), the apostle Paul emphasizes that doing good pleases God.  And in the event that we dare to ask facetious questions like “To whom should we do good, and what should we do?” the apostle gives us some examples.
 
~Keep being concerned about each other… (v.1).
~Be sure to welcome strangers into your home… (v.2).
~Remember the Lord's people who are in jail… (v.3).
~Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner… (v.4).
~Don't fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have… (v.5).
~Don't forget about your leaders who taught you God's message… (v.7)
 
As we look at his examples, we find that they are heart-to-hand actions. We are not doing good to rack up points with God. Our motives and our actions must be pure and align with God’s commands.
 
Many of us can easily carry out some of these commands. But do we have the same fervor when it comes to being faithful to our spouse? Do we see honoring our marriage vows as pleasing to God? Are we less tolerant with our spouses or family members than we are with strangers?
 
Do we not “fall in love with money” and the pleasure that it affords us? What if we were to bless someone who is in need with some of what we have? What if we were to look around for an opportunity to share our resources, perhaps even anonymously?
 
On the other hand, ask yourself if you are truly satisfied with what God has given you. But before you do, begin to count the obvious (and not so obvious) blessings in your life. The results will surprise you.
 
Scientific studies have shown that doing good triggers healthy, euphoric responses in us. God already knew that. We are just catching up. But seriously, the Bible wouldn’t give us a command just for us to get the fuzzy-wuzzies. Here’s what Jesus says:
 
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44,45, KJV).
 
Did you get that?  We are to do good because we are imitators of God.  We are God’s children, and God wants us to be like him. Like Father, like sons and daughters! We are to do good even when it hurts, seems impractical, or goes unrewarded.
 
“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…”   (Ephesians 5:1,2, Amp. Bible).
 
So, when we recite the mantra, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good” perhaps we will now see it in personal terms, not just as another catch phrase. Indeed God is good, but how is God’s goodness to us being transmitted by us to the lives of those around us?
 
Do good. It’s one practical way in which we can share the gospel and make our lights shine for our Lord.
 
PRAYER: Lord, help us to do good. Show us opportunities we may be overlooking. Teach us to be tender-hearted toward those who may not share our values or our even faith. Remind us that that they, too, are your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.             
                                                                ©M©dytations 2022
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Who Are You...?

8/10/2022

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Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders


 
Many of us are familiar with the passage in which Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13, NIV), and then, after getting their response, he quickly asks a follow-up question, “Who do you say I am?” Peter, prompted by the Holy Spirit, points to the divinity of Christ:
 
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, NIV).
 
Imagine the scene being reversed in which our Lord asks each of us, “Who are you?”
 
Would we be flummoxed by the question? Would our response be based on what we think Jesus would want to hear? Would our reply be centered on our profession, our place in the family, or what we aspire to be? Take some time to think about it.
 
The Scriptures tell us that it is God’s Spirit and our persevering faith that makes us who we are and what God has called us to be. None of the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, (Joshua, Samson, Rahab, David, and others) achieved that title without their willingness to believe God and act with boldness in accordance with God’s Word.
 
Like them, we, too, can be believers who know who we are, strive to accomplish God’s purposes, and depend on God’s power to continually transform us into his likeness.
 
Sadly, however, quite often our view of ourselves are either one that’s narcissistic (where we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to [Romans 12:3]) or one that debases us (where we forget that God’s Spirit dwells within us [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]).
 
God wants us to have a healthy sense of self. And, while we are, indeed, the sum of our parts…our family history, profession, religious beliefs, our life experiences, we are far more than that.
 
In fact, who we truly are, is who we are when no one is watching. Our personal integrity says far more about us than all the adjectives we use to describe ourselves, or the accolades people toss our way.
 
To be sure, what God says about us is what matters most. So, who are we?
·       Reflectors of God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
·       God’s masterpieces (Ephesians 2:10)
·       Beloved of God (John 3:16)
·       Royalty (1 Peter 2:9-10)
·       Treasure keepers (2 Corinthians 4:7)
·       Temples of God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
·       Lights for the world (Matthew 5:14-16)
·       Overcomers   (Romans 8:37)
The list continues throughout Scripture. While people judge us by what they see, the Bible tells us that God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).
 
As we walk daily in faith, we know that we are cheered on by a company of saints who have gone before us. May we endeavor to follow closely in the footsteps of our Lord that we may be counted worthy of our calling, and be confident of who we are in Christ Jesus.
 
PRAYER: Lord, even as we struggle to define who we are, we are grateful that before the mountains were formed, or anything was put in place in the world, you were God. You are God and will always be God, and we will always be who you say we are. May we represent you well in our thoughts, words, and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.                 
                            ©M©dytations 2022
 
 August 10, 2022
Wednesday’s Word
Who Are You…?
 
 
Many of us are familiar with the passage in which Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13, NIV), and then, after getting their response, he quickly asks a follow-up question, “Who do you say I am?” Peter, prompted by the Holy Spirit, points to the divinity of Christ:
 
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, NIV).
 
Imagine the scene being reversed in which our Lord asks each of us, “Who are you?”
 
Would we be flummoxed by the question? Would our response be based on what we think Jesus would want to hear? Would our reply be centered on our profession, our place in the family, or what we aspire to be? Take some time to think about it.
 
The Scriptures tell us that it is God’s Spirit and our persevering faith that makes us who we are and what God has called us to be. None of the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, (Joshua, Samson, Rahab, David, and others) achieved that title without their willingness to believe God and act with boldness in accordance with God’s Word.
 
Like them, we, too, can be believers who know who we are, strive to accomplish God’s purposes, and depend on God’s power to continually transform us into his likeness.
 
Sadly, however, quite often our view of ourselves are either one that’s narcissistic (where we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to [Romans 12:3]) or one that debases us (where we forget that God’s Spirit dwells within us [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]).
 
God wants us to have a healthy sense of self. And, while we are, indeed, the sum of our parts…our family history, profession, religious beliefs, our life experiences, we are far more than that.
 
In fact, who we truly are, is who we are when no one is watching. Our personal integrity says far more about us than all the adjectives we use to describe ourselves, or the accolades people toss our way.
 
To be sure, what God says about us is what matters most. So, who are we?
·       Reflectors of God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
·       God’s masterpieces (Ephesians 2:10)
·       Beloved of God (John 3:16)
·       Royalty (1 Peter 2:9-10)
·       Treasure keepers (2 Corinthians 4:7)
·       Temples of God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
·       Lights for the world (Matthew 5:14-16)
·       Overcomers   (Romans 8:37)
The list continues throughout Scripture. While people judge us by what they see, the Bible tells us that God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).
 
As we walk daily in faith, we know that we are cheered on by a company of saints who have gone before us. May we endeavor to follow closely in the footsteps of our Lord that we may be counted worthy of our calling, and be confident of who we are in Christ Jesus.
 
PRAYER: Lord, even as we struggle to define who we are, we are grateful that before the mountains were formed, or anything was put in place in the world, you were God. You are God and will always be God, and we will always be who you say we are. May we represent you well in our thoughts, words, and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.                 
                            ©M©dytations 2022
 
 
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A Clean Heart

8/3/2022

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​
Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders



It’s always wise to examine your motives, especially when your deed garners the praise of others. Did you do it so the spotlight would swivel on you, or were your actions guided by integrity: doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason, to benefit someone else?  Our deeds, no matter how lofty they are, will be bereft of value if the motivation behind them is corrupt.
 
The Bible states that David, the psalmist and king, was a man after God’s own heart. To be sure this man was not perfect. We often remember him from Sunday School lessons or songs in which he played music on his harp, or used smooth stones to kill the evil giant Goliath. But in the world of grown-ups, he committed adultery and attempted to cover up his sin by having his lover’s husband killed when she becomes pregnant.
 
Was David, a man after God’s own heart? Yes, indeed. Whatever the condition of our heart, God offers to transform it if we repent of our sin, ask forgiveness, and turn away from wrongdoing. And, David did just that.  Listen to David’s prayer:
 
Wash me with hyssop
until I am clean
    and whiter than snow.
                …
 Turn your eyes from my sin
    and cover my guilt.
 Create pure thoughts in me
    and make me faithful again.
 Don't chase me away from you
or take your Holy Spirit
    away from me.
 
Make me as happy as you did
when you saved me;
    make me want to obey!
                                   (Psalm 51: 7, 9-11, CEV)
 
or our hearts to be clean, we need the transforming power of God, a spiritual power wash that removes not just the sin but the accompanying guilt and shame.
 
When we are in sync with God’s Spirit we are reminded:
“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8, CEV).
 
O how we wish we could more easily keep our minds focused on what is “true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper!”  Yet, it can be done. Just think: our thoughts form our actions, and our actions, over time, our character. And our character is guided by our heart. So it’s important that our hearts are clean.  It’s important that we rely on God’s Holy Spirit to make us obedient and keep us in line with what God expects of us.  Each of us can be someone who desires to emulate our Savior, who seeks God’s presence and desires to live in right standing with God.
Let’s ask God to give us a clean heart so we may not only serve him, but also share Christ’s love and compassion unselfishly with those whom he came to save.
 
PRAYER: Lord, we repent of our deeds that derail us from living the way you taught us to live. Cleanse our hearts. Transform our minds. Let them reflect your ways and your heart. Let our motives be pure always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.                
                                                 ©M©dytations 2022
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    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

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