Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1 “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

This cartoon turkey looks a bit worried, as he should be during this Thanksgiving week! For years I have heard the myth circulated as fact that turkeys are so dumb, they will drown while looking up at the rain! It is true that the turkey will look up at the sky during a rain storm. And some have a neurological condition where they tilt their heads back and are unable to move for a time. But it is unrelated to the rain. So perhaps a turkey or any human being glancing up to the sky poses no fatal risk!

Today’s verse has us looking up and consciously setting our hearts and desires on what is above. As believers who were once dead to spiritual things, we are now raised up to be alive to Him! Instead of setting our hearts on what is fleeting and temporal, we now have a different perspective! We look up to what is above, our eternal Home where Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. And having this mind set changes how we live our lives.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. said, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” How untrue! When pleasing my Creator is my heart’s desire, it is then that I can do the most good! Living with eternity in mind motivates me to reach out to those who have no hope. Obeying God’s command to love Him with my whole being enables me to love my neighbor as myself! Rather than living selfishly, I can, with eternity in view, do those good works that He has planned for me!

Lord, keep me looking up to my eternal Home!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 39:1 “I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.'”

I have never seen a muzzle on a horse but apparently, it is not all that uncommon. Two different muzzles are used for two very different problems. The grazing muzzle is used when there is a problem with overeating. It will restrict their grass intake while still allowing for pasture time. Then there is the cribbing muzzle to prevent the horse from biting. Their bite will not normally break the skin but those powerful jaws can leave a deep bruise!

Today’s verse talks about a voluntary muzzle needed for our mouths, especially in the presence of the wicked. David was feeling down and discouraged with what he felt was God’s rebuke and discipline (verse 11). He expressed anguish over the fact that life is short and seemingly vain (verse 6). But David did not want any of these feelings voiced in the presence of the wicked. Even when upset with God, David did not want to malign His name.

I need to muzzle my mouth as well, especially when I am questioning the Lord or discouraged in my walk. That does not mean I cannot share these feelings with a trusted believing friend. But when I am with those who do not know the Lord, I would not want my emotional outburst to keep them from faith. I would not want my words to be an obstacle to someone else. The tongue is described as a small spark that can set on fire an entire forest (James 3:6). The damage my tongue could do could have eternal consequences!

Lord, do not ever let me malign Your beautiful and holy Name.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”

How amazing to be able to see the internal organs of this frog! The transparent skin and muscles on his underside give us a “living window!” The backs of these tree frogs are lime green, giving them the ability to blend in with the leaves of trees in Central and South America. They can concentrate their red blood cells in the liver while resting, making them harder to see. Their transparency actually provides an invisible cloak, making it easier to go undetected.

Today’s verse teaches that nothing goes undetected by our Creator. Nothing is hidden from His sight. Even what is carefully concealed and buried will eventually be laid bare before Him. One day there will be a reckoning and everyone will give an account. This is a very uncomfortable thought for the one who has not asked this just and righteous Judge for forgiveness. But, this is also a comforting thought for the forgiven one who has been wronged. God will vindicate him and right every wrong.

How thankful I am for His forgiveness! He has taken my rightful punishment on Himself on the cross. I can look forward to this day because of His mercy and grace. And I can clap my hands with the rivers and sing for joy with the mountains because He will judge the world with righteousness. (Ps. 98:8-9) God will deal with those who have lived their lives doing and promoting evil. My prayer is that He will delay a little longer so that more will turn to Him for forgiveness.

Thank you Lord for Your justice AND forgiveness.