Scripture for Today: Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

How wonderful to see people caring for our earth and doing their best in the area of conservation! Certainly it is important to subdue and dominate the earth, the mandate given to mankind in Genesis 1:28. As stewards, we want to carefully conserve and care for what God has entrusted to us. And for the believer there is even more reason. The biggest and best reason for caring for creation is that through it, God’s very existence is revealed.

Today’s verse explains that it is through nature that we clearly see God’s eternal power and divine nature. His creation, as beautiful and breathtaking as it is, is not to be worshiped. His creation is rather to inspire man to seek the Creator. All His works praise Him! (Psalm 103:22) All the works of His hands point to Him and His glory. When we miss this, we miss an even greater mission, which is to bring glory to the God of creation!

There will one day be a new heaven and a new earth. (Rev. 21:1) And that new earth will not even have a sea! Although this does not negate my caring for this one, I want my priority to be centered on the two things that are eternal: God’s Word and man’s soul! As important as conservation issues are, my motivation in caring for this earth is ultimately to point others to the Creator! As C.T. Studd put it, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Lord, help me focus on pointing others to You.

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:20 “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.”

The old television series, “Get Smart” ran from 1965-1970. KAOS (not an acronym) was a international organization of evil. It was the job  of Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 to thwart their sinister threats to the world. Their organization was called CONTROL (also not an acronym) and was a secret government counterintelligence agency. It makes sense to me that the evil ones were KAOS or chaos, while the good guys were CONTROL or under control!

This week we mark an infamous day when the chaos of evil reared its ugly head. And today’s verse talks about what happens when we are not under the control of righteousness. Being a slave to sin is the condition of anyone without God’s freeing power. Sin enslaves and creates all kinds of chaos and complications to a life. But because of the grace of God, we can be taught to say “No” to ungodliness and live self-controlled godly lives (Titus 2:12). Rather than be controlled by sin, we can be controlled by righteousness, leading to holiness and eternal life (Romans 6:22). And self-control is an evidence of the presence of God’s Spirit in the believer (Gal. 5:22-23).

It is obvious to those around me when I am out of control! There is chaos in my thoughts, emotions and behavior. But when I am submitted to the Lord and filled with His Spirit, there is a measure of self-control that was not there previously. He brings order from disorder. There is a sense of calm and peace when I allow Christ to have His way. That illusive self-control is really just allowing Him to have the full control that is His right.

Lord, please be the One in control of my day.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:12-13a “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…”

In our area of France, these large rolls of hay are a common sight. The cylinder shape is the most common as it is thought to be the most economical and a favorite for those raising cattle. The large ones are quite heavy at 2300 pounds. I was surprised to learn that some bales of hay, if too moist when baling takes place, can actually catch fire!  Micro organisms begin breaking down the moist plant fibers and produce heat in the process.  If there is oxygen present and the temperatures rise enough, that bale of hay can spontaneously combust!

Today’s verse is also about burning up hay! There will be a day when the works of all believers will be evaluated for the purpose of reward. Believers have a common foundation in Jesus Christ. But the materials we use to build our lives can vary. What is done for God’s glory is considered gold, silver, and costly stones. The works that are rewarded are those done to further His Kingdom. The wood, hay and stubble are works done with selfish motives or for our own glory. This passage teaches that the quality of our work is revealed by fire. Whatever survives that fire is rewarded.

The old saying, “making hay while the sun still shines” means to take advantage of every opportunity and not waste time. But I do not want to be building with hay at all or anything else that does not bring glory to Jesus! The goal of any good deed is not that others would see me but would see my Father. (Matt. 5:16)  

Lord, keep me focused on living my life for You.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2016).