Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

This juicy seed-filled tropical fruit is becoming more popular with its long list of health benefits. The roundish shape and purple (or yellow skin) encases a nutrient-dense flesh that has a tart/sweet taste. It comes to us from the passion flower that Spanish missionaries to South Americans used to explain truths of Christianity. More than just the flower, passion itself was important to Greek philosophers who would ask just one question when a man died; “Did he have passion?”

Today’s verse reveals the all-encompassing passion of Paul’s life. His life was spent with passionate purpose towards his heavenly calling. He did not want to run or labor for nothing. (Phil. 2:16) Paul was even willing to pour out his life in sacrificial living and dying for the Lord. (Phil. 2:17) That is passion! And the fruit Paul encourages believers to produce is the fruit of the light consisting in all goodness, righteousness and truth. (Eph. 5:9) Paul’s passion gave him focus on his goal. He could “press on” despite the shipwrecks, beatings and imprisonments and stay faithful to the One who called him.

I cannot think of a life better spent than a life of passionate service to the Lord. I do not want to half-hearted like the parable of the one who buried his talent. I want to spend all that He has given me to live for Him. The problem is that I am easily distracted. Rather than seeking His kingdom and righteousness, I get hung up on this earthly kingdom and its preoccupations. He wants to be my focus. He wants to be my passion. And when He is, my life takes on eternal meaning!

Lord, keep me passionate for You.

Scripture for Today: John 8:31-32 “…Jesus said, ‘If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'”

This poor cat looks traumatized! And because he is a cat, he is not only stuck but embarrassed about it! There is panic in his eyes as he realizes that pretended indifference will not save him! He can act as if he meant to be there in this ridiculous position, but no one would be fooled. Perhaps he believed a lie in overestimating his own prowess. But clearly he needs someone to climb up there and free him.

Today’s verse describes how the truth will set one free. Jesus is speaking to Jews who were incensed that He would refer to them as “enslaved.” But in fact, lies and falsehoods do enslave those who believe them to the author of lies, Satan. Jesus names him as the “father of lies” having no truth in him. (verse 45) In contrast, Jesus calls Himself, the Truth. (John 14.6) And He calls His Word, “truth.” (John 17:17) His truth sets us free from deception. The truth sets us free to know our Creator, to love Him and to serve Him.

It is increasingly difficult to distinguish truth today. The veneer of authenticity is so convincing. The packaging of the lie is deceptive. But I know the One who is Truth. It is not a concept. It is a Person. The more I know Him, the less likely I am to be deceived by the father of lies. The more I read the truth of His Word, the more I can distinguish what does not come from Him. And the best part of recognizing truth is that it brings me closer to Him!

Lord, free me by Your truth to love You more!

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

The name, “Whistling Kite,” brings to my mind a children’s kite that somehow whistles through the air when navigating wind currents. But in fact, it is the name of a sandy-colored raptor or bird of prey that lives in Australia. And, you guessed it, he makes a distinctive whistling sound as he flies. But what really impressed me was his ability to snatch his food and consume it in mid-flight! We would call that, “eating on the run.” But in bird-speak that is called, “eating on the wing!”

Today’s verse describes the best way to be nourished by God’s Word, and that is to handle it correctly. It takes time and it takes work to study the deeper truths of God’s Word. There is no shortcut to our spiritual growth. God’s Word nourishes our souls, like milk to the newborn, or meat to the more mature. Correctly handling it takes time, taking note of context, cross references, commentaries and more! God approves of our diligent study to know Him better!

The more I take time to study and think on God’s Word, the more I get a personal glimpse of the Author! What other book has the Author there with me as I read, opening the eyes of my heart? What other book corrects, convicts, challenges and comforts me exactly as needed? The more time I give His Word, the more He speaks to me. Our relationship deepens with each reading. Why would I ever want to “eat on the run?”

Lord, help me make Your Word a priority today.

Scripture for Today: John 6:33 “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

It certainly looks like bread! But recently, a popular international sandwich-making chain was told something surprising. The tax break on this American bread being “essential” would no longer be applied. The sugar content of their bread was so elevated that Ireland would no longer considered it as bread or as being essential! Their product was now grouped with pastries and other baked sugary goods and no longer enjoyed tax exemption.

Today’s verse describes a bread that is from God and its origin is heaven. This is a bread with nothing added that is not essential! It is a bread that is exactly what every human being needs as it gives life. Jesus identifies Himself as this bread, calling Himself the “bread of life.” (verse 35) Jesus Christ is essential to true life. Without Him, there is an inexplicable hunger for something more. Without Him, there is an empty gnawing feeling despite pleasant circumstances. But in Him, there is everything we need to feel abundantly filled with all that is essential. Whoever comes to Him has his hunger satisfied. (verse 35)

He is my life. There is nothing I can add to my life to make it more satisfying. I have tried and none of this earth’s goodies do it! In fact, it is when I get distracted by all this world has to offer that I start to feel hunger pangs again. But they are immediately quelled when I seek Him out. He fills up my heart as it was made for Him. He satisfies my restless searching spirit with Himself. I can be calm and content in knowing and loving the Giver of Life!

Thank you Lord, that You satisfy my hunger.