Scripture for Today: Colossians 2:15 “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

This Hill of Crosses is found in Lithuania and makes quite a statement! It is made up of acres and acres of huge crosses and then a multitude of smaller ones, crammed together to take up every inch of space! Notes and signs are intermixed with wishes and prayers everywhere. What is so incredible is that this hill of crosses has been repeatedly plowed over by the Russians, the Germans, and several times by the Soviets! And yet it keeps coming back as a form of protest and perhaps something more!

In today’s verse there is a cross that triumphs over every enemy and every foe. No regime can ever diminish the power of the cross of Jesus! What looked like failure to men was actually victory over the power of sin and death! Whether that power is earthly or in the heavenly places, the cross of Christ has sealed the fate of every spiritual force of evil. (Eph. 6:12) The cross of Christ polarizes the world into two groups; those that see the cross as foolishness or those that see it as the power of God. (I Cor. 1:18)

His cross is not just a pretty symbol to wear around my neck. It is to His cross that I cling for salvation and hope! If it were not for His cross I would still be lost in my sin and weighed down with guilt. What Christ did there to pay my debt takes my breath away! How could victory over death and sin be seen as foolish by anyone? And yet, Satan continues his lies and deceit, trying and succeeding in making the believer look foolish.

Lord, may I never be ashamed of Your cross.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 7:25 “The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house – yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Can’t lose these marbles! They are hard to miss, rising up from the desert floor of Northern Australia. The Devils Marbles have come to symbolize the Australian outback but in fact, for the Aboriginal people it is sacred ground being the site for “dream stories.” Hundreds of these rounded granite rocks, some as big as twenty feet, have survived centuries of erosion. However, some have split completely in half!

Today’s verse uses the image of a rock as a firm foundation for building our lives. The one using rock is the one who not only hears the words of Jesus but puts them into practice. (vs.24) Hearing the words of Jesus without obedience is like building a house on sand. In either scenario the winds and rain will come to beat on the house. But only one house will survive those relentless storms of life. The crowds were amazed at what they heard from Jesus. (vs. 28) But the point Jesus was making was not about just hearing!

Like never before we have multiple opportunities to hear the words of Jesus: sermons, books, articles, songs, live streaming, podcasts and personal Bible reading. I can choose to hear His words twenty-four/seven if I were so inclined. But were I to stop there, I would be building on sand. The point is not how familiar I am with His words, how many verses I can quote or how much I study. The point is how much I put in practice!

Thank you Lord, for being my Rock!

Scripture for Today: Acts 9:6a (KJV) “And he trembling and astonished said, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?'”

I remember growing up in this church where all the “cool kids” sat up front on the right. Me? I am sitting on the left with my parents! What a wonderful legacy and impact this church had on my life and the life of my family. All three of my siblings found their spouses in the youth group. And week after week the words of this banner were burned into my soul. The underlying message was faithful submission and obedience to whatever the Lord would want to do with my life.

Today’s verse is the origin of this banner. These are the words of Saul (later renamed Paul) on the road to Damascus. This is his response to the Lord’s revelation of Himself. It is no wonder that Saul trembled with astonishment at the blinding light and the voice from Heaven speaking his name. Because of God’s miraculous confrontation, Saul’s zeal to persecute Christ followers was now redirected to love and serve Him. Saul immediately gives his life over to whatever God will do with it.

Seeing this verse every week made me realize that my life was not my own. The Lord bought me with a price (I Cor. 6:20) and I belong to Him. The price was so high that the only reasonable response is to submit my will to His. This concept is not just theoretical. It impacts my every day and what I choose to do with it! Following what He wants is not always easy, but life sure is not boring! His plans make every day significant. This verse is a question I want to ask Him everyday of my life!

Lord, show me what You want from me today!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 62:6-7 “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God.  He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

It was a moment of honor.  My Father was a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during WWII.  Last week we buried him with military honor for his service all those years ago.  It was a moving moment to hear the three gun salute and taps being played.  It was an  especially touching moment to see those soldiers saluting the coffin.

The memorial service the next day was entirely different.  It was also a moment of honor as we remembered the life of a wonderful man.  But there was a difference.  In speaking of my Father, we also honored our Heavenly Father.  He had been my Dad’s rock and refuge since 1939.

Today’s verse says that salvation depends on God.  We cannot save ourselves from our sin.  He is the One who in His grace bends down to extract us from the messiness our sin creates.  But our honor also depends on Him.  In addition to redeeming our lives, He crowns us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:4).  David even talks about how God increases honor for him! (Psalm 71:21)

If my life or my Dad’s life is honorable, it is because of the Lord.  Our Creator continually works in those who belong to Him, forming His beautiful character.  The praise and honor ultimately belong to Him!  He makes a life beautiful and worth living. It really will not be so long before I am with my Dad, worshiping and honoring together the One who gave us honor. 

Thank you Lord, that You create honorable lives  May my life honor You today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)