Scripture for Today: John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where its going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

I am sure this pilot did his best to keep the plane level on landing at Wellington Airport in New Zealand. But the wind funneling through between the North and South Islands can be tricky. That channeling effect makes it strong and gusty. In this case it was blowing at 75 miles per hour! Aligning those runways with the wind allows planes to take off and land into the wind. This orientation is better for efficiency and safety, increasing lift and reducing ground roll.

Todays verse likens the Holy Spirit to wind. The relationship is even closer in the original Greek, using the same word, “pneuma.” And just as we cannot explain a sudden shift in the wind’s direction, so we cannot fully understand the intricacies of the Spirit’s work. Like the wind, He is invisible. But unlike the wind, the Holy Spirit is not an “it” or just a power, but the third person of the triune God. We do not control or direct Him. But as believers, we can be assured that He is not random or capricious but is working out God’s plan.

Like the airplanes that head into the wind for stability, I want to align myself with the movement and work of God’s Spirit. I want to listen carefully to His direction and cooperate! Sometimes the wind of His conviction over sin can be strong and uncomfortable. But a gentle breeze follows confession. Yes, He is invisible. But evidence of His presence is there in my life with the fruit He produces and the clarity He gives when reading God’s Word.

Thank you Lord, for Your beautiful Spirit.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:14 “This is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

It has happened in our family. One of our kids as a pre teen got up after just a few hours of sleep. After climbing down two sets of stairs, this sleepwalker went out the door and into the night. Thankfully, the trip was only to the next door neighbor’s house where their older kids gently led our sleepwalker back home. All of this happened with none in our family being the wiser until the next day! It is generally accepted that one does not wake a sleepwalker as it can cause one to be disorientated, agitated and even aggressive.

Today’s verse describes a different kind of sleepwalking. This is a sleeper who does not know he is asleep. He does not understand that he is spiritually dead. Christ’s life-giving light is absent and he is unaware that he stumbles around in the darkness. This early hymn or poem was known to the Ephesians and teaches that it is Christ that brings us to life with the light of His salvation. Jesus calls Himself the “light of the world” and promises that those who follow Him will have the “light of life.” (John 8:12)

I am thankful His light shines on me but I can easily sleepwalk, not being careful how I live (Eph. 5:15). Living as “children of light” is a life that is different and set apart from those around me. And sometimes it is easier to just go with the flow, blend in or take the easy path. Living differently for Him is a daily choice but one that brings with it incredible blessing. I want to live wisely and be fully awake so as not to miss a single one of them!

Thank you Lord, for making me truly alive!

Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:23-24  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.“

We all love to be rewarded and recognized for what we do! Over the years my husband has collected a number of trophies for winning basketball tournaments. They had their place sitting proudly on the top shelf of a bookcase in our study. On the rare occasions when I dusted them, I thought about those happy proud moments when he was honored along with his team.

Today’s verse is quite clear about linking reward to our motivation to work hard. It is for Him that we  work and not for the approval and recognition of men. The Lord understands our need for recognition and reward and how they help to motivate us. But there is a reluctance to talk about rewards. Possibly we are embarrassed that we need them! There is the idea that somehow working for reward is a motive that is suspect. And yet, the teaching of rewards is found throughout Scripture.

It is always nice to have that pat on the back from others. But it does not always come. There are many times that others do not see what I do, or in seeing, say nothing in the way of thanks or appreciation.  Those words of approval are important to keep me going. We are just made that way. That is why I need to be reminded of God’s rewards. He sees. He knows. He is pleased with my service to Him. His approval, His approbation, and His future reward keep me going. 

Please Lord, may I one day hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2012)