Living in God

How big is God from your point of view? Is he someone you can push aside when you want and bring him out when you want? Is he big enough to handle whatever problems you may have? Do you believe he has always lived? Do you believe he created everything? Do you believe you live in him?

We can put God in a box. We may think we can push him aside as we want and pull him out as we want. We often forget God can handle our problems as we decide to handle them on our own. As we get caught up in our own little world, we forget who created all that we see.

The Psalmist reminds us that God has always existed. He created the universe and the earth we live on. He formed the mountains and the seas. He created every animal, fish, mammal, and human. He created all the trees, flowers, grass, and foliage. The Psalmist also reminds us that we live in God. He is the very air we breathe. He surrounds us and there is nowhere we can go that he is not there.

I like how C. S. Lewis describes it in his book Mere Christianity. Lewis attempts to give us a picture of living within God. He says to take a piece of paper, draw a line on it, and put a dot on the line. God is the piece of paper, the line represents all of time, and the dot represents our life. That helps put into perspective how big God is and that he has always existed. Far too often, we minimize God. We need to adjust our perspective and realize just how big God is.

I pray we all realize how big God is. I pray we know that God created the universe and everything in it. I pray each one of us know that we live in God, that he is the very air we breathe. Know God is big. Know God created everything. Know you live in God.

Psalm 90:1-2

Lord, you have been our dwelling place

in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth

or ever you had formed the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Create Another Joshua

Was there a turning point in your life? Was there someone who provided you the right encouragement at the right time that changed your path for the better? Was that person a family member, a mentor, or a teacher? Have you continued to ride the success instigated by them?

The right encouragement at the right time can change the direction of a person. That encouragement can come from a family member, a mentor, or a teacher. We may have had someone like that in our lives. We can be a special encourager for someone else.

Moses was the special encourager to Joshua. Not only did Moses encourage Joshua but he laid his hands on Joshua and blessed him. Because Moses took Joshua under his wing, Joshua became the next leader of the Israelites. Moses had chosen Joshua to be his assistant. He had gone up Mount Sinai. He had been one of the spies to scout out the land of Canaan. Joshua had witnessed Moses’ struggles with leading the Israelites who desired creature comforts over obeying God. Throughout the forty years of wandering the dessert, Joshua learned to lead the nation. Before Moses died, he laid his hands on Joshua and gave him a special blessing.

We have opportunities to be a mentor to others. It may be our children or grandchildren. It may be someone within the church. There are many young people who need to steady guidance of an experienced person to teach them lessons we have learned through failure and overcoming challenges. As we mentor them, we must not forget to bless them. The impact of giving them a special blessing cannot be underestimated. That blessing can be the difference between giving up and the determination to continue their mission. May we be an encourager of a Joshua.

I pray we all choose to use our experience and wisdom to encourage others. I pray we take someone under our wing. I pray each one of us will pass along wisdom by being a mentor. Use your experience. Pass along wisdom. Be an encourager. Be a mentor. Lift up another Joshua.

Deuteronomy 34:9 Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him, and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Something Greater

Have you ever been on the verge of accomplishing something amazing only to come up just a bit short? Have you been so close to greatness you could taste it only to have it snatched from you? Have you seen your dream, thought it was about to be realized, only for it to vanish like a vapor?

We all have dreams, even if they were only childhood dreams. Some of us get very close to accomplishing them, then we fall short or they are snatched from us suddenly. We play the “what if” game. We wrestle with what we could have done differently. We grieve over the lost dream.

We are not only. Moses thought he was going to lead the Israelites into the promised land. After all, he had led them out of slavery, out of Egypt, through the dessert, through battles, and even been their advocate before God. He thought God was going to reward him with the triumph of bringing them to the land God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How momentous would that be?! But God had different plans.

God sometimes does that to us still today. We can’t see the big picture, the picture God sees. We don’t know the effects of God withholding us from doing something great. It could be that something far greater happens. Because Moses did not lead the Israelites into the promised land, Joshua became their leader. If Moses had been leading them, Jericho may not have fallen like it did. We may have never heard of Rahab, and she would not have been listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew.

We cannot see our coming up short of a dream as a failure. Instead, we must trust that God is in control and is using it for something greater. His purposes are sometimes beyond our understanding. So, we must trust God. Trust that he has a plan, and we have played our part in it. That is enough.

I pray we all trust that God is in control. I pray we know that God has a plan and works it all for our good. I pray each one of us trust that God’s plan for us is enough and put our faith in him. God is in control. God has a plan. Trust God’s plan. God is enough. Put your faith in him.

Deuteronomy 34:4 The Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.”

Scepter of Righteousness

Who sits on the throne? Which throne? The throne of your nation? The throne of your state? The throne of your company? What about the throne of your heart? Who or what is your number one priority? Who or what guides your every decision, your every thought, your every action?

It is unfortunate that we often see many thrones in our lives. Some are worshiped and some are despised…often for the wrong reasons. With political polarization in our nation and communities, we see differing thrones being propped up by different groups.

As Christians, we are to only worship one throne, and that is the throne of God. All others are temporary at best and corrupt at worst. Only Jesus carries the scepter of righteousness. Only His kingdom is the kingdom of righteousness. No kingdom on this earth can claim that title. We are not to put any other kingdom above God’s kingdom. Doing so not only denies God his rightful place but displays our own immaturity in our faith.

The Hebrew writer reminds us there is only One who is righteous. It is Him who we are to worship. It is Him who will return to judge the world. It is Him who we seek to spend eternity with. If our allegiance is to Him, we must follow Him as knights follow the king they have sworn allegiance to. Our allegiance to Jesus must also be unquestionable. Our faith must be beyond reproach. We can allow nothing to come between us and Him.

I pray we all acknowledge only one throne. I pray we take our promise to follow Jesus very seriously. I pray each one of us knows that Jesus is righteous and we are to worship Him as King of kings and Lord of Lords.There is only one throne. Follow Jesus. Jesus is righteous. Jesus is King. Jesus is Lord.

Hebrews 1:8

But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,

and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.”

Give to God What is God’s

Do you think things are unfair? Do you hate paying taxes? Are you frustrated with high prices? Have you complained about it? Have you asked God, “why”? Have asked God for relief? Does it seem like God is not answering? Has that caused you to complain more and pray harder?

Jesus was confronted by messengers from the Pharisees about paying Roman taxes. Imagine being a conquered nation and being forced to pay taxes to the government that conquered you and is ruling over you. Talk about frustration. It would have been through the roof.

Jesus knew they were testing Him. They were attempting to trap Him. If He told them they did not need to pay the taxes, they could haul Him in for revolting against Rome. If He told them to pay the taxes, they could accuse Him of worshiping Caesar rather than God. Jesus did neither. He first asked whose image was on the coin, then told them to give to Caesar what was Caesar’s and to God what was God’s. They were amazed.

That message is still valid for us today. Rather than praying that God eliminate taxes or reduce the cost of groceries, we should be praying that God work in people’s lives. Pray that God guide our leaders who are making decisions that impact our lives. Pray that God will guide us in every decision we make. Pray that God will show us the work he has for us to do and give us the wherewithal to accomplish it. This is praying within God’s will rather than merely complaining.

I pray we all realize our complaining accomplishes nothing. I pray we choose to pray for God to be active in our world. I pray each one of us will ask God to guide us in our daily lives and decisions. Stop complaining. Ask God to work in the world. Ask God to guide you. Follow God’s guidance.

Matthew 22:21 Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

Joy of the Spirit

Who do you imitate or emulate? Is it someone who presents a positive image? Who are you setting an example for? What kind of an example are you setting? Do you realize you are setting an example for those you interact with regularly, and those who only see you once?

Setting an example is something we all do, whether we think about it or not. Think not? Perhaps you have noticed someone being completely obnoxious in a public setting. Maybe you also witnessed a young child who tried the same behavior. They were following the example they saw.

Setting a positive example is easier when we are following the positive example of someone else. Unfortunately, not all of us had positive role models when we were growing up. Maybe we have experienced negative influences for most of our lives. But that doesn’t mean we must continue with bad behavior and setting the wrong kind of example. We can choose to imitate someone else’s positive example.

The obvious answer is to follow Jesus’s example. However, that may be far too lofty for us to attain, at least in our current state. So, we can choose to imitate someone we know who present a positive image. Someone who is hardworking, speaks kindly to others, and shows respect to others. That’s a good start. As we desire to progress toward being more like Jesus, we should pray, asking Him to enter our hearts and change our attitude. We should seek to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we are not hearing him, ask that he reveal himself to you. Ask that he fill you with the joy that only he can give you.

I pray we all desire to be imitators of Jesus. I pray we choose to be a positive example. I pray each one of us will ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the joy that only he can give. Be imitators of Jesus. Be a positive example. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Receive the joy of the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Thankful for Believers

What do you give thanks for? Are you thankful for your family? Are you thankful you have a place to lay your head down at night? Are you thankful you have something to eat today? Do you give thanks to God for other believers and the work they do in faith?

In our busy lives it can be easy to forget to be thankful. We bounce from one place to another. There are the kids’ ballgames and school events. We work our jobs. There are family gatherings. There are grocery store runs. Things to do around the house. And somewhere in it all we try to get some rest.

The Apostle Paul is thankful for other believers, their work, their faith, and their hope in Jesus. He prays for them and thanks God for them. Thanking God for fellow believers is valuable. It shows that we recognize the work they are doing. By praying for them regularly, it can change our thoughts about them, making us more thankful. Thanking God that we are not alone in our belief strengthens us.

Take a few moments to think about the ministries that would not happen if it were not for our fellow believers. They are working, not only in our churches, but in many other ministries. Some work in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, provide free medical services, and fund necessities. We cannot do it all on our own. Therefore, we should be thankful there are many of us with differing gifts who take on many ministries. It is when all of us use our gifts to show the love of Christ that our communities see God at work.

I pray we all are thankful for fellow believers. I pray we open our eyes and see the works believers are doing. I pray each one of us will use our gifts to show the love of Christ in our communities. Be thankful for other believers. Notice the works. Use your gifts. Show the love of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let the Earth Tremble

Do you bow to a king? Is there someone you have put on a throne or pedestal? Many people will proudly say that they bow to no one. Yet, they put certain people on a pedestal, which means they bow to them. What a contradiction we live out in our daily lives?!

Our culture has progressed to the point that it seems everyone thinks they are king or queen. They state they are their own boss. They proudly proclaim they do whatever they want to do. Unfortunately, they do not realize they are signing their own death warrants.

We are to bow to the King. We are to bow to God. He is to be the only God in our lives. Yet, we often replace God with many other gods. We have completely ignored the sheer power of God. He has the power to create the entire universe. He has the power to squash every one of us like a bug. Yet, in his amazing grace and mercy, he has chosen to love and forgive us. How is it that we do not bow to him with love and thankfulness?

We see in today’s passage that God, the Lord, is King. We are to tremble now and will certainly tremble when Christ returns. He sits on his throne. Today’s passage says he sits on the cherubim or angels. It is stating that he is superior to the angels. The earth will quake when Jesus returns. We are called to give our fealty to God and to worship him and him only. If you want to know your purpose, that is your purpose.

I pray we all understand how powerful God is. I pray we tremble at the thought of coming into his presence. I pray each one of us will give our fealty to God and worship him with thankfulness. God is all-powerful. Tremble in the presence of God. Give your fealty to God. Worship only God.

Psalm 99:1

The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble! 

He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

Overwhelming Glory

Have you sometimes asked God to reveal himself to you? Do you wish you could see God face-to-face and ask him questions? Are there questions you want immediate answers to? Is there a situation you want God to rectify right now? How do you think God would look, if you could see him?

We all face times or situations in which we ask God to act, to answer our requests immediately. We may ask God to show us his will or reveal himself to us so we can better know him. Though we may be asking genuinely or out of desperation, we do not realize what we are asking.

Moses asked God to reveal his glory to him. Moses was asking as a friend of God’s. He had a familiarity with God that no one else had. He had seen a glimpse of God’s glory when he saw the burning bush. Moses had spoken with God on multiple occasions including receiving the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. He had been in the presence of God but still wanted to see God’s glory. God knew better and would not allow Moses to see his full glory.

We may ask God to reveal himself to us, but God knows better. Just as he knew Moses could not withstand God’s full glory, he knows we cannot either. Just as Moses was only allowed to see a small portion of God’s glory, we will only see a small portion during our lifetime. For if we were to see full glory of God’s righteousness, we would be so overwhelmed by it that we would die. Therefore, when we ask God to reveal himself, we should be more specific. We should ask him to reveal his glory or his will in a specific situation with as much specificity as we can.

I pray we all know that God’s glory is overwhelming. I pray we seek to see merely a glimpse of God’s glory. I pray each one of us will be specific in our requests for God to reveal his glory and his will. God’s glory is overwhelming. Seek a glimpse of God’s glory. Be specific in your requests.

Exodus 33:21-23 And the Lord continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

Plead with God

Have you ever questioned your boss? Has your boss told you she has seen your success, given you credit, and left you wondering what comes next? Have you wondered if you are truly appreciated or merely being used? Do you sometimes wonder the same thing about God?

Some of us may question our boss, but not face-to-face. Some of us will receive praise for leading a team and still not know if our boss really knows us or has a plan for us. We may confront our boss. We may simply carry on, worrying about our future with the company.

Moses questioned God. He had a much more personal relationship and interaction with God than most of us. He followed God’s instruction to bring the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. God had told Moses that he knew him. He told Moses that he had found favor in God’s sight. But Moses was still waiting for God to send someone to help him. So, Moses pleads with God to follow through on his promise. Not only that, but he also reminds God that the Israelites were his nation.

We may be quite as bold as Moses, but we sometimes question God and plead with him. In our questioning, we may feel let down or even betrayed. Yet, just as God had not abandoned Moses, he does not abandon us. God never leaves us. He still has a plan for us. So, as we wonder when God will provide, we can also rest assured that God will follow through on his promises. We may wait longer than we anticipated, but we need to continue to hold on and trust in God.

I pray we all remember that God is always with us. I pray we plead with God as we feel we need to. I pray each one of us trusts that God will fulfill his promises and wait for him patiently. God is always with you. Plead with God. Trust God to fulfill his promises. Wait patiently for God.

Exodus 33:12-13 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now if I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider, too, that this nation is your people.”