Let it hit your veins

So you want to juice this morning?
Here is a good sample:

"Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith."

Galatians 6:7–10

To keep from getting discouraged, we need to take the long view. What we sow, we will eventually reap. Eventually. The harvest of blessing will come at the appropriate time—and God determines what that time is. So keep on doing good to everyone, especially other Christians, and never give up.

Monday

Careful consideration:

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself."

Galatians 6:1

Do you know anyone who has succumbed to sin? If you yourself are living a life of faith, with resultant good works, you have a responsibility to help others who struggle. It's too easy to ignore it to keep the peace; isn't it their business alone? Not according to this verse. But we must confront others gently, humbly, knowing any one of us could easily be in the same position.

Bugging God?

“…‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming…’” (Read the whole passage here: Luke 18:1-8 ESV)

To be brutally honest, I’ve always had trouble seeing a need for prayer. Sounds like heresy, I know! I guess my human logic tends to get in the way of faith often, and this is a perfect example: If God knows everything (and He does), and if he knows my needs before I even ask (and He does), then … well, why do I need to ask? Doesn’t it seem illogical?Maybe you can relate to my struggle, or maybe it sounds silly to you, but I know that it has affected my prayer life through my years of walking with God. This passage from Luke 18 does not perhaps answer my “logic issues,” but it does show a remarkably faithful God. He wants us to ask, and He wants us to keep asking.It is in the asking that we grow closer to Him, learn to trust Him and learn perseverance. His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways (see Isaiah 55:8). He knows that for some reason, we need to pursue Him. Yes, He knows our needs from the dawn of eternity, but He invites us to come, to ask, and to receive. What a gracious God!Have you been bugging God enough lately? He would really appreciate it.

Oh God, give me a heart to seek You! May I never be satisfied until I see Your face, hear Your voice, and Love Your ways. Lord, make me the pray-er You want me to be.

Monday evening news

Evening encouragement!

"Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
  The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
  and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
  as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the LORD will display his glory,
  the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
  and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
  'Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
  He is coming to save you.'"

Isaiah 35:1–4

No matter what kind of wasteland your life has become, God is able to make it blossom with an abundance of flowers. Picture it! A wasteland transformed into a lush meadow of colorful spring flowers. God can do that! Tell your fearful heart this good news. Tell it, "be strong, do not fear." God is coming in, and when he enters the scene, his light chases away all the darkness and causes beautiful growth.