January 19, 2010

Number 3

VIEWPOINT

Every day is “extraordinary” when Christ lives in our hearts (Eph. 3:17).  No day is “ordinary” or just “ho-hum” for the Christian because something amazing has happened in our hearts – we are new (2 Cor. 5:17).

On the other hand, we’re “earthen vessels” or “clay jars” (2 Cor. 4:7).  Not many of us have “extraordinary” gifts or talents – we’re just normal, everyday people. 

That’s all right, too, since Jesus uses “ordinary people.”  The apostles were “twelve ordinary men.”  Consider this:  “Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Cor. 1:26, 27). 

But humans become exceptional when they are tools in the Master’s hand. 

This short rhyme reminds us that all our gifts are received from the Lord and all portions of our lives can be used to honor him:

         THINGS FOR GOD

    Shamgar had an ox goad;
     Rahab had a string.

    Gideon had a trumpet;
     David had a sling.

    Samson had a jawbone;
     Moses had a rod.

    Dorcas had a needle;
     All were used for God.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile, and a positive word!  RA

Today

·    Today, let's encourage a brother or sister in Christ who is discouraged so that they won't be hardened by Satan and sin (Hebrews 3:12-14).

·    Today, let's rejoice in the day the Lord has given us and be glad for its blessings, challenges, and opportunities (Psalm 118:24).

·    Today, let's recommit ourselves to boldly follow Jesus, serving in the shadow of his cross and honoring the sacrifice he made upon it for us (Luke 9:34).

·    Today, let's pray praising God and asking him for his help, blessing, protection, and forgiveness (Matthew 6:9-15).

·    Today, let's remember that all our plans are subject to the Lord's will and his plans for us (James 4: 13).

·    Today, let's listen for the Lord's voice and be obedient to what he says to us Scripture and worship him (Psalm 95:6-8).

·    Today, rather than worrying about all that we think we need in the future, let's seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness and trust that all the things we can worry about will be taken care of by our Father (Matthew 6:28-34).