Lamentations 3:22-24
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Dear friend,
Happy Friday! Have you ever pondered these verses before? It's as if God hits a reset button each and every day FOR US! As we go through the day and interact with the world, we take on its impurities. Our sins, the distractions and lies of the enemy, and all the junk out there vie for our attention. They want to consume us and leave us in ruins.
And yet each morning the sun rises like clockwork. God in His compassion, brings calm to the storms in our lives each day and provides us refuge. He grants us the opportunity to start anew in the morning!
We're given a new day full of hope and opportunity because of Jesus' sacrifice and great love for us!
Praise God for today and the opportunity to begin again!
In Christ,
-Robert
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
1.27.11
1 Samuel 16:6-7
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Dear friend,
I think it is important to take care of our bodies and to look presentable to others. It may not necessarily be beneficial for me to come to work in pajama pants with "bed head" and stinky breath. :-) However, there is a more important presentation we are to be concerned with - the presenting of our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).
Psalm 139:14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Proverbs 31:3 says that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says that beauty should come from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Billions of dollars are spent each year on beauty products. L'Oreal pulled down world-wide sales of over 6.4 billion in the first quarter of 2010 and this is only one company in one quarter. Now think of how much is spent on advertising, hair care, tanning, health clubs, etc. In no way do I think these are bad things in and of themselves but we must remember that the average thickness of our skin is 1.5mm (about the thickness of a penny) and that our Father looks at our hearts. There is so much more we need to be focusing on and what the LORD said to Samuel should give us great insight. Let us focus on the appearance of our hearts before almighty God and in that thought "let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)
In Christ,
Mike
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Dear friend,
I think it is important to take care of our bodies and to look presentable to others. It may not necessarily be beneficial for me to come to work in pajama pants with "bed head" and stinky breath. :-) However, there is a more important presentation we are to be concerned with - the presenting of our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).
Psalm 139:14 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Proverbs 31:3 says that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says that beauty should come from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Billions of dollars are spent each year on beauty products. L'Oreal pulled down world-wide sales of over 6.4 billion in the first quarter of 2010 and this is only one company in one quarter. Now think of how much is spent on advertising, hair care, tanning, health clubs, etc. In no way do I think these are bad things in and of themselves but we must remember that the average thickness of our skin is 1.5mm (about the thickness of a penny) and that our Father looks at our hearts. There is so much more we need to be focusing on and what the LORD said to Samuel should give us great insight. Let us focus on the appearance of our hearts before almighty God and in that thought "let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)
In Christ,
Mike
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
1.26.11
Psalm 46:10
10"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!".
Dear friend,
Yesterday we were fortunate to have a wonderful family day at the beach. Playing in the waves, teaching the kids how to snorkel, making sand castles and scouring the beach for sea glass and shells. The time away from the busyness of life to simply enjoy each other was such a blessing. I pray the memories we made today will be with me forever.
As I watched our children play from afar, running up and down the beach, I floated and just took in God's awesome creation. Behind me powerful waves crashed over a natural rock barrier and before me lay a beautiful sand beach; a hidden gem in the community. A quiet cove protected from the fierceness of the sea, but yet still in sync with its rhythm.
As I closed my eyes and let my body roll with the gentle waves I felt still and one with God. Apart from the world around me for only those brief moments and despite the sheer power of the waves behind me, I felt completely safe. A time spent in reverence of God's majesty and in fellowship with the One True Creator of all the eye beholds. It was a magical moment to simply be still and witness how God's creation truly does exalt Him among the nations and in the earth.
It was a great reminder to let go of my concerns so that I am not hindered in truly knowing God!
I pray you have a blessed day!
In Christ,
-Robert
10"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!".
Dear friend,
Yesterday we were fortunate to have a wonderful family day at the beach. Playing in the waves, teaching the kids how to snorkel, making sand castles and scouring the beach for sea glass and shells. The time away from the busyness of life to simply enjoy each other was such a blessing. I pray the memories we made today will be with me forever.
As I watched our children play from afar, running up and down the beach, I floated and just took in God's awesome creation. Behind me powerful waves crashed over a natural rock barrier and before me lay a beautiful sand beach; a hidden gem in the community. A quiet cove protected from the fierceness of the sea, but yet still in sync with its rhythm.
As I closed my eyes and let my body roll with the gentle waves I felt still and one with God. Apart from the world around me for only those brief moments and despite the sheer power of the waves behind me, I felt completely safe. A time spent in reverence of God's majesty and in fellowship with the One True Creator of all the eye beholds. It was a magical moment to simply be still and witness how God's creation truly does exalt Him among the nations and in the earth.
It was a great reminder to let go of my concerns so that I am not hindered in truly knowing God!
I pray you have a blessed day!
In Christ,
-Robert
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
1.25.11
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Dear friend,
As we send out the daily bread I'm sure you have noticed that we usually write personal commentary on the verse or describe a bit about what God is doing in our hearts. We may, at times, include a prayer or even share a praise that pertains to the verse of the day. However, I know Ty and Rob would agree with me in saying that it is the Word of God that is most trustworthy, reviving the soul, giving light to the eyes, enduring forever, altogether righteous, more precious than gold and sweeter than honey (Psalm 19). The Word is living and active and penetratingly sharp. It can encourage us one minute and cut us to the core the next. It is all God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
So please, if you are pressed for time and can't read the entire e-mail, focus on the Word of God for it needs no commentary. I know this raises the question as to why we write anything at all (smile) but the funny thing is that the more you read the Word, the more you want to tell others about it's Truth!
In Christ,
Mike
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Dear friend,
As we send out the daily bread I'm sure you have noticed that we usually write personal commentary on the verse or describe a bit about what God is doing in our hearts. We may, at times, include a prayer or even share a praise that pertains to the verse of the day. However, I know Ty and Rob would agree with me in saying that it is the Word of God that is most trustworthy, reviving the soul, giving light to the eyes, enduring forever, altogether righteous, more precious than gold and sweeter than honey (Psalm 19). The Word is living and active and penetratingly sharp. It can encourage us one minute and cut us to the core the next. It is all God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
So please, if you are pressed for time and can't read the entire e-mail, focus on the Word of God for it needs no commentary. I know this raises the question as to why we write anything at all (smile) but the funny thing is that the more you read the Word, the more you want to tell others about it's Truth!
In Christ,
Mike
Monday, January 24, 2011
1.24.11
Matthew 12:21
In his name the nations will put their hope.
Dear friend,
Greetings from Puerto Rico! Maybe you've seen the recent commercial with Penelope Cruz . She declares that everything sounds more intriguing in Spanish. Shoes - zapatos, stapler - grabadora, delicious - delicioso and yes, even my name, Robert - Roberto! It's entertaining to say the least.
And then there's the Spanish word for hope; esperanza. It sounds so beautiful to the ears. More than that it's beautiful to the soul and we all long for something to place our hope in. Yet, billions around the world, including at home and right here in Puerto Rico, live their lives in futile attempts to find fulfillment apart from God. They have nothing to place their hope in!
Praise be to God that He has given us all the hope that we could ever need or want through his Son Jesus Christ. The hope of the Nations!
Do you know this hope? Is it radiating in your life and are you sharing it with others? Allow the hope, the esperanza of God to fill your life today and overflow to those around you!
Praying that the Love and Hope of Christ warms you today wherever you are!
In Christ!
-Roberto :-)
In his name the nations will put their hope.
Dear friend,
Greetings from Puerto Rico! Maybe you've seen the recent commercial with Penelope Cruz . She declares that everything sounds more intriguing in Spanish. Shoes - zapatos, stapler - grabadora, delicious - delicioso and yes, even my name, Robert - Roberto! It's entertaining to say the least.
And then there's the Spanish word for hope; esperanza. It sounds so beautiful to the ears. More than that it's beautiful to the soul and we all long for something to place our hope in. Yet, billions around the world, including at home and right here in Puerto Rico, live their lives in futile attempts to find fulfillment apart from God. They have nothing to place their hope in!
Praise be to God that He has given us all the hope that we could ever need or want through his Son Jesus Christ. The hope of the Nations!
Do you know this hope? Is it radiating in your life and are you sharing it with others? Allow the hope, the esperanza of God to fill your life today and overflow to those around you!
Praying that the Love and Hope of Christ warms you today wherever you are!
In Christ!
-Roberto :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)