Daily Thought for Friday. April 1st

April 1, 2011

Fools Day

“Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see

 the world hath more fools in it than ever.”

- Charles Lamb

Today’s Thought:

“A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees.” – William Blake

Today’s Question

Were you aware that there are those who think; “Ninety-nine percent of  people in the world are fools, and the rest of us are in great danger of contagion?” – Thornton Wilder

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“ Some men are wise and some are otherwise”

     – Tobias Smollett

There are many theories, but the actual history of April Fools Day or All Fools Day is not certain.  However, it has become somewhat of a tradition for pranks to be played in order to fool some unsuspecting victim.  This has become a day set aside for foolishness and foolhardiness to be acceptable and appropriate.  However, in the real world some fools and foolishness cannot be constrained to one day.

This line of thinking leads one to beg the question; what then, is a fool or what qualifies as foolishness?  If we were to poll one hundred people we would undoubtedly get such a vast variety of answers that it would be impossible to arrive at a concise conclusion. 

So then, for our purposes, let us look to scripture and see what God says about fools and foolishness.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. – Proverbs 12:15-16

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. – Proverbs 13:16

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. – Proverbs 18:6-7

The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.  Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.  – Ecclesiastes 2:14-16

Are there any among us who at some time in life have not found ourselves in the role of being somewhat of a fool?  It is like William Shakespeare said, “Lord, what fools these mortals be?”

But as Jim Elliot says, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

To give Christ our life so that we can have life in Him shows that we have the ability to be wise.

We must also remember that being a bit foolish or a tad of a fool is not always all bad.

We must remember this about God: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” – The Bible (1 Corinthians 1:25-27)

Though we may at times be fools and do foolish things we must be a fool for God and not the world and that will make all the difference.

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

- The Bible (1 Corinthians 1:18-22)

Today’s Verses:

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.  Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

                        Proverbs 6:5-8

Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.  Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

Proverbs 8:32-35

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

                        Daniel 12:3

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

                        1 Corinthians 3:18

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I know at times a tend to be a bit of a fool, but may the fool I be always be a fool for you and only you.

.

Daily Thought for Thusday, March 31st

March 31, 2011

The Body, Part Nine (The Total Package) a.k.a. (The Conclusion)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy.” – Oliver Goldsmith

Today’s Question

Did you know that; “Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing?” – Albert Schweitzer

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“ Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.”

     – Henry Ford

There is much said about each of us being a part of the whole when it comes to the Body of Christ and we each are but a small part of the overall body.  Yet nothing we do is insignificant when it comes to the impact and effect it has on the body as a whole.

Each of us has an area in which we excel or may be found to be most effective.  God has given us each talents and abilities that may differ from another’s; yet it does not mean one persons area of strength is any more or less significant than any other’s for it takes all of them working in tandem to have total success.

Some may be given to working with children while others can relate better to senior adults.  Some may be artistic while others can build and repair.  Some may be given to hospitality while others are more adept at counseling.  We should all be given to study and prayer, though some may be deeper intercessors or better scholars.

But with all of it’s hundreds and thousands of parts the Body of Christ is totally interconnected and reliant on each of it’s other parts in order for it to function as the whole in the way that God wants it too.

We must all do many things, in many ways, and to varying degrees.  None of us has but one function because whatever we do affects the whole rest of the body.  We must all be ears, eyes, hands feet and a part of the process of reproducing to make other believers.

A single solitary Christian is not an island unto himself, he or she must realize that they are interlocked and fully connected to a network of life that is affected by everything we say and do.

God is not a respecter of persons and He makes no differences between any of His children.  Whether you’re a pastor, a worship leader, a Sunday school teacher, a greeter, a grounds keeper or a member not yet living up to your full potential, God views us each the same; we are a part of the whole of His body and if we are not functioning at full capacity, we are keeping His whole body from achieving it’s maximum potential.

So we must give all, be all and do all we do – because the rest of the body is depending on us.

“Where people of goodwill (Christian Character) get together and transcend their differences for the common good, (God’s Will) peaceful and just solutions can be found, even for those problems that seem intractable.” – Nelson Mandella

Today’s Verses:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

                        Romans 12:1-2

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today’s Prayer:

Father, whatever part I might be or whatever function I might serve within your body; may I do all I do, giving all of me for all of you that your work may be done and your will accomplished in my life, in the lives of those within my spectrum of influence, and within your body at large.

.

Daily Thought for Wednesday, March 30th

March 30, 2011

The Body, Part Eight (The Reproductive System)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“If you don’t have a teacher you can’t have a disciple. ” – Dallas Willard

Today’s Question

Did you know that; “Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life, or else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the other?” – Matthew Henry

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“....Christ did not appoint professors, but followers. If Christianity ... is not reduplicated in the life of the person expounding it, then he does not expound Christianity, for Christianity is a message about living and can only be expounded by being realized in men's lives.”      – Soren Kierkegaard

It is neither my desire nor my intent to go into the details of the anatomical parts of the human bodies reproductive systems, nor is it to address the biological functions of reproduction: but rather to address the concept of reproduction within the Body of Christ.

The process of reproduction is a simple concept to embrace – it simply means to make more.

We are instructed to make disciples of all men, and I want us to realize there is more to the making of a disciple than just introducing him/her to the gift of God’s salvation.

That act in and of itself, is simply bringing that person to the place where they are willing to commit to becoming a disciple.  The true work of making a disciple comes with the teaching, nurturing and showing by example that enables that new believer to grow in their relationship and to mature in the faith.

And as a part of the body it is incumbent on every member to help facilitate this process, perpetually.

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." - Goethe

The task of reproduction, from a spiritual perspective, is more about living the lessons to be taught than it is about the telling of what needs to be learned.  It is our lives that become the lessons and our examples that produce those who could be called the offspring of our faith.

And this is the responsibility and duty of every part (member) of the body of Christ.

Today’s Verses:

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.  Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

                        Psalms 127:1-5

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

                        Mark 16:15-16

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may a live a life that teaches others what it means to live for you so that if they learn anything from what I say and do it will bring them closer to you.  May my life be filled with spiritual offspring and your children whom I can help foster in their faith.

.

Daily Thought for Tuesday, March 29th

March 29, 2011

The Body, Part Seven (The Feet)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“My feet, they haul me Round the House, They hoist me up the Stairs; I only have to steer them, and They Ride me Everywheres.” – Frank Gelett Burgess

Today’s Question

Did you know that; “In life as in dance; Grace glides on blistered feet?” – Alice Abrams

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“What does love look like?

It has hands to help others.

It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.”

– St. Augustine

The feet on the human body provide two major functions; fist they give stability when we stand and secondly they provide mobility when we wish to get from one place to another.

Likewise, spiritually speaking the feet serve a similar purpose.  They naturally get us from one point to another and enable us to be about the business of going out into the highways and byways to do the work of ministering to those in need.

I think figuratively speaking the feet also provide us with an allegorical perspective, spiritually speaking, that transcends there physical function and allows us to identify with, empathize over and be concerned about the lives and trials of others.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."  - Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)

“Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his moccasins.” – Unknown (Believed to be an old Indian Proverb)

Often, we might be less quick to judge if we had to walk the same walk as those we are surrounded by.  And we might be more willing to minister and help a brother or sister if we indeed had to walk a mile in their shoes.

But whether it is identifying with or going to do, feet are essential to the body of Christ.

Scripture tells us God orders the steps of a righteous man.  It also tells us not to walk in the path with sinners.   We are instructed to stand upon the rock of our salvation. While, at the same time God’s word instructs us to go, to walk by faith, and to run the race that is before us.

Like with eyes, ears and hands, I believe we all must be feet in the body and we must achieve and fulfill the purpose of feet in order to do the work and ministry of our Father’s Kingdom.

Feet aren’t pretty and sometimes they don’t smell good, but they are vital to the journey and are needed for the trip we must take through this life, especially our life in Christ as a member in good standing of the Body of Christ.

“The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.” - Billy Graham

Today’s Verses:

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

                        Romans 10:15

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2 John 1:6-11

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

                        1 John 1:6-7

Today’s Prayer:

Father, as I journey though this land, may my feet go where you want them to go and may they keep me stable and upright in faith and may they cause me to consider the circumstances and situations of others thus enabling me to accomplish the work you have for me to do.

.

Daily Thought for Monday, March 28th

March 28, 2011

The Body, Part Six (The Hands)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“Reach out and touch someone.”– Marshall McLuhan (Add slogan for Ma Bell)

Today’s Question

Are you aware that sometimes it is better to let your fingers do the walking, rather than let your lips do all the talking?

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“God has given us two hands, one to receive with

and the other to give with.”

– Billy Graham

Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” 

Much of the life and work of the body of Christ is centered on giving.  Giving of our time, our talents, our treasures and our love to those in need.

The hands are the part of the body, which seem to be the most significant to the act of giving.  Sometimes in the tactile touch of a hug, or a pat on the back or even a gentle hand on the shoulder that conveys empathy, love and care.  

Spiritually speaking we must be willing to touch a thing if we desire to change that thing.

One of the greatest commandments, with promise that Jesus gave, was that we love one another.  Love is conveyed and communicated in many ways but the most effective way is through the sense of touch.  Touching a life does not always require physical contact but it does require us to reach out, grasp and hold onto that thing, life or person we wish to make a difference in or for.

As a part of the body of Christ we must all touch others in order to complete the work and will of God in our own life.  So in some way we all serve as hands or at least fulfill the functions of hands at some point and time.

Our objective as hands in the body of Christ should be: “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the grace we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do humble work.” – Mother Teresa

But as hands of the body maybe our most important function, duty and responsibility is to remember this:

“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water

Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea

Tale a look at your self and you can look at others differently

By puttin’ your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee.”

- Gene Mac Lellan

Hands touching hands to change lives are only efficient and effective if they have first touched God.

Today’s Verses:

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.  Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

                        Matthew 5:33-45

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.  And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I know you are reaching out to touch me and as I grasp your hand help me to use my hands to touch others with the love, grace and mercy I have been touched with.

.

Daily Thought for Friday, March 24th

March 25, 2011

The Body, Part Five (The Ears)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two mouths and one ear”– Mark Twain

Today’s Question

Did you know that “When you talk, you repeat what you already know; when you listen, you often learn something?”  -  Jaren Sparks

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“A wise old owl lived in an oak;

The more he saw, the less he spoke;

The less he spoke, the more he heard;

Why can’t we all be more like that wise old bird?”

– Unknown

As seeing is to believing – so listening is to hearing when it comes to knowing the heart and thoughts of God.

Scripture admonishes us repeatedly to listen and to hear what the Spirit is saying; and if we have any doubt that we are to listen, this text puts it rather bluntly; “ If any man have an ear, let him hear.” – The Bible (Revelation 13:9)

Hearing is imperative to the body of Christ.

Remember He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – The Bible (John 10:27)

To hear His voice we must have ears to hear and we must be listening.

We also know we are to be more than just hearers of His voice and His words: we are to also be doers also.  “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – The Bible (James 1:22)

However in order to be a doer this verse not only implies but affirms that to do requires that we must first hear.

So then it is probably justifiable to say that every believer must not only be a part of the seeing function of the body; they must also be engaged in the listening and hearing.

Isn’t it interesting that even though we are only a part of such a big body, we have so many functions and responsibilities to fulfill?

So may we say along with John Keble, “Give us grace to listen well.”

Today’s Verses:

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

                        John 8:47

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Luke 6:47-49

Today’s Prayer:

Father, open my ears that I may hear your voice, your word and know your will for my life.  And then help me to have the strength, courage and wisdom to follow it.

.

Daily Thought for Thursday, March 24th

March 24, 2011

The Body, Part Four (The Eyes)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly what is essential is invisible to the eye.”– Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Today’s Question

Did you know that it is not uncommon for us to not see things clearly?  “We don’t see things as they are; we them as we are.”  -  Anais Nin

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Our sight is the most perfect and most delightful of all our senses.

It fills the mind with the largest variety of ideas,

converses with its object at the greatest distance,

and continue the longest in action without being tired or satiated

with its proper enjoyments.”

– Joseph Addison (from The Spectator)

Someone once said that the eye is the window to the soul: but from a spiritual perspective faith is the widow through which we must see the things of God in order of the body to carry out its proper duties, obligations and responsibilities.

If seeing is believing in the natural world, believing is seeing things from God’s point of view.

As the body of Christ it is essential for every believer to see through eyes of faith; believing in everything God says and does.

I believe in God the Father - maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ His only Son
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the Man of Sorrows bruised for iniquities
I believe in the Lamb who was
crucified and hung between two thieves

I believe in the resurrection on the
third and glorious day
And I believe in the empty tomb and the
stone that the angel rolled away
He descended and set the captives free
And now He sits at God's right hand
and prepares a place for me

I believe He sent His Spirit to comfort and to reveal
To lead us into the truth and light, to baptize and to seal
I believe that He will come back the way He went away
And receive us all unto Himself, but no man knows the day

-- (lyrics from “My Creed” Petra, written by Robert M. Hartman)

As a part of the body we must believe in order to effectively see.  “Without faith, it is impossible to please God: And faith is the essence of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” – The Bible

As the body, “Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.” – Jonathan Swift

We must have vision and we must all see with eyes of faith.

So on some level every believer must be a part of the function of seeing/believing.

Today’s Verses:

  Where there is no vision, the people perish:

                        Proverbs 29:18(a)

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

John 20:24-29

Today’s Prayer:

Father, open the eyes of my heart that I may clearly see all that you have for me to do, and be.

.

Daily Thought for Wednesday, March 23rd

March 23, 2011

The Body, Part Three (Functions)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“It is not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies;”– Thomas Paine

Today’s Question

Were you aware of this fact: “We are members one of another; so that you cannot injure or help your neighbor without injuring or helping yourself?”  -  George Bernard Shaw

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be.  This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr

We have covered the what and the why in parts one and two of this series, so now it is time to move on to the how, when and where.

The when and where is easy.  When is now: “    (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” – The Bible (2 Corinthians 6:2)  Where is also easy: “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – The Bible (Luke 14:23)  There is no time like the present and no place like right here where we are, so now that brings us to the how.

The body of Christ is to work in this present age, in “…Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – The Bible (Acts 1:8(b))

We must be in one accord, with one mind and one heart.

But in order to function as our part of the body we must identify which part we are and how that part can optimize His purpose so that we can be the most effective for Him.

In the next few days we are gong to examine different parts of the body to see what their function might be.

I am of the persuasion that some of us while being strongest as one part, muscle ligament or cell, might be able to affect and facilitate effectiveness in many different ways.

We all must have the heart of God and a heart for God.

We all must breathe the air of God’s presence.

We all must drink of His living waters and taste and see that the Lord is good.

We all must touch and go to do whatever it is that we are intended to do.

So maybe you’re a part but as a part you are also the whole; in that everything you do affects every other part of the overall body.

 We may be many and many may be multifaceted; but ultimately there is only one Head, one Brain and one purpose and that is God.

It must be for Him, about Him and because of Him or it is a waste of time.

Today’s Verses:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men

                        Colossians 3:23

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God..

Romans 12:1-2

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to bloom where I am planted, grow wherever you put me and accomplish whatever you need for me to do.

.

Daily Thought for Tuesday, March 22nd

March 22, 2011

The Body, Part Two (Purpose)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“United we stand, divided we fall.”– Aesop

Today’s Question

“Don’t we all have the same father?  Didn’t the same God create us all?”  -  The Bible (Malachi 2:10)

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be.  This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr

What is the purpose of the body?   The exterior of our human body holds all the internal parts together so we don’t fall apart.  And of course all the internal parts work in tandem so that we can function and go about the act of living.  And also our bodies are the containers for our eternal souls while we are here on this earth.  If we are Christians, our bodies also house the person of the Holy Spirit the third person of the Trinity.

Spiritually, however the body serves a little different purpose.  The purpose of the body of Christ is to serve to unify the many parts (each individual believer) into a unified whole to accomplish the will of the Father and the work of His kingdom.

That is why unity within the body of Christ is so important.

Unfortunately in today’s world we have so many fractures and fissures within the body it is difficult for the work to get done as efficiently and effectively as it should.

Sadly this is true of the local church body to a large extent and to the global body of believers on a grandiose scale.

When a bacteria, fungus or injury occurs in our natural body, those things within us go to war against the intruding offense so that healing can occur.

However, in the body of Christ it seems when sin tries to invade we don’t attack it in unity to overcome it and bring healing and restoration; rather we individually attack with intent to annihilate and destroy or we embrace it and foster it’s ability to spread or grow.

We are supposed to build each other up, not tear each other apart.

And often we get so intent on doing what someone else is supposed to be doing instead of functioning in our intended purpose that we muck up the whole process.

God’s plan for the body of Christ was to bring all the parts of His family together to work towards the same purpose, exalting and glorifying Him and furthering His cause, message and plan for the world.

The question is are we helping or hindering the body?

Are we doing our part or trying to do someone else’s?

Are we working together for Him or working alone for us?

Today’s Verses:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

                        Psalm 133:1

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

                      Mark 3:24-25

Today’s Prayer:

Father, it seems the concept of all things working together for good needs to be applied to more than just individuals, it needs to become a global truth within the body.  Help me to do my part.

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Daily Thought for Monday, March 21st

March 21, 2011

The Body, Part One (Anatomy)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Today’s Thought:

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”– The Bible (Psalms 139:14)

Today’s Question

Did you know, “This body is not a home, but an inn; and that only for a short time” –  Seneca: and “There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophy?” – Friedrich Neitzsche

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“All of us have mortal bodies, composed of perishable matter, but the soul lives forever: it is a portion of the Deity housed in our bodies.”

– Josephus

Anatomy is the study of how plants, animals and people are made.  It is the in-depth analysis of how we are put together: while Biology is the study of how all those part work in tandem together.

If you have ever studied either biology or anatomy, you must be amazed at how miraculous a human body is.  I am in awe of the God who made such a creation that is so complex and yet works so well when properly cared for and maintained.  (In fact, I’m even more amazed at how well it works when it doesn’t get the best of care.)

God created a unit that is self-contained, that can reproduce itself, regenerate itself and with appropriate food and water and proper hygiene and exercise it is extremely durable and for the most part, efficient.

So then, is it any wonder that God uses the concept of the body to embody His plan for His church?

It takes thousand of body parts both internal and external to get us through each day.  Likewise with the church it takes thousands of parts to accomplish the work of the whole.

Just as we are a miracle in craftsmanship; so is the body of Christ, the Church.

The church is made up of many parts.  You and I, if we are blood bought and redeemed have become parts of that body.

The question is are we functioning to our optimum capacity or are we hindering productivity?

Are we getting adequate and appropriate spiritual nutrition and are we keeping ourselves hygienically clean, and physically fit spiritually speaking?

Our bodies require care and maintenance in order to perform at optimal levels, so does the body of Christ.

And there is no part of the body, especially the body of Christ that is perishable or expendable.  We are all needed to do our part to ensure that the full work of the gospel is carried out and the total work of the church gets done.

So what part are you and are you doing your part to keep all the parts at a peak performance status?

Today’s Verses:

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

1 Corinthians 12:14-27

Today’s Prayer:

Father, regardless of what part I might be in your body, may I be the best and most effective at being what you need me to be,

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