Day 315 – Let us Fan the Flame of the God given Gift we’ve been given until it spreads like a wild Fire.

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 6 – 2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Timothy is what we would call a young evangelist, and Paul recognized something Grand in him which came from his great faith that had been passed down from Timothy’s mother and grandmother. This faith of Timothy’s continued to grow and grow, but his youth made him fear spreading it. Paul spoke truth to him, encouraging him not to fear the people against his faith, but trying to inspire him to fan the flame of his great faith with the power, love and self-control God has given Timothy through the Holy Spirit.

We too have been given a very specific gift from God that comes through the Holy Spirit and includes the gift of power, self-control, and love. We weren’t given these gifts to have for ourselves but to use for the furthering of the faith.

There have been many times where I have allowed fear to squelch opportunities to use my gift of writing and speaking to Glorify God. These fears have appeared in the form of worry over loss of friends or hurting family, lack of ability, and fear of pushing non-believers away. Yet God’s gift has never been for my personal gain or about “ME” at all, so who am I to ever question how He wants it used.

He is able to do far more with the gifts He’s given each of us than we could ever dream or imagine, and when we allow His power, love, and self-control to drive us, the gift of Faith in Jesus will be spread like a wild fire into our neighborhoods, states, nations, and world.

Day 314 – Even our youth should strive to reflect Christ.

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 3 – 5

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

‘They’re still a child.’ I’ve said it, they’ve said it, you’ve probably said it at one time or another. This is the main excuse we use when a youth acts in a way that is not Christ-like.

Oh my heavens, in my youth I was just like many other youth, doing and saying things that would make no one believe I was a Christian. In fact, when I did grow in my walk as an adult, many people that knew me as a youth questioned my faith as an adult. I wish I could go back and change many of my words and actions from my youth, but I can’t. However, it is now my responsibility to hold youth to the same standard I should have strived for when I was their age, and that standard is Christ.

Uplifting words, truth and hope should be spoken, upright conduct should be shown, Love and Faith should be freely shared, and Purity upheld to the Nth degree. Yes, youth are still growing and learning and Grace should be shown by adult believers like myself, but we need to stop making excuses for their words, actions, and deeds because they are our future and they will be paving the way for future generations to know Christ. And when we hold them to the standard of Christ they will naturally be an example of Christ to all those around them (including us).

Day 313 – Pray for all people.

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3 – 1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Every election season brings different people into and out of office. But One thing remains the same at the end of each day, there will still be Only one God, one Lord of Lords, and one King of Kings reigning on the throne of Heaven.

1 Timothy 2:3-6 “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

For this reason and for this purpose it is good and necessary that we continue to pray for ALL people.

When Jesus entered this world as a baby, coming for the purpose of saving us from our sins, He ushered peace in for ALL people. JESUS desires us to live amongst each other in a peaceful way, in harmony, not the same but beautiful together, reflecting Him by His love, and pointing others to the gift of salvation and the knowledge of His truth. We won’t like or agree with every outcome or opinion, but we can all agree to focus on the outcome of the greatest war ever waged and the One that is the winner of that war.

Christ is the One who died for ALL of our sins on the cross and sits on the throne ruling over ALL things. He is waiting and watching to see how we react to each outcome because He already realizes and planned it, and He is desiring that we would be the best reflection of Him.

He wants us to lay aside our own selfish desires, taking up our cross daily, taking up the needs of others, and praying for ALL people that they may also come to Know Him as King, Father, Son, GOD of ALL, and the One and Only Greatest Ruler to ever be.

Day 312 – We are children of the Light.

Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5 – 2 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 5:5 “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.”

So what does that mean to me and my life….think about it, what were you afraid of when you were little? Were you ever afraid of the dark, did you ever check under your bed and in the closet before you turned of the lights? What did our mom, dad or grandparent say after it got dark? ‘Nothing good happens after “Dark” thirty’. When do most people sleep? When it’s dark right?!

Well if we are children of the day then we have no reason to fear the dark or live in the dark because it’s already light. We must stay alert, be ready, seek to fulfill what God wants from us. We must NOT become idle, but continuing to work as we work for the Lord. And because we are children of the Day, we are filled with the greatest light, Hope….Hope for tomorrow and Hope for eternity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Stop living in the dark. Seek to live in the light. Go live as A child of the Day and Shine like the SON!

Day 311 – Live a life that is pleasing to God and encourages others to seek Him.

Today’s Reading: Colossians 4 – 1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:1 “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”

There is a whole world around us, watching us, waiting for us to mess up, to prove that we are no better than the unsaved, but when we focus on Christ we have the opportunity to be a witness to this world of what a child of God really is.

Over and over again God urges us to love one another as Christ loves the church, but if we actually stepped back and looked at how we are doing we’d probably be a little disappointed in the example we’ve been for the family of Christ. It’s as though we are willing to love someone who is down, but not someone who is out. We tend to leave them for dead or choose to stir up conflict around them. Non-believers and others lacking faith see us treat one another like this and decide it is better to live outside the community of faith instead of being hurt by those in it. We deter these from a life with Christ because of our actions toward one another.

Yet, there are still those who live a life exuding Christ. Everywhere they go they lead younger believers and those lacking in faith by an example of Christ’s love. Paul says if we love our brothers and sisters in Christ more each day, leading a quiet life, minding our own business, not meddling in others affairs, and work with our hands to provide for ourselves not waiting for others to do things for us, we are leaving a legacy and being an example for others to follow.

Who knows, but your love may turn those outside the faith to be moved to accept Christ and lead a life also pleasing to Him. Examine your example and Love others as He loves you.

Day 310 – Don’t be anxious about anything instead be thankful for everything.

Today’s Reading: Philippians 3 – Colossians 3

Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Over my lifetime there have definitely been many things that have made me anxious and a few things that still do. Yet God says that the things that make me anxious should cause me to be thankful. Actually, He says to be thankful for everything, the good, the bad, the ugly, the sad, the beautiful, the happy, the loss and the gift, the hurt and the healing….All Things.

But why…but how?

I’ve asked myself this many times, until I realized the truth. For one, all things are created by Him, for Him, and through Him. And what He made, He made good and we should be thankful for His Creation….all of it.

Colossians 1:16-17 “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Second, when we set our thanks on His thoughts and His ideas by focusing on things of Heaven and not of earth, when the hard times come, our Hope will be set, and the things happening around us will seem so minuscule and insignificant compared to the greatness of His gift and His plan.

Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

As we head into this month of Thanksgiving, a time to celebrate the Thanks we have for God’s provisions, why not start making a list of things that we are thankful for. Watch as God changes your perspective and turns your anxiousness into thankfulness. Why not continue through the next year, being thankful each day and watching as your anxiousness begins to fade away. And the peace of God will fill your life!

Day 309 – This fight isn’t against one another but the devil, so be prepared.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6 – Philippians 2

Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

We have got to arm ourselves for the battle we are in. Even though Christ won the war, if we do not guard ourselves and those we hold dear, there will be losses and injuries that could’ve been missed.

Ephesians 6:13-18 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

No matter what lies are thrown our way, we must focus on truth. And living in this world, the justification of wrong seems so easy, but we must stick to what is right. With so many different roads to take but only one leading to Heaven, we must stay on the path of Christ. As trouble comes our way and difficulties fly in at every corner, we must put up our shield of faith, trusting in the one we cannot see but believe. Along the way there will be bumps in the road, but if we place on our helmet of salvation the blood of Christ will break our fall. The map of this world will lead us to death, but if we stay close to the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God will lead us home. We will grow tired during the fight, but if we keep praying we will be made alert and persevere to the very end.

Day 308 – Don’t give the Devil any opportunity to win.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 3 – 5

Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

Homecoming is one of the greatest nights in high school football. Alumni come back together to see one another after a long time parted. Fences broken become mended, and new memories are made under those Friday Night Lights. It’s an opportunity to come “Home” and be unified as one school and one family. But as night falls, amidst the fans in the grandstands, there is heartache, broken homes, anger, lost souls, and a devil ready to pounce on the weakened victims. He knows as the night lingers on the festivities diminish, everyone will part ways and he can continue to destroy the once unified body and steal the Joy from each soul.

Ephesians 4:28-32 “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

We must choose to fight this battle with love by forgiving one another, being kind, and making right our wrongs, not focusing on one another’s wrongs.

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

We must walk in love and be imitators of Christ because if He had let the night fall on His anger we wouldn’t be saved or welcomed into the Greatest “HOMECOMING” of all.

Day 307 – Don’t grow tired of doing good.

Today’s Reading: Galatians 6 – Ephesians 2

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Every-once and a blue moon, I get this wild hair that gets frustrated, agitated, aggravated and every other -ated that’s out there. It seems to come out of nowhere, but after careful reflection I realize it was brought on by exhaustion. I understand most people get a little aggravated when tired, but my problem is it’s not from physically being tired. Instead, this exhaustion is emotional exhaustion from doing good and not always seeing change or betterment of the situation. I guess you could say I got tired of doing good and not witnessing good coming from it. But in the moments of agitation, aggravation, and frustration, I feel God grab ahold of me and shake some sense back in.

It’s as though I hear Him say, ‘Kristen, this isn’t about what you do or what you see. I created you specifically for good works by my grace. So have grace on others and keep up the good work.’

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

That’s when I get frustrated with myself and ask forgiveness for my foolishness.

Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

I have a feeling I’m not alone. If you ever feel like giving up on the good you’re doing, remember the good He’s done for you!

Day 306 – Let freedom in Christ encourage you to serve one another in love.

Today’s Reading: Galatians 3 – 5

Galatians 5:13-14 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

In Christ, we are made free, not free to do as we please but free to love, free from the bondage of Legalism and Sin, and free to serve one another.

Serving…..doesn’t that contradict freedom, but it’s actually simply freeing. Under bondage and slavery you are forced to serve and under freedom in Christ you are free to serve, it becomes a choice. Then the choices we make are to be made out of love since our freedom comes out of the abundant love of Christ.

In this freedom, however, we get stuck on a wide spectrum. Some fall so far right that they get stuck in the rut of legalism and some fall so far left that they get stuck in the muck of sin. Either way, when you get stuck there is a power over you and you become enslaved again.

Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

You have a choice to make, what will it be? Don’t be tied down by legalism or burdened under the weight of sin, find freedom in the hands of Christ and serve one another out of the love He pours into you.