Spiritual Renewal

Focus verses: Isaiah 29:22-24

Today's reading is full of promise. Promise of forgiven sins, returned blessings, restoration and spiritual renewal.

There is to be a time when the people will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. People who have been rebellious will learn of Him.

In conversation with a friend yesterday, he mentioned a class reunion. He said that when they graduated half the class was Christian and the other were simply secular. But at this reunion, it seems that all had come to a saving knowledge of the Lord. One who had had a miserable childhood with no instruction of the Lord had become a strong proponent of God. Another has a blog where the prayers and writings are evangelical and strong teaching.

His question was, given his experience, why do we not hear about the growth of faith in this country. We came to the conclusion that the media hypes the exception, not the rule. The strident voices do not necessarily represent the majority, just the most vociferous.

Our conversation reminded me of the passage in II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by my name...."

Although we all know those who have no understanding of the Lord, there are many who do. And if we who know Him continue to teach, explain, and provide example for those who don't, He will draw all of them unto Himself.

Every Christian is the seed of spiritual renewal in his circle of influence. Let us be fruitful.

Father, God,

We ask for a fresh wind of Your Holy Spirit to sweep across our land. Breathe on us the renewal we so urgently desire. Help us to be fruitful in this time of harvest.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

First Fruits or Some Fruit

Focus verses: Genesis 4:2-16.

Now that we know that we are to be fruitful and subdue the earth, how do we communicate our love and respect for God?

In the case of Cain and Abel, each had a different vocation. Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer. Each brought offering to the Lord. Abel brought the first born, the first fruit of his labors. Cain brought part of the grain, not necessarily the first harvested, nor harvested from the best field. He just brought some of the grain.

And God rebuked him, telling him his offering would be accepted if he did well -- in other words, what was right. And what is right is to give God the first and best - not just something left over or what you think you can spare.

This is true of finances, as well as time and talent. When we give God the leftovers, He finds that unacceptable. He must have first place in our lives. Not our spouses and families, not our jobs, not our hobbies, not our personal desires. God is to be first priority.

So when we make out our calendar for the day do we put God's time in first?

When we construct our budget do we put God's share down first?

Or are we just giving Him the leftovers -- what we think we can spare? Whose time, talent and finances are these anyway?

Father, God,

Soften our hearts and harden our resolve to put You first in our lives, first in time, first in finances, first in talent. And help us to keep faithful in this resolve.

In Jesus' most precious name we pray.
Amen

Seeking Ourselves

Focus verses: Genesis 1:26-30.

Can you identify yourself? Who, exactly, are you? Not your name. Nor your job. Nor your relationship to any another person or persons. What is the essence of who you are?

These verses tell you. You are a being created in the image of God. You are not God. You will never be a god. But you are created to be like Him. And He commissioned you!

He delegated His life-creating powers to the union of male and female. And He commanded that you be fruitful and fill the earth.

And subdue it. Take authority over the earth, an authority that was delegated by God, the Creator of the universe. If you know anything about military or corporate structure, you know that your authority is limited by the person to whom you report. Your authority never exceeds that of the superior officer.

So, too, we need to be aware that while we have been given authority and dominion by God, we are still subordinate to Him. While we rule over the earth and all it's fauna, we are not, ultimately, the One in charge.

You will note, also, that God gave us a vegetarian diet. And this vegetarian diet was not limited to man, but to the animals as well. Animals were not originally intended for food. That came later.

Hmmm... So who am I? I am a child of God, created in the image of my heavenly Father. I was designed to be creative and fruitful. I was given authority over the earth and the living creatures. And I was designed to eat seeds and fruit -- not meat.

Father, God,

As I have questions about myself, my goals, and my endeavors, help me to seek the answers by seeking to know You better.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.