Package Delivered

We keep looking outside to see if it has come yet. We check and recheck the delivery tracking details online. We don’t know what is in the package, but our loved one said that it was on the way. So we impatiently wait to receive the package and find out what is in it.

Psalm 138:8 says, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Sometimes we struggle with trying to know God’s purpose for our lives. It’s because we want to know the answers completely and immediately. This verse promises that God will fulfill His purpose for our lives and will lovingly do so. We must do our part by faithfully and expectantly waiting.

Know the Tree By Its Fruit

As we drove the highway through central California, we saw thousands of fruit trees and grape vines. Most of them looked strong and healthy, ready to produce delicious fruit. Some, however, looked a bit scrawny and unhealthy and not at all likely to produce good fruit.

Matthew 7:16-17 says, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” You can tell whether you’re walking with God in righteousness by the type of fruit your actions are bearing. If your deeds bring forth love, joy, peace, and kindness, you are faithfully walking close to Him. If your deeds are producing anger, jealousy, pride, and strife, you are walking away from God.

Our Appetites Deceive

When I drive past a Dairy Queen (DQ), my appetite for a strawberry sundae rises to the front of my thoughts. I long for the taste, ignoring the impact upon my blood sugar and weight. Our appetite and selfish desires can deceive us into doing things that harm us and can lead others astray.

Romans 16 18 says, “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” We should put aside our selfish desires in order to walk closely with our God. Otherwise, we can deceive ourselves and others into going in the wrong ways.

Revive Our Hearts

Coffee has taken over our culture. Coffee houses are open on virtually every corner and are constantly busy. Many people need their morning coffee in order to become revived from a hard previous day and to energize for the day ahead.

Psalm 69:32-33 says, “When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” Humility helps us to praise God for His wonders. And these praises, in turn, revive our hearts and the hearts of others who witness our praise. This moment by moment revival reaches deep into our soul and is far more powerful than our morning coffee.

What We Do For Love

Songs have been written about it. Wars have been fought over it. Relationships have endured a lifetime for it. Personal sacrifices to the point of death have been made for. Love motivates us to go to great lengths in order to receive it, give it, and sustain it.

Psalm 26:3 says, “For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.” Keeping our hearts focused on God’s steadfast love helps us faithfully walk in His grace. Meditating on His abundant love for us motivates us to walk closer to Him and know Him more intimately.