SETTLE

We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less. - 2 Corinthians 5:4-5

This is a great reminder that there are choices to be made everyday. We can live in the light of this moment and how we are feeling right now, or we can live in the light of eternity. So no matter our trials, difficulties, and afflictions we understand that Jesus has put the promise of better days in our hearts.

Each moment is a decision to have perspective. We either live in the light of today which is very limited, or in the light of eternity. This is critical. We will invest our time, energy and resources with greater wisdom as we "seek first" God's kingdom and righteousness. We won't settle for the things of this earth, but look beyond our circumstance to God's greater plan.

Thought Prayer: "Lord, help me live out each moment in the light of eternity."

ThoughtSong: Joy Williams "Every Moment"

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MESSENGERS

Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

In the armed forces, having a clear understanding of one's role in a mission is critical. A lack of understanding can potentially cost lives. The same understanding is necessary in our mission as Christians.

We are messengers. We are not "the Message".

This gives us confidence. We don't have to manufacture anything of our own. Looking to Christ to be the light in our lives to bring hope to the world around us. Trusting in Him alone to do this frees us from the weight of having to come up with something on our own.

ThoughtPrayer: "God, help me trust You to be the message my life delivers."

ThoughtSong: Matt Redman "You Alone Can Rescue"

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ATTENTION

And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. - Mark 4:24

Jesus was speaking to a crowd people telling people (who were mostly Jews) that were to be lights to the world. Their obedience to God would directly impact the cultures around them. This was an entirely new message for the people of Israel. The leaders of the day mostly told to , keep the Laws, do their duties, and stay away from Gentiles (non-Jews).

Jesus wanted people to PAY ATTENTION to what He had said. The Jews were to be a light to the world and they weren't doing their job. It is now the job of the Church to be this light to our world. We need to be attentive to the promptings of God to not stay in our little clusters (though it is important to gather to strengthen and encourage) but we must move beyond that.

As Christians, our job description is rather simple - love God, love others. If we lose our attentiveness to God and those around us, by getting wrapped up in our own "stuff", then we are off mission. Getting on mission isn't so much doing grandiose things for God, it's mostly about listening in the moments of our days to the Holy Spirit who will guide us through each step.

We need to be willing to listen. Taking the time throughout our days to direct our hearts God-ward.

ThoughtPrayer: "God, help me to take time and pay attention to You."

ThoughtQuote: "Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how." - Thomas Merton

ThoughtSong: Leeland "Wake Up"

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COMFORT

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, to that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Well, it's been a year. A full year of "OneThoughts". This is pretty much where we started. I thought I'd revisit this verse since back in the day, I only put a scripture out there.

The truth about the Christian life is that it is meant to be lived out in community. What we receive from God, we are to pour out to others. As we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we remember that Jesus was blessed of God to be broken and poured out for all. We are to follow His example. While we may not have to be crucified in order to accomplish this, we will probably have to go out of our way to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

If we can offer comfort, hope, food, strength, help, etc, we should. Simply being aware of the needs of those around us can be a strong witness for God. Most people are so wrapped up in their own "stuff" that when someone actually takes the time to show care and concern for them, that does not go unnoticed.

Today, have your radar up for ways in which you can make a difference. Wait patiently and listen for Spirit promptings that will direct you. The world will benefit.

ThoughtPrayer: "God, give me the awareness to see the need around me and to do something about it."

ThoughtSong: Tim Hughes "God of Comfort"

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BTW - Thanks for being part of OneThought.net. It's thrilling to hear that people are finding this helpful in their walk with Jesus. That's all I ever wanted.

COMPARING

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. - Galatians 6:4-5

I've been a runner for about 12 years now. When I've been in races, I have made the mistake of looking too much to my left and my right at the runners around me and not enough on the goal at the end. When I look to others to set my pace, I will usually overdo it and end up running out of steam at the end. But when I've decided what pace I can run and sticks to this plan, it usually means a successful race.

The same is true in life. If we really focus on the race that is marked out for us and what our role is in this, we are so much more effective in doing it. If we try to live up to the standards set by others, we will undoubtedly fall short. Asking God to help us discern what our "task list" needs to be is crucial in discerning His will. It's a good idea to bring our daily activities before God. He will help us discern right from wrong, better from best and rightly order our days.

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, teach me to seek Your will alone for my life."

ThoughtSong: Mark Harris "Find Myself in You"

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OBEDIENT

Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. - Philippians 2:8

If there were a character trait of Christ that I find particularly amazing, it would be His obedience. His willingness to obey the Father no matter what the cost inspires me - it also convicts me. Am I willing to actually do what God calls me to do? Laying down my life for my family and others.

One more thing. God wants our obedience even when there is really no reward other than pleasing Him. In my experience as a dad, when my kids obey me without some promise of a "happy meal" or a new webkin, this is when I feel what is best called HONOR. I think it's why God put "honor your mother and father" in the Ten Commandments. Obedience and honor are directly connected.

We honor God by our obedience.

ThoughtPrayer: "God help me to let You love me, just as I am."

ThoughtSong: Candi Pearson "You are My King"

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ATTITUDE

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 2:5

There is a lot more context here to share, but what is hitting me this morning is a sense that God is really concerned with our attitudes. When we think about the history of Israel and the history of the Church, we realize that every time a sinful action took place, it started with a sinful attitude.

A short list:

Eve and the apple. Cain and his offering. Lot's wife turning to salt. Pharoah's not letting the Israelites go. Moses striking the rock. Judas' betrayal.

A lot to be said for attitude. God is looking for those who are "humble and contrite in spirit". It is these people that God blesses. He opposes the proud but gives strength to the weak. When our attitudes can reflect the true brokeness of our lives, God can then step in. Otherwise, with prideful hearts, we try to make it on our own.

ThoughtPrayer: "God help me to let You love me, just as I am."

ThoughtSong: Matt Papa "Open Hands"

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LIKE-MINDED

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like‑minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. - Philippians 2:1-2

A sign of a people who are moving closer to Christ will be unity. This isn't the scary type of unity that makes people drink Kool-Aid and die. And it's not like everyone suddenly becomes robotic and obeys every command of some borg-like leader. It's the the kind of unity that is born out of mutual submission to each other. Sometimes I give, sometimes you give, but through it all we recognize the love that we have for Christ and one another is much greater than any of our own agendas.

We begin to desire the things of God more than anything else. Settling our worth in Him gives us this freedom. It's a kind of love that ushers God's kingdom into this world. It's a kind of love that allows us to move beyond superficiality into deep community - lasting love.

ThoughtPrayer: "God help me to let You love me, just as I am.”

ThoughtSong: David Crowder Band "How He Loves"

Check out the YouVersion online commentary of Granger Community Church going through Philippians 2 together HERE.

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NOTHING

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3

This verse can seem condemning, Paul wants to cut to the chase. When we have motivations that try to put ourselves above others (selfish ambition), what is behind this is a misguided sense of self-worth. Trying to be better than others does not make us more loved by God. When we ground our identities in things other than Christ, (relationships, wealth, position, etc) they will inevitably let us down.

Only when we get the fact that we are loved by our Father, our Abba, our Daddy, for just who we are, THEN we can live out a life that is concerned for others. If we try to live for others without this worth intact, we are doomed to become people pleasers.

God hit me with this today. If my motivation to perform comes from a need to approved by others, I am, as Paul says in 1Corinthians 13, a "clanging cymbal". I was also struck by how God made clear that He wants me to faithful and obedient regardless of any "reward" that might be sent my way. Confessing this to Him gives me freedom.

ThoughtPrayer: "God help me to let You love me, just as I am.”

ThoughtSong: Travis Ryan "Found in You"

This whole week will be dedicated to settling our worth in Christ.

STRENGTH

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10

When the people heard the word of God for the first time, they began to weep since they had not obeyed it. But Nehemiah reminded them to take a much different view, CELEBRATE! Instead of looking at how bad they were, he wanted them to focus on how great God is.

This is our challenge today. Criticism (especially self-criticism) and joy cannot coexist. There is a certain amount of healthy conscience that keeps us from sin, but if our general state of mind is one constant self-criticism, we will lead joyless lives. I often struggle with this particular sin. It is a sin of condemning what God has made. Remember, we are "God's workmanship" (Eph. 2:10).

God's joy is waiting to fill our lives with strength. Are we willing to accept this, live it out, and pass it on to others?

ThoughtPrayer: "Today, I will choose the joy of the Lord."

ThoughtSong: Chris Tomlin "Holy is the Lord"

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MEANING

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. - Nehemiah 8:8

After many years of not worshiping God in Jerusalem, Nehemiah, along with Ezra helped lead an initiative to make Jerusalem safe and repair the temple. After this was completed, the leaders began the task of teaching people about worship. They went to God's word and explained the meaning of what they were doing.

Often, in our modern worship services, we assume that our people (particularly new people) understand what is going on. Not that every moment needs some sort of explanation, since sometimes the mystery of God defies this. But, this doesn't exempt the people who lead worship from helping our congregations understand what they are doing. Occasionally, a short (I say short, since we don't need two sermons) explanation on the "why" of what we do (why we sing, why we read God's word, why we pray, etc) can really help people in their depth of their worship.

If you aren't a leader in your worship services, and you have questions - ASK! This might help others who are thinking the same thing. The internet can also be a great way of finding out the history behind a lot of what we do. The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has a good set of articles on the "why" of worship HERE.

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, help us deepen our worship of You through understanding."

ThoughtSong: Chris Tomlin "Made to Worship"

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MOCKED

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success." - Nehemiah 2:19-20

The truth is that when people follow God, it often makes other people mad. Usually it is the people who are comfortable in the status quo who get ticked. Following God requires CHANGE and the status quo doesn't like it! Think of Moses, Elijah, and especially Jesus. All setting new things into motion. All met with resistance.

It's been said that the only sure way you know you're following God is when you tick a few people off! I'm not saying that you should intentionally try to do this, but it often can be a byproduct of being faithful to Christ. Let's face it, the "narrow way" that Christ talked about is not easy. Jesus never said following Him would be comfortable. He did say that He would give us peace in our spirits as we are faithful to His calling on our lives.

What is it that God might be calling you to today that may not be the popular thing? Take the time to simply ask God what step of faith you might need to take.

ThoughtPrayer: "God, my life, for Your Kingdom."

ThoughtSong: Aaron Shust "Take Over" (brand new today)

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HANDS

Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. - Psalm 31:5

We remember the final words of Jesus as He gave His final breath on the cross. Jesus understood the faithfulness of the Father and so He placed His full reliance on Yahweh. Laid bare, Jesus gave His life to the Father.

When we are broken and bruised, we need not justify ourselves to others (or God, for that matter). Simply committing our lives into the hands of the Holy Spirit, we can trust in His redemption. It may not even come in this lifetime, but we trust that it is for God alone to redeem in His time.

ThoughtPrayer: "Into Your hands, I commit my spirit."

ThoughtSong: Hillsong "You Hold Me Now"

TAUGHT

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. - 1 Corinthians 2:13

Sometimes, when I speak, I get tongue tied. Especially when I'm in front of large groups of people (which is part of my job!). This verse gives me great comfort, knowing that if I've prayed and thought about what I'm going to say, that the Spirit will guide this and teach me what I need to speak.

It's cool to think that the Spirit kind of takes over, speaking through us. When this happens, it sometimes can be the case that we forget even what we have said. Some of my friends confirm this. God speaking through His people, spiritual truths.

Today, God is looking for people who are available to be His voice to this world, that when they speak, the love of God is brought more and more into this world. Are we listening to God enough to the be used as His voice? Take the time to consider what the Spirit is teaching us, in order that our words may not be simply of human wisdom, but of divine inspiration?

ThoughtPrayer: "God, Your heart in every word I speak today."

ThoughtSong: Fee "We Shine"

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LOWLY

He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. - 1 Corinthians 1:28-29

God is an upside-down kind of God. The things that the world devalues (the poor, the meek, the marginalized, the diseased), He greatly values. The things that the world values (power, fame, wealth), He gives less value.

I think that is why Jesus was so perplexing to leaders like the Pharisees. They had a certain power structure set up and if a person "played by the rules", they could build their status, wealth, influence, etc. This is not to say that Jesus did not see leadership as critical, it was nature of this leadership that He was concerned with.

Throughout the Gospels, He showed us what was important to God through His intentional interactions with people - lepers, paralytics, tax-collectors, Samaritans. The question is: how do we line ourselves up with this agenda? How do we continually allow the Spirit to renovate our hearts and point them toward what God really values? Once, again the answer is simple, but not easy:

ASK

If we ask the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts to what God desires continually, throughout the activities of our day, our lives begin to take on the heart of Christ, more and more. Set your watch to chime on the hour as a reminder. Put a post-it note on your desk. Whatever you need to keep in constant communion with God's Spirit.

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, renovate my heart. Make it wholly Yours."

ThoughtSong: Hillsong United "Lead Me to the Cross"

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EXAMINE

Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. - Psalm 26:2

Throughout the history of the church and even prior to that, people have asked God to search their souls in order to go through a process of cleansing. It is critical to have a step like this in a regular set of disciplines that are practiced.

St. Ignatius of Loyola created a "prayer of examen" which focused on two areas: 1) asking God to bring to our consciousness where He was working in our lives; 2) asking God to reveal areas in our lives that need growth. This is a conditioning of our awareness of God throughout our day.

This sounds great, but it is not easy, since distractions are many. Finding a consistent time, usually at the beginning or ending of the day is helpful. Also, the guidance of a Christian spiritual director (I'm not talking a guru or anything) can be useful in developing this discipline. For more on this, check out the Metamorpha website or Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline book.

ThoughtPrayer: "Prayer of Examen"

ThoughtSong: Kathryn Scott "Search Me, Know Me"

GREATER

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles. - 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

One can imagine the people in Jerusalem being completely frightened over the vast army that stood before them. Plus, the Assyrian king sent messengers with "trash talk" death threats. The situation looked grim.

In elementary math, I had a great deal of trouble remembering what two particular symbols meant - the ">" & "<" signs. I would get all sorts of mixed up as to which one meant greater than or less than. While being fairly good at math, I would often fail these portions of tests which would bring my overall grade down.

In life, if we don't have ">" & "<" figured out, we'll have a lot of trouble dealing with life's circumstances. We will see huge opposition, sickness, hardships, etc as insurmountable. But when we understand this basic formula: God >(is greater than) our trials, we get to experience peace.

Today, breathe in the notion that God is greater than what you're facing. He's not surprised by it. He's already working His will through it. Experience PEACE, knowing He's fully in control. As Jesus reminds us, "take heart, for I have overcome the world."

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, I fully give you control."

ThoughtSong: Mutemath "Control"

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OBEDIENCE

In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. - 2 Chronicles 31:21

When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he sought God with all of his heart. He turned from the ways of his father, Ahaz who had shut down the temple as a place of worship of the Most High. Hezekiah restored the temple along with all the priests and Levites who would minister before God. And for the first time, possibly since Solomon, Hezekiah invited all of Judah and Israel to celebrate the Passover in obedience to the Lord.

This king's life could be characterized by one word: OBEDIENCE. It is a word that frighten people, thinking that they'll be asked to sell everything and move to an African desert. Though that may be the case, the chances are that God is asking smaller steps of obedience in our lives right now. Many people are looking to obey God for the "big things" - what job they should take, what house should they live in, who should they marry, etc. It's difficult for our hearts to be in tune with God on these big issues, when on smaller issues, we're not listening.

Today, consider small steps of obedience. Take time to pray over decisions. God is speaking. Are we listening?

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, may every step be a step of obedience."

ThoughtSong: Keith Green "To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice"

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