God Closes The Door

A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them. Genesis 7:16
So very gracious of the Lord to not have Noah close the people out. Noah was righteous, but he was not their Judge. I want to do all I can to live righteous in a generation that is worldly, but I never want to come across as being self righteous or act in judgmental ways towards people. God alone is our Judge.
Father, please help me to live a lifestyle that honors You and Your name, and to never appear (or actually be) condemning and judgmental. I deserve to be judged, but Jesus took my place. Who am I to judge?

Close Fellowship

Speaking of Enoch, scripture says that he was walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him (Genesis 5:24, NLT). Other versions simply say that he walked with God, but I love how it's states he walked in CLOSE fellowship. I don't want to only walk with God (living as a Christian), I want to live in CLOSE fellowship with Him. Lord, please draw me close to You, and help me to respond to that drawing.

Minister To Jesus

Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Take strangers in. Clothe the naked. Visit the sick. Visit those in prison.

Six Commandments, minus one, plus one

The rich young ruler asks Jesus what commandments he is supposed to keep. Jesus lists five of the ten that have to do with our relationships with others: do not steal, lie, commit adultery or murder, and make sure to honor your parents. Then, instead of telling him to not covet, He says to love your neighbor. Perhaps this was because this young man was rich enough that coveting wasn't a problem, but loving your neighbor was. In any case, Jesus changed the list. How many times do I just go with a list? Do these three things, or don't do these, without considering what God is really after in the person I am talking to. I need to be sensitive to His voice. Something to think about. Also, Jesus didn't talk to this man about relationship with God, but with people. More to think about. Don't say you love God if you hate your brother. How can you love God who you don't see...?

Start Small, but Start Now

Start small, but start now. This is a quote that I read from Wayne Cordeiro's book The Divine Mentor. Pastor Wayne was talking about when change is needed. I had a great talk with Matt Nickerson at Starbucks yesterday regarding this. We spoke of devotions, diet, exercise, etc. It is essential to start. This is why I am restarting my blog.