What is 7 Days?
A short teaching series of 7 consecutive days focused on one theme, meant to provide you with perspective and
motivation for daily living. Stop back for a new series every season.
motivation for daily living. Stop back for a new series every season.
"Having convictions can be defined as being so thoroughly convinced that Christ and His Word are both objectively true and relationally meaningful that you act on your beliefs regardless of the consequences." (Josh McDowell)
What convictions do you have? Whether we acknowledge it or not, our daily life is impacted by them. This is what I'm referring to by the term default - It's the internal belief's we carry (figuratively speaking) that lead to the emotional and physical responses we hold and act upon, before and/or after common life events or crises. As believers, convictions very much have to do with our perspective of God, which in turn, impacts our worldview. These are, in essence, the core values that drive our life. From a belief that family is the foundation of a healthy society, to the belief that maintaining good sleep and eating habits impacts our health, or being convinced that we live in a world of sin but that we can choose to live a Godly life - We live out our convictions.
Side note: I am fully convinced that my grandma, who passed away several years ago, went to be with the Lord. She was saved from an early age, surrendered her life to God and walked with Him daily. This is a conviction of mine. The Lord promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. If we've lost loved ones who 'died in the Lord' we can be fully convinced that we shall reunite with them if we are living in the Lord!
What convictions do you have? Whether we acknowledge it or not, our daily life is impacted by them. This is what I'm referring to by the term default - It's the internal belief's we carry (figuratively speaking) that lead to the emotional and physical responses we hold and act upon, before and/or after common life events or crises. As believers, convictions very much have to do with our perspective of God, which in turn, impacts our worldview. These are, in essence, the core values that drive our life. From a belief that family is the foundation of a healthy society, to the belief that maintaining good sleep and eating habits impacts our health, or being convinced that we live in a world of sin but that we can choose to live a Godly life - We live out our convictions.
Side note: I am fully convinced that my grandma, who passed away several years ago, went to be with the Lord. She was saved from an early age, surrendered her life to God and walked with Him daily. This is a conviction of mine. The Lord promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. If we've lost loved ones who 'died in the Lord' we can be fully convinced that we shall reunite with them if we are living in the Lord!
Your God-view will determine your worldview, which determines your values, which determines the way you live.
ASK:
ACT:
1. DON'T QUARREL, BE PERSONALLY CONVINCED IN YOUR FAITH
Romans 14:5-6: One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
2. HOLD FIRMLY
Hebrews 3:14: We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
3. ESTABLISH YOUR FOOTING
Proverbs 4:26: Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
4. CHOOSE TODAY WHO YOU WILL SERVE
Joshua 24:14-15: Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
5. TRUST GOD, EVEN IF
Daniel 3:18: But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- What do I anchor my life on?
- Are my convictions causing strife or division?
- In all my convictions, have I made room for God's sovereignty?
- Am I open to allowing God to break convictions that I made or held onto in error?
ACT:
1. DON'T QUARREL, BE PERSONALLY CONVINCED IN YOUR FAITH
Romans 14:5-6: One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
2. HOLD FIRMLY
Hebrews 3:14: We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
3. ESTABLISH YOUR FOOTING
Proverbs 4:26: Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
4. CHOOSE TODAY WHO YOU WILL SERVE
Joshua 24:14-15: Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
5. TRUST GOD, EVEN IF
Daniel 3:18: But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
"Beloved, I say, let your fears go, lest they make you fainthearted. Stop inspiring fear in those around you and now take your stand in faith. God has been good and He will continue to manifest His goodness. Let us approach these days expecting to see the goodness of the Lord manifest. Let us be strong and of good courage, for the Lord will fight for us if we stand in faith." (Francis Frangipane)
Fear is a chain reaction in the brain that starts with a stressful stimulus and ends with the release of chemicals that cause a racing heart, fast breathing and energized muscles, among other things, also known as the fight-or-flight response (Source: How Stuff Works). What is the stimulus that is causing you fear today? A sick child? A failing business? Unpaid bills? Rumors of nuclear war? At times, all of us experience fear. Psalm 23 was written by David during the time when his men were fighting with the forces of his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. He had reason to fear, yet, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he has left us with a proclamation of faith that many of us have recited from childhood (and now teach our children): Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23: 4). Lord, help us to never forget this! We can face our fears with faith because, above all, we have a loving Father who is Sovereign and knows all things.
Side note: Levy, our oldest son, had croup (an infection of the upper airway) when he was about a year and a half. It was really bad, especially at night, and he could barely breathe. At first, we were filled with fear. The scenarios that we allowed to play through our head went to the extreme - What if it's fatal? What if he won't get better? Etc.. We took him to the doctors and he even had to endure some x-rays that required him to be enclosed in a tube-like device so he couldn't move his arms or head. I did my best to comfort him and be near him as he cried; Daniela couldn't even stay in the room to watch. It was like we couldn't do anything to help him, we felt so weak. It was only when we cried before the Lord that our faith began to flourish. We didn't know the outcome but we gained peace. Thank God that everything was well in the end.
Fear is a chain reaction in the brain that starts with a stressful stimulus and ends with the release of chemicals that cause a racing heart, fast breathing and energized muscles, among other things, also known as the fight-or-flight response (Source: How Stuff Works). What is the stimulus that is causing you fear today? A sick child? A failing business? Unpaid bills? Rumors of nuclear war? At times, all of us experience fear. Psalm 23 was written by David during the time when his men were fighting with the forces of his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. He had reason to fear, yet, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he has left us with a proclamation of faith that many of us have recited from childhood (and now teach our children): Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23: 4). Lord, help us to never forget this! We can face our fears with faith because, above all, we have a loving Father who is Sovereign and knows all things.
Side note: Levy, our oldest son, had croup (an infection of the upper airway) when he was about a year and a half. It was really bad, especially at night, and he could barely breathe. At first, we were filled with fear. The scenarios that we allowed to play through our head went to the extreme - What if it's fatal? What if he won't get better? Etc.. We took him to the doctors and he even had to endure some x-rays that required him to be enclosed in a tube-like device so he couldn't move his arms or head. I did my best to comfort him and be near him as he cried; Daniela couldn't even stay in the room to watch. It was like we couldn't do anything to help him, we felt so weak. It was only when we cried before the Lord that our faith began to flourish. We didn't know the outcome but we gained peace. Thank God that everything was well in the end.
Only he who can say, 'The Lord is the strength of my life' can say, 'Of whom shall I be afraid?'
Alexander MacLaren
ASK:
ACT:
1. SEEK THE LORD
Psalm 34:4: I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
2. CAST YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM
1 Peter 5: 6,7: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
3. TRUST HIM
Psalm 25: 8,9: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
4. FEAR (AND REVERE) GOD, NOT MAN
Matthew 10:28: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
5. STAND FIRM IN FAITH
1 Corinthians 16:13: Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- What do I fear?
- Has my fear paralyzed my faith?
- Am I instilling fear in others around me?
- Am I ready to forfeit my fears at the cross and find grace?
ACT:
1. SEEK THE LORD
Psalm 34:4: I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
2. CAST YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM
1 Peter 5: 6,7: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
3. TRUST HIM
Psalm 25: 8,9: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
4. FEAR (AND REVERE) GOD, NOT MAN
Matthew 10:28: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
5. STAND FIRM IN FAITH
1 Corinthians 16:13: Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
"Follow boldy in your Master's steps, for He has made this rough journey before you. Better a brief warfare and eternal rest than false peace and everlasting torment." (Alistair Begg)
Feeling stuck? Don't know what to do? Do you think God is withholding a blessing from you? Do the next right thing. When a person in the ancient days journeyed at night they carried an oil lamp. They were able to see the path just ahead of them and it was enough to help them avoid rocks, ruts and danger, to keep moving forward. (Source: Bible.org). The Word of God is a daily guide. It is sufficient for today, and tomorrow and every other day God chooses to bless me with. We don't just read it once and be off our merry way. Today, if I'm diligent to read it and heed it, the Lord promises enough light for the next step; He will never leave us!
Side note: When Daniela and I were praying for children we didn't know what the timeline would be. As months turned into years, we realized that God was working something much deeper in us. He wanted us to trust Him, one day at a time. After what seemed to be a breaking point, Daniela had a breakthrough experience during a women's conference. During prayer and worship, she placed her hands over her stomach and began to praise God, believing Him to do the impossible. She was filled with faith and power. She believed so strongly that she could get pregnant (then and there, as she says!). You might not know what the journey hold 5, 10, 20 years from now, but you can rest assured that, today, God's got it.
Feeling stuck? Don't know what to do? Do you think God is withholding a blessing from you? Do the next right thing. When a person in the ancient days journeyed at night they carried an oil lamp. They were able to see the path just ahead of them and it was enough to help them avoid rocks, ruts and danger, to keep moving forward. (Source: Bible.org). The Word of God is a daily guide. It is sufficient for today, and tomorrow and every other day God chooses to bless me with. We don't just read it once and be off our merry way. Today, if I'm diligent to read it and heed it, the Lord promises enough light for the next step; He will never leave us!
Side note: When Daniela and I were praying for children we didn't know what the timeline would be. As months turned into years, we realized that God was working something much deeper in us. He wanted us to trust Him, one day at a time. After what seemed to be a breaking point, Daniela had a breakthrough experience during a women's conference. During prayer and worship, she placed her hands over her stomach and began to praise God, believing Him to do the impossible. She was filled with faith and power. She believed so strongly that she could get pregnant (then and there, as she says!). You might not know what the journey hold 5, 10, 20 years from now, but you can rest assured that, today, God's got it.
You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.
John Maxwell
ASK:
ACT:
1. PRAYERFULLY, ESTABLISH YOUR STEPS IN THE WORD
Psalm 119:133: Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
2. REALIZE THAT HE KNOWS ALL YOUR STEPS
Job 31:4: Does He not see my ways And number all my steps?
3. BE HUMBLE
Psalm 25: 8,9: Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
4. FOLLOW JESUS!
John 8:12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- What does God require of me, TODAY?
- Has my focus from the here and now been engulfed by there and then?
- Have I complicated the Biblical perspective of 'the will of God'?
ACT:
1. PRAYERFULLY, ESTABLISH YOUR STEPS IN THE WORD
Psalm 119:133: Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
2. REALIZE THAT HE KNOWS ALL YOUR STEPS
Job 31:4: Does He not see my ways And number all my steps?
3. BE HUMBLE
Psalm 25: 8,9: Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
4. FOLLOW JESUS!
John 8:12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
"To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us." (Tim Keller)
Snowflakes are translucent and beautiful. If you've ever observed them up close you will find amazing patterns and symmetry that, for me personally, points to a Wonderful Designer. Try as you may, you won't find two that are the same. Likewise, as the body does not consist of one member but many (1 Cor. 12:14), marriage consists of two unique individuals, each with their own DNA and personal attributes, who are becoming one in Christ. This institute, crafted by the Creator Himself, is at it's best and displays the image of God most genuinely when both the husband and wife embrace and fulfill the responsibilities they've been entrusted. All while being who God made them to be, themselves.
Side note: I'm so glad Daniela is not completely like me. I couldn't sincerely say that 13 years ago. I wanted her to be how I wanted her to be (if that makes sense). Glad that didn't happen; how boring would life be!? She likes to gather with family & friends. I'm good with just relaxing at home by ourselves. I tend to jump into things and make decisions quickly, she likes to have all the facts and ponder it a bit. Daniela likes swimming and being in water. I'm not a swimmer and prefer land that I can see (no pun intended). She talks with her voice and communicates with words. I use words but tend to communicate with my hands! The neat thing is, God didn't mess up when He made us this way. Her qualities, like being social and hospitable, are exactly what I need at times, and vice versa. This is even more reason to celebrate our differences - from the way we grew up to the way we sound when we laugh and everything in between, it's a display of God's beautiful handiwork. Let's celebrate it!
Snowflakes are translucent and beautiful. If you've ever observed them up close you will find amazing patterns and symmetry that, for me personally, points to a Wonderful Designer. Try as you may, you won't find two that are the same. Likewise, as the body does not consist of one member but many (1 Cor. 12:14), marriage consists of two unique individuals, each with their own DNA and personal attributes, who are becoming one in Christ. This institute, crafted by the Creator Himself, is at it's best and displays the image of God most genuinely when both the husband and wife embrace and fulfill the responsibilities they've been entrusted. All while being who God made them to be, themselves.
Side note: I'm so glad Daniela is not completely like me. I couldn't sincerely say that 13 years ago. I wanted her to be how I wanted her to be (if that makes sense). Glad that didn't happen; how boring would life be!? She likes to gather with family & friends. I'm good with just relaxing at home by ourselves. I tend to jump into things and make decisions quickly, she likes to have all the facts and ponder it a bit. Daniela likes swimming and being in water. I'm not a swimmer and prefer land that I can see (no pun intended). She talks with her voice and communicates with words. I use words but tend to communicate with my hands! The neat thing is, God didn't mess up when He made us this way. Her qualities, like being social and hospitable, are exactly what I need at times, and vice versa. This is even more reason to celebrate our differences - from the way we grew up to the way we sound when we laugh and everything in between, it's a display of God's beautiful handiwork. Let's celebrate it!
You aren’t born “made for each other”. You become “made for each other” as you adjust to each other with grace.
Sheila Gregoire
ASK:
ACT:
1. MAKE ROOM FOR FAULTS
Colossians 3:13: Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
2. SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER
Ephesians 5:21: Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
3. KEEP BECOMING ONE
Genesis 2:24: That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
4. KEEP LOVING
1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- Do I take away more from my marriage than what I am putting into it?
- When was the last time you encouraged your spouse by saying "I love that about you"?
- Do I still cherish the qualities that drew me close to my spouse in the first place?
ACT:
1. MAKE ROOM FOR FAULTS
Colossians 3:13: Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
2. SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER
Ephesians 5:21: Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
3. KEEP BECOMING ONE
Genesis 2:24: That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
4. KEEP LOVING
1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
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Peter must have thought, "Who am I compared to Mr. Faithfulness (John)?" But Jesus clarified the issue. John was responsible for John. Peter was responsible for Peter. And each had only one command to heed: "Follow Me." (Charles Swindoll - John 21:20-22)
Fastest way to discouragement, self-pity and envy? Comparison. God has a plan for my life and expects me to do my part, meaning, being faithful and living my life! Avoiding comparison doesn't mean to hide in a cave. For me, it's about being convinced (better, convicted) about the source of my life and blessings, God, and finding contentment in His eternal riches not earthly toys that will soon vanish. Careful: 'Look at what they have' leads to 'That is what I want'; Often, we will go out of our way to get it even if we don't need it or can't afford it. Exhibit A...
Side note: We got a taste of what it's like to keep up with the Jones' while living in our first home in a nice, middle-class neighborhood. Before signing the paperwork I knew it would stretch our budget a bit but...I really wanted it (should've paid more attention to Daniela's intuition). Our family strolls around the block sometimes turned into remodeling wishbooks...'I want to do that to our deck; Oh, I like that door; Wow, that's a good idea for the front porch', etc.. It was tiring. Thank God for 180's. After 2 years, we trusted Him to help us sell the house and get out of debt. He blessed me with a new job and management position and helped us find a bigger and much newer house, at around the same price! Whatever your situation, don't dare compare; bring it to God!
Fastest way to discouragement, self-pity and envy? Comparison. God has a plan for my life and expects me to do my part, meaning, being faithful and living my life! Avoiding comparison doesn't mean to hide in a cave. For me, it's about being convinced (better, convicted) about the source of my life and blessings, God, and finding contentment in His eternal riches not earthly toys that will soon vanish. Careful: 'Look at what they have' leads to 'That is what I want'; Often, we will go out of our way to get it even if we don't need it or can't afford it. Exhibit A...
Side note: We got a taste of what it's like to keep up with the Jones' while living in our first home in a nice, middle-class neighborhood. Before signing the paperwork I knew it would stretch our budget a bit but...I really wanted it (should've paid more attention to Daniela's intuition). Our family strolls around the block sometimes turned into remodeling wishbooks...'I want to do that to our deck; Oh, I like that door; Wow, that's a good idea for the front porch', etc.. It was tiring. Thank God for 180's. After 2 years, we trusted Him to help us sell the house and get out of debt. He blessed me with a new job and management position and helped us find a bigger and much newer house, at around the same price! Whatever your situation, don't dare compare; bring it to God!
You cannot be happy and envious at the same time.
Rick Warren
ASK:
ACT:
1. TEST YOURSELF, DO YOUR PART
Galatians 6:4-5: “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
2. LEAD A QUIET LIFE (AKA: MIND YOUR BUSINESS)
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12: “Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
3. IMITATE GOD, WALK IN LOVE
Ephesians 5:1,2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- Who am I comparing myself to...and why!?
- Has something or someone taken my attention off God?
- What do I really need? Is God my great reward or am I waiting for something else? (Read Genesis 15:1)
- Am I trusting God to guide me in the next step of my life?
- Could be a sign: Do I feel like I'm missing out on something (houses, world travel, business ventures, fancy clothes, etc.)?
ACT:
1. TEST YOURSELF, DO YOUR PART
Galatians 6:4-5: “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
2. LEAD A QUIET LIFE (AKA: MIND YOUR BUSINESS)
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12: “Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
3. IMITATE GOD, WALK IN LOVE
Ephesians 5:1,2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
"...when the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he loved her. God was saying, 'I am the real bridegroom. I am the husband of the husbandless. I am the father of the fatherless.' This is the God who saves by grace. The Gods of moralistic religions favor the successful and the overachievers. They are the ones who climb the moral ladder up to heaven. But the God of the Bible is the one who comes down into this world to accomplish a salvation and give us a grace we could never attain ourselves." (Tim Keller)
Do we (still) find God's grace to be amazing? Or have we perhaps taken it for granted? Staying amazed by grace requires daily focus - A realization that I can do nothing apart from the Lord Jesus. A purposeful dependence on His strength and wisdom, at home, at work, everywhere. The opposite, trying to live as if I have things together and in my control, will lead to an unhealthy heart.
Side note: My understanding and appreciation for the grace and provision of God deepened after meeting Daniela. She grew up in Romania and, although she had a loving upbringing, her material state was modest. Early on in our relationship I remember her sharing how as a child she was so glad to finally be able to have and taste oranges for the first time (they were imported). This is just one example of many. I grew up in America and, looking back, took a lot for granted...like oranges, which we had in abundance throughout the year, not just around the holidays!
Do we (still) find God's grace to be amazing? Or have we perhaps taken it for granted? Staying amazed by grace requires daily focus - A realization that I can do nothing apart from the Lord Jesus. A purposeful dependence on His strength and wisdom, at home, at work, everywhere. The opposite, trying to live as if I have things together and in my control, will lead to an unhealthy heart.
Side note: My understanding and appreciation for the grace and provision of God deepened after meeting Daniela. She grew up in Romania and, although she had a loving upbringing, her material state was modest. Early on in our relationship I remember her sharing how as a child she was so glad to finally be able to have and taste oranges for the first time (they were imported). This is just one example of many. I grew up in America and, looking back, took a lot for granted...like oranges, which we had in abundance throughout the year, not just around the holidays!
May we always marvel at the grace of God - During our past, in our present, for our future.
ASK:
ACT:
1. DRAW NEAR TO (the God of) GRACE
Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
2. GROW IN GRACE
2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
3. BE A GOOD STEWARD OF GRACE
1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”
4. BE STRENGTHENED BY GRACE
2 Timothy 2:1: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus…”
5. THROUGH GRACE, BREAK TIES WITH UNGODLINESS
Titus 2:11,12: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- When's the last time I thanked God for His grace?
- Do I take time during the day to dwell on the goodness of the Lord?
- Have I thought lately about what God has brought me/my family through?
- Do I rejoice in the miracles He sends my way everyday, like waking up, breathing, seeing, walking, talking!?
ACT:
1. DRAW NEAR TO (the God of) GRACE
Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
2. GROW IN GRACE
2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
3. BE A GOOD STEWARD OF GRACE
1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”
4. BE STRENGTHENED BY GRACE
2 Timothy 2:1: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus…”
5. THROUGH GRACE, BREAK TIES WITH UNGODLINESS
Titus 2:11,12: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
One of the reasons restaurant chains in many areas are now required to provide their patrons with nutrition information is because studies have demonstrated that most people vastly underestimate the number of calories they consume (Source: AFPA).
I have two main channels for incoming information, my eyes and my ears. I can use them to let in life and blessings or evil and cursing. Just as it takes a bit of time to gain weight from the food I intake, it takes time to lose it. If you're like us, you can afford to shed some 'spiritual' pounds that have acquired from a lack of watchfulness or 'unintentional drifting'.
Side note: I have high metabolism (Danny speaking here). I actually weigh slightly less than when I got married (and it's definitely not because Daniela doesn't cook good...far from it)! But it’s inevitable...even though I may not gain much weight from eating junk food, I feel terrible after eating it; it's simply unhealthy! The same is true with the conversations, thoughts, actions, words, music, songs, movies, web pages, social media content, and so on, that I allow to infiltrate my heart.
I have two main channels for incoming information, my eyes and my ears. I can use them to let in life and blessings or evil and cursing. Just as it takes a bit of time to gain weight from the food I intake, it takes time to lose it. If you're like us, you can afford to shed some 'spiritual' pounds that have acquired from a lack of watchfulness or 'unintentional drifting'.
Side note: I have high metabolism (Danny speaking here). I actually weigh slightly less than when I got married (and it's definitely not because Daniela doesn't cook good...far from it)! But it’s inevitable...even though I may not gain much weight from eating junk food, I feel terrible after eating it; it's simply unhealthy! The same is true with the conversations, thoughts, actions, words, music, songs, movies, web pages, social media content, and so on, that I allow to infiltrate my heart.
What we see and hear will eventually make way to our heart and show in our daily life.
ASK:
ACT:
1. FILTER OUT EVIL THINGS
“I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me; men of perverse heart shall be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil” (Psalm 101:2-4).
2. STORE UP ON GODLY THINGS
Luke 6:45 says, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart his mouth speaks.”
3. THINK ON ETERNAL THINGS
Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
- What am I taking in?
- What's consuming my time and attention?
- What am I looking at and listening to?
- What unhealthy habits have I allowed to creep into my life?
- Do I have my priorities in order?
- Am I intentional about "growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18)?
ACT:
1. FILTER OUT EVIL THINGS
“I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me; men of perverse heart shall be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil” (Psalm 101:2-4).
2. STORE UP ON GODLY THINGS
Luke 6:45 says, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart his mouth speaks.”
3. THINK ON ETERNAL THINGS
Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Keep the Fire Burning!
Danny + Daniela
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