The earth spins 1000 times faster at the equator than it does at either one of the poles. In fact, that’s why rockets are launched closer to the Earth’s midline than further away. When a spacecraft is launched from around the equator, it is already traveling at a considerably faster speed… thus making it more fuel efficient and quicker to enter orbit.
Isn’t that true in our lives as well? The closer we are to the center of things…the faster paced life is. Some thrive in the environment… while others do whatever they can to retreat to the slower pace of the poles. But what speed does God want us to live?
Galatians 6:9 tells us: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” We have to remember that It’s not about the speed of life…it’s about staying at it and not quitting. There will be times in our lives where we’ll sprint…and others where we’ll jog. What God is concerned about is our priorities and our perseverance. At whatever speed you’re living… are we putting Him first? Are we loving and serving others? If so… run on. Don’t give up on the dream that He’s put in your heart long before you were born. And whatever you do… in whatever season you find yourself in… at whatever speed life is coming at you…. don’t quit. Breakthrough is coming… and God has big things planned for you!
The Center
Day 26
February 9, 2018
Window Shapes
February 23, 2018
Have you ever wondered why an airplane’s windows are rounded? They weren’t always that way. In fact, early aircraft were well known for their perfectly square panes of glass. However modern technology allowed planes to travel faster and before long some manufacturers found their planes falling apart in the air. The engineers worked hard to find the cause of these breaks and soon found out that it was the squared windows. The corners of the glass were weak spots and couldn’t stay intact at high wind speeds. Thus... the rounded corner window was born. Everything has a weak spot. You do too. Have you ever sat and thought about what it is? What tempts you to do things you shouldn’t? What do you find yourself swearing you won’t repeat but do anyway? The Bible talks about the reason for this in Matthew 26:41. Jesus tells us, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Our flesh is weak. God is strong. And when the speed of life increases... somewhere at the corner of good intentions and willpower... we start to buckle. We don’t possess enough internal fortitude to stand up to the unrelenting pull to sin. However, when we commit to God that we will watch for weak spots and pray for strength when we find them... God gives us the ability to replace temporary satisfaction with long-lasting joy. Don’t wait for your life to crash to make changes... call out to God and round out the windows of your life. You may not be able to stop the pressure but you can build things into your life to prevent it from bringing you down.
Bedside Table
February 22, 2018
Have you stayed in a hotel lately? When was the last time you opened the bedside table drawer to see if there was a Bible in there? According to a recent study, chances are the table will be empty. In 2006, nearly all hotels had the word of God by the bed... but in 2017 that number is less than fifty percent. Why? The answer is sad but simple. In many parts of our world, people feel as though they don’t need God’s word as much. They think of the Bible as a great book of suggestions... but because their lives are going so well they really don’t need to follow what’s in there. When people stop reading it... or specifically asking for it... hotels don’t feel obligated to provide it. Out of sight, out of mind. It’s easy to wonder what the world is coming to... but here’s the saddest truth of all. There are some people that DO have a Bible and never open it. Not having a Bible to read is one thing... not reading the one we have is tragic. Today take some time and start your journey through the scriptures. Maybe start with the life of Christ in Matthew 1:1... dive into the wisdom-filled proverbs... or enjoy the challenges and encouragement that comes from books like Ephesians or Colossians. What lessons did Moses’ life give us? Why did Jesus come? If you’re a believer... recommit to spending time with God daily to grow and gain understanding of God’s heart through His word. A little time with the Bible each day can radically change the direction of your life for the better.
Superman Saves The Day
February 21, 2018
Their home was about to be foreclosed on. There was no hope among them as they packed the boxes up one after another... getting ready to leave the place they loved and grew up in. The home had been in the family since the 1950s... but it looked like the financial trouble the current members of the family found themselves in would be the end of the decades-old connection they had with the house. That is until Superman saved the day. In a dark corner of the garage sat an unmarked and long-forgotten box filled with comic books . In that box sat a copy of Action Comics #1 in great condition. What’s so special about that book? It was the very first appearance of Superman. Street value? Well north of a million dollars. That old comic from someone who lived long ago in the house was going to pay the amount due and keep the property safe. Miracles still happen. Sometimes superheroes save homes. Cancer re-checks come back unexplainably clear. Doomed marriages end in reconciliation not divorce. God hasn’t given up answering prayer... and He does so in any and every way He sees fit. Find yourself praying for something that seems hopeless? God wants to remind you that He is the author or hope. About to give up on something? Ready to quit on someone or yourself? Keep praying... God is working behind the scenes in ways you may not realize. Stay patient. Keep the faith. And don’t quit. And when things seem darkest and you don’t know where to turn... reach out. You’ll find yourself in the loving arms of a Savior who counts your tears and loves you more than you realize. Superman may be able to fly... but only Christ can heal a broken heart and bring joy to the beaten down. Hang in there... God’s got you.