daily IMPACT by selahV today

CAN YOU MAKE ROOM?

We live in such a transient society. People move in and out of neighborhoods as frequently as migrating geese. Believers change churches and seek new homes for fellowship and worship every week. In military towns, such as ours, we see whole families come and go every few years. It’s hard for them to adjust to new friendships, new personalities, and new lives. Sometimes it is so difficult when they leave a great family of Believers that they can’t even muster the energy to visit in a new area, (That’s what church visitation is for).

As Christians, it is our responsibility to continually open our arms to new folks—to allow others into our lives. We shouldn’t get so comfortable with our own friends that we have no room for more.

Paul challenged the Corinthians in a similar situation when they didn’t want to accept him and his ministry to them:

“There is no lack of room for you in [our hearts], but you lack room in your own affections [for us]. By way of return then, do this for me—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also [to us].” 2 Cor. 6:12,13.

CAN YOU MAKE ROOM IN YOUR HEART FOR SOMEONE THIS WEEK? When you sit in your usual seat in your usual pew this week, can you look around and see if there is someone in search of another’s heart to make a home? Can your heart be that home? selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2007]

FORGET YESTERDAY...LET IT GO

We can easily get bogged down in the past.  Dwelling on all the negativity of yesterday is like struggling and flailing in a pit of quicksand.  The more you move, the deeper you go and the more you are enslaved by its grip.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise."  Isaiah 43:19,20.

In this hour of calamity and uncertainty, take heed to the instruction of God.  "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."  It is not what you have lost.  It is not what you've failed in doing.  It is not what the evil of this world has destroyed.  It doesn't matter.  Do not dwell on it.  Look at what God is doing this moment.  Look at what He promises to do.

God does not forsake His people.  Never.  The wastelands before us--be they economic, political, emotional or spiritual--the Lord is "doing a new thing".  He is not going to remake the old.  He is going to do something entirely new.  He is making a way in the deserts of our lives.  He is clearing the streams of pollution and bringing us pure water to drink.  He is creating a world in which we are able to proclaim the greatness of His being.  He is in control and we are His voice for a frightened, depressed and discouraged people.

Praise Him every chance you get for the peace His grace affords you.  Praise Him in the midst of the downtrodden and broken-spirited--remind others of His steadfast love, protection and sufficiency in all things.  This is a great opportunity to invest in His kingdom.  Spend all He's given you and do not hold back.  selahV

[© SelahV Today, hariette petersen, 2008]

"I AM NOT MAD..."

Are you mad?  Has anyone accused you lately of being mad?  I'm not talking about angry?  I'm talking about being insane and without the sense God gives a cricket.

Lately I have sincerely questioned the mind of many professing Christians.  Lately I have sincerely examined the heart of persuasive arguments.  Lately I've wondered what in the world we, myself included, are doing in this world to effect the change needed for Gospel presentation.  Lately I am more and more wondering if perhaps I need more people to accuse me of being mad.

"...Paul, you are mad!  Your great learning is driving you insane!  But Paul replied, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I am uttering the straight, sound truth."  Acts 27:24b, 25.

Perhaps, we need to begin "uttering the straight, sound truth" of God.  Our minds have been so deluged by the minutaie of this world-- the lies and deceit and misleading information of world opinion--that it is time to recommit our voices afresh to the simple message that Jesus saves.  What do you think?  Are you mad?  selahV

[© SelahV Today, hariette petersen, 2008]