Press In

"Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret;and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat." Luke 5:1-3

What a beautiful scene. Our Lord, putting out just a bit from the shore and teaching the people from a boat. The crowd was so eager to hear the word of God that they were pressing around Him. Oh, that we would be so anxious to hear from the Lord that we would press into Him.

His Majesty Revealed

"O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9

All the earth speaks of the majesty of our Lord. The beautiful mountains and clear, blue lakes shout out His glory. There is no one like our Savior. No other name like the name of Jesus. 

Excellent Thoughts

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." 

Philippians 4:8

The Apostle Paul's admonition to think on things that are honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise is really about thinking godly thoughts. Training our minds to focus this way brings spiritual maturity; seeing things as God sees them. This has strong implications regarding what we choose to read, listen to, watch, and how we speak. Something to consider as we seek God's peace in our lives.

My House Will Serve the Lord

"but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15b

Before Joshua's death, he gathers the Israelites and reviews their history from the days of Abraham up to that time. He reminds them of God's faithfulness and the unfaithfulness of their forefathers. Then he gives them a choice -- to serve the false gods of other nations or to serve Jehovah, the one true God. No matter what they decide, Joshua declares that he and his household will serve the Lord. The people answer that they will serve God, too. Joshua makes a covenant with them and builds a memorial. Joshua has been a shining example to the Israelites of one who loves and serves the Lord. Loving and serving God is always a choice. Consider who you are serving today.

Submission Brings Joy

"The ordinances of the LORD are sure 

       and altogether righteous.

 They are more precious than gold, 

       than much pure gold; 

       they are sweeter than honey, 

       than honey from the comb.

 By them is your servant warned; 

       in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:9b-11

Just as the heeding of traffic signs keeps us from danger, so obeying God's word keeps us from harm. When we ignore His instruction and make sinful choices, the consequences can cause us pain for the rest of our lives. How much better it is to comply and receive the great reward of joy that comes from submission. 

Peaceful Sleep

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8


How do we sleep in peace when our world is turned upside down? By remembering that the Lord is with us, no matter if we feel His presence or not. We must not rely on our feelings, but take Him at His word. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

Watch the Path

"Let your eyes look directly ahead

         And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 

Watch the path of your  feet

         And all your ways will be established." Proverbs 4:25-26

Each day we have a choice of where we will go. Will we walk solidly with the Lord? Or will we veer off on our own, without considering the consequences? It takes commitment and determination to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and walk straight ahead with Him, especially in a world that regards Him as insignificant. But He has promised eternal life as our ultimate reward for following Him. That's something the world can never give us.