Your life should express the fragrance of His presence.

 “Thanks be to God, Who through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV.

My thoughts and comments today are about,

“The Fragrance of Joy.”

Life is not perfect for anyone, and every moment is not filled only with wonderful things. Life changes dramatically, and for the better, when you realize that your circumstances do not determine your experience of life; your attitude does.

I admire people who have faced more struggles and disappointments than most, but who have nevertheless found grace and grown an attitude that reflects who they are, instead of what happened to them. I have met others who have a fairly easy life with few challenges of any consequence, and yet they find little for which to be joyful or thankful. Occasionally, it is a good thing to ask yourself, “Does my life reflect to others what is going on around me, or what is really true inside me?” That significant and substantial difference is the product of the choices you make.

Since a child, I have loved the dramatic Bible stories in the Old Testament, like Samson finally triumphing over the Philistines and himself, or Daniel in the lions’ den whose quiet trust in God humbles an arrogant King, or the three Hebrews delivered from Babylon’s fiery furnace (modern day Iraq). I find a most intriguing comment, easily unnoticed, tucked into this story of the three believers tossed angrily into a furnace intended to destroy them. Read Daniel 3. When the fire could not destroy them nor even harm them, the amazed, befuddled king calls them out of the fire.

The Bible says, “They saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected – not even the smell of smoke was on them.” Daniel 3:27. There was no discernible residue of their frightening experience, no lingering emotional trauma, nor need for healing of memories. Only their new and stirring testimony of God’s greatness and faithfulness persevered.

If you are not careful, you will allow your past or present circumstances to determine your attitudes, dictate your feelings, and dominate your conversation. When your story could be a persuasive testimony that glorifies God, it will be only about you and your problems. Read Daniel 3:28-29. In Daniel’s story, a king’s heart is changed; God is glorified; a nation is impacted. The simple difference is that they were with Jesus, joyfully in His company and safely in His care. See Daniel 3:24-25. Attitude really is crucial, having the power to change everything and anyone, and that all begins with the choice you make.

Paul prayed for these Christians and for you, ”We pray that you will be strengthened with His glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, Who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:11-12 NLT. Whose joy is to fill you? “Always be full of the joy of the Lord!” Like a thermometer, happiness merely measures the surrounding climate and adjusts accordingly. The joy of the Lord resembles a thermostat, regulating and governing the surrounding temperature.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God, Who . . through us spreads everywhere the fragrance  of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved.” Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NIV. Some years ago, I learned to pray, “Let my life express the fragrance of Your presence, not the smell of my problems.”

Today, I pray for your life to be a joyful testimony of God’s grace and sufficiency.

Christian Communications 2018-(807)

Website and archives: allenrandolph.com

facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph

KEEP FIRST THINGS FIRST

 “I alone know the plans I have for you . . . to bring about the future you hope for. ” Jeremiah 29:11 Good News Translation.

My thoughts today are that, “Life Is Best When God Is First.”

As most teens, I struggled with establishing priorities. I assumed a priority was what I wanted to do when I wished to do so. As you might imagine, my Dad was very persuasive otherwise. And soon, he persuaded me as well. As a teenager, I frequently heard his simple reminder, “keep first things first.”

Priorities help achieve success. Jesus set the Kingdom of God as His, and our, priority. “Seek first [His] Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV. I have observed that when you do the important things first you do them better.

Priorities simplify planning. When you fail to plan, you unintentionally plan to fail. Success is achievable daily with a plan that is clear and manageable. Without adequate forethought and planning, you will not accomplish success. A plan is like GPS. You first decide on your desired destination. Then a route is formulated as the best way from where you are to where you need to be. That applies to everyday life.

Some years ago, a simple and practical business strategy became popular, “Plan your  work; work your plan.” A life lived without a plan does not work well. And any plan that is not clear and manageable on some daily basis will not lead to success .

Solomon’s words remain wise counsel in any circumstance. “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 NLT. When you plan, you visualize the priority and time required for the matters needing your effort.

When you neglect those moments to think through a day’s responsibilities, you still find yourself busy but less productive. When your day lacks a plan, energy is misspent. Effort is misapplied. Attention is distracted. Time is mismanaged. And important things are replaced by alternatives that seem easier and more enjoyable.

Priorities are necessary to be productive. Now, let’s look at this on a larger scale with more eternal consequence. This principle especially applies to your spiritual life, as well as your daily life. Those two are inseparable. You will be more successful at the latter, when you succeed at the former. You cannot compartmentalize life where you sometime retain operational control, while in others you expect God to direct and provide. Jesus is Lord of all. Or He is not Lord at all. 

I am grateful for my Dad’s reminders, “Allen, keep first things first!” It’s very simple really. First, you work, then you play. First, you save, then you spend. First, you seek God’s plan, and then you follow. You and your well-being have been in God’s plans from the beginning and will continue to be. Read Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT.

Life is best when God is first. God has the redemptive and definitive plan for your life. Scripture is consistent. “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 GNT. Through prayer and Scripture, let God plan your work. “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NLT.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.” Psalm 18:30 NIV. That being true, then devote yourself to knowing and following His plan. That is called obedience, a priority to God and a necessity for your success.

Obedience will supply you with the necessary focus and ability you do not otherwise possess. Obedience will produce opportunities you neither earned nor expected. And obedience will yield achievement you do not imagine. God’s direction is always accurate; His timing is always exact; His results are always gracious and generous.

My prayer for you today is to desire and discover God’s purpose in all you do.

EDL Communications 2020

Website and Archives: allenrandolph.com

Facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph

Hearing and listening are dissimilar.

 “Do not merely listen to the Word . . Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV.

My thoughts today are about, “learning to listen.”

When I was a talkative young teen, my Dad lovingly said, “Allen, do you think there may be a reason that God gave you two ears and only one mouth?” What a wise and practical dad. I was left with no rebuttal, and wise enough not to offer one.

Hearing is a natural and valuable ability. Listening is a chosen response and fitting prelude to obedience. What parent has not questioned a distracted child with the  words, “Did you hear me?” Your assumption is this. If the child hears their parent, they should respond with acknowledgement and prompt obedience. Delayed obedience is disobedience in disguise. That is harmful in human relationships, but especially damaging in your relationship with God.

Children learn to talk in the early months of their life. For many of us, it was quite a few more years before we learned the essential practice of listening. My parents would have testified to that fact. Hearing is a natural capability. Listening becomes a practiced skill. And that is a skill worth perfecting. Listening is the entry to learning.

The Old Testament introduces a young boy, Samuel, who would become one of Israel’s greater prophets and counselor to King David. Samuel was a young boy serving in the Temple. He is introduced at a time in Israel’s history described as, “Word from the Lord was rare in those days, and visions infrequent.” 1 Samuel 3:1 NAS.

While asleep in the Temple, the young Samuel heard his name called, and assumed it must be the elderly Eli, national leader and revered prophet, calling for him. Again, and again, the Lord called to Samuel and each time he ran to Eli. Finally, Eli advised young Samuel that if he heard the voice again, he was to simply respond, “speak Lord, your servant hears.”

Listening is an art to be practiced and a skill worth perfecting. Hearing assumes obedience will follow. What a model for your spiritual life. Hearing and listening are dissimilar. There may be little wrong with your hearing, but a lot can be lacking with your listening. Improve that skill. Success awaits your learning to discriminate in what you hear and learn to listen well when you do so. Solomon advised, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” Proverbs 19:20 NIV. That is Godly counsel still today. When my Dad would ask, “Allen, did you hear me,” I knew he was checking my obedience not my hearing. Listening is an art to be practiced and a skill worth perfecting. Read James 1:22 NIV.

A Godly and elderly man in the leadership of our church once explained to me, “Pastor, I do not hear as well as I once did, so I am learning to listen better.” Those are the words of a wise man. Though spoken years ago, his words continue to challenge me. I want that to be truer in my relationship with God, and in practical ways with my daily interactions with family and friends.

My prayer for you today is to listen well to what is worth hearing.

EDL Communications 2020

Website and Archives: allenrandolph.com

Facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph

Life is not fair, but God is.

“My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

My thoughts and comments today are that, “grace is enough.”

Sooner or later, every parent hears the anguish over something their child views to be unfair. Maybe we parents have felt that as well because someone, or the world in general, seems to have been less than fair.

Across more than fifty years of ministry, I have heard a lot of good people question  moments that seemed unfair. Jesus knows and understands. In pain on the cross, even Jesus cried out to His Father, “Why have You forsaken Me?” Nothing was fair about Calvary. On the cross, a sinless Savior suffered and died for your sin and mine.

”Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 NIV. Consider this. Did anyone promise you an easy life? People experience trouble they neither caused nor deserved. Difficulties observe no respect of persons.

Talk about unfair. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 NIV. God makes struggles redemptive. As a young teen, My Dad taught me a simple truth about the character of God. When I complained that something or someone was not fair, my dad simply assured me that, “Life is not always fair, but God is always just!” My Dad was right; God’s Word and righteous character are sure and true.

Perplexing circumstances neither invalidate the righteous character of God nor the truth of His promises. Jesus spoke plainly, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 6:33 NIV. Here is the simple truth. Life will not always be easy nor always seem fair. Of course, you and I would prefer ease and comfort. But growth and strength occur amid challenges. Steadfastness of faith produces growth in Godliness.

Truth creates enlargement. What you learn from God’s Word and His righteous character builds assurance. Life can be more difficult because of choices you or someone else have made that turn matters in directions God would not have chosen for you. Because of the fallen nature of the world around you, bad stuff can happen even to good and Godly people.

The painful question at such times is, “Where is God?” Read the Psalms. David wrote  honestly about the distresses common to all. Every time David experienced distress he discovered a new measure of God’s loving sufficiency. God’s love, grace, and power are never diminished by current happenstance. Things of the moment are not always as God designed or desires them to be.

But believe this, “We know that to those who love God, who are called according to His plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.” Matthew 8:28 JBPhillips. Look for that pattern for good. In such moments look to God and His Word and embrace His good will. “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV. His will is good, and good for you.

Even in uncertainty, God will give you peace. His grace can give you needed relief with room to breathe and believe again. His power will push back the realities that press too tightly upon you. Our Mighty God will provide time and place where you will regroup and recover.

Life is not fair, but God is righteous and just. Life is not easy, but God’s grace is ample.  Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV. Paul prayed for every follower of Jesus, ”That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him . .  strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power.” Read Colossians 1:9-11 NKJ. His grace is more than ample.

My prayer for you today is that you will be strengthened in God’s Word.

EDL Communications 2019

Website and Archives: allenrandolph.com

Facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph

A simple greeting on Christmas Day

Thank you for being a reader of EveryDay Life. Instead of writing a devotional as usual, I just want to say, ” Thank you and enjoy a Blessed Christmas and New Year,” to all who read and who share EveryDay Life with your family and friends. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Thank you for welcoming me into your heart and life. When our oldest granddaughter was entering university, I had been her only pastor and I wanted to keep sharing God’s Word and Godly principles into her life. Friends and friends of friends began to ask to receive what I was writing, and with the help of others who had technical skills I lacked, EveryDay Life was born. I still write first to my granddaughter, now the mother of three school age children. With her blessings, thousands of people now read EveryDay. You are gracious and the Holy Spirit is faithful to bring God’s  Word in practical application.  Here are a few thoughts for today . .

Christmas is only fully Christmas when you share its joy. 

A  joy-filled message is not credible when coming from a joyless messenger. You can’t share something you don’t have, and you can’t keep something that you won’t share. That states a spiritual principle that also applies to inexpressible and glorious joy, “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV. When you give joy, you gain joy.

Share the joy of Christmas every day and to every person, in every imaginable way. Celebrate with abandon and without apology. Invite, include, involve, converse, welcome, laugh, love, express life, and be real. Celebrate Jesus joyously. Incarnate the joy of the timeless message so an unbelieving world cannot resist. Christmas is the celebration of the truth that, “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father,  full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV.

Blessings on this Christmas day and as we enter a New Year, Pastor Allen and Gayle Randolph

 

Christmas is a season. Salvation is forever.

“We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16 NKJ.

My thoughts and comments today are about,

“a mystery wrapped in majesty.”

I love Christmas. It is truly a wonderful time of the year. And Jesus’ birth is the heart of the season and center of its celebration. Make no mistake. Christmas is a holy day, not merely a holiday. I love the carols and decorations. I love nativity sets that recall His humble arrival into our world, well into His world really.

I love the wonder in children’s eyes at the familiar stories of shepherds, angels, a family, and carolers and congregations singing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King.” I love Christmas Eve Communions and Christmas Day dinners with family and friends. I love everything about Christmas, except its brevity.

Most of all, Christmas unveils the mystery and majesty of God, by an event so  inexplicable that only God could accomplish it. It was no surprise that all who heard the shepherds’ eyewitness account, “wondered at their words.” Nor is it a surprise that Mary, “pondered all these things in her heart.” Unlike any other story, consider the matchless wonder that His story creates. The cast of characters are both good and bad.

There is a worried king jealous for his throne, wondering shepherds rushing from their flocks, wandering kings with royal gifts from afar, and a worshiping couple left contemplating the angels’ startling pronouncements to them. Read Matthew 1:18-25 / Luke 1:26-38 NKJ.

Not much remains a mystery anymore. Christmas is, and will remain both a mystery and majesty. Paul wrote, “Great is the mystery of godliness: Christ was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 NAS.

This great mystery seems counter-intuitive.  From where would a Savior come? Who would imagine a dusty little village? Jesus would come to Bethlehem, but not to Rome. To a stable, but not a throne. How would a Savior come? Would you imagine an infant miraculously born with our shared humanity? Of course not. The Savior would come as a humble carpenter, but not as a conqueror. For whom would the Savior come? Jesus would come for the worst and best among us, sinners all. ”For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NIV.

How did this grand introduction to our world occur? “There were shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock. And an angel of the Lord [said] . . ‘Do not be afraid; I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people . .” Read Luke 2:8-14 NKJ.

The shepherds could have remained with their flocks, just retelling one another their stories about angels. Instead, they hurried to become eyewitnesses of the Savior. “When the angels had gone away into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go and see this . .” Read Luke 2:15-20 NKJ. This Christmas season will pass, but lives can be changed forever.

A baby born to a nondescript couple in an ordinary stable. The mystery of His birth can become the unequaled majesty of His life in your heart. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” Read 1 Corinthians 1:24-26 NKJ.

Christmas is knowing the Savior and sharing His Good News with others. Inevitably, the angels return to Heaven. Will you remain as you were, or will you seek a life-changing encounter with the Savior? Christmas is more than the angels’ song. Christmas is about your personal testimony of the grace and love of God for all.

You experience Christmas when you have personally found the One, “born to you this day, a Savior which is Christ the Lord,” and shared the Good News. This Advent, you can be an, “eyewitness of His majesty . . until the Morning Star rises in your heart. “Read 2 Peter 1:16-19. Amid your celebrations, reflect on the divine mystery and celebrate the grand majesty of your Savior.

Today, I pray for your joy to be unrestrained and your celebration  extravagant.

EDL Communications 2019

Website and archives: allenrandolph.com

Facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph