Thoughts for Life: Upside Down

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Upside Down

Joe Stowell shares with us, "There are a lot of things that intrigue me about Jesus.

One of the aspects of His ministry that has always produced jaw-dropping, head-scratching responses is His upside-down teaching about life.

As we journey through life, we may get to the point where we think we've got it figured out and our thought patterns and responses for navigating through life are deeply ingrained.

Yet Jesus interrupts us in the midst of our routines and calls us to a new and better way.

But beware! This encounter with the ways of Jesus will be challenging.

Consider these paradoxical propositions:

to live you must die Mark 8:35
to gain you must give Matt. 19:21
"blessed are those who mourn" Matt. 5:4
to rule you must serve Luke 22:26
and suffering has purpose Matt. 5:10-11

It is pronouncements like these that make people think Christ is strangely out of touch. But we are the ones out of touch.

He is not upside down, we are! We're like children who think they know better than their parents what is best.

No wonder God has told us, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways" Is. 55:8. So, rather than relying on our mixed-up instincts, let's ask Him to help us reflect His ways."

Upside Down by Gwen Smith info@girlfriendsingod.com ww.girlfriendsingod.com

"Lord, You know what is best and You desire to lead

us in paths that are right and good. Give us the

courage to trust and to follow You in the ways

of righteousness for Your name's sake. Amen

What may seem upside down to us

is right side up to God."

Our Daily Bread

1/16/13

Today’s quote: Nicole Mack – “God uses us . . . just as we are. Give Him your willing heart.”

Our thought for today: The Holy Spirit is the power in our lives to obey God!