I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.
John 14:26-28a NLT
The world is in turmoil - some things so awful we can't bear to think about them. But Jesus told us to not be troubled or afraid. So do we walk by faith in this or by what we see? Jesus left us a gift - peace of mind and spirit. Do we have it?
I love the words of the old hymn "Wonderful Peace". ♪♫ Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace coming down from the Father above! Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.♪♫
Fathomless - defined as 'very deep and impossible to measure'. When was the last time you felt peace even remotely close to that? Is it possible? Absolutely! Nothing is impossible through Christ. It's HIS peace that He's given to us. It's ours for the taking.
Can we fathom that level of peace?
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word tells us that Your perfect love casts out fear. Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
* To Encourage
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Hebrews 3:12-14 NIV
I want to go on record declaring that I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I have a strong faith. I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the standard by which we are to live. I believe that we will live eternally somewhere and that both heaven and hell are real.
So, I have hope in the Lord. It's hope - not born of desperation, but rather of relationship, knowing in Whom I have believed and having been witness to His mighty works and amazing grace. I truly believe that God is good even when I don't understand the dark times. Let the believers say "Amen!"
My brother died a year ago. It's been a hard year. I am doing better now than I was 6 months ago, but deep in my heart, I am sad beyond words. I feel as though a part of me has died, too, and in a way, it has. Following his death, a part of my heart seems to have gone dormant. But that's okay; it's just a season. Please know that I am not writing this for your sympathy. I am writing to reiterate these truths. Do not confuse my grief with lack of faith. Do not interpret my tears as signs of unbelief. Here's what I know that I know. Jesus tells us in John 12:24 that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. There IS coming a time of rebirth. I'm no farmer, but I understand many seeds = much harvest.
My brother, Joe, was an encourager! He was the family cheerleader and story-teller and so funny! I miss him so much, but I will see him again. I know this because it's written in God's Word.
1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT, And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
May you be encouraged today.
Prayer:
Father,
The heavens declare Your glory and I? I can only attempt to echo their praise. Thank You for Your grace and for salvation and for Your mercy, and help us to try to fathom the depth of Your great love...even in the dark times. May the many seeds bring about a great harvest, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 3:12-14 NIV
I want to go on record declaring that I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I have a strong faith. I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the standard by which we are to live. I believe that we will live eternally somewhere and that both heaven and hell are real.
So, I have hope in the Lord. It's hope - not born of desperation, but rather of relationship, knowing in Whom I have believed and having been witness to His mighty works and amazing grace. I truly believe that God is good even when I don't understand the dark times. Let the believers say "Amen!"
My brother died a year ago. It's been a hard year. I am doing better now than I was 6 months ago, but deep in my heart, I am sad beyond words. I feel as though a part of me has died, too, and in a way, it has. Following his death, a part of my heart seems to have gone dormant. But that's okay; it's just a season. Please know that I am not writing this for your sympathy. I am writing to reiterate these truths. Do not confuse my grief with lack of faith. Do not interpret my tears as signs of unbelief. Here's what I know that I know. Jesus tells us in John 12:24 that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. There IS coming a time of rebirth. I'm no farmer, but I understand many seeds = much harvest.
My brother, Joe, was an encourager! He was the family cheerleader and story-teller and so funny! I miss him so much, but I will see him again. I know this because it's written in God's Word.
1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT, And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
May you be encouraged today.
Prayer:
Father,
The heavens declare Your glory and I? I can only attempt to echo their praise. Thank You for Your grace and for salvation and for Your mercy, and help us to try to fathom the depth of Your great love...even in the dark times. May the many seeds bring about a great harvest, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
* Sometimes, Life Stinks
But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!
1st Samuel 17:34-36 NLT
Before David ever killed the giant, he had to kill the lion and the bear. Think about that for a moment. He learned how to do that while isolated for long periods of time as he tended a lot of smelly sheep, but he used it as an opportunity to spend time with the Lord. We all want to be giant-killers, but are we willing to put up with the long, lonely, stinky parts of life and use them to get to really know who God is - or do we just want to whine and complain about how life stinks?
1st Samuel 17:34-36 NLT
Before David ever killed the giant, he had to kill the lion and the bear. Think about that for a moment. He learned how to do that while isolated for long periods of time as he tended a lot of smelly sheep, but he used it as an opportunity to spend time with the Lord. We all want to be giant-killers, but are we willing to put up with the long, lonely, stinky parts of life and use them to get to really know who God is - or do we just want to whine and complain about how life stinks?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to clear our hearts and minds of the clutter of everyday stuff - just stuff - so we can focus on You and our relationship with You. When we can see clearly, Father, help us to walk in Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Thoughts on Equality +
…These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.
Matthew 20:12 NKJV
Mathematics is considered by many to be the perfect science. I'm sure you've heard in one context or another - numbers don't lie. According to thinkquest.com, an equation is defined as "representing the equality of two expressions involving constants and/or variables, and thus usually includes an equals sign."
I've been thinking about the equations of life. There are some amazing constants and variables. Constant in that those of us on the upside of the dirt are alive and breathing. Variables are too numerous to even begin to list. Constant in that according to Scripture (Hebrews 9), all people are appointed to die once and then the judgment. But the variables - why, when, where, how, how long before that happens - again, are too numerous to list.
In doing the study for equals, I was amazed at how many online requests there were asking for the "Scripture reference" for the following:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are
created equal..."
which of course is NOT chapter and verse in Scripture but part of the Declaration of Independence for the United States of America. However, the praying forefathers of our nation were steeped in Scripture. It was the foundation on which they built. So, let me tell you what I've been thinking about.
Are all men created equal? Well, the constant is that we are all created by God - Proverbs 22: - The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both - but the variables (rich and poor) are there, too. We know that we started with one man and then one woman, and after the flood, then we started all over again from one family.
We are all equal when it comes to sinning. Romans 3:23 tells us, For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Not very encouraging, is it? But we all have an equal chance at salvation and freedom from our sinning ways. Galatians 3:27-28, And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And we will all be judged impartially by the same criteria, based on what we've done (Revelation 22:12). It will be by the Gospel (Romans 2:16), the record of our lives ( Revelation 20:12), us in comparison to the Truth (also in Romans 2), and it will be fair and just because God has no favorites (Colossians 3:25).
Colossians 3:11 reads, In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
The plan of salvation is offered equally to whosoever believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who laid down His life to pay for our sins (John 3:16) and whosoever has equal opportunity to accept or reject His offer. No matter if you've always known Him, or just found Him, or if you'd like me to introduce you, Jesus is the great Equalizer. He balances the equation(s) of life.
Prayer:
Father,
We cannot even begin to understand how You put it all in balance when the situations in life seem so unequal. I only know that You do. Your amazing love and grace and mercy are beyond our full comprehension, but You knew we would need them and You've made them readily available to us. Help us to walk and work within Your equation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Mathematics is considered by many to be the perfect science. I'm sure you've heard in one context or another - numbers don't lie. According to thinkquest.com, an equation is defined as "representing the equality of two expressions involving constants and/or variables, and thus usually includes an equals sign."
I've been thinking about the equations of life. There are some amazing constants and variables. Constant in that those of us on the upside of the dirt are alive and breathing. Variables are too numerous to even begin to list. Constant in that according to Scripture (Hebrews 9), all people are appointed to die once and then the judgment. But the variables - why, when, where, how, how long before that happens - again, are too numerous to list.
In doing the study for equals, I was amazed at how many online requests there were asking for the "Scripture reference" for the following:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are
created equal..."
which of course is NOT chapter and verse in Scripture but part of the Declaration of Independence for the United States of America. However, the praying forefathers of our nation were steeped in Scripture. It was the foundation on which they built. So, let me tell you what I've been thinking about.
Are all men created equal? Well, the constant is that we are all created by God - Proverbs 22: - The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both - but the variables (rich and poor) are there, too. We know that we started with one man and then one woman, and after the flood, then we started all over again from one family.
We are all equal when it comes to sinning. Romans 3:23 tells us, For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Not very encouraging, is it? But we all have an equal chance at salvation and freedom from our sinning ways. Galatians 3:27-28, And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And we will all be judged impartially by the same criteria, based on what we've done (Revelation 22:12). It will be by the Gospel (Romans 2:16), the record of our lives ( Revelation 20:12), us in comparison to the Truth (also in Romans 2), and it will be fair and just because God has no favorites (Colossians 3:25).
Colossians 3:11 reads, In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
The plan of salvation is offered equally to whosoever believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who laid down His life to pay for our sins (John 3:16) and whosoever has equal opportunity to accept or reject His offer. No matter if you've always known Him, or just found Him, or if you'd like me to introduce you, Jesus is the great Equalizer. He balances the equation(s) of life.
Prayer:
Father,
We cannot even begin to understand how You put it all in balance when the situations in life seem so unequal. I only know that You do. Your amazing love and grace and mercy are beyond our full comprehension, but You knew we would need them and You've made them readily available to us. Help us to walk and work within Your equation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
* Sounds like...
God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
Numbers 23:19 NLT
I read a quote today by Francis Frangipane; it's from the book In Christ's Image Training. "If you have prayed through and truly placed your burden in the hands of God, then stop fretting about it. God calls us to be prayer warriors, not prayer worriers."
How many times have we prayed, planting seeds of hope and faith? Watered them with our tears? Kept the soil cultivated by humbling ourselves before the Almighty God? Only to despair of ever receiving a harvest because it did not happen when WE thought it should happen... as if WE set the laws of sowing and reaping? As if WE knew just exactly what is the length of "Due Season" (Galatians 6:9).
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
Numbers 23:19 NLT
I read a quote today by Francis Frangipane; it's from the book In Christ's Image Training. "If you have prayed through and truly placed your burden in the hands of God, then stop fretting about it. God calls us to be prayer warriors, not prayer worriers."
How many times have we prayed, planting seeds of hope and faith? Watered them with our tears? Kept the soil cultivated by humbling ourselves before the Almighty God? Only to despair of ever receiving a harvest because it did not happen when WE thought it should happen... as if WE set the laws of sowing and reaping? As if WE knew just exactly what is the length of "Due Season" (Galatians 6:9).
Then in the process of our worrying, we sow the weed seeds of doubt and become like the ones in Mark 4:19, where the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
So what will it be? Faithful Warrior or Fateful Worrier? Sounds like...
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word in Acts 17, that we should seek You, Lord, in the hope that we might grope for You and find You, though You are not far from each one of us; for in You we live and move and have our very being. Our hope is in You. Our trust, our faith, our belief - all You. Let us be faithful warriors, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
How to Praise *
Sometimes, we just need to praise our God. Psalms 148 & 150 from the Message.
Hallelujah!
He set them in place from all time to eternity;
He gave his orders, and that’s it!
Praise God from earth, you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps; Fire and hail, snow and ice, hurricanes obeying his orders;
Mountains and all hills, apple orchards and cedar forests; Wild beasts and herds of cattle, snakes, and birds in flight; Earth’s kings and all races, leaders and important people, Robust men and women in their prime, and yes, graybeards and little children.
Let them praise the name of God - it’s the only Name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; he’s built a monument—his very own people!
Praise from all who love God! Israel’s children, intimate friends of God.
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Father,
It's been said that she who sings prays twice. Lord, I pray the words from the old song, Calvary's the Reason Why. I was lost but YOU knew where to find me. I was hungry, YOU were bread for my soul. I was thirsty and YOU gave living water. YOU were my shelter when I had no place to go. And that's why sometimes I just want to praise YOU. Sometimes just to speak YOUR name. Oh sometimes I just want to thank YOU, Without asking YOU for a thing. Oh sometimes I lift my hands to YOU. And sometimes all I do is cry. Everything that I have I owe to YOU, LORD, and Calvary's the reason why. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, May 8, 2016
A God-Filled Life *
Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Titus 2:1 The Message
2-15 Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.
But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.
Guide slaves into being loyal workers, a bonus to their masters—no back talk, no petty thievery. Then their good character will shine through their actions, adding luster to the teaching of our Savior God.
God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
Tell them all this. Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You’re in charge. Don’t let anyone put you down.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to be people that You can be proud of, energetic in goodness. Correct us in Your love if we get out of line. We want to serve You in a good, pure life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, May 6, 2016
Paul's Advice *
Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NLT
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 NLT
Paul’s Final Advice
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Worth the Effort - reposted on request
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV
It's been said that anything worth having is worth fighting for. There are several different connotations to that, but the one I'd like to focus on is the one that relates to making the extra effort to obtain and keep something of value.
Did you ever notice how easy it is to be grumpy? It takes hardly any effort at all. For some, all they have to do is open their eyes in the morning and poof! Without even trying, they're grump rumps. And have you ever noticed how contagious that can be?!? God, have mercy on us!
Recently, I was talking with someone at work and trying to get her to see the positive side of a challenge. Her response was that she was positive that it was bad and nothing good would come of it. The sad thing is - with that attitude - she's right. Nothing good will come of it, because her outlook won't allow it.
I'm not talking about living in "la-la land" or being a pollyanna. I'm talking about focusing on the goodness of God in the midst of the ugly. Life's circumstances change on a daily basis - God is eternal. His faithfulness doesn't change because the world does or people do. His pure, unselfish, never-ending love doesn't end - even in a world that for the most part doesn't want it, let alone understand it.
Whatever we focus on becomes larger, no matter what it is. Look for the good in those around you. If what they're doing is annoying and we focus on it, we're tempted to squeeze and squeeze until their little eyeballs pop right outta their head. If we focus on the wonderful, it almost threatens to overwhelm us with the "wonderfulness" of whatever it is. If you don't believe me, pay attention to yourself the next day or so. Or listen to those around you.
Let old hurts die. Let the past go. Forgive. Quit piling up offenses by holding on. It's not Scriptural.
And finally, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on THESE things.
It won't be easy, but it'll be worth the effort.
Prayer:
Father,
Shine Your light on our words and expose any malingering malady of grumbling. Let our focus be on You and Your Words of Light and Life, and help us walk accordingly. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Philippians 4:8 KJV
It's been said that anything worth having is worth fighting for. There are several different connotations to that, but the one I'd like to focus on is the one that relates to making the extra effort to obtain and keep something of value.
Did you ever notice how easy it is to be grumpy? It takes hardly any effort at all. For some, all they have to do is open their eyes in the morning and poof! Without even trying, they're grump rumps. And have you ever noticed how contagious that can be?!? God, have mercy on us!
Recently, I was talking with someone at work and trying to get her to see the positive side of a challenge. Her response was that she was positive that it was bad and nothing good would come of it. The sad thing is - with that attitude - she's right. Nothing good will come of it, because her outlook won't allow it.
I'm not talking about living in "la-la land" or being a pollyanna. I'm talking about focusing on the goodness of God in the midst of the ugly. Life's circumstances change on a daily basis - God is eternal. His faithfulness doesn't change because the world does or people do. His pure, unselfish, never-ending love doesn't end - even in a world that for the most part doesn't want it, let alone understand it.
Whatever we focus on becomes larger, no matter what it is. Look for the good in those around you. If what they're doing is annoying and we focus on it, we're tempted to squeeze and squeeze until their little eyeballs pop right outta their head. If we focus on the wonderful, it almost threatens to overwhelm us with the "wonderfulness" of whatever it is. If you don't believe me, pay attention to yourself the next day or so. Or listen to those around you.
Let old hurts die. Let the past go. Forgive. Quit piling up offenses by holding on. It's not Scriptural.
And finally, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on THESE things.
It won't be easy, but it'll be worth the effort.
Prayer:
Father,
Shine Your light on our words and expose any malingering malady of grumbling. Let our focus be on You and Your Words of Light and Life, and help us walk accordingly. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
* How Many Times?
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
I was thinking about this Scripture because of the stories I hear at the end of a school year.
She did what?!? She must have learned that from one of the other kids at school – I never taught her that!!
Why would he do that at school?!? And in front of the principal?!? I taught him better than that!!
When will he learn? How many times do I have to tell him?
There is so much material for a comedy routine at a school! When I worked at the elementary school, we used to say we could have our own hit sitcom if we just had a video camera running during the day.
However, on the not-so-funny side of it, I know so many Christian parents who are standing on this promised proverb that is our text for today. Let me encourage them somewhat. I think there are those children who take a little longer to “get old.” And so we wait with patience… sometimes it’s the oxymoronic frustrated patience…
You know the Scripture in Hebrews 4 that tells how Jesus was tempted in all points just like us, but sinned not? Well, there’s one in Hebrews 5 where the writer sure sounds to me as though he’s exasperated - I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again…
Always, it’s a matter of training and sometimes re-training. It’s finding the right combination of words and practice to get the point across. We don’t all learn the same things at the same pace or in the same way - whether we’re children - or children of God. Thank God His mercies are new every morning. Thank God His lovingkindnesses are better than life. Thank God for His Word in John 1:12 that declares, But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. King James calls it the power to become His children.
We have this blessed assurance. He doesn’t give up on us. Philippians 1:6 NLT promises, And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Oh…THAT’S when we’ll learn! So don’t give up. Keep trying - no matter how many times it takes…
Prayer:
Father,
Let us not be weary in well-doing. Strengthen us by Your example, Lord. Let us love as You love and be merciful one to another, so that we may learn. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Monday, May 2, 2016
* Guaranteed Life
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine
privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he
humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death
on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 NLT
It seems we spend most of our lives trying to prove who we are or who we want people to believe we are. And yet, Paul told the Corinthians, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”
We all want to be a new creation. We all want to have a new life, but we don't always want to do what it takes to have that. As Christians, we are supposed to die to self. When it comes to the reality of that, we don't like the sound of it or even the thought of it. However, to have new, there must be an end to the old. And we're so worried about that! We don't want to "lose ourselves." And we sure don't want to die. One of my favorite Alan Neel quotes is, "The only way to have resurrection life is to actually die [to self]."
The writer of Hebrews says it best, Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT
There's nothing to fear. We're talking resurrection... a guaranteed life in Christ.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Truth of Your Word - the comfort and peace in Your promises. It is good to know there is something solid to stand on - something that does not change or waiver. There's no chance of losing our balance when we're standing on Your Word. Help us to understand it better - to rightly divide between soul and spirit so that we truly understand what it means when we read ...in Him we live and move and have our being... In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, April 28, 2016
* Useless
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1st Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Have you ever felt useless? I know I have... And it's always predicated on what I have or haven't been able to do. And here lately, it seems there's so much more of "haven't been able to do" than "have". It can be frustrating, to say the least, and even devastating, at times... but that's the Truth of it when I look to ME instead of to GOD.
You see, the Truth is God didn't design us to be useless. He didn't form us in our mothers' wombs and declare, "You will be useless." He has given us gifts and equipped us with skills to help build His kingdom, to fulfill His purpose IN and FOR our lives.
Psalm 139 tells us God fashioned all the days of our lives BEFORE there were ANY days of our lives. How could ANYTHING God does be considered useless?
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Prayer:
Father,
Wake us up to Your plan and purpose for each and every day of our lives. We want to be used by You - for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Have you ever felt useless? I know I have... And it's always predicated on what I have or haven't been able to do. And here lately, it seems there's so much more of "haven't been able to do" than "have". It can be frustrating, to say the least, and even devastating, at times... but that's the Truth of it when I look to ME instead of to GOD.
You see, the Truth is God didn't design us to be useless. He didn't form us in our mothers' wombs and declare, "You will be useless." He has given us gifts and equipped us with skills to help build His kingdom, to fulfill His purpose IN and FOR our lives.
Psalm 139 tells us God fashioned all the days of our lives BEFORE there were ANY days of our lives. How could ANYTHING God does be considered useless?
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Prayer:
Father,
Wake us up to Your plan and purpose for each and every day of our lives. We want to be used by You - for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
* Keeping It Clean
As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.
Luke 11:37-41 NLT
Christian comedian Tim Hawkins does a skit about hand sanitizer and Greeters in the church. It's funny, but I have to admit, I am one of those people who has a "thing" about clean hands. I cringe when someone wants to shake my hand, using the same hand I just watched them cover their mouth with while they coughed or sneezed. I don't refuse to shake their hand - after all, Jesus touched and healed lepers and He said we could do the things He did and greater works shall we do (John 14) - but when the greeting is over, I do reach for the hand sanitizer in my purse. (Y'all pray for me...)
Am I as careful with what goes inside of me? Do I guard my heart with due diligence knowing that out of it spring the issues of life? Do I practice and implement forgiveness when offended or hurt? Do I bless and release those who have trespassed against me? Do I protect my thoughts, thinking only on whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, do I think on these things?
If not, why not?
Jesus asked, Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? I'd say He nailed that in more ways than one.
Prayer:
Father,
Keep us ever mindful of Your Truth. We pray according to Your Word in Psalm 24. We want to be able to climb the mountain of the Lord and to stand in Your holy place. We want to receive Your blessing and have a right relationship with You. Give us clean hands and a pure heart, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Luke 11:37-41 NLT
Christian comedian Tim Hawkins does a skit about hand sanitizer and Greeters in the church. It's funny, but I have to admit, I am one of those people who has a "thing" about clean hands. I cringe when someone wants to shake my hand, using the same hand I just watched them cover their mouth with while they coughed or sneezed. I don't refuse to shake their hand - after all, Jesus touched and healed lepers and He said we could do the things He did and greater works shall we do (John 14) - but when the greeting is over, I do reach for the hand sanitizer in my purse. (Y'all pray for me...)
Am I as careful with what goes inside of me? Do I guard my heart with due diligence knowing that out of it spring the issues of life? Do I practice and implement forgiveness when offended or hurt? Do I bless and release those who have trespassed against me? Do I protect my thoughts, thinking only on whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, do I think on these things?
If not, why not?
Jesus asked, Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? I'd say He nailed that in more ways than one.
Prayer:
Father,
Keep us ever mindful of Your Truth. We pray according to Your Word in Psalm 24. We want to be able to climb the mountain of the Lord and to stand in Your holy place. We want to receive Your blessing and have a right relationship with You. Give us clean hands and a pure heart, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, April 25, 2016
The Yoke's On Us +
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
There are times, I bristle at circumstances that seem way out of proportion to my ability to pull my own weight in any given situation. And I may fuss, fret or fume about it, depending how powerless I feel. However, what I want - more than my own way - is God's way. His way is for me to NOT do it alone. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you..."
On my way to work this morning, I heard a reference to this Scripture and my first thought was, "This burden is heavy..." and I got a mental image of me with a yoke over my shoulders, struggling to try to pull a load of burden that was way too much for me to pull by myself. Then I "saw" Jesus stepping in to shoulder the other side of the yoke I was in. Immediately, I stopped straining against the yoke. My spirit was revived and my strength renewed as we walked together, matching our steps, stride for stride. In Truth, the load was indeed much lighter, and I barely noticed the weight.
As Psalm 124 declares, If it had not been the Lord who was on our side...
Prayer:
Father,
I don't know why we think we can do this by ourselves. We cannot. We are so grateful for Your daily instruction; for taking the time to lead us, to teach us - as only You can. We need You, Lord. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. "More of You, less of me." In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
There are times, I bristle at circumstances that seem way out of proportion to my ability to pull my own weight in any given situation. And I may fuss, fret or fume about it, depending how powerless I feel. However, what I want - more than my own way - is God's way. His way is for me to NOT do it alone. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you..."
On my way to work this morning, I heard a reference to this Scripture and my first thought was, "This burden is heavy..." and I got a mental image of me with a yoke over my shoulders, struggling to try to pull a load of burden that was way too much for me to pull by myself. Then I "saw" Jesus stepping in to shoulder the other side of the yoke I was in. Immediately, I stopped straining against the yoke. My spirit was revived and my strength renewed as we walked together, matching our steps, stride for stride. In Truth, the load was indeed much lighter, and I barely noticed the weight.
As Psalm 124 declares, If it had not been the Lord who was on our side...
Prayer:
Father,
I don't know why we think we can do this by ourselves. We cannot. We are so grateful for Your daily instruction; for taking the time to lead us, to teach us - as only You can. We need You, Lord. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. "More of You, less of me." In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Light On or Off? +
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
About a decade ago, dear friends of mine gifted me with a Tiffany lamp with a dragonfly pattern. I love that lamp - for lots of reasons - but just to name a couple: One - My friends thought enough of me to get it for me. And two - They know me well enough to know I collect dragonfly items.
However, the most important reason I love it is that God has taught me much through this Tiffany lamp pictured here - without the light and with the light.
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
About a decade ago, dear friends of mine gifted me with a Tiffany lamp with a dragonfly pattern. I love that lamp - for lots of reasons - but just to name a couple: One - My friends thought enough of me to get it for me. And two - They know me well enough to know I collect dragonfly items.
However, the most important reason I love it is that God has taught me much through this Tiffany lamp pictured here - without the light and with the light.
Oh, even without the light on, you can see there's some fine workmanship in it - lots of potential - but you can't see its' true beauty. And even with a light shining directly on it, you could totally miss the dragonflies. However, once that lamp is lit - Can you believe the difference? The colors are so alive and vibrant! The jewel tones splash onto the wall lending the light and beauty to everything within their touch...
And THAT'S how it is when the Light of the World comes to live inside of us! Our potential becomes obvious, and we become what we were created to be! And the light and love that God places inside of us should splash onto everyone and everything within our reach.
Is your light on or off?
Prayer:
Father,
We want YOUR light to so shine through us that it points the way to You for a world walking in darkness. May we reflect Your light, Your love and beauty to those You have placed within our reach. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
* Hit the Dirt
This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Luke 8:11-15 NLT
It is my humble opinion that all of us have walked through each stage represented in this passage of Scripture. I believe that is why reading and hearing the Word of God was never intended to be a one-time event. Scripture tells us, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The more we hear it, the more our faith grows. The more our faith grows, the more we hear it and begin to embrace the truth of it. The more we embrace the truth of it, the more our hardened hearts our broken up. The rocks get broken down to a size that we can toss away. The soil gets loosened with the washing by the water of the Word and the roots of the thorns of this life can be more easily plucked out of our lives.
Hosea tells us to plant the good seeds of righteousness, and we will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of our hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord... When we do, we will have the good soil in our hearts so that when God's Word comes to us, we will cling to it, and it will produce a harvest in our lives. So... hit the dirt! Plow it up, according to His Word.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to be the good soil - the honest, good-hearted people who hear Your Word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Help us to embrace Your Truth over the facts of our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Luke 8:11-15 NLT
It is my humble opinion that all of us have walked through each stage represented in this passage of Scripture. I believe that is why reading and hearing the Word of God was never intended to be a one-time event. Scripture tells us, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The more we hear it, the more our faith grows. The more our faith grows, the more we hear it and begin to embrace the truth of it. The more we embrace the truth of it, the more our hardened hearts our broken up. The rocks get broken down to a size that we can toss away. The soil gets loosened with the washing by the water of the Word and the roots of the thorns of this life can be more easily plucked out of our lives.
Hosea tells us to plant the good seeds of righteousness, and we will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of our hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord... When we do, we will have the good soil in our hearts so that when God's Word comes to us, we will cling to it, and it will produce a harvest in our lives. So... hit the dirt! Plow it up, according to His Word.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to be the good soil - the honest, good-hearted people who hear Your Word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Help us to embrace Your Truth over the facts of our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, April 18, 2016
* It Doesn't Matter What They Think...
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”
Luke 7:39 NLT
Do you think Simon ever entertained the thought that Jesus was the Saviour of the world or was it more of a "He's the latest fad - very popular. I'm sure I can prove what He's not, but just in case He IS something, I can say I hosted a dinner in His honor" kind of thing? Do you think - at that moment - Simon was re-thinking the invitation he had extended to Jesus? The woman was a sinner!
Do you think for one second that Jesus was wondering what His status would be or what it would become in the community based on this - this sinner - touching Him? Do you think He recoiled at the thought? Not on your life! Or hers. Or mine.
What they thought of Him did NOT change who He was or is. For that matter, what WE think/believe of HIM does not change who He is, but by His Grace, it can and will change us.
I love this story for SO many reasons... but mostly I love this story because Jesus was touchable by the untouchable. What they thought of Jesus at that dinner table, what they thought of HER at that dinner table... none of it mattered to Jesus or to her. His love was REAL and she knew it.
Too often, we rehearse the history of our lives in terms of unworthy. We know our sins. Too many to count - how could God get past all that? He showed us how. He gave His life for ours. His spotless, sinless, pure and holy life for us... the Word says, "While we were yet sinners..." (Romans 5:8).
Do you think it was only for Mary? Do you think it's only for someone else - someone who hasn't done what you've done? Simon the Pharisee would think that. He'd have wanted YOU to think that. Remember this. Simon was wrong back then and he'd be wrong now.
Christ came to be the sacrifice for our sin so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be restored into right relationship with the Father. Lovingly and touchable. We have only to go to Jesus.
It doesn't matter what THEY think about that - what do YOU think?
Prayer:
Father,
Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart, O God. Thank You for loving us beyond what we can comprehend and thank You for being touchable. Help us to walk resolutely - every thought in obedience to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Luke 7:39 NLT
Do you think Simon ever entertained the thought that Jesus was the Saviour of the world or was it more of a "He's the latest fad - very popular. I'm sure I can prove what He's not, but just in case He IS something, I can say I hosted a dinner in His honor" kind of thing? Do you think - at that moment - Simon was re-thinking the invitation he had extended to Jesus? The woman was a sinner!
Do you think for one second that Jesus was wondering what His status would be or what it would become in the community based on this - this sinner - touching Him? Do you think He recoiled at the thought? Not on your life! Or hers. Or mine.
What they thought of Him did NOT change who He was or is. For that matter, what WE think/believe of HIM does not change who He is, but by His Grace, it can and will change us.
I love this story for SO many reasons... but mostly I love this story because Jesus was touchable by the untouchable. What they thought of Jesus at that dinner table, what they thought of HER at that dinner table... none of it mattered to Jesus or to her. His love was REAL and she knew it.
Too often, we rehearse the history of our lives in terms of unworthy. We know our sins. Too many to count - how could God get past all that? He showed us how. He gave His life for ours. His spotless, sinless, pure and holy life for us... the Word says, "While we were yet sinners..." (Romans 5:8).
Do you think it was only for Mary? Do you think it's only for someone else - someone who hasn't done what you've done? Simon the Pharisee would think that. He'd have wanted YOU to think that. Remember this. Simon was wrong back then and he'd be wrong now.
Christ came to be the sacrifice for our sin so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be restored into right relationship with the Father. Lovingly and touchable. We have only to go to Jesus.
It doesn't matter what THEY think about that - what do YOU think?
Prayer:
Father,
Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart, O God. Thank You for loving us beyond what we can comprehend and thank You for being touchable. Help us to walk resolutely - every thought in obedience to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, April 15, 2016
* Comfort in Knowing
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV
The Message offers our Promise for Today in this wording, All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
The tears were real. The angst and fear were evident in the choked-out words of the telling. There wasn't one physical thing anyone could do to change the circumstances, but God...
The power of love with great compassion and understanding poured out from those who had faced the same battles and WON through Christ, our Lord! Declarations, testimonies and affirmations of only some of the times God had come through in the same situations were witness to His tangible triumphs! It is a beautiful thing to witness fears dispelled by faith rising in response to the high tide of praise.
...that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble... He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
There's comfort in knowing what God has done. It builds our faith and trust to know a never-failing God. Never miss an opportunity to tell of His greatness toward you. There's comfort in knowing...
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your handprint on all that is good in our lives. Give us time and space to walk back through the pathway and remember all that You have brought us through, building up the holy faith that You have provided. Give us a holy boldness to proclaim praise at every opportunity for all that You've done in our lives so we may bring comfort to those who need to know. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV
The Message offers our Promise for Today in this wording, All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
The tears were real. The angst and fear were evident in the choked-out words of the telling. There wasn't one physical thing anyone could do to change the circumstances, but God...
The power of love with great compassion and understanding poured out from those who had faced the same battles and WON through Christ, our Lord! Declarations, testimonies and affirmations of only some of the times God had come through in the same situations were witness to His tangible triumphs! It is a beautiful thing to witness fears dispelled by faith rising in response to the high tide of praise.
...that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble... He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
There's comfort in knowing what God has done. It builds our faith and trust to know a never-failing God. Never miss an opportunity to tell of His greatness toward you. There's comfort in knowing...
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your handprint on all that is good in our lives. Give us time and space to walk back through the pathway and remember all that You have brought us through, building up the holy faith that You have provided. Give us a holy boldness to proclaim praise at every opportunity for all that You've done in our lives so we may bring comfort to those who need to know. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
One Look +
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!”
But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”
1st Samuel 16:6-7 The Message
Think about this. How many people do you know who spend so much time and energy (not to mention their finances!) on their outside appearance? Or they are consumed with their weight, their hair, their shape, their teeth, their... whatever? And just so you know - I'm not just talking about un-churched people here (ouch). And why? Because it's been going on longer than you or I can even begin to fathom! Our Scripture for today is just one example: Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!” One look!
One look - based on size, stature or other physical features.
The reality is we have all known physically beautiful persons who were mean and ugly on the inside. Likewise, we have all known (and loved) the beautiful hearts of people who would never win a beauty contest, but who became more beautiful the better we got to know them.
But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”
1st Samuel 16:6-7 The Message
Think about this. How many people do you know who spend so much time and energy (not to mention their finances!) on their outside appearance? Or they are consumed with their weight, their hair, their shape, their teeth, their... whatever? And just so you know - I'm not just talking about un-churched people here (ouch). And why? Because it's been going on longer than you or I can even begin to fathom! Our Scripture for today is just one example: Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!” One look!
One look - based on size, stature or other physical features.
The reality is we have all known physically beautiful persons who were mean and ugly on the inside. Likewise, we have all known (and loved) the beautiful hearts of people who would never win a beauty contest, but who became more beautiful the better we got to know them.
Sin is ugly. The wage of sin is death. Christ is eternal life when we ask Him to come into our heart! What do you think God is looking for when He "looks into the heart"? Don't we hope and pray God takes more than one look?!?
I've been thinking and thinking about this passage of Scripture in relation to "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (found in Luke 6:45 - NKJV). And what I NEED is an abundance of Jesus in my heart. His saving grace, His mercy, His forgiveness, His Word. I can't get that with one look into Scripture or one look into the sanctuary.
Prayer:
I've been thinking and thinking about this passage of Scripture in relation to "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (found in Luke 6:45 - NKJV). And what I NEED is an abundance of Jesus in my heart. His saving grace, His mercy, His forgiveness, His Word. I can't get that with one look into Scripture or one look into the sanctuary.
Prayer:
Father,
Change my heart, O God! Renew a right spirit within me! Give me clean hands and a pure heart so that the only "one look" that matters at all is the one where a lost and dying world sees You in me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Change my heart, O God! Renew a right spirit within me! Give me clean hands and a pure heart so that the only "one look" that matters at all is the one where a lost and dying world sees You in me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
* Just for Today
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:34 NLT
When we don't have the answer. When we don't even know the question. When we can't figure out how, when, or why we're going to fix "it". When the "if-I-don't-fix-it-now-what-will-it-be-in-another-week-month-year... years-from-now" stress kicks in. Stress. Doubt. Fear. Is there any room for God in there?
I was busy (read 'angrily') telling the God of the universe (who, by the way, has NOT posted for an assistant, nor does He need one) that the particular situation in my life is NOT something I can see myself having to contend with for the next 20 years or so. And I railed that I just could NOT do it - it was that plain and simple. I.Can't.Do.It...!!
Then immediately, I heard Him say, "I'm not asking you to do it for 20 years or so. Can you do it for today? Just for today?" and instantly, I was reminded of today's Scripture promise. And with it came the assurance He would be with me. Today and every day... one day at a time. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
We can do it - by His grace that is sufficient for all things - and with His promise that He will never leave or forsake us. We CAN do it - just for today.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your infinite wisdom and for always planning out the details of our lives. You are trustworthy. Remind us always to listen for Your voice and seek Your peace in the midst of the chaos of daily living. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 6:34 NLT
When we don't have the answer. When we don't even know the question. When we can't figure out how, when, or why we're going to fix "it". When the "if-I-don't-fix-it-now-what-will-it-be-in-another-week-month-year... years-from-now" stress kicks in. Stress. Doubt. Fear. Is there any room for God in there?
I was busy (read 'angrily') telling the God of the universe (who, by the way, has NOT posted for an assistant, nor does He need one) that the particular situation in my life is NOT something I can see myself having to contend with for the next 20 years or so. And I railed that I just could NOT do it - it was that plain and simple. I.Can't.Do.It...!!
Then immediately, I heard Him say, "I'm not asking you to do it for 20 years or so. Can you do it for today? Just for today?" and instantly, I was reminded of today's Scripture promise. And with it came the assurance He would be with me. Today and every day... one day at a time. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
We can do it - by His grace that is sufficient for all things - and with His promise that He will never leave or forsake us. We CAN do it - just for today.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your infinite wisdom and for always planning out the details of our lives. You are trustworthy. Remind us always to listen for Your voice and seek Your peace in the midst of the chaos of daily living. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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