But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
Psalm 103:17-18 NLT
When I was in my late teens and early twenties, my mother used to tell me that I might as well give up and get right with God because I had a praying mother and grandmother. She stood on our Promise for Today.
This is a promise I have now stood on for many years. It covered my children while they were growing up, and when they were growing and going away.
It is a promise for my beloved grandchildren, from the youngest to the older ones who are now growing up and growing away. Our time with them is so short. Only a loving God can make sure that it is enough.
God's Word has stood the test of time. It is relevant for this time and for ALL time because it is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). I trust God to keep them, and for His salvation to guide and guard their hearts and minds. God's salvation extends to all of them - my children and my children's children.
Prayer:
Father,
Your grace is sufficient in and for all things. Your salvation is a promise fulfilled through Christ. Thank You for Your Word that we can stand and build our lives on and the lives of our children and our children's children. Teach us to remain faithful and to continue to walk in obedience. No slacking. Their very lives depend on it. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Half a Mind
"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment."
Matthew 22:36-38 NLT
Have you ever driven down a road that you've been on countless times before and "all of a sudden" see something that you've never seen before and you ask the person riding with you, 'When did that go up?' - or - 'How did that get there?' Then that person looks at you as though you're crazy and replies, 'That's always been there!' It seems unbelievable to them that you've never seen it, but it's just as unbelievable to you that it's always been there.
Well, don't feel too badly. If you're usually the one driving, most of your attention is probably on the road (as it should be). For me, half of my mind is occupied with the road, and in all actuality, the other half is probably divided into several bits and pieces - the conversation at hand, kids/grandkids, work, the never-ending to-do list...
Here in the southwestern part of the U.S., a familiar colloquial phrase is 'I have half a mind to (fill in the blank) .' And loosely, it implies that you're thinking about doing something, but you're not actually following through to physically do it... but with a little more thought, you might be motivated to follow through.
Here's where all this got sticky for me. How many times have I been guilty of allowing myself to be distracted by stupid things? Things barely worth noticing in the first place, let alone worth a second thought, but all the more distracting because I have only applied half my mind toward whatever I should be thinking about? Let me get down to the bare bones - how many times am I guilty of allowing myself to be distracted by cares of this world or email notifications or text message pings because I only have half my mind on Jesus? How many times - with just a little more thought - could I have been motivated to actually follow through with what my heart was telling me to do?
Prayer:
Father,
I want to love You and live for You with all my heart, all my soul and ALL my mind fixed on You. Forgive me for all the half-measures and half-attempts and all the times I only had half a mind on You, Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Matthew 22:36-38 NLT
Have you ever driven down a road that you've been on countless times before and "all of a sudden" see something that you've never seen before and you ask the person riding with you, 'When did that go up?' - or - 'How did that get there?' Then that person looks at you as though you're crazy and replies, 'That's always been there!' It seems unbelievable to them that you've never seen it, but it's just as unbelievable to you that it's always been there.
Well, don't feel too badly. If you're usually the one driving, most of your attention is probably on the road (as it should be). For me, half of my mind is occupied with the road, and in all actuality, the other half is probably divided into several bits and pieces - the conversation at hand, kids/grandkids, work, the never-ending to-do list...
Here in the southwestern part of the U.S., a familiar colloquial phrase is 'I have half a mind to (fill in the blank) .' And loosely, it implies that you're thinking about doing something, but you're not actually following through to physically do it... but with a little more thought, you might be motivated to follow through.
Here's where all this got sticky for me. How many times have I been guilty of allowing myself to be distracted by stupid things? Things barely worth noticing in the first place, let alone worth a second thought, but all the more distracting because I have only applied half my mind toward whatever I should be thinking about? Let me get down to the bare bones - how many times am I guilty of allowing myself to be distracted by cares of this world or email notifications or text message pings because I only have half my mind on Jesus? How many times - with just a little more thought - could I have been motivated to actually follow through with what my heart was telling me to do?
Prayer:
Father,
I want to love You and live for You with all my heart, all my soul and ALL my mind fixed on You. Forgive me for all the half-measures and half-attempts and all the times I only had half a mind on You, Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Friday, February 24, 2017
* Body Building
They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Acts 14:21-22 NIV
If you were going to join a gym with the purpose of building your muscles and strengthening your body, who would you listen to - Woody Allen or Dwayne Johnson? My obvious point being that you'd be more likely to listen to someone who actually has muscles and strength, yes?
Paul was just such a man. He had been stoned and dragged out of the city of Lystra, left for dead just a few verses before today's chosen passage, but he had gotten up and gone right back into the city!
It was Jews from Iconium and Antioch who had incited the crowd in Lystra to attack Paul, and yet, here we find him traveling back through those same cities to strengthen the ones who had been converted to Christ on his previous visit. What a powerful testimony and witness to the new disciples!
The Message Bible reads, "putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy..." Jesus Himself had said it wouldn't be easy (John 16:33).
If you were in the gym to build muscle and sinew, you would probably hear more than once, No pain - No gain. It's part of Body Building 101. The same is true with Paul. He warns them it's going to be hard. However, Paul takes it to a much higher level - the body he has chosen to strengthen is the Body of Christ.
That is serious Body building.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to build the Body and strengthen them with Your Good News. Just like Isaiah said, to strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. We are able to say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear" because You, O God, are coming to deliver us and save us. Give us divine appointments, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 14:21-22 NIV
If you were going to join a gym with the purpose of building your muscles and strengthening your body, who would you listen to - Woody Allen or Dwayne Johnson? My obvious point being that you'd be more likely to listen to someone who actually has muscles and strength, yes?
Paul was just such a man. He had been stoned and dragged out of the city of Lystra, left for dead just a few verses before today's chosen passage, but he had gotten up and gone right back into the city!
It was Jews from Iconium and Antioch who had incited the crowd in Lystra to attack Paul, and yet, here we find him traveling back through those same cities to strengthen the ones who had been converted to Christ on his previous visit. What a powerful testimony and witness to the new disciples!
The Message Bible reads, "putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy..." Jesus Himself had said it wouldn't be easy (John 16:33).
If you were in the gym to build muscle and sinew, you would probably hear more than once, No pain - No gain. It's part of Body Building 101. The same is true with Paul. He warns them it's going to be hard. However, Paul takes it to a much higher level - the body he has chosen to strengthen is the Body of Christ.
That is serious Body building.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to build the Body and strengthen them with Your Good News. Just like Isaiah said, to strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. We are able to say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear" because You, O God, are coming to deliver us and save us. Give us divine appointments, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Unknown God
So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.
Acts 17:22-25 NLT
I once met a man named Charles, who was a master at being able to take any subject and turn it around to become a message of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was beautiful to watch in action. Sometimes, people would throw words or opening lines at him just to see if they could stump him. They never could.
In today's Scripture, Paul does the same thing! The Athenians had all sorts of idols prominently displayed in their city and just in case they missed any, there was one shrine designated "To an Unknown God." Paul takes the nameless one and makes it about the One whose Name is above all names. The only Name by which we can be saved! He takes the one not assigned to a temple and makes it about the God who doesn't live in man-made temples, but lives inside of us because our bodies are His temple. The one who has no temple servants in Athens and makes it about the Servant King who has no need for them!
Oh, that we would take our unknown God to "whosoever will" and make Him known!
Prayer:
Father,
We praise You for the glorious grace You have poured out on us who belong to Your dear Son. You are so rich in kindness and grace that You purchased our freedom with the blood of Your Son and forgave our sins. We want to make Your praise glorious! Give us fresh anointing and guide our words and steps so that we are able to make You known, no matter the situation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.
Acts 17:22-25 NLT
I once met a man named Charles, who was a master at being able to take any subject and turn it around to become a message of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was beautiful to watch in action. Sometimes, people would throw words or opening lines at him just to see if they could stump him. They never could.
In today's Scripture, Paul does the same thing! The Athenians had all sorts of idols prominently displayed in their city and just in case they missed any, there was one shrine designated "To an Unknown God." Paul takes the nameless one and makes it about the One whose Name is above all names. The only Name by which we can be saved! He takes the one not assigned to a temple and makes it about the God who doesn't live in man-made temples, but lives inside of us because our bodies are His temple. The one who has no temple servants in Athens and makes it about the Servant King who has no need for them!
Oh, that we would take our unknown God to "whosoever will" and make Him known!
Prayer:
Father,
We praise You for the glorious grace You have poured out on us who belong to Your dear Son. You are so rich in kindness and grace that You purchased our freedom with the blood of Your Son and forgave our sins. We want to make Your praise glorious! Give us fresh anointing and guide our words and steps so that we are able to make You known, no matter the situation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
* Buried Alive
Some skeptic is sure to ask, “Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this ‘resurrection body’ look like?” If you look at this question closely, you realize how absurd it is. There are no diagrams for this kind of thing. We do have a parallel experience in gardening. You plant a “dead” seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. You could never guess what a tomato would look like by looking at a tomato seed. What we plant in the soil and what grows out of it don’t look anything alike. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different.
1st Corinthians 15:35-42 The Message
Has life ever made you feel like you'd been knocked down and buried in fertilizer... that keeps getting piled on?!? That's how I was feeling when God reminded me of this Scripture.
What is planted - buried beneath mounds and pounds of fertilizer - and what grows out of it don't look anything alike! Just like you can't tell what a tomato will look like from the seed you plant, there's no telling what we'll look like, either - but the Bible says we shall be like Him!!
Can we give God praise for that and thank Him - even in the fertilizer?!?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us more than enough to give us what we need rather than what we want. Help us to understand and continue to grow in the process. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 15:35-42 The Message
Has life ever made you feel like you'd been knocked down and buried in fertilizer... that keeps getting piled on?!? That's how I was feeling when God reminded me of this Scripture.
What is planted - buried beneath mounds and pounds of fertilizer - and what grows out of it don't look anything alike! Just like you can't tell what a tomato will look like from the seed you plant, there's no telling what we'll look like, either - but the Bible says we shall be like Him!!
Can we give God praise for that and thank Him - even in the fertilizer?!?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us more than enough to give us what we need rather than what we want. Help us to understand and continue to grow in the process. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Songs of the Heart *
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:16-17 NLT
We all have times when plain words don't work for us. Tonight, I just want to spend time with you, from what's on my heart, starting with my newest favorite song, Even If. If you click on the link below each song title, it should provide a "go to" link to click on to take you to the song.
Even If - Mercy Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y
I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NSdy2N7mHA
Lord, Feed Your Children - Michael English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK8zSFMS6lk
Except for Grace / Grace that is Greater - The Martins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOVDNxzfo44
Selah - Wonderful, Merciful Savior
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGgoMWgVRk0
Alvin Slaughter - Holy, Holy, Holy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0C8rhd472Y&list=FLXN2z1hkCM5JXmfOXqNHFuw&index=17
Clint Brown - Zion is Calling Me to a Higher Place of Praise / Highest Praise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcQ-z3YAyWs&list=FLXN2z1hkCM5JXmfOXqNHFuw&index=45
It is Well - Wesley Pritchard & David Phelps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA8gk4JDITg
Prayer:
Father God,
Thank You for music! Thank You for hearing the songs of our hearts as we worship You. Receive our praise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Colossians 3:16-17 NLT
We all have times when plain words don't work for us. Tonight, I just want to spend time with you, from what's on my heart, starting with my newest favorite song, Even If. If you click on the link below each song title, it should provide a "go to" link to click on to take you to the song.
Even If - Mercy Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y
I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NSdy2N7mHA
Lord, Feed Your Children - Michael English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK8zSFMS6lk
Except for Grace / Grace that is Greater - The Martins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOVDNxzfo44
Selah - Wonderful, Merciful Savior
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGgoMWgVRk0
Alvin Slaughter - Holy, Holy, Holy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0C8rhd472Y&list=FLXN2z1hkCM5JXmfOXqNHFuw&index=17
Clint Brown - Zion is Calling Me to a Higher Place of Praise / Highest Praise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcQ-z3YAyWs&list=FLXN2z1hkCM5JXmfOXqNHFuw&index=45
It is Well - Wesley Pritchard & David Phelps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA8gk4JDITg
Prayer:
Father God,
Thank You for music! Thank You for hearing the songs of our hearts as we worship You. Receive our praise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 20, 2017
Not Playing Favorites
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!
Acts 10:34 The Message
Years ago, I had prayed and prayed for God to supernaturally deliver me from a nicotine addiction – to just take away the desire because I’d heard so many testimonies of how He had done that for others. After all, He plays no favorites, right? So why didn’t He just do that for me?!? But that’s not the way He chose to deliver me from it. Why? I think it's because I'm rather headstrong and stubborn-willed, and He didn't want me to think I could do it on my own. I learned a very valuable lesson about relying on God because I couldn't do it in my own strength.
Acts 10:34 The Message
Years ago, I had prayed and prayed for God to supernaturally deliver me from a nicotine addiction – to just take away the desire because I’d heard so many testimonies of how He had done that for others. After all, He plays no favorites, right? So why didn’t He just do that for me?!? But that’s not the way He chose to deliver me from it. Why? I think it's because I'm rather headstrong and stubborn-willed, and He didn't want me to think I could do it on my own. I learned a very valuable lesson about relying on God because I couldn't do it in my own strength.
Hebrews 12:10b-11 NLT, reassures us; God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Do I think cigarettes will keep someone out of Heaven? I’m not God, but here’s what you and I both know. Scripture tells us to work out our own salvation, and I believe that means God will work on us as individuals regarding the things that He wants OUT of our lives and what He wants IN our lives and what He wants done in our relationship with Him…because He loves us.
Be encouraged today. He will see you through - no matter WHAT it is you're going through or trying to go through. No, He doesn't play favorites, but He loves us all the same. That’s what we have to recognize. ALL that He does, ALL that He speaks to our hearts, ALL... Everything is because He loves us.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross to save us from our sins, and to redeem us back to You. I don't know how You could love us so much after all we've sinned, but You do. Your mercy and grace overflow and overwhelm us. Your peace truly surpasses our understanding. Help us, O Lord, to walk faithfully in what You have provided for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 19, 2017
* Fresh Heart
After spending a considerable time with the Antioch Christians, Paul set off again for Galatia and Phrygia, retracing his old tracks, one town after another, putting fresh heart into the disciples.
Acts 18:23 The Message
Watch any war movie or any series involving a war with heavy fighting and you know about asking for reinforcements. Troops to help bear the burden of fighting against the enemy, to share the load, to provide renewed strength for those who have been fighting all along. To help fight when you can't fight anymore.
Fighting a battle is extremely difficult. It can wear you down. Without reinforcement, you may find yourself slipping. Losing ground. What I notice throughout the Book of Acts are the reinforcements, the helpers. Who is walking alongside Paul? Which ones are providing sustenance and provision for the mission work? Who is standing with him? Who is taking some of the heat for him? Silas, Timothy, Aquila, Priscilla, Barnabas, Jason, just to name a few.
And what does Paul do? He pours it back into the believers. New Living reads, visiting and strengthening all the believers. The classic Amplified reads, imparting new strength to them. But I love how The Message reads, putting fresh heart into the disciples. Disciples - indicating that these aren't slackers. They're disciplined in their walk. Fighting the good fight for their faith.
We must do the same! One more reason why it is vital that we fill up on God's Word - so we can pour into others who need fresh hearts to continue till Jesus comes. Who are you walking with?
Prayer:
Father,
Give us Your eyes to help us see those who may be languishing. Give us Your wisdom and strength to impart to them. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 18:23 The Message
Watch any war movie or any series involving a war with heavy fighting and you know about asking for reinforcements. Troops to help bear the burden of fighting against the enemy, to share the load, to provide renewed strength for those who have been fighting all along. To help fight when you can't fight anymore.
Fighting a battle is extremely difficult. It can wear you down. Without reinforcement, you may find yourself slipping. Losing ground. What I notice throughout the Book of Acts are the reinforcements, the helpers. Who is walking alongside Paul? Which ones are providing sustenance and provision for the mission work? Who is standing with him? Who is taking some of the heat for him? Silas, Timothy, Aquila, Priscilla, Barnabas, Jason, just to name a few.
And what does Paul do? He pours it back into the believers. New Living reads, visiting and strengthening all the believers. The classic Amplified reads, imparting new strength to them. But I love how The Message reads, putting fresh heart into the disciples. Disciples - indicating that these aren't slackers. They're disciplined in their walk. Fighting the good fight for their faith.
We must do the same! One more reason why it is vital that we fill up on God's Word - so we can pour into others who need fresh hearts to continue till Jesus comes. Who are you walking with?
Prayer:
Father,
Give us Your eyes to help us see those who may be languishing. Give us Your wisdom and strength to impart to them. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 18, 2017
* Earth-shaking Power of Praise
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
Acts 16:25-26 NLT
Paul and Silas had been falsely accused, then stripped and beaten (verse 23 states severely beaten), then locked into stocks in the inner dungeon... BUT at midnight, they were praying and singing hymns and their very captive audience was listening.
No one in that prison wanted to be there! They all wanted out, but there was nothing they could do - especially in the inner dungeon with their feet locked in the stocks. There were no lights, it was filthy. Historians tell of the deplorable conditions and yet, there sat Paul and Silas - in the midst of it all - praying and singing hymns to God. The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. Matthew 18:20 reads, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (NKJV) And everyone around them was listening.
When the earthquake happened, the Bible tells us that the chains of EVERY prisoner fell off. EVERY prisoner. They were ALL set free. Plus, the jailer and his entire household learned and embraced the Good News that very night. So even those who were bound by chains that could not be seen were set free.
What is it that binds us? What keeps us from praying and singing to God? What do we allow to keep us from praising our God and getting into His presence? Whatever it is can be broken by the very act of worship to our God! IN the midst of the trial, when life seems so dark and no way out, we must be disciplined to pray and praise. It has earth-shaking power to get us into God's presence and to be set free.
Prayer:
Father,
Keep us accountable to discipline ourselves to pray and praise You in, during, and through the storms of life. For our circumstances do not change who You are and how worthy of praise You are. Thank You for coming to see about us, God. Help us to remember that our words, our actions, can cause us and those around us to be bound or can set our deliverance through the earth-shaking power of praise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 16:25-26 NLT
Paul and Silas had been falsely accused, then stripped and beaten (verse 23 states severely beaten), then locked into stocks in the inner dungeon... BUT at midnight, they were praying and singing hymns and their very captive audience was listening.
No one in that prison wanted to be there! They all wanted out, but there was nothing they could do - especially in the inner dungeon with their feet locked in the stocks. There were no lights, it was filthy. Historians tell of the deplorable conditions and yet, there sat Paul and Silas - in the midst of it all - praying and singing hymns to God. The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. Matthew 18:20 reads, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (NKJV) And everyone around them was listening.
When the earthquake happened, the Bible tells us that the chains of EVERY prisoner fell off. EVERY prisoner. They were ALL set free. Plus, the jailer and his entire household learned and embraced the Good News that very night. So even those who were bound by chains that could not be seen were set free.
What is it that binds us? What keeps us from praying and singing to God? What do we allow to keep us from praising our God and getting into His presence? Whatever it is can be broken by the very act of worship to our God! IN the midst of the trial, when life seems so dark and no way out, we must be disciplined to pray and praise. It has earth-shaking power to get us into God's presence and to be set free.
Prayer:
Father,
Keep us accountable to discipline ourselves to pray and praise You in, during, and through the storms of life. For our circumstances do not change who You are and how worthy of praise You are. Thank You for coming to see about us, God. Help us to remember that our words, our actions, can cause us and those around us to be bound or can set our deliverance through the earth-shaking power of praise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, February 17, 2017
* Evidence of Himself
We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.
Acts 14:15c-17 NLT
How often do we turn to the things of this world for comfort? How often do we just want to "veg out" in order to de-stress from the daily grind of our lives? Or try to do or buy something to make us feel good?
If we're seeking comfort from the world, at best it is fleeting - a momentary fix. The Truth is God Himself has made provision for all of it. The Holy Spirit IS our Comforter - and as part of the Holy Trinity, He is everlasting. Christ left us HIS peace. He even made the stipulation "not as the world gives it" (John 14:27). And as our Promise for Today points out - He never leaves us without evidence of Himself and His goodness!
Prayer:
Father,
You are a good, good Father! We cannot thank You enough for all the ways You lovingly provide for us. Thank You for the evidence of You and Your goodness in our lives. We want more of You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 14:15c-17 NLT
How often do we turn to the things of this world for comfort? How often do we just want to "veg out" in order to de-stress from the daily grind of our lives? Or try to do or buy something to make us feel good?
If we're seeking comfort from the world, at best it is fleeting - a momentary fix. The Truth is God Himself has made provision for all of it. The Holy Spirit IS our Comforter - and as part of the Holy Trinity, He is everlasting. Christ left us HIS peace. He even made the stipulation "not as the world gives it" (John 14:27). And as our Promise for Today points out - He never leaves us without evidence of Himself and His goodness!
Prayer:
Father,
You are a good, good Father! We cannot thank You enough for all the ways You lovingly provide for us. Thank You for the evidence of You and Your goodness in our lives. We want more of You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 16, 2017
What Are You Putting On?
Then He said to His disciples,
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing."
Luke 12:22-23 NKJV
We put on a lot of things in an effort to improve how we look and how we are perceived by those around us. We put on deodorant and clean clothes. Women put on makeup and sometimes men wish they could and both put on multiple hair products and colognes. Many people are motivated by not wanting to be judged. However, even when we're not trying to be judgmental, we often have a comment based on something we've decided we like. I like your shirt. Your hair looks great. Your makeup looks really good today. Is that a new jacket? Oh, I love your earrings. It doesn't stop there, but neither you nor I have the time to make a complete list.
Then you've got phrases like, Puttin' on the Ritz, puttin' on the dog, putting on a brave face, puttin' on your big-boy britches. One of my favorite quotes is by A.A. Milne, 'When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.' Makes me wanna put on my Big Boots...
The greatest adventure of them all has to do with putting on something else entirely. There was a certain crown - made of thorns - that was put on His head. And they also put on Him a purple robe. Then they mocked Him, judged Him and falsely accused him, and then put Him on the Cross to die for our sin. Galatians 3 tells us, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have we put Him on or are we putting Him on (but not in a good way) and only fooling ourselves?
Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV, tells us, Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Do we see ourselves putting on all these things, according to this passage of Scripture? If Jesus asked, "Are you putting ME on?" what would be your answer?
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing."
Luke 12:22-23 NKJV
We put on a lot of things in an effort to improve how we look and how we are perceived by those around us. We put on deodorant and clean clothes. Women put on makeup and sometimes men wish they could and both put on multiple hair products and colognes. Many people are motivated by not wanting to be judged. However, even when we're not trying to be judgmental, we often have a comment based on something we've decided we like. I like your shirt. Your hair looks great. Your makeup looks really good today. Is that a new jacket? Oh, I love your earrings. It doesn't stop there, but neither you nor I have the time to make a complete list.
Then you've got phrases like, Puttin' on the Ritz, puttin' on the dog, putting on a brave face, puttin' on your big-boy britches. One of my favorite quotes is by A.A. Milne, 'When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.' Makes me wanna put on my Big Boots...
The greatest adventure of them all has to do with putting on something else entirely. There was a certain crown - made of thorns - that was put on His head. And they also put on Him a purple robe. Then they mocked Him, judged Him and falsely accused him, and then put Him on the Cross to die for our sin. Galatians 3 tells us, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have we put Him on or are we putting Him on (but not in a good way) and only fooling ourselves?
Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV, tells us, Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Do we see ourselves putting on all these things, according to this passage of Scripture? If Jesus asked, "Are you putting ME on?" what would be your answer?
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
* In God's Way
“As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”
Acts 11:15-17 NLT
Two chapters prior to this passage, we read, Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. Saul of Tarsus asked for and received letters requesting cooperation to arrest any followers of the Way he found in Damascus.
Saul was both a descendant of Abraham and a Roman citizen. His education of the law was under the tutelage of Rabbi Gamaliel who was a leader in the Jewish Sanhedrin. He had all kinds of "bragging rights". Saul was also a Pharisee - he knew the law and that was the zeal that drove him to persecute Christians. They weren't following God the same way he had been taught, so he was on his way to arrest and bring back to Jerusalem in chains anyone who followed Jesus. The story of Saul's Damascus Road conversion adventure to becoming the apostle Paul is a favorite of many.
However, as Peter points out in our text for today, how often do we judge another simply because they don't do something the same as we do? They don't do it our way... but then, are we sure our way is God's way?
I wonder how often I have been IN God's way instead of following His way...
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us, O God, when we get in Your way rather than follow in Your way. Open our eyes, Lord, to clearly see You and follow You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 11:15-17 NLT
Two chapters prior to this passage, we read, Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. Saul of Tarsus asked for and received letters requesting cooperation to arrest any followers of the Way he found in Damascus.
Saul was both a descendant of Abraham and a Roman citizen. His education of the law was under the tutelage of Rabbi Gamaliel who was a leader in the Jewish Sanhedrin. He had all kinds of "bragging rights". Saul was also a Pharisee - he knew the law and that was the zeal that drove him to persecute Christians. They weren't following God the same way he had been taught, so he was on his way to arrest and bring back to Jerusalem in chains anyone who followed Jesus. The story of Saul's Damascus Road conversion adventure to becoming the apostle Paul is a favorite of many.
However, as Peter points out in our text for today, how often do we judge another simply because they don't do something the same as we do? They don't do it our way... but then, are we sure our way is God's way?
I wonder how often I have been IN God's way instead of following His way...
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us, O God, when we get in Your way rather than follow in Your way. Open our eyes, Lord, to clearly see You and follow You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 13, 2017
* Wonders Without Number
It is the Lord who created the stars, the Pleiades and Orion. He turns darkness into morning and day into night. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The Lord is his name!
Amos 5:8 NLT
The Book of Amos is said to have been written sometime between 760 and 753BC, making it the first prophetic book written and he's writing about stars that we know and recognize today.
Do you ever gaze in wonder at the stars? I live near the water and to me, the sky is even more beautiful there. The night sky is magnificent - even to the naked eye - but add a powerful telescope and it's unbelievable!!
I don't remember what I was reading this morning, but it dawned on me (no pun intended) that the same stars that light my night - the same constellations we point out to our children and grandchildren - are the same stars that Moses saw while tending his father-in-law's sheep on the backside of the mountain. The same stars that David marveled about - the very same ones that Job declared in Job 9:9-10, He made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number.
Somehow, I felt connected to the stories of their lives in a whole, new light! (That pun was intended) J And the more I thought about it today, the more I wanted to get home and look at the sky. Don't be alarmed. I have no desire to worship the sun, moon or stars, (referred to in Acts 7), but I do have a greater desire to worship the God who created all the wonders without number!
Prayer:
Father,
What wondrous works! What continuity of a life found in You! Thank You for Your marvelous wonders! Continue to work in us, O God. May all our inspiration be found only in You! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Amos 5:8 NLT
The Book of Amos is said to have been written sometime between 760 and 753BC, making it the first prophetic book written and he's writing about stars that we know and recognize today.
Do you ever gaze in wonder at the stars? I live near the water and to me, the sky is even more beautiful there. The night sky is magnificent - even to the naked eye - but add a powerful telescope and it's unbelievable!!
I don't remember what I was reading this morning, but it dawned on me (no pun intended) that the same stars that light my night - the same constellations we point out to our children and grandchildren - are the same stars that Moses saw while tending his father-in-law's sheep on the backside of the mountain. The same stars that David marveled about - the very same ones that Job declared in Job 9:9-10, He made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number.
Somehow, I felt connected to the stories of their lives in a whole, new light! (That pun was intended) J And the more I thought about it today, the more I wanted to get home and look at the sky. Don't be alarmed. I have no desire to worship the sun, moon or stars, (referred to in Acts 7), but I do have a greater desire to worship the God who created all the wonders without number!
Prayer:
Father,
What wondrous works! What continuity of a life found in You! Thank You for Your marvelous wonders! Continue to work in us, O God. May all our inspiration be found only in You! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 12, 2017
* Scattered
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria...
But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Acts 8:1b, 4 NLT
A great wave of persecution... If you read the historical accounts about the persecution of Christians that began following the stoning of Stephen, it is quite horrifying. Saul licensed with the authority to go house-to-house to throw men and women into prison for being believers. Christians used as sport in the Roman Coliseum against insurmountable odds. As human torches to light Nero's garden. Believers fleeing the city for their very lives.
Two things stand out to me in the ensuing verses.
One: People were sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus was the Christ - that He was exactly who He said He was - and IS. You don't continue to stand against all odds - and death - unless you know that you know...
Two: Believers who may never have left the city otherwise, scattered in all directions and the Word tells us they preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. If you're fleeing from persecution, you don't normally stop to teach people about the very Gospel that is the reason you're running away from town.
They may have been scattered, but they were also scattering seed everywhere they went!
Prayer:
Father,
May we always walk in the courage of our conviction about Christ, no matter where we may end up. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Acts 8:1b, 4 NLT
A great wave of persecution... If you read the historical accounts about the persecution of Christians that began following the stoning of Stephen, it is quite horrifying. Saul licensed with the authority to go house-to-house to throw men and women into prison for being believers. Christians used as sport in the Roman Coliseum against insurmountable odds. As human torches to light Nero's garden. Believers fleeing the city for their very lives.
Two things stand out to me in the ensuing verses.
One: People were sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus was the Christ - that He was exactly who He said He was - and IS. You don't continue to stand against all odds - and death - unless you know that you know...
Two: Believers who may never have left the city otherwise, scattered in all directions and the Word tells us they preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. If you're fleeing from persecution, you don't normally stop to teach people about the very Gospel that is the reason you're running away from town.
They may have been scattered, but they were also scattering seed everywhere they went!
Prayer:
Father,
May we always walk in the courage of our conviction about Christ, no matter where we may end up. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 11, 2017
* A Victory Garden
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23a NLT
Galatians 5:22-23a NLT
Victory Gardens were vegetable and fruit gardens planted during WWI and WWII to supplement the public food supply during the war effort. It required giving up private residence yard space and public lot areas to be tilled and toiled to produce crops. Rocks and stones had to be removed, weeds and grass dug up and removed, hard ground broken up and worked - all to make room for and to be able to receive seed. It took discipline and commitment, but it produced victorious results.
When we give our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to produce fruit in our lives. The verses prior to our Promise for Today tell us what rocks, stones and weeds need to be removed from our lives, what hardness of heart needs to be broken up and worked out of our nature. Galatians 5:19-21, When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Our lives can be FULL of the fruits of the Holy Spirit! Let's make room and till up the soil of our hearts! It will take discipline and commitment, but we can have our Victory Garden.
Prayer:
Father,
Soften our hearts by the washing of water by the Word. Help us to prepare so that the seed sown by the Sower will fall on good soil and produce a bumper crop. We want to walk fully in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
* No Charge
He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
Acts 7:60 NLT
Stephen was one of the original seven deacons chosen to take care of the 1st Century church. Almost every Scripture translation defines him as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. A Godly man. A righteous man who lived his life above reproach.
However, one day, he got into a debate with some men and because they could not stand up against his wisdom and knowledge, they conspired with others to lie about Stephen and charge him with blasphemy. Liars all and yet it was their voices that were heard and believed, in spite of the Truth spoken by Stephen.
How many of us would have been angry at the lies? Filled with disbelief that they actually won their court case through deceitfulness? How many of us would be angry at God because we had been doing His work and been falsely accused, but were charged as though we were guilty?
How many of us, in the middle of being stoned to death, would have cried out as our last words, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!”?
I'll just tell you straight up that I would want to be exonerated. I would want to know what good this could possibly serve. In my mind, if there is great suffering, it should be the cost for some greater good that will come of it. But the Truth of the matter is, we don't always see it or live long enough to know about it. It's not our right to know everything. The hard truth is, it's not our business. We are not God. Our business is to be about HIS business, in spite of what anyone else thinks or does and despite the consequences.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. We want to be like Jesus and like Stephen. We want to walk in such love that we cry, "No charge!" when someone sins against us, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 7:60 NLT
Stephen was one of the original seven deacons chosen to take care of the 1st Century church. Almost every Scripture translation defines him as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. A Godly man. A righteous man who lived his life above reproach.
However, one day, he got into a debate with some men and because they could not stand up against his wisdom and knowledge, they conspired with others to lie about Stephen and charge him with blasphemy. Liars all and yet it was their voices that were heard and believed, in spite of the Truth spoken by Stephen.
How many of us would have been angry at the lies? Filled with disbelief that they actually won their court case through deceitfulness? How many of us would be angry at God because we had been doing His work and been falsely accused, but were charged as though we were guilty?
How many of us, in the middle of being stoned to death, would have cried out as our last words, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!”?
I'll just tell you straight up that I would want to be exonerated. I would want to know what good this could possibly serve. In my mind, if there is great suffering, it should be the cost for some greater good that will come of it. But the Truth of the matter is, we don't always see it or live long enough to know about it. It's not our right to know everything. The hard truth is, it's not our business. We are not God. Our business is to be about HIS business, in spite of what anyone else thinks or does and despite the consequences.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. We want to be like Jesus and like Stephen. We want to walk in such love that we cry, "No charge!" when someone sins against us, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Gathered Together +
Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:19-21 NKJV
The church I attend has small groups ministry, designed to encourage stronger bonds of faith and friendship. And there we were - Eleven women gathered together around one table. Good food, good fellowship, great God! Laughing, telling stories, and testifying of the goodness and the faithfulness of Almighty God!
Always it comes back to what God has brought us through. As I looked around that table tonight at the faces of these dear friends, I remembered their testimonies - all the laughter and tears and the solid foundation of knowing that God will ALWAYS see us through. What a joyful time! We could feel the presence of the Lord in our fellowship, just as He promised. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for making Your presence felt tonight. Thank You for the love that we share one for the other - love that only You could birth in us. For all the many blessings too numerous to retell, we give You our highest praise - in Jesus' Name. Amen
Matthew 18:19-21 NKJV
The church I attend has small groups ministry, designed to encourage stronger bonds of faith and friendship. And there we were - Eleven women gathered together around one table. Good food, good fellowship, great God! Laughing, telling stories, and testifying of the goodness and the faithfulness of Almighty God!
Always it comes back to what God has brought us through. As I looked around that table tonight at the faces of these dear friends, I remembered their testimonies - all the laughter and tears and the solid foundation of knowing that God will ALWAYS see us through. What a joyful time! We could feel the presence of the Lord in our fellowship, just as He promised. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for making Your presence felt tonight. Thank You for the love that we share one for the other - love that only You could birth in us. For all the many blessings too numerous to retell, we give You our highest praise - in Jesus' Name. Amen
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
David's Psalm of Surrender +
Psalm 139:1-18 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as David prayed, Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as David prayed, Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
* He Never Said Life Would Be Easy
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 KJV
Jesus never said Life would be easy. He said His YOKE would be easy. Yokes are for pairing up animals to do hard work. And Jesus is in the yoke with us.
Ephesians 6:10-12 KJV
Jesus never said Life would be easy. He said His YOKE would be easy. Yokes are for pairing up animals to do hard work. And Jesus is in the yoke with us.
God never led us to believe that following Him would be a piece of cake. And anyone who has told you that has lied to you. However, He made you an overcomer - He provided the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). You know it's been said before, you cannot be an overcomer unless you're overcoming something!
We're encouraged to fight the good fight of faith (1st Timothy 6:12). Jesus said in this world we SHALL have tribulations (John 16:33). However, He also said He would never leave us nor forsake us. He DID say we shall wear the victor's crown. Joshua said it well, “Don’t hold back. Don’t be timid. Be strong! Be confident! This is what God will do to all your enemies when you fight them.”
David tells us power and might are in His hand, and at His discretion, people are made great and given strength. He never said that it would get easier as we go along, either, but we WILL become stronger! Every battle sharpens our strength and our skills to fight - when we fight in HIS strength.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as David prayed: Blessed are You, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To You, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all Yours! You’ve raised Yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from You, You’re ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of Your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to You, praising Your splendid Name. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen
Monday, February 6, 2017
* Places, Please
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 NKJV
Matthew 6:33 NKJV
It's human nature - we want to be first. Be the first to own this or that, first across the finish line, first to solve the puzzle. First in line to eat. I'm almost convinced that we don't care what, as long as we're in First Place. And yet, that's totally opposite of how we are instructed to live our lives.
We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness... We are to prefer others before ourselves (Romans 12:10). We are to follow. To follow, by definition, is to NOT be first.
In John 12:26 (NKJV), [Jesus speaking] If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Let's take our places, please. Who, me first? No, thank You... I'll follow You.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to follow You and serve You. We like the place You have carved out for us. Help us to see Your footsteps in front of us so that we don't miss a step and wind up in the wrong place. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 5, 2017
All Heard +
[Jesus speaking]
Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine."
John 12:27-30 NLT
Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine."
John 12:27-30 NLT
Jesus knew He was going to be crucified. He had time to think about it. He knew what was coming. How? Because He knew the voice of God. He was "deeply troubled" and yet He prayed for God to be glorified by His willing obedience. Why? Again, because He knew the voice of God! He wasn't wondering IF it was God or God's will, He KNEW.
The thing about this particular passage is they ALL heard the voice of God, but how many recognized it? Not all of them. Do we spend enough time with Him to know His voice?
The thing about this particular passage is they ALL heard the voice of God, but how many recognized it? Not all of them. Do we spend enough time with Him to know His voice?
The question on my mind is 'How often do we pray to be delivered from the very thing that serves God's purpose?' What if - in the midst of the trial - our path crosses with someone who never met Christ? Someone we would never have met otherwise. Would they want to know our Lord and Savior because of how we respond to Him in the middle of our affliction or would they give us a 'No, thanks'?
The writer of Proverbs tells us, Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord (Proverbs 20:12 NLT).
Prayer:
Father,
Of all Your many blessings that You bestow on us, please, God, give us ears to hear and eyes to see. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
The writer of Proverbs tells us, Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord (Proverbs 20:12 NLT).
Prayer:
Father,
Of all Your many blessings that You bestow on us, please, God, give us ears to hear and eyes to see. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 4, 2017
* Free-falling
Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.
Isaiah 50:10
You may have heard the story of the mountain climber who was so good at climbing, that he would often climb alone. He trusted his own ability and was confident that his competency would see him through any tests or challenges that might arise while climbing.
One late afternoon, while climbing down a mountain, a freakish winter storm blew in and caught him unaware. Temperatures dropped below freezing so quickly that the climber initiated emergency measures to save himself - turning on the automatic tracking beacon, and then free-falling at break-neck speed to try to get to the bottom of the mountain. In the speeding spiral downward, he lost the backpack that had his flashlight and extra rope in it. And when he jerked to a stop at the end of his rope, there was no daylight left, no ground beneath his feet, no flashlight, and no more rope. He dangled for a while, feeling his body go numb in the extreme temperature that resulted from the freak storm.
Finally, he cried out to God, "God, if You're out there, I need Your help."
God's response was immediate. "I'm here. Will you trust Me above all else?"
"Yeah, sure...anything just get me down."
"Okay," God replied. "Cut the rope."
"I can't cut the rope," the man bellowed. "I have no idea how far up I am, at the very least, I could break my ankles or my legs, then where would I be?!?"
"Trust Me. Cut the rope."
The man argued, "The first rule of mountain-climbing is to trust the rope. Never let go."
God countered with, "Without faith, it is impossible to please Me. Cut the rope."
"I can't." the mountain climber replied, tightening his grip on the rope. "It goes against everything I know. If I can hang on, they'll track me." And he did not cut the rope.
Thanks to the automatic tracking beacon, the search party did find him the next morning... Frozen to death, clinging to the rope...six inches above where his backpack lay on the ground, ten yards from his SUV.
Are you free-falling in a speeding spiral because of something that occurred unexpectedly in your life? Will you trust God no matter how overwhelming the odds appear to be?
Prayer:
Father,
We commit our hearts and our heads to trust You over everything and anything else we see hear or know. You alone are God and we worship You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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