All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
These two verses give us direction for our lives. With accepting Christ as our given, what more would we need than to know what is true in order to realize what is wrong, and then to provide the answer for correction? Aren't we here to do the work of the Father?
Where's your Bible? What does it look like? Is it pristine and in good condition? Are all the pages perfect and unmarred? Or perish the thought, is it dust-covered? A coffee table adornment? Or has it been in the battles of life with you? Is it the sword you fight with? Is it tear-stained? Perhaps a few coffee stains, too? Some pictures, maybe, and some notes - both in the margins and on separate note pages. Tried. Tested. True.
Just because we'd rather not fight doesn't mean the enemy of our souls will lay down. We're in a battle every day. Are you properly equipped?
Prayer:
Father,
Anoint us afresh with renewed hunger for Your Word. Teach us how to wield it as a master swordsman. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
* Building on Hope
You lived in this world without God and without hope.
Ephesians 2:12c NLT
I have talked with many people lately who have no hope. Many of them ARE without God, so their lack of hope - while very sad to me - is not surprising. There's an old saying that states, "No God - No peace. Know God - Know peace." The Truth is, if you have no hope, you definitely have no peace. And that happens when we are separated from God - without Christ as our Advocate.
The passage from which our text is taken explains it...
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
Hope is so much more than wishing. We've talked about it before. There's a foundation for our hope. A sure foundation. A tried (and true) stone. A precious cornerstone, according to Isaiah 28:16. In the New Living Translation, it reads, Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken."
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken."
Wishing vanishes into thin air. There's no action to it. Hope - when based on the sure foundation of Christ and His Word - is something we can build on. It's solid. Hope in Christ.
Prayer:
Father,
Because You are at our right hand we shall not be moved. Therefore our hearts are glad, and our glory rejoices; our flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave our soul in Sheol. And for this, we give You all praise and honor and glory due only to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
* Power and Strength
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-20 NLT
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-20 NLT
In North America, Spring is the season for powerful thunderstorms, fascinating to observe, but potentially horrific in property damage. However, no matter how large the storm nor how fierce, eventually they blow themselves out and lose their power and strength.
We're rather like that. We start running with an idea or a mission we believe God has given us, but we try to get things accomplished in our own power and strength, and eventually acknowledge that we cannot sustain the level of power and strength required... especially if it has to do with changing something about ourselves or our lives.
The good news is that God never asks us to do anything without Him! He provides the power and the strength, the wisdom, the knowledge, the wherewithal - whatever is needed to accomplish everything He asks of us! And He alone can sustain the power and strength within us. As our Promise for Today clearly states, Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the power and strength You give us to carry out Your purpose and plan for us. Help us to stay focused on Your will for our lives. Keep us ever mindful that it is in You and You alone that we can accomplish anything worthwhile. In Jesus' Name we pray.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
* Make Every Effort
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 1:5-11 NIV
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 1:5-11 NIV
God is NOT a god of half-measures. Jesus didn't go halfway to the Cross. He wasn't half crucified. He wasn't half-raised from the dead. There are no half-measures of grace or mercy. And we are called to be like Him.
I was a little surprised by the number of Scriptures that encourage us to make every effort. Just to offer a few...
Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24 NIVI was a little surprised by the number of Scriptures that encourage us to make every effort. Just to offer a few...
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19 NIV
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:11 NIV
Hebrews 4:11 NIV
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 NIV
Hebrews 12:14 NIV
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2nd Peter 3:14 NIV
God doesn't hand out half-measures and He does not want half-measures from us, either. What does Jesus say is the first and greatest commandment? (Matthew 22) Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment...So let's use all of our heart, our soul and our mind and make every effort to do exactly that.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to focus all our efforts on loving You and becoming like You. Help us, God. We can only do this through You; with Your power. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 27, 2017
* Under the Influence
Note: I'm traveling this week and have just recovered Internet access to resume the Promise for Today.
********************************************************
What I want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable. Remember how you were when you didn’t know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It’s different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can. For instance, by using your heads, you know perfectly well that the Spirit of God would never prompt anyone to say “Jesus be damned!” Nor would anyone be inclined to say “Jesus is Master!” without the insight of the Holy Spirit.
1st Corinthians 12:1-3 The Message
In my travels this week, I saw a billboard for the anti-drug campaign, "Be Under Your Own Influence." I thought it was new, but it's actually more than a decade old, and considered to be quite successful in its' appeal to teens who are trying to establish their identity in the world.
I'm glad it's indicating success as an anti-drug campaign - I really am - but I can't help thinking how my life operates when I am under my own influence...
While I was packing for this trip, I heard my adult daughter in another part of the house exclaim in exasperation, "Oh, forevermore!!" It made me laugh because I knew exactly where that expression came from. When I worked in St. Louis, I had the privilege of working with Shelia Moran who became a lifelong friend of the heart. "Oh, forevermore!" was and still is Shelia's way of expressing disbelief at the absurd, idiotic and asinine in life's adventures. In our more than a decade of friendship, I, too, now use that same expression. It's a great illustration of the impact we have on those in our sphere of influence.
So WHAT are we allowing to influence our lives? WHO are we allowing to influence us? WHERE and HOW are we spending our time... and WHY? Whether we recognize it or not, we have a sphere of influence - our families, our friends, our co-workers. Whatever influences us will definitely and directly influence them. It's our responsibility to be under the proper influence.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see where the changes need to be made in our lives, so that we are influencing this world to see You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
********************************************************
What I want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable. Remember how you were when you didn’t know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It’s different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can. For instance, by using your heads, you know perfectly well that the Spirit of God would never prompt anyone to say “Jesus be damned!” Nor would anyone be inclined to say “Jesus is Master!” without the insight of the Holy Spirit.
1st Corinthians 12:1-3 The Message
In my travels this week, I saw a billboard for the anti-drug campaign, "Be Under Your Own Influence." I thought it was new, but it's actually more than a decade old, and considered to be quite successful in its' appeal to teens who are trying to establish their identity in the world.
I'm glad it's indicating success as an anti-drug campaign - I really am - but I can't help thinking how my life operates when I am under my own influence...
While I was packing for this trip, I heard my adult daughter in another part of the house exclaim in exasperation, "Oh, forevermore!!" It made me laugh because I knew exactly where that expression came from. When I worked in St. Louis, I had the privilege of working with Shelia Moran who became a lifelong friend of the heart. "Oh, forevermore!" was and still is Shelia's way of expressing disbelief at the absurd, idiotic and asinine in life's adventures. In our more than a decade of friendship, I, too, now use that same expression. It's a great illustration of the impact we have on those in our sphere of influence.
So WHAT are we allowing to influence our lives? WHO are we allowing to influence us? WHERE and HOW are we spending our time... and WHY? Whether we recognize it or not, we have a sphere of influence - our families, our friends, our co-workers. Whatever influences us will definitely and directly influence them. It's our responsibility to be under the proper influence.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see where the changes need to be made in our lives, so that we are influencing this world to see You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 23, 2017
* Working and Working and Working Some More
God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
I find great hope in this verse.
Increasingly, I find I have more of a desire to do what will please God, and I am encouraged to know that He is at work in me to give me the power to do it. At work in me to provide the discipline to override my flesh that just wants to be a couch potato after a long week. At work in me to accomplish and complete those God ideas pulling at my heart and the tasks that are calling my name.
In John 9:4, Jesus tells us, We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
I know I'm playing catch up from the moments and hours I have wasted in this life. When that night comes, I want to be able to say that I have finished what God assigned to me. I do not want to stand before Almighty God and not be finished. That's why it gives me such great hope to know that God is working in us... working and working and working some more.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize us. Help us to live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Most of all, Father, we want to finish our assignment and fulfill Your purpose for our lives. Thank You for providing such great hope by working in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Philippians 2:13 NLT
I find great hope in this verse.
Increasingly, I find I have more of a desire to do what will please God, and I am encouraged to know that He is at work in me to give me the power to do it. At work in me to provide the discipline to override my flesh that just wants to be a couch potato after a long week. At work in me to accomplish and complete those God ideas pulling at my heart and the tasks that are calling my name.
In John 9:4, Jesus tells us, We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
I know I'm playing catch up from the moments and hours I have wasted in this life. When that night comes, I want to be able to say that I have finished what God assigned to me. I do not want to stand before Almighty God and not be finished. That's why it gives me such great hope to know that God is working in us... working and working and working some more.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize us. Help us to live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Most of all, Father, we want to finish our assignment and fulfill Your purpose for our lives. Thank You for providing such great hope by working in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
* All Natural
I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don’t in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very “nature” is to die, so how could they “naturally” end up in the Life kingdom?
1st Corinthians 15:50 The Message
Organic. All-natural. These are the leading buzz words in the retail world today. Previously, they were used to define food. Now we have organic shampoos and all-natural soaps. Go figure.
For the last 40-plus years, we have been encouraged to live free, to 'do it if it feels good' because we were 'born to be wild.' When the consequences of those actions started to catch up with us, then it was changed to the all-natural, organic theme. What I'm about to say may be a little "too Texan" for some of you - Not everything that is all natural and organic is a good choice. I remind you that dung is all natural and definitely organic...
As far as born to be wild? Left to grow wild, kudzu vines would swallow Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and their neighboring states. Left to their own devices to do whatever feels good, children would never bathe or sleep or eat nutritionally healthful food. You get it. The point I'm trying to make is that without disciplines in our lives, none of us would accomplish anything worthwhile.
Athletes train. They discipline themselves. It's hard. They might grumble about the schedule, or missing out on some other things, but they like to win. Would they win without the training? Without the discipline? No, they wouldn't. Do they always like the rigor of discipline? No, they do not.
No one does. Hebrews 12:10b-11 tells us, But 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. Discipline and training bring peace...while au naturale can equal chaos.
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. (Jude 1:17-19 NIV). Look around... This Scripture alone should convince us of the time we live in.
Galatians 5 clearly defines the differences between living our own lives and being disciplined by the Holy Spirit. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants... 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. So much for 'if it feels good, do it...'
It goes on to say, But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
2nd Corinthians 3:17 declares, For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Let us be disciplined, trained, led by the Holy Spirit so we may truly live free.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see the Truth of Your Word, Your Will and Your Way. Help us to align our hearts and our lives with Your discipline. Teach us, Father, to be truly free by embracing Your disciplines. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 15:50 The Message
Organic. All-natural. These are the leading buzz words in the retail world today. Previously, they were used to define food. Now we have organic shampoos and all-natural soaps. Go figure.
For the last 40-plus years, we have been encouraged to live free, to 'do it if it feels good' because we were 'born to be wild.' When the consequences of those actions started to catch up with us, then it was changed to the all-natural, organic theme. What I'm about to say may be a little "too Texan" for some of you - Not everything that is all natural and organic is a good choice. I remind you that dung is all natural and definitely organic...
As far as born to be wild? Left to grow wild, kudzu vines would swallow Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and their neighboring states. Left to their own devices to do whatever feels good, children would never bathe or sleep or eat nutritionally healthful food. You get it. The point I'm trying to make is that without disciplines in our lives, none of us would accomplish anything worthwhile.
Athletes train. They discipline themselves. It's hard. They might grumble about the schedule, or missing out on some other things, but they like to win. Would they win without the training? Without the discipline? No, they wouldn't. Do they always like the rigor of discipline? No, they do not.
No one does. Hebrews 12:10b-11 tells us, But 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. Discipline and training bring peace...while au naturale can equal chaos.
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. (Jude 1:17-19 NIV). Look around... This Scripture alone should convince us of the time we live in.
Galatians 5 clearly defines the differences between living our own lives and being disciplined by the Holy Spirit. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants... 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. So much for 'if it feels good, do it...'
It goes on to say, But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
2nd Corinthians 3:17 declares, For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Let us be disciplined, trained, led by the Holy Spirit so we may truly live free.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see the Truth of Your Word, Your Will and Your Way. Help us to align our hearts and our lives with Your discipline. Teach us, Father, to be truly free by embracing Your disciplines. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
* Can You Relate
Quick, God, I need your helping hand! The last decent person just went down, All the friends I depended on gone. Everyone talks in lie language; Lies slide off their oily lips. They doubletalk with forked tongues. Slice their lips off their faces! Pull the braggart tongues from their mouths! I'm tired of hearing, "We can talk anyone into anything! Our lips manage the world." Into the hovels of the poor, Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks: "I've had enough; I'm on my way to heal the ache in the heart of the wretched."
God's words are pure words, Pure silver words refined seven times in the fires of his word-kiln, Pure on earth as well as in heaven. God, keep us safe from their lies, From the wicked who stalk us with lies, From the wicked who collect honors for their wonderful lies.
God's words are pure words, Pure silver words refined seven times in the fires of his word-kiln, Pure on earth as well as in heaven. God, keep us safe from their lies, From the wicked who stalk us with lies, From the wicked who collect honors for their wonderful lies.
Psalm 12 The Message
If I didn't know better, I'd think King David had been listening to talk radio and the politicians of his day. Slice their lips off their faces! Pull the braggart tongues from their mouths! Boy, howdy - I can relate to that feeling! I don't want to offend anyone, but I have to admit, there are many times throughout the Psalms that I can relate to the general theme of "Kill 'em all - let God sort 'em out."
However, just when I've worked myself into a self-righteous lather, in my heart of hearts I hear, "His mercy endures forever" and "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" and I read how God built the mercy seat for us in the holiest because of His great love for us...
However, just when I've worked myself into a self-righteous lather, in my heart of hearts I hear, "His mercy endures forever" and "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" and I read how God built the mercy seat for us in the holiest because of His great love for us...
And it's then that I want to relate to David in a whole new Light. I related to him in his sin and flesh nature, but I want to be just like him in his role (as the Lord Himself described) as a man after God's own heart. Can you relate?
Prayer:
Father,
I pray Your Word in Psalm 5, But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 20, 2017
* Abraham Generation
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
*Ephesians 3:19-21 NLT
Psalm 71:18
There is a common misconception that as we age, we lose our value. We may not be able to move as we did in our younger days, or lift as much, or remember as quickly, but I can assure you this: If you get two or three seasoned followers of Christ in the same room praying, they will touch heaven on your behalf.
There is a common misconception that as we age, we lose our value. We may not be able to move as we did in our younger days, or lift as much, or remember as quickly, but I can assure you this: If you get two or three seasoned followers of Christ in the same room praying, they will touch heaven on your behalf.
I have known three women - all of them prayer warriors - who died from Alzheimer's. They lost their memories. Those precious, loving women couldn't recognize their own children, but they did NOT forget their God! They knew Him and prayed powerfully until the end of their lives on Earth. They were a living testimony of Romans 8:38-39 - NOTHING separated them from God's love!
That is why I was SO pleased to see the honor bestowed by a church body on its' older generation. I was privileged to attend a ground-breaking ceremony for an older church to begin a new building. It is a congregation of generations in a small town. During the ceremony at the construction site, I was impressed with the way they lovingly gave honor to whom honor was due.
While the whole of the congregation walked out to the construction site, the seniors were helped into golf carts for a smooth ride to the front side of the site. They were then assisted the few feet to the pastor's side as he honored them for having carried the church on their knees in prayer. He titled them, "The Abraham Generation" and explained to the younger folk about the blessing of generations, and how the new church would not be a reality without the prayers of the saints that stood before them. He acknowledged and reinforced why it so important for the older generation to teach and for the younger generations to listen and learn. It was incredibly beautiful and holy as the Abraham Generation pointed it all back to God! I know God will continue to mightily bless the young pastor and his congregation.
If you are blessed with knowing members of the Abraham Generation, thank God for them, and also pray for them. Treat them with respect. If you have to slow down for them, do it honorably. It will be time well spent.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word* - May we experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. May we be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to You, God, who is able, through Your mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to You in the church and in Christ Jesus through ALL generations forever and ever! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
*Ephesians 3:19-21 NLT
Sunday, March 19, 2017
* Reaching Out
Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.
Proverbs 25:25 The Message
Have you ever been dry in your journey with the Lord? Have you ever been parched from the heat of the battle? Or worn out from wielding your sword and weary from holding up your shield of faith? So busy fighting off the onslaught of the enemy that you couldn't even look to see if anyone was fighting with you? And half afraid to look in case there wasn't anyone there?
If so, then you know what it's like when you call out and hear a friend's voice answer. It IS like a cool drink of water; refreshing, strengthening, renewing, solidifying your place in the fight. Providing hope that enables you to stand when you've done all you can to stand, pushing you toward the Father, for the battle is His and the victory is ours!
So whether you're the caller or the callee - reach out! Someone needs to know you're there.
Prayer:
Father,
Cause us to be ever mindful of those around us who are fighting every day, spiritually, physically, emotionally. Let us see with Your heart of compassion so we may call out to them...just like You call to us. Let our words be words of hope, just as Yours are to us...Come all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest... Help us to not be weary in well-doing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 18, 2017
* No, I Can't
When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Mark 2:17 NLT
Moses did it. Gideon did, too. Let's not forget Peter. How many people do you know (maybe yourself included) who tell God 'No, I can't' when He asks them to do a specific task and all because they know their own shortcomings? And some will even go one step farther and list all their limitations in an effort to convince God... as if He doesn't already know! Ha!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, and in all reality, will probably keep on saying it - If there was never going to be a need for forgiveness, the crucifixion of Jesus would never have taken place. This inexpressible gift of mercy is there to move us past our sin. We are the ones distracted by our shortcomings and sin. God isn't. He has a purpose for our lives beyond our sin.
One of Alan Neel's great quotes is - "Christ doesn't call us because of what we've been, but because of what He's called us to be."
In 2nd Thessalonians 1, Paul, Silas and Timothy write, So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
What will you choose today - your fear or your faith?
Prayer:
Father,
Shine the light of Your Truth on us every time we open our mouths to say, "I can't." It is true that in and of ourselves, we can't, but YOU can - through us - if we'll walk in the measure of faith that You have given us. Your Word declares, This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. Help us to take the leap of faith, relying totally on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Mark 2:17 NLT
Moses did it. Gideon did, too. Let's not forget Peter. How many people do you know (maybe yourself included) who tell God 'No, I can't' when He asks them to do a specific task and all because they know their own shortcomings? And some will even go one step farther and list all their limitations in an effort to convince God... as if He doesn't already know! Ha!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, and in all reality, will probably keep on saying it - If there was never going to be a need for forgiveness, the crucifixion of Jesus would never have taken place. This inexpressible gift of mercy is there to move us past our sin. We are the ones distracted by our shortcomings and sin. God isn't. He has a purpose for our lives beyond our sin.
One of Alan Neel's great quotes is - "Christ doesn't call us because of what we've been, but because of what He's called us to be."
In 2nd Thessalonians 1, Paul, Silas and Timothy write, So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
What will you choose today - your fear or your faith?
Prayer:
Father,
Shine the light of Your Truth on us every time we open our mouths to say, "I can't." It is true that in and of ourselves, we can't, but YOU can - through us - if we'll walk in the measure of faith that You have given us. Your Word declares, This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. Help us to take the leap of faith, relying totally on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 17, 2017
* Who Is That In the Mirror?
But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
2nd Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT
We've all seen our image reflected in one way or the other. A mirror, a window, a waxed car surface. Have you ever seen your image reflected by a carnival mirror? The ones that make you tall and skinny or short and fat? There have been some pretty strange reflections, don't you think? Even in a good mirror, your reflection is still the opposite of you.
Life is like that - it can take who we are and twist and turn and warp our image, giving us and others a false reflection of who we are. It is only in the Lord that there is Truth. Only in Him is the Truth revealed. Only in Him do we reflect His true image. Glorious!!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to not be sucked into the deceits of the world's reflection with all its sparkling glitz and glimmer. Lord, we want only to reflect You and Your truly glorious image. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 16, 2017
* How Do You Spell Love
“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. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
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. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40 NLT
Let love be your highest goal!
1st Corinthians 14:1a NLT
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
1st John 3:18 NLT
God is serious about love - that's because He doesn't just love us. He IS love. Of the 10 Commandments, six of them address how we are to be in our relationships with other people. The other four? Our relationship with God Himself.
Let love be your highest goal!
1st Corinthians 14:1a NLT
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
1st John 3:18 NLT
God is serious about love - that's because He doesn't just love us. He IS love. Of the 10 Commandments, six of them address how we are to be in our relationships with other people. The other four? Our relationship with God Himself.
If you've ever fallen in love, you know that the only thing you want is to be with that person. You can't wait to get out of work or school, chores are done in record time so that nothing interferes with being with that person.
How do you spell LOVE?
W-O-R-K? M-O-N-E-Y? M-O-R-E M-O-N-E-Y?
Are we guilty of trying to squeeze love and our relationships into our busy schedules? That should be a BIG hint.
How do you spell LOVE? T-I-M-E
Mr. Warren writes, "The most desired gift of love is...focused attention...Whenever you give your time, you are making a sacrifice, and sacrifice is the essence of love." He finishes that truth with these three statements.
"The best use of life is love.
The best expression of love is time.
The best time to love is now."
So...what are we waiting for?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see what is MOST important in life is not work, tasks, projects, things, but people. Imperfect people, at that. Teach us to love as You love - holy and wholly. And to give of ourselves as You did and do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
* Update: No Change
For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself. Hebrews 13:7-8 The Message
Change. Our perception of it largely depends on the circumstances. Some things desperately need to change. Some qualify more under the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - in other words, don't change something just for the sake of change. There are those who are great proponents for change. Others hate it. Sometimes, sadly, we get comfortable in a situation that DOES qualify as broken and needs to be fixed, but we're content [read complacent] enough to stay in it. Again, it all depends on the circumstances.
What about the circumstances of our lives that may not change? What about those times when no matter what we do, say, pay, or pray, nothing changes? What about when we cry out as David cried, "How long, O Lord?" Do we trust God when nothing changes? Does God seem less than God to us when the night seasons of life are prolonged?
Circumstances of this life don't change God. Like our Promise for Today reads, ...yesterday, today, tomorrow, He's always totally himself. God doesn't change.
However, KNOW THIS - while God Himself does not change, that does NOT mean He's not doing anything. Like the song says, "Even when I don't see it, You're working! Even when I don't feel it, You're working!" He's always BEING God - our Father, the Lord, our Provider, our Healer, our Banner, our Redeemer, our Peace. God our Shepherd, our Righteousness, our Sanctifier, the Most High, the Waymaker... shall I go on?
So your update for today? Your circumstances WILL change because of the God who NEVER changes.
Prayer:
Father,
We choose to be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for us who belong to Christ Jesus. We know our circumstances will change, and we are so grateful that You do not. Keep us ever mindful of this great Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Change. Our perception of it largely depends on the circumstances. Some things desperately need to change. Some qualify more under the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - in other words, don't change something just for the sake of change. There are those who are great proponents for change. Others hate it. Sometimes, sadly, we get comfortable in a situation that DOES qualify as broken and needs to be fixed, but we're content [read complacent] enough to stay in it. Again, it all depends on the circumstances.
What about the circumstances of our lives that may not change? What about those times when no matter what we do, say, pay, or pray, nothing changes? What about when we cry out as David cried, "How long, O Lord?" Do we trust God when nothing changes? Does God seem less than God to us when the night seasons of life are prolonged?
Circumstances of this life don't change God. Like our Promise for Today reads, ...yesterday, today, tomorrow, He's always totally himself. God doesn't change.
However, KNOW THIS - while God Himself does not change, that does NOT mean He's not doing anything. Like the song says, "Even when I don't see it, You're working! Even when I don't feel it, You're working!" He's always BEING God - our Father, the Lord, our Provider, our Healer, our Banner, our Redeemer, our Peace. God our Shepherd, our Righteousness, our Sanctifier, the Most High, the Waymaker... shall I go on?
So your update for today? Your circumstances WILL change because of the God who NEVER changes.
Prayer:
Father,
We choose to be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for us who belong to Christ Jesus. We know our circumstances will change, and we are so grateful that You do not. Keep us ever mindful of this great Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
* A Bout with Doubt
I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger, remember your mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2 NLT
The Book of Habakkuk is about the questions of man and the answers of God. This prophet is the one who asked why the wicked prosper when the righteous stand to lose it all, and God basically tells him to just wait... Habakkuk is a prophet and yet he questioned God.
Zechariah - who was he? Luke 1:5-7 tells us, When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. He was a priest and both he and his wife were righteous in God's eyes! But when the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah to tell him that they would have a son, Zechariah doubted him.
Zechariah's son, John, cousin to Jesus, chosen forerunner of the Messiah, sent to prepare the way of the Lord, suffered a bout with doubt. The only prophet to actually see the Messiah in the flesh, and yet when overwhelmed with the circumstances of life, he questioned Christ.
We all have times when we struggle with the overwhelming odds of life. The times where it feels like God is not doing what He said, or not answering our prayers. However, the Truth is God's time is not measured the same as ours. Don't be discouraged. Don't turn away from God in your most desperate times. The common thread in these mighty men of God is they ran TO God, not away from Him. And THAT is how to win the bout with doubt.
Prayer:
Father,
We thank You for including examples of human frailty in Your Word - to teach us, to encourage us, to get us through. You have truly provided for our every need. What an amazing God You are! Help us to see You and trust You for who You truly are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger, remember your mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2 NLT
The Book of Habakkuk is about the questions of man and the answers of God. This prophet is the one who asked why the wicked prosper when the righteous stand to lose it all, and God basically tells him to just wait... Habakkuk is a prophet and yet he questioned God.
Zechariah - who was he? Luke 1:5-7 tells us, When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. He was a priest and both he and his wife were righteous in God's eyes! But when the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah to tell him that they would have a son, Zechariah doubted him.
Zechariah's son, John, cousin to Jesus, chosen forerunner of the Messiah, sent to prepare the way of the Lord, suffered a bout with doubt. The only prophet to actually see the Messiah in the flesh, and yet when overwhelmed with the circumstances of life, he questioned Christ.
We all have times when we struggle with the overwhelming odds of life. The times where it feels like God is not doing what He said, or not answering our prayers. However, the Truth is God's time is not measured the same as ours. Don't be discouraged. Don't turn away from God in your most desperate times. The common thread in these mighty men of God is they ran TO God, not away from Him. And THAT is how to win the bout with doubt.
Prayer:
Father,
We thank You for including examples of human frailty in Your Word - to teach us, to encourage us, to get us through. You have truly provided for our every need. What an amazing God You are! Help us to see You and trust You for who You truly are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 13, 2017
* Your Whole Heart
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1st Samuel 16:7b NLT
Have you ever wondered how different a potential relationship might have been if instead of judging you by your outward appearance, someone took the time to really know you - who you are on the inside? Here's your opportunity.
John 4:23 NLT tells us, ...the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? As I understand it, Truth is the Word of God, so worshiping God for who He really is as defined in Scripture. That's Truth. What about in spirit? We say our spirit is who we really are inside this body, so to worship Him with everything that's within us? (Psalm 103:1b, And all that is within me, bless his holy name.)
If we're standing in the sanctuary worshiping God (which by the way is NOT the only place or way to worship), but if we are standing there, it could become easy to go through the motions of worship while thinking of sleeping in, or going to lunch, or 'I don't like this song', or "somebody's off pitch..." Have you ever done that? And probably no one around you is any wiser... but God is. What IS within me? What am I worshiping Him with?
People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. You know, the heart. How often have we said something like,"My heart is with you" or "I wish you could hear my heart." Is it our whole heart or only the part that cares for them?
Prayer:
Father,
We want to worship You with our whole heart, not just parts. Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart so that we may worship You in Spirit and in Truth, no matter Who is looking. In Jesus' Name we pray.
1st Samuel 16:7b NLT
Have you ever wondered how different a potential relationship might have been if instead of judging you by your outward appearance, someone took the time to really know you - who you are on the inside? Here's your opportunity.
John 4:23 NLT tells us, ...the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? As I understand it, Truth is the Word of God, so worshiping God for who He really is as defined in Scripture. That's Truth. What about in spirit? We say our spirit is who we really are inside this body, so to worship Him with everything that's within us? (Psalm 103:1b, And all that is within me, bless his holy name.)
If we're standing in the sanctuary worshiping God (which by the way is NOT the only place or way to worship), but if we are standing there, it could become easy to go through the motions of worship while thinking of sleeping in, or going to lunch, or 'I don't like this song', or "somebody's off pitch..." Have you ever done that? And probably no one around you is any wiser... but God is. What IS within me? What am I worshiping Him with?
People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. You know, the heart. How often have we said something like,"My heart is with you" or "I wish you could hear my heart." Is it our whole heart or only the part that cares for them?
Prayer:
Father,
We want to worship You with our whole heart, not just parts. Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart so that we may worship You in Spirit and in Truth, no matter Who is looking. In Jesus' Name we pray.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Defining ALL
He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:28b-31 NLT
It may seem silly to define the word ALL, but it sure seems to be of serious intent when repeated for each part. So how is ALL defined? According to Google's online dictionary:
predeterminer, determiner, & pronoun
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:28b-31 NLT
It may seem silly to define the word ALL, but it sure seems to be of serious intent when repeated for each part. So how is ALL defined? According to Google's online dictionary:
predeterminer, determiner, & pronoun
1. used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing.
adverb
1. used for emphasis.
adverb
1. used for emphasis.
noun
1. the whole of one's energy or interest
1. the whole of one's energy or interest
The Strong's Concordance (@ www.BlueLetterBible.org) defines it this way:
ὅλος hólos, hol'-os; a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:—all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.
It leaves no question regarding how much of our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength, does it? So the question is, DO we love the Lord our God with ALL? Selah...
Prayer:
Father,
I am guilty of not loving You with ALL. Forgive me, Father, and teach me how to do as You have commanded. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Saturday, March 11, 2017
* An Eye-Opener
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Romans 12:1 NLT
Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:7a GWT
I'm just going to be gut level honest. The idea of surrender is foreign to me. I don't like the sound of it. I don't like the idea of it. There is nothing in me that wants to lose... and that's how I have viewed surrender all my life. Until today.
I am still in the process of accepting that I really can't control life. I have the head knowledge of it, but let's just say it hasn't completely transformed my life, as yet... and it all comes down to surrendering. God is so infinitely patient - I don't know how He puts up with me most days. For quite awhile now, I have been confronted with the idea of surrender. Just hearing that word in relation to anything in my life makes me want to fight.
However, this morning, I read two passages of Scripture that I've read so many times before and even journaled on them before, but I saw them in a whole new light today. The first in Luke 5:5, when Peter worked all night fishing and caught nothing. He'd been washing out his nets when Jesus got in and asked him to row out a little so He could speak to the multitudes. Even though Peter was not yet a disciple, he did so. Then when Jesus was done speaking, He told Peter to launch out into the deep and let down his nets. Peter (who we learn later usually speaks and acts without thinking first) states that he'd already fished all night without catching anything, but surrenders and says, "Nevertheless at Your word..." And you know how that story ends.
The second passage which was the most eye-opening for me was Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I never saw that story as an actual act or choice to surrender. I always saw it as total adherence to following God's will and purpose, but never connected it as a surrender. I don't know why, maybe because I always think of Christ as perfectly aligned with the Father. And yet, there it is, bigger than life, the greatest act of surrender ever recorded!
Present your bodies a living sacrifice... I don't remember who it was that said, "The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar, so you may have to resurrender your life fifty times a day." That's a real eye-opener.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your Truth. Open our minds to understand it and open our hearts to embrace it. We want to be holy and acceptable to You, fully surrendered to Your will and Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 12:1 NLT
Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:7a GWT
I'm just going to be gut level honest. The idea of surrender is foreign to me. I don't like the sound of it. I don't like the idea of it. There is nothing in me that wants to lose... and that's how I have viewed surrender all my life. Until today.
I am still in the process of accepting that I really can't control life. I have the head knowledge of it, but let's just say it hasn't completely transformed my life, as yet... and it all comes down to surrendering. God is so infinitely patient - I don't know how He puts up with me most days. For quite awhile now, I have been confronted with the idea of surrender. Just hearing that word in relation to anything in my life makes me want to fight.
However, this morning, I read two passages of Scripture that I've read so many times before and even journaled on them before, but I saw them in a whole new light today. The first in Luke 5:5, when Peter worked all night fishing and caught nothing. He'd been washing out his nets when Jesus got in and asked him to row out a little so He could speak to the multitudes. Even though Peter was not yet a disciple, he did so. Then when Jesus was done speaking, He told Peter to launch out into the deep and let down his nets. Peter (who we learn later usually speaks and acts without thinking first) states that he'd already fished all night without catching anything, but surrenders and says, "Nevertheless at Your word..." And you know how that story ends.
The second passage which was the most eye-opening for me was Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I never saw that story as an actual act or choice to surrender. I always saw it as total adherence to following God's will and purpose, but never connected it as a surrender. I don't know why, maybe because I always think of Christ as perfectly aligned with the Father. And yet, there it is, bigger than life, the greatest act of surrender ever recorded!
Present your bodies a living sacrifice... I don't remember who it was that said, "The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar, so you may have to resurrender your life fifty times a day." That's a real eye-opener.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your Truth. Open our minds to understand it and open our hearts to embrace it. We want to be holy and acceptable to You, fully surrendered to Your will and Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 10, 2017
By Invitation +
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.
Romans 14:1-4 The Message Bible
Have you ever been in a Round Table discussion wondering what in the world the person across from you was doing in that meeting? There were no discernible analogous interests or skills and yet, they were there...by invitation. Did it make you question why you were there?
Have you ever been seated at an ambassador's table or another dignitary's table? Were you properly prepared with regard to particular protocol? What, if anything, did you have to offer? What value did you bring to the matters at hand? Did they even consider discussing anything other than trivial matters, yet still tried to draw a response from you? Did you feel out of place?
In the business world today, potential employers want to know what you bring to the table. What is it you offer that is considered value-added to their company? In order to mesh with the potential new boss, you must try to assess who they are and what they're about and just what exactly it is that they're looking for. Many times, the answers are accessible via the Internet before you arrive for your meeting. However, you must be careful in your research. It may appear that they're looking for a certain type of skillset, when in all actuality they have quite enough of that one and are looking for someone with a totally different perspective or plan of action.
The common denominator is that you were invited to all three. Just like you are invited to the Lord's table. Are you concerned about protocol or what you will bring? Not to worry. God's Holy Spirit will guide you and God Himself has given you all you need. He offers you His robe of righteousness for proper attire. Yes, He has prepared it for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23). Don't worry about who is at the table. Keep your eyes on the Host!
Please - Won't you be seated?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to focus only on answering Your invitation when You call. Let us be instant to respond. Build our faith and trust in You, O God, that You have us exactly where You want us to be - no matter what it looks like or who is sitting there. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 14:1-4 The Message Bible
Have you ever been in a Round Table discussion wondering what in the world the person across from you was doing in that meeting? There were no discernible analogous interests or skills and yet, they were there...by invitation. Did it make you question why you were there?
Have you ever been seated at an ambassador's table or another dignitary's table? Were you properly prepared with regard to particular protocol? What, if anything, did you have to offer? What value did you bring to the matters at hand? Did they even consider discussing anything other than trivial matters, yet still tried to draw a response from you? Did you feel out of place?
In the business world today, potential employers want to know what you bring to the table. What is it you offer that is considered value-added to their company? In order to mesh with the potential new boss, you must try to assess who they are and what they're about and just what exactly it is that they're looking for. Many times, the answers are accessible via the Internet before you arrive for your meeting. However, you must be careful in your research. It may appear that they're looking for a certain type of skillset, when in all actuality they have quite enough of that one and are looking for someone with a totally different perspective or plan of action.
The common denominator is that you were invited to all three. Just like you are invited to the Lord's table. Are you concerned about protocol or what you will bring? Not to worry. God's Holy Spirit will guide you and God Himself has given you all you need. He offers you His robe of righteousness for proper attire. Yes, He has prepared it for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23). Don't worry about who is at the table. Keep your eyes on the Host!
Please - Won't you be seated?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to focus only on answering Your invitation when You call. Let us be instant to respond. Build our faith and trust in You, O God, that You have us exactly where You want us to be - no matter what it looks like or who is sitting there. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 9, 2017
What Have You Got?
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
Proverbs 25:11-12 NIV
We're living in tough times right now - life is uncertain. And in spite of the old adage Life is uncertain, eat dessert first, sometimes people don't see the humor in life. So what do we offer them? We can't offer them what we don't have, so we give them what we do have. You may say, I don't have anything to spare, but I beg to differ. We have Christ. We have His compassion. We have His words.
Although it's been said, Talk is cheap, there are some words that are priceless. Scripture has much to say about words and how we use them. I've never done a full study on that, but sitting here, I am surprised by all the verses that come to mind regarding exactly that. (Hmmmmm...maybe God's warning me to watch my mouth. Thank You, Father.)
So what have you got that you can give?
Hope, peace. Don't worry - let's pray about it. We'll ask God for what you need, and thank Him for all He has done to keep us so far. God will give us His peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, paraphrased for conversation).
Encouragement. Remember those early days after you first met Jesus? Those were the hard times! When stuff happened, you let it go, knowing it couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing anyone did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourself then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. It won't be long now... But we're not quitters who lose out. No way! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting the Lord all the way. (Hebrews 10:32-39 - paraphrased for conversation).
Friendship. Hi, I just called to tell you I was thinking about you today. You wanna come over? Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble - Proverbs 17:17 The Message.
Acts 3:6 ...Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have."
What have you got?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our hearts to You and our eyes to see and give us the opportunity to offer what You have given us. And when those opportunities arise, give us the courage and conviction to step up and give what You've given us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Proverbs 25:11-12 NIV
We're living in tough times right now - life is uncertain. And in spite of the old adage Life is uncertain, eat dessert first, sometimes people don't see the humor in life. So what do we offer them? We can't offer them what we don't have, so we give them what we do have. You may say, I don't have anything to spare, but I beg to differ. We have Christ. We have His compassion. We have His words.
Although it's been said, Talk is cheap, there are some words that are priceless. Scripture has much to say about words and how we use them. I've never done a full study on that, but sitting here, I am surprised by all the verses that come to mind regarding exactly that. (Hmmmmm...maybe God's warning me to watch my mouth. Thank You, Father.)
So what have you got that you can give?
Hope, peace. Don't worry - let's pray about it. We'll ask God for what you need, and thank Him for all He has done to keep us so far. God will give us His peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, paraphrased for conversation).
Encouragement. Remember those early days after you first met Jesus? Those were the hard times! When stuff happened, you let it go, knowing it couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing anyone did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourself then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. It won't be long now... But we're not quitters who lose out. No way! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting the Lord all the way. (Hebrews 10:32-39 - paraphrased for conversation).
Friendship. Hi, I just called to tell you I was thinking about you today. You wanna come over? Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble - Proverbs 17:17 The Message.
Acts 3:6 ...Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have."
What have you got?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our hearts to You and our eyes to see and give us the opportunity to offer what You have given us. And when those opportunities arise, give us the courage and conviction to step up and give what You've given us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
* What Lies Ahead
And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24 NLT
Paul had his priorities completely in order. Nothing else mattered to him except to do the will of God. Whatever it took, his life included. Throughout the Book of Acts, we read of the confrontations, the averted confrontations and the escapes. His companions didn't want anything else bad to happen to him. They'd seen him stoned and whipped and imprisoned. In the next chapter, they beg him not to go to Jerusalem, but he could not be deterred. Paul was as dogged in his mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus as he was in his former pursuit and persecution of Christians.
When something bad happens, we always want to know why. If it happens to someone we know, most of us think it isn't right or fair. Human nature always seeks the path of least resistance. However, the truth is that there is no strength built unless there is resistance - something to push against - both in the natural and in our Christian walk.
Oftentimes, it is our greatest struggle that becomes our greatest testimony and an even greater witness to those around us. We don't always know what lies ahead, but God does. And He is trustworthy.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as Jesus prayed, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to stay focused on YOUR purpose for our lives while on the earth. Help us to see past the circumstances to Your perfect will, no matter what lies ahead. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Acts 20:22-24 NLT
Paul had his priorities completely in order. Nothing else mattered to him except to do the will of God. Whatever it took, his life included. Throughout the Book of Acts, we read of the confrontations, the averted confrontations and the escapes. His companions didn't want anything else bad to happen to him. They'd seen him stoned and whipped and imprisoned. In the next chapter, they beg him not to go to Jerusalem, but he could not be deterred. Paul was as dogged in his mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus as he was in his former pursuit and persecution of Christians.
When something bad happens, we always want to know why. If it happens to someone we know, most of us think it isn't right or fair. Human nature always seeks the path of least resistance. However, the truth is that there is no strength built unless there is resistance - something to push against - both in the natural and in our Christian walk.
Oftentimes, it is our greatest struggle that becomes our greatest testimony and an even greater witness to those around us. We don't always know what lies ahead, but God does. And He is trustworthy.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as Jesus prayed, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to stay focused on YOUR purpose for our lives while on the earth. Help us to see past the circumstances to Your perfect will, no matter what lies ahead. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
* As Long As Life Lasts
Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
Hebrews 6:11 NLT
Sometimes, life is VERY hard. I won't even attempt to qualify that statement - I don't think it's necessary. If, for any length of time, you've drawn breath while on this earth, you've hit at least one really hard time.
And while it's true that everyone reacts or responds differently, I have to say unequivocally, I have NO idea how people survive such times if they don't have Christ in their life.
If Christ is not in you - if He is not your hope of glory - your Healer - your Deliverer - your Provider and Friend, how do you get through impossible times? How are you comforted when there is no comfort for the pain in your soul? How long do you stay sane through the onslaught if you don't have the mind of Christ? How long do you have hope enough to want to live when you have no hope of eternal life in Christ?
What does this have to do with our text for today? What jumped out at me in this Scripture is the phrase as long as life lasts...
How long do you continue to love the unloveable? How long do you continue making the right choices even in the midst of unbelievable adversity? How long do you hold on to the promises that you might not yet see? How long do you keep fighting for Truth? How long do you keep standing with nothing but the Word of God to surround you in the fire? How long?!?
AS LONG AS LIFE LASTS... that's how long. Don't you quit! Don't you dare give up!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word - You have given both Your promise and Your oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for You to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to You for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. We hold to You, Lord, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 6:11 NLT
Sometimes, life is VERY hard. I won't even attempt to qualify that statement - I don't think it's necessary. If, for any length of time, you've drawn breath while on this earth, you've hit at least one really hard time.
And while it's true that everyone reacts or responds differently, I have to say unequivocally, I have NO idea how people survive such times if they don't have Christ in their life.
If Christ is not in you - if He is not your hope of glory - your Healer - your Deliverer - your Provider and Friend, how do you get through impossible times? How are you comforted when there is no comfort for the pain in your soul? How long do you stay sane through the onslaught if you don't have the mind of Christ? How long do you have hope enough to want to live when you have no hope of eternal life in Christ?
What does this have to do with our text for today? What jumped out at me in this Scripture is the phrase as long as life lasts...
How long do you continue to love the unloveable? How long do you continue making the right choices even in the midst of unbelievable adversity? How long do you hold on to the promises that you might not yet see? How long do you keep fighting for Truth? How long do you keep standing with nothing but the Word of God to surround you in the fire? How long?!?
AS LONG AS LIFE LASTS... that's how long. Don't you quit! Don't you dare give up!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word - You have given both Your promise and Your oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for You to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to You for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. We hold to You, Lord, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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