Hello all,
As you are aware, Texas is dealing with catastrophic flooding due to Hurricane Harvey and it has impacted Andrea and her family. They were evacuated yesterday morning but were allowed to come back last night after the water had receded. Due to the ground being saturated, the ground has shifted and the pipeline at one of the local refineries has ruptured and forced a "Shelter in Place" which forces everyone to stay inside, no windows open or air conditioning allowed until they get the all clear.
Yesterday there was an initial water surge into the house and then it receded. Today, with the deluge of rain, the ground it so saturated that it keeps seeping into the home. They have pulled up their carpet and some of the tiles are now popping up. Last night was the first night she was able to sleep for 2 days so I'm glad she was able to get some rest.
Today the local grocery store was allowing 20 people in the store at a time and limiting what they could buy so they were able to get enough food for the next few days but most items were rationed to 1 item only.
She said there should be a break in the weather tomorrow morning so that will help them tremendously. Airports are closed through at least Wednesday and schools are closed all week. Depending on the extent of the damage to them, it may be longer.
Prayer requests:
For the rain to stop permanently this week, it is in the forecast every day through Friday
For the insurance adjuster to come quickly to assess the damage
That the interstates and highways have no permanent damage after the water empties off of them so that people can get to their homes and loved ones.
No food or gas shortages and that people will remain calm throughout.
Wisdom and guidance for all the public officials making decisions that will impact their communities
Andrea knows very well that God is her Source, her Protector, her Provider. One of her favorite songs is "It is well with my soul" and God indeed will get her and her family and fellow Texans through this ordeal and make it well with their souls.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Psalm 19
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
Prayer:
their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
Prayer:
Father,
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, August 25, 2017
What's Your Source?
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalm 4:8 NLT
And for tonight, that is my testimony.
Hurricane Harvey managed to go from a tropical storm and the expected upgrade to Category 1 all the way to a Category 4 storm today. We prepared for the projected Cat 1, even Cat 2, but I was surprised when it got to Cat 3. Then around 6pm Central time, they announced Category 4. I couldn't believe it. Lots of people went into panic mode, listening to the latest predictions on the various news stations.
The great news is God wasn't shocked by any of it. He didn't start wringing His hands. He did NOT go into panic mode. God doesn't take His cue from the news stations...
The most important thing in any situation, but especially in crises, is to have the Truth. Not what-ifs, not potential disaster, not what could or might happen, or any other spin to grab a rating and to incite fear and dread. I went to the best source I know for this kind of thing - The National Hurricane Center. It's all they do. And sure enough, Harvey did truly become a Category 4 storm and is expected to adversely affect most of the Texas coast. However, in my area of the coast, the effects are expected to be tropical storm weather conditions, not Cat 4.
And I was reminded how much MORE important it is to have the Truth in our everyday life from the only trustworthy Source there is - Jesus - who declared, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. The enemy of our soul will ALWAYS come to incite fear, dread and anxiety with all the what-ifs, the potential for disaster, what could happen or might happen - or any other fear or lie he can get us to believe. But what does God have to say about the situation? What does His Word tell you about it? You have to be able to trust your Source. What's your source?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for opening our eyes and our hearts to the Truth of Your Word. Give us wisdom, Father, to be able to understand and rightly divide its Truths. Thank You for Your hand of protection and provision, and that for tonight, In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 4:8 NLT
And for tonight, that is my testimony.
Hurricane Harvey managed to go from a tropical storm and the expected upgrade to Category 1 all the way to a Category 4 storm today. We prepared for the projected Cat 1, even Cat 2, but I was surprised when it got to Cat 3. Then around 6pm Central time, they announced Category 4. I couldn't believe it. Lots of people went into panic mode, listening to the latest predictions on the various news stations.
The great news is God wasn't shocked by any of it. He didn't start wringing His hands. He did NOT go into panic mode. God doesn't take His cue from the news stations...
The most important thing in any situation, but especially in crises, is to have the Truth. Not what-ifs, not potential disaster, not what could or might happen, or any other spin to grab a rating and to incite fear and dread. I went to the best source I know for this kind of thing - The National Hurricane Center. It's all they do. And sure enough, Harvey did truly become a Category 4 storm and is expected to adversely affect most of the Texas coast. However, in my area of the coast, the effects are expected to be tropical storm weather conditions, not Cat 4.
And I was reminded how much MORE important it is to have the Truth in our everyday life from the only trustworthy Source there is - Jesus - who declared, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. The enemy of our soul will ALWAYS come to incite fear, dread and anxiety with all the what-ifs, the potential for disaster, what could happen or might happen - or any other fear or lie he can get us to believe. But what does God have to say about the situation? What does His Word tell you about it? You have to be able to trust your Source. What's your source?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for opening our eyes and our hearts to the Truth of Your Word. Give us wisdom, Father, to be able to understand and rightly divide its Truths. Thank You for Your hand of protection and provision, and that for tonight, In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, August 24, 2017
At the Last Minute *
If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.
Job 11:13 NLT
Here along the Texas coast, everyone is scrambling to try to find bottled water and bread and gasoline the night before the hurricane/tropical storm is supposed to make landfall. They've known for several days, but they seem taken by surprise. Earlier this week, it was everyone scrambling at the very last minute to find glasses they could wear to watch the eclipse. That wasn't a surprise, either. They announced it LONG before it was going to happen.
I think it's going to be the same when Jesus comes again. He's been telling us for a VERY long time that He's coming back... He's not kidding. There won't be any score to be made at the last minute. And in His case, it truly IS life or death for everyone...
Prayer:
Father,
It is not Your will that ANY should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Open their eyes to see that You are not slow in Your return as some count slowness, but You are extraordinarily patient toward us so that all might have everlasting life. Help us to help others to see You, to find You, to know You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Knowing or No-ing
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 NLT
In John Chapter 8, the descendants of Abraham are No-ing Jesus the Christ. Read it for yourself. They are very convinced they are right, but they are mistaken. So they erred in knowing God the Father, and they erred in No-ing Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
They sound the same. Know. No. Yet, we can all agree they are not the same. They aren't spelled the same. They don't mean the same, although, somehow, we have all been guilty at one time or another of No-ing God while thinking we were knowing Him.
Think about it for just a moment. Have you ever argued with God? I know I have. That's No-ing Him. Ever decided to do things in your own time, your own way without waiting on God? That's No-ing Him. Ever refused to forgive? Refused to be loving? Refused to show mercy or grace? Shall we have a combination spelling and vocabulary lesson? Is that K-N-O-W or N-O?
Prayer:
John 8:31-32 NLT
In John Chapter 8, the descendants of Abraham are No-ing Jesus the Christ. Read it for yourself. They are very convinced they are right, but they are mistaken. So they erred in knowing God the Father, and they erred in No-ing Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
They sound the same. Know. No. Yet, we can all agree they are not the same. They aren't spelled the same. They don't mean the same, although, somehow, we have all been guilty at one time or another of No-ing God while thinking we were knowing Him.
Think about it for just a moment. Have you ever argued with God? I know I have. That's No-ing Him. Ever decided to do things in your own time, your own way without waiting on God? That's No-ing Him. Ever refused to forgive? Refused to be loving? Refused to show mercy or grace? Shall we have a combination spelling and vocabulary lesson? Is that K-N-O-W or N-O?
Prayer:
Father,
Your Son declared to the descendants of Abraham that day that "Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God." We want to listen gladly and obey Your every Word. Teach us, Father. We want to KNOW You more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, August 21, 2017
The Fourth Stop Sign
I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Psalm 26:6b-8 NLT
The first traffic ticket I ever got was for not coming to a complete stop at a posted stop sign. On the daily route, there were 4 stop signs to get to the main road. At the last stop sign that morning, I slowed way down but did the infamous California roll instead of stopping completely...and I had to pay the price for it. Oh, I thought I was justified - even tried to talk my way out of it (I wasn't saved then). The officer patiently explained to me that the book did not read three out of four stops are okay, nor did it say I get to choose which laws I would obey, or that I could stop only when I felt like it and had the time.
There are days when life threatens to overwhelm us with all that we have to do and all the things and people who need a piece of us and there just isn't enough time. Combine that with back-to-school and all the extras we want to do as we come to the end of summer (and more than likely won't get to accomplish) and it becomes our focus, creating a sure-fire recipe for potential disaster. It's the fourth stop sign all over again.
And this time, are we stopping to acknowledge and praise God in all things? In ALL things - everything - as Scripture instructs? The Book doesn't read three out of four times are okay, nor does it say we get to choose which laws we will obey, or that we could stop only when we felt like it and had the time. Oh, we may throw a few thanks heavenward - they may even be heartfelt - but are we taking the time to come to a complete stop and give Him our full attention in praise and thanksgiving?
If not, take 5 minutes right now and stop. Seriously. Stop. List 5 things you are thankful for - something besides a spouse or children. Something that you know you have only by the grace and goodness of God. Go ahead, I'll wait...
Now praise Him for who He is. Acknowledge His greatness. Sing to Him a new song of thanksgiving and tell of His wonders!!
Prayer:
Father,
It is only by Your mercy and grace that we even breathe. We acknowledge and give great thanks that it is in You alone that we live and move and have our being. We know every good and perfect thing comes from You and we give You praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Psalm 26:6b-8 NLT
The first traffic ticket I ever got was for not coming to a complete stop at a posted stop sign. On the daily route, there were 4 stop signs to get to the main road. At the last stop sign that morning, I slowed way down but did the infamous California roll instead of stopping completely...and I had to pay the price for it. Oh, I thought I was justified - even tried to talk my way out of it (I wasn't saved then). The officer patiently explained to me that the book did not read three out of four stops are okay, nor did it say I get to choose which laws I would obey, or that I could stop only when I felt like it and had the time.
There are days when life threatens to overwhelm us with all that we have to do and all the things and people who need a piece of us and there just isn't enough time. Combine that with back-to-school and all the extras we want to do as we come to the end of summer (and more than likely won't get to accomplish) and it becomes our focus, creating a sure-fire recipe for potential disaster. It's the fourth stop sign all over again.
And this time, are we stopping to acknowledge and praise God in all things? In ALL things - everything - as Scripture instructs? The Book doesn't read three out of four times are okay, nor does it say we get to choose which laws we will obey, or that we could stop only when we felt like it and had the time. Oh, we may throw a few thanks heavenward - they may even be heartfelt - but are we taking the time to come to a complete stop and give Him our full attention in praise and thanksgiving?
If not, take 5 minutes right now and stop. Seriously. Stop. List 5 things you are thankful for - something besides a spouse or children. Something that you know you have only by the grace and goodness of God. Go ahead, I'll wait...
Now praise Him for who He is. Acknowledge His greatness. Sing to Him a new song of thanksgiving and tell of His wonders!!
Prayer:
Father,
It is only by Your mercy and grace that we even breathe. We acknowledge and give great thanks that it is in You alone that we live and move and have our being. We know every good and perfect thing comes from You and we give You praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Sunday, August 20, 2017
The Consequences
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV
Obedience. Hmmmm.
As children, we are expected to obey or there are consequences. When we enter school, we are expected to obey the rules that have been set or there are consequences. As adults, we are expected to follow company rules or there are consequences.
We, in turn, expect our children to obey or there will be consequences. We expect our pets to obey or they are kenneled. We expect our citizens to obey or they are judged...depending on where you live, of course, and how good - or crooked - their lawyers are.
So where do we get the idea that we only have to obey the parts of God's instructions that we like? Or that if we don't like the person for which the rule would be applicable, we don't have to do it. I don't like so-and-so, therefore I don't have to pray for him or her. I don't have to help them. They do such-and-such so they deserve whatever is happening, etc, etc, and so on and so forth... when James 2:9-10 clearly states, But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.
We are His children. We ARE expected to obey His Word... because there will be consequences.
Prayer:
Father,
Change our hearts, O God! Forgive us for our rebellion. Make us very aware of any passive rebellion operating in our lives. Forgive us for thinking that we are beyond Your realm of authority. Please continue to correct us so that we may walk perfectly in the way You have set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV
Obedience. Hmmmm.
As children, we are expected to obey or there are consequences. When we enter school, we are expected to obey the rules that have been set or there are consequences. As adults, we are expected to follow company rules or there are consequences.
We, in turn, expect our children to obey or there will be consequences. We expect our pets to obey or they are kenneled. We expect our citizens to obey or they are judged...depending on where you live, of course, and how good - or crooked - their lawyers are.
So where do we get the idea that we only have to obey the parts of God's instructions that we like? Or that if we don't like the person for which the rule would be applicable, we don't have to do it. I don't like so-and-so, therefore I don't have to pray for him or her. I don't have to help them. They do such-and-such so they deserve whatever is happening, etc, etc, and so on and so forth... when James 2:9-10 clearly states, But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.
We are His children. We ARE expected to obey His Word... because there will be consequences.
Prayer:
Father,
Change our hearts, O God! Forgive us for our rebellion. Make us very aware of any passive rebellion operating in our lives. Forgive us for thinking that we are beyond Your realm of authority. Please continue to correct us so that we may walk perfectly in the way You have set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Habitual
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
Good habits - bad habits. How many things a day do we do out of habit? The so-called experts will tell you it only takes 21 days to form a habit... "Do this for 21 days and you will (fill in the blank)." I can't say that I've found that to be true.
What IS true, though, is that the things we do out of habit, we do without really thinking about them. We do them by rote, mechanically, and usually while multi-tasking. We're not fully engaged to the exclusion of everything else.
Today, as I was reading, I found myself thinking about other things or other people. I was supposed to be focused on the Lord. And the question rose in my spirit, How much of what I do is habitual and how much is intentional? Oh, I got up with the intention of spending a full hour undivided before the Lord, but I slipped easily into the morning habitual rituals.
In Mark 12:30 (NKJV), Jesus says, And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’This is the first commandment.
SHALL love...with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, ALL your strength. You can't do that out of habit. It has to be intentional.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us, O God, for habitual sinning. Cause every word, every deed, every thought to be 100% intentional. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, August 18, 2017
This I Know
For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
Have you ever cast your eyes to Heaven and questioned, "What are You doing?!?" The real question is - Do we trust Him to get us over - to get us through - to keep us - no matter what? No matter the circumstances we find ourselves in? No matter the trials and the struggles and the rough terrain? Do we trust Him?
Faith is not about seeing our way clear, it's about knowing God will make a way - even when we can't see how. It's about trusting God even when what we see is NOT what we WANT to see.
Do we know Him well enough to trust His Word and His way even when it is so vastly different from what we expected? What we wanted?
This I know. His thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways. His are SO much higher... I choose His.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word and for watching over it to perform it. Thank You for having it written down for us to be able to refer back to. Thank You for every promise and for always being faithful to keep them. You alone are worthy of all glory and honor and praise. Help us to always choose Your Truth over anything and everything we see or hear. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
Have you ever cast your eyes to Heaven and questioned, "What are You doing?!?" The real question is - Do we trust Him to get us over - to get us through - to keep us - no matter what? No matter the circumstances we find ourselves in? No matter the trials and the struggles and the rough terrain? Do we trust Him?
Faith is not about seeing our way clear, it's about knowing God will make a way - even when we can't see how. It's about trusting God even when what we see is NOT what we WANT to see.
Do we know Him well enough to trust His Word and His way even when it is so vastly different from what we expected? What we wanted?
This I know. His thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways. His are SO much higher... I choose His.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word and for watching over it to perform it. Thank You for having it written down for us to be able to refer back to. Thank You for every promise and for always being faithful to keep them. You alone are worthy of all glory and honor and praise. Help us to always choose Your Truth over anything and everything we see or hear. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Full Extent of His Love - re-post by request
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.
John 13:1 NLT
As I was reading again the accounts of Christ's last sit-down meal this side of the Cross, I was struck by this first verse in the different translations/versions of the Bible.
NKJV reads, ...having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
The Message - Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end.
The NIV - Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
The Amplified - And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree.
I've read it countless times over the years, but only tonight did the light come on about two different things, but totally tied together, and it hit me first as I read the NIV and then even more as I read the Amplified. His love was so deep, so real, so utterly amazing...
Verse 2 tells how satan had already gotten a foothold of Judas. Verse 3 confirms how Jesus knew God had already put everything in His hands...and in verse 4, this same Jesus - ever the Teacher - gets up from His last meal this side of the Cross, takes off His robe and girds Himself with a servant's towel to wash the feet of the twelve - not eleven - He didn't wait until after Judas left to wash their feet. It was all twelve... including the very one who would betray Him.
The full extent of His love. And it was in the role of a servant, washing the feet of His followers that He loved them to the highest degree. And if you read the rest of the chapter, you will find that's how He instructs us to love. Can we take it to the full extent of HIS love?
Prayer:
Father,
May the love we show and share distinguish us as Your disciples. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Patient Endurance
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
James 1:2-3 NLT
If you have known me for very long, you have heard me say, What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. I believe that. There have been times in my life when it seemed like it would be a whole lot easier to die than to endure. But God would get me through, and because of the endurance training I received during that trial, I would be able to be victorious over the next, bigger, tougher situation.
However, I can't say that I've ever been ecstatic or enthusiastic about trials and tribulations. I wasn't looking ahead - I wasn't looking to the hills where my help comes from (Psalm 121). I wasn't looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Hebrews 12) Endured. Christ looked PAST the Cross to the joy that was set before Him.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us in 10:35-36, So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.
Just as God for the sake of the Cross looks beyond our frail, human nature so that Jesus can receive us unto Himself, so must we look beyond the trials and tribulations and patiently endure them so that we can continue to do the Father's will no matter what comes our way. It is in the patient endurance that we receive the Promise. (vs 36b) - THEN you will receive all that he has promised.
Prayer:
James 1:2-3 NLT
If you have known me for very long, you have heard me say, What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. I believe that. There have been times in my life when it seemed like it would be a whole lot easier to die than to endure. But God would get me through, and because of the endurance training I received during that trial, I would be able to be victorious over the next, bigger, tougher situation.
However, I can't say that I've ever been ecstatic or enthusiastic about trials and tribulations. I wasn't looking ahead - I wasn't looking to the hills where my help comes from (Psalm 121). I wasn't looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Hebrews 12) Endured. Christ looked PAST the Cross to the joy that was set before Him.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us in 10:35-36, So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.
Just as God for the sake of the Cross looks beyond our frail, human nature so that Jesus can receive us unto Himself, so must we look beyond the trials and tribulations and patiently endure them so that we can continue to do the Father's will no matter what comes our way. It is in the patient endurance that we receive the Promise. (vs 36b) - THEN you will receive all that he has promised.
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word promises that You are the Lifter of our heads. Hold us up so we can see over this to the promise of eternity with You where there are no more tears. No more pain. No more separation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Your Word promises that You are the Lifter of our heads. Hold us up so we can see over this to the promise of eternity with You where there are no more tears. No more pain. No more separation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Again and Again
Into the land they went, and it became theirs. For our forefathers You made sure even the Canaanites there were powerless. You subdued everything and everyone to their power— land, kings, and people—to do with as they pleased. They overwhelmed strong and secure cities. They overtook fertile, productive land. They claimed well-furnished houses, wells that were already dug, vineyards, olive groves and orchards filled with fruit. They ate their fill. They grew fat. They basked in Your generosity and goodness.
Even so, again they chose to defy You. Nehemiah 9:24-26a The Voice
One would think that a pattern of behavior repeated over and over would become obvious - even to the perpetrator. I know I would sit in disbelief as I read the number of miracles God performed for the people of Israel and how quickly they would forget and turn from following His ways. Unbelievable...
That is, until today. There's something about the Truth that will strike you no matter what language it's spoken in. They basked in Your generosity and goodness. Even so, again they chose to defy You. Confession time. I have OFTEN basked in God's generosity and goodness, and at times, still chose to go my own way in an offense or perceived onslaught keeping me from what I wanted to do.
Yeah, but God - he did this... Yeah, but God, she said... Yeah, but God I couldn't just let them get away with...
Today I realized the number of times that I did this and I've said that and God has shown me unfathomable mercy on innumerable occasions... basking in His generosity and goodness.
Not walking in obedience to God's way - doing it MY way instead of His - is disobedience... plain and simple.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word - It was because of Your great mercy that we were not completely annihilated or forsaken. You are a grace-filled and mercy-laden God; Our True God—You who are great, majestic, and awesome, You who always keep Your covenant of loyal love— do not overlook the trouble we are facing here today. This trouble confronts us all: our kings and our princes, our priests and our prophets, our ancestors and all of Your people— From the time of the Assyrian kings until today. You are righteous in all that You have done to us. You have faithfully upheld Your part of the covenant, but we have acted with evil. Forgive us, O God! Change our hearts. Make them ever thirst only for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
One would think that a pattern of behavior repeated over and over would become obvious - even to the perpetrator. I know I would sit in disbelief as I read the number of miracles God performed for the people of Israel and how quickly they would forget and turn from following His ways. Unbelievable...
That is, until today. There's something about the Truth that will strike you no matter what language it's spoken in. They basked in Your generosity and goodness. Even so, again they chose to defy You. Confession time. I have OFTEN basked in God's generosity and goodness, and at times, still chose to go my own way in an offense or perceived onslaught keeping me from what I wanted to do.
Yeah, but God - he did this... Yeah, but God, she said... Yeah, but God I couldn't just let them get away with...
Today I realized the number of times that I did this and I've said that and God has shown me unfathomable mercy on innumerable occasions... basking in His generosity and goodness.
Not walking in obedience to God's way - doing it MY way instead of His - is disobedience... plain and simple.
Prayer:
We pray Your Word - It was because of Your great mercy that we were not completely annihilated or forsaken. You are a grace-filled and mercy-laden God; Our True God—You who are great, majestic, and awesome, You who always keep Your covenant of loyal love— do not overlook the trouble we are facing here today. This trouble confronts us all: our kings and our princes, our priests and our prophets, our ancestors and all of Your people— From the time of the Assyrian kings until today. You are righteous in all that You have done to us. You have faithfully upheld Your part of the covenant, but we have acted with evil. Forgive us, O God! Change our hearts. Make them ever thirst only for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, August 14, 2017
He Knows
But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.
Job 23:10-11 NLTDid you ever read the newspaper comics when you were growing up? Do you remember Family Circus written by the late Bil Keane? And little Billy who would eventually get to where he was going, but it was never a straight path from Point A to Point B?
Some days I think to myself, "Just call me Billy..." Try as I might to get to that proverbial front door, sometimes I just can't get there or I'm there too late or I outright fail the test.
Our Promise for Today gives me great hope. I'm glad He knows where I am going. I know where I WANT to go... For now, I have to walk those paths by faith, trusting in His Word.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always going before us to make the crooked path straight and to level the walk so that we don't trip up. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent us Your Son as the Way to You. Help us to walk in His Light and His Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Higher Education
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2nd Timothy 2:22 NKJVIt's 'Back to School' time across the US. The children's summer is officially over. It's back to age-appropriate levels of study for such subjects as Language Arts, Math, Science, and History. With regard to actual subject matter, there are very few choices given to little ones. In middle school, there are a few extra options from which to choose: band, choir, orchestra, sports, depending on interest and preference. When the child gets to be around age 14 or 15, the curriculum counselors endeavor to guide the child toward a particular field of interest of the child's choice. There are additional class choices, but the basics remain the same: Language Arts, Math, Science, and History. Please note that the older they get, the less likely they will have recess.
Some children, at 15, absolutely know what they want to be when they grow up, and they pursue a course of study that ultimately will lead them to their goal. However, most 15-year-olds I know want to be whatever their best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend wants to be - or at least something that will complement whatever their best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend wants to be.
When they reach college-age, it all changes. There the courses are completely goal-specific, and they must be taken in a particular order. Most are prerequisites for the next level or class in the chosen course of study. You won't find nursing students taking chemical engineering courses or vice-versa. In pursuit of a higher education - one that will get them to their desired goal - they study together with students pursuing the same courses. They hang out together. They are together - of one mind - in their pursuit of higher education.
And so it should be with us as Christians. Just like a nursing student is not going to hang out with the chemical engineering class, we should not be hanging out with idolators - and for the same reasons. They're not pursuing the same thing we are. It's not our course of study. It won't enable us to achieve our goals. The instruction is clear - pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, and then He tells us HOW to do it - with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. In pursuit of the truly Higher Education. Read the Book.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to receive and act upon Your Word and Your instruction. Thank You for providing it. Help us to focus on what is important and to gather with those in the same pursuit. In Jesus' Name we pray Amen.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Trading the Truth
They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
Romans 1:25
I get angry when people take truths and principles from the Word of God, then pull them out and twist them and turn them and pervert them until they're hardly recognizable - and then want to claim them as The Secret or the latest, greatest discovery of THEIR OWN. How to do this and how to do that and how to live positively and on and on it goes, and none of it gives honor to Whom honor is due. None of them credit God as the Author and Creator. The credo of mankind today - worldwide - "It's all about me! It's all about what I want!" It's all about greed and greed, my friend, equals lust. In the King James Bible, it reads, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life...
1st John 2:15-17 The Message reads, Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.
Mark 8:36 warns us, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
You need something? Go to God. You want to know something you've never known? Go to God. You want to live positively? You want true peace? Contentment? All that you truly NEED? GO TO GOD! Go to Him as your Father, the Creator, Almighty God. El Shaddai, El Elyonah, Adonai.
Who are we that He is mindful of us? Let's get it in the proper perspective. He is God and we are NOT! Don't trade the Truth for anyone or anything.
Prayer:
Father,
You alone are God. You alone are the Creator! You are righteous and You are holy and merciful and full of grace! You alone are worthy to be praised! Our lives and our only hope is in You alone! Break the scales off our eyes and the chains from our hearts! Help us to show those living in this lost and dying world who You are and that it's You they're really looking for. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 1:25
I get angry when people take truths and principles from the Word of God, then pull them out and twist them and turn them and pervert them until they're hardly recognizable - and then want to claim them as The Secret or the latest, greatest discovery of THEIR OWN. How to do this and how to do that and how to live positively and on and on it goes, and none of it gives honor to Whom honor is due. None of them credit God as the Author and Creator. The credo of mankind today - worldwide - "It's all about me! It's all about what I want!" It's all about greed and greed, my friend, equals lust. In the King James Bible, it reads, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life...
1st John 2:15-17 The Message reads, Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.
Mark 8:36 warns us, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
You need something? Go to God. You want to know something you've never known? Go to God. You want to live positively? You want true peace? Contentment? All that you truly NEED? GO TO GOD! Go to Him as your Father, the Creator, Almighty God. El Shaddai, El Elyonah, Adonai.
Who are we that He is mindful of us? Let's get it in the proper perspective. He is God and we are NOT! Don't trade the Truth for anyone or anything.
Prayer:
Father,
You alone are God. You alone are the Creator! You are righteous and You are holy and merciful and full of grace! You alone are worthy to be praised! Our lives and our only hope is in You alone! Break the scales off our eyes and the chains from our hearts! Help us to show those living in this lost and dying world who You are and that it's You they're really looking for. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Something to Think About
And the chief priests accused Him of many things,
but He answered nothing.
Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”
But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.
Mark 15:3-5 NKJV
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.
He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered.
He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
He personally carried OUR sins in His body on the cross...
1st Peter 2:21-24a,
I am so convicted.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to convict and correct us. And for making the provision for the forgiveness of our wrongs. Write this deep on our hearts so that we don't sin against You. Help us to follow Christ's example in all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Truth or Lie - What Do You Know?
O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
Psalm 92:5-7 NLT
According to the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, the oldest written version of the saying “What you don’t know can’t hurt you” comes from 1576, in Petit Palace by G. Pettie. “So long as I know it not, it hurteth mee not.” Mr. Pettie might have thought he could be happy not knowing, but there is much that CAN harm you if you DON'T know.
For instance, in the 1500s when Mr. Pettie lived, those who were wealthy used pewter serving dishes. Pewter contains a high lead base. We all learned in history class that when food was prepared which contained highly acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, the acid would cause the lead in the pewter to leech into the food, resulting in lead poisoning and death. So tomatoes were thought to be a poisonous fruit. Was that the truth about tomatoes? No, it wasn't, but they didn't know about lead poisoning and so it appeared to be true because their life (or death) experience seemed to teach them that. What they didn't know was, in fact, killing them.
Oftentimes, we look at the circumstances of our lives and choose to believe the result of them over the Truth of God's Word. We believe we can't trust anyone because we've been hurt too many times. Therefore, trusting is not good. But that's not Truth. It may appear to be true because that's what our life (or death) experience seems to teach us. But if that's the lie we believe, then how do we trust God? And if we don't trust God to do and be what His Word says He will do and be, we won't read His Word or spend time in it. And in that case, what we don't know IS definitely hurting us.
Scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:8-13 (The Message) And so this is still a live promise. It wasn't canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn't keep renewing the appointment for "today." The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God. So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matter what.
So, what we don't know will definitely hurt us.
Prayer:
Father,
Renew a right spirit within us. Blow on the cinders of the hearts that have lost their fire. Drive the Truth of Your Word deep into the very fiber of our being. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 92:5-7 NLT
According to the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, the oldest written version of the saying “What you don’t know can’t hurt you” comes from 1576, in Petit Palace by G. Pettie. “So long as I know it not, it hurteth mee not.” Mr. Pettie might have thought he could be happy not knowing, but there is much that CAN harm you if you DON'T know.
For instance, in the 1500s when Mr. Pettie lived, those who were wealthy used pewter serving dishes. Pewter contains a high lead base. We all learned in history class that when food was prepared which contained highly acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, the acid would cause the lead in the pewter to leech into the food, resulting in lead poisoning and death. So tomatoes were thought to be a poisonous fruit. Was that the truth about tomatoes? No, it wasn't, but they didn't know about lead poisoning and so it appeared to be true because their life (or death) experience seemed to teach them that. What they didn't know was, in fact, killing them.
Oftentimes, we look at the circumstances of our lives and choose to believe the result of them over the Truth of God's Word. We believe we can't trust anyone because we've been hurt too many times. Therefore, trusting is not good. But that's not Truth. It may appear to be true because that's what our life (or death) experience seems to teach us. But if that's the lie we believe, then how do we trust God? And if we don't trust God to do and be what His Word says He will do and be, we won't read His Word or spend time in it. And in that case, what we don't know IS definitely hurting us.
Scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:8-13 (The Message) And so this is still a live promise. It wasn't canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn't keep renewing the appointment for "today." The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God. So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matter what.
So, what we don't know will definitely hurt us.
Prayer:
Father,
Renew a right spirit within us. Blow on the cinders of the hearts that have lost their fire. Drive the Truth of Your Word deep into the very fiber of our being. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
In the Fire
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Zechariah 13:9 KJV
[God speaking] “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1b-3a
Would we ask to be burned, boiled or pressed beyond our endurance? No! Yet, it is in the fire that steel is forged. It is in the fire that impurities are burned out. It is in the heat of the rolling boil that the water becomes purified. It is in the intense, sustained pressure that the simple, ugly lump of coal becomes a diamond.
Do we want to be strong? Do we desire to have the garbage burned out of our lives? Do we want to be purified? Do we want to be one of the jewels He comes to gather? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
Prayer:
Father,
You never said we could or would be able to do it alone. You promise to walk with us every step of the way. We cannot do it without You. Stick closer than a brother, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Zechariah 13:9 KJV
[God speaking] “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1b-3a
Would we ask to be burned, boiled or pressed beyond our endurance? No! Yet, it is in the fire that steel is forged. It is in the fire that impurities are burned out. It is in the heat of the rolling boil that the water becomes purified. It is in the intense, sustained pressure that the simple, ugly lump of coal becomes a diamond.
Do we want to be strong? Do we desire to have the garbage burned out of our lives? Do we want to be purified? Do we want to be one of the jewels He comes to gather? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
Prayer:
Father,
You never said we could or would be able to do it alone. You promise to walk with us every step of the way. We cannot do it without You. Stick closer than a brother, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, August 7, 2017
Oh My Soul
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!
Oh, my soul
Oh, how you worry
Oh, how you're weary, from fearing you lost control
This was the one thing, you didn't see coming
And no one would blame you, though
If you cried in private
If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows
No one will see, if you stop believing
Chorus: Oh, my soul
Oh, my soul, you're not alone
Psalm 43:5 NLT
I love those moments when God hears the deepest cry of your heart and without speaking a word, the very next thing you hear you KNOW - without a doubt - that it's from Him. What a loving God we serve!
This song ministers to me in ways I can't begin to explain, but maybe you need to hear it, too. Oh My Soul, recorded by Casting Crowns, written by John Mark Hall and Bernie Herm.
***********************************************
Oh My Soul (click title to hear song on YouTube)
Oh, how you worry
Oh, how you're weary, from fearing you lost control
This was the one thing, you didn't see coming
And no one would blame you, though
If you cried in private
If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows
No one will see, if you stop believing
Chorus: Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There's a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
'Cause you're not alone
Here and now
You can be honest
I won't try to promise that someday it all works out
'Cause this is the valley
And even now, He is breathing on your dry bones
And there will be dancing
There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone
This much I know
There's a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
'Cause you're not alone
Here and now
You can be honest
I won't try to promise that someday it all works out
'Cause this is the valley
And even now, He is breathing on your dry bones
And there will be dancing
There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone
This much I know
Chorus
I'm not strong enough, I can't take anymore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
And my shipwrecked faith will never get me to shore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
Can He find me here
Can He keep me from going under
I'm not strong enough, I can't take anymore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
And my shipwrecked faith will never get me to shore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
Can He find me here
Can He keep me from going under
Chorus
Oh, my soul, you're not alone
***********************************************
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us! Thank You for expressing Your love in immeasurable ways! You are an amazing God! Thank You for the unique ways You reach out to us and make Your presence known. Help us to always recognize and acknowledge You in the daily moments of life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Just Say No
She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 AMPC
Most translations and versions say she considers the field, evaluates it or looks at it, but the meaning of consider and all it entails is often lost. What does she consider or evaluate? The price? The soil? What it will take to develop it?
I love how the Amplified (classic) lends a full explanation. She considers it from all angles, including "not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties". It's a much-needed lesson for today's world.
So often we say 'yes' to a task because of who asked us and/or because of what someone might think about us if we say 'no'. We don't consider the toll on family time - spouse or children or proper rest for ourselves. We don't consider the cost to our time and strength with an already full schedule. We don't wait to see what God has to say about it. What will we sacrifice? From where or what will we cut time to allow for the new task?
Proverbs 31:16 AMPC
Most translations and versions say she considers the field, evaluates it or looks at it, but the meaning of consider and all it entails is often lost. What does she consider or evaluate? The price? The soil? What it will take to develop it?
I love how the Amplified (classic) lends a full explanation. She considers it from all angles, including "not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties". It's a much-needed lesson for today's world.
So often we say 'yes' to a task because of who asked us and/or because of what someone might think about us if we say 'no'. We don't consider the toll on family time - spouse or children or proper rest for ourselves. We don't consider the cost to our time and strength with an already full schedule. We don't wait to see what God has to say about it. What will we sacrifice? From where or what will we cut time to allow for the new task?
Let's be wise. Let's not court neglect of our present duties by assuming other duties. Let's consider - really consider - and perhaps just say No.
Prayer:
Father,
Open our hearts to hear Your clear direction. Open our eyes to see where You would have us go. According to Your Word, for You are our rock and our fortress; for Your name's sake lead us and guide us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Close Enough
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
Matthew 14:24-31a NLT
I hate to admit it, but when working on something that I'm tired of working on, I've been known to say, "Close enough." In other words, I am willing to settle for a little less than perfect because I don't want to do anymore. Father, forgive me for giving life less than my best.
I love this passage of Scripture and every time I read it, I get something new out of it. Here's my focus this time around - Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. Immediately... Peter had walked far enough on the water through the storm to be close enough that Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out and grabbed him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
Matthew 14:24-31a NLT
I hate to admit it, but when working on something that I'm tired of working on, I've been known to say, "Close enough." In other words, I am willing to settle for a little less than perfect because I don't want to do anymore. Father, forgive me for giving life less than my best.
I love this passage of Scripture and every time I read it, I get something new out of it. Here's my focus this time around - Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. Immediately... Peter had walked far enough on the water through the storm to be close enough that Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out and grabbed him.
Isn't that where we should be at all times? Close enough to Jesus that we are no more than an arm's length away from Him. Close enough that we can walk to Him in the storm. Close enough to touch Him and to be touched by Him. Close enough.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for those things that would separate us from You. Remove them from our lives. Help us to walk close enough to touch and be touched by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for those things that would separate us from You. Remove them from our lives. Help us to walk close enough to touch and be touched by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, August 4, 2017
Laundry Soak
7-15 Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.
16-17 Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.
Psalm 51:7-17 The Message
Prayer:
Father,
Make a fresh start in us; shape a Genesis week from the chaos of our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.
16-17 Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.
Psalm 51:7-17 The Message
Prayer:
Father,
Make a fresh start in us; shape a Genesis week from the chaos of our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Emphasis: Choices
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
Poor Martha. Jesus is her guest. Martha welcomes Him into her house. She's fixing a big dinner for Him and His friends (clue - much serving) and what does her sister do? Is she helping? No. She just sits there...
I think it's safe to assume that Mary's normal course of action would be to help her sister or else Martha wouldn't be so upset that Mary wasn't helping when they both knew the Most Important Guest they'd ever had was sitting in the house. Do you think Mary wasn't aware that Martha would be angry with her? Oh, she knew it all right. But I believe Mary weighed the cost and made her choice.
Do you ever hear these? What do you mean you're part of a committed Bible study group and can't go? What do you mean you have to study for it - aren't I more fun? Why don't we go to a movie? Oh, come on! Everybody's going! No, we love it when you come. It won't be the same if you're not there. You can miss one night.
We choose how we spend our time - productive or mindless - it's our decision. What choices do we make? Where do those choices leave us? More to the point - Where do we want our choices to leave us?
Emphasis: Our choices.
Prayer:
Father,
So often we are pulled away by stuff, just stuff. Help us to see what is the one thing that is needed. Open our eyes to the good part, the part that can't be taken from us. Give us the courage of our convictions. Forgive us for choosing anything over You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
Poor Martha. Jesus is her guest. Martha welcomes Him into her house. She's fixing a big dinner for Him and His friends (clue - much serving) and what does her sister do? Is she helping? No. She just sits there...
I think it's safe to assume that Mary's normal course of action would be to help her sister or else Martha wouldn't be so upset that Mary wasn't helping when they both knew the Most Important Guest they'd ever had was sitting in the house. Do you think Mary wasn't aware that Martha would be angry with her? Oh, she knew it all right. But I believe Mary weighed the cost and made her choice.
Do you ever hear these? What do you mean you're part of a committed Bible study group and can't go? What do you mean you have to study for it - aren't I more fun? Why don't we go to a movie? Oh, come on! Everybody's going! No, we love it when you come. It won't be the same if you're not there. You can miss one night.
We choose how we spend our time - productive or mindless - it's our decision. What choices do we make? Where do those choices leave us? More to the point - Where do we want our choices to leave us?
Emphasis: Our choices.
Prayer:
Father,
So often we are pulled away by stuff, just stuff. Help us to see what is the one thing that is needed. Open our eyes to the good part, the part that can't be taken from us. Give us the courage of our convictions. Forgive us for choosing anything over You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
And When We Can't
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. 2 For he loves us with unfailing love; the Lord's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 177 NLT
In the King James Bible, verse 2 reads, for his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. At first, I wondered how could this short chapter - only two verses - be translated so differently? And then I realized it's only worded differently. It really says the same thing. After all, what is God? The TRUTH is that God IS love. He is unfailing, therefore His love is unfailing. Unfailing love IS faithful love, so that Truth endures forever.
In the good times, His love never fails.
In the bad times, His love never fails.
In times of war AND times of peace, His love never fails.
In life AND in death, His love never fails.
I'm just paraphrasing a few lines of the psalms, but the Truth remains. The love of God does not fail. It NEVER fails.
When we can see it and when we can't.
When we can feel it and when we can't.
When we understand why and when we can't.
In and of Himself, God is love. He loves us when we can't. And when we can't do anything or change anything or see how it all works, He can. And we will praise Him.
Prayer:
Father,
There is so much we don't understand. There are many, many hard times, but You, O God, are faithful. Your Word tells us that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but YOU, O Lord, deliver us out of them all! You see the end from the beginning. You saw our need and gave us a Savior. Blessed be Your Name, O Lord, our Redeemer. Giving You all praise and honor and glory, In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 177 NLT
In the King James Bible, verse 2 reads, for his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. At first, I wondered how could this short chapter - only two verses - be translated so differently? And then I realized it's only worded differently. It really says the same thing. After all, what is God? The TRUTH is that God IS love. He is unfailing, therefore His love is unfailing. Unfailing love IS faithful love, so that Truth endures forever.
In the good times, His love never fails.
In the bad times, His love never fails.
In times of war AND times of peace, His love never fails.
In life AND in death, His love never fails.
I'm just paraphrasing a few lines of the psalms, but the Truth remains. The love of God does not fail. It NEVER fails.
When we can see it and when we can't.
When we can feel it and when we can't.
When we understand why and when we can't.
In and of Himself, God is love. He loves us when we can't. And when we can't do anything or change anything or see how it all works, He can. And we will praise Him.
Prayer:
Father,
There is so much we don't understand. There are many, many hard times, but You, O God, are faithful. Your Word tells us that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but YOU, O Lord, deliver us out of them all! You see the end from the beginning. You saw our need and gave us a Savior. Blessed be Your Name, O Lord, our Redeemer. Giving You all praise and honor and glory, In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Coming to Terms
God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. It's up to us and our children to attend to all the terms in this Revelation.
Deuteronomy 29:29 The Message
Many large businesses today have their own legal department on payroll. It is their primary function to issue and approve contracts with all the acceptable terms and conditions before beginning work.
The strangest thing to me when moving from a small town position to a global corporation was just how binding the terms and conditions actually are between the two parties. Party of the first part has work that needs to be done. Party of the second part has the right personnel who have the right training and experience to do the work and they present a good estimate to do the work. It's fair, it's profitable to both sides, but instead of shaking hands on it, they move to the negotiation stage.Two teams get in a room to try to hammer out the best deal for their side. Often it's a case of concessions for both parties until the terms and conditions are agreed upon.
However, I have known times when they don't come to terms. It is frustrating to spend all that time, do all the prep and presentation, only to not be able to come to terms because Team One thinks they should operate according to Team One Terms and Conditions, but Team Two thinks Team One should operate by Team Two's.
There are so many who do the same thing with their Christianity. They want to negotiate what they will or will not do. God makes all the preparation to line up the scope of the work that needs to be done, making the provision to get it done, personalizing it for our own unique needs, and then presenting it to us. We'd be crazy not to go for it. And yet, when it comes to God's terms and conditions, we don't want to give up anything.
News flash! Our intimate relationship with Christ is not based on our own modified version of God's terms and conditions. His are the best...period. They are non-negotiable. So, adhere or adjourn.
Prayer:
Father,
You made the preparation. You made the provision. You loved us first. You chose us. We choose and accept the relationship on Your terms and conditions. Help us to adhere to them, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Deuteronomy 29:29 The Message
Many large businesses today have their own legal department on payroll. It is their primary function to issue and approve contracts with all the acceptable terms and conditions before beginning work.
The strangest thing to me when moving from a small town position to a global corporation was just how binding the terms and conditions actually are between the two parties. Party of the first part has work that needs to be done. Party of the second part has the right personnel who have the right training and experience to do the work and they present a good estimate to do the work. It's fair, it's profitable to both sides, but instead of shaking hands on it, they move to the negotiation stage.Two teams get in a room to try to hammer out the best deal for their side. Often it's a case of concessions for both parties until the terms and conditions are agreed upon.
However, I have known times when they don't come to terms. It is frustrating to spend all that time, do all the prep and presentation, only to not be able to come to terms because Team One thinks they should operate according to Team One Terms and Conditions, but Team Two thinks Team One should operate by Team Two's.
There are so many who do the same thing with their Christianity. They want to negotiate what they will or will not do. God makes all the preparation to line up the scope of the work that needs to be done, making the provision to get it done, personalizing it for our own unique needs, and then presenting it to us. We'd be crazy not to go for it. And yet, when it comes to God's terms and conditions, we don't want to give up anything.
News flash! Our intimate relationship with Christ is not based on our own modified version of God's terms and conditions. His are the best...period. They are non-negotiable. So, adhere or adjourn.
Prayer:
Father,
You made the preparation. You made the provision. You loved us first. You chose us. We choose and accept the relationship on Your terms and conditions. Help us to adhere to them, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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