I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
Revelation 1:18 NLT
Not much is written about what Jesus did during the time between the crucifixion and His resurrection. There is plenty of conjecture and even some men's point of view being taught as though it were Scripture, but it's not my job to point fingers or argue with points of view. It is my job to search the Scriptures and point a lost and dying world to our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The day before, Christ suffered unbearable pain and suffering to take away our sins. He paid the highest price to redeem our sin-sick souls unto salvation. When they laid Him in the tomb and rolled the stone to seal it, He was dead to the world (so to speak). Now, I realize I may mess with your theology on this, but whether or not He went to Hell or Hades, whether or not He fought satan for the keys or actually always held the keys is not my primary focus. According to John 19:30, while He was still on the cross, Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished."
Colossians 2:13-15 NLT declares, You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Here's the only thing I know for certain about that Saturday. Jesus knew going into the weekend what the Father had told Him. He knew it was going to be unbearable, but knowing certainly did NOT make it any easier. His flesh did not want to go through it. But He went in fully trusting the Father's Word. He went in knowing He would rise again. He knew He would be victorious. He was not surprised by what was coming the day after...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that Your Word assures us in Romans 8:11, The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us. And just as You raised Christ Jesus from the dead, You will give life to our mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within us. Your Spirit living in us. Help us to come to the knowing that we will rise again, that we will be victorious in and through You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Last Words
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:32-34a, 39-46 NIV
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:32-34a, 39-46 NIV
From BillyGraham.org:
Why did Jesus promise this criminal, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)? The reason is because this man (unlike his fellow robber) knew he needed to have his sins forgiven, and he believed only Christ could forgive and save him: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). He could not depend on his good works–for he had none. He could only depend on Christ–and that was all he needed.
The same is true with us. Only one thing will keep us out of heaven, and that is our sin. But Jesus Christ came to take away our sins by His death on the cross. Are you trusting Him alone for your salvation? If not, open your heart to Him today.
Romans 10:9-10 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Prayer:
Father,
We believe that Jesus is Your only begotten Son and we declare that He is Lord and that You raised Him from the dead. Thank You, Father! We pray for a tremendous harvest of lost souls this weekend, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Maundy Thursday
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying,“Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 NASB
To be married in the Jewish faith requires two ceremonies; the kiddushin and the nisuin. Today, they do both in the same day. However, in biblical times, these were totally separate ceremonies, performed as much as a year apart. The kiddushin was the engagement - but far more binding than today's version. The significance of verse 29 when Jesus said He would not drink of the wine again until He would drink it new with us is this. Christ had already declared Himself the bridegroom back in Matthew, chapter 9. The kiddushin made the bride a legal wife, but without the mutual obligations being made complete. It was sealed with wine. They did not live together as man and wife until the bridegroom came the second time to gather his bride for the second ceremony, the nisuin.
During the time of the kiddushin, the husband would leave the bride to go build (or prepare) a place for his wife and future family to live. They would not be together until the house was finished and the groom's father decided when it was finished. Then the bridegroom would come to fetch his bride, and the nisuin would be performed and it, too, would be sealed with wine.
In John 14:2-3 NASB, Jesus declares, In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
Read again Matthew 26:29, "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
It's Thursday of Holy Week - if we throwback to the original Thursday of Holy Week, we find Jesus proclaiming the kiddushin - providing the promise to His bride, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again..."
The question is - Are you ready for the nisuin? Revelation 22:17a-b, Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Anyone who hears should say, “Come!”
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see You. Open our minds to know You. Open our hearts to say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" Create in us the heart of the bride awaiting her groom. Let us work to fulfill our duties during this time away from each other and let us watch for Your returning with joyful expectation! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 26:26-29 NASB
To be married in the Jewish faith requires two ceremonies; the kiddushin and the nisuin. Today, they do both in the same day. However, in biblical times, these were totally separate ceremonies, performed as much as a year apart. The kiddushin was the engagement - but far more binding than today's version. The significance of verse 29 when Jesus said He would not drink of the wine again until He would drink it new with us is this. Christ had already declared Himself the bridegroom back in Matthew, chapter 9. The kiddushin made the bride a legal wife, but without the mutual obligations being made complete. It was sealed with wine. They did not live together as man and wife until the bridegroom came the second time to gather his bride for the second ceremony, the nisuin.
During the time of the kiddushin, the husband would leave the bride to go build (or prepare) a place for his wife and future family to live. They would not be together until the house was finished and the groom's father decided when it was finished. Then the bridegroom would come to fetch his bride, and the nisuin would be performed and it, too, would be sealed with wine.
In John 14:2-3 NASB, Jesus declares, In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
Read again Matthew 26:29, "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
It's Thursday of Holy Week - if we throwback to the original Thursday of Holy Week, we find Jesus proclaiming the kiddushin - providing the promise to His bride, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again..."
The question is - Are you ready for the nisuin? Revelation 22:17a-b, Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Anyone who hears should say, “Come!”
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see You. Open our minds to know You. Open our hearts to say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" Create in us the heart of the bride awaiting her groom. Let us work to fulfill our duties during this time away from each other and let us watch for Your returning with joyful expectation! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Coming and Going (reprinted by request)
I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
John 14:2c-4 NIV
It's dark outside. The neighborhood still slumbers. In the distance, I can hear the occasional semi rolling down the highway to pick up a load or drop one off. From here, it sounds like the drum roll of brushes on a floor tom. Further over, from the northwest side of town, I can hear the trains in the yard, clanging cars, full up with freight, getting ready to be on their way. The distance gentles the clang to little more than the muted wind chime on my front porch. In front of my home, to the east, not much more than a stone's throw, is the beach that borders the ship channel. Already I hear the soft bellow of a ship's horn, as the channel pilot steers the big ship safely to port or out. The symphonic sounds of the day begin...softly, slowly...the mystical music of coming and going...and I listen...
I know the day is coming - and it won't be long - when there will be a different blast from a holy horn. The eastern sky will be split wide open with the light of heaven. And on that day, according to The Message in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17, The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.
Jesus is coming and I'm going... wanna go?
John 14:6, Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Prayer:
Father,
Finetune our ears to hear You. Prepare our hearts to know Your purpose for us. Create in us the desire to be ready for each and every day - to occupy until You come. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
John 14:2c-4 NIV
It's dark outside. The neighborhood still slumbers. In the distance, I can hear the occasional semi rolling down the highway to pick up a load or drop one off. From here, it sounds like the drum roll of brushes on a floor tom. Further over, from the northwest side of town, I can hear the trains in the yard, clanging cars, full up with freight, getting ready to be on their way. The distance gentles the clang to little more than the muted wind chime on my front porch. In front of my home, to the east, not much more than a stone's throw, is the beach that borders the ship channel. Already I hear the soft bellow of a ship's horn, as the channel pilot steers the big ship safely to port or out. The symphonic sounds of the day begin...softly, slowly...the mystical music of coming and going...and I listen...
I know the day is coming - and it won't be long - when there will be a different blast from a holy horn. The eastern sky will be split wide open with the light of heaven. And on that day, according to The Message in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17, The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.
Jesus is coming and I'm going... wanna go?
John 14:6, Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Prayer:
Father,
Finetune our ears to hear You. Prepare our hearts to know Your purpose for us. Create in us the desire to be ready for each and every day - to occupy until You come. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
What'd That Cost?
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4 NKJV
Luke 21:1-4 NKJV
What has He asked you for? What have you got? Is there something you're not willing to part with? Why?
Christ gave all that He had for us. This is the week that marks the history of it. What's the value of what we're giving in return? What did it cost us? Can we cry out like David in 1st Chronicles 21:24b, "I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!”
Prayer:
Father,
We commit to give You everything we are, everything we've got, dreams hopes hurts passions, all of it. It comes with a great price. One You've already paid. Keep us ever mindful of the cost of our redemption. Help us to help others understand the cost. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 26, 2018
Once and For All
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NLT
Accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD is way more than just showing up to a church service every week. There are things we have to choose to lay down. There are lifestyle changes that need to take place. No more lying. No more cheating. No more hating anyone or anything, except sin. And it keeps trying to raise its ugly head. Kill it. Once and for all.
Once we accept Christ as our Savior and LORD, we have to learn to give as He gave Himself for us. I'm not just talking about tithes and offerings. No more withholding ourselves from another Christian in need. No more "I don't feel like it. I don't want to. Why can't they just leave me alone?"
Sometimes - and I think this is more dangerous for someone who has been a Christian for a long time - sometimes I hear, "I'm tired of doing that. I've paid my dues. I've done my time." or "I've been doing this for years and now they're just taking advantage of me."
What do we do with Christ's words in Scripture that instruct us that if they ask for our coat, we are to give them our cloak also? He was - and IS - always about giving more than what was asked.
First and foremost, you're not giving in order to get. If you are freely giving for the joy of giving, then they are receiving. NO one is taking advantage of you. That's the old selfish ways creeping back in... thinking that someone is going to take advantage of you or take something from you that you're not willing to give.
Are you looking at the signs of the times we live in? Can we afford to allow the old sinful nature to rise up within us again - to steal from us? To destroy our testimony? To kill us?
Hebrews 10:10 assures us,... we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.
Let's live like it. Once and for all.
Prayer:
Father,
Give us Your eyes. Give us Your heart. Live large in us, so that others may see You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Galatians 2:20 NLT
Accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD is way more than just showing up to a church service every week. There are things we have to choose to lay down. There are lifestyle changes that need to take place. No more lying. No more cheating. No more hating anyone or anything, except sin. And it keeps trying to raise its ugly head. Kill it. Once and for all.
Once we accept Christ as our Savior and LORD, we have to learn to give as He gave Himself for us. I'm not just talking about tithes and offerings. No more withholding ourselves from another Christian in need. No more "I don't feel like it. I don't want to. Why can't they just leave me alone?"
Sometimes - and I think this is more dangerous for someone who has been a Christian for a long time - sometimes I hear, "I'm tired of doing that. I've paid my dues. I've done my time." or "I've been doing this for years and now they're just taking advantage of me."
What do we do with Christ's words in Scripture that instruct us that if they ask for our coat, we are to give them our cloak also? He was - and IS - always about giving more than what was asked.
First and foremost, you're not giving in order to get. If you are freely giving for the joy of giving, then they are receiving. NO one is taking advantage of you. That's the old selfish ways creeping back in... thinking that someone is going to take advantage of you or take something from you that you're not willing to give.
Are you looking at the signs of the times we live in? Can we afford to allow the old sinful nature to rise up within us again - to steal from us? To destroy our testimony? To kill us?
Hebrews 10:10 assures us,... we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.
Let's live like it. Once and for all.
Prayer:
Father,
Give us Your eyes. Give us Your heart. Live large in us, so that others may see You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, March 25, 2018
One Invitation
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 NLT
I heard a great testimony today about a single mother and her little boy who were in a grocery store when another woman recognized the single mother's struggle. Her heart was to help so she invited the young mother to go to church with her. Reluctantly, the mom agreed.
So, they're sitting in the church and the pastor says, "If you need anything from God, come on up and we'll pray for you." The little boy tugs on his mom's pant leg, saying, "We need something." The mother pats his hand and assures him they'll be fine. He persists and on the third time, the single mom and her son go to the altar for prayer.
The pastor got down on one knee and looked the little boy in the eye and asked, "What do you want to pray about?" The little boy looked him squarely in the eye and replied, "I want my daddy to come home. We need him." And the pastor prayed for the boy and his mother.
Months passed. Times were still tough, but one night, the young mother and her son came to the church, and with them was the ex-husband/missing father. And that night, when the invitation to accept Jesus was extended, the daddy came to the Father.
That was 42 years ago. Jimmie and Sherri Bratcher were remarried and have been together ever since. He's known as "The Electric Rev" - he plays blues like nobody's business and takes the Good News of the Gospel into places most people are not comfortable going, touching thousands of lives... all because a little housewife invited a single mother to church one Sunday.
We're one week from Easter Sunday. If you ask them, they may come. It could change lives!
Prayer:
Father,
Give us holy boldness in divine appointments this week to invite someone to go to church with us. Prepare their hearts and minds to say 'yes' even now, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Revelation 22:17 NLT
I heard a great testimony today about a single mother and her little boy who were in a grocery store when another woman recognized the single mother's struggle. Her heart was to help so she invited the young mother to go to church with her. Reluctantly, the mom agreed.
So, they're sitting in the church and the pastor says, "If you need anything from God, come on up and we'll pray for you." The little boy tugs on his mom's pant leg, saying, "We need something." The mother pats his hand and assures him they'll be fine. He persists and on the third time, the single mom and her son go to the altar for prayer.
The pastor got down on one knee and looked the little boy in the eye and asked, "What do you want to pray about?" The little boy looked him squarely in the eye and replied, "I want my daddy to come home. We need him." And the pastor prayed for the boy and his mother.
Months passed. Times were still tough, but one night, the young mother and her son came to the church, and with them was the ex-husband/missing father. And that night, when the invitation to accept Jesus was extended, the daddy came to the Father.
That was 42 years ago. Jimmie and Sherri Bratcher were remarried and have been together ever since. He's known as "The Electric Rev" - he plays blues like nobody's business and takes the Good News of the Gospel into places most people are not comfortable going, touching thousands of lives... all because a little housewife invited a single mother to church one Sunday.
We're one week from Easter Sunday. If you ask them, they may come. It could change lives!
Prayer:
Father,
Give us holy boldness in divine appointments this week to invite someone to go to church with us. Prepare their hearts and minds to say 'yes' even now, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Selah
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalm 62: 7-8 KJV
In our Scripture reference for today, 'Selah' appears at the end of the verse. It's commonly defined as a pause, a break in the normal rhythm of things. In other words, stop and reflect. Sometimes for a dramatic effect; other times, to drive home the point. Sometimes, it's to bring life-changing information. Have you ever been watching TV and heard the words, We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you this ... ? And if we don't pause or stop, we miss it altogether.
I think God works with interruptions. If we don't stop to listen, if we don't make time to hear, if we don't give Him the attention He requires from us, He will interrupt our regularly scheduled lives however He needs to in order to bring us His life-changing information. And while, at first, we may hate to be interrupted, His interruptions are always life-changing for the good and are more than worth the stop... if we will listen. Selah
Prayer:
Father,
You are our Refuge and our Strength. Thank You for loving us enough to stop us - to interrupt our plans for Yours. Please, interrupt us any time You see fit. We welcome You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 62: 7-8 KJV
In our Scripture reference for today, 'Selah' appears at the end of the verse. It's commonly defined as a pause, a break in the normal rhythm of things. In other words, stop and reflect. Sometimes for a dramatic effect; other times, to drive home the point. Sometimes, it's to bring life-changing information. Have you ever been watching TV and heard the words, We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you this ... ? And if we don't pause or stop, we miss it altogether.
I think God works with interruptions. If we don't stop to listen, if we don't make time to hear, if we don't give Him the attention He requires from us, He will interrupt our regularly scheduled lives however He needs to in order to bring us His life-changing information. And while, at first, we may hate to be interrupted, His interruptions are always life-changing for the good and are more than worth the stop... if we will listen. Selah
Prayer:
Father,
You are our Refuge and our Strength. Thank You for loving us enough to stop us - to interrupt our plans for Yours. Please, interrupt us any time You see fit. We welcome You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 23, 2018
Setting the Example
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT
I have several friends who use similar quotes in the signature line of their e-mail replies. One is "Choose carefully how you spend your time today because you are spending a day of your life for it." Another refers to it as "trading a day." When was the last time you gave conscious thought to how you spend each of your days or the moments in them?
And in the spending and trading of our days, how many of us truly think about what kind of example we set for those around us every day? The truth is each day of our lives we set a GREAT example... Either it's a great example of how we should live or it's a great example of how we should NOT live. What kind of example are we setting?
What kind of example do we want to set? The choice is ours.
Prayer:
Father,
We know the time is short. Remind us daily to make the moments count. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT
I have several friends who use similar quotes in the signature line of their e-mail replies. One is "Choose carefully how you spend your time today because you are spending a day of your life for it." Another refers to it as "trading a day." When was the last time you gave conscious thought to how you spend each of your days or the moments in them?
And in the spending and trading of our days, how many of us truly think about what kind of example we set for those around us every day? The truth is each day of our lives we set a GREAT example... Either it's a great example of how we should live or it's a great example of how we should NOT live. What kind of example are we setting?
What kind of example do we want to set? The choice is ours.
Prayer:
Father,
We know the time is short. Remind us daily to make the moments count. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Planning for the Future
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
1st Peter 1:3-5 The Message
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.
The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah’s Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
1st Peter 1:3-5 The Message
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.
The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah’s Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
A Future in God
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God. 1st Peter 1:6-21 The Message.
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God. 1st Peter 1:6-21 The Message.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word from Psalm 31. We come to You, Lord, for protection; never let us be defeated. You are a righteous God; save us, we pray! Hear us! Save us now! Be our refuge to protect us; our defense to save us. You are our refuge and defense; guide us and lead us as You have promised. Keep us safe from the trap that has been set for us; shelter us from danger. We place ourselves in Your care. You will save us, Lord; You are a faithful God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Need a Break
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
1st Chronicles 16:10-11 NKJV
At one time or another, for whatever reason, everyone reaches a point where they need a break. We can all relate to that. I read something today that struck me to the core in relation to 'needing a break'. It's from Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge; he wrote "The greatest lie satan attacks me with is, 'You deserve a break today!'"
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
1st Chronicles 16:10-11 NKJV
At one time or another, for whatever reason, everyone reaches a point where they need a break. We can all relate to that. I read something today that struck me to the core in relation to 'needing a break'. It's from Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge; he wrote "The greatest lie satan attacks me with is, 'You deserve a break today!'"
[my examples] You deserve a break like sleeping in an extra hour instead of getting up for your quiet time. You deserve a break from journaling because it "takes time" and you need a break to not have to think after a stressful day or a long work week or whatever the case may be.
Bob writes "...as though time away from the [Lord] is a break! It's not a break; it's a loss."
He goes on to explain that loss, "You missed drinking deeply of the Spirit's fountain; you missed being washed and cleansed and renewed in His presence; you missed getting fed by the illumination of God's word; you missed taking the time to calm your hectic heart and hear His precious voice... You was robbed!" [end quote]
Any time spent with God is life-giving (and life changing) whether it's 15 seconds or 15 minutes or an hour or hours. I know I can't do anything apart from God, let alone anything well. I can't love. I can't work. I can't create. The Truth of the matter is that the time I spend with God - ANY time I spend with God - is never wasted. Like Mary at the feet of Jesus, when Martha demanded Mary's help, I find that I don't ever feel guilty about the time I spend with God. It is the one thing that is needful (Luke 10:42). But I have felt guilty about time I've wasted elsewhere...
We all like to focus on the harvest of seeds we've planted. Time is no different. If you sow time to God, you will reap time - a clearer mind to complete tasks quickly. Time to spend with your loved ones. What will bring the greater harvest of good - an hour with Facebook or an hour with God? We all want bumper crops and ask God to bless us... but what are we sowing? Do we really want a bumper crop of THAT? If you've known me for very long, you know I like to collect quotes. One I read recently is from A.W. Tozer, a great Christian pastor, "If a man wants to be used by God, he cannot spend all of his time with people." Need a break?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that You always have the time - that You literally make the time so we can have time with You. Change our perspective on our quiet time from duty to delight - from 'I've got to...' to 'I get to!' Forgive us for buying into the lie of the enemy of our souls. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
He goes on to explain that loss, "You missed drinking deeply of the Spirit's fountain; you missed being washed and cleansed and renewed in His presence; you missed getting fed by the illumination of God's word; you missed taking the time to calm your hectic heart and hear His precious voice... You was robbed!" [end quote]
Any time spent with God is life-giving (and life changing) whether it's 15 seconds or 15 minutes or an hour or hours. I know I can't do anything apart from God, let alone anything well. I can't love. I can't work. I can't create. The Truth of the matter is that the time I spend with God - ANY time I spend with God - is never wasted. Like Mary at the feet of Jesus, when Martha demanded Mary's help, I find that I don't ever feel guilty about the time I spend with God. It is the one thing that is needful (Luke 10:42). But I have felt guilty about time I've wasted elsewhere...
We all like to focus on the harvest of seeds we've planted. Time is no different. If you sow time to God, you will reap time - a clearer mind to complete tasks quickly. Time to spend with your loved ones. What will bring the greater harvest of good - an hour with Facebook or an hour with God? We all want bumper crops and ask God to bless us... but what are we sowing? Do we really want a bumper crop of THAT? If you've known me for very long, you know I like to collect quotes. One I read recently is from A.W. Tozer, a great Christian pastor, "If a man wants to be used by God, he cannot spend all of his time with people." Need a break?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that You always have the time - that You literally make the time so we can have time with You. Change our perspective on our quiet time from duty to delight - from 'I've got to...' to 'I get to!' Forgive us for buying into the lie of the enemy of our souls. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Who's Your Daddy
But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven...
Matthew 5:44-45a The Amplified Bible
I have been surprised by the number of organizations that require proof of your parentage in order to become a member. And for some societies, you cannot be a member if you only have a singular ancestor. According to the Hereditary Society Listings website, "In exceptional cases, allowances are made for singular ancestor societies on the complete society listings if it is determined that the ancestor is of sufficient, historical significance (ie; Charlemagne, Thomas Jefferson...)"
Matthew 5:44-45a The Amplified Bible
I have been surprised by the number of organizations that require proof of your parentage in order to become a member. And for some societies, you cannot be a member if you only have a singular ancestor. According to the Hereditary Society Listings website, "In exceptional cases, allowances are made for singular ancestor societies on the complete society listings if it is determined that the ancestor is of sufficient, historical significance (ie; Charlemagne, Thomas Jefferson...)"
The lineage report can read like Matthew, chapter 1. Abraham the father of Isaac; Isaac the father of Jacob; Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers... Just how significant do you have to be?
What about children who have no idea what their lineage is? They have one - they just don't know which family tree holds their history. If you're adopted, your "tree" changes. What about fostering? Foster homes are temporary shelter for children whose birth parents are not able to care or provide for them. Those children have been plucked or thrown out of their family tree.
There's been an entire market created for tracing your heritage. And it's largely dependent on whether or not you know who your father is, and who his father was, and his father before him. In discovering all that, you might find out that you are an heir to more than you can imagine, but you have to prove it.
The Truth is, if we've accepted Jesus as our Saviour, we are already heir to more than we can imagine! How do we prove that God is our Father? Romans 8:14-16 tells us, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
Be led by His Spirit. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. In so doing, you will prove who is your Daddy.
Prayer:
Father,
We can say all the right words and pretend that we don't care who claims us and who doesn't, but You know the Truth. Before the foundation of the world, You chose US to be Yours. Help us to embrace and definitively understand the reality of You as our Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
What about children who have no idea what their lineage is? They have one - they just don't know which family tree holds their history. If you're adopted, your "tree" changes. What about fostering? Foster homes are temporary shelter for children whose birth parents are not able to care or provide for them. Those children have been plucked or thrown out of their family tree.
There's been an entire market created for tracing your heritage. And it's largely dependent on whether or not you know who your father is, and who his father was, and his father before him. In discovering all that, you might find out that you are an heir to more than you can imagine, but you have to prove it.
The Truth is, if we've accepted Jesus as our Saviour, we are already heir to more than we can imagine! How do we prove that God is our Father? Romans 8:14-16 tells us, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
Be led by His Spirit. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. In so doing, you will prove who is your Daddy.
Prayer:
Father,
We can say all the right words and pretend that we don't care who claims us and who doesn't, but You know the Truth. Before the foundation of the world, You chose US to be Yours. Help us to embrace and definitively understand the reality of You as our Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 19, 2018
Visitation Rights
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV
Sadly, today many children live in a world where their social calendar is often defined by whose weekend it is and who has what visitation rights. The custodial parent has the child for the day-to-day activities for the greater portion of the year; while the non-custodial gets birthdays, Spring Break, summer, and all the holidays. Neither are happy. Those with a true parent's heart suffer a continuous loss. They may get over the pain of the divorce, but there's always a part that knows they're missing unrecoverable time with their child.
God knows the pain of separation. Our holy Father. The One SO holy that unholy would die in His presence. He knows how it feels to be separated from the ones He loves. Under the old covenant, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and come into the presence of God. But even he was only allowed in one day a year - Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. And before entering into the holiest place to be with the Father, he had to perform meticulous cleansing of his body, wear certain clothing and bring smoking incense and the blood for atonement. His ephod had bells at the hem so the sound could be heard upon entering and leaving so that he didn't die. (Exodus 28:32-25).
And yet, God's whole purpose for mankind is to be in relationship with Him. He gave us ways to be holy; we could not do it. So He sent His Son, the sinless One, the spotless Lamb, to be The Atonement for us. His death forever split the veil that separated us from the Holy of Holies! Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT tells us, So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him 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. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
No more restricted visits! The Father welcomes us into His presence - the Holiest Place - with open arms. Restored to right relationship with Him for all time, if we will accept what He has offered - His Son.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us the way back to You. Thank You for sending Your Son to restore our relationship - to give us access to the very Throne Room of heaven. We continue to pray for the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. Help us to walk in it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV
Sadly, today many children live in a world where their social calendar is often defined by whose weekend it is and who has what visitation rights. The custodial parent has the child for the day-to-day activities for the greater portion of the year; while the non-custodial gets birthdays, Spring Break, summer, and all the holidays. Neither are happy. Those with a true parent's heart suffer a continuous loss. They may get over the pain of the divorce, but there's always a part that knows they're missing unrecoverable time with their child.
God knows the pain of separation. Our holy Father. The One SO holy that unholy would die in His presence. He knows how it feels to be separated from the ones He loves. Under the old covenant, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and come into the presence of God. But even he was only allowed in one day a year - Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. And before entering into the holiest place to be with the Father, he had to perform meticulous cleansing of his body, wear certain clothing and bring smoking incense and the blood for atonement. His ephod had bells at the hem so the sound could be heard upon entering and leaving so that he didn't die. (Exodus 28:32-25).
And yet, God's whole purpose for mankind is to be in relationship with Him. He gave us ways to be holy; we could not do it. So He sent His Son, the sinless One, the spotless Lamb, to be The Atonement for us. His death forever split the veil that separated us from the Holy of Holies! Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT tells us, So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him 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. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
No more restricted visits! The Father welcomes us into His presence - the Holiest Place - with open arms. Restored to right relationship with Him for all time, if we will accept what He has offered - His Son.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us the way back to You. Thank You for sending Your Son to restore our relationship - to give us access to the very Throne Room of heaven. We continue to pray for the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. Help us to walk in it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Thinking about my mother...
I wrote this several years back about my mother. She's been on my mind a lot recently. Please bear with me for a repeat.
This time I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll be their God, they’ll be my people. They won’t go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons.
They’ll all get to know me firsthand, the little and the big, the small and the great. They’ll get to know me by being kindly forgiven, with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.
Hebrews 8:10b-12 The Message Bible
To say that my mother was a strong woman of faith would almost be an understatement. I cannot begin to tell you of the adversity and trials of her life and yet, her faith and trust in God remained the ultimate driving force in her life. As it turned out, that was her greatest witness.
As a teenager, I didn't understand it. I remember more than once demanding answers to "Why would you serve a God who allows all those things to happen? How can you stand there and be calm, telling me 'It will all work out'? Do you not see what's going on here? How can you stand there and thank God for any of this?"
From an early age, I was a 'big picture' kind of girl, but I didn't recognize or acknowledge it as it truly was - a gift from God - to be used to edify and to build up the body of Christ. I thought my mother suffered from tunnel vision and a one-track mind. I did not know or understand that Mom was the living illustration of Psalm 121 (included below).
At that time, I only had a second-hand knowledge of who God was and is. I didn't know HIM. I thought I did - I'd been in church every time the doors were opened from the time I could remember - but the truth was, I only knew OF Him.
Through my own adversity and trials and the working of God's grace in them, my mother's God became my God. I came to know Him in His fullness. I learned first-hand of His love in spite of my failures (or perhaps because of them). I experienced His peace in the midst of the storms of life. Over and over, always His provision. Making a way through those storms, when there was NO way.
There isn't time nor space right here to tell of all that God has done to reveal Himself so I could have first-hand knowledge of Him. I have faced the next generation and now a third generation of teenagers demanding answers to "Why would you serve a God who allows all those things to happen? How can you stand there and be calm, telling me 'It will all work out'? Do you not see what's going on here? How can you stand there and thank God for any of this?"
I pray to have the same "tunnel vision" and "one-track mind" that my mother had. And I pray that my faith in God during the tough times will be my greatest witness to those He has given me.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for my mother. For all the years I did not appreciate her, her faith in You, and You Yourself, please forgive me. Let me be a faithful witness to those You have given me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
* Psalm 121 NLT
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
This time I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll be their God, they’ll be my people. They won’t go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons.
They’ll all get to know me firsthand, the little and the big, the small and the great. They’ll get to know me by being kindly forgiven, with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.
Hebrews 8:10b-12 The Message Bible
To say that my mother was a strong woman of faith would almost be an understatement. I cannot begin to tell you of the adversity and trials of her life and yet, her faith and trust in God remained the ultimate driving force in her life. As it turned out, that was her greatest witness.
As a teenager, I didn't understand it. I remember more than once demanding answers to "Why would you serve a God who allows all those things to happen? How can you stand there and be calm, telling me 'It will all work out'? Do you not see what's going on here? How can you stand there and thank God for any of this?"
From an early age, I was a 'big picture' kind of girl, but I didn't recognize or acknowledge it as it truly was - a gift from God - to be used to edify and to build up the body of Christ. I thought my mother suffered from tunnel vision and a one-track mind. I did not know or understand that Mom was the living illustration of Psalm 121 (included below).
At that time, I only had a second-hand knowledge of who God was and is. I didn't know HIM. I thought I did - I'd been in church every time the doors were opened from the time I could remember - but the truth was, I only knew OF Him.
Through my own adversity and trials and the working of God's grace in them, my mother's God became my God. I came to know Him in His fullness. I learned first-hand of His love in spite of my failures (or perhaps because of them). I experienced His peace in the midst of the storms of life. Over and over, always His provision. Making a way through those storms, when there was NO way.
There isn't time nor space right here to tell of all that God has done to reveal Himself so I could have first-hand knowledge of Him. I have faced the next generation and now a third generation of teenagers demanding answers to "Why would you serve a God who allows all those things to happen? How can you stand there and be calm, telling me 'It will all work out'? Do you not see what's going on here? How can you stand there and thank God for any of this?"
I pray to have the same "tunnel vision" and "one-track mind" that my mother had. And I pray that my faith in God during the tough times will be my greatest witness to those He has given me.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for my mother. For all the years I did not appreciate her, her faith in You, and You Yourself, please forgive me. Let me be a faithful witness to those You have given me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
* Psalm 121 NLT
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Lazy Love
[Jesus speaking] So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 NLT
In his book, Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge writes, "One of the most profound ways you can love someone is by praying for them. Intercession does something very powerful in the intercessor: It joins the heart of the intercessor to the heart of the one being prayed for. In intercession, you are investing yourself in another person’s life."
I never thought of intercession as an act of love. I saw it as a duty, a Christian obligation to pray for others. How did I never see it as an act of love?
In my renewed quest to love as Christ loves, I don't even come close. I realize I have a lazy love - it's selective and leans more toward being selfish. I'm not always moved by the feelings of others - I am more so than before but not always. What if those we call on to pray for us prayed the same way we pray for others? Would our prayers availeth much? (James 5:16) Father, forgive me for those times when it is more cursory than fervent.
Which for me shed a whole new light to the depth of Christ's love when, while ON THE CROSS, He prayed, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. They had ridiculed and lied about Him, beaten Him. Betrayed Him. Abandoned Him. He left the splendor of Heaven and all that was good and perfect to come to save us. He invested His life - EVERYTHING - and prayed for the forgiveness of the ones in the middle of crucifying Him. And it's not over. Romans 8:34b tells us, It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
STILL making intercession. STILL loving us. Strenuous love. Fervent love. Nothing lazy about it.
Prayer:
Father,
How do we thank You enough for Your unfailing love? Forgive me for lazy love, conditional love. We pray Your Word from Ephesians 3, that as we continue to trust in You, our roots will grow down into Your love and keep us strong. We pray for the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. We pray that we may experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully, so that we will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You. In Jesus' Name. Amen
John 13:34-35 NLT
In his book, Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge writes, "One of the most profound ways you can love someone is by praying for them. Intercession does something very powerful in the intercessor: It joins the heart of the intercessor to the heart of the one being prayed for. In intercession, you are investing yourself in another person’s life."
I never thought of intercession as an act of love. I saw it as a duty, a Christian obligation to pray for others. How did I never see it as an act of love?
In my renewed quest to love as Christ loves, I don't even come close. I realize I have a lazy love - it's selective and leans more toward being selfish. I'm not always moved by the feelings of others - I am more so than before but not always. What if those we call on to pray for us prayed the same way we pray for others? Would our prayers availeth much? (James 5:16) Father, forgive me for those times when it is more cursory than fervent.
Which for me shed a whole new light to the depth of Christ's love when, while ON THE CROSS, He prayed, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. They had ridiculed and lied about Him, beaten Him. Betrayed Him. Abandoned Him. He left the splendor of Heaven and all that was good and perfect to come to save us. He invested His life - EVERYTHING - and prayed for the forgiveness of the ones in the middle of crucifying Him. And it's not over. Romans 8:34b tells us, It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
STILL making intercession. STILL loving us. Strenuous love. Fervent love. Nothing lazy about it.
Prayer:
Father,
How do we thank You enough for Your unfailing love? Forgive me for lazy love, conditional love. We pray Your Word from Ephesians 3, that as we continue to trust in You, our roots will grow down into Your love and keep us strong. We pray for the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. We pray that we may experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully, so that we will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Friday, March 16, 2018
In the Hands of God
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 so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
1 Peter 2:23-24a NLT
I feel like I could just say "Amen" right there and leave it at that.
Yesterday, I was very insulted. I wanted so badly to retaliate! I wrote an email to defend myself, but got a check in my spirit before I hit 'send'. So I paused and asked my sister to proof it for me before I sent it (even though I still had every intention to send it). She totally nixed it. Completely. So I looked for an alternate way to defend myself. She nixed that, too. There is MUCH to be said (and to be grateful for) when walking with other believers.
I will confess that I was not instantly mollified. I knew I HAD to pray so I did. I chose to forgive and confessed it to God. (I still was feeling ticked off.) I had to CHOOSE to NOT continue to lick those wounds, to NOT nurse it and rehearse it.
This morning, when I got up, I remembered again the Scripture of Christ not retaliating, not answering a word, so I looked it up. And there it was, He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. And MORE! He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. Dead to sin.
Dead men don't retaliate. We must choose to trust God in all things, to leave it all in His hands...even the insults.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word in James 4. Help us to fully embrace Your Word and its meaning. We know You are passionate that the spirit You have placed within us should be faithful to You. We humble ourselves before You, O God, and we will resist the ways of the enemy, so he has to flee. Thank You for Your generous outpouring of Grace! We want to be close to You. We want clean hands and pure hearts. We pledge our loyalty to You and You alone. We choose to trust You in all things, leaving it ALL in Your hands. Let us be dead to sin, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
1 Peter 2:23-24a NLT
I feel like I could just say "Amen" right there and leave it at that.
Yesterday, I was very insulted. I wanted so badly to retaliate! I wrote an email to defend myself, but got a check in my spirit before I hit 'send'. So I paused and asked my sister to proof it for me before I sent it (even though I still had every intention to send it). She totally nixed it. Completely. So I looked for an alternate way to defend myself. She nixed that, too. There is MUCH to be said (and to be grateful for) when walking with other believers.
I will confess that I was not instantly mollified. I knew I HAD to pray so I did. I chose to forgive and confessed it to God. (I still was feeling ticked off.) I had to CHOOSE to NOT continue to lick those wounds, to NOT nurse it and rehearse it.
This morning, when I got up, I remembered again the Scripture of Christ not retaliating, not answering a word, so I looked it up. And there it was, He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. And MORE! He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. Dead to sin.
Dead men don't retaliate. We must choose to trust God in all things, to leave it all in His hands...even the insults.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word in James 4. Help us to fully embrace Your Word and its meaning. We know You are passionate that the spirit You have placed within us should be faithful to You. We humble ourselves before You, O God, and we will resist the ways of the enemy, so he has to flee. Thank You for Your generous outpouring of Grace! We want to be close to You. We want clean hands and pure hearts. We pledge our loyalty to You and You alone. We choose to trust You in all things, leaving it ALL in Your hands. Let us be dead to sin, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
To Be Different
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
I was watching the latest docu-series on Netflix called The World's Most Extraordinary Homes. The hosts travel the globe to showcase unbelievable homes. Not for their extravagance, but for their unique architectural and breathtaking design. Many are designed to blend in with the least amount of intrusive disruption to the surrounding landscape and ecological system, be it mountain, sea or forest. They truly are some of the most extraordinary - at least in the two episodes I've seen.
I totally agree with preserving our natural resources and environments, but I was struck by the illustration of how people will go to such extraordinary lengths (pun intended) to conform to the pattern of this world. Sometimes, without realizing that the final cost will be much more than they had allowed or anticipated.
And so it is with lives. People want to fit in, to blend, to be recognized for their ability to commingle, many times without realizing that the final cost will be much more than they had anticipated. What price are you willing to pay? Have you considered the cost (Luke 14:28)? Matthew 16:26 NLT reads, And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? 2nd Corinthians 6:17 urges us to come out from among them and be separate...
Romans 12:2 NIV
I was watching the latest docu-series on Netflix called The World's Most Extraordinary Homes. The hosts travel the globe to showcase unbelievable homes. Not for their extravagance, but for their unique architectural and breathtaking design. Many are designed to blend in with the least amount of intrusive disruption to the surrounding landscape and ecological system, be it mountain, sea or forest. They truly are some of the most extraordinary - at least in the two episodes I've seen.
I totally agree with preserving our natural resources and environments, but I was struck by the illustration of how people will go to such extraordinary lengths (pun intended) to conform to the pattern of this world. Sometimes, without realizing that the final cost will be much more than they had allowed or anticipated.
And so it is with lives. People want to fit in, to blend, to be recognized for their ability to commingle, many times without realizing that the final cost will be much more than they had anticipated. What price are you willing to pay? Have you considered the cost (Luke 14:28)? Matthew 16:26 NLT reads, And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? 2nd Corinthians 6:17 urges us to come out from among them and be separate...
Prayer:
Father,
You have called us to be different than the world. We are called to be in relationship with Christ because He loved us and gave Himself up for us to make us holy, cleansing us by the washing with water through Your Word, to present us to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, to be holy and blameless. Lead us up higher, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
No Buts About It
…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2nd Chronicles 7:14
How many times has someone called you looking for an answer and when you provide the answer, they reply, “I know, but…”?
Pray until something happens. Move the but…
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to provide answers to every situation we face. Such love and provision are overwhelming. Reveal Your Truths and Master Plan to us as we delve into Your Word. Give us the strength and courage to act in righteousness for those situations that burden our souls. May You find us faithful in prayer and in service to You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
2nd Chronicles 7:14
How many times has someone called you looking for an answer and when you provide the answer, they reply, “I know, but…”?
I know, but it’s too hard.
I know, but I don’t wanna…
I know, but I’m too tired.
I know, but so-and-so is [or isn’t] doing__________.
OR have you ever actually heard the Truth of the matter? I know, but I’d rather whine and complain or make excuses than actually make the effort to or for change - especially if the change has to do with changing ME.
Have you ever purchased a book or the “Latest-Greatest-New-and-Improved” something or other system in an attempt to fix an issue, get ahead, make money, or lose weight? How many of those times did we make the purchase and never utilize the purchase? We don’t know whether or not it works based on our own personal experience because we haven’t tried it. It hasn’t been put to the test. We may very well have purchased the answer to whatever challenge we’re facing, but it’s not going to help if it’s still in the box or sitting on the bookshelf. No buts about it...
Have you ever purchased a book or the “Latest-Greatest-New-and-Improved” something or other system in an attempt to fix an issue, get ahead, make money, or lose weight? How many of those times did we make the purchase and never utilize the purchase? We don’t know whether or not it works based on our own personal experience because we haven’t tried it. It hasn’t been put to the test. We may very well have purchased the answer to whatever challenge we’re facing, but it’s not going to help if it’s still in the box or sitting on the bookshelf. No buts about it...
Here's something to think about - It’s the same with the Word of God. In it are the answers to every situation in our lives, but if we don’t read it or USE it, we'll never know the answers."Yeah, I know, but..."
When I get, "I know, but..." My question to those who profess Christianity is, “Have you prayed about the situation?” No ifs, ands or buts. The Bible instructs us in 1st Timothy 2:1-4 NLT, I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. "Yeah, I know, but..."
But nothing… No, we’re not called to issue judgment and sentencing; but we are supposed to be fruit inspectors (Matthew 7:20). Prayer is the most effective action to change! It keeps us in the proper perspective and attitude (God is our Creator, our Lord and Master, the Author and Finisher of our faith). Prayer acknowledges His Lordship over us.
When I get, "I know, but..." My question to those who profess Christianity is, “Have you prayed about the situation?” No ifs, ands or buts. The Bible instructs us in 1st Timothy 2:1-4 NLT, I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. "Yeah, I know, but..."
But nothing… No, we’re not called to issue judgment and sentencing; but we are supposed to be fruit inspectors (Matthew 7:20). Prayer is the most effective action to change! It keeps us in the proper perspective and attitude (God is our Creator, our Lord and Master, the Author and Finisher of our faith). Prayer acknowledges His Lordship over us.
Pray until something happens. Move the but…
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to provide answers to every situation we face. Such love and provision are overwhelming. Reveal Your Truths and Master Plan to us as we delve into Your Word. Give us the strength and courage to act in righteousness for those situations that burden our souls. May You find us faithful in prayer and in service to You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
The Will of God
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18
We often refer to the Scripture "Pray without ceasing." It's as familiar as the proverbial "Give thanks in all circumstances." I hear them quoted often, but rarely together, and I've never heard anyone follow them with the end of this verse.
Interesting, the most often prayed request is to know the will of God for our lives. People pray for years - seemingly to no avail at times. And yet here it is in black and white. Plain sight. Spelled out... Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The Truth is, all prayer is answered; it just may not be the answer we want. What we want is "Yes!" What we may get is "No" or "Not now". Rejoice anyway! Thank Him anyway. Pray anyway! Doing the Father's will. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Inexplicably simple in form, Indescribably difficult to execute... except for grace. Help us to follow Your Word and to do Your Will. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18
We often refer to the Scripture "Pray without ceasing." It's as familiar as the proverbial "Give thanks in all circumstances." I hear them quoted often, but rarely together, and I've never heard anyone follow them with the end of this verse.
Interesting, the most often prayed request is to know the will of God for our lives. People pray for years - seemingly to no avail at times. And yet here it is in black and white. Plain sight. Spelled out... Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The Truth is, all prayer is answered; it just may not be the answer we want. What we want is "Yes!" What we may get is "No" or "Not now". Rejoice anyway! Thank Him anyway. Pray anyway! Doing the Father's will. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Inexplicably simple in form, Indescribably difficult to execute... except for grace. Help us to follow Your Word and to do Your Will. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 12, 2018
Your Secret Life (by request)
They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
Romans 2:15-16 NLT
Are you ever concerned with what other people think? Does opinion govern your course of action? To what extent do you do things differently if and when someone is watching? Do you live by a "what they don't know won't hurt them" philosophy?
Unfortunately, there are very public stories about Christians who fall into sin. No one wants to have their sin exposed publicly. No one. Would you?
We can "put our best foot forward" and make people believe just about anything, but just like God told the prophet, Samuel, when He sent him to anoint Jesse's son, 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).
You may be struggling with something right now. I encourage you to put it on the altar before God. He sees it anyway. If you bring it to Him, expose it to the Light of the world, He will wash it away and make you whole and pure before Him. And then there will be nothing left for you to be afraid of in the dark. Psalm 91 tells us he that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... make THAT secret place your secret life.
Prayer:
Father,
We lay our lives before You, open to Your inspection and correction. Give us clean hands and pure hearts, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 2:15-16 NLT
Are you ever concerned with what other people think? Does opinion govern your course of action? To what extent do you do things differently if and when someone is watching? Do you live by a "what they don't know won't hurt them" philosophy?
Unfortunately, there are very public stories about Christians who fall into sin. No one wants to have their sin exposed publicly. No one. Would you?
We can "put our best foot forward" and make people believe just about anything, but just like God told the prophet, Samuel, when He sent him to anoint Jesse's son, 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).
You may be struggling with something right now. I encourage you to put it on the altar before God. He sees it anyway. If you bring it to Him, expose it to the Light of the world, He will wash it away and make you whole and pure before Him. And then there will be nothing left for you to be afraid of in the dark. Psalm 91 tells us he that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... make THAT secret place your secret life.
Prayer:
Father,
We lay our lives before You, open to Your inspection and correction. Give us clean hands and pure hearts, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, March 11, 2018
No Sitting Target
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
My mother was a runner. I remember the stories about wearing weights the day of the race to help train, but she also said that when she removed them to run, her legs felt light and she would run faster. I think about that when I read this verse. The weight of sin will definitely slow us down.
There are other weights that also impede our forward motion as Christians. When we face adversity. When we grieve. When we burn out, because we will when EVER we try to do life on our own instead of turning to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We tend to stop dead in our tracks and become a sitting duck for the enemy of our souls.
Every defense training course you might take will tell you that a moving target is much harder to hit. However, if it's sitting still, it's easy to draw down on the target. We must keep pressing toward the prize. Job 17:9a NLT, The righteous keep moving forward...
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
My mother was a runner. I remember the stories about wearing weights the day of the race to help train, but she also said that when she removed them to run, her legs felt light and she would run faster. I think about that when I read this verse. The weight of sin will definitely slow us down.
There are other weights that also impede our forward motion as Christians. When we face adversity. When we grieve. When we burn out, because we will when EVER we try to do life on our own instead of turning to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We tend to stop dead in our tracks and become a sitting duck for the enemy of our souls.
Every defense training course you might take will tell you that a moving target is much harder to hit. However, if it's sitting still, it's easy to draw down on the target. We must keep pressing toward the prize. Job 17:9a NLT, The righteous keep moving forward...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to keep our eyes on You, to look to the hills knowing our help comes from You. We do not want to be sitting targets. Be our Strength and our Guide to keep moving forward. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Fighting Fire with Fire
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3a ESV
I have always read our Scripture for today in light of when we're going through tough times that we will not be overcome by them, but rather we would overcome. And that's true, because His is also the Refiner's fire, burning out the dross, making us pure. It is the fire of purification.
Isaiah 43:1-3a ESV
I have always read our Scripture for today in light of when we're going through tough times that we will not be overcome by them, but rather we would overcome. And that's true, because His is also the Refiner's fire, burning out the dross, making us pure. It is the fire of purification.
However, lately I've been thinking about God as a consuming fire and how if we want to be on fire for the Lord, we need to be closer to Him. Nothing can stand in the presence of God's holiness. I think the closer we get to God - the more we get in His presence - the more the junk in our lives is consumed and destroyed by His fire.
Hebrews 1:7 reads, He sends His angels like the winds; His servants like flames of fire. Don't you want to be sent like flames of fire to do His will - to fight the fires of hell in this world with the fire of God's holiness? Deuteronomy 4:24 tells us, For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Prayer:
Father,
Light us up, Lord! Let Your fire so burn in us until every distraction, every other attraction is completely consumed like so much chaff. And then send us, Father, as flames of fire to accomplish Your will on Earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 9, 2018
Not Optional
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Psalm 32:8-9 NIV
How many times have you heard someone say, "I've done everything I can do. The only thing I can do now is pray."? Maybe you've said it yourself. Where did we learn that fallacy?
How many times - under the guise of "seeking God" - have we gone into our closet to pray, but in reality have only gone in there long enough to tell God what we have planned, and then we go running off without waiting for one word of input from the Father? We have not waited on God. We have not been led by the Holy Spirit. Or if we do take the time to wait on an answer, then we treat it like an opinion - as though we should make the decision whether or not to act on it.
Jesus never acted of His own volition; He was always led by the Father. If we would follow Christ's example (according to His Word), we would be going first to the Father for instruction, for wisdom in making major decisions, and before making our plans.
It's not about asking God's opinion - He is not optional. God is the standard by which we live and move and have our very being - the Gold Standard!
Father,
Forgive us for all the times we have gone running off to do things our own way, without Your input. Forgive us for all the times we've told You what we were going to do instead of asking You; instead of seeking Your wisdom. Father, we want to seek You with our whole heart and mind and will and strength. We want to be found in You. We want You to instruct and teach us in the way we should go. Counsel us with Your loving eye on us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 32:8-9 NIV
How many times have you heard someone say, "I've done everything I can do. The only thing I can do now is pray."? Maybe you've said it yourself. Where did we learn that fallacy?
How many times - under the guise of "seeking God" - have we gone into our closet to pray, but in reality have only gone in there long enough to tell God what we have planned, and then we go running off without waiting for one word of input from the Father? We have not waited on God. We have not been led by the Holy Spirit. Or if we do take the time to wait on an answer, then we treat it like an opinion - as though we should make the decision whether or not to act on it.
Jesus never acted of His own volition; He was always led by the Father. If we would follow Christ's example (according to His Word), we would be going first to the Father for instruction, for wisdom in making major decisions, and before making our plans.
It's not about asking God's opinion - He is not optional. God is the standard by which we live and move and have our very being - the Gold Standard!
Father,
Forgive us for all the times we have gone running off to do things our own way, without Your input. Forgive us for all the times we've told You what we were going to do instead of asking You; instead of seeking Your wisdom. Father, we want to seek You with our whole heart and mind and will and strength. We want to be found in You. We want You to instruct and teach us in the way we should go. Counsel us with Your loving eye on us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Fixtures
Then he [Jesus] spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing! His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”
John 9:6-9 NLT
My desk, keyboard, phone, and computer screen look as though a couple packets of Post-It notes exploded in my area… I really like sticky notes. They’re great for reminding myself about things I need to do. The downside of it is that after a while - and so many - I get desensitized. I no longer see them as an urgent need. Nor do I distinguish one from the other because I’m not always looking directly at them. For a Post-It note, it’s not that big a deal… Just a fixture in the scenery of life.
Do you remember the first time you saw a homeless person? I went right around the corner and bought some fast food and came back around and gave it to him… then cried all the way home. I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t cry about it like I used to, and I don’t buy a burger for all of them… When did we become desensitized? Do we still see them as an urgent need? Can we distinguish one from the other? Do we ever make eye contact with them or are they just a fixture in the scenery of life…
The neighbors had seen this blind beggar every day – they may even have thrown coins in his cup to help him. But the truth is he was a fixture in the scenery of life… until Jesus. And Jesus so changed the man’s life by opening his eyes that some of the neighbors didn’t recognize him. And the wild thing is – the guy never even saw Jesus! The man did not know who had performed the miracle – he just knew he was changed. He went from begging to a beginning…
When was the last time I said or did anything for Christ that so changed a life that someone went from begging to a beginning? In John 14:12, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works…
Prayer:
Father,
Direct my path, Lord, my every step. Help me to see my neighbors as You see them. More importantly, Father, let me love them as You love them…and me… In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
John 9:6-9 NLT
My desk, keyboard, phone, and computer screen look as though a couple packets of Post-It notes exploded in my area… I really like sticky notes. They’re great for reminding myself about things I need to do. The downside of it is that after a while - and so many - I get desensitized. I no longer see them as an urgent need. Nor do I distinguish one from the other because I’m not always looking directly at them. For a Post-It note, it’s not that big a deal… Just a fixture in the scenery of life.
Do you remember the first time you saw a homeless person? I went right around the corner and bought some fast food and came back around and gave it to him… then cried all the way home. I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t cry about it like I used to, and I don’t buy a burger for all of them… When did we become desensitized? Do we still see them as an urgent need? Can we distinguish one from the other? Do we ever make eye contact with them or are they just a fixture in the scenery of life…
The neighbors had seen this blind beggar every day – they may even have thrown coins in his cup to help him. But the truth is he was a fixture in the scenery of life… until Jesus. And Jesus so changed the man’s life by opening his eyes that some of the neighbors didn’t recognize him. And the wild thing is – the guy never even saw Jesus! The man did not know who had performed the miracle – he just knew he was changed. He went from begging to a beginning…
When was the last time I said or did anything for Christ that so changed a life that someone went from begging to a beginning? In John 14:12, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works…
Prayer:
Father,
Direct my path, Lord, my every step. Help me to see my neighbors as You see them. More importantly, Father, let me love them as You love them…and me… In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Time Together
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:9-17 NLT
I love spending time with my family and friends. I love talking to them and finding out what's going on in their lives - rejoicing in their good times and helping to bear the tough times. We don't get together nearly as often as I would like, but I never tire of talking to them. Thankfully, we live in a time when there are so many ways to do that! I don't ever reach a place where I think I already know everything they're going to say, so I stop talking or listening to them. Can you imagine? Me, either...
And yet how often do we do it with God? He speaks to us through His Word - do we make time to read it? It doesn't matter how many times we've read it. His Word is alive and powerful. His mercies are new every morning. He speaks to us when we get in His presence - do we take the time to get there? Do we talk to God or at Him? He promises to hear us - Do we take the time to listen for His response? Do we spend enough time together?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see You. Open our ears to hear You. Open our hearts to love You as You have loved us. Purify our hearts, O God. We want clean hands and a pure heart. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
John 15:9-17 NLT
I love spending time with my family and friends. I love talking to them and finding out what's going on in their lives - rejoicing in their good times and helping to bear the tough times. We don't get together nearly as often as I would like, but I never tire of talking to them. Thankfully, we live in a time when there are so many ways to do that! I don't ever reach a place where I think I already know everything they're going to say, so I stop talking or listening to them. Can you imagine? Me, either...
And yet how often do we do it with God? He speaks to us through His Word - do we make time to read it? It doesn't matter how many times we've read it. His Word is alive and powerful. His mercies are new every morning. He speaks to us when we get in His presence - do we take the time to get there? Do we talk to God or at Him? He promises to hear us - Do we take the time to listen for His response? Do we spend enough time together?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see You. Open our ears to hear You. Open our hearts to love You as You have loved us. Purify our hearts, O God. We want clean hands and a pure heart. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Unfailing Love (reprint by request)
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10 NKJV
Can you lead and guide someone to a place you've never been? Or on a trail you've never walked? How likely are you to allow someone to lead you who doesn't know the dangerous terrain? Can you help anyone through with confidence and conviction in something you've never experienced? Can you watch over your family, friends or children no matter where they are or where you are? Of course not. Don't fret. It just means WE are not God. Often, when we can't do something, we have no concept of how and when and so we try to fit our finite mind around an infinite God. We can't do it.
But the Good News is - God CAN! And WILL And DOES!!! He is I AM. He is All in All. He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. He can see it all and be everywhere at once, even when we can't see Him. And He's always leading and guiding us on His path laid especially for us. He has the Master plan and there is no place we can go where He hasn't gone before us. He knows the way because He IS the Way.
Sometimes we feel as though we've been abandoned on a very troublesome journey. But the Truth is that will never happen. We get in trouble when we forget to let Him lead. His Word tells us in Psalm 32:7-10, For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord."
Unfailing love... Lead on, Father.
Prayer:
Father,
Your ways are not our ways. Your thoughts are not our thoughts and yet You invite us to come up higher - to follow Your lead. And the Truth is no matter where we are, You will lead us up, out, over... no matter the direction needed. You well know it. Lead on, Father. Walk slow enough that we don't lose sight of You. Lord, but don't let us dawdle. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 139:7-10 NKJV
Can you lead and guide someone to a place you've never been? Or on a trail you've never walked? How likely are you to allow someone to lead you who doesn't know the dangerous terrain? Can you help anyone through with confidence and conviction in something you've never experienced? Can you watch over your family, friends or children no matter where they are or where you are? Of course not. Don't fret. It just means WE are not God. Often, when we can't do something, we have no concept of how and when and so we try to fit our finite mind around an infinite God. We can't do it.
But the Good News is - God CAN! And WILL And DOES!!! He is I AM. He is All in All. He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. He can see it all and be everywhere at once, even when we can't see Him. And He's always leading and guiding us on His path laid especially for us. He has the Master plan and there is no place we can go where He hasn't gone before us. He knows the way because He IS the Way.
Sometimes we feel as though we've been abandoned on a very troublesome journey. But the Truth is that will never happen. We get in trouble when we forget to let Him lead. His Word tells us in Psalm 32:7-10, For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord."
Unfailing love... Lead on, Father.
Prayer:
Father,
Your ways are not our ways. Your thoughts are not our thoughts and yet You invite us to come up higher - to follow Your lead. And the Truth is no matter where we are, You will lead us up, out, over... no matter the direction needed. You well know it. Lead on, Father. Walk slow enough that we don't lose sight of You. Lord, but don't let us dawdle. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 5, 2018
It's the Law
Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
1st Corinthians 3:8 NKJV
Sometimes, my designated time with the Lord is a battle of just trying to stay focused. The enemy of my soul likes to try to discourage me in that.
"You call yourself a Christian, you can't even stay focused."
"How many times are you going to read that before you get it? Why bother?"
"If you really loved God, you wouldn't have these issues."
I have learned to stop and redirect my thoughts.
"Father, I am Your child. I am here to pay attention to YOUR Word. Help me."
"Father, As many times as it takes."
"Father, I know You really love me. Teach me how to really love You. I want to love You more."
We know that what we harvest depends on what seeds were planted. We know about bad seed, no seed, etc. What I feel I re-learned this morning is that the crops may be different - bumper, buffer, cover - but there will ALWAYS be a harvest time. Even if I sit in my quiet time and only plant ONE good seed. That seed will produce. And if I do the same thing the next day, that is another good seed that will produce. God shall supply all our needs. You get the picture.
In 2nd Corinthians 9:10-11, we read, Now he [God] who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Galatians 6:9 NKJV, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. There are no instant harvests, but it's the law of sowing and reaping. Rest assured, the harvest WILL come.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for all the answers that You provide in it. Thank You for loving us and multiplying Yourself to us in so many ways! We know Your seeds are always good and will always produce. We pray for a bumper crop, Father, in Jesus' Name. Amen
1st Corinthians 3:8 NKJV
Sometimes, my designated time with the Lord is a battle of just trying to stay focused. The enemy of my soul likes to try to discourage me in that.
"You call yourself a Christian, you can't even stay focused."
"How many times are you going to read that before you get it? Why bother?"
"If you really loved God, you wouldn't have these issues."
I have learned to stop and redirect my thoughts.
"Father, I am Your child. I am here to pay attention to YOUR Word. Help me."
"Father, As many times as it takes."
"Father, I know You really love me. Teach me how to really love You. I want to love You more."
We know that what we harvest depends on what seeds were planted. We know about bad seed, no seed, etc. What I feel I re-learned this morning is that the crops may be different - bumper, buffer, cover - but there will ALWAYS be a harvest time. Even if I sit in my quiet time and only plant ONE good seed. That seed will produce. And if I do the same thing the next day, that is another good seed that will produce. God shall supply all our needs. You get the picture.
In 2nd Corinthians 9:10-11, we read, Now he [God] who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Galatians 6:9 NKJV, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. There are no instant harvests, but it's the law of sowing and reaping. Rest assured, the harvest WILL come.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for all the answers that You provide in it. Thank You for loving us and multiplying Yourself to us in so many ways! We know Your seeds are always good and will always produce. We pray for a bumper crop, Father, in Jesus' Name. Amen
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Never
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
Luke 18:1 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 NLT
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Luke 18:1 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 NLT
Never stop praying.
1st Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
1st Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
We're told to pray. To pray without ceasing. And Jesus said to never give up. Paul writing to the Philippians in 4:6, Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Don't give up if it doesn't happen immediately. Don't lose faith. It may take a little while longer for those seeds of faith to germinate, to grow and be watered, and to generate a harvest.
Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep believing! If an unjust judge can grant a petition (Luke 8:1-8), you know our God can and will. When do you stop? Never!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for all You have done. Thank You for all you are doing, and all You are going to do. We shall never cease to praise Your Name and to seek Your face. By Your grace, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 3, 2018
A Good Reminder Psalm 27
An
Exuberant Declaration of Faith
A Psalm of
David.
27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
4 One thing I have
desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with
my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Friday, March 2, 2018
A Clean Sweep
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV
Some days I just want to hear God and only what He has to say. No one else. No he-said-she-said. Do you ever have days like that? Let me encourage you from the Word.
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word.
Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That's why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants..., drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
From 'What a God... all the way to ...mature and whole in God,' you've read 1st Peter 1:3-9,13-25, 1st Peter 2:1-3, from The Message Bible. This is just a reminder from God's Word to wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He will strengthen you...
Prayer:
Father,
Thanks for writing it down for us so that when we forget or get busy or get distracted, we can always go to Your Word and be reminded of what You did for us; where You brought us from, what You are doing in our lives today, and what our future is in You. Keep us focused, Father, and in Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV
Some days I just want to hear God and only what He has to say. No one else. No he-said-she-said. Do you ever have days like that? Let me encourage you from the Word.
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word.
Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That's why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants..., drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
From 'What a God... all the way to ...mature and whole in God,' you've read 1st Peter 1:3-9,13-25, 1st Peter 2:1-3, from The Message Bible. This is just a reminder from God's Word to wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He will strengthen you...
Prayer:
Father,
Thanks for writing it down for us so that when we forget or get busy or get distracted, we can always go to Your Word and be reminded of what You did for us; where You brought us from, what You are doing in our lives today, and what our future is in You. Keep us focused, Father, and in Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
To Do the Needful
And Jesus answered and said unto her, “Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42 21st Century KJV
Like many global corporations, our company has farmed out our IT department and English is not the native language of the Call Center or the Help Desk. When we receive an open service ticket for whatever the request, it usually closes with the sentence, "Your ticket has been submitted to (the proper department) to do the needful." Based on results or lack thereof, I'm not always certain they have correctly assessed what truly is the needful.
However, Jesus ALWAYS correctly assesses every situation and knows exactly what is the needful. It's being in His presence. Spending time with Him. Seeking. Listening. Learning. Have we "chosen that good part" to do the needful? The More I Seek You
Prayer:
Father,
We want the relationship You have planned for us. We know that we are not fully alive without You and we are tired of being half-dead. Teach us, O God, how to seek Your face according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)