What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds.
Matthew 13:3-7
We've talked before about bad seed and weeds and how they'll grow anywhere; no preparation is needed. However, to grow the good seeds, there is much to be done. And every one who has ever tried to plant and grow anything said, Amen.
Everything is affected when there's no rain. Have you ever stood on a soccer field or baseball diamond in the middle of a drought? The earth is so parched for water that there are splits in the ground - splits wide enough to cause the players to be in danger by losing their footing, spraining or breaking an ankle - or worse - depending on how they are running and how they fall.
Drought is costly in ways that some don't even recognize. There are all the obvious ways - crop failure causing produce prices to increase and the quality to decrease. And unless you're willing to have scrub brush and weed as your landscaping efforts, you have to water, so the utility bill increases. When the drought is so bad, the authorities issue a ban on watering non-essentials, then flowers and flower beds die and sometimes even the grass dies. Those who live in perpetually dry areas circumvent the lack of water by landscaping with rock.
And then there are the wildfires like California is experiencing - and the firefighters who wage the battle in overwhelming odds, sometimes paying the ultimate price - their lives. Not to mention the cost of thousands of burned acres of trees and foliage which in turn, affects the air quality; both in ash and the decreased ability to naturally clean the air.
How dry and thirsty are we? Are we being replenished and held together by the water of the Word? Are we actively seeking God so that He will rain down His righteousness on us and quench the thirsting of souls? Or are we poster children for the drought? Are the blossoms of love and forgiveness in our lives being choked out by the weeds of bitterness we've allowed to take root? Do we think we can hide the gaping tears in our hearts by covering them with stones, giving the facade of being well-kept and attractive, when there's no life in them? We can't even walk safely on rocks, let alone run the race to which we've been called.
Are the fires in our lives fires from God or from the LACK of Him? How do we know the difference? Well, what difference does it make? Fire burns! There is a BIG difference. Godly fire burns away the chaff - the dross in our lives - WITHOUT destroying what is good. Left unchecked, fires destroy completely... unless of course, you are surrounded by water...Living Water (John 4).
How dry and thirsty are you? I know where there is living water to be found.
Prayer:
Father,
Your Son declared His Truth to us - “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” As we immerse ourselves in Your Word, Lord, cause our hearts and minds to be flooded with Your Truths. Make us to be the trees planted by the waters that are not moved by the spiritual and physical drought conditions around us. Let us produce Your fruit in our lives to feed those around us, drawing from Your well of living waters. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Monday, July 30, 2018
The Royals
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
2nd Corinthians 6:16a NIV
There's been lots of news coverage this year on the Royal Family of England. Most people are at least vaguely aware that there is a certain protocol to be followed when meeting a member of any royal family. You may not know the list of all the do's and don'ts, but somewhere in the back of your mind, you acknowledge at least that there IS one. You may be uncertain whether you should bow (or curtsy), but you definitely would not spit in your palm and bellow, "Put 'er there, chum!" And most would not shriek or yell a prolonged, "Helloooooooooooooooooooooo" while standing in the throne room just to see if it would echo...and for how long. (Yes, I know a few who might, but I said 'most'). At any rate, you understand the point I'm making.
There are things you would do and things you would definitely not do. You're not going to bring cow pies in for coasters or dumpsters in for toy chests or storage cupboards. You're not going to offer bags of trash for soup ingredients. And if you were a silent observer in the throne room, it would be very easy to tell who took the time to learn and then follow protocol.
It's the same with our Christianity. If we're reading the Book, we know the rules. And those who are watching us, should be able to see AND hear that there is something different about us... isn't there?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your Word and our hearts to know what You would have us do. Help us to be a TRUE witness for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Corinthians 6:16a NIV
There's been lots of news coverage this year on the Royal Family of England. Most people are at least vaguely aware that there is a certain protocol to be followed when meeting a member of any royal family. You may not know the list of all the do's and don'ts, but somewhere in the back of your mind, you acknowledge at least that there IS one. You may be uncertain whether you should bow (or curtsy), but you definitely would not spit in your palm and bellow, "Put 'er there, chum!" And most would not shriek or yell a prolonged, "Helloooooooooooooooooooooo" while standing in the throne room just to see if it would echo...and for how long. (Yes, I know a few who might, but I said 'most'). At any rate, you understand the point I'm making.
There are things you would do and things you would definitely not do. You're not going to bring cow pies in for coasters or dumpsters in for toy chests or storage cupboards. You're not going to offer bags of trash for soup ingredients. And if you were a silent observer in the throne room, it would be very easy to tell who took the time to learn and then follow protocol.
It's the same with our Christianity. If we're reading the Book, we know the rules. And those who are watching us, should be able to see AND hear that there is something different about us... isn't there?
Prayer:
Father,
Open our eyes to see Your Word and our hearts to know what You would have us do. Help us to be a TRUE witness for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Not Without Effect
But by the [remarkable] grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect.
1st Corinthians 15:10a AMP
Sometimes, life can be so great! Weddings and birthdays and celebrations of milestones in life are all wonderful, joyous events. Stressful, now and then, but still wonderful. However, sometimes the perceived demands of life can be overwhelming. The stresses of responsibilities, our jobs, what's going on in the world itself. All of these things affect us one way or another.
As mere humans, when it's a negative effect, we lean toward buckling down, pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps, mustering up enough strength, trying to muscle our way through. Often, trying it in our own strength, we find we are not very successful.
As Christians, we should turn to the only Truth we have - God's Word - where we are promised that His grace is sufficient for all we face (2nd Corinthians 12:9). And we are assured in Hebrews 5:15-16, that Jesus, This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most [emphasis mine].
John 1:16 tells us, Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given [emphasis mine]. His never-ending grace, an endless supply, grace upon grace so that we are able to love and forgive, to persevere, to serve, to be victorious overcomers... not in our own strength, but only by His grace.
Prayer:
Father,
It is Your amazing, remarkable Grace that saves us from the wrecked and wretched ways of the world! We are so grateful for the efficacy of Your Grace to us and through us to overcome sin. Thank You, Father, that it is not without effect. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 15:10a AMP
Sometimes, life can be so great! Weddings and birthdays and celebrations of milestones in life are all wonderful, joyous events. Stressful, now and then, but still wonderful. However, sometimes the perceived demands of life can be overwhelming. The stresses of responsibilities, our jobs, what's going on in the world itself. All of these things affect us one way or another.
As mere humans, when it's a negative effect, we lean toward buckling down, pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps, mustering up enough strength, trying to muscle our way through. Often, trying it in our own strength, we find we are not very successful.
As Christians, we should turn to the only Truth we have - God's Word - where we are promised that His grace is sufficient for all we face (2nd Corinthians 12:9). And we are assured in Hebrews 5:15-16, that Jesus, This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most [emphasis mine].
John 1:16 tells us, Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given [emphasis mine]. His never-ending grace, an endless supply, grace upon grace so that we are able to love and forgive, to persevere, to serve, to be victorious overcomers... not in our own strength, but only by His grace.
Prayer:
Father,
It is Your amazing, remarkable Grace that saves us from the wrecked and wretched ways of the world! We are so grateful for the efficacy of Your Grace to us and through us to overcome sin. Thank You, Father, that it is not without effect. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Giving Thanks In Those Times of Life
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1st Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Yesterday, I mentioned watching The Hiding Place again. I bring it up today, because the very first time I watched it, I was not actively pursuing a relationship with Christ, yet it made such an impact and had a great influence on my future walk with God.
1st Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
Yesterday, I mentioned watching The Hiding Place again. I bring it up today, because the very first time I watched it, I was not actively pursuing a relationship with Christ, yet it made such an impact and had a great influence on my future walk with God.
I remember the scene of the two sisters talking about our Promise for Today - being thankful in all things - and the one declaring she would not be thankful for the lice in their bed in the death camp - only to find out shortly after her declaration that the reason the female prisoners in their particular building were not accosted was because the guards were afraid of getting lice, too. For weeks, I remember thinking about being thankful IN all things... It began a life-long journey of learning to make that choice even in the worst of times.
I believe if we choose to give thanks in all circumstances, it allows God to take it, anoint it and pour it out, causing seeds of beauty and grace to bloom a little further down the road. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, after much prayer, my bottom-line decision was to journal about it in the hope of helping someone else along the way. And there have been several that page* has helped. In fact, just this week, while promoting a blood drive in our office complex, someone responded as a first-time donor and mentioned it was because her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. An opened door. An opportunity to show love. And the exciting part to me is this woman does not YET have a relationship with the Lord. I asked if she and her mother had a support system - neighbors, church family, etc. Her mother had joined a church recently, and she is now thinking about it...
Giving thanks IN all things - an eternal, life-changing opportunity - because I've been there. I again proclaim Psalm 118:17 KJV, I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
I believe if we choose to give thanks in all circumstances, it allows God to take it, anoint it and pour it out, causing seeds of beauty and grace to bloom a little further down the road. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, after much prayer, my bottom-line decision was to journal about it in the hope of helping someone else along the way. And there have been several that page* has helped. In fact, just this week, while promoting a blood drive in our office complex, someone responded as a first-time donor and mentioned it was because her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. An opened door. An opportunity to show love. And the exciting part to me is this woman does not YET have a relationship with the Lord. I asked if she and her mother had a support system - neighbors, church family, etc. Her mother had joined a church recently, and she is now thinking about it...
Giving thanks IN all things - an eternal, life-changing opportunity - because I've been there. I again proclaim Psalm 118:17 KJV, I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your perfect love and perfect plan for our lives. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your perfect orchestration of intersected lives. You are so good! Keep us ever mindful to have grateful hearts, O God. Use us for Your glory - In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.*(https://www.facebook.com/dontbesuchaboob/)
Friday, July 27, 2018
Because We Were There
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 32:7 NKJV
This afternoon, I watched again The Hiding Place - the story of the ten Boom family as told by Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom. There are many things that amaze me about this testimony of their lives, but I rejoice that the Holy Spirit reveals more Truth each time I watch it (which isn't often, because I cannot bear to dwell on the horrors that people without Christ are able to inflict upon other humans).
Today, I realized on a whole new level that the true hiding place was not the home where the ten Booms hid and helped hundreds of Jews to escape. It started way before that! One cannot face such atrocities and live to testify and teach of God's love and forgiveness unless one is living God's Word. The truest Hiding Place is the triune Godhead where the ten Boom family had already hidden their hearts and lives with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3 NKJV, Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Psalm 119:11 NKJV, Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Betsie ten Boom said to her sister and then made Corrie promise to tell the world,
Where have you been that God has kept you? Tell it! They will believe you because you've been there...
Corrie closed the film with this quote, "With Jesus - even in our darkest moments - the best remains, and the very best is yet to be!" Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see Your hand in all things. Help us to see as Corrie saw that "This is what the past is for! Every experience [You] give us, every person [You] put in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only [You] can see." May our lives be lived to Your perfection! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 32:7 NKJV
This afternoon, I watched again The Hiding Place - the story of the ten Boom family as told by Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom. There are many things that amaze me about this testimony of their lives, but I rejoice that the Holy Spirit reveals more Truth each time I watch it (which isn't often, because I cannot bear to dwell on the horrors that people without Christ are able to inflict upon other humans).
Today, I realized on a whole new level that the true hiding place was not the home where the ten Booms hid and helped hundreds of Jews to escape. It started way before that! One cannot face such atrocities and live to testify and teach of God's love and forgiveness unless one is living God's Word. The truest Hiding Place is the triune Godhead where the ten Boom family had already hidden their hearts and lives with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3 NKJV, Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Psalm 119:11 NKJV, Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Betsie ten Boom said to her sister and then made Corrie promise to tell the world,
"No pit is so deep that He [God] is not deeper still. They will believe us because we were here (in Ravensbrück Death Camp)."It is in the darkest places that the Light of God shines brightest. The Light of His love HAS overcome... It will for you, too, if you choose to let it. If you struggle to forgive, inhale His Word and breathe out His love.
Where have you been that God has kept you? Tell it! They will believe you because you've been there...
Corrie closed the film with this quote, "With Jesus - even in our darkest moments - the best remains, and the very best is yet to be!" Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see Your hand in all things. Help us to see as Corrie saw that "This is what the past is for! Every experience [You] give us, every person [You] put in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only [You] can see." May our lives be lived to Your perfection! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, July 26, 2018
No One
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 NKJV
For a couple days now, I've been "chewing on" something I read. It's rich. It's deep. It's more than we could ask or think... sometimes more than we can grasp; however, absolutely profound, if we could but understand it. I'm talking about the grace of God. So every time I find a written expression of it that opens my understanding in a new way, I'm going to share it. The following excerpts come from the book, Grace >> More Than We Deserve | Greater Than We Imagine.
...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. His death on the Cross. His burial. His resurrection. All to give us a new chance at life. The author goes on to ask,
John 1:17 NKJV
For a couple days now, I've been "chewing on" something I read. It's rich. It's deep. It's more than we could ask or think... sometimes more than we can grasp; however, absolutely profound, if we could but understand it. I'm talking about the grace of God. So every time I find a written expression of it that opens my understanding in a new way, I'm going to share it. The following excerpts come from the book, Grace >> More Than We Deserve | Greater Than We Imagine.
Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? ... Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
When grace happens, we receive not a nice compliment from God but a new heart... "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you" (Ezekiel 36:26).The author then goes on to tell the heart-wrenching story of a young teenage girl who died in a skiing accident. The parents decided to donate her organs and another young girl received the heart, giving the second child a new chance at life. The first mother had one request - to hear the "still-beating heart" of her daughter...
...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. His death on the Cross. His burial. His resurrection. All to give us a new chance at life. The author goes on to ask,
And when God hears your heart, does He not hear the still-beating heart of His Son? As Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).Romans 8:33-34 New Century Version (NCV), Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one, because God is the One who makes them right. Who can say God’s people are guilty? No one, because Christ Jesus died, but he was also raised from the dead, and now he is on God’s right side, appealing to God for us.
Who can undo what Christ has done for us through His death, burial and resurrection? No one.
Prayer:
Father,
Cause Your Word to come alive in us. Open our eyes of understanding to know Your Truth and change our hearts to be able to receive this precious gift of Grace, so that according to Your Word, we can come near to You with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Doing It the Hard Way
This is what the Almighty Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
You can be saved by returning to me. You can have rest. You can be strong by being quiet and by trusting me. But you don’t want that.
Isaiah 30:15 GWT
I hear people all the time saying, "I'm tired of fighting for everything. I just want to rest a while." Why is it we cannot believe we are able to obtain that rest by returning to God? Why is it we struggle so with being quiet and trusting Him? Why is it we choose to do things the hard way? Why do we insist on making life harder than what it is or needs to be?
We don't want to give up our "rights." We want to do what we want to do - when, where, how, and with whom we want to do it. We yell loud and long that we want to be free, but the only way to be truly free is through Christ.
We must realize that none of this Good News - God's salvation plan with its grace and mercy - none of it is because of anything we have done or ever could do! True confidence and hope are only in Christ and what He did for us at Calvary, not in or because of anything we've done ...even though we so desperately WANT to do something to earn it.
A little further in the same chapter, verse 18 reads, The Lord is waiting to be kind to you. He rises to have compassion on you. The Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.
Can we believe that He is waiting to be kind to us or will we continue in our own way - the hard way?
Prayer:
Father,
Please forgive us for always trying to do things in our own strength. Give us wisdom and understanding to be able to grasp the Truth of grace, mercy, and Your forgiveness. We want to rest - in You. We want to be strong by being quiet and trusting You. Teach us how, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, July 20, 2018
One of my favorites...
It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.
Matthew 12:34b-37 The Message
You know it's easier to clean when you don't drop stuff all over the place. You might be thinking to yourself, 'What does that have to do with our text for today?' Well, lots actually, depending on who you are.
Have you ever been flippant with someone in spite of the fact that you knew you should have kept your mouth shut? I hate it when that happens! No sooner than the words leave our mouth and in our mind we can almost hear the imaginary PA system blaring, "Clean up in Aisle 6. Bring the bucket."
Tonight, as I sat here reflecting on the day, I got a mental picture of all my words in a day being gathered in a huge bowl and offered up to the Lord. What will be His reaction? Will He breathe deeply of the beautiful essence of love and care, encouragement and edification, hope and life contained in my spoken words? Or will He gag and hold His nose, turning away from the stench of hurt and hate, discouragement and insult, despair and death?
Words are powerful; take them seriously.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word in Psalm 19:14, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 12:34b-37 The Message
You know it's easier to clean when you don't drop stuff all over the place. You might be thinking to yourself, 'What does that have to do with our text for today?' Well, lots actually, depending on who you are.
Have you ever been flippant with someone in spite of the fact that you knew you should have kept your mouth shut? I hate it when that happens! No sooner than the words leave our mouth and in our mind we can almost hear the imaginary PA system blaring, "Clean up in Aisle 6. Bring the bucket."
Tonight, as I sat here reflecting on the day, I got a mental picture of all my words in a day being gathered in a huge bowl and offered up to the Lord. What will be His reaction? Will He breathe deeply of the beautiful essence of love and care, encouragement and edification, hope and life contained in my spoken words? Or will He gag and hold His nose, turning away from the stench of hurt and hate, discouragement and insult, despair and death?
Words are powerful; take them seriously.
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word in Psalm 19:14, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, July 19, 2018
I Needed the Reminder...
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV
I think I have reached the limit of my personal gigabyte storage capacity. No, not on my laptop, although that's close. I'm talking mental personal storage capacity. I want to remember, but for some reason, I do not. It can be a good thing. Most times, I don't remember to be angry or to hold an offense. More often than not, though, it isn't a good thing. If I don't write it down, I forget. And if I forget where I wrote it down, or what I named it when I saved it, it's worse than "Where's Waldo?" in trying to find it. And there are things I don't want to forget - like birthdays, checking on a friend who's sick or who has lost a loved one...
There are other things, I MUST not forget. Have you seen the movie, Passion of the Christ? I own it, but I don't watch it all the time. No, it's not one of my favorite movies, but I make myself watch it now and then, so I remember. No, I don't forget Christ went to the Cross. I can't forget that He died for my sin, to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Yes, I still know He took the stripes on His back for my healing. To be honest with you, I hate watching that movie! It turns my stomach when I see how evil mankind can be and thoroughly sickens me when I think how easily I could have been part of that crowd.
However, I find I MUST be reminded one more time of a love SO great I cannot comprehend it! To my dismay, I hate to admit I can so easily get caught up in the petty cares of this world that I become complacent and lose my passion and compassion. I'm irked by little things and lose patience quickly with people God has put within my sphere of influence to love and point the way to Him. Some things if I were to tell you, you might say I have the right to be upset about, but as I watched the movie in horror - and amazement - Christ cries out from the Cross, Father, forgive them...
He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT
Remind me one more time, Lord.
Prayer:
Father,
The covenant You have made is to put Your law in our hearts, and to write them in our minds. Your Word declares You are working in us, giving us both the desire and the power to do what pleases You. Please don't stop. Remind us, O Lord, to love as You have loved. To live obediently even unto death. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV
I think I have reached the limit of my personal gigabyte storage capacity. No, not on my laptop, although that's close. I'm talking mental personal storage capacity. I want to remember, but for some reason, I do not. It can be a good thing. Most times, I don't remember to be angry or to hold an offense. More often than not, though, it isn't a good thing. If I don't write it down, I forget. And if I forget where I wrote it down, or what I named it when I saved it, it's worse than "Where's Waldo?" in trying to find it. And there are things I don't want to forget - like birthdays, checking on a friend who's sick or who has lost a loved one...
There are other things, I MUST not forget. Have you seen the movie, Passion of the Christ? I own it, but I don't watch it all the time. No, it's not one of my favorite movies, but I make myself watch it now and then, so I remember. No, I don't forget Christ went to the Cross. I can't forget that He died for my sin, to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Yes, I still know He took the stripes on His back for my healing. To be honest with you, I hate watching that movie! It turns my stomach when I see how evil mankind can be and thoroughly sickens me when I think how easily I could have been part of that crowd.
However, I find I MUST be reminded one more time of a love SO great I cannot comprehend it! To my dismay, I hate to admit I can so easily get caught up in the petty cares of this world that I become complacent and lose my passion and compassion. I'm irked by little things and lose patience quickly with people God has put within my sphere of influence to love and point the way to Him. Some things if I were to tell you, you might say I have the right to be upset about, but as I watched the movie in horror - and amazement - Christ cries out from the Cross, Father, forgive them...
He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT
Remind me one more time, Lord.
Prayer:
Father,
The covenant You have made is to put Your law in our hearts, and to write them in our minds. Your Word declares You are working in us, giving us both the desire and the power to do what pleases You. Please don't stop. Remind us, O Lord, to love as You have loved. To live obediently even unto death. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Becoming Better
Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Colossians 3:5c-10 NLT
Colossians 3:5c-10 NLT
Thirty days to a new you! It sounds good, doesn’t it? The world touts all kinds of epithets for being a better you, becoming a better you, to be the best you that you can be!
The concept appears to align with Scriptural references of becoming a new creation, and some have even alluded to it, and lots of Christians get pulled into that erroneous mindset. You see, the actual Scripture reference is In Christ, we are new creations, not in ourselves. The world leaves Christ out of it and yet, He is the only way.
According to our Promise for today, Put on your new nature, and be renewed...
When? ...as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
As Alan Neel proclaimed a few years back, “He's not changing me to be a better ME – He is changing me to become more like Him.” Let it be so, Lord!
Prayer:
Father,
Change our hearts, O God, may we be more like You. Develop Christ-like character within us that will shine like a beacon from within to a lost and dying world. When they look at us, let them see You in us and be drawn to Your saving Grace. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
The concept appears to align with Scriptural references of becoming a new creation, and some have even alluded to it, and lots of Christians get pulled into that erroneous mindset. You see, the actual Scripture reference is In Christ, we are new creations, not in ourselves. The world leaves Christ out of it and yet, He is the only way.
According to our Promise for today, Put on your new nature, and be renewed...
When? ...as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
As Alan Neel proclaimed a few years back, “He's not changing me to be a better ME – He is changing me to become more like Him.” Let it be so, Lord!
Prayer:
Father,
Change our hearts, O God, may we be more like You. Develop Christ-like character within us that will shine like a beacon from within to a lost and dying world. When they look at us, let them see You in us and be drawn to Your saving Grace. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Monday, July 16, 2018
Pleasing
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV
It's in our nature to want to be recognized for doing well. That being said, there are all sorts of awards and recognitions and raises that go along with doing well as adults. We just need to be very careful about whom we're trying to please. And I think we have to be more careful about what motivates us to do well or to be pleasing. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1 to not grandstand with our good deeds.
I remember well the days of,
Prayer:
Father,
Often times, we work so hard to do life well. Day after day, trying to go the extra mile, many times for those who don't even understand or appreciate the extra time or effort. Father, give us a heart check up. Shine Your Light of Truth on any area that is motivated by anything other than wanting to please You. Lord, when the time comes, we want to hear You say, Well done! Come on in! In Jesus' Name we pray.
Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV
It's in our nature to want to be recognized for doing well. That being said, there are all sorts of awards and recognitions and raises that go along with doing well as adults. We just need to be very careful about whom we're trying to please. And I think we have to be more careful about what motivates us to do well or to be pleasing. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1 to not grandstand with our good deeds.
I remember well the days of,
Mom, look!Children love to impress their parents. So, what is our motivation? Is it,
Mom, watch me!
Mom, did you see me?
Mom, how's this?
Father, look!I'm waiting for The Day - I just want to hear my Father say, Well done!
Father, watch me!
Father, did You see me?
Father, how's this?
Prayer:
Father,
Often times, we work so hard to do life well. Day after day, trying to go the extra mile, many times for those who don't even understand or appreciate the extra time or effort. Father, give us a heart check up. Shine Your Light of Truth on any area that is motivated by anything other than wanting to please You. Lord, when the time comes, we want to hear You say, Well done! Come on in! In Jesus' Name we pray.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
*You Did This?
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13 NIV
A little of this, a LOT of that, and some of this, a little more of the other, throw in a breath and voila! There you are. God made you. He designed who you would look like. He laid the groundwork for your personality. He formed you - gave you all the parts you would need - lined up your days and set it all in motion. Verse 16 says all my days were ordained before one of them even came to be. There are days that thought is a cause for tremendous celebration. There are other days when it's not exactly a warm fuzzy.
Keeping in mind that God's ways are NOT our ways and His thoughts are NOT our thoughts, perhaps we should try to shed a little light on some things. Let's see if it will give us a new way of thinking and an opportunity to give God praise in everything.
For instance -
That child is so strong-willed! Very trying for the one trying to raise the child - but if properly trained, a great leader!
You have the audacity to speak like that? Properly trained, raised in Christ - able to speak before kings and leaders.
Why are you crying over that...? A tender heart, full of compassion.
You are SO bull-headed!! Properly trained - it's the ability to focus on a goal and get it done!
Does that make sense? Look for the good in how God has made you. Look for the strength and ability in it instead of what could be conceived as the downside to your attributes.
Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us, Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
It is beyond our finite minds to intelligently question an infinite God. You Did This? Oh, yes, You did! Thank you so much!
Prayer:
Father,
Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to see it and to give You praise because You did this. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Still Not Done (by request)
Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.”
But Jesus said, “You feed them.”
“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”
“How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.”
They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.
Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!
Mark 6:35-41 NLT
Has God ever done the impossible in your life? Has He done the proverbial Made a Way Where There was No Way? Has He ever used you to do or say something that you know - beyond the shadow of a doubt - that it was all God because it was beyond your ability or even your comprehension? It defies all logic. Well, He's not done yet.
Mark 6 is an amazing chapter. At the beginning of it, Jesus heads to His hometown, begins teaching in the synagogue in such a way that the people exclaim, Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? And only moments later, they reject Him because they can't see or believe through eyes of faith... but He wasn't done. He took it to village after village, teaching, healing.
He launched His disciples, sending them out on purpose without provision, and yet their needs were met and they accomplished what He sent them to do. When they returned, they were stoked! But He wasn't done.
Also in this chapter, we learn of John the Baptist's beheading - a tragic, horrible murder. It had already happened; Jesus knew about it, but it didn't stop Him because He wasn't done. Jesus wanted to take the boys and get away for a little while, but the crowds wouldn't stop, and because He had/has such great compassion, He stopped for them.
Then we come to our Promise text for today. The disciples - those He hand-picked - presume to tell Christ how to best care for the people. They present their most logical, well thought-out plan, but obviously, Jesus wasn't done yet.
You feed them, but the best they could come up with was logic.
We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!
Jesus doesn't fly by the seat of His pants. He doesn't get by by the skin of His teeth. He's not a fly-by-night operation. When will we realize that God has the plan? He's had it from the beginning. Even when there doesn't seem to be any way at all - the odds are too much against us. We can't feed them! What do you think the disciples were thinking? "There's over 5,000 men here, plus their families..." "Sure, I'll see if anyone brought anything..." "Here, 5 loaves and a couple of fish. What are You gonna do with that?" "There's no way to feed all these people - that's not enough for just us, let alone all of them." "I don't know what You're thinking..."
But Jesus said, “You feed them.”
“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”
“How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.”
They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.
Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!
Mark 6:35-41 NLT
Has God ever done the impossible in your life? Has He done the proverbial Made a Way Where There was No Way? Has He ever used you to do or say something that you know - beyond the shadow of a doubt - that it was all God because it was beyond your ability or even your comprehension? It defies all logic. Well, He's not done yet.
Mark 6 is an amazing chapter. At the beginning of it, Jesus heads to His hometown, begins teaching in the synagogue in such a way that the people exclaim, Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? And only moments later, they reject Him because they can't see or believe through eyes of faith... but He wasn't done. He took it to village after village, teaching, healing.
He launched His disciples, sending them out on purpose without provision, and yet their needs were met and they accomplished what He sent them to do. When they returned, they were stoked! But He wasn't done.
Also in this chapter, we learn of John the Baptist's beheading - a tragic, horrible murder. It had already happened; Jesus knew about it, but it didn't stop Him because He wasn't done. Jesus wanted to take the boys and get away for a little while, but the crowds wouldn't stop, and because He had/has such great compassion, He stopped for them.
Then we come to our Promise text for today. The disciples - those He hand-picked - presume to tell Christ how to best care for the people. They present their most logical, well thought-out plan, but obviously, Jesus wasn't done yet.
You feed them, but the best they could come up with was logic.
We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!
Jesus doesn't fly by the seat of His pants. He doesn't get by by the skin of His teeth. He's not a fly-by-night operation. When will we realize that God has the plan? He's had it from the beginning. Even when there doesn't seem to be any way at all - the odds are too much against us. We can't feed them! What do you think the disciples were thinking? "There's over 5,000 men here, plus their families..." "Sure, I'll see if anyone brought anything..." "Here, 5 loaves and a couple of fish. What are You gonna do with that?" "There's no way to feed all these people - that's not enough for just us, let alone all of them." "I don't know what You're thinking..."
He took it, blessed it and broke it. And with those little bits of broken pieces, He fed the multitudes until everyone had as much as they wanted. It was the first All-You-Can-Eat buffet... But He wasn't done. Scripture tells us, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish.
Recap: He told them to feed the people. They replied logically, 'We can't'. He showed them how it's done. And when He was done, they picked up 12 baskets of leftover bread and fish.
Recap: He told them to feed the people. They replied logically, 'We can't'. He showed them how it's done. And when He was done, they picked up 12 baskets of leftover bread and fish.
Hmmm... how many disciples were there?
You get the picture...
I was gonna end there, but I hear the ones making the statement about Judas Iscariot... He didn't hang around too much longer after this, so, I guess that leaves one basket. Any takers? We're not done...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the ability to think and reason. Forgive us when we use it to try to explain away Your sovereignty and majesty. Help us to realize and KNOW that whatever You've called us to do, wherever You've called us to be, You've made the provision. Let the measure of faith You have given us always override what we can see so that we can DO what You've told us to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
You get the picture...
I was gonna end there, but I hear the ones making the statement about Judas Iscariot... He didn't hang around too much longer after this, so, I guess that leaves one basket. Any takers? We're not done...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the ability to think and reason. Forgive us when we use it to try to explain away Your sovereignty and majesty. Help us to realize and KNOW that whatever You've called us to do, wherever You've called us to be, You've made the provision. Let the measure of faith You have given us always override what we can see so that we can DO what You've told us to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, July 13, 2018
Head to the Barn
The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”'
Matthew 13:24-30 NKJV
This parable of the wheat and tares is so rich! It has been taught and dissected from every angle, I'm sure, and this morning it hit me in light of how close this old world is to winding down.
Have you ever heard anyone say - at the close of a working day - "it's time to head to the barn"? It's a colloquialism meaning loosely, "I'm done - gonna put up my tools - I'm finished working for today." So, basically, I hear Jesus saying, "Let things ride for right now. We'll do the final separation of good and evil; the believers will be gathered into the barn for an eternity of celebration."
Where will you be when that day comes? By His grace, I'm headed to the barn.... Hope to see you there!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for all You do to keep us encouraged in following You. Continue to watch over us, and to open Your Word to our understanding. Give us wisdom, O God, along with clean hands and pure hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 13:24-30 NKJV
This parable of the wheat and tares is so rich! It has been taught and dissected from every angle, I'm sure, and this morning it hit me in light of how close this old world is to winding down.
Have you ever heard anyone say - at the close of a working day - "it's time to head to the barn"? It's a colloquialism meaning loosely, "I'm done - gonna put up my tools - I'm finished working for today." So, basically, I hear Jesus saying, "Let things ride for right now. We'll do the final separation of good and evil; the believers will be gathered into the barn for an eternity of celebration."
Where will you be when that day comes? By His grace, I'm headed to the barn.... Hope to see you there!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for all You do to keep us encouraged in following You. Continue to watch over us, and to open Your Word to our understanding. Give us wisdom, O God, along with clean hands and pure hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, July 12, 2018
The Wisdom of Old
Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old.
Job 8:8-10 NLT
One of my friends recently lost his uncle. This uncle was the last surviving member of the previous generation of his family. The mantle has now passed to my friend and his siblings and first cousins. They are now officially the older generation. The weight of the solemnity was palpable in the moment of that realization.
It is the same with the paternal side of my own family. My siblings and I are the older generation. We are the keepers of the history such as we know it. Recently, I was looking through old family pictures - trying to find pictures my daughter had requested of her dad who died in 2001. In the looking, I found pictures of family members on my mother's side who I have no idea who they are. There are no names on the pics, but i know they're family because our bloodline is strong and you can tell by looking. But as I went through those old pictures, I found myself wistful - wishing I had asked Mom this or Dad that.
Why didn't I take the time to ask? Too busy? Didn't seem important at the time? We think life goes on forever - and it does - but not the way we know it and soon we are left here with the not knowing. I have concerns that the next generation will know even less than we do about the family history because they're even busier than we were...
Job 8:8-10 NLT
One of my friends recently lost his uncle. This uncle was the last surviving member of the previous generation of his family. The mantle has now passed to my friend and his siblings and first cousins. They are now officially the older generation. The weight of the solemnity was palpable in the moment of that realization.
It is the same with the paternal side of my own family. My siblings and I are the older generation. We are the keepers of the history such as we know it. Recently, I was looking through old family pictures - trying to find pictures my daughter had requested of her dad who died in 2001. In the looking, I found pictures of family members on my mother's side who I have no idea who they are. There are no names on the pics, but i know they're family because our bloodline is strong and you can tell by looking. But as I went through those old pictures, I found myself wistful - wishing I had asked Mom this or Dad that.
Why didn't I take the time to ask? Too busy? Didn't seem important at the time? We think life goes on forever - and it does - but not the way we know it and soon we are left here with the not knowing. I have concerns that the next generation will know even less than we do about the family history because they're even busier than we were...
As sad as that can sound, it is worse that there is a large number of the next generation who know nothing about the history of being a follower of Christ.
We must teach them the wisdom of old. Just like Proverbs 16:31 states, The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, IF it is found in the way of righteousness. [emphasis mine]. We must teach them the wisdom of old.
Prayer:
Father,
Prepare the hearts and minds of the next generations to see and hear and learn of You. Birth in them a thirst to know more of You. Renew in us the vigor to teach them what is necessary for life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
We must teach them the wisdom of old. Just like Proverbs 16:31 states, The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, IF it is found in the way of righteousness. [emphasis mine]. We must teach them the wisdom of old.
Prayer:
Father,
Prepare the hearts and minds of the next generations to see and hear and learn of You. Birth in them a thirst to know more of You. Renew in us the vigor to teach them what is necessary for life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Showers of Blessings
I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing.
Ezekiel 34:26 NLT
Sometimes, we just have to stop and praise our God for who He is. Stop to acknowledge that without Him, we have nothing; we are nothing. He is the very air we breathe. Life without Him is no life at all.
Sometimes, in the middle of a life desert, it's our tears that water the dry ground. Then there are those times when He pours out His blessings and creates for us an oasis. A time of refreshing and restoration.
I love His showers of blessings. He is so faithful to send what we need in the proper season.
Prayer:
Father,
How can we ever thank You enough for pouring out on us exactly when we need it. Thank You for controlling the seasons of our lives and keeping us in check. We want to be where You want us to be, no matter where - no matter the season, as long as You are with us. According to Your Word, Father, we trust You to never leave us alone. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ezekiel 34:26 NLT
Sometimes, we just have to stop and praise our God for who He is. Stop to acknowledge that without Him, we have nothing; we are nothing. He is the very air we breathe. Life without Him is no life at all.
Sometimes, in the middle of a life desert, it's our tears that water the dry ground. Then there are those times when He pours out His blessings and creates for us an oasis. A time of refreshing and restoration.
I love His showers of blessings. He is so faithful to send what we need in the proper season.
Prayer:
Father,
How can we ever thank You enough for pouring out on us exactly when we need it. Thank You for controlling the seasons of our lives and keeping us in check. We want to be where You want us to be, no matter where - no matter the season, as long as You are with us. According to Your Word, Father, we trust You to never leave us alone. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Whole Lotta Shaking
[Jesus speaking] There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
Luke 21:25-26 NIV
There's unshakeable, there's shaken together and there's shaking with fear - all with different consequences. A vast majority is shaken with fear by the frenetic pace of changes taking place - in the world views and values, the political scene, and in the way history is being rewritten.
However, there is One who can never be shaken. Hebrews 12:26-28 tells us, When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakeable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
The Word of God tells us over and over, it's going to happen. The earth and heavens will be shaken. Only unshakeable things will remain. Jesus said it, too. The writer of Hebrews warns in 12:25, Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!
Jesus continued speaking, in Luke 12:27-28, At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
So what will you choose to be - unshakeable or shaking in your boots? Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1st Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word that clearly shows us how to become and how to remain unshakeable in our faith and trust in You. Give us Your strength and Your grace to be unswerving in our daily choices to follow in Your footsteps. You tell us in Mark 13:31, Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Help us to live by Your unshakeable Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Luke 21:25-26 NIV
There's unshakeable, there's shaken together and there's shaking with fear - all with different consequences. A vast majority is shaken with fear by the frenetic pace of changes taking place - in the world views and values, the political scene, and in the way history is being rewritten.
However, there is One who can never be shaken. Hebrews 12:26-28 tells us, When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakeable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
The Word of God tells us over and over, it's going to happen. The earth and heavens will be shaken. Only unshakeable things will remain. Jesus said it, too. The writer of Hebrews warns in 12:25, Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!
Jesus continued speaking, in Luke 12:27-28, At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
So what will you choose to be - unshakeable or shaking in your boots? Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1st Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word that clearly shows us how to become and how to remain unshakeable in our faith and trust in You. Give us Your strength and Your grace to be unswerving in our daily choices to follow in Your footsteps. You tell us in Mark 13:31, Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Help us to live by Your unshakeable Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, July 9, 2018
Sticking with It
But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.
Luke 8:15 The Message
Have you ever thought about a seed? I mean, since grade school when you put the lima bean in the plastic cup with the paper towel and kept it moist. However, thinking back on that, do you remember the wonder and amazement you felt watching it germinate and grow? And even though as a child, it seemed like it took forever, it really was only a few days.
Think about that for just a moment. In that one hard, dry bean - useless in that state, until water is added either to cook it or grow it - there is enough life to eventually produce a bumper crop if you were to stick with it. In one apple, there is an orchard. In a kernel of corn is the potential for acres and acres of golden tassels blowing in the breeze...
In the parable of the sower, the seed is sown everywhere. Everyone has the opportunity to reap a harvest from the seed given to them. But Jesus explains, The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved. The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone. And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun. (Luke 8:11-14 The Message)
15 But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.
Okay, let's think about one more thing. Our lives without Christ. Most of us were one hard, dry life - and useless - until the Living Water (Jesus) was added to it. Then slowly, but surely, we began to grow. He plants us where He wants us, where we're gonna get the most growth, the right temperature, the right light, the best environment... sometimes, He adds manure...not fun, but necessary for growth. If we seize the Word and hold on - No Matter What - and stick with it, there will be a harvest. A GREAT Harvest. Stick with it.
Prayer:
Father,
We don't always understand the process of growing, but we know that You are in control. You are the Creator of life and the Author and Finisher of our faith. You are the Alpha and the Omega, Beginning and the End. We figure You've got it covered and we choose to trust You. Help us to stick with it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Luke 8:15 The Message
Have you ever thought about a seed? I mean, since grade school when you put the lima bean in the plastic cup with the paper towel and kept it moist. However, thinking back on that, do you remember the wonder and amazement you felt watching it germinate and grow? And even though as a child, it seemed like it took forever, it really was only a few days.
Think about that for just a moment. In that one hard, dry bean - useless in that state, until water is added either to cook it or grow it - there is enough life to eventually produce a bumper crop if you were to stick with it. In one apple, there is an orchard. In a kernel of corn is the potential for acres and acres of golden tassels blowing in the breeze...
In the parable of the sower, the seed is sown everywhere. Everyone has the opportunity to reap a harvest from the seed given to them. But Jesus explains, The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved. The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone. And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun. (Luke 8:11-14 The Message)
15 But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.
Okay, let's think about one more thing. Our lives without Christ. Most of us were one hard, dry life - and useless - until the Living Water (Jesus) was added to it. Then slowly, but surely, we began to grow. He plants us where He wants us, where we're gonna get the most growth, the right temperature, the right light, the best environment... sometimes, He adds manure...not fun, but necessary for growth. If we seize the Word and hold on - No Matter What - and stick with it, there will be a harvest. A GREAT Harvest. Stick with it.
Prayer:
Father,
We don't always understand the process of growing, but we know that You are in control. You are the Creator of life and the Author and Finisher of our faith. You are the Alpha and the Omega, Beginning and the End. We figure You've got it covered and we choose to trust You. Help us to stick with it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Your Inheritance or Whose?
And it is impossible to please God without faith.
Hebrews 11:6a
I've been reading the account of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. It is an amazing story. One of the aspects that keeps leaping out is how many times God instructed Joshua and the people to be strong and of good courage; each time, assuring them that HE would go with them.
Hebrews 11:6a
I've been reading the account of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. It is an amazing story. One of the aspects that keeps leaping out is how many times God instructed Joshua and the people to be strong and of good courage; each time, assuring them that HE would go with them.
However, the people let their eyes dictate their future. They let the tangible define the intangible. They didn't believe God. They didn't use the measure of faith that God gives to each of us. As a result, their fear - their lack of faith - disqualified them from receiving their inheritance. It didn't change the promise God made to take the descendants into the Promised Land and give it to them, but it did change which generation inherited it.
In Deuteronomy 31:7, we read, Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. Joshua, whose faith never wavered. Joshua who came back from the first trip and reported that they were well able. Joshua who continued to believe in the face of great adversity beyond what we have ever faced. He and Caleb - Elders of the faith in more ways than one.
The odds you're facing today may be overwhelming. The circumstances may be more than you can bear...but you are not alone. Go back one verse and read Deuteronomy 31: verse 6... Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
In Deuteronomy 31:7, we read, Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. Joshua, whose faith never wavered. Joshua who came back from the first trip and reported that they were well able. Joshua who continued to believe in the face of great adversity beyond what we have ever faced. He and Caleb - Elders of the faith in more ways than one.
The odds you're facing today may be overwhelming. The circumstances may be more than you can bear...but you are not alone. Go back one verse and read Deuteronomy 31: verse 6... Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
What will you give for your inheritance?
Prayer:
Father,
We are so grateful for Your promise to go with us, to never leave us or forsake us. Thank You for the measure of faith You have provided. Help us to walk upright in it, strong and courageous. We want to please You in all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Prayer:
Father,
We are so grateful for Your promise to go with us, to never leave us or forsake us. Thank You for the measure of faith You have provided. Help us to walk upright in it, strong and courageous. We want to please You in all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Immutable
Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, 'Yahweh.' The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."
Exodus 34:5-6 NLT
I've heard it the last couple of days, several times actually. "He's been faithful before; He'll be faithful again." It just didn't set right. Couldn't quite put my finger on it...
Then I heard it again this morning. "He's been faithful before; He'll be faithful again." Insinuating what - that He's not faithful now? Today? Based on what - our feelings? Because we can't see whatever it is that we want or asked for?
The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS."
Unfailing faithfulness. His own Word. Immutable. Just a reminder...
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word - You are the same yesterday, today and forever! It is impossible for You to lie. It is impossible for You to fail. Therefore, it is impossible that You would be anything other than faithful, no matter what we see, hear, say, or do. You are a faithful God. And we praise You in it and trust Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Exodus 34:5-6 NLT
I've heard it the last couple of days, several times actually. "He's been faithful before; He'll be faithful again." It just didn't set right. Couldn't quite put my finger on it...
Then I heard it again this morning. "He's been faithful before; He'll be faithful again." Insinuating what - that He's not faithful now? Today? Based on what - our feelings? Because we can't see whatever it is that we want or asked for?
The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS."
Unfailing faithfulness. His own Word. Immutable. Just a reminder...
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word - You are the same yesterday, today and forever! It is impossible for You to lie. It is impossible for You to fail. Therefore, it is impossible that You would be anything other than faithful, no matter what we see, hear, say, or do. You are a faithful God. And we praise You in it and trust Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, July 6, 2018
Mnemonic... - By request
So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:16b-17 NKJV
The jewelry industry utilizes a mnemonic device (a word association to assist in remembering) called The Four C's to help people understand what is vital in grading a diamond - color, cut, clarity, and carat.
There are also Four C's that can help people to understand what is vital to being a believer. First, there is Christ, Himself. We must believe that He is the only begotten Son of God the Father. The second C is Calvary. We must believe that Christ went to the Cross at Calvary and paid our debt of sin with His shed blood. The third C is for Convert. There must be a conversion of our old lives. And fourth, Commitment. It's one thing to say it, it's a whole 'nother story to walk in commitment to following God's Holy Word.
Christ - Calvary - Conversion - Commitment
And for those, God makes US His jewels...Living that mnemonic will beat anything demonic every day of the week.
Prayer:
Father,
We want to be Your jewels. Help us to keep the Four C's in the forefront of our hearts and minds. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, July 5, 2018
The B Part - Guilt Be Gone
But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...
1st John 1:9a Common English Bible (CEB)
Guilty. NOBODY wants to feel guilty. It's a yucky feeling... as such, it's one of satan's greatest tools. We don't read our Bible - guilt.
1st John 1:9a Common English Bible (CEB)
Guilty. NOBODY wants to feel guilty. It's a yucky feeling... as such, it's one of satan's greatest tools. We don't read our Bible - guilt.
We don't give the offering to the missionary - guilt.
We don't make or take the phone call, too busy to write the email - guilt.
We do whatever it is that separates us from God - guilt.
Next thing you know, the relationship can be (and often is) damaged. We slip into avoidance (separation), skip church... why?
Because we feel guilty.
So we get miserable to the point that we go under or go with what we remember - If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins... but we still feel guilty.
Did you know there is another part to that verse? The whole verse is, But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. And why? Just so we can feel better? No, although that is part of it.
Hebrews 9:14, NIV tells us, How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! [emphasis mine] That's why He cleanses our consciences. So we can serve Him!
When we're wrapped up in our own unrighteousness, the guilt, shame and condemnation, there's no way we serve the living God! We may even be unwise enough to try to hide or maybe try to become Super Christian, trying to get to Heaven by our works. Do not be deceived. We cannot earn our salvation.
Jesus tells us plainly in John 14:6, NLT, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
There's only ONE way to God; through the Blood of Jesus that was shed to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. Our sins. AND to cleanse our consciences. One translation reads, purify our consciences. That's the B part - Guilt Be Gone.
Prayer:
Father,
Teach us to embrace Your Truth, Your whole Truth, and nothing but Your Truth. By the shed Blood of Jesus Christ to purify our consciences and to cleanse us from EVERYTHING we've done wrong. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
True Fire Works
Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.
Exodus 19:17-20a NLT
Americans love to celebrate July 4th - our nation's Independence Day. However, today in this part of Texas, we've experienced flash flooding. The good news is the weather has cleared up in time for the fireworks events.
Fireworks are the epitome of Ohhhhhh, shiny! and my family loves them! People the world over are fascinated by bright lights, big noise and smoke screens, but it has to be truly dark for the fireworks to be effective. The bigger - the better! The more - the merrier... but what a mess! Have you ever had to clean up after a fireworks event? Once the sizzle and pizzazz is over, and the smoke clears, all that's left is debris and lots of trash.
That's just one more thing I love about the Lord! When the darkness of this world is at its worst, our God is an all-consuming fire! When He comes down with Holy Ghost fire, He consumes all the debris, all the mess, but leaves that which has life in Him... In Him, there is the brightest Light, and big noise and smoke, but when His smoke clears, we have new life - made pure by His fire. Illuminated forever by His light.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your death-defying, sin-destroying, life-liberating fire in our lives. Consume us, O God, with Your fire. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Doing It All
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1st Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. The Message bible reads that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. Nothing. Being faithful - to God. To your wife/husband. To your children. To your employer. Changing diapers, dusting, or counting the offering. Whether you're parking cars, cleaning the potty, or preaching. Doing it all, we may wonder - "What am I doing here? Why am I doing this? Why is this my lot in life?"
Sometimes it's about poor life choices, but sometimes it's just about learning the life of Christ; developing His character in us. But ALWAYS, it's about finding Him in the moment. And doing it all for Him. In Ephesians 2:7-10, the Message bible reads, Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. Maybe it's not about the work. Maybe it's about the people or person we will meet and influence WHILE we're doing it all.
So, how DO we do it? Philippians 2:14-16, the Apostle Paul writing from prison to the church at Philippi, Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.
1st Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. The Message bible reads that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. Nothing. Being faithful - to God. To your wife/husband. To your children. To your employer. Changing diapers, dusting, or counting the offering. Whether you're parking cars, cleaning the potty, or preaching. Doing it all, we may wonder - "What am I doing here? Why am I doing this? Why is this my lot in life?"
Sometimes it's about poor life choices, but sometimes it's just about learning the life of Christ; developing His character in us. But ALWAYS, it's about finding Him in the moment. And doing it all for Him. In Ephesians 2:7-10, the Message bible reads, Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. Maybe it's not about the work. Maybe it's about the people or person we will meet and influence WHILE we're doing it all.
So, how DO we do it? Philippians 2:14-16, the Apostle Paul writing from prison to the church at Philippi, Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.
Doing it all through Christ who gives me strength, Philippians 4:13.
Colossians 3:15-17 instructs us to, Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Or as I learned it from the King James... whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to recognize and understand that You did not call us to do everything because we can't do everything. But You did call us and You did line out work that we are to do. And we're to do all that You've given us to do with the strength You provide us, with the wisdom You've given us and without murmuring and complaining. Help us to do it all in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Amen
Colossians 3:15-17 instructs us to, Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Or as I learned it from the King James... whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to recognize and understand that You did not call us to do everything because we can't do everything. But You did call us and You did line out work that we are to do. And we're to do all that You've given us to do with the strength You provide us, with the wisdom You've given us and without murmuring and complaining. Help us to do it all in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Amen
Monday, July 2, 2018
They'll Huff and They'll Puff
Some of you have become conceited and arrogant and pretentious, counting on my not coming to you. But I will come to you [and] shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will perceive and understand not what the talk of these puffed up and arrogant spirits amount to, but their force (the moral power and excellence of soul they really possess). For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul). Now which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of correction, or with love and in a spirit of gentleness?
1st Corinthians 4:18-21 The Amplified Bible
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. They've become quite the banty roosters - all caught up in factions and political parties and whose got what and how much of it he's got and he said-she said-they said. We've got these spiritual gifts - more than you have, etc. And thinking they're getting away with all of it. Say what they want. Act however they feel. Appointing themselves as leaders, answerable to no one for their action. You're not the boss of me... Huffing and puffing, talking it, but definitely not walking it.
The New Testament Church body. The first century church...And here we are - the TWENTY-first century church, and we can hear the same words of warning come out of the mouth of true Christian leadership in regard to Christ's return. There sure is a lot of huffing and puffing going on! And they don't want to hear the Truth and will be the first to tell you so.
Paul wrote later, in 2nd TImothy 4:2-5, to encourage Timothy and every church leader since then. Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.
In other words, just because they're huffing and puffing, doesn't mean we're grieving and leaving. Scripture tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. So if Christ is our foundation, our chief cornerstone, our home is secure. Huff and puff all you want - we're not moved.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for a firm foundation and steadfast soul to serve You. Help us to lean on You and not on our own understanding in these last days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 4:18-21 The Amplified Bible
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. They've become quite the banty roosters - all caught up in factions and political parties and whose got what and how much of it he's got and he said-she said-they said. We've got these spiritual gifts - more than you have, etc. And thinking they're getting away with all of it. Say what they want. Act however they feel. Appointing themselves as leaders, answerable to no one for their action. You're not the boss of me... Huffing and puffing, talking it, but definitely not walking it.
The New Testament Church body. The first century church...And here we are - the TWENTY-first century church, and we can hear the same words of warning come out of the mouth of true Christian leadership in regard to Christ's return. There sure is a lot of huffing and puffing going on! And they don't want to hear the Truth and will be the first to tell you so.
Paul wrote later, in 2nd TImothy 4:2-5, to encourage Timothy and every church leader since then. Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.
In other words, just because they're huffing and puffing, doesn't mean we're grieving and leaving. Scripture tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain. So if Christ is our foundation, our chief cornerstone, our home is secure. Huff and puff all you want - we're not moved.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for a firm foundation and steadfast soul to serve You. Help us to lean on You and not on our own understanding in these last days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, July 1, 2018
We Forget
Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?
Romans 9:20-21
We forget the part about being mere... Do we even truly comprehend Creator of the Universe - the most High God - even though throughout Scripture we are taught and reminded that God is God and we are not? Just as a reminder, have you read lately chapters 38-41 of the book of Job? God is not required to answer the why and the wherefores.
Romans 9:20-21
We forget the part about being mere... Do we even truly comprehend Creator of the Universe - the most High God - even though throughout Scripture we are taught and reminded that God is God and we are not? Just as a reminder, have you read lately chapters 38-41 of the book of Job? God is not required to answer the why and the wherefores.
Ephesians 1:4-5 reads, God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be His adopted children through Jesus Christ because of His love. This was according to His goodwill and plan... There's the Truth, God has had the plan since before the world was created. It is one of great love.
We don't always understand it because again, He tells us in His Word, For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
We don't always understand it because again, He tells us in His Word, For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
We don't understand it when loved ones die - when life goes completely opposite to what we had planned. When there seems to be no wrong-doing, and yet bad things still happen. Well, think about this. Abel had done no wrong, but Cain still murdered him. John had done no wrong, but he was still beheaded. Jesus never sinned, yet He was still crucified.
Billy Graham once wrote:
Father,
Help us to trust Your love, Your Sovereignty, Your plan even when we don't understand. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Billy Graham once wrote:
Don’t question God because you think He must be wrong; He isn’t. Instead, ask Him to help you to trust Him, even when you don’t understand. God loves you–if He didn’t, He wouldn’t have sent His Son into the world to die for you. But He did, and that makes all the difference.Prayer:
Father,
Help us to trust Your love, Your Sovereignty, Your plan even when we don't understand. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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