Dear Ones - I will be offline until Monday night. I am relocating and can't get the Internet connection set up until Monday. I hope you'll come back then. Have a great weekend!
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Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”
Exodus 24:3 NLT
They'd been freed from the slavery of Egypt. They'd been rescued from their enemies at the Red Sea. They'd been saved from hunger by food that fell from Heaven, and from dying of thirst by water pouring out of a rock. They were kept warm by fire at night and shaded from the desert sun with the cloud by day. God was making EVERY provision for them, despite their whining and complaining...
Finally, FINALLY, they respond in one voice, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded." Music to God's ears, I'm sure. Moses carefully writes it all down and reads it to them the very next morning and they respond the same way, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”
Then God tells Moses to come on up so He can give Moses the explicit instructions about His plan and how it's to be done. And in about a month and a half - 47 days - the people forget all about their escape from Egypt, and walking through the Red Sea on dry land, and the Book of the Covenant and their response; “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” They want something hands-on to satisfy their immediate desires and Moses' brother, Aaron, their spiritual leader, goes along with THEIR plan, and then tries to combine their idol worship with a festival to the Lord. Unbelievable... or is it?
God provides for us on a daily basis. And it's all well and good while we're seeing His active intervention in our lives, but what about when we are waiting for an answer or an instruction for what to do next? His Word instructs us to wait, to listen and to obey. Do we? Or do we go with what WE think will work and then try to incorporate that (our will) into what should be His worship, His way? Unbelievable... or is it? If we stop looking at what we can't do, what we don't have, we might be able to see what we CAN do through Christ, and what we DO have because of God's hand of provision.
God's instructions are for our good. We each have a part. He hasn't asked me to do your part - or you to do my part, but He does expect us to do everything He has commanded us. Nothing more. NOTHING less.
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word says You give power to the weak and strength to the powerless. It also assures us that we can be confident that we will see the Lord’s goodness while we are here in the land of the living. Help us to wait patiently for You, Lord. Cause us to be brave and courageous, and so we may do all that You have commanded us. Nothing more. NOTHING less. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, June 28, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Nothing I Can Do
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Exodus 13:17 NIV
When I travel, I look at all the routes. I want the quickest one with the least amount of hindrances along the way. When I fly, I want non-stop. And I know I'm not the only one. However, even the best-laid travel plans don't always work out the way we expect. Sometimes there's a detour; sometimes a traffic jam. Or in this case for the Israelites, the Red Sea.
If God had given me the choice on which route to take - whether I would want to fight or cross a body of water - I'd go for the fight every time. I can't help but think that some of the Israelites were already wondering why they didn't just go through the country. It's not like God didn't know where the sea was.
If I put myself in their place - I've got my family and my livestock and I'm facing the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit right behind me. In my mind, there's no way out. There is nothing I can do.
How many times in our lives have we been at a similar junction? The bills are overwhelming, the illness that no one could foresee or prevent, the circumstances over which we have no control. And we wonder, "Why?!?" We've tried to follow God. We've tried to hear His voice. And yet here we are at our own version of the Red Sea with no way out. Nothing we can do.
And that's just it. We MUST learn to trust God! To follow Him wherever He leads us, and in the process, we learn (hopefully) that HE is in control. If He's led us to this place, He already has our way out made for us and He will do it. We can't see it, but that's why it's called faith. And just like He did for the Israelites, He will use that same path to wipe out whatever is trying to keep us in bondage or destroy us.
What we CAN do is faithfully follow Him, no matter what it looks like.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for being the Way Maker. Help us to lay down our own reasoning and those ways that seem right to us, and choose instead to follow the leading of Your Holy Spirit. May we ever be open to hear AND obey whatever You speak to our hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Exodus 13:17 NIV
When I travel, I look at all the routes. I want the quickest one with the least amount of hindrances along the way. When I fly, I want non-stop. And I know I'm not the only one. However, even the best-laid travel plans don't always work out the way we expect. Sometimes there's a detour; sometimes a traffic jam. Or in this case for the Israelites, the Red Sea.
If God had given me the choice on which route to take - whether I would want to fight or cross a body of water - I'd go for the fight every time. I can't help but think that some of the Israelites were already wondering why they didn't just go through the country. It's not like God didn't know where the sea was.
If I put myself in their place - I've got my family and my livestock and I'm facing the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit right behind me. In my mind, there's no way out. There is nothing I can do.
How many times in our lives have we been at a similar junction? The bills are overwhelming, the illness that no one could foresee or prevent, the circumstances over which we have no control. And we wonder, "Why?!?" We've tried to follow God. We've tried to hear His voice. And yet here we are at our own version of the Red Sea with no way out. Nothing we can do.
And that's just it. We MUST learn to trust God! To follow Him wherever He leads us, and in the process, we learn (hopefully) that HE is in control. If He's led us to this place, He already has our way out made for us and He will do it. We can't see it, but that's why it's called faith. And just like He did for the Israelites, He will use that same path to wipe out whatever is trying to keep us in bondage or destroy us.
What we CAN do is faithfully follow Him, no matter what it looks like.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for being the Way Maker. Help us to lay down our own reasoning and those ways that seem right to us, and choose instead to follow the leading of Your Holy Spirit. May we ever be open to hear AND obey whatever You speak to our hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Transformers
So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.
Romans 12:1-2 Common English Bible
When Transformers first came out (the toys, not the movies), my son was little and he thought they were the best thing ever! He wanted to be one. He was enthralled with the idea of becoming something totally different, large and powerful.
Most everyone has something they want to change about themselves, but we can't just press a release button and unleash a large and powerful difference. However, God has been transforming life and lives since the very beginning. We don't have to be conformed to this world - we CAN be different! We CAN be transformed by the renewing of our minds (through the Word of God). And that, my friend, is HUGE and powerful!
Prayer:
Father,
Only You can make a new creation from a lost soul in a dying world. We thank You for loving us enough to want to do so, and for making the eternal difference in our lives so that we can make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. Teach us, Father, Your perfect will, so that we will know what is good and pleasing and mature. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 12:1-2 Common English Bible
When Transformers first came out (the toys, not the movies), my son was little and he thought they were the best thing ever! He wanted to be one. He was enthralled with the idea of becoming something totally different, large and powerful.
Most everyone has something they want to change about themselves, but we can't just press a release button and unleash a large and powerful difference. However, God has been transforming life and lives since the very beginning. We don't have to be conformed to this world - we CAN be different! We CAN be transformed by the renewing of our minds (through the Word of God). And that, my friend, is HUGE and powerful!
Prayer:
Father,
Only You can make a new creation from a lost soul in a dying world. We thank You for loving us enough to want to do so, and for making the eternal difference in our lives so that we can make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. Teach us, Father, Your perfect will, so that we will know what is good and pleasing and mature. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Friends' Favorites - No Vacancy
“When a defiling evil spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return it finds the person spotlessly clean, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse off than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place.
“That’s what this generation is like: You may think you have cleaned out the junk from your lives and gotten ready for God, but you weren't hospitable to my kingdom message, and now all the devils are moving back in.”
Matthew 12:43-45 The Message
We work hard to clean up our act so we can get right with God. And by sheer will, we might be able to do it, but can we sustain it? That's what this passage is about.
For instance, we've all known someone (or have been that someone) who quit using, or quit drinking, or lost lots of weight, only to start using, drinking or bingeing all over again. That's what happens when we try to do it in our own strength. We need the Eternal God to provide not only salvation but also eternal, everlasting change and transformation in our lives. We may be spotlessly clean, but we are vacant when we do it ourselves.
We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In the Greek, 'filled' actually interprets to be 'furnished'. If we are filled/furnished by the Holy Spirit, there is not going to be room for any evil to come back into our lives. God posts the "No Vacancy" sign when He comes to dwell in us. Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the provision You have made through Your Son - that when Christ sets us free, we are free indeed. Fill us, Father, with Your Holy Spirit, and guard our hearts and minds. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
“That’s what this generation is like: You may think you have cleaned out the junk from your lives and gotten ready for God, but you weren't hospitable to my kingdom message, and now all the devils are moving back in.”
Matthew 12:43-45 The Message
We work hard to clean up our act so we can get right with God. And by sheer will, we might be able to do it, but can we sustain it? That's what this passage is about.
For instance, we've all known someone (or have been that someone) who quit using, or quit drinking, or lost lots of weight, only to start using, drinking or bingeing all over again. That's what happens when we try to do it in our own strength. We need the Eternal God to provide not only salvation but also eternal, everlasting change and transformation in our lives. We may be spotlessly clean, but we are vacant when we do it ourselves.
We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In the Greek, 'filled' actually interprets to be 'furnished'. If we are filled/furnished by the Holy Spirit, there is not going to be room for any evil to come back into our lives. God posts the "No Vacancy" sign when He comes to dwell in us. Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the provision You have made through Your Son - that when Christ sets us free, we are free indeed. Fill us, Father, with Your Holy Spirit, and guard our hearts and minds. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, June 24, 2019
Friends' Favorites - The Remedy
The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 The Living Bible
If every Bible sitting collecting dust is ever picked up and dusted off at the same time, it will create the greatest dust storm ever known to mankind!
We say we want to change. We say we want to be 'better'. We say we want things to be different. So, how do we go about it? We do Facebook. We watch YouTube. Consult dozens of other websites, our friends. We pray, pray, pray, or more aptly, make our requests known to God, but without thanksgiving or taking the time to listen for an answer. We rarely pick up the one Book that has every answer for every situation every time.
Let's remedy that. Find it, blow off the dust and dive right in. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Birth in us a great desire for Your Word. It is the remedy for everything that's wrong in our lives. Divide us from everything that keeps us from You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Timothy 3:16-17 The Living Bible
If every Bible sitting collecting dust is ever picked up and dusted off at the same time, it will create the greatest dust storm ever known to mankind!
We say we want to change. We say we want to be 'better'. We say we want things to be different. So, how do we go about it? We do Facebook. We watch YouTube. Consult dozens of other websites, our friends. We pray, pray, pray, or more aptly, make our requests known to God, but without thanksgiving or taking the time to listen for an answer. We rarely pick up the one Book that has every answer for every situation every time.
Let's remedy that. Find it, blow off the dust and dive right in. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Birth in us a great desire for Your Word. It is the remedy for everything that's wrong in our lives. Divide us from everything that keeps us from You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Praise As One
- indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”
that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”
that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
2nd Chronicles 5:13-14 NKJV
Oh, that our hearts would become one in purpose to praise and thank our God, glorifying His Name till His presence fills the house! Oh, Saints, that we would acknowledge everything we have is only by His mercy and grace - everything we've accomplished is only what He's allowed and empowered us to do. Everyone we love - ours to hold only because He gave them to us. Let us lift our hearts and voices as one to thank and praise our Lord - for He IS good, and His mercy endures forever!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as David prayed, Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You've raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you’re ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name. Amen
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Friends' Favorites - FULLY Occupy
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
1st Peter 4:12-13 NLT
Verse 12 in The Message Bible reads, Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.
Why is that the first thing we do?
As hard as it is for us to see and understand with our finite mind, God DOES have a plan. And He promises that it is for our good. We just don’t always understand. When you have prayed – begged God - and God has not released you from where you are, then you must trust Him and FULLY occupy the place where God has you until He says, ‘Go!’
FULLY occupy is the operative phrase. Re-engage your heart and the passion God gave you to help others. Don’t just show up for work every day. Check your heart. Make sure you have not allowed it to harden in those areas that have experienced hurt and betrayal.
Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.
In doing so, you (and those who have sinned against you) can be healed and set free and then God can FULLY occupy your heart.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Forgive us for our false indictments. Open our eyes and our hearts to see Your Truth in the middle of the trials. Work in us the Christ-like character You desire to see in us. We want to know You in Your fullness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Peter 4:12-13 NLT
Verse 12 in The Message Bible reads, Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.
Why is that the first thing we do?
God doesn't care.
He's not watching out for me.
He could stop this if He's really God.If I may be so bold, I am reminded of Joseph’s life story. None of it seemed fair. None of it seemed right. Surrounded and afflicted by drama and deceit. Had God forsaken him? Left him in prison to rot? No. But he WAS in prison for years!
As hard as it is for us to see and understand with our finite mind, God DOES have a plan. And He promises that it is for our good. We just don’t always understand. When you have prayed – begged God - and God has not released you from where you are, then you must trust Him and FULLY occupy the place where God has you until He says, ‘Go!’
FULLY occupy is the operative phrase. Re-engage your heart and the passion God gave you to help others. Don’t just show up for work every day. Check your heart. Make sure you have not allowed it to harden in those areas that have experienced hurt and betrayal.
Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.
In doing so, you (and those who have sinned against you) can be healed and set free and then God can FULLY occupy your heart.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Forgive us for our false indictments. Open our eyes and our hearts to see Your Truth in the middle of the trials. Work in us the Christ-like character You desire to see in us. We want to know You in Your fullness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, June 21, 2019
Friends' Favorites - In the Midst
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20 NLT
John 20:19-20 NLT - Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
When He wasn't praying or seeking God's will, Jesus liked being in the midst of things. And according to our Promise for Today, Where two or three are gathered together in His Name - Whoop! There He is!
God has always been about our business because we ARE His business. We were created for the express purpose of relationship with Him. So much so that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to answer the call about relationship, He is the Mediator - on the Cross (in the middle) between life and death.
In life AND in death, Jesus shows up when we need Him. In the midst - right in the middle - no matter where we are or who we're with.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always being there. Thank You that Your Word is true and unchanging. A solid rock on which we can stand. We want to continue to stand strong in Your Truth, surrounded by Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 18:20 NLT
John 20:19-20 NLT - Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
When He wasn't praying or seeking God's will, Jesus liked being in the midst of things. And according to our Promise for Today, Where two or three are gathered together in His Name - Whoop! There He is!
God has always been about our business because we ARE His business. We were created for the express purpose of relationship with Him. So much so that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to answer the call about relationship, He is the Mediator - on the Cross (in the middle) between life and death.
In life AND in death, Jesus shows up when we need Him. In the midst - right in the middle - no matter where we are or who we're with.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always being there. Thank You that Your Word is true and unchanging. A solid rock on which we can stand. We want to continue to stand strong in Your Truth, surrounded by Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Friends' Favorites - What's On the Label?
And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
Revelation 22:3-4 NKJV
Labels can be very informative. We put labels on boxes when we move or are packing things away. We list what's inside. Whose it is. Where it's going. We read the labels on food packaging, so we know what is or is not in there. These facts are important.
I'm revamping the filing at work. Adding, removing, fine-tuning, and re-labeling. Some labels are color-coded. All left tab is one department, all right tab is another. So some things I know just by looking. I don't even have to read the drawer ID label.
Imagine if we were labeled in the same manner with our actual information... People could just walk up and read the list of what's inside and who we belong to and where we're going. I wonder how many of us would be marked with some sort of HazMat warning or some other Caution sticker. Toxic, even. Contagious? Good or bad?
Just as Christ has the tell-tale scars in His hands and feet, we, too, will have a tell-tale - His Name on our foreheads.
Prayer:
Father,
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer - pure as Thou art... Father, give us clean hands and a pure heart and a life that totally reflects Your glory, so the world will know just by looking whose we are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Revelation 22:3-4 NKJV
Labels can be very informative. We put labels on boxes when we move or are packing things away. We list what's inside. Whose it is. Where it's going. We read the labels on food packaging, so we know what is or is not in there. These facts are important.
I'm revamping the filing at work. Adding, removing, fine-tuning, and re-labeling. Some labels are color-coded. All left tab is one department, all right tab is another. So some things I know just by looking. I don't even have to read the drawer ID label.
Imagine if we were labeled in the same manner with our actual information... People could just walk up and read the list of what's inside and who we belong to and where we're going. I wonder how many of us would be marked with some sort of HazMat warning or some other Caution sticker. Toxic, even. Contagious? Good or bad?
Just as Christ has the tell-tale scars in His hands and feet, we, too, will have a tell-tale - His Name on our foreheads.
Prayer:
Father,
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer - pure as Thou art... Father, give us clean hands and a pure heart and a life that totally reflects Your glory, so the world will know just by looking whose we are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Friends' Favorites - No Pop Quiz
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10 NIV
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1st Peter 1:7 NIV
When you were in school, how did they check to see how much you'd learned? Wasn't there a test? At the end of every chapter or unit, wasn't there a test? And if you failed it, didn't you have to take it again or at least do something to prove you learned it? Did it make you study harder? When you aced the test, didn't you feel confident in your knowing?
It's the same with learning to walk with the Lord. Scripture tells us in 2nd Timothy 2:15 KJV - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. God the Father and Jesus His Son are very clear throughout the Word that there will be tests and trials. Peter tells us, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1st Peter 4:12 NIV)
So, it's not a pop quiz. You know it's coming. Soon, it's gonna be THE final exam. Study to show yourself approved unto God...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us the complete syllabus for the full life course. As we study, Father, let it go deep into our hearts to change us so that our lives bring You glory and honor and praise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1st Peter 1:7 NIV
When you were in school, how did they check to see how much you'd learned? Wasn't there a test? At the end of every chapter or unit, wasn't there a test? And if you failed it, didn't you have to take it again or at least do something to prove you learned it? Did it make you study harder? When you aced the test, didn't you feel confident in your knowing?
It's the same with learning to walk with the Lord. Scripture tells us in 2nd Timothy 2:15 KJV - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. God the Father and Jesus His Son are very clear throughout the Word that there will be tests and trials. Peter tells us, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1st Peter 4:12 NIV)
So, it's not a pop quiz. You know it's coming. Soon, it's gonna be THE final exam. Study to show yourself approved unto God...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us the complete syllabus for the full life course. As we study, Father, let it go deep into our hearts to change us so that our lives bring You glory and honor and praise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, June 17, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Coasting
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” 1st Peter 1:13-16 The Message Bible
We like to coast. It's easier. We don't have to work as hard at whatever it is we're doing. It can be very pleasurable. Wind at your back, helping to push you along. There's nothing wrong with coasting per se, it's just that often times we make a habit of it.
Before long, it's almost too much effort to get in gear and actually work for something. That is a very dangerous place to be! The path of least resistance ALWAYS leads us back to the wrong place on the wrong path. Don't go back there! Pedal hard! Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to put our mind in gear to be totally ready to receive Your gift. Shape our lives by Your life, O God, Your Word - a life energetic and blazing with holiness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
We like to coast. It's easier. We don't have to work as hard at whatever it is we're doing. It can be very pleasurable. Wind at your back, helping to push you along. There's nothing wrong with coasting per se, it's just that often times we make a habit of it.
Before long, it's almost too much effort to get in gear and actually work for something. That is a very dangerous place to be! The path of least resistance ALWAYS leads us back to the wrong place on the wrong path. Don't go back there! Pedal hard! Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to put our mind in gear to be totally ready to receive Your gift. Shape our lives by Your life, O God, Your Word - a life energetic and blazing with holiness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Friends' Favorite - On the Inside
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.
2nd Corinthians 4:16 The Message
This verse made me think of soaking the dried lima bean in the wet paper towel in a clear glass jar in elementary school. Did you do that experiment? A hard, dried bean. You couldn't bite one, they were so hard. No soil. You didn't even wrap it up in the wet paper towel; you just stuck it in between the side of the jar and the paper towel. And there it was for all the world to see - on the window sill where it would get the sun's light. Dried bean with skin that starts to shrivel with the wet. Coming to life on the inside, but not able to tell from the outside. At least not right away. Then it's split and the sprout appears along with a whole root system. Almost before you know it, you've got a plant that's ready for good soil in order to produce a harvest.
We can feel that way in life sometimes. Hard, dried up. Stuck in a cold, hard place. However, if we get the washing with water by the Word, and some of the Son's light, it won't be long before we'll be having our own change on the inside. Maybe no one can see it right away, but we're getting rooted and grounded in the Word, and then we begin to grow in His grace. A new life in Christ!
Prayer:
Father,
Continue to soak the hardness out of our hearts and lives by the washing with water by Your Word. Cause our roots to sink deep and strong in You and produce a harvest of the good things You have planned for us to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Corinthians 4:16 The Message
This verse made me think of soaking the dried lima bean in the wet paper towel in a clear glass jar in elementary school. Did you do that experiment? A hard, dried bean. You couldn't bite one, they were so hard. No soil. You didn't even wrap it up in the wet paper towel; you just stuck it in between the side of the jar and the paper towel. And there it was for all the world to see - on the window sill where it would get the sun's light. Dried bean with skin that starts to shrivel with the wet. Coming to life on the inside, but not able to tell from the outside. At least not right away. Then it's split and the sprout appears along with a whole root system. Almost before you know it, you've got a plant that's ready for good soil in order to produce a harvest.
We can feel that way in life sometimes. Hard, dried up. Stuck in a cold, hard place. However, if we get the washing with water by the Word, and some of the Son's light, it won't be long before we'll be having our own change on the inside. Maybe no one can see it right away, but we're getting rooted and grounded in the Word, and then we begin to grow in His grace. A new life in Christ!
Prayer:
Father,
Continue to soak the hardness out of our hearts and lives by the washing with water by Your Word. Cause our roots to sink deep and strong in You and produce a harvest of the good things You have planned for us to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Friends' Favorites - What Did You Say?
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.
Proverbs 21:23-24 The Message
How many times have you thought, "I wish I didn't say that..."? For me, it's too many times. And we can't un-say what's been said. We can't make them un-hear it, and the heart that was pierced because of something we said can certainly be healed, but it will be scarred.
The keynote speaker at a recent safety meeting emphasized the power of words. He'd gone on to a project as the safety rep and asked the project team how many safety incidents they thought they would have during the project. Their reply was - given the circumstances and conditions, they thought they would have quite a few. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. They did, indeed.
Then he chose tall men to volunteer for his next visual. He asked them to hold their arm straight out to the side at their shoulder height, and he told them he was going to press on it to try to make it go down and they were to resist. So he did a quick check, and sure enough, they all resisted. Then he instructed them to tell themselves three times, "I'm doing a lousy job," after which, he tested them again, and the arm came down somewhat. Then he put four people in front of them and instructed them each to say, "You are doing a lousy job!" When they finished saying that, the instructor pressed down on each of their arms, and they all failed, unable to resist.
By the same token, he then had the four say enthusiastically to the volunteers, "You are doing such a great job!" and each was able to fully resist the pressure on their arms. It was an eye-opening experience.
James 3:5a from The Message reads, A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! What are our words doing?
Prayer:
Father,
To quote the plaque on my wall, "Please keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth." Let my words be used to edify, encourage and to lift up. I don't want my mouth to be a weapon of mass-destruction in league with the enemy of our souls. Give me the strength, the courage and the wisdom to guard my mouth. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Proverbs 21:23-24 The Message
How many times have you thought, "I wish I didn't say that..."? For me, it's too many times. And we can't un-say what's been said. We can't make them un-hear it, and the heart that was pierced because of something we said can certainly be healed, but it will be scarred.
The keynote speaker at a recent safety meeting emphasized the power of words. He'd gone on to a project as the safety rep and asked the project team how many safety incidents they thought they would have during the project. Their reply was - given the circumstances and conditions, they thought they would have quite a few. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. They did, indeed.
Then he chose tall men to volunteer for his next visual. He asked them to hold their arm straight out to the side at their shoulder height, and he told them he was going to press on it to try to make it go down and they were to resist. So he did a quick check, and sure enough, they all resisted. Then he instructed them to tell themselves three times, "I'm doing a lousy job," after which, he tested them again, and the arm came down somewhat. Then he put four people in front of them and instructed them each to say, "You are doing a lousy job!" When they finished saying that, the instructor pressed down on each of their arms, and they all failed, unable to resist.
By the same token, he then had the four say enthusiastically to the volunteers, "You are doing such a great job!" and each was able to fully resist the pressure on their arms. It was an eye-opening experience.
James 3:5a from The Message reads, A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! What are our words doing?
Prayer:
Father,
To quote the plaque on my wall, "Please keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth." Let my words be used to edify, encourage and to lift up. I don't want my mouth to be a weapon of mass-destruction in league with the enemy of our souls. Give me the strength, the courage and the wisdom to guard my mouth. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Friday, June 14, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Blooming
When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!
Romans 8:11 The Message
My sister sent me an email with pictures of plants and trees growing in seemingly impossible places. Some were quite extraordinary. A few years back, God taught me a very valuable life lesson in this.
I was driving on a major highway here in Texas and a sapling was growing up out of the concrete on an overpass. For all practical intents and purposes, there was no way that seed should have rooted and grown there. It was concrete. There was not enough dirt, it had not been cultivated or properly prepared for growth, and literally thousands of cars a day whizzing by at 70+mph. Nothing - absolutely nothing - that should have encouraged it to grow, let alone allowed it to flourish. And yet it did what it was supposed to do – what it was created to do – despite the circumstances because God the Giver of Life had fashioned that seed with life in it from the time He created the world.
He's done the same for us. We may have fallen between a rock and a hard place and just wanted to die. Nothing and no one to nurture us, to care for us. Perhaps in perilous, unsafe surroundings. It may appear as if there's no way for us to flourish and grow. Fact - All seeds must die before they can break forth with life. Truth - God the Giver of Life fashioned us to grow and flourish in Him before the foundation of the world. It doesn't matter what we didn't have or what we don't have now, God is our Provider.
In Him, we can bloom no matter what it looks like or where we're planted.
Prayer:
Father,
You are the Creator - Master of all Creation. You spoke it all into being! You flung the planets, moons and stars into space into their perfect places. And You have placed us exactly where You want us. And the most amazing thing is that even if we pluck ourselves up and fall into a hard place, when we turn back to You we find that Jesus is our Rock and we can grow. Father, help those who have fallen into a hard place. Let them seek Your face like plants seek the sun. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Romans 8:11 The Message
My sister sent me an email with pictures of plants and trees growing in seemingly impossible places. Some were quite extraordinary. A few years back, God taught me a very valuable life lesson in this.
I was driving on a major highway here in Texas and a sapling was growing up out of the concrete on an overpass. For all practical intents and purposes, there was no way that seed should have rooted and grown there. It was concrete. There was not enough dirt, it had not been cultivated or properly prepared for growth, and literally thousands of cars a day whizzing by at 70+mph. Nothing - absolutely nothing - that should have encouraged it to grow, let alone allowed it to flourish. And yet it did what it was supposed to do – what it was created to do – despite the circumstances because God the Giver of Life had fashioned that seed with life in it from the time He created the world.
He's done the same for us. We may have fallen between a rock and a hard place and just wanted to die. Nothing and no one to nurture us, to care for us. Perhaps in perilous, unsafe surroundings. It may appear as if there's no way for us to flourish and grow. Fact - All seeds must die before they can break forth with life. Truth - God the Giver of Life fashioned us to grow and flourish in Him before the foundation of the world. It doesn't matter what we didn't have or what we don't have now, God is our Provider.
In Him, we can bloom no matter what it looks like or where we're planted.
Prayer:
Father,
You are the Creator - Master of all Creation. You spoke it all into being! You flung the planets, moons and stars into space into their perfect places. And You have placed us exactly where You want us. And the most amazing thing is that even if we pluck ourselves up and fall into a hard place, when we turn back to You we find that Jesus is our Rock and we can grow. Father, help those who have fallen into a hard place. Let them seek Your face like plants seek the sun. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Whatever Works
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Recently, I was reminded of two things: 1) that we should be sure to tell our testimonies of what God has done for us so that others can be encouraged and praise God with us, and 2) that God will use whatever works to get us where we need to be. So let me do that.
At the turn of the millennium, my career was in transition. I had gotten a couple job offers from out of state and had actually accepted one. It seemed like a good choice. I had discussed it with my youngest child who had for all practical intents and purposes moved out when he graduated and went to Master's Commission. He was excited for me and encouraged me to take the position.
Everything seemed like it was okay, but I felt like there was one missing piece and I couldn't put my finger on it. However, I moved forward with the process because I couldn't find a reason not to. I was one week away from moving when I went to see my son in Waco to spend the weekend with him. We had a good visit and then Sunday afternoon, as we were having what would be our last meal together for a while, I told him I still felt like there was a piece missing. I had the feeling it was going to come from him and asked him if he had anything he wanted to say. At that point, he confessed that he was not ready for me to be 15 hours away, after all, but he didn't want that to stop me. Immediately, I had total peace. It was the missing part. I told him I was a mom first and an employee second, and I wasn't going anywhere, and that God would work it out.
And He did. My employer was only too happy for me to stay. My future employer was very understanding and said we'd talk in a couple years, and life went on.
A few years later, I got another offer from the same company, but for a different position. It was actually for my life-long dream position - to earn my living as a writer. In my mind, it couldn't get any better - I had no higher aspiration. That was it! I thought the only thing better than that would be to actually be in Heaven.
I packed up and headed out. I had a tentative start date and I figured I'd get there early and get fully settled in before I reported to my dream job. The day I arrived, the manager I'd been talking to turned in her resignation and anyone she'd talked to was put on hold because "what might fit for one manager might not fit for the next one." I knew I hadn't missed God on the move, but I couldn't figure out what went wrong. Anyway, long story short, I was absolutely miserable. I worked a temp agency job for months. When I finally did get a job at the original company, it was in HR, and I hated it. I cried every day on my way home. I just did not understand what God was doing nor why He'd moved me from my beloved Texas to do a job I hated. I was not happy.
Finally, I came to the place where I was on my face before God and laid it all at His feet. "Whatever You want, Father. If I'm here for no other reason than to be a part of the church where You've led me, then I will do that. I just don't want to miss Your will." Within a month, I had a job offer from the church where God had led me! It was His plan and purpose all along, but I would never have left Texas to work for a man I'd never met. I left Texas to live my life's dream. It didn't happen the way I wanted or had planned, but it turned out to be exactly where I was supposed to be at the time. And I still got to write for a living while I was there. God took my plans and altered them to fulfill His. Whatever works...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to direct our steps, and for using whatever it takes to get us to our ordained destination. We want to follow closely in Your footsteps, Father. Shine the light of Your Word on our path to clearly mark the way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Recently, I was reminded of two things: 1) that we should be sure to tell our testimonies of what God has done for us so that others can be encouraged and praise God with us, and 2) that God will use whatever works to get us where we need to be. So let me do that.
At the turn of the millennium, my career was in transition. I had gotten a couple job offers from out of state and had actually accepted one. It seemed like a good choice. I had discussed it with my youngest child who had for all practical intents and purposes moved out when he graduated and went to Master's Commission. He was excited for me and encouraged me to take the position.
Everything seemed like it was okay, but I felt like there was one missing piece and I couldn't put my finger on it. However, I moved forward with the process because I couldn't find a reason not to. I was one week away from moving when I went to see my son in Waco to spend the weekend with him. We had a good visit and then Sunday afternoon, as we were having what would be our last meal together for a while, I told him I still felt like there was a piece missing. I had the feeling it was going to come from him and asked him if he had anything he wanted to say. At that point, he confessed that he was not ready for me to be 15 hours away, after all, but he didn't want that to stop me. Immediately, I had total peace. It was the missing part. I told him I was a mom first and an employee second, and I wasn't going anywhere, and that God would work it out.
And He did. My employer was only too happy for me to stay. My future employer was very understanding and said we'd talk in a couple years, and life went on.
A few years later, I got another offer from the same company, but for a different position. It was actually for my life-long dream position - to earn my living as a writer. In my mind, it couldn't get any better - I had no higher aspiration. That was it! I thought the only thing better than that would be to actually be in Heaven.
I packed up and headed out. I had a tentative start date and I figured I'd get there early and get fully settled in before I reported to my dream job. The day I arrived, the manager I'd been talking to turned in her resignation and anyone she'd talked to was put on hold because "what might fit for one manager might not fit for the next one." I knew I hadn't missed God on the move, but I couldn't figure out what went wrong. Anyway, long story short, I was absolutely miserable. I worked a temp agency job for months. When I finally did get a job at the original company, it was in HR, and I hated it. I cried every day on my way home. I just did not understand what God was doing nor why He'd moved me from my beloved Texas to do a job I hated. I was not happy.
Finally, I came to the place where I was on my face before God and laid it all at His feet. "Whatever You want, Father. If I'm here for no other reason than to be a part of the church where You've led me, then I will do that. I just don't want to miss Your will." Within a month, I had a job offer from the church where God had led me! It was His plan and purpose all along, but I would never have left Texas to work for a man I'd never met. I left Texas to live my life's dream. It didn't happen the way I wanted or had planned, but it turned out to be exactly where I was supposed to be at the time. And I still got to write for a living while I was there. God took my plans and altered them to fulfill His. Whatever works...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to direct our steps, and for using whatever it takes to get us to our ordained destination. We want to follow closely in Your footsteps, Father. Shine the light of Your Word on our path to clearly mark the way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Whispering Hope
God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
Hebrews 6:17-19a NLT
Sometimes life is very hard. Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be an easy answer. And sometimes, it feels as though there are no answers at all. Proverbs 13:12 in the New Living reads, Hope deferred makes the heart sick... Have you ever been heartsick?
The same Scripture in the Message Bible reads, Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. I want to give you a good break. Jesus. Whisper His Name... That's a great contemporary Christian song popular today and I love it, but the one that has ministered to me this day is one I learned as a child with four-part harmony... Whispering Hope.
♪♫ Soft as the voice of an angel, breathing a lesson unheard, Hope, with a gentle persuasion, whispers a comforting word; Wait till the darkness is over! Wait till the tempest is done! Hope for the sunshine tomorrow, after the shower is gone. ♪♫ Whispering Hope! Oh, how welcome Thy voice! Making my heart in its' sorrow rejoice. ♪♫
No matter what life brings, God is my Refuge and my Strength. He is my Hope - a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. And even when the world comes roaring in, I can hear His voice whispering hope to bring peace to my troubled soul.
Prayer:
Father,
You have given both Your promise and Your oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for You to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to You for refuge have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. You are our confident hope and we thank and praise You for that. With You, we can proclaim, "It is well with my soul!" In Jesus' Name. Amen
Hebrews 6:17-19a NLT
Sometimes life is very hard. Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be an easy answer. And sometimes, it feels as though there are no answers at all. Proverbs 13:12 in the New Living reads, Hope deferred makes the heart sick... Have you ever been heartsick?
The same Scripture in the Message Bible reads, Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. I want to give you a good break. Jesus. Whisper His Name... That's a great contemporary Christian song popular today and I love it, but the one that has ministered to me this day is one I learned as a child with four-part harmony... Whispering Hope.
♪♫ Soft as the voice of an angel, breathing a lesson unheard, Hope, with a gentle persuasion, whispers a comforting word; Wait till the darkness is over! Wait till the tempest is done! Hope for the sunshine tomorrow, after the shower is gone. ♪♫ Whispering Hope! Oh, how welcome Thy voice! Making my heart in its' sorrow rejoice. ♪♫
No matter what life brings, God is my Refuge and my Strength. He is my Hope - a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul. And even when the world comes roaring in, I can hear His voice whispering hope to bring peace to my troubled soul.
Prayer:
Father,
You have given both Your promise and Your oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for You to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to You for refuge have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. You are our confident hope and we thank and praise You for that. With You, we can proclaim, "It is well with my soul!" In Jesus' Name. Amen
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Friends' Favorites - You've Got Skills!
Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Hebrews 5:14 NLT
Skill development is a big deal. Go to Google* and type in 'develop skill' and you'll be amazed at what comes up. From Harvard Business Review to wiki.com, lots of people and organizations have opinions regarding what skills you need not only for work, but for LIFE. You'll find how long they say it takes to develop a skill, and it varies, but they all agree it takes a daily commitment and dedication to develop said skill.
In our passage today, the solid food reference has to do with the meat of the Word - the adult understanding and application of it. Don't you find it interesting that the skill acquired by training is the seemingly simple ability to recognize the difference between right and wrong?
Have we been training properly? Are we referring to the manual? Have we developed the skillset? Are we utilizing it? If not, why not? We WILL be tested.
*www.google.com
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for using the simple things in life to confound the wise. Renew within us the desire and fight to do what is right. Holy Spirit, continue to train us to clearly see right from wrong as daily we seek God's face. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 5:14 NLT
Skill development is a big deal. Go to Google* and type in 'develop skill' and you'll be amazed at what comes up. From Harvard Business Review to wiki.com, lots of people and organizations have opinions regarding what skills you need not only for work, but for LIFE. You'll find how long they say it takes to develop a skill, and it varies, but they all agree it takes a daily commitment and dedication to develop said skill.
In our passage today, the solid food reference has to do with the meat of the Word - the adult understanding and application of it. Don't you find it interesting that the skill acquired by training is the seemingly simple ability to recognize the difference between right and wrong?
Have we been training properly? Are we referring to the manual? Have we developed the skillset? Are we utilizing it? If not, why not? We WILL be tested.
*www.google.com
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for using the simple things in life to confound the wise. Renew within us the desire and fight to do what is right. Holy Spirit, continue to train us to clearly see right from wrong as daily we seek God's face. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, June 10, 2019
Friends' Favorites - After Its Own Kind
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
Genesis 1:31 NLT
How many of us have heard our mothers say (in reference to our having children), "I don't wish you any harm, just one child exactly like yourself!" For some of us, that could be a very scary thought and experience!
I've been reading in Genesis, about everything God did when He began Creation. Specifically, how He created everything to produce after its own kind. Plants, birds, wildlife, people. I see this more and more clearly with my youngest grandchild. There are days she is SO my son and other days when I see my daughter-in-love's face or actions. It's then I'm reminded most of this portion of Scripture, after its own kind.
What if there was someone terrible in our ancestral lineage? What if the story is full of spiritual blight? Does this mean we're destined to have that bad seed sown and harvested in our life? No, and I'll tell you why. In Genesis, God decided to make man in HIS own image and breathed HIS breath of Life into us - everything to produce after its own kind... Think about that for a moment.
Then think about this. When people look at us, do they see our Father? Do we act just like Him? Are we producing after His kind?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Breath of Life and Your mercy and Grace. Thank You for making us in Your image and likeness. Be reproduced in us so strongly, Father, that people would see You in us no matter what! Help us to keep sowing the best seeds of You for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Genesis 1:31 NLT
How many of us have heard our mothers say (in reference to our having children), "I don't wish you any harm, just one child exactly like yourself!" For some of us, that could be a very scary thought and experience!
I've been reading in Genesis, about everything God did when He began Creation. Specifically, how He created everything to produce after its own kind. Plants, birds, wildlife, people. I see this more and more clearly with my youngest grandchild. There are days she is SO my son and other days when I see my daughter-in-love's face or actions. It's then I'm reminded most of this portion of Scripture, after its own kind.
What if there was someone terrible in our ancestral lineage? What if the story is full of spiritual blight? Does this mean we're destined to have that bad seed sown and harvested in our life? No, and I'll tell you why. In Genesis, God decided to make man in HIS own image and breathed HIS breath of Life into us - everything to produce after its own kind... Think about that for a moment.
Then think about this. When people look at us, do they see our Father? Do we act just like Him? Are we producing after His kind?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Breath of Life and Your mercy and Grace. Thank You for making us in Your image and likeness. Be reproduced in us so strongly, Father, that people would see You in us no matter what! Help us to keep sowing the best seeds of You for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Seasoned
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
What does it mean to be seasoned? If your first thought turns to food, I understand, but that's not where I was going with it. (smiling) Although, that is an illustration we can all relate to.
We understand that a seasoned soldier or a seasoned teacher is one who has been through the battles - been through lots of seasons - one who has learned how to survive through the change. The question is - how were they seasoned? Were they salted to perfection or over-salted? Was the blend of the multiple seasonings allowed to bring out the flavor of their lives or did they sit in them too long and become bitter?
Top chefs know the remedies for correcting mistakes made with seasonings. However, even they say some mistakes just have to be tossed and then they start over. Our good news is that even if our seasoned lives have become irreconcilable to life as we know it, God can and will fix it, if we ask Him. His Word tells us He makes all things new and God is trustworthy. We may have to soak in something for a season, but if we are following Christ, we will come out of it with a sweet savor.
Prayer:
Father,
Sometimes the seasons and seasonings of life seem overlong and overpowering, but we choose to trust You in all of it. We invite You into our lives to stir up our souls and make us into Your already planned process so that we can be properly-seasoned witnesses of Your faithfulness. Cause us to be an appealing sweet savor to reveal Your love to those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
What does it mean to be seasoned? If your first thought turns to food, I understand, but that's not where I was going with it. (smiling) Although, that is an illustration we can all relate to.
We understand that a seasoned soldier or a seasoned teacher is one who has been through the battles - been through lots of seasons - one who has learned how to survive through the change. The question is - how were they seasoned? Were they salted to perfection or over-salted? Was the blend of the multiple seasonings allowed to bring out the flavor of their lives or did they sit in them too long and become bitter?
Top chefs know the remedies for correcting mistakes made with seasonings. However, even they say some mistakes just have to be tossed and then they start over. Our good news is that even if our seasoned lives have become irreconcilable to life as we know it, God can and will fix it, if we ask Him. His Word tells us He makes all things new and God is trustworthy. We may have to soak in something for a season, but if we are following Christ, we will come out of it with a sweet savor.
Prayer:
Father,
Sometimes the seasons and seasonings of life seem overlong and overpowering, but we choose to trust You in all of it. We invite You into our lives to stir up our souls and make us into Your already planned process so that we can be properly-seasoned witnesses of Your faithfulness. Cause us to be an appealing sweet savor to reveal Your love to those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, June 7, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Crowd Control
While He was still
speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who
said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As
soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the
synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” And He permitted no one
to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
Mark 5:35-37 NKJV
It's generally not a
good idea to follow the crowd. Most of the time, they are blindly pushing
forward with only an idea of what they think is right. And
with a crowd full of different people providing input, the original missive or
message quickly becomes diluted and/or polluted. The pervasive personality
commonly becomes arrogant and abusive because of its size and misconceived
power.
Jesus was surrounded by
a crowd of onlookers and seekers after Jairus came to Him, begging for his
daughter's life to be spared. The woman with the issue of blood pressed through
the crowd, dividing and conquering by faith, and was healed. When the people
came to tell Jairus to not "bother" the Master any longer, Jesus knew
He had to take control.
He spoke only to Jairus, “Do
not be afraid; only believe.” Scripture tells us that He did not let
any follow Him except Peter, James and John. Three who He knew believed and the
one who wanted desperately to believe. When He got to the house, Jesus
dispersed the crowd there, too! He did not let crowd opinion and mockery rule
over Him or the situation.
And there, separated
unto God, the prayer of faith became Rhema Word and the child was raised from
the dead and restored to her family. Are you taking notes? He did
not let crowd opinion and mockery rule over Him or the situation.
What's going on in your
world? Are you gathering a crowd or exercising crowd control?
Prayer:
Father,
Let us look only to the Author and Finisher of our faith! Help us
to walk the way less traveled, following only in Your footsteps. In Jesus' Name
we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Can You See It from Where You Are?
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.
In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Matthew 14:22-27 NLT
There was a brown lumpy thing next to the paper towel holder on the bathroom counter. True to the slogan that everything's bigger in Texas, so are its bugs... So, my first instinct was, "Kill!" Can you imagine how I laughed when I realized I was trying to kill a ponytail holder?
How many times have you seen something just far enough away that it's not discernible from where you are? You have to get closer. And even then, sometimes you can't tell what it is till you get right up on it - or if there's not enough light, you may even have to touch it to see what it is.
In our text for today, can you imagine the disciples in the boat when the storm whips up? What was going on in their minds? Oh, why didn't Jesus just come with us? Oh, come, Lord Jesus, we need You! Father, please save us! You can make the wind stop! You control the universe! You can make the storm go away! Make it stop!!" Nothing happens that they can tell, so they pray harder and probably much louder!
No, the Scripture doesn't say specifically that they were praying, but it does say they were afraid. And if Christians are afraid, you best believe, they're praying!! O Lord, save us! We're gonna drown! And then here He comes...walking across the water. The miraculous answer to their prayers! And they don't believe it...because that's not where they were looking for Him. His response - His ANSWER to their prayer - was not in the form they expected. They couldn't see Him from where they were.
Where are you? Are you praying about or for something or someone? Have you defined how it needs to be done?
Peter said, Lord, if it's really You, bid me come." And Jesus replied, Yes, come. Can you see it from where you are? Maybe you need to get a little closer. Maybe you need to touch Him...
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for limiting You by our unbelief. Open our spiritual eyes to see You in Your fullness and glory. Let us stay so close that we never ask, 'Where are you?' Let us see Your hand in all things that pertain to life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, June 3, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Benefits
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right...
Psalm 103:3-6a The Message
There are SO many promises in this Psalm. We need to take time to soak in it and absorb it into every fiber of our being! Read on. Drink up!
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
Psalm 103:8-18 NLT
Prayer:
Father,
Let all that I am praise You, Lord; May I never forget the good things You do for me. Give me clean hands and a pure heart, O Lord my God. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
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