Promise for Today - Listen and Learn

A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
Proverbs 13:1 NLT

In both the physical and spiritual realms, there is a process. A baby learns to crawl before he walks or talks. In the spiritual realm, a new convert should listen and learn before he begins service. 

A wise son submits to the discipline of instruction. The scoffer won’t have it; he thinks he has all the answers and refuses to be corrected. Proverbs 16:18 warns us that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 21:24 NKJV defines it, "A proud and haughty man—'Scoffer' is his name; He acts with arrogant pride." The mocker or arrogant person who refuses instruction is blatantly heading toward poverty and death. Psalm 1:6 declares that the way of the wicked will perish (referring to those who are prideful, arrogant, scoffers, mockers of God's way).

Psalm 1:1 ESV tells us, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;..." Learning wisdom brings its own rewards, including honor and life itself. God is watching, listening, and we should learn His Word in Isaiah 66:2b “But I will look to this one, At one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who [reverently] trembles at My word."

Prayer:

Father, 

           Shine Your light of Truth on us if and when we find ourselves judging others. Forgive us, O God, and change our hearts to be kind and loving and compassionate. Help us to see the good in people. Help us to see YOU in mankind - those You created in Your image. We want to walk in a true posture of humility before You and our fellow man. Give us clean hands and pure hearts, Father, we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Why Is It Always "The Bible Says..."?

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
Revelation 21:4 NLT

What if the last words you spoke or wrote could be the last words a person would ever hear or read? My opinions are not answers to life's challenges. I don't always understand the why or the wherefore of things. You ask me why is it always "the Bible says..."? Because the Bible is Truth. It's Light in the darkness. It's the Way out and up. When you speak the Word of God - you speak LIFE! That's why!

For those facing overwhelming issues, I PROMISE YOU, God is still God and He is still on the Throne.

Psalm 61:1-4
"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah"

Psalm 23:1-4
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Romans 5:18-21 The Message
"Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person [Jesus] did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right. All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life - a life that goes on and on and on, world without end."

Prayer:

Father,
         I personally haven't the right words to say or pray tonight or any night, but I am so grateful for Your Words and I thank You for them and for the opportunity to share them with one more person. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Lent - Day Forty-Six - That You May Believe

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31

“That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name." That is the purpose for all that John wrote. If John published his Gospel today as a biography, the title would not be Jesus Christ: The Full Historical Account or Jesus Christ: In the Words of the One Who Knew Him Best. It would be Jesus Christ: That You May Have Life. In that title, you learn how the Gospel should be read; its purpose and reason for existence.

Whether the first time or the one-thousandth time we read it, eyes of faith see things we never noticed before and we are once again drawn to the wonderful grace of God. Because of John’s testimony, in addition to the testimony of the other disciples and apostles, we believe that Jesus is the Christ, and we have life in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        Thank You for Your servants who faithfully proclaimed Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who created faith in me through the testimony of Your disciples. Strengthen me to boldly give witness of my faith to others that they too may believe You are the Christ, and by believing have life in Your Name. Amen.

Reading Further - John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Lent - Day Twenty-Seven - He Weeps

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 

Jesus wept.

John 11:35

Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and yet, he weeps. He knew he was going to raise Lazarus back to life, and yet, he weeps. He delayed in his coming, glad to do so because it meant others would believe, and yet he weeps.

We might think that this was easy for Jesus because of his knowledge. Since he knows the outcome, we might think that he cannot truly experience these emotions. And yet he weeps. He is deeply moved in his spirit, and is greatly troubled. (John 11:33, 35) Our Lord “gets it” far better than we think.

God grieves over sin which pollutes our relationships, tears at our souls, and even rejects his gracious mercy. He is greatly troubled by the works of Satan, the carnage that resulted from the Fall, and the bitter hold death has on his creation. The same compassion seen in the tears of the Son runs so deep that the Father had already been moved to spare no cost, even allowing brutal torment and death to be carried out upon his beloved Son.

Prayer: 

Father, 

           Keep me with Jesus in true faith. Pour out Your Spirit that I may be moved with compassion to be reconciled in my relationships and to share with others the Resurrection and Life, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading Further - John 11:17-44

17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Lent - Day Eleven - A Divine Claim

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.

John 5:21-23 NLT

Some people deny that Jesus ever claimed to be God. This isn’t anything new. Throughout history, even within Christ’s Church, controversy and false teachings have been addressed repeatedly. Passages like John 5 are sometimes misused to imply that, since Jesus and the Father are distinct persons, then Jesus must not be God. Yet examining the text refutes this. Just look at his critics. The Jews of Jesus’ day clearly understood that Jesus was claiming to be God. They prove this by their responses, persecution, and eventual execution of Jesus for blasphemy. Not believing Jesus’ claim to deity, they thought him worthy of death.

Jesus himself, and his followers, upheld his deity, even when denying it could have spared them from persecution and death. Either Jesus was God, or he was not. The implications of this are enormous. If Jesus is God, it means (as Jesus says in today’s passage) that he has full authority to carry out judgment, raise the dead, and ensure his promise that, “Whoever hears my word and believes… has eternal life.” This is a confident comfort for us, who by the Holy Spirit have heard and believe. It is also a calling to share the Gospel so that others may be moved from death to life.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, 

                  I thank You, that by Your gracious mercy I have been moved from death to life. Please send Your Holy Spirit to work in the life of those who do not yet believe in Christ, especially ___________________. Amen.

Reading Further - John 5:15-30

15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Swallowed Up by Life

We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.
2nd Corinthians 5:2-4 NLT

In 2011, I attended the Homegoing celebration of one Mrs. Sullivan. I never met her face-to-face, but I know and love her daughter and son-in-law. That afternoon, I was invited into the private world of Mrs. Sullivan by those who loved her. It was an interesting place inhabited by a strong-willed woman who was clearly defined by her love for her family and friends, always wanting to take care of everyone, who loved to laugh, and liked to cheat at any game she played... and she let you know right up front that she would cheat. Ha!

Libby told me about one of her mother's escapades that took place earlier in 2011. Libby got a call at work - her frantic husband was on the other end to tell Libby that her mother was up on the roof with her former handyman because Mrs. Sullivan was convinced there was something up there that needed to be fixed. No one had any idea how they were able to wangle the extension ladder out of the garage, let alone climb it to get on the roof! At the time, Mrs. Sullivan was 87 years old - and her former handyman was in his 90's!  

You see, Alzheimer's had started to take its toll on Mrs. Sullivan's ability to stay in the present. Her latter years of life were being swallowed up by the dread disease. As is often the case with Alzheimer patients, those who were Christians before the onset, don't lose that relationship. They still know the Word, they know how to pray and want to, and they still worship. Mrs. Sullivan was no exception. She saw and heard things that weren't really there, but she knew enough to ask her son-in-law to pray for her and with her. 

Pastor Alan Neel explained it beautifully. We often think of death as the end of life, but that's not the truth. Mrs. Sullivan's latter years were being swallowed up by Alzheimer's, but when she passed from life as we know it, according to our Scripture for today, she put on her new body, and the dying body was swallowed up by Life. Eternal life. No tears, no pain, no heartache.

Life, full and free. Forever...

Prayer:

Father, 
           We don't always understand the why of things, but we know that You are trustworthy. We thank You for Your Word which gives us real hope in times like these. Thank You for the promises of eternity with You. Death swallowed up by victory. In Jesus' Name we give You praise. Amen

Easter - Resurrection Hope and Life

Today's post features excerpts written by the late, great Billy Graham.

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“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:55-58 NKJV

Easter is a season of great gladness for those who know Christ. But for those who are without “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory” (2 Corinthians 4:6), there is nothing to rejoice over.

Jesus left us with the great hope and certainty that He is going to return to bring a new Heaven and a new earth where, we are told, there will be no more sorrow, trouble, or death for those who have believed and followed Him. There will be trouble, sorrow, and suffering for those who have neglected or rejected Him.

As Christians, our great task is to obey the command to tell the whole world about Christ crucified, buried, yet risen again. My prayer for you during this season of the year, when we meditate on our Savior’s great sacrifice for us on the cross, is that you will be filled with great peace and hope, because “He is risen!” That is the Good News.

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Prayer:

Father,

           This Easter, we pray a prayer from St. Joseph's prayer book: The resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of Your will and purpose for our lives. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Act Your Wage

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

Proverbs 1:19 NKJV

Greed is a sin. The wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23. Whether it literally takes a life or figuratively (as in the constant pursuit of greedy gain), it will rob you of the abundant life Jesus came to give us. And not only abundant life here, but also our eternal life!

1st Timothy 6:17-19 spells it out clearly, Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 

We are to do as Jesus did. And just yesterday we talked about greater works than these shall we do. Remember?  As followers of Christ, our wage is to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Which wage would you rather have - life or death?

Prayer:

              Thank You for always giving us great benefits, for always providing the best way to learn, for giving us the choice. Shine Your Light of Truth on our daily lives so we can see that life and death are choices we make. Guide us into Your wisdom and Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent - Day Twelve

 For Advent this year, we are reading A Weary World Rejoices written by Brittany Rust  
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The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:9-14 NKJV

We are reminded of two things about Jesus in this passage: He is the light of the world and the Word made flesh. He is, inherently, a gift to us all. Because by His light, we have life (John 1:4). And because He is the Word, He is the personal wisdom of God. Through Christ, we have both life and truth. And yet, so many have and continue to deny both, sadly.

This holiday season, remember that when Jesus came, He came in life, truth, and grace to save you from your sins. That's something to celebrate!

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Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for Life, for Truth, and for Your Grace, without which we would be eternally lost. Thank You for Your Word made flesh to teach us how to live and grow in right relationship with You. Thank You that every day You give us is a reason to celebrate - even those days that are hard. We especially thank You for who You are to us on those days. Saviour. Friend. Redeemer. Counselor. Father... Help us to remember to give thanks in all things on all days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Worries

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Luke 12:25 NLT

We all know there are different ways to look at life's challenges. Some people are logically methodical, planning each detail. Some are what we call worry warts. They try to perceive every possible scenario and figure out what could go wrong and worry accordingly. Still others try to roll with whatever comes their way at whatever time it comes and hope they can figure it out.

The truth we miss in the process is that when we worry, we are essentially leaving out the most important part of any solution. God - who promises to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Jesus - who promised to be with us all the way to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). And the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and tell us about the future (John 16:13 NLT).

Worry is what we do when we don't acknowledge God in life's scenarios - past, present and future - even though we are instructed to not borrow trouble from tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). We must remember that God is omnipresent. There is NEVER a time when He is not with us. Therefore, since God is with us (Immanuel), there is never a reason to worry. Accept life's circumstances for what they truly are - opportunities to trust God and grow our faith.

Prayer:

Father,
           Open our eyes to see You in all things. Open our hearts to embrace Your omnipresence. Holy Spirit, please always remind us to trust, not worry. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Receive the Gift

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 NLT

The Word tells us that Christ came so that we would have life and it more abundantly. What good is life if it's not peaceful? How healthy can we be physically or spiritually if we're in constant turmoil? At the very least, our blood pressure will be high. There'll be all kinds of wear and tear on our physical bodies if we are not abiding in God's gift.

Jesus tells us in John 14:27 NLT, I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Receive the gift of peace. Receive the gift of health.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for the many, many gifts You have bestowed on and in our lives. Thank You most of all for salvation so that we can be made right with You, and secondly, for Your peace that passes ALL understanding. We want to follow in Your footsteps because Your way is life and light. Help us to help others see You for who You are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Something Different for May - Day 10 - Death-Dealing Sin, the Life-Giving Gift

You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we’re in—first sin, then death, and no one exempt from either sin or death. That sin disturbed relations with God in everything and everyone, but the extent of the disturbance was not clear until God spelled it out in detail to Moses. So death, this huge abyss separating us from God, dominated the landscape from Adam to Moses. Even those who didn’t sin precisely as Adam did by disobeying a specific command of God still had to experience this termination of life, this separation from God. But Adam, who got us into this, also points ahead to the One who will get us out of it.

Yet the rescuing gift is not exactly parallel to the death-dealing sin. If one man’s sin put crowds of people at the dead-end abyss of separation from God, just think what God’s gift poured through one man, Jesus Christ, will do! There’s no comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving gift. The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence. If death got the upper hand through one man’s wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, absolute life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?

Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right.

All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.
Romans 5:12-21 The Message

Prayer: Day 10

Father,
          You saw it happen: Sin entered the world through Adam, and death through sin. Death reigned until Your One and Only Son came along. Now, right now, grace reigns for me through the life of Jesus Christ, my Lord! Help me remember this today. Amen

Praying Through Romans - www.crosswalk.com

An Inkling of a Twinkling

But I am telling you this strange and wonderful secret: we shall not all die, but we shall all be given new bodies! It will all happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For there will be a trumpet blast from the sky, and all the Christians who have died will suddenly become alive, with new bodies that will never, never die; and then we who are still alive shall suddenly have new bodies too. For our earthly bodies, the ones we have now that can die, must be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot perish but will live forever.

1 Corinthians 14:51-53 The Living Bible

Within my sphere of influence, we've lost quite a few people in the last 9½ months - and I'm not counting people who I know OF but didn't know personally. Frankly, I'm tired of death. Lately, my mindset has been that I'm tired of losing people. But today, I reminded myself of this Truth - the good news is that of the 11, I know without a doubt that I will see 10 of them again, and I'm hoping for the 11th...  

Life can change in an instant - without warning. We all know of incidents where that has happened. How many times have we heard something to the effect of, "I just talked to him yesterday..."? Look around. The signs of the times are more evidence of God's love for us. He told us what would happen, what we would see, what we would hear... There's a strong inkling that things could change in a twinkling.

Death is not permanent. Eternity is. Where will you spend yours? 

Prayer:

Father, 

          While we remain, we pray for divine appointments; opportunities that allow us to lead others to You, helping others to grow in wisdom and faith, to become stronger in relationship with You and with their fellow followers of Christ. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Details

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, 
God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. 
If we don’t know how or what to pray, 
it doesn’t matter. 
He does our praying in and for us, 
making prayer out of our wordless sighs, 
our aching groans. 

He knows us far better than we know ourselves, 
knows our pregnant condition, 
and keeps us present before God. 
That’s why we can be so sure 
that every detail in our lives of love for God 
is worked into something good.

Romans 8:26-28 The Message Bible

That, my friends, is everything I have to say tonight. 

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for music. Thank You for words. Thank You for Your Word that is Light and Life to us. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What's Important?

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:13 NLT

One of my co-workers has a sign on her desk that reads, "We’re put on this earth to accomplish a certain number of tasks. Right now, I’m so far behind, I will never die." I have to admit, I had that same sign on my desk at a previous job. Now, we joke about which drawers to empty and burn if something happened to either of us.

Even though we joke about it, people don’t like to think of it and definitely don’t like to speak of it. None of us knows the day or the hour our life will end. One important truth about that is we ARE put on this earth to accomplish the plan God created for our lives, but there IS a time limit. I was reminded of that as I was verifying my insurance benefits choices, including beneficiaries. I realized I needed to inform my beneficiaries of their benefits.

You know, we have the ability to make choices that determine how and what the benefits will be when we die…for those we leave behind AND for ourselves. Thankfully, I have decent life insurance. But most importantly, I have perfect life ASSURANCE - John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

James 4:14 NLT tells us, How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Without Jesus, there is no Life and that’s the most important thing for my beneficiaries - and for YOU - to know!

Prayer:

Father,

Help us focus to redeem the time You have given us. Help us to make eternal differences for those You have put in our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorites - Whatever You Do

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17 NIV 

We've talked a lot about our conversations and words, and the power of life and death that is in them. I will never forget the morning the Truth of that Scripture was beautifully illustrated. I was getting ready for work one morning a few years back, when the Christian radio station I listen to, (KSBJ.ORG) played a recorded call that came into their station from a man who was in a remote area of the Bolivar Peninsula. 

The man had planned to commit suicide but heard a message of hope from the evening DJ between the songs she played. No preaching. No ministerial degree. No bells or whistles or hoopla. Just the Truth of God's message to the world - a few sentences between songs. Words of hope. Words of light and life. 

This broken soul picked up his cell phone and called in to let the radio station know what had transpired. The deep well of his pain poured out in the tremulous tone, and yet, he had grasped hold of the life that is Christ from the message that he heard. The DJ did not know he was listening - she had not prepared a perfect speech or a 3-point message designed with him in mind. She just did what she does every night; psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him... 

So, whatever you do, speak life...someone is listening... 

Prayer: 

Father,
         According to Your Word in Ephesians 4, Let no corrupt word proceed out of our mouths, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Lights and Life

You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:14-16 The Living Bible

I went to spend the weekend with my oldest brother and his wife. Our younger sister drove in, too. We had a great weekend, reinforcing the bonds of love that have endured over the years. The town Ron and Mary live in does a free-of-charge holiday light drive-through park,  They had quite a few motion light displays that I thought were rather spectacular!  For instance - one for each of the twelve days of Christmas; I'd never seen anything like it! 

Halfway through, I almost started laughing at our exclamations of, "Oh, look at that one!" "Did you see that?!?" "That one is so beautiful!!" "Look!!"  My sweet sister-in-law (who is now a great-grandmother) was also like a little girl as we drove through. It was reminiscent of long-ago years and some not-so-long-ago years, but it is one tradition that can be easily outgrown in the hustle and bustle that Christmas has become. 

On the drive home (that should only have been 5½ hours but took 8 because of traffic!), I had plenty of time to think of the parallels of Christmas lights and living the Christian life. These are just a few of my thoughts. 

Christmas lights: As a child viewing light displays, we have no idea how much forethought and work are involved in making it look that beautiful. 

Christian life: Before the foundation of the world - Ephesians 4:1.

Christmas lights: We don't think of what it cost for us (the electric bill). 

Christian life: Mark 8:34-36.

Christmas lights: What it takes to maintain it (the right instructions for best results). 

Christian life: Matthew 19:17-21.

Christmas lights: What it takes to keep the lights burning brightly (proper power supply - protection in the storms of the seasons). 

Christian life: Matthew 7:24-27

Christmas lights: Where and how to place the lights so that they illuminate the path and make the house inviting (so you know the way and you'll want to come back). 

Christian life: Our Promise for Today!

Christmas lights: I'm not turning off my lights just because someone doesn't like Christmas. 

Christian life: I'm not hiding my Light just because someone doesn't like Christians... 

♫♪This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! ♪♫

And I'm not going to get into debates about the actual date of Christ's birth, or how the date was brought into the church as we know it today. I'm just eternally grateful Emmanuel WAS born so that we could be forgiven to live in His Light and have eternal life with Him!!  

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for sending Your Son to be Light and Life for all who will receive Him. Thank You that the invitation is open to whosoever will... Please keep our hearts and spiritual eyes open to see the opportunities to spread Your Light and Life to those who don't yet know You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Doing Nothing

I, Adonai, search the heart; I test inner motivations; in order to give to everyone what his actions and conduct deserve.
Jeremiah 17:10 CJB

This Scripture puts me in mind of the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. I've heard all kinds of perspectives on that particular parable - from putting the fear of God in you to the extravagant mercy of God for taking into account what a person is capable of. From the literal translation of talent as a certain measure of wealth to talents (or giftings) most acknowledge today; i.e. singer, musician, artist, speaker, et cetera (NOT to exclude those rarely mentioned such as faithful, merciful, peacemaker, givers, and so on). From those questioning why they didn't receive certain talents to those who are grateful to have received anything at all. The combinations are almost as varied and numerous as the world's population.

However, despite the innumerable differences, the one thing that must be understood is that the person with the one bag of gold was not punished because he didn't double his gift. He was punished because he did nothing with what he was given.

NO one can say they haven't received at least one thing from God. There is one commonality in all peoples - past and present. We each have been given life. What are we doing with it?

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for not acknowledging You in all things. Help us to see this life as the incredible gift that it is! We pray as Paul prayed,* For this reason we kneel before You, Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. We pray that out of Your glorious riches You will strengthen us with power through Your Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ will dwell in our hearts through faith. And we pray that being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of You. We know You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

*Ephesians 3:14-21

Most Important

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:13 NLT

Well, I'm home from the hospital, praise God!! Thank you to those who prayed for me and to those who girded me with your strength. I thank God for you!

One of my co-workers has a sign on her desk that reads, We’re put on this earth to accomplish a certain number of tasks. Right now, I’m so far behind, I will never die. I have to admit, I had that same sign on my desk at a previous job. We joke about which drawers to empty and burn if something happened to either of us.

Even though we joke about it, people don’t like to think of it and definitely don’t like to speak of it. None of us knows the day or the hour our life will end. One important truth about that is we ARE put on this earth to accomplish the plan God created for our lives, but there IS a time limit. I was reminded of that as I was verifying my insurance benefits choices, including beneficiaries. I realized I needed to inform my beneficiaries of their benefits.

You know, we have the ability to make choices that determine how and what the benefits will be when we die…for those we leave behind AND for ourselves. Thankfully, I have decent life insurance. But most importantly, I have perfect life ASSURANCE - John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

James 4:14 NLT tells us, How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Without Jesus, there is no Life and that’s the most important thing for my beneficiaries - and for YOU - to know!

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us focus to redeem the time You have given us. Help us to make eternal differences for those You have put in our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

* As Long As Life Lasts

Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
Hebrews 6:11 NLT

Sometimes, life is VERY hard. I won't even attempt to qualify that statement - I don't think it's necessary. If, for any length of time, you've drawn breath while on this earth, you've hit at least one really hard time.

And while it's true that everyone reacts or responds differently, I have to say unequivocally, I have NO idea how people survive such times if they don't have Christ in their life.

If Christ is not in you - if He is not your hope of glory - your Healer - your Deliverer - your Provider and Friend, how do you get through impossible times? How are you comforted when there is no comfort for the pain in your soul? How long do you stay sane through the onslaught if you don't have the mind of Christ? How long do you have hope enough to want to live when you have no hope of eternal life in Christ?

What does this have to do with our text for today? What jumped out at me in this Scripture is the phrase as long as life lasts...

How long do you continue to love the unloveable? How long do you continue making the right choices even in the midst of unbelievable adversity? How long do you hold on to the promises that you might not yet see? How long do you keep fighting for Truth? How long do you keep standing with nothing but the Word of God to surround you in the fire? How long?!?

AS LONG AS LIFE LASTS... that's how long. Don't you quit! Don't you dare give up!

Prayer:

Father,
          We pray according to Your Word - You have given both Your promise and Your oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for You to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to You for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. We hold to You, Lord, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen