[Jesus speaking] 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. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.
John 14:27-28a NLT
I hate shopping. A few years back, I had occasion to go to a mall for a specific shopping trip with some ladies from church. I haven't been to a mall in years, and if Jesus tarries, I may never go back. I came out of there feeling as though I had lived a sheltered life - and if you know me at all, you know I have not - and yet, I was appalled at some of the things I saw there.
But I digress, what I really wanted to tell you about was this one HUGE gumball machine I saw. It was one of those new ones - an action gumball machine. No more do you have the put-the-coin-in-twist-the-knob-gumball-drops-out kind of machine. Now it goes through loops and hoops and entertains you before it ever gets to the dispenser. And by the way, it's not a penny or a nickel, it's a quarter - for one gumball! - but even that wasn't what caught my eye.
The machine was advertising "Peace of Mind" for a quarter. Yes, you read that correctly. Peace of mind... Just drop your quarter in, twist the knob, and watch the gumball / jawbreaker / whatever it was, come jumping through the hoops and loops and deliver peace of mind straight into your waiting fingers. In my mind, I just kept hearing Rod Roddy boom out, "This, too, can be yours if the Price is Right!"
I was struck to the very core of my being by the deception of all satan's lies being boiled down into a gumball machine. To think that peace can be obtained by purchasing anything that feeds your senses is a lie. That's counterfeit like every other lie satan sells and marketing has built an entire economy on it. We want it cheaper and faster and we'll swap it all if we can have it now. We don't want to make the commitment for excellence or to wait for those things worth waiting for. And the world wants to sell it to you - for a quarter - from a gumball machine at the mall. This, too, can be yours if the Price is Right!
Jesus said, I am leaving you with A GIFT - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give... Jesus paid the price - the highest price - and then He gave it to us as a gift. satan wants you to sell your soul. What price will you pay?
Prayer:
Father,
Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still! We want Your peace, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Thursday, December 19, 2013
* Installment Plans and Warranties
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
2nd Corinthians 1:21,22 NLT
Christmas is typically a time when we are forced to do some kind of shopping, even if we hate to shop, and I’ll tell you, I hate to shop. I have friends and family members who love it, though. Hmmm, maybe I ought to consider getting them to shop for me… oops…sorry, I got distracted there for a minute.
Shopping today is nothing like it used to be. Once upon a time, you could walk into a merchant’s facility and plop some money on the counter to buy an appliance or other high-dollar item for so much down and so much a month and expect to live happily ever after. Well, maybe not forever, but you could expect the item to last 15 or 20 years. Nowadays, no matter where or what you purchase, or how you purchase - installment or no installment, you’re offered the opportunity to buy an extended warranty with each purchase. Of course, it’s only good for 5 years or less or 50,000 miles/hours whatever, and whichever comes first. You may even be offered the opportunity to purchase an insurance policy on your installment payment and/or balance, in case something bad happens to you.
It might just be me, but I do not see how this is supposed to inspire any kind of confidence in the product or the workmanship that went into it, despite what the salesperson has to say. The only thing it seems to guarantee is that it’s going to break down, or if it doesn’t, it probably will after the “free” annual maintenance checkup – you know, the “Free” one that comes with your PAID warranty. Well, let me get to the good news.
Yes, there is always good news when it comes to God. In Scripture, we learn that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. And the warranty work to fix anything that may get broken along the way is already paid for – by the Maker. Not only that, there are no exceptions, nothing hidden, no black-out dates, no gotcha clauses. On top of that, it’s not a 90-day warranty or 5-year extended warranty – it’s a lifetime guarantee. All we have to do is say, yes, we want it. That’s included, too. Already paid for. And don’t worry, we’re already identified by God with a gift He gives us – the Holy Spirit. We are ALL that He says we are. We can have everything He says we can have – that’s a lifetime guarantee that extends through eternity.
Prayer:
Father,
There is nothing offered here that even remotely compares to what You offer us on a daily basis and Your Son paid the price for it all. Open our eyes to see You, Lord, and to recognize the magnitude of the provision You have made for us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Nevertheless, Thy Will Be Done +
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:23 NLT
I can personally confirm the news reports that MANY people are travelling during this Thanksgiving holiday. Even with the purchase of a guaranteed "early bird check-in," I was still the 42nd person in line to board. Logically, I was pretty sure there weren't going to be any front row, leg room or aisle seats available. Nevertheless, I prayed and asked God for a front row seat. I went one step further and also asked for someone kind enough to assist me in getting my bag into the overhead bin.
In verse 4 of the text chapter we're using today, the Word reads,Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. As I rounded the corner of the forward galley, I stood for a quick moment, checking the availability of aisle seats. Then I looked to my right, straight into the faces of one woman about my age and a young man about 30, both seated on the front row, who both smiled and asked, "Would you like to sit here?"
"Yes, thank you," I replied, as I stepped into the front row area, mentioning that I would wait until the human traffic flow died down before attempting to put up my carry on. A few moments passed, and the young man stood and asked if he could put up my case for me.(Thank you, Jesus!!!!)
MY plan was to read the book I'd brought with me. My seat guests on either side of me had other plans. Rob, the young man, was on the way to say good-bye to his mother. She was being kept on life-support until Rob could arrive.
On my other side, Ms. Sandy had an extremely rare form of cancer, and was returning home after her trip to Houston's MD Anderson Center for a target drug treatment. Halfway through the flight, Ms. Sandy remarked, "I don't know why I'm telling you all these things about me, I'm normally a very private person." She and I encouraged one another in the Lord, and God gave me the opportunity to pray with Rob during our descent.
My plan was to read the book I brought. HIS plan was to read the hearts of the ones He brought. Thank You, Father, for trusting me and for ordering my steps aright.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Sandy and for Rob. I pray continued comfort and blessings for them. Thank you for getting us all safely to our destinations. Please be with Rob and his extended family during this time. Heal Sandy, Lord, she believes in Your healing touch. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 37:23 NLT
I can personally confirm the news reports that MANY people are travelling during this Thanksgiving holiday. Even with the purchase of a guaranteed "early bird check-in," I was still the 42nd person in line to board. Logically, I was pretty sure there weren't going to be any front row, leg room or aisle seats available. Nevertheless, I prayed and asked God for a front row seat. I went one step further and also asked for someone kind enough to assist me in getting my bag into the overhead bin.
In verse 4 of the text chapter we're using today, the Word reads,Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. As I rounded the corner of the forward galley, I stood for a quick moment, checking the availability of aisle seats. Then I looked to my right, straight into the faces of one woman about my age and a young man about 30, both seated on the front row, who both smiled and asked, "Would you like to sit here?"
"Yes, thank you," I replied, as I stepped into the front row area, mentioning that I would wait until the human traffic flow died down before attempting to put up my carry on. A few moments passed, and the young man stood and asked if he could put up my case for me.(Thank you, Jesus!!!!)
MY plan was to read the book I'd brought with me. My seat guests on either side of me had other plans. Rob, the young man, was on the way to say good-bye to his mother. She was being kept on life-support until Rob could arrive.
On my other side, Ms. Sandy had an extremely rare form of cancer, and was returning home after her trip to Houston's MD Anderson Center for a target drug treatment. Halfway through the flight, Ms. Sandy remarked, "I don't know why I'm telling you all these things about me, I'm normally a very private person." She and I encouraged one another in the Lord, and God gave me the opportunity to pray with Rob during our descent.
My plan was to read the book I brought. HIS plan was to read the hearts of the ones He brought. Thank You, Father, for trusting me and for ordering my steps aright.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Sandy and for Rob. I pray continued comfort and blessings for them. Thank you for getting us all safely to our destinations. Please be with Rob and his extended family during this time. Heal Sandy, Lord, she believes in Your healing touch. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, July 13, 2012
* Have You Lost Your Mind?
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
"I think I'm losing my mind," her voice was subdued in response to my question. She wasn't joking or making light of the inquiry. I knew she was serious. There was no sparkle in her eye; there was only torment. The weight of emotional pain was overwhelming her - body, soul, mind, and spirit.
Have you ever been in that place? Chances are, you may have been at one time or another. Maybe you're there now, wondering what in the world you are going to do. And if that's you, I want to speak directly to you.
I don't know your circumstances or your questions, but God does. I don't have all the answers, but I know the One Who does. I have been in that same place and I am here to tell you - unequivocally - that God will bring you out. Don't give up. Don't quit now. He WILL see you through to the other side of this. What I DO have is the living proof of His faithfulness to make good on the promises in His Word.
You see, I thought I was a goner. I thought dying would be the only way out of the mess I was in. I was so broken and dead inside that I couldn't see any way out. I couldn't keep two coherent thoughts in my head because of the things that overwhelmed me. I was losing my mind. Then I found the verses of our promise for today.
Back then, I didn't know if God had the time or the inclination to hear all my prayers and petitions, but I chose to believe the Truth of His Word over the facts of my circumstances. And now, this many years later, I am here to tell you that God keeps His Word, and if we will choose to keep His Word, too, then we will surely reap the many benefits of His peace that exceeds all understanding and will keep our hearts and MINDS SAFE in Christ Jesus.
The Word of God tells us if He does it for one person, He'll do it for all, so let me leave you with this encouragement from Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Prayer:
Father,
I pray according to Your Word that Many will see what [You] have done and be amazed, and that they will put their trust in You, Lord.In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Philippians 4:6-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
"I think I'm losing my mind," her voice was subdued in response to my question. She wasn't joking or making light of the inquiry. I knew she was serious. There was no sparkle in her eye; there was only torment. The weight of emotional pain was overwhelming her - body, soul, mind, and spirit.
Have you ever been in that place? Chances are, you may have been at one time or another. Maybe you're there now, wondering what in the world you are going to do. And if that's you, I want to speak directly to you.
I don't know your circumstances or your questions, but God does. I don't have all the answers, but I know the One Who does. I have been in that same place and I am here to tell you - unequivocally - that God will bring you out. Don't give up. Don't quit now. He WILL see you through to the other side of this. What I DO have is the living proof of His faithfulness to make good on the promises in His Word.
You see, I thought I was a goner. I thought dying would be the only way out of the mess I was in. I was so broken and dead inside that I couldn't see any way out. I couldn't keep two coherent thoughts in my head because of the things that overwhelmed me. I was losing my mind. Then I found the verses of our promise for today.
Back then, I didn't know if God had the time or the inclination to hear all my prayers and petitions, but I chose to believe the Truth of His Word over the facts of my circumstances. And now, this many years later, I am here to tell you that God keeps His Word, and if we will choose to keep His Word, too, then we will surely reap the many benefits of His peace that exceeds all understanding and will keep our hearts and MINDS SAFE in Christ Jesus.
The Word of God tells us if He does it for one person, He'll do it for all, so let me leave you with this encouragement from Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Prayer:
Father,
I pray according to Your Word that Many will see what [You] have done and be amazed, and that they will put their trust in You, Lord.In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, May 10, 2012
* There's an App for That
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 KJV
I love computers. I love technology, but I have realized that I only truly appreciate it when I am proficient at whatever it is I'm trying to utilize. If I have to spend more time plugging data into a non-intuitive, NOT user-friendly program - longer than what it would take me to do by hand, what good does that do me?
One of the kids at work said to me the other day, "Oh, there's an app for that" (referring to a mathematical problem-solving issue). I didn't want the app - I wanted to remember how to do it. The difference between the kid and me was that I used to know how to create that formula by memory. He never had to learn it. He had it on his PHONE! Half the time, I can't get my phone to text properly, so the kid told me I needed a smartphone. I don't need a phone that's smarter than I am...turns out - there's an app for that, too!
However, one thing I've learned about all the apps is that if you let that phone go dead - it's over till you get it plugged in or recharged. I can't tell you how many times a week I'm asked if I have a phone charger for the latest hi-tech phone. Or they're almost out of minutes or it's 3G when it needs to be 4G.
That's what I love so much about God and His Word. He's the same, yesterday, today and forever, yet His mercies are new every morning. I don't have to worry about reception - He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. I don't have to worry about a special charger. No power cord - no problem. I can get straight through to Him just by breathing His Name. It's His power to begin with. Intuitive? The Holy Spirit will lead you into all Truth. User-friendly? Wow - how much time do you have? How much time do you need? How much time do you want? He's got all the time in the world and it's for you. You don't have to worry about running out of minutes on His plan...ever.
How do I know this? Oh there's an APP for that -
APPly your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may APPly our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 KJV
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word in Proverbs 2, Help us to receive Your words, and treasure Your commands within us so that we incline our ear to wisdom, and APPly our heart to understanding; Let us cry out for discernment, and lift up our voice for understanding, Father, we will seek wisdom as silver, and search for her as we would for hidden treasures then we will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For You Lord give wisdom; From Your mouth come knowledge and understanding; You store up sound wisdom for the upright; and are a Shield to those who walk uprightly; You guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of His saints. When wisdom enters our heart, and knowledge is pleasant to our soul, discretion will preserve us; and understanding will keep you, We pray all these things in Jesus' Name. Amen
Psalm 90:12 KJV
I love computers. I love technology, but I have realized that I only truly appreciate it when I am proficient at whatever it is I'm trying to utilize. If I have to spend more time plugging data into a non-intuitive, NOT user-friendly program - longer than what it would take me to do by hand, what good does that do me?
One of the kids at work said to me the other day, "Oh, there's an app for that" (referring to a mathematical problem-solving issue). I didn't want the app - I wanted to remember how to do it. The difference between the kid and me was that I used to know how to create that formula by memory. He never had to learn it. He had it on his PHONE! Half the time, I can't get my phone to text properly, so the kid told me I needed a smartphone. I don't need a phone that's smarter than I am...turns out - there's an app for that, too!
However, one thing I've learned about all the apps is that if you let that phone go dead - it's over till you get it plugged in or recharged. I can't tell you how many times a week I'm asked if I have a phone charger for the latest hi-tech phone. Or they're almost out of minutes or it's 3G when it needs to be 4G.
That's what I love so much about God and His Word. He's the same, yesterday, today and forever, yet His mercies are new every morning. I don't have to worry about reception - He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. I don't have to worry about a special charger. No power cord - no problem. I can get straight through to Him just by breathing His Name. It's His power to begin with. Intuitive? The Holy Spirit will lead you into all Truth. User-friendly? Wow - how much time do you have? How much time do you need? How much time do you want? He's got all the time in the world and it's for you. You don't have to worry about running out of minutes on His plan...ever.
How do I know this? Oh there's an APP for that -
APPly your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may APPly our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 KJV
Prayer:
Father,
We pray according to Your Word in Proverbs 2, Help us to receive Your words, and treasure Your commands within us so that we incline our ear to wisdom, and APPly our heart to understanding; Let us cry out for discernment, and lift up our voice for understanding, Father, we will seek wisdom as silver, and search for her as we would for hidden treasures then we will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For You Lord give wisdom; From Your mouth come knowledge and understanding; You store up sound wisdom for the upright; and are a Shield to those who walk uprightly; You guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of His saints. When wisdom enters our heart, and knowledge is pleasant to our soul, discretion will preserve us; and understanding will keep you, We pray all these things in Jesus' Name. Amen
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Harvest of Generosity *
As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
2nd Corinthians 9:9-11 NLT
People get nervous when you talk about Christianity. They fidget when you start talking about money. But if you want to really see them squirm, talk about money and Jesus in the same breath! However, truth is Truth. Now, before you get upset, I'm not talking about prospering for the sake of prosperity, so don't leave me yet.
Scripture tells us to share freely and give generously to the poor. If we do, according to the Word of God, He will provide and increase our resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in us. The increased resources are NOT for us to keep, but to give away to others. It's not about making us rich. It's about a harvest of generosity. It's about reaping a generous spirit. It's about giving to others so that it opens the gate for them to come into the presence of God because they're giving thanks for what they have received.
Our text for today is the basis for the Law of Reciprocity. BIG buzz word these days. However, I'm not talking about transactional reciprocity - value given for value received. Author Wayne Baker has this to say about the power of reciprocity, "The lesson is that we cannot pursue the power of reciprocity. When we try to invoke reciprocity directly, we lose sight of the reason for it: helping others. Paradoxically, it is in helping others without expecting reciprocity in return that we invoke the power of reciprocity. The deliberate pursuit of reciprocity fails..." Mr. Baker paraphrased what the Scripture has to say and got himself another best seller.
What is our motivation behind giving gifts this Christmas season? Is it obligational reciprocity? Yuck... Is it transactional reciprocity – value given for value received? Or is it - according to His Word - from a great harvest of generosity? If we continue in today's text, verse 13 reads, As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. Oh, please let it be that we are found obedient to the Good News of Christ
Prayer:
Father,
You love a cheerful giver, and You set the ultimate example of giving by giving us Your Son, Jesus. Provide and increase our resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in us, Lord, according to Your Word. Enrich us in every way so that we may always be generous. Help us especially to be generous with Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Generous to meet the needs of those around us so they will thank You and give You glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
2nd Corinthians 9:9-11 NLT
People get nervous when you talk about Christianity. They fidget when you start talking about money. But if you want to really see them squirm, talk about money and Jesus in the same breath! However, truth is Truth. Now, before you get upset, I'm not talking about prospering for the sake of prosperity, so don't leave me yet.
Scripture tells us to share freely and give generously to the poor. If we do, according to the Word of God, He will provide and increase our resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in us. The increased resources are NOT for us to keep, but to give away to others. It's not about making us rich. It's about a harvest of generosity. It's about reaping a generous spirit. It's about giving to others so that it opens the gate for them to come into the presence of God because they're giving thanks for what they have received.
Our text for today is the basis for the Law of Reciprocity. BIG buzz word these days. However, I'm not talking about transactional reciprocity - value given for value received. Author Wayne Baker has this to say about the power of reciprocity, "The lesson is that we cannot pursue the power of reciprocity. When we try to invoke reciprocity directly, we lose sight of the reason for it: helping others. Paradoxically, it is in helping others without expecting reciprocity in return that we invoke the power of reciprocity. The deliberate pursuit of reciprocity fails..." Mr. Baker paraphrased what the Scripture has to say and got himself another best seller.
What is our motivation behind giving gifts this Christmas season? Is it obligational reciprocity? Yuck... Is it transactional reciprocity – value given for value received? Or is it - according to His Word - from a great harvest of generosity? If we continue in today's text, verse 13 reads, As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. Oh, please let it be that we are found obedient to the Good News of Christ
Prayer:
Father,
You love a cheerful giver, and You set the ultimate example of giving by giving us Your Son, Jesus. Provide and increase our resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in us, Lord, according to Your Word. Enrich us in every way so that we may always be generous. Help us especially to be generous with Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Generous to meet the needs of those around us so they will thank You and give You glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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