Recommendations +

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Acts 20:32

We have an electronic bulletin board at my day job and often times, there are requests for recommendations regarding handymen, lawn care, car repairs, doctors. We want someone who KNOWS the person is reliable. It makes sense, doesn't it? We hate to go into something blindly trusting - especially with something as important as our health or home or car. That's all well and good, but we also need to know the one who is making the recommendation. Are they reliable? Is their word trustworthy? We NEED to know.

Commending someone is a little different, but along the same principle. We commend someone for their good works or accomplishments. But we also commend ourselves (or by implication give as in a trust or for protection) to something or someone. To commend someone, we need to know them. We need to know that what they've done or are doing is commendable. 

Luke, the physician, commends us to God and to the word of His grace... Luke is trustworthy. After all, God let him write part of the Bible...that's commendable and is highly recommended reading.

Jesus commended His own Spirit into the Father's hands. 'Nuff said. Do we need further commendation or recommendation?

Prayer:

Father,

           We accept Luke's commendation of ourselves to You and to the Word of Your grace. We know that You are the Master Builder and need no other recommendation than what we have already received. Keep us set apart for You, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* What Price Peace?

[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.
John 14:27 NLT

We live in stressful times. I'm relatively certain that every generation since the beginning of time has uttered or written those words... Psalm 34:19 reads, The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.  In 2nd Timothy 3:11-12 NLT, Paul writes, You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 

Hmmmm...Doesn't exactly give you warm fuzzies, does it?

We think we could have peace if we could just get away or "veg" for awhile - not have to think about anything - or at least think about a lesser number of things. Zone out on mindless pursuits of amusement, but the Truth is that's not real peace. And when we're done trying to do it our own way, we find that peace is fleeting. It won't carry us through the storms of life and yet we keep looking for it in those things.

If I'm going to hunt seashells, I'm not going to look for them by the side of a road (unless I live in Louisiana or Biloxi). If I'm looking for a reliable car, I'm not going to a flea market to get one. If I'm in the market for a house, I'm not going to find it in an aisle at WalMart.  So why would we try to find peace where God is not? The Good News is God gave us a way to deal with the stresses of life. Christ went to the Cross to deliver us out of all our struggles. Isaiah 53:5 in the Amplified Bible reads, But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.  

When I feel most overwhelmed - totally stressed out by the things life throws at me - is when I'm trying to do it on my own. In my own strength - in what I believe to be my own ability...when I forget that any ability I have has been given to me by God. I cannot produce peace on my own. I cannot give out peace that I don't have... so why do I think I can find peace that passes understanding anywhere apart from the presence of the Lord?

And to get in His presence, I look for Him. In His Word and in the music about Him. One of my favorites is one sung by Becky Fender years ago. I've included the lyrics here.

Peace In the Midst of the Storm.
 

When the world that I've been living in collapses at my feet - When my life is shattered and torn
Though I'm windswept and battered, I can cling to His cross and find peace in the midst of the storm

There is peace in the midst of my storm-tossed life. There is an Anchor; there is a Rock to build my faith upon!
Jesus rides in my vessel, so I fear no alarm - He gives me peace in the midst of my storm

When in twenty-four short hours, years of living are brought to moments. And when life's final picture is taking form
In the dark room of my suff'ring there's a light that comes shining through! He gives me peace in the midst of my storm

And when my spirit has been broken 'till it's wracked by misery. Even when the doctors shake their heads and look forlorn,

Jesus comes to make my bedside a cathedral of hope and love and He brings peace in the midst of the storm

I thank my God for peace in the midst of my storm-tossed life! Oh, there's an Anchor, there's a Rock to build my faith upon
Jesus rides in my vessel, so I fear no alarm - He gives me peace in the midst of the storm.

He gives me peace in the midst of my storm.

****************************************************************

John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Prayer:

Father,

           According to Your Word in 1st Peter 5, we will humble ourselves under Your mighty power, and at the right time, You will lift us up. Father, we give You all our worries and cares, because You care for us. We will stay alert and watch out for the enemy. We will not be devoured by him. Help us to see past the roar to Your peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

 

* Managing Your Stress

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1^st Peter 5:7 NIV

Recently, I received an email about stress management. It was one I had seen before, but this particular version had been modified from the one I had read previously. It started with an illustration. You may have seen it before, too.

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.  
The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.  It depends on how long you try to hold it.  If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.  If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.  If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.  In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.  If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on...”

I immediately thought of our text for today. Of course, the secular world has all kinds of suggestions on how to make it better, and I thought about doing a comparison of the original suggestions to see how many of them were based on Scripture, but I thought I’d just rather do this.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul...Psalm 23:2-3 KJV

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… Isaiah 53:4a NKJV

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him… Isaiah 53:5c NKJV

The syllabus for our stress management course is called The Bible… Pay close attention to what is written in red.

 Prayer:

 Father,

          We pray according to Your Word in Psalm 25,  Show us the right path, O Lord; point out the road for us to follow.  Lead us by Your truth and teach us, for You are the God who saves us. All day long we put our hope in You. Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and unfailing love, which You have shown from long ages past.  Do not remember the rebellious sins of our youth. Remember us in the light of Your unfailing love, for You are merciful, O Lord. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Beginnings and Endings +

The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Ecclesiastes 7:8a NIV

I've been thinking a lot about beginnings and ends - in many different realms. How we perceive the value or benefit of either depends on how we look at it.

Several friends are pregnant or have just given birth - their whole focus is about the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of life spent with their newborn.  One friend recently retired. He's still floating on Cloud Nine, but not sure what the future holds.  And another was just promoted. He's excited about the beginning of the new global position, but is torn at leaving the people and position he had. 

Several friends were recently laid off from their jobs. One was elated. One was concerned. One was "okay as long as it didn't last more than two months." The jury is still out on the other. 

And still one more precious friend who is at the end of her life's journey. She's excited beyond measure at the thought of Heaven and being with her beloved Jesus, yet sad beyond words at leaving her husband and children and grandchildren.

As mere human beings, we are conflicted with beginnings and ends. We don't always see that the end of something means the beginning of something else. And yet, oftentimes, the end of something is vitally important so that we may get to the new beginning... 

This one thing I know. If we follow the Lord and walk in His righteousness, then our steps are ordered by His design, and just like the Blood He shed for our every sin, He's got it all covered. Revelation 22:12-13 NLT assures us of this, Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You that our confidence is in You since You know the end from the beginning. Your Word in Psalm 139 teaches us that You have numbered all our days, and know the days and minutes in each. Keep us holy and righteous before You, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A No Rote Note +

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6 NKJV

The local Christian radio station has a daily feature titled, “Pray Down at High Noon.” Every day, a well-known singer or public figure will say 'The Lord’s Prayer' at the stroke of 12 noon. Here lately, I’ve managed to catch it a few days in a row, and I find there are those who pray it and then there are those who recite it by rote. There is a big difference. You know what I mean - the mechanical repetition of something so that it is remembered without real understanding of its meaning or significance, much like we sing Christmas carols. 

There have been several occasions over the last couple weeks when I have had someone tell me, 'I say the Lord’s prayer' - like it’s a good luck mantra rather than what it’s meant to be. One day, my oldest brother, Ron, sent me a great email, and I want to share it with you. You may have seen it before but, believe me, it’s worth another read… For clarification, the person praying is in italics, the Lord’s response is NOT in italics.

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.But you called ME!
Called You? No, I didn't call You… I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven.There - you did it again!
Did what?Called Me. You said, Our Father who art in Heaven. Well, here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayer for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling my duty.Oh, all right. Go on then.
Okay… Hallowed be Thy Name. Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?
By what?By Hallowed be Thy Name…
It means, it means .. . Good grief, I don't know what it means! How in the world should I know? Don’t You know what it means? It's just a part of the prayer…okay… what does it mean?It means holy, honored, wonderful.
Well, that makes sense. Thanks. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before… Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if You got control of everything down here like You have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here, You know.Yes, I do know… Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money - all on yourself without one thought for anyone else’s need. And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute! Why are You picking on me? I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME…I’m sorry. I really thought you were praying for My will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example...
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that You mention it, I could probably name some others.
So could I.
Take it easy, will You? I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to - You know - be really free. Good. Now we're getting somewhere. I'm proud of You. We'll work together - you and ME.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind, this is taking a lot longer than it usually does. I need to finish up here. Give us this day, our daily bread.You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I am doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden You break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME - and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( pause... ) Well, go on.
I'm scared to.Scared? Of what?
I know what You'll say.Try Me.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.What about Jane?
See? I knew it! I knew You would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. I’m so tired of her nonsense! I've sworn to get even with her! But your prayer - What about your prayer?
I didn't actually mean that part…Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment, isn't it?
Yes, but boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. I'll feel so much better as soon as I get even with her. No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are? Well, I can change that.
You can? How?Forgive Jane. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Jane’s problem - not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, I know, You're right. You always are..and more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right, all right…I forgive her.There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty good! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.Yeah, I know… But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.
Okay. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?You know exactly what I mean by that.
Yeah. Yeah… okay, I know.Alright. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.Do you know what would bring Me glory? What would really make Me happy?
No, but I'd like to know, Lord. I do want to please you. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly behave like Christ. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me… How do I make YOU happy?
You just did…

Prayer:

Father, 
         We don’t want to take You for granted. Help us to bow our hearts and our minds before You. Make us aware of when we are multi-tasking instead of being completely in the moment with You - for You alone are worthy of all honor and all glory. We want You to be happy with us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

* A Big Help

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16 NLT

Anyone who has ever worked in any capacity at a church – especially as a volunteer or over volunteer ministries - knows how difficult it can be to get people to commit to an area; and if you get one or two with true enthusiasm, it’s just this side of a miracle.

One Sunday, we were a few short for our Greeter Ministry. At the time, I was responsible for recruiting volunteers, so I was praying for some big help that morning.

The first one to offer to help turned out to be the best helper I’ve ever had in the Greeter ministry. A three-year-old little boy named Christian. Christian is a live-wire – high energy, strong-willed, and totally committed to whatever he has chosen to do at the moment – no matter what it is. (I’m not sure that’s always a thrill to his mother, but she’s got a good head on her shoulders and her heart is after God, so I have no doubt that Christian will BE a strong Christian as an adult.)

You might wonder what a then 3-year-old could do in the Greeter Ministry besides get in the way… well, you know that verse …a child shall lead them…? I wish you could have seen this little boy in action!

He determined that his job would be to open the door for people so they could enter. Doesn’t sound like too big of a deal, does it? Except Christian didn’t stand more than 30” tall. He’s a little bitty boy but he has a BIG “Yes-I-Can” attitude. He’d push for all he was worth to get that door open and once he got it open, he wanted to just hold it open. Yes, it would have been easier, except that this is Texas and it was July and we can’t stand with the door open…

So, I finally convinced him that we had to wait and watch for people to come up and then open the door when they got close enough. So he put his nose to the glass door and cupped his hands around his eyes like binoculars so he could make sure he saw them. And he was READY! Christian was so little then that sometimes the door pushed back on him and I would have to step up to help him keep it open. And the wonderful thing was, he didn't see that as him not being able to do it, he saw it as teamwork – getting the job done together!

Now, some may have only seen a little guy – “technically” too little to help – but that didn’t stop him. Some may have only seen fingerprints and nose prints on the glass, but I saw a mighty man of God in the making. 

Oh, that we could all be like Christian when it comes to working for the Lord! Yes, I can do it, Lord! No, it’s not too hard. If You asked me to do it, it doesn't matter how big it is or how big I’m not!  Be a doorkeeper? You bet, God! I can do that! I’ll actively watch for them and usher them into Your house. I am well able and if I need help, I know You will help me or send someone to be a helper.

Where can you be a big help?

Prayer:

Father,
        Thank You for loving us enough to teach us and to remind us that anything and everything that is done for You or in Your Name is worth doing well and with enthusiasm. Let us not forget. Open our eyes to see more opportunities to serve You and our fellow believers. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Right or Righteous +

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
Romans 12:9-12 The Message

 Practice playing second fiddle? Okay, confession time. As a somewhat normal human being, that is not something that comes easily to me. This was driven home to me a few years back when I realized that I'd been angry for most of the week…at the same person. I'd think I was over it and then he would come back a little later and do the same thing or something in the same vein, and I'd be angry all over again.  I didn't hit him. I didn't swear. I didn't throw anything. I didn't yell or scream.

In fact, at one point I was patting myself on the back, thinking, 'What a good girl am I' because I didn't hit him and I didn't cuss. I didn't throw anything. I didn't yell or scream. 

Pitiful… Pathetic... PA – THET – IC!  'Ick' being the operative sound there. I thought that I was being angry and not sinning…after all, I was right and I knew I was right.  Self-righteous, filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6, But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags… 

Do I want to be right or do I want to be in right-standing with God? Our text for today reads a little differently in the King James. Verse 10 reads, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another... There was no way my actions could even remotely be misconstrued as preferring one another in honor...

James 3:17-18 reads ...the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

So, I had to ask myself - Right or Righteousness? And as my heart is convicted within me...

Father,
          Forgive me, O God, according to Your Word in 1st John 1:9, that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The only thing I have to be right about is being right with You. Help me, Father. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen