Psalm 80: 19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
I am taking this out of the context in which it was written to make it apply to my current circumstances. There has been trouble in my family--hurt feelings and harsh words. I have suffered a great deal, and so has my mother, from the incidents which led to these feelings.
The problems have centered around a disagreement which began almost 3 months ago. I have spoken with the other family members only once since then. Yesterday I met with my niece and her family. I meant to call her today, but the directory in my mother's phone was wrong. Her mother answered. We had a nice conversation, very positive. When it was over, I told my mother about the mistake and the conversation. She was pleased and said she was ready for it to all be over. Praise God!
Prayer: Restore us, indeed, O Lord, that our family can function in a positive way. Save us from our own resentment and anger, which is not the way You want us to live. Make your face shine on us, so that we thrive in the glory reflected from it. Praise God for his mercy and forgiveness. Help us to forgive as well.
Amen
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
June 27, 2013
2 Timothy 3: 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus
Today was a hard choice....more kings killing and ignoring God's prophets and then Paul hating on women. So I chose this verse, where Paul speaks to Timothy's qualifications.
I am blessed to have been born into a Christian home, with a mother who was determined to pass her faith on to me. I tried to do the same for my kids, building a base through their contacts with church and church camp.
Prayer: Lord, I praise You for my Christian upbringing. This gave substance to Your gift of faith to me. I am able to draw upon the "faith of my fathers" (and mothers) as I grow in You. Halleluiah!
Amen
Today was a hard choice....more kings killing and ignoring God's prophets and then Paul hating on women. So I chose this verse, where Paul speaks to Timothy's qualifications.
I am blessed to have been born into a Christian home, with a mother who was determined to pass her faith on to me. I tried to do the same for my kids, building a base through their contacts with church and church camp.
Prayer: Lord, I praise You for my Christian upbringing. This gave substance to Your gift of faith to me. I am able to draw upon the "faith of my fathers" (and mothers) as I grow in You. Halleluiah!
Amen
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
June 26, 2013
2 Timothy 2: 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
This is a good thought as we go to see my brother's family in Daytona Beach tomorrow. There have been quarrels, and what is needed now is kindness without resentment.
It is easy to wallow in resentment. It is easy to justify why your side is the right one. It is not so easy to be kind in the face of one who disagrees with you. We must follow God's will and do the hard thing--we must serve Him even if it goes against our natural inclinations.
Prayer: Lord, guide me toward kindness, even in the face of my own resentment. Let me rise above the quarrels of the past and serve you faithfully.
Amen
This is a good thought as we go to see my brother's family in Daytona Beach tomorrow. There have been quarrels, and what is needed now is kindness without resentment.
It is easy to wallow in resentment. It is easy to justify why your side is the right one. It is not so easy to be kind in the face of one who disagrees with you. We must follow God's will and do the hard thing--we must serve Him even if it goes against our natural inclinations.
Prayer: Lord, guide me toward kindness, even in the face of my own resentment. Let me rise above the quarrels of the past and serve you faithfully.
Amen
Monday, June 24, 2013
June 24, 2013
1 Timothy 6: 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
This goes well with yesterday's post, as Joash, saved by his aunt and uncle, is killed by his advisors. He has forgotten their kindness and killed their son. So his reign, characterized mainly by the rebuilding of the temple, ends in disgrace and death.
Of course, that is not what Paul had in mind at all. He was telling Timothy to be content with what he had--just food and clothing are enough.
While here at Mother's, we discussed this as it relates to elderly people trying to clutch their material possessions even as they decline into death.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that no things will leave this world with me. Instead let me focus on leaving here as an honorable servant of Yours. Help me to recall what is truly important in life, so that I face death in the best possible way.
Amen
This goes well with yesterday's post, as Joash, saved by his aunt and uncle, is killed by his advisors. He has forgotten their kindness and killed their son. So his reign, characterized mainly by the rebuilding of the temple, ends in disgrace and death.
Of course, that is not what Paul had in mind at all. He was telling Timothy to be content with what he had--just food and clothing are enough.
While here at Mother's, we discussed this as it relates to elderly people trying to clutch their material possessions even as they decline into death.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that no things will leave this world with me. Instead let me focus on leaving here as an honorable servant of Yours. Help me to recall what is truly important in life, so that I face death in the best possible way.
Amen
Sunday, June 23, 2013
June 23, 2013
2 Chronicles 22
11 But Jehosheba,[e] the daughter of King Jehoram, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes who were about to be murdered and put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehosheba,[f] the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of the priest Jehoiada, was Ahaziah’s sister, she hid the child from Athaliah so she could not kill him.
In the midst of the slaying of Ahab's family comes this small bit of mercy. An aunt saves her nephew from his own grandmother. She kept him hidden for 6 years until Athaliah was killed.
Wow! This part of the OT is all about killing. God is cleaning house, and there are so many casualties. But one little boy is saved by the actions of his aunt, not Athaliah's child but the child of another of the wives.
This allowed the line of David to continue, so it was God's work. Jehosheba is honored by the Jews as one of the great women of the Bible.
Prayer: God, move through all Your servants, and especially women, to further Your will, even in today's troubled times. Let us hear Your voice as we make the choices which further your kingdom.
Amen
Saturday, June 22, 2013
June 22, 2013
1 Timothy 4: 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
It was kind of a struggle to pick a verse today. Kings was full of death and killing. Paul is instructing Timothy not to follow people who insist on the old dietary restrictions. This was the best I could come up with.
I like the part where everything God creates is good and to be received with thanksgiving. I am struggling with my weight, though, and I know that everything God created is not equally good for me. I thank God for the bounty I have, but I need His power to help me to choose better between his gifts.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for all the good foods You have created. Please help me to choose more carefully between them to protect this temple of a body You have also created.
Amen
It was kind of a struggle to pick a verse today. Kings was full of death and killing. Paul is instructing Timothy not to follow people who insist on the old dietary restrictions. This was the best I could come up with.
I like the part where everything God creates is good and to be received with thanksgiving. I am struggling with my weight, though, and I know that everything God created is not equally good for me. I thank God for the bounty I have, but I need His power to help me to choose better between his gifts.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for all the good foods You have created. Please help me to choose more carefully between them to protect this temple of a body You have also created.
Amen
Friday, June 21, 2013
June 21, 2013
2 Kings 6: 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Elisha's servant is alarmed, b/c they have been surrounded by the enemy while they slept. Elisha, however, is not worried. He sees God's army all around the enemy.
What is going on around us that we do not see? How is God's plan revealed to us? Or are we like the enemy, unaware of all that God has in mind for us? How can we be sure we see everything that is around us, so that we need not worry?
We must trust God. He has a plan, and it is good. He knows what we need, and he wants to provide it.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes so that I can see all of your plan surrounding me. Help me to move in ways that fulfill your desire for my best future. I praise you and believe in your enduring wisdom.
Amen
Elisha's servant is alarmed, b/c they have been surrounded by the enemy while they slept. Elisha, however, is not worried. He sees God's army all around the enemy.
What is going on around us that we do not see? How is God's plan revealed to us? Or are we like the enemy, unaware of all that God has in mind for us? How can we be sure we see everything that is around us, so that we need not worry?
We must trust God. He has a plan, and it is good. He knows what we need, and he wants to provide it.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes so that I can see all of your plan surrounding me. Help me to move in ways that fulfill your desire for my best future. I praise you and believe in your enduring wisdom.
Amen
Thursday, June 20, 2013
June 20, 2013
2 Kings 5:13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had commanded you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much rather, then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”
Naaman has come a great distance to cure his leprosy, b/c of the words of his wife's slave girl. At first the king of Israel says he can't see Elsiha. But Elisha says it's all right, and he tells him to bathe 7 times in the Jordan. This doesn't sound like a cure to Naaman, so he is going to leave.
Of course, the cure was good. God's man was behind it.
How many times do we reject the word of God b/c it seems inconsequential to us? Does God speak to us in unexpected ways? Can we ever be sure of all the ways God has led us in the right way b/c we were open to His voice?
Prayer: Let me be aware when You speak to me. Help me to hear your voice, and lead me to do your will, which is always in my best interest.
Amen
Naaman has come a great distance to cure his leprosy, b/c of the words of his wife's slave girl. At first the king of Israel says he can't see Elsiha. But Elisha says it's all right, and he tells him to bathe 7 times in the Jordan. This doesn't sound like a cure to Naaman, so he is going to leave.
Of course, the cure was good. God's man was behind it.
How many times do we reject the word of God b/c it seems inconsequential to us? Does God speak to us in unexpected ways? Can we ever be sure of all the ways God has led us in the right way b/c we were open to His voice?
Prayer: Let me be aware when You speak to me. Help me to hear your voice, and lead me to do your will, which is always in my best interest.
Amen
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
June 19, 2013
1 Timothy 1:13 though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief
Paul is sending Timothy to do his work. He reminds him of his past in explanation of the behavior of those Timothy will meet.
I chose this passage b/c I like the second part. Paul received mercy b/c he "had acted ignorantly in unbelief." This is comforting--that those who are unbelievers can receive mercy so easily. Paul acted strongly in his persecution of Christians, and yet he was so easily forgiven once he accepted Christ.
Prayer: Lord, guide those who live in disbelief towards mercy and peace as stewards of your faith. I rejoice in those who believe, in the peace that we share, but I pray for those who have not accepted your mercy.
Amen
Paul is sending Timothy to do his work. He reminds him of his past in explanation of the behavior of those Timothy will meet.
I chose this passage b/c I like the second part. Paul received mercy b/c he "had acted ignorantly in unbelief." This is comforting--that those who are unbelievers can receive mercy so easily. Paul acted strongly in his persecution of Christians, and yet he was so easily forgiven once he accepted Christ.
Prayer: Lord, guide those who live in disbelief towards mercy and peace as stewards of your faith. I rejoice in those who believe, in the peace that we share, but I pray for those who have not accepted your mercy.
Amen
Monday, June 17, 2013
June 17, 2013
Colossians 3: 11 Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scyth′ian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
I am singing "Bind Us Together" in my head as I read this. "There is only one King" of all Christians. It doesn't matter where we came from, because the only important thing is that we know Jesus and his love for us.
There is so much more diversity here in FL than in WV, which I left yesterday. And yet, the kids I teach in WV find ways to divide themselves too. Why do we have this sinful inclination to set ourselves apart from others?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see your children everywhere I look. Let me not focus on what makes us different but on what we share...our love from You and for You.
Amen
I am singing "Bind Us Together" in my head as I read this. "There is only one King" of all Christians. It doesn't matter where we came from, because the only important thing is that we know Jesus and his love for us.
There is so much more diversity here in FL than in WV, which I left yesterday. And yet, the kids I teach in WV find ways to divide themselves too. Why do we have this sinful inclination to set ourselves apart from others?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see your children everywhere I look. Let me not focus on what makes us different but on what we share...our love from You and for You.
Amen
Saturday, June 15, 2013
June 15, 2013
1 Kings 16: 25 Omri committed evil in the Eternal’s eyes. He was more wicked than any wicked king who had lived before him, and there were a lot of wicked kings who lived before him.
This made me smile a little. I have been reading about evil kings for days. So, yes, there were a lot of wicked kings before Omri.
The stories of this part of the OT rival any that our fiction of today can offer. Forget Star Wars, Star Trek, The Game of Thrones.... the OT has stories that are truly incredible. TRULY b/c they really happened.
How could these people be so fickle? They forgot God after he had done so much for them. Oh, right, just like us. We forget God too. We are just blessed to live in NT times, after we have been redeemed by Jesus's blood.
Prayer: Lord, help me to keep you in the front of my life and my thoughts. Make me a more faithful servant than these wicked kings.
Amen
This made me smile a little. I have been reading about evil kings for days. So, yes, there were a lot of wicked kings before Omri.
The stories of this part of the OT rival any that our fiction of today can offer. Forget Star Wars, Star Trek, The Game of Thrones.... the OT has stories that are truly incredible. TRULY b/c they really happened.
How could these people be so fickle? They forgot God after he had done so much for them. Oh, right, just like us. We forget God too. We are just blessed to live in NT times, after we have been redeemed by Jesus's blood.
Prayer: Lord, help me to keep you in the front of my life and my thoughts. Make me a more faithful servant than these wicked kings.
Amen
Friday, June 14, 2013
June 14, 2013
Philippians 4: 5 Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us.
This is my first day of summer vacation. The past school year has been full of stresses. I like to start my change of routine with this thought: I have been in self-preservation mode far too much. I need to find my "gentle nature" again.
I want to model the walk of the contemporary Christian. I would like to represent my faith that God is present with me every day, in every way. I cannot do that when I am so prickly; pushing away those who have hurt me to prevent further hurt.
Prayer: Lord, let me find my gentle side during this time of relaxation to come. Help me to be a beacon, drawing others to faith which provides so much to me and to your other followers.
Amen
This is my first day of summer vacation. The past school year has been full of stresses. I like to start my change of routine with this thought: I have been in self-preservation mode far too much. I need to find my "gentle nature" again.
I want to model the walk of the contemporary Christian. I would like to represent my faith that God is present with me every day, in every way. I cannot do that when I am so prickly; pushing away those who have hurt me to prevent further hurt.
Prayer: Lord, let me find my gentle side during this time of relaxation to come. Help me to be a beacon, drawing others to faith which provides so much to me and to your other followers.
Amen
Thursday, June 13, 2013
June 13, 2013
Philippians 3: 9 When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.
Paul is reminding everyone of his background--his education and his heritage--but saying that none of that matters. Now that he is Christian, his own works and his ancestors are not the point. It is his faith in Christ as God's son that gives him righteousness.
Righteousness bothered me. When I prayed "lead me into paths of righteousness," I was plagued by doubt about that. I am used to self-righteous people who judge others and cause people to avoid Christianity. I don't want to be like them.
Paul explains it well. He is not self-righteous, because of who he is or what he does. He is righteous only because he accepts that he is not the final authority---that God is that One. His faith is what redeems his failings.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be righteous on Your behalf. Protect me from the tendency to self-righteousness. Let me rely on faith and not works nor pedigree for my redemption.
Amen
Paul is reminding everyone of his background--his education and his heritage--but saying that none of that matters. Now that he is Christian, his own works and his ancestors are not the point. It is his faith in Christ as God's son that gives him righteousness.
Righteousness bothered me. When I prayed "lead me into paths of righteousness," I was plagued by doubt about that. I am used to self-righteous people who judge others and cause people to avoid Christianity. I don't want to be like them.
Paul explains it well. He is not self-righteous, because of who he is or what he does. He is righteous only because he accepts that he is not the final authority---that God is that One. His faith is what redeems his failings.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be righteous on Your behalf. Protect me from the tendency to self-righteousness. Let me rely on faith and not works nor pedigree for my redemption.
Amen
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
June 12, 2013
Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Here is a tough verse. I nearly skipped it for an easier one, but I feel I may need to consider this. I have been hurt, and I have responded by protecting myself from further hurt. I have focused on the value of my self. I may have gone too far.
Valuing others above myself may have contributed to my being in a position to get hurt. I considered their needs instead of being clear-headed about their view of me. I do not want to repeat my past mistakes, the ones which left me wounded, but I need to be humble when it comes to their value versus mine. They are also children of God, and He sees them much more clearly than I do.
How do I strike a balance between self-respect and humble consideration of others?
Prayer: Lord, help me to clearly see how I can serve you and your people without sacrificing my own self-worth. We are all your beloved children. Help me to see others through your eyes and not just as a reflection of my interactions with them.
Amen
Here is a tough verse. I nearly skipped it for an easier one, but I feel I may need to consider this. I have been hurt, and I have responded by protecting myself from further hurt. I have focused on the value of my self. I may have gone too far.
Valuing others above myself may have contributed to my being in a position to get hurt. I considered their needs instead of being clear-headed about their view of me. I do not want to repeat my past mistakes, the ones which left me wounded, but I need to be humble when it comes to their value versus mine. They are also children of God, and He sees them much more clearly than I do.
How do I strike a balance between self-respect and humble consideration of others?
Prayer: Lord, help me to clearly see how I can serve you and your people without sacrificing my own self-worth. We are all your beloved children. Help me to see others through your eyes and not just as a reflection of my interactions with them.
Amen
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
June 11, 2013
Song of Songs 7:8 I said, “I will climb the palm tree;
I will take hold of its fruit.”
May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine,
the fragrance of your breath like apples
Oh, that Solomon! Whoever thought the Bible wasn't erotic was wrong!
This reminds me that physical pleasure with one's spouse is natural and well within God's plan for us. We are sealed together through our desire and its fulfillment. Our love is renewed, and our commitment to each other remains strong. Praise God!
Prayer: Lord, I give thanks for my marriage in all its parts. I have known love in abundance.
Amen
I will take hold of its fruit.”
May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine,
the fragrance of your breath like apples
Oh, that Solomon! Whoever thought the Bible wasn't erotic was wrong!
This reminds me that physical pleasure with one's spouse is natural and well within God's plan for us. We are sealed together through our desire and its fulfillment. Our love is renewed, and our commitment to each other remains strong. Praise God!
Prayer: Lord, I give thanks for my marriage in all its parts. I have known love in abundance.
Amen
Monday, June 10, 2013
Song of Songs 2
Song of Songs 2: 12
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land
This is some erotic Scripture! The lovers go back and forth, singing each others' praises. It is spring, and they are so enamored of each other.
I have just celebrated my 40th anniversary, and now my beloved has left for the week, off with the children on a camping trip. The flowers are here, school is almost over, and we are preparing to enter a new season of our love.
The "winter" of last year is behind us. We have plans to look forward to...my joining him in retirement, and our summer travel plans beckon. Our time is not the time of young love, but our love is strong. Praise God for that!
Prayer: Let me remember to honor my love for my husband in my every thought, word, and deed. I thank you for blessing me with lifelong love.
Amen
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land
This is some erotic Scripture! The lovers go back and forth, singing each others' praises. It is spring, and they are so enamored of each other.
I have just celebrated my 40th anniversary, and now my beloved has left for the week, off with the children on a camping trip. The flowers are here, school is almost over, and we are preparing to enter a new season of our love.
The "winter" of last year is behind us. We have plans to look forward to...my joining him in retirement, and our summer travel plans beckon. Our time is not the time of young love, but our love is strong. Praise God for that!
Prayer: Let me remember to honor my love for my husband in my every thought, word, and deed. I thank you for blessing me with lifelong love.
Amen
Sunday, June 9, 2013
June 8, 2013
June 8, 2013
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
This is a tall order. I know I would be a better and happier person if I could do this. But it just ISN'T fair that people treat me or others so badly. Not brawling is the easy part--I have never brawled, nor do I intend to start brawling. Bitterness--yes, I hold onto that. Rage--it doesn't last, and I can let go of it rather quickly. Anger--it burns inside me, and the edges of it are inflamed with hurt. I see my own good intentions, and I see the poor response, or the lack of response, and I am angry all over again.
So I must focus on bitterness and anger. Bitterness is an ugly word, and I know it only hurts me when I hold onto it and when I let anger stir up the old bitterness again and again. I resolve to let go and give both to God.
Amen
Prayer: Lord, help me to give you my bitter, hurt feelings. Protect me from my own angry impulses.
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
This is a tall order. I know I would be a better and happier person if I could do this. But it just ISN'T fair that people treat me or others so badly. Not brawling is the easy part--I have never brawled, nor do I intend to start brawling. Bitterness--yes, I hold onto that. Rage--it doesn't last, and I can let go of it rather quickly. Anger--it burns inside me, and the edges of it are inflamed with hurt. I see my own good intentions, and I see the poor response, or the lack of response, and I am angry all over again.
So I must focus on bitterness and anger. Bitterness is an ugly word, and I know it only hurts me when I hold onto it and when I let anger stir up the old bitterness again and again. I resolve to let go and give both to God.
Amen
Prayer: Lord, help me to give you my bitter, hurt feelings. Protect me from my own angry impulses.
June 9, 2013
June 9, 2013
Ecclesiastes 10: 8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;
whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
This is the lyrics to a Bob Marley song. "Whosoever diggeth a pit shall fall in, shall fall in."
With the "news" I heard on Friday about my neighbors, this sounds about right. These people have dug a pit, and they are taking their families with them as they fall in.
The pit is one of anger and selfishness. They are in conflict, and ugly words led to ugly words. Authorities were brought in, feelings were hurt, and friendships were broken.
I need to be aware of my words, b/c I can so easily dig a pit for myself.
Prayer: Lord, protect me from my own sin, so that I do not dig a pit that I can fall in.
Amen
Ecclesiastes 10: 8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it;
whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
This is the lyrics to a Bob Marley song. "Whosoever diggeth a pit shall fall in, shall fall in."
With the "news" I heard on Friday about my neighbors, this sounds about right. These people have dug a pit, and they are taking their families with them as they fall in.
The pit is one of anger and selfishness. They are in conflict, and ugly words led to ugly words. Authorities were brought in, feelings were hurt, and friendships were broken.
I need to be aware of my words, b/c I can so easily dig a pit for myself.
Prayer: Lord, protect me from my own sin, so that I do not dig a pit that I can fall in.
Amen
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