Mark 6: 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
Okay, this is just incredible. The disciples have seen people healed, raised from the dead, and then the feeding of the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. And yet, in the dark of predawn, they see a man walking on the water near their boat, and they think, "Ghost!" They are afraid.
How could they NOT know it was Jesus? They have witnessed his mighty power, over and over. They know he has sent them ahead, and surely it is in his plan to catch up to them. People are so strange, and the disciples are no exception. Their hearts were hardened indeed. They are so quick to revert to self-reliance and the fear that they are inadequate to the threats against their selves. So am I.
Prayer: Lord, let me recognize You in my everyday life. Help me to see what I need to do in Your eyes. The busy-ness of my life works me into a frenzy, and I may let You walk by, even mistake You for a threatening presence. I need guidance, and I need Your strength and comfort.
Amen
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Oct. 29, 2013
Mark 3:
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
My interest in this verse is less in the healing than it is in Jesus's emotions. He is first angered and then distressed at the stubborn attitude of the church officials. It must have been disturbing that the people in his father's house, the ones who should have been most amenable to all Jesus had to offer, were instead determined to stop him. They would plot and plan for his death to stop him.
All he wanted was for them to see his goodness...and to recognize that there was a higher authority than the law. They were defensive, trying to protect their positions, and unwilling to open their eyes to even a possibility that no one could do what Jesus did without having God behind him.
Prayer: Lord, let my eyes be opened to the messages you send me. Help me to set aside my own self-interest in favor of Your will. Stop my stubborn impulses to protect the status quo. Make me a better disciple for you.
Amen
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
My interest in this verse is less in the healing than it is in Jesus's emotions. He is first angered and then distressed at the stubborn attitude of the church officials. It must have been disturbing that the people in his father's house, the ones who should have been most amenable to all Jesus had to offer, were instead determined to stop him. They would plot and plan for his death to stop him.
All he wanted was for them to see his goodness...and to recognize that there was a higher authority than the law. They were defensive, trying to protect their positions, and unwilling to open their eyes to even a possibility that no one could do what Jesus did without having God behind him.
Prayer: Lord, let my eyes be opened to the messages you send me. Help me to set aside my own self-interest in favor of Your will. Stop my stubborn impulses to protect the status quo. Make me a better disciple for you.
Amen
Monday, October 28, 2013
Oct. 28, 2013
Job 19: 27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
The other verses today come from Mark---the "cut to the chase" Gospel. So many people see Jesus in 2 chapters! Miracles are performed; many receive the gift of faith.
I feel like Job at times. I long to see and be with Jesus too. I have read and reread the Scriptures, and I know the accounts of those who were able to spend time with Jesus. Someday it will be my turn--"what a glorious day that will be!"
Prayer: Lord, guide me in readiness for the day of our meeting. Help me to be prepared for what I will experience. I praise Your mighty power, and I yearn to be with You.
Amen
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
The other verses today come from Mark---the "cut to the chase" Gospel. So many people see Jesus in 2 chapters! Miracles are performed; many receive the gift of faith.
I feel like Job at times. I long to see and be with Jesus too. I have read and reread the Scriptures, and I know the accounts of those who were able to spend time with Jesus. Someday it will be my turn--"what a glorious day that will be!"
Prayer: Lord, guide me in readiness for the day of our meeting. Help me to be prepared for what I will experience. I praise Your mighty power, and I yearn to be with You.
Amen
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Oct. 26, 2013
Job 17: 15 where then is my hope—
who can see any hope for me?
Depression is on my mind this morning. Job is clearly depressed. His situation has caused his depression. So many have found comfort in Job, many of whom suffer from clinical depression. Others find comfort here b/c the circumstances of their lives have led them into depression.
I am thinking of the people who think God has done bad things; that it is "His will" that they suffer. God did not cause Job's suffering; He doesn't cause ours either. God ALLOWS human suffering, for reasons we do not understand.
Job understood, and so do I, that God is available to us in our suffering. We can call on Him for hope and relief. Our faith is a comfort to us.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that Your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. I know that the suffering here on Earth is NOT Your will. I anticipate joining You in Your kingdom, where there is no suffering, b/c THAT is Your will. I call on You for comfort as I move through this world, which is full of suffering. Guide my steps to relieve that suffering where I can.
Amen
who can see any hope for me?
Depression is on my mind this morning. Job is clearly depressed. His situation has caused his depression. So many have found comfort in Job, many of whom suffer from clinical depression. Others find comfort here b/c the circumstances of their lives have led them into depression.
I am thinking of the people who think God has done bad things; that it is "His will" that they suffer. God did not cause Job's suffering; He doesn't cause ours either. God ALLOWS human suffering, for reasons we do not understand.
Job understood, and so do I, that God is available to us in our suffering. We can call on Him for hope and relief. Our faith is a comfort to us.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that Your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. I know that the suffering here on Earth is NOT Your will. I anticipate joining You in Your kingdom, where there is no suffering, b/c THAT is Your will. I call on You for comfort as I move through this world, which is full of suffering. Guide my steps to relieve that suffering where I can.
Amen
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Oct. 24, 2013
Acts 20: You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
Paul is returning to Jerusalem. He is telling the people of his churches to be strong in his absence. He will never see them again.
I am trying to "feel" Paul. So much of what he put in his letters to the churches has been used to make our churches seem judgmental. I would like to see Paul as something else.
He has done so much good in his time away, although he has been threatened so many times. He feels so much for his churches. But it still feels like he is glorifying himself.
Prayer: Lord, help me see Your son, Paul, in a new light. I know that he was of great use to You in establishing Your churches. I want to feel that he was a man of God in every way. I am having trouble seeing him as truly representing Your son as You would want.
Amen
Paul is returning to Jerusalem. He is telling the people of his churches to be strong in his absence. He will never see them again.
I am trying to "feel" Paul. So much of what he put in his letters to the churches has been used to make our churches seem judgmental. I would like to see Paul as something else.
He has done so much good in his time away, although he has been threatened so many times. He feels so much for his churches. But it still feels like he is glorifying himself.
Prayer: Lord, help me see Your son, Paul, in a new light. I know that he was of great use to You in establishing Your churches. I want to feel that he was a man of God in every way. I am having trouble seeing him as truly representing Your son as You would want.
Amen
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Oct. 23, 2013
Acts 17: 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’[b] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring."
Paul is moving from city to city, fighting ignorance and the power of the entrenched Jewish communities, who find the Good News threatening. He is talking to a group of Greek thinkers now. He is telling him he knows The Unknown God they are seeking.
I was thinking of some kids I know who "are in this world but not of it." At least one of them lives and moves and centers his being in his Christian faith. This makes him stand out from the crowd, not a good thing at middle school perhaps. In the long run, however, my money would be on him to become a successful man, more so than the "popular" types who live to belong in the crowd.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to live and move and center my very being in You. I am indeed Your offspring, and I want to make You proud. Free me from the need to serve the crowd, and lead me in a path that goes directly to Your kingdom.
Amen
Paul is moving from city to city, fighting ignorance and the power of the entrenched Jewish communities, who find the Good News threatening. He is talking to a group of Greek thinkers now. He is telling him he knows The Unknown God they are seeking.
I was thinking of some kids I know who "are in this world but not of it." At least one of them lives and moves and centers his being in his Christian faith. This makes him stand out from the crowd, not a good thing at middle school perhaps. In the long run, however, my money would be on him to become a successful man, more so than the "popular" types who live to belong in the crowd.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to live and move and center my very being in You. I am indeed Your offspring, and I want to make You proud. Free me from the need to serve the crowd, and lead me in a path that goes directly to Your kingdom.
Amen
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Oct. 22, 2013
Acts 15: 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
It was a hard choice today. I also like Acts 16 when Paul and Silas are in prison singing hymns. This is like "Best of Paul" for me. So many times he is judgmental, especially towards women. But here his faith is strong, and he moves me.
I would like to think I could sing hymns even when being persecuted. I want to believe that everyone I meet is equally deserving of God's grace like I am. I can be petty. I can be self-indulgent. I need to pray for "faith to trust Him more."
Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your children as you do, as worthy of Your grace and mercy. Help me to strengthen my faith each day.
Amen
It was a hard choice today. I also like Acts 16 when Paul and Silas are in prison singing hymns. This is like "Best of Paul" for me. So many times he is judgmental, especially towards women. But here his faith is strong, and he moves me.
I would like to think I could sing hymns even when being persecuted. I want to believe that everyone I meet is equally deserving of God's grace like I am. I can be petty. I can be self-indulgent. I need to pray for "faith to trust Him more."
Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your children as you do, as worthy of Your grace and mercy. Help me to strengthen my faith each day.
Amen
Sunday, October 20, 2013
10-20-13
Job 6:
11 “What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
What prospects, that I should be patient?
11 “What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
What prospects, that I should be patient?
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Oct. 19, 2013
Acts 11: 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Peter is called to the home of the faithful centurion, who was told by an angel to send for Peter. The Jews are unhappy that Peter has eaten in a Gentile's home. Peter tells them of the vision he has had, and of God's word to him.
The Chosen People are no more an exclusive club with the keys to the kingdom of God! Everyone is welcome now, and aren't we blessed to be included in the party?
As the sun begins to shine on my home on this beautiful fall morning, I feel more and more blessings. I am blessed by my Christian upbringing, I am blessed to have people who love and care about me (also dogs!). I am blessed to have lived almost 60 years, and to have had the opportunity to serve my Lord and act as a witness for the Christian faith. Ultimately I will be blessed to spend eternity with my Savior and all His followers.
Prayers: "There will be showers of blessings." I am feeling showered right now. Please stand by me, Lord, and continue to show me Your will. I want to feel You with me.
Amen
Peter is called to the home of the faithful centurion, who was told by an angel to send for Peter. The Jews are unhappy that Peter has eaten in a Gentile's home. Peter tells them of the vision he has had, and of God's word to him.
The Chosen People are no more an exclusive club with the keys to the kingdom of God! Everyone is welcome now, and aren't we blessed to be included in the party?
As the sun begins to shine on my home on this beautiful fall morning, I feel more and more blessings. I am blessed by my Christian upbringing, I am blessed to have people who love and care about me (also dogs!). I am blessed to have lived almost 60 years, and to have had the opportunity to serve my Lord and act as a witness for the Christian faith. Ultimately I will be blessed to spend eternity with my Savior and all His followers.
Prayers: "There will be showers of blessings." I am feeling showered right now. Please stand by me, Lord, and continue to show me Your will. I want to feel You with me.
Amen
Friday, October 18, 2013
Oct. 18, 2013
Job 3: 25 What I feared has come upon me;
what I dreaded has happened to me
This hit home with me. I have long feared falling. I fell on Sept. 3 and broke my arm.
I am still suffering from the effects of my fall. My trials are small compared to Job's, but they have been trying nonetheless. I am unable to do so many things, but I am able to do so much more than I could before the cast was removed or even just after it was taken off.
The real point of Job's story was that he never cursed God, even when those closest to him suggested he should. I have had my dark moments, just like Job, but cursing God or blaming him was not my response either. The gift of faith is such a blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed to have my faith. Through the hard times of my life, I always know You are there. I am sorry for those who lack this resource. I pray for them.
Amen
what I dreaded has happened to me
This hit home with me. I have long feared falling. I fell on Sept. 3 and broke my arm.
I am still suffering from the effects of my fall. My trials are small compared to Job's, but they have been trying nonetheless. I am unable to do so many things, but I am able to do so much more than I could before the cast was removed or even just after it was taken off.
The real point of Job's story was that he never cursed God, even when those closest to him suggested he should. I have had my dark moments, just like Job, but cursing God or blaming him was not my response either. The gift of faith is such a blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed to have my faith. Through the hard times of my life, I always know You are there. I am sorry for those who lack this resource. I pray for them.
Amen
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Oct. 17, 2013
Job 1: 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Today was the day of people in hard times. First, poor Job. It was all Satan's doing, but Job lost everything dear to him. He even lost his health. And yet, he knew it was not God's doing....and he refused to blame God.
Then, in Acts, I read about Stephen. Stephen was also blameless, but the powers in charge accused him of blasphemy. He made a long speech, showing his understanding of OT issues, but the mention of Jesus in the company of the prophets and other heroes of the OT enraged the Sanhedrin. They stoned Stephen, while he radiated the Holy Spirit as he died.
I have had a series of hard times too. I never blamed God, but I have lost touch with Him at times.
Prayer: Lord, I repeat the sentiment of the Footprints prayer. Please carry me through the times when I am overwhelmed and do not call out for You. I am a weak and sinful woman. I need You even when I don't know that I do. Stand by me in Your faithfulness.
Amen
Today was the day of people in hard times. First, poor Job. It was all Satan's doing, but Job lost everything dear to him. He even lost his health. And yet, he knew it was not God's doing....and he refused to blame God.
Then, in Acts, I read about Stephen. Stephen was also blameless, but the powers in charge accused him of blasphemy. He made a long speech, showing his understanding of OT issues, but the mention of Jesus in the company of the prophets and other heroes of the OT enraged the Sanhedrin. They stoned Stephen, while he radiated the Holy Spirit as he died.
I have had a series of hard times too. I never blamed God, but I have lost touch with Him at times.
Prayer: Lord, I repeat the sentiment of the Footprints prayer. Please carry me through the times when I am overwhelmed and do not call out for You. I am a weak and sinful woman. I need You even when I don't know that I do. Stand by me in Your faithfulness.
Amen
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Oct. 16, 2013
Malachi 3: 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
God is talking about tithes and offerings. The people are robbing Him, He says. If they will only relinquish their hold on their possessions, the floodgates of His bounty will be revealed.
In Acts, I read about the followers of the early church, Ananias and his wife Sapphira, who sold their property and lied about the price in order to save some of the proceeds for themselves. Not too surprising, but the outcome surely was. One after the other, they were struck dead. Guess that money didn't mean much to them at that point.
How do we respond to this? Should we give more, or is it only prudent to guard our future by holding onto some funds? Do we deny ourselves material pleasures, or are we serving the greater good of our country by feeding the economy?
Prayer: Lord, guide me to serve you with my time and my talents, but also with my gifts of money. I want to be a faithful servant. I believe that Your blessing will reach me if I do Your will in this matter, as it will in all others.
Amen
God is talking about tithes and offerings. The people are robbing Him, He says. If they will only relinquish their hold on their possessions, the floodgates of His bounty will be revealed.
In Acts, I read about the followers of the early church, Ananias and his wife Sapphira, who sold their property and lied about the price in order to save some of the proceeds for themselves. Not too surprising, but the outcome surely was. One after the other, they were struck dead. Guess that money didn't mean much to them at that point.
How do we respond to this? Should we give more, or is it only prudent to guard our future by holding onto some funds? Do we deny ourselves material pleasures, or are we serving the greater good of our country by feeding the economy?
Prayer: Lord, guide me to serve you with my time and my talents, but also with my gifts of money. I want to be a faithful servant. I believe that Your blessing will reach me if I do Your will in this matter, as it will in all others.
Amen
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Oct. 15, 2013
Malachi 2: 6 True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.
In the midst of the sin and condemnation of Nehemiah and Malachi, I found this verse in praise of Levi. You gotta love it. Who wouldn't want God to speak this way about them?
I am feeling a bit down these days. I am so overworked that my life feels like it has slipped away from me. I have been sick, I have been injured, and now I am just overwhelmed.
Maybe I need to visualize myself as Levi. I have true instruction to offer, still. I do not lie. If I follow the righteous path, I may find peace. The Lord may still need me where I am for the time being, to be a witness for Him.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to live like Levi. I want to live in peace and righteousness with You. Show me what I have to offer others in truth and learning.
Amen
In the midst of the sin and condemnation of Nehemiah and Malachi, I found this verse in praise of Levi. You gotta love it. Who wouldn't want God to speak this way about them?
I am feeling a bit down these days. I am so overworked that my life feels like it has slipped away from me. I have been sick, I have been injured, and now I am just overwhelmed.
Maybe I need to visualize myself as Levi. I have true instruction to offer, still. I do not lie. If I follow the righteous path, I may find peace. The Lord may still need me where I am for the time being, to be a witness for Him.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to live like Levi. I want to live in peace and righteousness with You. Show me what I have to offer others in truth and learning.
Amen
Sunday, October 13, 2013
October 13, 2013
Acts 2:
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope
David is speaking about Jesus, the Messiah, and he is quoted by the disciples after Pentecost. They want to persuade others to join them in the new faith--Christianity.
David knows that eternal life is his b/c of Christ. I like the way he describes worship--a glad heart, a rejoicing tongue, and a hopeful body. This seems an apt Scripture on the day of worship.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with gladness of heart, a rejoicing tongue and a hopeful spirit as I worship You on Your day.
Amen
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope
David is speaking about Jesus, the Messiah, and he is quoted by the disciples after Pentecost. They want to persuade others to join them in the new faith--Christianity.
David knows that eternal life is his b/c of Christ. I like the way he describes worship--a glad heart, a rejoicing tongue, and a hopeful body. This seems an apt Scripture on the day of worship.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with gladness of heart, a rejoicing tongue and a hopeful spirit as I worship You on Your day.
Amen
Saturday, October 12, 2013
October 12, 2013
Nehemiah 8: 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
Okay, were the people so different back then? Could anything today cause men and women to listen all day to the reading of God's word? I don't think so.
I have trouble getting my students to listen to a few minutes of directions. I won't watch live tv b/c of the commercials. I have to fast forward through them. Churches all over the Western world are losing membership b/c people can't make time for the most entertaining of worship services.
Are we just spoiled brats?
Prayer: Lord, I mourn for my people b/c they won't make time for Your Word in their daily lives. I pray for our country. I want people to see how much their lives could benefit from Your wisdom. I want them to want to listen to Your Word.
Amen
Okay, were the people so different back then? Could anything today cause men and women to listen all day to the reading of God's word? I don't think so.
I have trouble getting my students to listen to a few minutes of directions. I won't watch live tv b/c of the commercials. I have to fast forward through them. Churches all over the Western world are losing membership b/c people can't make time for the most entertaining of worship services.
Are we just spoiled brats?
Prayer: Lord, I mourn for my people b/c they won't make time for Your Word in their daily lives. I pray for our country. I want people to see how much their lives could benefit from Your wisdom. I want them to want to listen to Your Word.
Amen
Thursday, October 10, 2013
10-10-13
Luke 23: .43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
I love how easy this was. First, the criminal admits his guilt, humbly. Then he acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah. BOOM! He gains admission to heaven.
So many Christians are bothered by this, just as they are by the Prodigal Son story. They have never fully accepted grace---that there is NO WAY any of us are ever worthy of salvation. I know I stand unworthy. That does not mean I am free of an obligation to grow my own faith.
I am, however, willing to stand in Christian brotherhood with those whose faith has taken a different path.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to live my life in faith. Strengthen my resolve to lean on You. Lead me on a path that does not judge my fellow believers but rejoices in the many sheep in Your flock.
Amen
I love how easy this was. First, the criminal admits his guilt, humbly. Then he acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah. BOOM! He gains admission to heaven.
So many Christians are bothered by this, just as they are by the Prodigal Son story. They have never fully accepted grace---that there is NO WAY any of us are ever worthy of salvation. I know I stand unworthy. That does not mean I am free of an obligation to grow my own faith.
I am, however, willing to stand in Christian brotherhood with those whose faith has taken a different path.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to live my life in faith. Strengthen my resolve to lean on You. Lead me on a path that does not judge my fellow believers but rejoices in the many sheep in Your flock.
Amen
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Oct. 8, 2013
Luke 21: 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap."
Jesus is talking about the end times. So much fear and so much judgment has been based on these prophecies and others in the Bible. Do we really need the threat of apocalypse to remain a faithful people?
Jesus also speaks of the response of the faithful in the time of trial. God will be there for His people; He is always there for us. How painful it would be to see what happens to the rest! I do not want to be alive for the Second Coming. I remember Ellis telling us that so many who focus on it have someone in mind they want to see punished. Not me! I do not want to be a witness to the closing of the trap.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that the pleasures and anxieties of this life never separate me from You. I pledge to be careful to renew and build my faith so that I am closer to Your will in my life. I praise You for Your continuing faithfulness to me and to all who let You near.
Amen
Jesus is talking about the end times. So much fear and so much judgment has been based on these prophecies and others in the Bible. Do we really need the threat of apocalypse to remain a faithful people?
Jesus also speaks of the response of the faithful in the time of trial. God will be there for His people; He is always there for us. How painful it would be to see what happens to the rest! I do not want to be alive for the Second Coming. I remember Ellis telling us that so many who focus on it have someone in mind they want to see punished. Not me! I do not want to be a witness to the closing of the trap.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that the pleasures and anxieties of this life never separate me from You. I pledge to be careful to renew and build my faith so that I am closer to Your will in my life. I praise You for Your continuing faithfulness to me and to all who let You near.
Amen
Monday, October 7, 2013
Oct. 7, 2013
Luke 20: 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection
Maybe this is part of the reason for the common misconception that Christians who die become angels. Jesus said they are LIKE angels; that is, they cannot die.
Life in God's kingdom will be so unlike our lives on Earth as to be unimaginable. I was bothered by this for the longest time. What will I do in heaven? My mother said we would praise God. Wouldn't that get old? I now think that WHATEVER it is we do, it will be awesome. God knows our every need, and His kingdom will surely address what we need once we are with Him. Until then, I merely trust that when His will is fully done in my life, my life will be the best it possibly can be.
Prayer: Lord, I look forward to the day when I become like the angels--a child of the resurrection. I fully trust that You have my best interests at heart, and I look forward to an eternity of Your blessed company.
Amen
Maybe this is part of the reason for the common misconception that Christians who die become angels. Jesus said they are LIKE angels; that is, they cannot die.
Life in God's kingdom will be so unlike our lives on Earth as to be unimaginable. I was bothered by this for the longest time. What will I do in heaven? My mother said we would praise God. Wouldn't that get old? I now think that WHATEVER it is we do, it will be awesome. God knows our every need, and His kingdom will surely address what we need once we are with Him. Until then, I merely trust that when His will is fully done in my life, my life will be the best it possibly can be.
Prayer: Lord, I look forward to the day when I become like the angels--a child of the resurrection. I fully trust that You have my best interests at heart, and I look forward to an eternity of Your blessed company.
Amen
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Oct. 6, 2013
Luke 19: 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
There were those who protested Jesus's visits to sinners. Jesus says that is just where he belongs!
It must have been hard for Jesus when people misunderstood him. Those in charge were always trying to catch him breaking the law. The people wanted him to be their kind of Savior, performing miracles and overthrowing the Romans.
Jesus knew his mission--to save us from ourselves. It was not a popular mission in his day. It is only popular with some of us even today.
Prayer: I praise You, O Lord, for Your mercy. I am thankful that you sent Your son to save me and everyone else who accepts You in faith. I pray for those who won't accept Your gift of salvation.
Amen
There were those who protested Jesus's visits to sinners. Jesus says that is just where he belongs!
It must have been hard for Jesus when people misunderstood him. Those in charge were always trying to catch him breaking the law. The people wanted him to be their kind of Savior, performing miracles and overthrowing the Romans.
Jesus knew his mission--to save us from ourselves. It was not a popular mission in his day. It is only popular with some of us even today.
Prayer: I praise You, O Lord, for Your mercy. I am thankful that you sent Your son to save me and everyone else who accepts You in faith. I pray for those who won't accept Your gift of salvation.
Amen
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Oct. 5, 2013
Luke 18: 17 "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Mother & I were discussing our nonbelieving family members today. Her younger great-granddaughter has begun going to Preschool at a UMC. Mother was relieved, b/c she said it was hard for an adult to accept the truth of the Bible if they were not exposed to it as a child.
This is a new way to view this text. Is it harder for an adult to accept faith than a child? Of course it is. Children are so willing to believe. When someone reaches adulthood without ever feeling that faith in God, is it harder for them to be saved? That makes sense.
Prayer: God, I pray for those who have lived to adulthood without the gift of faith. I pray that their eyes can be opened; that they can accept Your gift of faith as a child would, even though their childhood has passed without it. I praise You for my gift of faith, and for those who understand it b/c they too have received it. I look forward to the day when I join You in your kingdom with all the other believers.
Amen
Mother & I were discussing our nonbelieving family members today. Her younger great-granddaughter has begun going to Preschool at a UMC. Mother was relieved, b/c she said it was hard for an adult to accept the truth of the Bible if they were not exposed to it as a child.
This is a new way to view this text. Is it harder for an adult to accept faith than a child? Of course it is. Children are so willing to believe. When someone reaches adulthood without ever feeling that faith in God, is it harder for them to be saved? That makes sense.
Prayer: God, I pray for those who have lived to adulthood without the gift of faith. I pray that their eyes can be opened; that they can accept Your gift of faith as a child would, even though their childhood has passed without it. I praise You for my gift of faith, and for those who understand it b/c they too have received it. I look forward to the day when I join You in your kingdom with all the other believers.
Amen
Friday, October 4, 2013
October 4, 2013 Mother's 91st birthday
Luke 17: 6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you."
Faith as small as a mustard seed. A mustard seed which grows into a big tree.
My faith was as small as a mustard seed for the first half of my life. I wasn't an unbeliever, but I didn't get it. I knew there was a God, but I had trouble fitting Him into my life.
When I truly "got it," everything changed. I wanted God in my everyday life. He wasn't a cosmic policeman, trying to catch me doing things wrong. He became my comfort and strength. I rely on Him a lot, but I still do not lean on Him enough. The "busy-ness" of my life leaves little room for His guidance.
Prayer: Lord, grow my faith. Let me turn to you first, instead of waiting until I have tried it "my way." If I lean fully on you, my life will be better, and I will become the person I want to be.
Amen
Faith as small as a mustard seed. A mustard seed which grows into a big tree.
My faith was as small as a mustard seed for the first half of my life. I wasn't an unbeliever, but I didn't get it. I knew there was a God, but I had trouble fitting Him into my life.
When I truly "got it," everything changed. I wanted God in my everyday life. He wasn't a cosmic policeman, trying to catch me doing things wrong. He became my comfort and strength. I rely on Him a lot, but I still do not lean on Him enough. The "busy-ness" of my life leaves little room for His guidance.
Prayer: Lord, grow my faith. Let me turn to you first, instead of waiting until I have tried it "my way." If I lean fully on you, my life will be better, and I will become the person I want to be.
Amen
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Oct. 1, 2013
Luke 14: 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous
Invite the poor, the lame, the blind..... The rest of the people, your peers, are so fickle. There are a million reasons why they can't be there for you.
It is often rewarding right now to befriend the oppressed. They do not take you for granted, even if they will take advantage of you. Anyway, your blessing will come at the day of judgment.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be more hospitable to those in need. I want to be a blessing to them. That is much more real than the shallow pleasures of trying to impress my peers. Guide me to those of Your children whom I can assist. Let me serve in Your name.
Amen
Invite the poor, the lame, the blind..... The rest of the people, your peers, are so fickle. There are a million reasons why they can't be there for you.
It is often rewarding right now to befriend the oppressed. They do not take you for granted, even if they will take advantage of you. Anyway, your blessing will come at the day of judgment.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be more hospitable to those in need. I want to be a blessing to them. That is much more real than the shallow pleasures of trying to impress my peers. Guide me to those of Your children whom I can assist. Let me serve in Your name.
Amen
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