1 Corinthians 13: 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Paul speaks of love. Verse 4 is better known. Then he ends with the "when I was a child..." part.
We do not see anything clearly. We try to be our best, but we have a biased view of everything. We can feel completely however. And love is our best feeling of all, as Paul states. We find love so rarely, and love of our family is the purest of the loves we find. I love my mother and my children in the way Paul describes love here. Nothing in the past is held against my love for them, and nothing they do today or in the future will be either. I love Ron that way, too, but that was an evolving process, where the love of my blood family has been with me always.
Prayer: Lord, guide my actions with my family through the love I feel for them. Help them to feel my intent as well. Let my love of You and of my family be reflected in all I say and do.
Amen
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Feb. 27, 2014
Mark 6: 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Jesus is at home. The people there remember him; they name all his family members. They are not impressed by his background. He is unable to do much while he is there--just a few healings--and he says that a prophet is not honored in his own land. Then he leaves and does great things elsewhere.
The lack of faith causes a lack of miracles? Jesus lacks power b/c the people aren't feeling it? This is remarkable. Does God's power somehow come from us and not just go to us? I don't find it too surprising that the people who knew the boy Jesus can't see all he is. They are too familiar. But I do find it amazing that somehow Jesus is affected by their lack of faith.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith. Don't let my weaknesses keep You from accomplishing all that You could do in this world or any other. I do not want to be a stumbling block. I want to build You up. Guide my thoughts, words and deeds to accomplish that.
Amen
Jesus is at home. The people there remember him; they name all his family members. They are not impressed by his background. He is unable to do much while he is there--just a few healings--and he says that a prophet is not honored in his own land. Then he leaves and does great things elsewhere.
The lack of faith causes a lack of miracles? Jesus lacks power b/c the people aren't feeling it? This is remarkable. Does God's power somehow come from us and not just go to us? I don't find it too surprising that the people who knew the boy Jesus can't see all he is. They are too familiar. But I do find it amazing that somehow Jesus is affected by their lack of faith.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith. Don't let my weaknesses keep You from accomplishing all that You could do in this world or any other. I do not want to be a stumbling block. I want to build You up. Guide my thoughts, words and deeds to accomplish that.
Amen
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
February 26, 2014
Mark 5: 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”
This is the woman who had been bleeding for so many years. Jesus is on his way to heal Jairus's daughter when he walks past her. Her faith is so strong that she doesn't feel she has to stop him. And she feels the healing, just as she believed she would, once she has touched his clothing. Jesus knows what has happened, too, and he asks her to come forward. She does, but she is still afraid. Jesus just tells her that her faith has healed her.
Oh, to have that kind of faith and the opportunity to touch Jesus like the woman did! She was afraid, and I would like to think I wouldn't be, but I would love to have the chance to personally make physical contact with my Savior. I would like to think I would walk right up to him. I would tell him all my burdens, and he would lift them from me. I lift my burdens to God in prayer, but it is easy to doubt when there is no one right there to confirm my faith.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith so that I can approach you like the woman in the crowd, with a faith that has no doubts. Heal me, and make me into the person You can see in me. Guide me to share my faith with others so that they too can see You in their lives.
Amen
This is the woman who had been bleeding for so many years. Jesus is on his way to heal Jairus's daughter when he walks past her. Her faith is so strong that she doesn't feel she has to stop him. And she feels the healing, just as she believed she would, once she has touched his clothing. Jesus knows what has happened, too, and he asks her to come forward. She does, but she is still afraid. Jesus just tells her that her faith has healed her.
Oh, to have that kind of faith and the opportunity to touch Jesus like the woman did! She was afraid, and I would like to think I wouldn't be, but I would love to have the chance to personally make physical contact with my Savior. I would like to think I would walk right up to him. I would tell him all my burdens, and he would lift them from me. I lift my burdens to God in prayer, but it is easy to doubt when there is no one right there to confirm my faith.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith so that I can approach you like the woman in the crowd, with a faith that has no doubts. Heal me, and make me into the person You can see in me. Guide me to share my faith with others so that they too can see You in their lives.
Amen
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Feb. 25, 2014
Mark 4: 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.
Jesus is giving a parable. There are all kinds of seeds. Some never sprout; some sprout but die with no deep roots; some are eaten by birds; some thrive. These are the ones which are choked out. Jesus goes on to explain that other demands on one's attention are the thorns. It can be greed, or it can be any number of other things which take the believer's eyes off God.
I feel like this is a warning to me. I have been sick, and I have fallen out of my daily Life Journal habit. I know that was unavoidable; I was unable to do much while I battled the illness, but now that I am recovering, Satan is waiting to make my lapse into something more permanent. There are so many competing demands on my time, and I need to make sure my spiritual life doesn't suffer as a result.
Prayer: Lord, I am back. I promise to be faithful, just as You are so faithful to me. I need Your guidance, and I know my life is better when I am in connection with You. Praise be to God!
Amen
Jesus is giving a parable. There are all kinds of seeds. Some never sprout; some sprout but die with no deep roots; some are eaten by birds; some thrive. These are the ones which are choked out. Jesus goes on to explain that other demands on one's attention are the thorns. It can be greed, or it can be any number of other things which take the believer's eyes off God.
I feel like this is a warning to me. I have been sick, and I have fallen out of my daily Life Journal habit. I know that was unavoidable; I was unable to do much while I battled the illness, but now that I am recovering, Satan is waiting to make my lapse into something more permanent. There are so many competing demands on my time, and I need to make sure my spiritual life doesn't suffer as a result.
Prayer: Lord, I am back. I promise to be faithful, just as You are so faithful to me. I need Your guidance, and I know my life is better when I am in connection with You. Praise be to God!
Amen
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Feb. 22, 2014
Numbers 11: 23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”
This is about the manna. The people are sick of manna. They start all that, "Back in Egypt..." stuff again. They had cucumbers and melons and meat. THEY WANT MEAT! God says to Moses that they will get so much meat, they will be sick of meat. Moses doubts this; there are so many people---where would all this meat come from? The verse is God's reply, and he makes the quail fall up to 2 cubits deep all around the camp.
Okay, I have been sick, and I have been in survival mode. I have neglected my spiritual disciplines while I recovered. When I do that, doubt can creep in. Can God really be all I thought He was? Is He the very real presence in my life that I believed before? This morning, I am a little better and I was guided to this verse. The Lord's arm is never too short, but sometimes I am not reaching for it.
Prayer: Lord, heal me and Ron. We have been down with this bug, and we have big plans for today. Give us the strength to not only make it through the day, but help us to find the joy in our plans with our family that we have anticipated. I know Your arm is long enough to gather us in Your hands and make this a great day.
Amen
This is about the manna. The people are sick of manna. They start all that, "Back in Egypt..." stuff again. They had cucumbers and melons and meat. THEY WANT MEAT! God says to Moses that they will get so much meat, they will be sick of meat. Moses doubts this; there are so many people---where would all this meat come from? The verse is God's reply, and he makes the quail fall up to 2 cubits deep all around the camp.
Okay, I have been sick, and I have been in survival mode. I have neglected my spiritual disciplines while I recovered. When I do that, doubt can creep in. Can God really be all I thought He was? Is He the very real presence in my life that I believed before? This morning, I am a little better and I was guided to this verse. The Lord's arm is never too short, but sometimes I am not reaching for it.
Prayer: Lord, heal me and Ron. We have been down with this bug, and we have big plans for today. Give us the strength to not only make it through the day, but help us to find the joy in our plans with our family that we have anticipated. I know Your arm is long enough to gather us in Your hands and make this a great day.
Amen
Monday, February 17, 2014
Feb. 17, 2014
Acts 24: 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
They have taken Paul to Felix b/c he makes the Sanhedrin so uncomfortable. He has stirred up the differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees by talking about life after death. They want him killed. Being a Roman citizen, that presents a problem for the authorities. Felix is content to keep Paul in prison, sending for him occasionally in the hopes that he may get a bribe. He just avoids confrontation by shutting Paul up, literally and figuratively.
I know someone who reminds me of Felix. He likes to think about Christianity, although he doesn't accept it. He enjoys finding historical evidence of the events of the Bible. If the talk becomes personal, he shuts it down. He is interested in faith, but he doesn't have any. He believes that faith is weakness; he personally doesn't need any, thank you. It makes it hard to communicate with someone who thinks you are a quaintly misguided fool.
Prayer: I pray for those without faith. I praise God for all that my faith does for me, and I am sad that people reject the gift of faith so freely given for them. I request of you, O Lord, that those people are guided to find a softened section of their hearts to let You in.
Amen
They have taken Paul to Felix b/c he makes the Sanhedrin so uncomfortable. He has stirred up the differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees by talking about life after death. They want him killed. Being a Roman citizen, that presents a problem for the authorities. Felix is content to keep Paul in prison, sending for him occasionally in the hopes that he may get a bribe. He just avoids confrontation by shutting Paul up, literally and figuratively.
I know someone who reminds me of Felix. He likes to think about Christianity, although he doesn't accept it. He enjoys finding historical evidence of the events of the Bible. If the talk becomes personal, he shuts it down. He is interested in faith, but he doesn't have any. He believes that faith is weakness; he personally doesn't need any, thank you. It makes it hard to communicate with someone who thinks you are a quaintly misguided fool.
Prayer: I pray for those without faith. I praise God for all that my faith does for me, and I am sad that people reject the gift of faith so freely given for them. I request of you, O Lord, that those people are guided to find a softened section of their hearts to let You in.
Amen
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Feb. 16, 2014
Acts 23: 21 "Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”
Paul's nephew is speaking. He has heard of the plot, and he took the information to Paul, who sent him to the officials. Paul is sneaked out of Jerusalem to avoid this killing of a Roman citizen. Paul has caused a lot of grief to both Sadducees and Pharisees. They don't like the fact that he is taking the Message to the Gentiles. He has further stirred the pot by referring to the afterlife, which causes dissention between the 2 groups, since the Sadducees don't believe in life after death nor angels nor spirits.
It is astonishing to me that religious people--people who are all about following religious law--could justify this kind of oath. We won't eat or drink until we have killed this guy who disagrees with us, but who worships the same God as us. It is like Islamic militants today. How can man's thinking get so out of whack, especially when the person is trying to please a God who would never condone killing one of His own.
Prayer: Lord, guide those who seek You in a loving, peaceful way. Don't allow their fervor to take them to a place where hate and violence rule. Show them that all Your people are beloved by You. Help us to see others as You see them.
Amen
Paul's nephew is speaking. He has heard of the plot, and he took the information to Paul, who sent him to the officials. Paul is sneaked out of Jerusalem to avoid this killing of a Roman citizen. Paul has caused a lot of grief to both Sadducees and Pharisees. They don't like the fact that he is taking the Message to the Gentiles. He has further stirred the pot by referring to the afterlife, which causes dissention between the 2 groups, since the Sadducees don't believe in life after death nor angels nor spirits.
It is astonishing to me that religious people--people who are all about following religious law--could justify this kind of oath. We won't eat or drink until we have killed this guy who disagrees with us, but who worships the same God as us. It is like Islamic militants today. How can man's thinking get so out of whack, especially when the person is trying to please a God who would never condone killing one of His own.
Prayer: Lord, guide those who seek You in a loving, peaceful way. Don't allow their fervor to take them to a place where hate and violence rule. Show them that all Your people are beloved by You. Help us to see others as You see them.
Amen
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Feb. 15, 2014
Psalm 25: 15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
The Psalmist is telling about his enemies. He is lonely and distressed. He knows that God will guide and lead the humble, those who acknowledge Him. He trusts that God will be there for him.
I feel David's pain. So many times I feel the same way. I know how good my God is, and I know that He has my best interests at heart, but I don't feel the same way about the people I see day to day.
I feel that they don't like or respect me. I feel hurt and alone. I am so very blessed to have God to turn to. I don't know how people with no faith face their daily struggles.
Prayer: Lord, I put my trust in You. My way is often rough, and yet I trust that You are always beside me. I count on You when I am worried and hurt. I praise You for the gift of faith that lets me rest easy.
Amen
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
The Psalmist is telling about his enemies. He is lonely and distressed. He knows that God will guide and lead the humble, those who acknowledge Him. He trusts that God will be there for him.
I feel David's pain. So many times I feel the same way. I know how good my God is, and I know that He has my best interests at heart, but I don't feel the same way about the people I see day to day.
I feel that they don't like or respect me. I feel hurt and alone. I am so very blessed to have God to turn to. I don't know how people with no faith face their daily struggles.
Prayer: Lord, I put my trust in You. My way is often rough, and yet I trust that You are always beside me. I count on You when I am worried and hurt. I praise You for the gift of faith that lets me rest easy.
Amen
Friday, February 14, 2014
Feb. 14, 2014
Psalm 24: 8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
The Psalmist reminds us that all of the Earth was created by God. He asks who is worthy to come before someone so powerful. The answer is the man who honors God and follows His commands. He tells the city to open its gates to its mighty King.
I began to sing these words as I read them. Isn't it wonderful how words of Scripture become an indelible part of our memory through song? The music that accompanies the words is strong and powerful too. It helps us to get the whole feeling the Psalmist intended to convey.
Prayer: O, Lord, so mighty and strong, You have created all the universe. You rule over us and everything in nature. And yet You are also the God who loves all His children, even the least powerful and the most wayward. We are blessed to know You and Your love. I praise You and all You do for Your people.
Amen
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
The Psalmist reminds us that all of the Earth was created by God. He asks who is worthy to come before someone so powerful. The answer is the man who honors God and follows His commands. He tells the city to open its gates to its mighty King.
I began to sing these words as I read them. Isn't it wonderful how words of Scripture become an indelible part of our memory through song? The music that accompanies the words is strong and powerful too. It helps us to get the whole feeling the Psalmist intended to convey.
Prayer: O, Lord, so mighty and strong, You have created all the universe. You rule over us and everything in nature. And yet You are also the God who loves all His children, even the least powerful and the most wayward. We are blessed to know You and Your love. I praise You and all You do for Your people.
Amen
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Feb. 13, 2014
Acts 20: 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Paul is leaving. He tells the people in the church that they will never see him again. He is concerned about what will happen to them after he leaves. He has many warnings for them about false leaders to come. He ends with this testimony about himself.
Okay, so humility is not Paul's long suit. He believes he has done a very good job. He is sure he knows God's plan for him, and he is sure he has followed it faithfully. I am less sure of that myself. I believe Christ's words, and I am all about helping the weak, but I am one of the weak. I do not always do all I can, and I can descend into the dark side and be demeaning of others.
Prayer: Lord, guide my words and my ways so that I can be sure of my efforts like Paul was. Help me to see the need in Your people, and guide me to words and actions which lift them up. Lead me on a path which Your son would have chosen so that I am blessed by the gifts I have given.
Amen
Paul is leaving. He tells the people in the church that they will never see him again. He is concerned about what will happen to them after he leaves. He has many warnings for them about false leaders to come. He ends with this testimony about himself.
Okay, so humility is not Paul's long suit. He believes he has done a very good job. He is sure he knows God's plan for him, and he is sure he has followed it faithfully. I am less sure of that myself. I believe Christ's words, and I am all about helping the weak, but I am one of the weak. I do not always do all I can, and I can descend into the dark side and be demeaning of others.
Prayer: Lord, guide my words and my ways so that I can be sure of my efforts like Paul was. Help me to see the need in Your people, and guide me to words and actions which lift them up. Lead me on a path which Your son would have chosen so that I am blessed by the gifts I have given.
Amen
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Feb. 12, 2014
Leviticus 19: 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
This is from a long list of rules in Leviticus. Some of them, frankly, make no sense. Do not plant seeds of 2 kinds in one field, do not cut the hair at the sides of your face, do not make cloth of more than one fiber. Many of them are very good--honor the elderly, do not have sex with your neighbor's wife, and this one--treat the foreign-born as you treat the natives of your country.
This one is striking b/c so many today who say they are Christians are not loving to the foreign-born or even the children of the foreign-born. Where does this hatred come from? Why can't we accept that every person is God's child? Why should we be upset that people on a tv commercial sing "God Bless America" in their own native language? Shouldn't we WANT people to seek God's blessing for our country, even if they weren't born here? According to this verse, we should LOVE them, not look for ways to divide God's people by national origin.
Prayer: God, please bless America. Help our people to be loving to everyone, regardless of their backgrounds. Let me see the ways I can help those who are different to be accepted in Your holy name.
Amen
This is from a long list of rules in Leviticus. Some of them, frankly, make no sense. Do not plant seeds of 2 kinds in one field, do not cut the hair at the sides of your face, do not make cloth of more than one fiber. Many of them are very good--honor the elderly, do not have sex with your neighbor's wife, and this one--treat the foreign-born as you treat the natives of your country.
This one is striking b/c so many today who say they are Christians are not loving to the foreign-born or even the children of the foreign-born. Where does this hatred come from? Why can't we accept that every person is God's child? Why should we be upset that people on a tv commercial sing "God Bless America" in their own native language? Shouldn't we WANT people to seek God's blessing for our country, even if they weren't born here? According to this verse, we should LOVE them, not look for ways to divide God's people by national origin.
Prayer: God, please bless America. Help our people to be loving to everyone, regardless of their backgrounds. Let me see the ways I can help those who are different to be accepted in Your holy name.
Amen
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Feb. 11, 2014
Leviticus 16: 21 He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task.
The scapegoat is a part of Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement. It is much more significant in Judaism than Hanukkah, which is better known. The scapegoat was led into the wilderness and released. The man who did this was ceremonially unclean and had to be cleaned.
We use the term scapegoat today to describe a person who is blamed for things others did. Their wickedness and rebellion becomes a burden the scapegoat carries until people catch on. It is interesting how the term began. And it would be a relief to know that your misdeeds could be placed on a guilt-free animal and turned loose. Then you get the mercy that we now get through Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, we need a scapegoat, and You saw our need. The Jews had their Day of Atonement, which included a scapegoat to set them free of their past sins. We have Christ, so we do not need to wait for a special day. We can ask for forgiveness every day. Praise Your holy name, for thinking of our weaknesses and allowing us mercy from them.
Amen
The scapegoat is a part of Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement. It is much more significant in Judaism than Hanukkah, which is better known. The scapegoat was led into the wilderness and released. The man who did this was ceremonially unclean and had to be cleaned.
We use the term scapegoat today to describe a person who is blamed for things others did. Their wickedness and rebellion becomes a burden the scapegoat carries until people catch on. It is interesting how the term began. And it would be a relief to know that your misdeeds could be placed on a guilt-free animal and turned loose. Then you get the mercy that we now get through Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, we need a scapegoat, and You saw our need. The Jews had their Day of Atonement, which included a scapegoat to set them free of their past sins. We have Christ, so we do not need to wait for a special day. We can ask for forgiveness every day. Praise Your holy name, for thinking of our weaknesses and allowing us mercy from them.
Amen
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Feb. 9, 2014
Acts 16: 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
Paul and Silas were in jail as a result of Paul's calling the prophesying spirit from the slave. Her owners were furious b/c they lost their source of income when she could no longer prophecy. Paul and Silas were flogged and thrown into jail, but in the middle of the night an earthquake destroyed the jail. They could have run away, but they didn't. The jailer was so impressed by this that he asked to hear their message. He became a believer.
It is hard to comprehend the level of abuse the new Christians had to endure. We endure the mockery of nonbelievers, and the persecution of terrorists of other religions. For the most part, we find support for our beliefs all around us. We live in a Christian country, and people in our church families and other Christians support us when we state our beliefs.
Prayer: Praise God for my Christian home in a Christian country. I am so blessed to live in a place and time where my faith can grow with so few challenges. I pray for other Christians who do not have these advantages. I pray for nonbelievers that they might find the comfort I have found in my faith.
Amen
Paul and Silas were in jail as a result of Paul's calling the prophesying spirit from the slave. Her owners were furious b/c they lost their source of income when she could no longer prophecy. Paul and Silas were flogged and thrown into jail, but in the middle of the night an earthquake destroyed the jail. They could have run away, but they didn't. The jailer was so impressed by this that he asked to hear their message. He became a believer.
It is hard to comprehend the level of abuse the new Christians had to endure. We endure the mockery of nonbelievers, and the persecution of terrorists of other religions. For the most part, we find support for our beliefs all around us. We live in a Christian country, and people in our church families and other Christians support us when we state our beliefs.
Prayer: Praise God for my Christian home in a Christian country. I am so blessed to live in a place and time where my faith can grow with so few challenges. I pray for other Christians who do not have these advantages. I pray for nonbelievers that they might find the comfort I have found in my faith.
Amen
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Feb. 8, 2014
Acts 15: 13 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad.
There was so little in today's readings that seemed worthy of comment. It was Leviticus about how to make offerings, and Paul and Barnabus with the dispute over circumcising the Gentiles. After some searching, I found this verse where the disciples are travelling back with the circumcision question for the others to answer. This is an inspiring image to me. They travel and tell everyone about the new believers, and the other believers are happy.
It is sometimes hard for those of us in the church to be inclusive. We want new church members to represent an image we are comfortable with. We don't feel good about people who look or dress or talk differently than us. It is good to be reminded that these peoples who had been raised to look on each other as enemies are glad to hear of dissimilar people joining the believers.
Prayer: I pray that You make me aware of the times when I am judgmental. Help me to see all of Your children with loving eyes. Guide me to make other believers feel welcomed in my presence.
Amen
There was so little in today's readings that seemed worthy of comment. It was Leviticus about how to make offerings, and Paul and Barnabus with the dispute over circumcising the Gentiles. After some searching, I found this verse where the disciples are travelling back with the circumcision question for the others to answer. This is an inspiring image to me. They travel and tell everyone about the new believers, and the other believers are happy.
It is sometimes hard for those of us in the church to be inclusive. We want new church members to represent an image we are comfortable with. We don't feel good about people who look or dress or talk differently than us. It is good to be reminded that these peoples who had been raised to look on each other as enemies are glad to hear of dissimilar people joining the believers.
Prayer: I pray that You make me aware of the times when I am judgmental. Help me to see all of Your children with loving eyes. Guide me to make other believers feel welcomed in my presence.
Amen
Thursday, February 6, 2014
February 6, 2014
Acts 13: 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
It has been quite a ride. The disciples have preached, they have run into the authorities who try to stop them, and Paul has even made one guy blind. They have made quite an impression on the local population, but the authorities are ready to go after them. Just as Jesus told them to do, they shake the dust of this place off their feet and move. In so doing, they are happy and fulfilled.
It would have been easy to become discouraged. They have done all they could, they have relied on God's power to do even more amazing things, and yet, they are blocked by those in power once again. No amount of reason, no citing of the prophecies of the past, no miracles-- nothing moves these people! You could start to doubt, you could second-guess your mission, you could lay down and give up. But NO! the disciples move ahead, ready to fulfill their destinies by following the Holy Spirit into a joyful life to come. I wish I was more like that.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to move ahead with joy even when I feel like I am not getting through to people. Let me always remember that You are the way, the truth, and the life. The criticisms of others should not drag me down as long as I know I am following Your path for me. Help me to always keep sight of the ultimate plan You have for my life.
Amen
It has been quite a ride. The disciples have preached, they have run into the authorities who try to stop them, and Paul has even made one guy blind. They have made quite an impression on the local population, but the authorities are ready to go after them. Just as Jesus told them to do, they shake the dust of this place off their feet and move. In so doing, they are happy and fulfilled.
It would have been easy to become discouraged. They have done all they could, they have relied on God's power to do even more amazing things, and yet, they are blocked by those in power once again. No amount of reason, no citing of the prophecies of the past, no miracles-- nothing moves these people! You could start to doubt, you could second-guess your mission, you could lay down and give up. But NO! the disciples move ahead, ready to fulfill their destinies by following the Holy Spirit into a joyful life to come. I wish I was more like that.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to move ahead with joy even when I feel like I am not getting through to people. Let me always remember that You are the way, the truth, and the life. The criticisms of others should not drag me down as long as I know I am following Your path for me. Help me to always keep sight of the ultimate plan You have for my life.
Amen
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Feb. 5, 2014
Acts 12: 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
Peter has been put into prison by Herod. He intends to prosecute him after Passover. He has already killed James. Then with heavy guarding presence all around, the angel wakes Peter and leads him out of the jail. Peter doesn't even think it is real; he believes it is a vision. When he realizes what has happened, he checks in with disbelieving friends and makes a hasty escape.
This is an awesome image, and one I don't recall reading before. Peter is poked in the side by an angel who wakens him when things look their darkest. The guards are not aware of the jailbreak; the gate opens by itself, and then the angel is gone. Picture Peter--standing there thinking, "What just happened?" The power of God is amazing!
Prayer: Lord, keep me away from doubt. I know that Your power is immeasurable. There is nothing You cannot do. I must learn to trust in Your plan and follow it. Just as Peter followed the angel, I should let You guide me away from my darkest moments.
Amen
Peter has been put into prison by Herod. He intends to prosecute him after Passover. He has already killed James. Then with heavy guarding presence all around, the angel wakes Peter and leads him out of the jail. Peter doesn't even think it is real; he believes it is a vision. When he realizes what has happened, he checks in with disbelieving friends and makes a hasty escape.
This is an awesome image, and one I don't recall reading before. Peter is poked in the side by an angel who wakens him when things look their darkest. The guards are not aware of the jailbreak; the gate opens by itself, and then the angel is gone. Picture Peter--standing there thinking, "What just happened?" The power of God is amazing!
Prayer: Lord, keep me away from doubt. I know that Your power is immeasurable. There is nothing You cannot do. I must learn to trust in Your plan and follow it. Just as Peter followed the angel, I should let You guide me away from my darkest moments.
Amen
Monday, February 3, 2014
Feb. 3, 2014
Acts 10:
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism."
Peter has been called to the centurion's house. The centurion was visited by an angel who told him how to find Peter. Peter has the vision about the unclean animals. That opens his eyes to the possibility that God does not exclude the Gentiles from the Message. Peter goes and tells everyone the Good News. The Holy Spirit enters the people, and Peter speaks these words. Then he tells them to be baptized.
In the wake of the outcry over a Super Bowl commercial where people sang "America the Beautiful" in their native tongues, this spoke to me. We are all included in the invitation. Why wouldn't we want others to enjoy the things we see as good? God does not show favoritism. Why should we?
Prayer: Lord, I pray for your people the whole world over. I want all of us to see that we are one human race. Please break down the artificial boundaries which separate us. Help to show us how to live in peace and love.
Amen
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism."
Peter has been called to the centurion's house. The centurion was visited by an angel who told him how to find Peter. Peter has the vision about the unclean animals. That opens his eyes to the possibility that God does not exclude the Gentiles from the Message. Peter goes and tells everyone the Good News. The Holy Spirit enters the people, and Peter speaks these words. Then he tells them to be baptized.
In the wake of the outcry over a Super Bowl commercial where people sang "America the Beautiful" in their native tongues, this spoke to me. We are all included in the invitation. Why wouldn't we want others to enjoy the things we see as good? God does not show favoritism. Why should we?
Prayer: Lord, I pray for your people the whole world over. I want all of us to see that we are one human race. Please break down the artificial boundaries which separate us. Help to show us how to live in peace and love.
Amen
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Feb. 2, 2014 a rainy Groundhog Day
Exodus 33: 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
After the golden calf incident, Moses would go into a tent when summoned by the Lord. The others would stay at the entrances to their own tents and worship. God had made his displeasure at these "stiff-necked people" known. Moses, on the other hand, was a favorite of God.
I would like to speak to God face to face as a friend. I speak to Him daily, but I never see Him, not even His back, as Moses did. And God's voice to me is often difficult to decipher. Mostly that is my fault, as I get caught up in daily life, and I don't listen well, to God or to anyone else. If I was talking to God face to face, I would see so clearly His will for me.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be closer to You. I am no Moses, and I do not deserve to talk you as a friend, but I do want to hear Your voice more clearly. Make me able to understand Your will for me, and I will try my best to follow it.
Amen
After the golden calf incident, Moses would go into a tent when summoned by the Lord. The others would stay at the entrances to their own tents and worship. God had made his displeasure at these "stiff-necked people" known. Moses, on the other hand, was a favorite of God.
I would like to speak to God face to face as a friend. I speak to Him daily, but I never see Him, not even His back, as Moses did. And God's voice to me is often difficult to decipher. Mostly that is my fault, as I get caught up in daily life, and I don't listen well, to God or to anyone else. If I was talking to God face to face, I would see so clearly His will for me.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be closer to You. I am no Moses, and I do not deserve to talk you as a friend, but I do want to hear Your voice more clearly. Make me able to understand Your will for me, and I will try my best to follow it.
Amen
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Feb. 1, 2014
Acts 8: 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
The speaker is the eunuch who came to Jerusalem to worship. On the way home, as he read Isaiah in his chariot, he met Phillip. Phillip, sent by the Holy Spirit, asked if he understood it. He asked Phillip to explain.
This reminded me of the meme of US sailors on a ship baptizing in a tub of water. Nothing can stand in the way of those who are ready for the Word. Another part of the Scripture puzzles me however. The Samaritans have been baptized, but they have not received the Holy Spirit when John and Peter arrive. So being baptized is just a first step? We hear about being born again through baptism, but that does not guarantee the Holy Spirit is with someone? I guess that is kind of the way my story reads, as I was baptized many years before I truly accepted God into my day-to-day life. That bears some thought.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my baptism and my upbringing in the faith. But I am even more grateful for the time when I totally accepted Your will for my life. I had some awareness, and I knew there was more, but I didn't fully feel Your presence until I was older. Praise be to You for all You have done in my life.
Amen
The speaker is the eunuch who came to Jerusalem to worship. On the way home, as he read Isaiah in his chariot, he met Phillip. Phillip, sent by the Holy Spirit, asked if he understood it. He asked Phillip to explain.
This reminded me of the meme of US sailors on a ship baptizing in a tub of water. Nothing can stand in the way of those who are ready for the Word. Another part of the Scripture puzzles me however. The Samaritans have been baptized, but they have not received the Holy Spirit when John and Peter arrive. So being baptized is just a first step? We hear about being born again through baptism, but that does not guarantee the Holy Spirit is with someone? I guess that is kind of the way my story reads, as I was baptized many years before I truly accepted God into my day-to-day life. That bears some thought.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my baptism and my upbringing in the faith. But I am even more grateful for the time when I totally accepted Your will for my life. I had some awareness, and I knew there was more, but I didn't fully feel Your presence until I was older. Praise be to You for all You have done in my life.
Amen
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