Matthew 17: 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
The disciples are puzzled about their inability to cast demons out of someone when Jesus had no trouble doing that. Jesus is preparing for his last days on Earth, and he is a bit impatient with humans in general. He is also having trouble about the temple tax, and yet he tells Peter to pay it with a coin he will find in the mouth of a fish he will catch. Such a strange scenario, and yet the people around are still not able to get to the level of faith required.
I was drawn to this verse when I began praying for Sherri. I know I don't have the faith to move mountains, but I could manage a mustard seed's worth. Nothing was impossible for me, as Sherri's results were just what I prayed for.
Prayer: Increase my faith, Lord, that I might do things You would have me do. I want to be certain that my prayer will be answered, and I need strength to reach that point. I give You thanks for all the answered prayers in my past, and I look ahead to many more in the future.
Amen
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014
Psalm 139: 10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
David is besieged again. The enemies are many, and even those who serve him are confused about his relationship with God. In the reading from 2 Samuel, his soldiers go into Saul's son's house and kill him, bringing his head to David as proof. David has them killed, and buries Saul's son in a tomb. David doesn't understand how people can be so wrong, so evil, and why God doesn't get rid of them. But he knows, with absolute certainty, that God is always there for him.
I know that too. I was having problems b/c of lost items. That is a symptom of how overwhelmed I have been with stress. I still haven't found everything, but I did turn it over to God this evening. And 2 of the missing items have been found; one of them is right here beside me. I found it while reading the Scripture. And I know God led me to my missing credit card!
Prayer: Lord, You are always with me. I may not be as aware of Your guiding hand as I could be, but that doesn't make You any less faithful. I give You thanks and praise for Your answers to my prayers.
Amen
your right hand will hold me fast.
David is besieged again. The enemies are many, and even those who serve him are confused about his relationship with God. In the reading from 2 Samuel, his soldiers go into Saul's son's house and kill him, bringing his head to David as proof. David has them killed, and buries Saul's son in a tomb. David doesn't understand how people can be so wrong, so evil, and why God doesn't get rid of them. But he knows, with absolute certainty, that God is always there for him.
I know that too. I was having problems b/c of lost items. That is a symptom of how overwhelmed I have been with stress. I still haven't found everything, but I did turn it over to God this evening. And 2 of the missing items have been found; one of them is right here beside me. I found it while reading the Scripture. And I know God led me to my missing credit card!
Prayer: Lord, You are always with me. I may not be as aware of Your guiding hand as I could be, but that doesn't make You any less faithful. I give You thanks and praise for Your answers to my prayers.
Amen
Sunday, April 27, 2014
April 27, 2014
Matthew 14: 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
This is just after the feeding of the 5000. Jesus has made the food stretch to feed all these people, and now he walks on water. Peter wants to try that too. Then Peter's fear takes over, and he can't do it. Jesus takes him by the hand, and he is saved.
I relate to Peter so well. I understand when he follows Jesus after his arrest, and when he denies him 3 times, just as Jesus has predicted. I also feel the bitter tears he cries when all that becomes clear to him. And I understand wanting to walk on the water with my Master, and I understand letting doubt take over and sinking instead. Thank God that Jesus is there to take both of us by the hand when we need saving!
Prayer: O, Lord, I am weak, and my faith falters at times. I want to be with You, to be more like You, but I cannot sustain the level of faith I need to get to the next level. Please guide me to be closer to You, and steady my walk of faith when I am wobbly.
Amen
This is just after the feeding of the 5000. Jesus has made the food stretch to feed all these people, and now he walks on water. Peter wants to try that too. Then Peter's fear takes over, and he can't do it. Jesus takes him by the hand, and he is saved.
I relate to Peter so well. I understand when he follows Jesus after his arrest, and when he denies him 3 times, just as Jesus has predicted. I also feel the bitter tears he cries when all that becomes clear to him. And I understand wanting to walk on the water with my Master, and I understand letting doubt take over and sinking instead. Thank God that Jesus is there to take both of us by the hand when we need saving!
Prayer: O, Lord, I am weak, and my faith falters at times. I want to be with You, to be more like You, but I cannot sustain the level of faith I need to get to the next level. Please guide me to be closer to You, and steady my walk of faith when I am wobbly.
Amen
Saturday, April 26, 2014
April 26, 2014
Matthew 13: 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Jesus is speaking of the pearl of great value. He is trying to explain the nature of faith. He starts this chapter talking about the sowing of the seeds. Some fall on rocky soil, some are eaten by birds, some are choked by thorns, but some make it. He explains to the disciples why this happens. But it was the pearl and the treasure found by the faithful that cause them to sell everything else they have, b/c their faith is the most important thing. They will use it like the yeast in the large amount of flour to make a difference in the world around them.
I want to believe that I am like the faithful follower who sold my other valuables in favor of the real treasure. I try to follow my faith, but life intervenes. Maybe when I retire, when the burdens of my career are not imposed on me 24-7, I can become a better disciple.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to hear Your voice in the midst of the chaos of my daily life. Help me to see the things of true value in my life. I want to focus my existence on the things that really matter,
but I am easily distracted. I need Your help.
Amen
Jesus is speaking of the pearl of great value. He is trying to explain the nature of faith. He starts this chapter talking about the sowing of the seeds. Some fall on rocky soil, some are eaten by birds, some are choked by thorns, but some make it. He explains to the disciples why this happens. But it was the pearl and the treasure found by the faithful that cause them to sell everything else they have, b/c their faith is the most important thing. They will use it like the yeast in the large amount of flour to make a difference in the world around them.
I want to believe that I am like the faithful follower who sold my other valuables in favor of the real treasure. I try to follow my faith, but life intervenes. Maybe when I retire, when the burdens of my career are not imposed on me 24-7, I can become a better disciple.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to hear Your voice in the midst of the chaos of my daily life. Help me to see the things of true value in my life. I want to focus my existence on the things that really matter,
but I am easily distracted. I need Your help.
Amen
Friday, April 25, 2014
April 25, 2014
Matthew 12: 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Jesus is under attack by the powers that be. Nothing he does suits them, and they are trying to be rid of him. They try to trap him with talk about the laws of the Sabbath. Jesus says he is the lord of the Sabbath. He continued healing. They accuse him of using demons to heal. He gives the famous "house divided" analogy. Finally they ask for a sign, and this is his reply.
Wow! This is so real, and yet even those closest to Jesus didn't get it. They never did understand what he was dealing with as he faced his own death on the cross. And he knew that even that act would not be enough to change the hearts of those cold and calculating officials. It is shocking and sad for Jesus and for all mankind.
Prayer: Lord, do not let my heart get hardened. Help me to be open to Your power moving in my life. Guide me to see the signs of Your presence.
Amen
Jesus is under attack by the powers that be. Nothing he does suits them, and they are trying to be rid of him. They try to trap him with talk about the laws of the Sabbath. Jesus says he is the lord of the Sabbath. He continued healing. They accuse him of using demons to heal. He gives the famous "house divided" analogy. Finally they ask for a sign, and this is his reply.
Wow! This is so real, and yet even those closest to Jesus didn't get it. They never did understand what he was dealing with as he faced his own death on the cross. And he knew that even that act would not be enough to change the hearts of those cold and calculating officials. It is shocking and sad for Jesus and for all mankind.
Prayer: Lord, do not let my heart get hardened. Help me to be open to Your power moving in my life. Guide me to see the signs of Your presence.
Amen
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
April 22, 2014
Matthew 9: 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus has been all over the land, healing the sick and finding Matthew, the tax collector. His association with the tax collectors and his healing is making the Pharisees uneasy. But Jesus isn't focusing on the powerful. He looks at the common people, and he is worried. There are many who need his special touch, but he has little time and few assistants to help spread the word. He asks the disciples to pray that the Lord sends more workers.
Harassed and helpless, yep, I know that feeling. I need God's compassion too. I look for leadership on Earth, and I don't find much help. I know that God is always there for me, however. It is important that I focus on that, b/c the world offers me so little. There is great beauty in the Earth, and many people have good intentions, but nothing in this world will ever satisfy me. I need to look to God for the satisfaction only He can bring.
Prayer: Lord, I feel Your compassion for me and all Your people. We need Your leadership, even though many don't see that at all. I see that, but I get caught up in the busy-ness of my life and forget to turn to You. You ARE my shepherd, and I need never want. Praise God!
Amen
Jesus has been all over the land, healing the sick and finding Matthew, the tax collector. His association with the tax collectors and his healing is making the Pharisees uneasy. But Jesus isn't focusing on the powerful. He looks at the common people, and he is worried. There are many who need his special touch, but he has little time and few assistants to help spread the word. He asks the disciples to pray that the Lord sends more workers.
Harassed and helpless, yep, I know that feeling. I need God's compassion too. I look for leadership on Earth, and I don't find much help. I know that God is always there for me, however. It is important that I focus on that, b/c the world offers me so little. There is great beauty in the Earth, and many people have good intentions, but nothing in this world will ever satisfy me. I need to look to God for the satisfaction only He can bring.
Prayer: Lord, I feel Your compassion for me and all Your people. We need Your leadership, even though many don't see that at all. I see that, but I get caught up in the busy-ness of my life and forget to turn to You. You ARE my shepherd, and I need never want. Praise God!
Amen
Monday, April 21, 2014
April 21, 2014
Matthew 8: 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.
Jesus has a lot to say about faith in this chapter. He heals the leper, he calms the waters, and he sends the demons into the pigs so that the locals beg him to leave. The centurion tells him that he knows that Jesus need not be physically present to heal his servant. All are different reactions to faith. The locals are afraid of faith, the disciples don't think Jesus can keep them safe from natural disaster, the leper believes and asks for healing, but the centurion shows the greatest faith of all.
The centurion's story came to my mind when I was making the initial prayer request for Sherri. I told God in prayer that I was like him. I KNEW that God could do it, would do it if my faith and the faith of those I enlisted in prayer was strong enough. It worked! The tumors were confined, and tomorrow Sherri has that second nasty tumor removed. I still know that God is with Sherri, and I will concentrate again on praying that this surgery is successful. Then I will focus on the treatments to come.
Prayer: Lord, be with Sherri, Julio, and the medical team as she goes into surgery tomorrow. Make the surgery be effective and without complications. Help Sherri and Julio face the treatments ahead with hope and courage.
Amen
Jesus has a lot to say about faith in this chapter. He heals the leper, he calms the waters, and he sends the demons into the pigs so that the locals beg him to leave. The centurion tells him that he knows that Jesus need not be physically present to heal his servant. All are different reactions to faith. The locals are afraid of faith, the disciples don't think Jesus can keep them safe from natural disaster, the leper believes and asks for healing, but the centurion shows the greatest faith of all.
The centurion's story came to my mind when I was making the initial prayer request for Sherri. I told God in prayer that I was like him. I KNEW that God could do it, would do it if my faith and the faith of those I enlisted in prayer was strong enough. It worked! The tumors were confined, and tomorrow Sherri has that second nasty tumor removed. I still know that God is with Sherri, and I will concentrate again on praying that this surgery is successful. Then I will focus on the treatments to come.
Prayer: Lord, be with Sherri, Julio, and the medical team as she goes into surgery tomorrow. Make the surgery be effective and without complications. Help Sherri and Julio face the treatments ahead with hope and courage.
Amen
Sunday, April 20, 2014
April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday
Matthew 7:
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Jesus has lots of sage advice in today's verses..."don't cast your pearls before swine" and "the wise man built his house upon a rock," for examples. Jesus elaborates on this verse: if your children asked for bread, would you give them a stone or a snake instead of the fish they want to eat. Why think God would do any less for us?
On this Easter morning, the most important of the Holy Days, we recognize how Jesus opened this door for us. We do not deserve it; we did not earn it, but all we have to do is believe and pray. I am so struck with the response to the prayers for Sherri. This morning, she awakes, and she has hope b/c the tumors were confined, as we prayed. She goes in for her surgery Tuesday, and she begins treatment with the possibility that she will get a good result. I only hope she remembers how good God was to her, and that she takes this chance to grow closer to Him on the day when we commemorate His son's resurrection from death.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the sacrifice Your son made for all of us. The promise of eternity waits for us b/c of all You did. We pray for those who need Your comfort and healing, especially for Sherri. We ask for a special Easter, meaningful to all Your people. We ask for better days to come.
Amen
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Jesus has lots of sage advice in today's verses..."don't cast your pearls before swine" and "the wise man built his house upon a rock," for examples. Jesus elaborates on this verse: if your children asked for bread, would you give them a stone or a snake instead of the fish they want to eat. Why think God would do any less for us?
On this Easter morning, the most important of the Holy Days, we recognize how Jesus opened this door for us. We do not deserve it; we did not earn it, but all we have to do is believe and pray. I am so struck with the response to the prayers for Sherri. This morning, she awakes, and she has hope b/c the tumors were confined, as we prayed. She goes in for her surgery Tuesday, and she begins treatment with the possibility that she will get a good result. I only hope she remembers how good God was to her, and that she takes this chance to grow closer to Him on the day when we commemorate His son's resurrection from death.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the sacrifice Your son made for all of us. The promise of eternity waits for us b/c of all You did. We pray for those who need Your comfort and healing, especially for Sherri. We ask for a special Easter, meaningful to all Your people. We ask for better days to come.
Amen
Saturday, April 19, 2014
April 19, 2014
Mathew 6: 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus is offering all kinds of advice. He gives us the Lord's Prayer. He tells us not to worry--about what we will eat or wear or about our bodies. God is watching the sparrows and us too. If we seek God first, everything else will fall into place.
On this last day of Lent, this is a good reminder to me. I pray the Lord's Prayer daily, and sometimes I don't make it through the whole thing without my attention wandering. I tend to skip the righteousness part of the 23rd Psalm too, when I pray it. I need to remember that God is always with me, even when my attention wavers, and that if I honor Him, my life will be better. I will be attuned with His divine plan for me. The rest will take care of itself.
Prayer: Lord, I am trying to keep You in my heart and mind every day. I am weak, and I get distracted by my day-to-day demands. Please forgive me and guide me to Your path for me. I know my life will be better then, and I will reflect Your love to all I meet.
Amen
PS Sherri's test results came in, and she does only have the 2 tumors! Just what I was praying for--God is good all the time.
Jesus is offering all kinds of advice. He gives us the Lord's Prayer. He tells us not to worry--about what we will eat or wear or about our bodies. God is watching the sparrows and us too. If we seek God first, everything else will fall into place.
On this last day of Lent, this is a good reminder to me. I pray the Lord's Prayer daily, and sometimes I don't make it through the whole thing without my attention wandering. I tend to skip the righteousness part of the 23rd Psalm too, when I pray it. I need to remember that God is always with me, even when my attention wavers, and that if I honor Him, my life will be better. I will be attuned with His divine plan for me. The rest will take care of itself.
Prayer: Lord, I am trying to keep You in my heart and mind every day. I am weak, and I get distracted by my day-to-day demands. Please forgive me and guide me to Your path for me. I know my life will be better then, and I will reflect Your love to all I meet.
Amen
PS Sherri's test results came in, and she does only have the 2 tumors! Just what I was praying for--God is good all the time.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
April 17, 2014
Matthew 4: 16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
Jesus quotes Isaiah after hearing about the imprisonment of John the Baptist. This is the beginning of Jesus's ministry. Right after this he begins to gather his disciples. Right before this was the temptation from Satan.
We are so fortunate to live in a time after the light came. It must have been awful for those who tried to follow God in the OT times; they had the Law but lacked the loving grace that Jesus provided. No matter how we try, we always fall short of the glory of God. The light of the world shows us that we are safe in God's arms, no matter how far we have fallen into the shadows.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be a more loving and caring person. Let Your light shine through me so that all can see Your glory reflected in my actions. I have been in the darkness, I have even embraced it, but I long to live in the light now.
Amen
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
Jesus quotes Isaiah after hearing about the imprisonment of John the Baptist. This is the beginning of Jesus's ministry. Right after this he begins to gather his disciples. Right before this was the temptation from Satan.
We are so fortunate to live in a time after the light came. It must have been awful for those who tried to follow God in the OT times; they had the Law but lacked the loving grace that Jesus provided. No matter how we try, we always fall short of the glory of God. The light of the world shows us that we are safe in God's arms, no matter how far we have fallen into the shadows.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to be a more loving and caring person. Let Your light shine through me so that all can see Your glory reflected in my actions. I have been in the darkness, I have even embraced it, but I long to live in the light now.
Amen
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014
1 Samuel 17: 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Goliath is coming out and heaping insults on the Israelites. He says the Philistines will be the servants of the Israelites if only they send one man to fight him, and their man wins. If he loses, the Israelites will be servants of the Philistines. David is bringing supplies to his brothers in Saul's army. He hears Goliath and volunteers to be that man. Even though others doubt he can do it, he calls on his faith to make him the victor. He goes, and he wins.
I am struck by David's faith--even arrogance it might seem--but I am also struck by Saul's desperation. He has listened to the insults, and his own faith is not equal to the task, although God has done mighty deeds for him in the past. At this point, sending young David to take on a giant seems like a viable option. Was it b/c of the faith that David radiated? Or was Saul just ready to have an ending, whatever that was?
Prayer: Lord, give me faith like David's. My faith wavers under the wind of my daily obligations. I find myself moving farther and farther from You, not b/c of my will to move in that way, but b/c I am weak and the pressures on me are great. I need Your strength to face my daily challenges with a strong faith to guide my every move.
Amen
Goliath is coming out and heaping insults on the Israelites. He says the Philistines will be the servants of the Israelites if only they send one man to fight him, and their man wins. If he loses, the Israelites will be servants of the Philistines. David is bringing supplies to his brothers in Saul's army. He hears Goliath and volunteers to be that man. Even though others doubt he can do it, he calls on his faith to make him the victor. He goes, and he wins.
I am struck by David's faith--even arrogance it might seem--but I am also struck by Saul's desperation. He has listened to the insults, and his own faith is not equal to the task, although God has done mighty deeds for him in the past. At this point, sending young David to take on a giant seems like a viable option. Was it b/c of the faith that David radiated? Or was Saul just ready to have an ending, whatever that was?
Prayer: Lord, give me faith like David's. My faith wavers under the wind of my daily obligations. I find myself moving farther and farther from You, not b/c of my will to move in that way, but b/c I am weak and the pressures on me are great. I need Your strength to face my daily challenges with a strong faith to guide my every move.
Amen
Sunday, April 13, 2014
April 13, 2014
1 Samuel 14: 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”
Saul and the Israelites have not been able to conquer the Philistines. They are waiting, hiding from them. But Jonathan has a different idea. He and his armor bearer move towards the enemy. Then, guided by the knowledge that no one is as powerful as God, they move into the open. Jonathan says they will stay where they are or advance based on the words of the Philistines. The enemy tells them to come on and be beaten, so they move and start the killing. The rest of the army is inspired by the confusion of the Philistines, and many more are killed, until the enemy retreats.
I was reading the story, and I was struck by Jonathan's faith. He went against his father, the king, b/c his faith was so strong. I woke up this morning, thinking as always about Sherri. Since it has taken a week for us to know how the scan went, I have not been as vigilant in my faith watch. I have been distracted by the demands of day-to-day life. I should not let that happen, but I did.
Prayer: Lord, give me the faith of Jonathan and David, the certainty that You are much more faithful than I am. Be with me and guide me even when I am distracted by my busy life. Please keep Your eye on Sherri and the doctors. Give her hope and the will to fight this cancer.
Amen
Saul and the Israelites have not been able to conquer the Philistines. They are waiting, hiding from them. But Jonathan has a different idea. He and his armor bearer move towards the enemy. Then, guided by the knowledge that no one is as powerful as God, they move into the open. Jonathan says they will stay where they are or advance based on the words of the Philistines. The enemy tells them to come on and be beaten, so they move and start the killing. The rest of the army is inspired by the confusion of the Philistines, and many more are killed, until the enemy retreats.
I was reading the story, and I was struck by Jonathan's faith. He went against his father, the king, b/c his faith was so strong. I woke up this morning, thinking as always about Sherri. Since it has taken a week for us to know how the scan went, I have not been as vigilant in my faith watch. I have been distracted by the demands of day-to-day life. I should not let that happen, but I did.
Prayer: Lord, give me the faith of Jonathan and David, the certainty that You are much more faithful than I am. Be with me and guide me even when I am distracted by my busy life. Please keep Your eye on Sherri and the doctors. Give her hope and the will to fight this cancer.
Amen
Saturday, April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
2 Corinthians 12: 14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Paul is telling the church about his past behavior to prepare them for a future visit. He tells them that he is not perfect, but that he is as good as any apostle. He cites examples of his behavior.
These words rang so true to me as a parent. I try not to be a burden to my children, but I really want to spend time with them. I go out of my way to spend time with my mother, doing whatever she wants to do. My mother tries to lift my financial burden a bit, and I do the same for them. It is not the things that I want, it is the quality time.
Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed to be able to spend time with my mother and my children. They and Ron are my #1 priority in this world. I want to be a good role model for my kids so that they will see how to treat their parents, and I love to have the time to just relax with my family. Thank you for making that possible in my life.
Amen
Paul is telling the church about his past behavior to prepare them for a future visit. He tells them that he is not perfect, but that he is as good as any apostle. He cites examples of his behavior.
These words rang so true to me as a parent. I try not to be a burden to my children, but I really want to spend time with them. I go out of my way to spend time with my mother, doing whatever she wants to do. My mother tries to lift my financial burden a bit, and I do the same for them. It is not the things that I want, it is the quality time.
Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed to be able to spend time with my mother and my children. They and Ron are my #1 priority in this world. I want to be a good role model for my kids so that they will see how to treat their parents, and I love to have the time to just relax with my family. Thank you for making that possible in my life.
Amen
Thursday, April 10, 2014
April 10, 2014
2 Corinthians 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
The verse which precedes this one states that we fight with weapons unlike those elsewhere in the world. Paul is fighting against criticism in Corinth. Some don't like his looks. Some say he isn't as impressive in person as his letters are.
I am impressed by the thought that Christians use different means to demolish arguments against them. We can focus our thoughts on Christ and Christ-like actions. We can move past judgments based on appearances and false presumptions. We can harness the power of Christ to guide our thoughts and our deeds.
Prayer: Lord, I am focusing my thoughts on You and Your son who died for me. I have power from You that is different from the power granted by the world. By searching my life through a Christ filter, I can build a life that is better than any I could set up by myself. Thank you for Your holy guidance.
Amen
The verse which precedes this one states that we fight with weapons unlike those elsewhere in the world. Paul is fighting against criticism in Corinth. Some don't like his looks. Some say he isn't as impressive in person as his letters are.
I am impressed by the thought that Christians use different means to demolish arguments against them. We can focus our thoughts on Christ and Christ-like actions. We can move past judgments based on appearances and false presumptions. We can harness the power of Christ to guide our thoughts and our deeds.
Prayer: Lord, I am focusing my thoughts on You and Your son who died for me. I have power from You that is different from the power granted by the world. By searching my life through a Christ filter, I can build a life that is better than any I could set up by myself. Thank you for Your holy guidance.
Amen
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014
Psalm 72:
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
David is finishing his Psalm with this appeal for the king (himself). He knows that he needs God to fulfill his potential as the right kind of king, good news for all his people. In the other OT verses, the ark of God is restored to the people after the Philistines captured it. It has caused the Philistines nothing but trouble--they have been afflicted with tumors and rats---but they attack Samuel and the Israelites when they gather to celebrate its safe return. God causes horrible thunder, and their attack is thwarted.
Okay, I am still waiting for news on Sherri. This verse is my plea for hope for her. I also was drawn to the story of the return of the Ark. The people returned to God when it came back, and Samuel told them to put away their idols. It reminds me of the 40 day-40 bag challenge for Lent. I am simplifying my life by ridding it of the things which hold me down. The need to manage so much stuff is an idol I don't need. When it is all gone, I will have more time to focus on the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I am most of all asking for healing for the weak and needy in my life. Like David, I see a real need for Your mercy on those who suffer. I promise to place my focus more squarely on you as I simplify my life.
Amen
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
David is finishing his Psalm with this appeal for the king (himself). He knows that he needs God to fulfill his potential as the right kind of king, good news for all his people. In the other OT verses, the ark of God is restored to the people after the Philistines captured it. It has caused the Philistines nothing but trouble--they have been afflicted with tumors and rats---but they attack Samuel and the Israelites when they gather to celebrate its safe return. God causes horrible thunder, and their attack is thwarted.
Okay, I am still waiting for news on Sherri. This verse is my plea for hope for her. I also was drawn to the story of the return of the Ark. The people returned to God when it came back, and Samuel told them to put away their idols. It reminds me of the 40 day-40 bag challenge for Lent. I am simplifying my life by ridding it of the things which hold me down. The need to manage so much stuff is an idol I don't need. When it is all gone, I will have more time to focus on the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, I am most of all asking for healing for the weak and needy in my life. Like David, I see a real need for Your mercy on those who suffer. I promise to place my focus more squarely on you as I simplify my life.
Amen
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014
1 Samuel 3: 19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.
This chapter starts with the familiar story of Samuel's calling by the Lord. In yesterday's verses, Samuel was a gift from God to his childless mother, who promised him to the Lord. She followed through, and she had other children, but Samuel was raised by Eli. Eli's sons were evil, and God promised that Eli's family would lose control of Israel, and all his heirs would die. It is not surprising, then, that the faithful Samuel was called to replace Eli. And I love what happened next--that none of Samuel's words "fell to the ground." Everyone could see that he truly represented God when he spoke to them.
I am anxiously awaiting word on Sherri's scan, so I am hoping that my optimistic words about her do not "fall to the ground." I requested prayer for her in so many places, and good results from the PET scan was a critical component of my request. If my faith was strong enough--is strong enough---then the results should be good. If my words "fall to the ground," my hopes will not be fulfilled, and I will have to fight doubt.
Prayer: Lord, do not let my words of hope for Sherri "fall to the ground." I know my faith is weak in so many ways, but I have truly tried to be strong and true. I have enlisted so many who will also feel hope if the results are good. I am worried, and I turn this over to You. You know my efforts, and You will be good to me no matter what.
Amen
This chapter starts with the familiar story of Samuel's calling by the Lord. In yesterday's verses, Samuel was a gift from God to his childless mother, who promised him to the Lord. She followed through, and she had other children, but Samuel was raised by Eli. Eli's sons were evil, and God promised that Eli's family would lose control of Israel, and all his heirs would die. It is not surprising, then, that the faithful Samuel was called to replace Eli. And I love what happened next--that none of Samuel's words "fell to the ground." Everyone could see that he truly represented God when he spoke to them.
I am anxiously awaiting word on Sherri's scan, so I am hoping that my optimistic words about her do not "fall to the ground." I requested prayer for her in so many places, and good results from the PET scan was a critical component of my request. If my faith was strong enough--is strong enough---then the results should be good. If my words "fall to the ground," my hopes will not be fulfilled, and I will have to fight doubt.
Prayer: Lord, do not let my words of hope for Sherri "fall to the ground." I know my faith is weak in so many ways, but I have truly tried to be strong and true. I have enlisted so many who will also feel hope if the results are good. I am worried, and I turn this over to You. You know my efforts, and You will be good to me no matter what.
Amen
Monday, April 7, 2014
April 7, 2014
Psalm 66:
19 but God has surely listened
and has heard my prayer.
The Psalmist starts with "Shout for joy, all the Earth!" Then he details all the ways God has helped His people.
Today is the day of Sherri's PET scan. I am comforted by the verse b/c my prayers have been so focused, my faith so strong, and I know God has heard me. The hope we need will surely follow this test. Sherri is ready to fight the cancer, and the Lord will give us the hope we need for a good outcome.
Prayer: Lord, I am beseeching You again. Your daughter, Sherri, needs healing. I have faith that the results of today's test will bring her healing and hope.
Amen
19 but God has surely listened
and has heard my prayer.
The Psalmist starts with "Shout for joy, all the Earth!" Then he details all the ways God has helped His people.
Today is the day of Sherri's PET scan. I am comforted by the verse b/c my prayers have been so focused, my faith so strong, and I know God has heard me. The hope we need will surely follow this test. Sherri is ready to fight the cancer, and the Lord will give us the hope we need for a good outcome.
Prayer: Lord, I am beseeching You again. Your daughter, Sherri, needs healing. I have faith that the results of today's test will bring her healing and hope.
Amen
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April 6, 2014
Psalm 65: 5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas
David is singing praises to God. God's people will come to Him b/c he forgave their sins. David is in awe of the world God has created--the day and night, the ocean and the mountains, the fertile fields.
I chose this verse b/c of the "hope" part. I am still praying endlessly for Sherri and the results of tomorrow's test. I was out in God's beautiful springtime world with my dogs when it came to me that hope was exactly what I am praying for. I want the doctor to say to Sherri and Julio, "This is a surprise. We can follow this treatment plan successfully and defeat this cancer." I visualize this as part of the faith plan now. We need awesome deeds, and ultimately we need hope.
Prayer: Lord, please guide the medical professionals who deal with Sherri's cancer as she goes in for this important scan. I believe that they will find hope in the results. My faith in You is strong; not strong enough to move mountains, maybe, but strong enough to know that You can and will give us hope with the awesome deeds You will perform on her behalf.
Amen
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas
David is singing praises to God. God's people will come to Him b/c he forgave their sins. David is in awe of the world God has created--the day and night, the ocean and the mountains, the fertile fields.
I chose this verse b/c of the "hope" part. I am still praying endlessly for Sherri and the results of tomorrow's test. I was out in God's beautiful springtime world with my dogs when it came to me that hope was exactly what I am praying for. I want the doctor to say to Sherri and Julio, "This is a surprise. We can follow this treatment plan successfully and defeat this cancer." I visualize this as part of the faith plan now. We need awesome deeds, and ultimately we need hope.
Prayer: Lord, please guide the medical professionals who deal with Sherri's cancer as she goes in for this important scan. I believe that they will find hope in the results. My faith in You is strong; not strong enough to move mountains, maybe, but strong enough to know that You can and will give us hope with the awesome deeds You will perform on her behalf.
Amen
Saturday, April 5, 2014
April 5, 2014
Psalm 61: 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
David calls out to God. He both longs to spend his time with God and praises God for all his blessings. He asks for long life and the opportunity to rule wisely. He promises to praise God. He asks for God's and faithfulness.
I am in the midst of a season of prayer for my friend, Sherri. She has an aggressive and rare Stage IV cancer. I am convinced that my faith can make a difference in the outcome of her disease. I have called on Prayer Warriors, both on FB and PT, to add her to their prayer lists. I am being very specific in what I want, and I am fighting Satan as he attempts to undermine my faith. Jesus told us we can move mountains with enough faith, and I am following that advice. I am, just like David, calling on a rock that is higher than man to make this better.
Prayer: Lord, be with Sherri. Consume the cancer which threatens her life. For now, please make the 2 tumors they have found be the only ones which show up in the PET scan the day after tomorrow. Guide the hands of the surgeon who removes the second tumor, and help her doctors and nurses as they set the stage for healing in her body.
Amen
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
David calls out to God. He both longs to spend his time with God and praises God for all his blessings. He asks for long life and the opportunity to rule wisely. He promises to praise God. He asks for God's and faithfulness.
I am in the midst of a season of prayer for my friend, Sherri. She has an aggressive and rare Stage IV cancer. I am convinced that my faith can make a difference in the outcome of her disease. I have called on Prayer Warriors, both on FB and PT, to add her to their prayer lists. I am being very specific in what I want, and I am fighting Satan as he attempts to undermine my faith. Jesus told us we can move mountains with enough faith, and I am following that advice. I am, just like David, calling on a rock that is higher than man to make this better.
Prayer: Lord, be with Sherri. Consume the cancer which threatens her life. For now, please make the 2 tumors they have found be the only ones which show up in the PET scan the day after tomorrow. Guide the hands of the surgeon who removes the second tumor, and help her doctors and nurses as they set the stage for healing in her body.
Amen
Friday, April 4, 2014
April 4, 2014
2 Corinthians 4: 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Paul is talking about his ministry. He says that those who cannot see the truth of it are veiled by God. They cannot detect the light in their hearts b/c God has hardened their hearts to it. The followers carry the death of Christ within them, as a means to life eternal. They must speak of this truth so that others can be drawn to it. The hardships they suffer are temporary, but the truth is eternal.
It is hard to understand why some are chosen to have faith while others are hardened to it. How does God determine who is who? Those of us with faith are surely the blessed ones; we cannot claim this blessing by our own goodness or actions, b/c we all fail and fall short. We know the glory of the light, and we need to share it so that others will see it in us. I guess we need to let go of any feeling of judgment towards those who are left in darkness. God will choose when and if they will ever feel the healing light.
Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed with faith. I am using my faith right now to pray for a loved one in need. I BELIEVE that you can and will heal the awful destruction within her body. I am so aware of the fullness of Your glory. Be with me, and more importantly with the one I love, to heal her body and her soul as she fights for her life.
Amen
Paul is talking about his ministry. He says that those who cannot see the truth of it are veiled by God. They cannot detect the light in their hearts b/c God has hardened their hearts to it. The followers carry the death of Christ within them, as a means to life eternal. They must speak of this truth so that others can be drawn to it. The hardships they suffer are temporary, but the truth is eternal.
It is hard to understand why some are chosen to have faith while others are hardened to it. How does God determine who is who? Those of us with faith are surely the blessed ones; we cannot claim this blessing by our own goodness or actions, b/c we all fail and fall short. We know the glory of the light, and we need to share it so that others will see it in us. I guess we need to let go of any feeling of judgment towards those who are left in darkness. God will choose when and if they will ever feel the healing light.
Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed with faith. I am using my faith right now to pray for a loved one in need. I BELIEVE that you can and will heal the awful destruction within her body. I am so aware of the fullness of Your glory. Be with me, and more importantly with the one I love, to heal her body and her soul as she fights for her life.
Amen
Thursday, April 3, 2014
April 3, 2014
Psalm 89: 1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
Ethan is telling about the failure of the house of David to perpetuate. God has promised David that his house will live forever, but David's sons were not faithful. Now Ethan is living in a time when it seems like God has forsaken His people. Ethan wonders if he will live his entire life with the hardships, or will the Lord remember His people and lift them up again? Ethan starts with 29 verses of praise, then he has 23 verses of misery, and he ends with one more praise verse.
I am struck with the poetry of this beginning verse, but I am also empathetic with Ethan's misery. The Bible covers so many years, and the action moves so fast at times, that it is hard to realize that one believer might spend all his life singing the praises of a God who seems to have forsaken His people. How do we hang onto our faith when everything is so bad? We turn to God for comfort, but the misery continues to grow. We must follow Ethan and make God's word our beacon through ALL generations--times good and bad.
Prayer: Lord, I am heartbroken over the illness, the death and destruction, the lack of a moral compass in so many of the people of my generation. I am tempted to lay my faith aside and wail and moan. I know You are the only true God, and I know You are always with me, but it hurts me to see Your people in pain. Please comfort them and me. You are a mighty God, and nothing is beyond Your control.
Amen
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
Ethan is telling about the failure of the house of David to perpetuate. God has promised David that his house will live forever, but David's sons were not faithful. Now Ethan is living in a time when it seems like God has forsaken His people. Ethan wonders if he will live his entire life with the hardships, or will the Lord remember His people and lift them up again? Ethan starts with 29 verses of praise, then he has 23 verses of misery, and he ends with one more praise verse.
I am struck with the poetry of this beginning verse, but I am also empathetic with Ethan's misery. The Bible covers so many years, and the action moves so fast at times, that it is hard to realize that one believer might spend all his life singing the praises of a God who seems to have forsaken His people. How do we hang onto our faith when everything is so bad? We turn to God for comfort, but the misery continues to grow. We must follow Ethan and make God's word our beacon through ALL generations--times good and bad.
Prayer: Lord, I am heartbroken over the illness, the death and destruction, the lack of a moral compass in so many of the people of my generation. I am tempted to lay my faith aside and wail and moan. I know You are the only true God, and I know You are always with me, but it hurts me to see Your people in pain. Please comfort them and me. You are a mighty God, and nothing is beyond Your control.
Amen
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
April 2, 2014
Judges 16: 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
The story of Samson is amazing from beginning to end. An angel appears first to his mother and then to both parents to tell them of his birth and how to raise him as a Nazirite. Once he is grown, he slays the lion and has the interactions with the Philistines which make him famous. Then he rules the Israelites for many years before spotting Delilah, his undoing. She is such a traitor, and he ends up imprisoned and blinded. But that is not the end: he tricks the Philistines into enabling him to be their weapon of mass destruction.
This tale is as exciting as any in the OT. So much is not explained. We know nothing about the kind of ruler Samson was, but his personal behavior seems more like a spoiled little boy than a great man of God. Why didn't he take his many blessings and settle down like a respectable Israelite? Was all of this God's plan for him, or was he resisting God? We know that the brouhaha surrounding his Philistine wife was part of God's plan. Was Delilah and the destruction of their temple more of the same, or was Samson's humiliation the natural result of his sinful longings? As so often happens, his return to God resulted in a good result for God's people if not for Samson personally.
Prayer: Lord, I turn to You in good times and bad. I pray for those I know and love, and I pray for the many who suffer but are not known by me. I remember Your good and faithful ways, and I know I can always come back to You, even when I have turned away. I am weak, and I am easily distracted. Strengthen my faith so that I am open to Your will for my life always.
Amen
The story of Samson is amazing from beginning to end. An angel appears first to his mother and then to both parents to tell them of his birth and how to raise him as a Nazirite. Once he is grown, he slays the lion and has the interactions with the Philistines which make him famous. Then he rules the Israelites for many years before spotting Delilah, his undoing. She is such a traitor, and he ends up imprisoned and blinded. But that is not the end: he tricks the Philistines into enabling him to be their weapon of mass destruction.
This tale is as exciting as any in the OT. So much is not explained. We know nothing about the kind of ruler Samson was, but his personal behavior seems more like a spoiled little boy than a great man of God. Why didn't he take his many blessings and settle down like a respectable Israelite? Was all of this God's plan for him, or was he resisting God? We know that the brouhaha surrounding his Philistine wife was part of God's plan. Was Delilah and the destruction of their temple more of the same, or was Samson's humiliation the natural result of his sinful longings? As so often happens, his return to God resulted in a good result for God's people if not for Samson personally.
Prayer: Lord, I turn to You in good times and bad. I pray for those I know and love, and I pray for the many who suffer but are not known by me. I remember Your good and faithful ways, and I know I can always come back to You, even when I have turned away. I am weak, and I am easily distracted. Strengthen my faith so that I am open to Your will for my life always.
Amen
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April 1, 2014
Psalm 50: 11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.
The psalmist, Asaph, is telling us how the people have failed. God has given them a beautiful world, but they have not been faithful. He doesn't care about their offerings, b/c everything is his anyway. He wants his people to be faithful to Him, to do what is right, and to remember that they are His children. In the middle of his rant, we find this bit of poetry.
Slim pickings again today. Gilead is appealing for help, and murder and mayhem commence--even the sacrifice of one's own child to fulfill a vow made to God. SMH. And Paul is telling how they have suffered for their ministry. Nothing there strikes me, so I go back to Psalm 50 and find this nugget. I love the imagery. God knows EVERY bird in the mountains? That's a lot of birds. He owns the insects too, and there are many more of those. What a mighty God we serve!
Prayer: Lord, I am in awe of Your power. I worship a God who has His finger on the pulse of the universe. I am so grateful for all You do for me. I am a tiny cog in the big picture, and yet You are always there for me. Halleluiah!
Amen
and the insects in the fields are mine.
The psalmist, Asaph, is telling us how the people have failed. God has given them a beautiful world, but they have not been faithful. He doesn't care about their offerings, b/c everything is his anyway. He wants his people to be faithful to Him, to do what is right, and to remember that they are His children. In the middle of his rant, we find this bit of poetry.
Slim pickings again today. Gilead is appealing for help, and murder and mayhem commence--even the sacrifice of one's own child to fulfill a vow made to God. SMH. And Paul is telling how they have suffered for their ministry. Nothing there strikes me, so I go back to Psalm 50 and find this nugget. I love the imagery. God knows EVERY bird in the mountains? That's a lot of birds. He owns the insects too, and there are many more of those. What a mighty God we serve!
Prayer: Lord, I am in awe of Your power. I worship a God who has His finger on the pulse of the universe. I am so grateful for all You do for me. I am a tiny cog in the big picture, and yet You are always there for me. Halleluiah!
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)