Isaiah 48: 22"There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
Isaiah speaks to the stubborn Israelites. He reminds them of the ways they have been unfaithful. But God remains true to His word, even though they have not. Now He commands them to leave Babylon. He reminds them of His help during the Exodus.
My mother-in-law always said this verse. She meant that she was always tired. She didn't think she deserved to rest. It's interesting to see that is not what it means at all. God intended to reclaim His unfaithful people. The Babylonians would pay for their mistreatment of the Israelites. It makes me reflect on the current conflict between the Israelites and the Palestinians in Gaza. Maybe God's hand is in that troubled region after all.
Prayer: Lord, my prayers are mainly for those I know. My narrow self-interest blinds me to the suffering You see all over the world. Today I pray for oppressed people everywhere. Help Your people find justice wherever they live.
Amen
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
July 25, 2014
Isaiah 45: 18. For this is what the Lord says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
“I am the Lord,
and there is no other."
Isaiah is God's mouthpiece, telling the chosen people just who He is. He wants them to understand who they are and what their relationship is as well. This struck me as I reflected on my time in Hertford last evening. God's world is full of His people, just as He intended. The one God knows and loves us all. This world is beautiful and diverse. How fortunate we are to be part of God's creation!
Prayer: I am giving thanks to the one and only God for the beauty of His earth and all who live in it. I'm so blessed to be able to experience life with His creation. Thanks be to God. Amen
Isaiah is God's mouthpiece, telling the chosen people just who He is. He wants them to understand who they are and what their relationship is as well. This struck me as I reflected on my time in Hertford last evening. God's world is full of His people, just as He intended. The one God knows and loves us all. This world is beautiful and diverse. How fortunate we are to be part of God's creation!
Prayer: I am giving thanks to the one and only God for the beauty of His earth and all who live in it. I'm so blessed to be able to experience life with His creation. Thanks be to God. Amen
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
July 22, 2014
1Peter 1: 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c]
And this is the word that was preached to you.
Peter summarizes the Christian experience. He covers resurrection and salvation. He refers to the prophets of the past. Then he offers advice on living a Christian life before closing with this quote from Isaiah.
I had to take 2 verses to complete Peter's thought. It's my last day at home before leaving for Europe, and this matches my mood. The grass and wildflowers have given me so much pleasure. But I know their time is short. I have seen them grow and fade. When I return in 2 weeks, there will be more change. This is like our lives, seen in the context of history. The Bible will not change, however, and neither will my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to humbly know that You endure forever, but my time is short. Direct my thoughts and deeds to Your service. I give You all praise and honor. Amen
Peter summarizes the Christian experience. He covers resurrection and salvation. He refers to the prophets of the past. Then he offers advice on living a Christian life before closing with this quote from Isaiah.
I had to take 2 verses to complete Peter's thought. It's my last day at home before leaving for Europe, and this matches my mood. The grass and wildflowers have given me so much pleasure. But I know their time is short. I have seen them grow and fade. When I return in 2 weeks, there will be more change. This is like our lives, seen in the context of history. The Bible will not change, however, and neither will my Lord.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to humbly know that You endure forever, but my time is short. Direct my thoughts and deeds to Your service. I give You all praise and honor. Amen
Monday, July 21, 2014
July 21, 2015
James 5: 4. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
James is warning the rich oppressors. They have indulged and fattened themselves. They have ignored the cries of the needy and the falsely accused. Their suffering will come when Jesus returns.
This really hit a nerve with me living in the day when our government treats corporations as people. The workers are not the concern of the corporation. It fattens itself on profits. The workers suffer, but the leaders of the corporation serve Mammon, not God. The Lord is watching.
Prayer: I am praying for the leaders of our country and of other countries as well as those who run the corporations. Guide their actions towards the good of their fellow man, not in the pursuit of a narrow self-interest.
Amen
James is warning the rich oppressors. They have indulged and fattened themselves. They have ignored the cries of the needy and the falsely accused. Their suffering will come when Jesus returns.
This really hit a nerve with me living in the day when our government treats corporations as people. The workers are not the concern of the corporation. It fattens itself on profits. The workers suffer, but the leaders of the corporation serve Mammon, not God. The Lord is watching.
Prayer: I am praying for the leaders of our country and of other countries as well as those who run the corporations. Guide their actions towards the good of their fellow man, not in the pursuit of a narrow self-interest.
Amen
Sunday, July 20, 2014
July 20, 2014
James 4: 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James is speaking out against those who make long-term plans for their pleasure. He warns that this kind of plan should only be made after acknowledging that God's will should be first. If it fits God's plan, then it's okay. Otherwise this seems like a boast.
The short-term nature of our Earthly lives makes us uncomfortable. We don't like facing our own mortality. I am planning activities for our trip to Europe, and I am struck by the time factor. We are but a mist swirling around for such a short time. Eternity waits, but we can't easily focus on that. Our time in this world is so limited, and we need to make it everything God wants it to be.
Prayer: Guide my days to Your glory, Lord. Help me to be all You see in me. Show me how to fulfill Your plan for me in the time I have on Earth.
Amen
James is speaking out against those who make long-term plans for their pleasure. He warns that this kind of plan should only be made after acknowledging that God's will should be first. If it fits God's plan, then it's okay. Otherwise this seems like a boast.
The short-term nature of our Earthly lives makes us uncomfortable. We don't like facing our own mortality. I am planning activities for our trip to Europe, and I am struck by the time factor. We are but a mist swirling around for such a short time. Eternity waits, but we can't easily focus on that. Our time in this world is so limited, and we need to make it everything God wants it to be.
Prayer: Guide my days to Your glory, Lord. Help me to be all You see in me. Show me how to fulfill Your plan for me in the time I have on Earth.
Amen
Saturday, July 19, 2014
July 19, 2014
James 3: 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James has been talking about the untamed tongue. People can tame wild animals easier than they can tame their own tongues. The same tongue that praises God curses your fellow man. Instead of depending on your own, sometimes selfish and greedy impulses, rely on the Father's wisdom.
Here we go with the tongue again. Can we confine our speech to the pure, peace-loving, sincere talk that God would approve of? Sadly, we don't. Are we considerate and submissive? Not so much. Are our words full of mercy? They turn cruel and judgmental. I know this, because I do this and then I go home and regret my words.
Prayer: Lord, I want my words to shine with heavenly wisdom. Please let me know when I stray from considerate lines of thought. Guide me to speak mercifully to and about Your people. Let my thoughts and words reflect Your holy will for my life.
Amen
Friday, July 18, 2014
July 18, 2014
James 2: 13. because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. James is concerned with favoritism and faith without deeds. He warns against treating the poor differently than the wealthy. He then tells us that faith without works is dead. He cites Abraham and Rahab as examples.
Lip service to the poor is unacceptable. Mercy is at the heart of this verse. James is concerned with a lack of mercy towards the poor. I was struck by the lack of mercy between believers. We better think twice before we judge. It's a promise that we will be forgiven in the same way we forgive. We say that whenever we repeat The Lord's Prayer.
Prayer: Help me to be merciful to all Your people, Lord. Stop me when I begin to judge, and redirect my thoughts, words and actions to a more merciful path.
Amen
Mercy triumphs over judgment. James is concerned with favoritism and faith without deeds. He warns against treating the poor differently than the wealthy. He then tells us that faith without works is dead. He cites Abraham and Rahab as examples.
Lip service to the poor is unacceptable. Mercy is at the heart of this verse. James is concerned with a lack of mercy towards the poor. I was struck by the lack of mercy between believers. We better think twice before we judge. It's a promise that we will be forgiven in the same way we forgive. We say that whenever we repeat The Lord's Prayer.
Prayer: Help me to be merciful to all Your people, Lord. Stop me when I begin to judge, and redirect my thoughts, words and actions to a more merciful path.
Amen
Thursday, July 17, 2014
July 17, 2014
James 1: 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
James is concerned with doubt and those who listen but don't practice their faith. He ends with his bottom line on faith in action...look out for the defenseless and don't let the world pollute you.
The theme seems the same in OT and NT today. I had a hard time choosing. Isaiah tells of those who do what looks right, but they are doing evil things in private, thinking that even God doesn't know. On the other hand, those who are in communication with Him know when they are following His path. James's words string for me, because I know that I let my tongue go too far at times. In truth, that is the polluting effect of sin in my life.
Prayer: I confess my sins, my Lord. I like the acclaim from others, and I don't always speak in a way which reflects my faith well. I promise to reflect more and to speak less. When I speak, I will try to weigh my words against my faith. If the words would not resonate well with You, I will leave them unspoken.
Amen
James is concerned with doubt and those who listen but don't practice their faith. He ends with his bottom line on faith in action...look out for the defenseless and don't let the world pollute you.
The theme seems the same in OT and NT today. I had a hard time choosing. Isaiah tells of those who do what looks right, but they are doing evil things in private, thinking that even God doesn't know. On the other hand, those who are in communication with Him know when they are following His path. James's words string for me, because I know that I let my tongue go too far at times. In truth, that is the polluting effect of sin in my life.
Prayer: I confess my sins, my Lord. I like the acclaim from others, and I don't always speak in a way which reflects my faith well. I promise to reflect more and to speak less. When I speak, I will try to weigh my words against my faith. If the words would not resonate well with You, I will leave them unspoken.
Amen
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
July 16, 2014
Isaiah 28: 16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
will never be stricken with panic. "
Isaiah is telling about the future. The people will have the opportunity to live the new life. The old covenant of rules and laws will be set aside. The people throughout the world will be able to join the feast. Isaiah warns against plowing the same ground over and over. Stop what you're doing, and move into a new way of life with a firm foundation. You will have peace.
I love the panic-free image. We know who the cornerstone is. We build a foundation on that. We rely on the Trinity to lead us. Bingo! No more panic, no anxiety...we are God's people, and He has our backs.
Prayer: I am thankful this morning for the cornerstone You laid. I'm building my faith upon it. I have found relief from panic; I know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praises to my holy Lord! Amen
Isaiah is telling about the future. The people will have the opportunity to live the new life. The old covenant of rules and laws will be set aside. The people throughout the world will be able to join the feast. Isaiah warns against plowing the same ground over and over. Stop what you're doing, and move into a new way of life with a firm foundation. You will have peace.
I love the panic-free image. We know who the cornerstone is. We build a foundation on that. We rely on the Trinity to lead us. Bingo! No more panic, no anxiety...we are God's people, and He has our backs.
Prayer: I am thankful this morning for the cornerstone You laid. I'm building my faith upon it. I have found relief from panic; I know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praises to my holy Lord! Amen
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
July 15, 2014
Hebrews 12: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Paul wants the Jews to know that they are not alone in suffering on this Earth. He reminds them of the pain and ridicule Jesus endured. He cites a proverb which says God disciplines his children as any father does. He wants them to strengthen themselves, and above all else, he reminds them to never turn away from God.
I am facing some difficult truths in choosing this verse. I am always looking for the positive message in every reading. This one forces me focus on my sin and the things which hinder my spiritual journey. I am in for the long race, but I have to consider how I sin...what is between me and God, keeping me from fully knowing and implementing His will in my life?
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to those things which keep me separated from You and Your will for me. More than eternity, I need to see clearly the path You would have me follow.
Amen
Paul wants the Jews to know that they are not alone in suffering on this Earth. He reminds them of the pain and ridicule Jesus endured. He cites a proverb which says God disciplines his children as any father does. He wants them to strengthen themselves, and above all else, he reminds them to never turn away from God.
I am facing some difficult truths in choosing this verse. I am always looking for the positive message in every reading. This one forces me focus on my sin and the things which hinder my spiritual journey. I am in for the long race, but I have to consider how I sin...what is between me and God, keeping me from fully knowing and implementing His will in my life?
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to those things which keep me separated from You and Your will for me. More than eternity, I need to see clearly the path You would have me follow.
Amen
Monday, July 14, 2014
July 14, 2014
Hebrews 11: 6. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
Paul lists the faithful followers of the OT, explaining how each accepted events in his or her life, knowing that God's plan for them was the best. So many came to horrible ends, but they died with the confidence that only faith brings.
I was struck by the impossibility of pleasing God without faith. I have noticed that those who lack faith lack humility. They can't believe that there is a higher power, because they think they personally are the ultimate authority on any topic related to their lives. They must always be right. They won't hesitate to cut you out of their lives if you don't agree. I guess they do that to God too, and He is no more pleased with their arrogance than I am.
Prayer: I pray for those who lack faith. I want them to feel the peace that letting go of the need to control everything can bring. Mostly I want them to be in a relationship with God that will enrich their lives, here and for eternity.
Amen
Paul lists the faithful followers of the OT, explaining how each accepted events in his or her life, knowing that God's plan for them was the best. So many came to horrible ends, but they died with the confidence that only faith brings.
I was struck by the impossibility of pleasing God without faith. I have noticed that those who lack faith lack humility. They can't believe that there is a higher power, because they think they personally are the ultimate authority on any topic related to their lives. They must always be right. They won't hesitate to cut you out of their lives if you don't agree. I guess they do that to God too, and He is no more pleased with their arrogance than I am.
Prayer: I pray for those who lack faith. I want them to feel the peace that letting go of the need to control everything can bring. Mostly I want them to be in a relationship with God that will enrich their lives, here and for eternity.
Amen
Sunday, July 13, 2014
July 13, 2014
Hebrews 10: 17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”
Paul continues to discuss the new covenant. He reminds the Jews that Jesus told of God's dissatisfaction with animal sacrifice. Paul tells them that the Holy Spirit lets us carry the laws in our hearts and minds.
It's comforting to know that God will forgive us our sins. He will forget our wrongful acts with His unbelievable love. We always fall short, but the faithful are saved by grace.
Prayer: I give You thanks, O Lord, for Your gracious and forgiving nature. We are the grateful recipients of a gift we never deserved. Praises are raised for our loving Father.
Amen
Paul continues to discuss the new covenant. He reminds the Jews that Jesus told of God's dissatisfaction with animal sacrifice. Paul tells them that the Holy Spirit lets us carry the laws in our hearts and minds.
It's comforting to know that God will forgive us our sins. He will forget our wrongful acts with His unbelievable love. We always fall short, but the faithful are saved by grace.
Prayer: I give You thanks, O Lord, for Your gracious and forgiving nature. We are the grateful recipients of a gift we never deserved. Praises are raised for our loving Father.
Amen
Saturday, July 12, 2014
July 12, 2014
Hebrews 9: , 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.
Paul is explaining why Jesus died and went to heaven. The first covenant with Moses was sealed through the blood of animal sacrifice. The new covenant could not begin until Jesus's blood was shed. It is like the fact that you do not get an inheritance until your benefactor dies. The new covenant includes a Christ who stays in heaven until he comes back for the faithful.
This was an AHA moment for me. I would wonder about all those OT sacrifices, but I don't think I ever connected them with Jesus through the covenants. It isn't always easy to remain faithful, but it will be so worth it in the end.
Prayer: I'm blessed to live under the new covenant. I know I wouldn't have been good enough for the first covenant, but Jesus did the hard part for me. The sacrifice was made long before I was even born. Through Your gift of faith,I have a guide to help me through this world and a promise of eternity with my Savior. Amen
Paul is explaining why Jesus died and went to heaven. The first covenant with Moses was sealed through the blood of animal sacrifice. The new covenant could not begin until Jesus's blood was shed. It is like the fact that you do not get an inheritance until your benefactor dies. The new covenant includes a Christ who stays in heaven until he comes back for the faithful.
This was an AHA moment for me. I would wonder about all those OT sacrifices, but I don't think I ever connected them with Jesus through the covenants. It isn't always easy to remain faithful, but it will be so worth it in the end.
Prayer: I'm blessed to live under the new covenant. I know I wouldn't have been good enough for the first covenant, but Jesus did the hard part for me. The sacrifice was made long before I was even born. Through Your gift of faith,I have a guide to help me through this world and a promise of eternity with my Savior. Amen
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
July 9, 2014
Micah 4: 4 Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the Lord Almighty has spoken.
The next prophet starts like the rest..with the promise of destruction of the unfaithful. In Chapter 4, however, he tells of brighter days to come. The"swords beaten into plowshares" is a more familiar quote. Unfortunately the people must be exiled to Babylon before the lame and exiled ones can be redeemed.
I like sitting under my own vine or tree. I can visualize this, relaxing without fear, knowing God is in charge. All is right in the world. I look forward to this day, prophesied so long ago.
Prayer: Lord, I am anticipating a better time to come for myself and all your people. I look forward to the time when your will is truly done. I relish the thought of a life without fear. Praise be to God who made us and will ultimately redeem us.
Amen
The next prophet starts like the rest..with the promise of destruction of the unfaithful. In Chapter 4, however, he tells of brighter days to come. The"swords beaten into plowshares" is a more familiar quote. Unfortunately the people must be exiled to Babylon before the lame and exiled ones can be redeemed.
I like sitting under my own vine or tree. I can visualize this, relaxing without fear, knowing God is in charge. All is right in the world. I look forward to this day, prophesied so long ago.
Prayer: Lord, I am anticipating a better time to come for myself and all your people. I look forward to the time when your will is truly done. I relish the thought of a life without fear. Praise be to God who made us and will ultimately redeem us.
Amen
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
July 8, 2014
Psalm 100: 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
We have 3 Psalms in today's readings. Psalm 100 is the best known. It is used in praise songs: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." And " Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." One of the others is a lament. The third is full of promises from David.
I love that praise Psalm. I understand how the lament appeals to the broken-hearted. The David one does not impress me so much. He promises to lead a blameless life--REALLY? Then he tells God how he will judge the people around him. Isn't that God's job? I return to my chosen verse...it is comforting to think of a God who endures forever in a world that changes so quickly.
Prayer: I worship a God who lives forever. I am confident that His power and majesty will endure long after I am gone from this Earth. This is my prayer of praise for my Lord and savior. I am truly blessed.
Amen
We have 3 Psalms in today's readings. Psalm 100 is the best known. It is used in praise songs: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." And " Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." One of the others is a lament. The third is full of promises from David.
I love that praise Psalm. I understand how the lament appeals to the broken-hearted. The David one does not impress me so much. He promises to lead a blameless life--REALLY? Then he tells God how he will judge the people around him. Isn't that God's job? I return to my chosen verse...it is comforting to think of a God who endures forever in a world that changes so quickly.
Prayer: I worship a God who lives forever. I am confident that His power and majesty will endure long after I am gone from this Earth. This is my prayer of praise for my Lord and savior. I am truly blessed.
Amen
Monday, July 7, 2014
July 7, 2014
Psalm 73: 26. My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
The Psalmist tells of his weakness in being jealous of the success of the godless people in his life. They were prosperous and healthy. They tell everyone that they have no need of God. But the Psalmist realized that God was all he truly had.
I can relate to this ancient writer. I fight a jealous reaction to the success of others who do not seem to deserve the finer things in life. I know that my relationship with God is the most real and good part of my life. There is nothing on this Earth as good as what God offers me for eternity.
Prayer: I will walk with You, my God. I know that every good thing for me is found in Your plan for me. Help me to discern Your desire for my life and grant me the courage to follow Your plan. Amen
The Psalmist tells of his weakness in being jealous of the success of the godless people in his life. They were prosperous and healthy. They tell everyone that they have no need of God. But the Psalmist realized that God was all he truly had.
I can relate to this ancient writer. I fight a jealous reaction to the success of others who do not seem to deserve the finer things in life. I know that my relationship with God is the most real and good part of my life. There is nothing on this Earth as good as what God offers me for eternity.
Prayer: I will walk with You, my God. I know that every good thing for me is found in Your plan for me. Help me to discern Your desire for my life and grant me the courage to follow Your plan. Amen
Sunday, July 6, 2014
July 6, 2014
Hosea 6: 3. Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea tells the people how they are letting God down. Place after place, bad deed after bad deed..they never really change. They will be facing catastrophe. The prophets can't get anyone to listen. They threaten, they explain how the people have gone wrong, but nobody ever really changes anyway.
It must have been so frustrating to see what the outcome could be without the ability to change it. As one meme on the internet says, "I wonder if we ever give God a headache." I know we break His heart.
Prayer: I am sorry, my Lord, for my lack of faithfulness. I know You are always there for me, but You can't count on the same from me. I promise to try to remember to turn to You in every circumstance--for praise as well as for pleas.
Amen
Hosea tells the people how they are letting God down. Place after place, bad deed after bad deed..they never really change. They will be facing catastrophe. The prophets can't get anyone to listen. They threaten, they explain how the people have gone wrong, but nobody ever really changes anyway.
It must have been so frustrating to see what the outcome could be without the ability to change it. As one meme on the internet says, "I wonder if we ever give God a headache." I know we break His heart.
Prayer: I am sorry, my Lord, for my lack of faithfulness. I know You are always there for me, but You can't count on the same from me. I promise to try to remember to turn to You in every circumstance--for praise as well as for pleas.
Amen
Saturday, July 5, 2014
July 5, 2014
Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Paul is still explaining Jesus's human experience to the Jews. We are perfected, made a member of God's family, by Christ's human experience. He suffered at the hands of Satan so that we we could defeat death.
I'm especially moved by the becoming part of God's family. So many people gathered with family yesterday. We shared food and memories. We made new memories. We know the love of family, but God's love is so much greater, and we are blessed to be a part of His family too.
Prayer: I am feeling blessed to know that I am part of Your chosen family, Lord. Please listen to my groans and relieve the suffering of those I love. Bless us and keep us.
Amen
Paul is still explaining Jesus's human experience to the Jews. We are perfected, made a member of God's family, by Christ's human experience. He suffered at the hands of Satan so that we we could defeat death.
I'm especially moved by the becoming part of God's family. So many people gathered with family yesterday. We shared food and memories. We made new memories. We know the love of family, but God's love is so much greater, and we are blessed to be a part of His family too.
Prayer: I am feeling blessed to know that I am part of Your chosen family, Lord. Please listen to my groans and relieve the suffering of those I love. Bless us and keep us.
Amen
Friday, July 4, 2014
July 4, 2014
Hebrews 1: 3. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Paul begins his letter to the Jews by explaining how Jesus is related to God. He is the son, superior even to the angels. He has eliminated the need for prophets who meditate between God and the people. His role was to save humanity, and then he would return to his father to rule with Him.
This is a summary of the story of Christianity reduced to its most basic elements. Jesus came to show us what God is like. Then he suffered for us and saved us. Then he returned to his father. We have a powerful advocate in Jesus. He represents us to all of heaven. How could he have been all that and still just a man?
Prayer: I believe in Your only son, my Lord. I am incredibly blessed to have been given the gift of faith. I look forward to the day we meet in Your house. I lean on You now to guide my days on Earth to Your glory.
Amen
Paul begins his letter to the Jews by explaining how Jesus is related to God. He is the son, superior even to the angels. He has eliminated the need for prophets who meditate between God and the people. His role was to save humanity, and then he would return to his father to rule with Him.
This is a summary of the story of Christianity reduced to its most basic elements. Jesus came to show us what God is like. Then he suffered for us and saved us. Then he returned to his father. We have a powerful advocate in Jesus. He represents us to all of heaven. How could he have been all that and still just a man?
Prayer: I believe in Your only son, my Lord. I am incredibly blessed to have been given the gift of faith. I look forward to the day we meet in Your house. I lean on You now to guide my days on Earth to Your glory.
Amen
Thursday, July 3, 2014
July 3, 2014
Philemon 1: 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
Paul writes to Philemon about his slave, Onesimus. Paul would have preferred to keep the slave with him, because he had become a a friend and a great help. But he sent him back because it was the right thing to do. Paul is really hoping to come soon.
I chose this because of the power of prayer. I have been promoting a link to donate money for Sherri's expenses. I have been praying that some of my many Facebook friends will contribute. Of course I have. Maybe I need to try Paul's approach. I can tell my friends I am looking forward to seeing the funds grow with their contributions!
Prayer: Lord, guide my friends to help Sherri. You know how I have prayed for her health. Now she needs financial support. Help your people to see the need and to respond. Amen
Paul writes to Philemon about his slave, Onesimus. Paul would have preferred to keep the slave with him, because he had become a a friend and a great help. But he sent him back because it was the right thing to do. Paul is really hoping to come soon.
I chose this because of the power of prayer. I have been promoting a link to donate money for Sherri's expenses. I have been praying that some of my many Facebook friends will contribute. Of course I have. Maybe I need to try Paul's approach. I can tell my friends I am looking forward to seeing the funds grow with their contributions!
Prayer: Lord, guide my friends to help Sherri. You know how I have prayed for her health. Now she needs financial support. Help your people to see the need and to respond. Amen
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
July 1, 2014
Titus 3: he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
Paul is talking about being born again. The people had been living sin-filled lives before Christ came. There was hate and envy. They pursued pleasure without thinking of the consequences. Now we are heirs to the kingdom. We need to represent our Lord well.
My friend told me about the born-again experiences of her son and his wife yesterday. He has a criminal past, but he says he is a new person now. They await the birth of their first child any day. What a blessing for everyone involved! A new life and a new family to reflect God's love to the world!
Prayer: Lord, be with this new little family as they welcome their son. Help all of them to feel Your love and to reflect it to all they come into contact with. Amen
Paul is talking about being born again. The people had been living sin-filled lives before Christ came. There was hate and envy. They pursued pleasure without thinking of the consequences. Now we are heirs to the kingdom. We need to represent our Lord well.
My friend told me about the born-again experiences of her son and his wife yesterday. He has a criminal past, but he says he is a new person now. They await the birth of their first child any day. What a blessing for everyone involved! A new life and a new family to reflect God's love to the world!
Prayer: Lord, be with this new little family as they welcome their son. Help all of them to feel Your love and to reflect it to all they come into contact with. Amen
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