October 31, 2014

Mark 8: 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men; but they look like trees, walking.”

 Jesus has taken the demon from the Greek woman's child and healed the deaf man. Now it's a blind man who wants help. Jesus takes him outside the village, spit on his eyes and touched them. After the man says that he doesn't see clearly, another touch brings complete healing.

 I was so drawn to the halfway healing. Even Jesus doesn't get it right the first time, every time. This spoke to my need to know the real Jesus. I love him as a man, so human and still so divine. This story reminds me that I must persevere. My savior did, and, in the end, the results were 100% healing.

 Prayer: Lord, I love You and Your son. I find inspiration in Your words. Work in me so that I persevere until Your will for me is complete. Amen

October 29, 2014

Mark 3: 5. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

 Mark is telling of Jesus's ministry. There are many parables and there is the storm on the sea, but this healing causes the bad reaction of the authorities. How difficult it must have been for Jesus to witness the reaction of the healing by the powerful people in his Father's church! He is both angry and sad. But nothing could stop him from doing his Father's will.

Again there were many great stories to choose from, but I was struck by the emotion in this one. Jesus does nothing wrong, but the people in charge of the church view him as an enemy. They want to destroy the threat to their comfortable positions of power. It makes me both angry and sad too. I am angry with those who exploit their power, and I am sad for those who will not accept the comfort that a life of faith can provide.

 Prayer: Lord, I pray that Your spirit might enter those who have rejected Your will in the past. You are a God of second chances. Please grant another chance to those whose eyes have been blinded to all You offer us. I am so grateful for my gift of faith, and I want that for all those I love. Amen

October 28, 2014

Mark 1: 17. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."

 Mark doesn't waste any time getting to the point. No childhood stories of John or Jesus. But this line, when Jesus calls the first disciples, is dearly loved. First he calls Simon and Andrew with these words, and shortly after, he brings James and John off another boat. Before long, Levi will join them. There is a big job to do, and there is little time.

 I searched several versions to get the phrase "fishers of men." It just is so appealing to me. Jesus saying that they have this calling...they will gather God's people to hear the good news. The long-awaited Messiah has come! How exciting to be even on the fringes of that! Instead, these young men were right in the middle of history!

 Prayer: Lord, help me to be a Fisher of men. Let my words and actions bring people to Your holy truth. I am removed in time from the days when Your son walked the earth, but my faith in him is strong. Let others see how that faith impacts my life. Help them to see that this treasure is theirs as well, if they only believe. Amen

October 27, 2014

Acts 28: 10. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

 Paul is on the trip to see Caesar. It starts well, but the weather turns ugly. After a couple of weeks without food and fighting the sea, the ship runs aground on a sandbar near Malta. Paul shows the power of his faith, surviving a viper bite and healing his host's father. All in all, the stay was a surprisingly good end to the troubled voyage.

 This Paul is pretty amazing. He has a hotline to God. He knows that everyone will survive the storm. He shakes a poisonous snake off his arm with no ill effects. He heals the sick. The local people respond so much better than the Jews had. They show true hospitality. How much of that is the power of Paul, and how much of it is a tribute to the people of Malta?

 Prayer: Lord, I treasure the reading of Your holy book. The stories are amazing, and they have so many lessons to teach us. Would we be as open-minded and hospitable as the people of Malta? Would we recognize Your power in people we meet? Or would we be working to preserve the status quo? Guide our country to see You and to respond appropriately to Your people when we see them today. Amen

October 26,2014

Acts 22: 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—

 Paul has asked to be taken to Caesar as a Roman citizen accused of a crime. He explains the story of his own conversion to Christianity. He says he is innocent of breaking any laws--Jewish or Roman. He is just telling the truth. The official says he could have been let go if only he hadn't insisted on seeing Caesar.

 Paul and the disciples can't help themselves. Their faith is so strong that they can't stop talking about it. That's the fire that spread the church. That's the kind of faith strong enough to move mountains! 

Prayer: Strengthen my faith, Lord. Help me to be a beacon to others as I represent You to them. Amen

October 24, 2014

Acts 19 :40." As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.”

 Paul and his companions have angered the Ephesians. Their testimony about Jesus has posed a threat to their goddess. If Jesus is all they say, then Ephesus's temple is not so important as previously thought. The people go nuts with their local pride, chanting for hours and holding the followers prisoner. The voice of reason finally prevails, and everyone goes home. Paul and his friends move on.

 This spoke to me about recent events in Morgantown. Students have been expelled, charges are being filled, and for what? Like the Ephesians, the students jumped on the bandwagon of regional pride and acted irresponsibly. I am sure many in the crowd, just like many of the Ephesians, didn't even know why they were rioting. A sense of belonging trumped common sense. And I think the lesson is that we are all subject to such delusions. Stay in touch with your God, because He can see the truth you are blinded to in the heat of the moment.

 Prayer: Lord, forgive Your people for their lack of clarity. Be with me and guide me when the desire for Earthly pleasures overcomes Your plan for my life. Let me see Your will even as my emotions would lead me away from it. Help me to represent You in all that I do. Amen

October 22, 2014

Job 12: 10. In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

Job speaks to his friends, who are trying to persuade him to confess to sins he hasn't committed. Job doesn't deny God, but he won't back down when declaring his innocence either. This is just what God predicted. Job remains faithful, and he acknowledges that all creation is God's good work.

 At the college, several of our students are taking a class called God and Globalization. I have had 2 of them tell me that this class is opposed to business. I think they are missing the point. This class is saying that all of God's creation needs protection by those who claim to have faith in Him. I pray that the instructor finds the words to help her students see that she is not the enemy of our society. They have come to a Christian college to have their faith strengthened, not chipped away by dogmatic diatribes.

 Prayer: I pray for young Christians all over  Your creation, Lord. Help them to multiply their faith along with their education. And I pray for those who lead them, so that their words and actions bring the students closer to You. Amen

October 21, 2014

Acts 13: 27. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.

 Paul is telling the story about Jesus as the Messiah. He starts with all the OT stories and prophecies, which led to Jesus's birth. Then he tells of the crucifixion and resurrection. The Jews are called out for their failure to recognize and respond to Christ among them.

 It's a little scary to consider how the people, thinking they were in charge, managed to fulfill the prophecies of a much earlier time. They were justifying their actions, but they were playing out a script written by others without knowing that. Do we do the same thing, leaning on our own selfish motivation even when God's will is so clearly contrary to our actions?

 Prayer: Lord, I am not sure if I am in tune with Your will for me. Am I as blind as these chosen people who didn't even recognize greatness in their midst? Help me to see things as You do. Guide my thoughts to follow Your will for me. Amen

October 20, 2014

Acts 12: 8. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.

 Peter is in jail under heavy guard. Herod has gone off the deep end with power. He has had James killed, but the Jews didn't protest. Then he arrested Peter. Peter thinks he is having a vision. It isn't until he has passed through the city gates, which opened by themselves, that he realizes he is truly free.

 I like Peter's attitude. No argument, no protest. He just followed the Angel. Once the angel is gone, he alerts his friends and moves on. How marvelous to be such a good servant of the Lord! I know I wouldn't do the same. I would be a mass of doubt and worry.

 Prayer: Lord, strengthen MY faith. Make me able to see the Holy Spirit when it guides me to do Your will. Help me to transcend doubt. Make me a faithful follower. Amen

October 19, 2014

Acts 10: 43. "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

 This is from a story about Cornelius. He was a believer and a Roman centurion. An angel appeared to him and told him to send for Peter. As the messengers approached, Peter had a vision which told him that he should not consider anything God made as unclean. So Peter was made ready to go to Cornelius and to accept him and the other Gentiles as brothers in Christ.

 This really is a pivotal story. Peter, the rock on which Christ's church is built, becomes accepting of the people he has been told to avoid his whole life. If not for that, where would the church be today? We were blessed by the faith of those early Christians.

 Prayer: Thanks, Lord, for all of the people of faith in the past who brought us to an awareness of Your mighty power. And thanks, too, for the gift of faith You gave to me personally. I love You. Amen

October 18, 2014

Acts 8: 4. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
After the stoning of Stephen, there was a general persecution of the Christians. Their response is summed up in this verse. First Philip and then Peter and John went to Samaria, where they had a lot of success. Then Phillip met, educated and finally baptized the Ethiopian eunuch before they parted ways.

 Maybe the scattering of the disciples was an important part of God's plan. He would deal with Saul soon enough. For now He needed the message to move into the Gentile world. Sometimes I feel like Philip in that I can speak to a different crowd. No preaching to the choir for me. I want to represent my Lord to those who would not think to turn to Him. I can carry the message beyond the borders of my church and into the secular world.

 Prayer: Lord, let me be a beacon to the unchurched whenever I come into contact with them. Guide me to be a good representative of Your love for all Your people. Amen

October 16, 2014

Malachi 4: 2. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

 The word of God is going out to the people. His judgment has been passed on those who have arrogantly ignored all He has done for His people. But the righteous will prosper.

 I couldn't resist the frolic. I am ready to frolic like a well-fed calf. I could use some healing rays around here too. Ron has a terrible cold, and I know of and pray for many others who are suffering.

 Prayer: Please remember me and those I care about, Lord. I will always revere Your holy name. I look forward to the day when I frolic in Your kingdom, praising You. Amen

October 15, 2015

Acts 4: 20 "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

 Peter and John are still dealing with the healing of the lame man. The authorities are unhappy, and they want the disciples to go away. The authorities still don't understand how God has directed all of this. They tell Peter and John to stop taking about Jesus. This is their response.

 I want to be more like Peter and John. I am reluctant to talk about my faith sometimes, and I don't want to be like that anymore.

 Prayer: Lord, help me to let others around me to know how my faith has changed my life. Let me be a good witness for You. Amen

October 14, 2014

Psalm 1: 1. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers

 This first Psalm contrasts the righteous and the wicked. The chapter in Acts contrasts Peter, who heals the lame beggar and gives all the glory to God, with the leaders of the temple and the rest of the Israelites. They are amazed at the power of God, and yet they delivered his son to an agonizing death.

 I was struck with the part about sitting in the company of mockers. I have done that. I have not protested. I didn't stand up for the one who gave everything for me. I guess I have stood like the sinners too. I really don't think I ever sided with the wicked, but I have not stood up to them. I am not worthy of blessings, but the Lord God gave me the greatest blessing of all..the gift of faith. I will exercise it in my daily life. 

Prayer: Lord, I know that I'm not worthy of Your many blessings, but You have blessed me anyway. Praise be to God! Amen

October 12, 2014

Acts 1: 8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

 The resurrected Jesus is talking to the disciples. They now understand about the prophecies of the Messiah. They are naturally curious about the second coming. Jesus tells them that the exact time is unimportant to them. They need to be concerned with all that needs to be done before the end.

 I am still wondering about the feeling I got in church last week. Right in the middle of the sermon, as Helen talked about the things that make life meaningful, I felt the spirit. I mean, I guess I did. This prediction--dare I think of it as a prophecy?-- hit me hard. Another member of the congregation was sitting just behind the pastor. I know she has been trying unsuccessfully to have a baby. With our fund-raising pumpkin patch on my mind, I just knew that she would have a "pumpkin" of her own in 2015. Conceived, if not born in 2015. Is that folly? Or am I really feeling the spirit?

 Prayer: Lord, guide me to Your Holy Spirit. I long to feel You in my life. I know that Your guidance will lead me to my best life ever. Make me certain that Your will is being done in my life. Amen

October 10, 2014

Luke 23: 55. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.

 It all happened pretty quickly. The arrested Jesus is taken to Pilate, who sends him to Herod, who sends him back. Pilate is puzzled by the whole thing, but he takes the easy way out and gives them what they want. The officially sanctioned death of an innocent man is not important. Through the whole death, the women are watching nearby. They even follow the body right to the tomb.

 I am thinking of Peter who denied Christ 3 times. He was the rock the church is built on, but he couldn't manage the kind of vigil these women did. They will return after the Sabbath ends, and they are the first to hear of the risen Christ. Then the job goes back to the men.

 Prayer: Ron interrupted this, so the prayer never got written.

October 11, 2014

Luke 24: 55 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

 So much happens in this chapter. The women find the empty tomb and Peter checks it out too. The guys walking to Emmaus meet Jesus, and he explains everything to them, although they don't recognize him. Then he appears to the disciples and eats with them. He explains what has happened with these words.

 I am struck with the whole prophecy thing. All the signs that had to be fulfilled with the crucifixion and all that led up to it...amazing. How great is our God? His plan is all we need. And our faith is our key to seeing His plan in our lives.

 Prayer: Lord, guide my thoughts and actions so that I can see Your will for me. Bring me close to You through prayer. Be with me every minute of every day of my life.
 Amen

October 9, 2014

Luke 27: 43. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 63. The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.

 The Last Supper is eaten, and the betrayal occurs. I chose 2 verses for contrast. In the Garden of Gethsemane, while the disciples slept, the Angel is Jesus's comfort as he prepares to die. Once he is arrested, people treat him so disrespectfully.

 I'm thinking about the men who mocked and beat Jesus once he was their prisoner. They were so cruel to someone who had never harmed them or anyone else. Why are people like this? What makes someone get pleasure from demeaning someone else? It's a sad commentary on human nature.

 Prayer: Lord, I am so humbled by the way my fellow man can act. I know that tendency in myself. I pray that You will guide me to lift up others when I could put them down instead. I pray for all those who are hurt by the cruel actions of other people. Comfort them.
 Amen

October 8, 2014

Luke 21: 17. Everyone will hate you because of me.

 Jesus has a hard lesson in this chapter. It's a dismal ending to the old way when Jesus comes back. He warns the disciples to stay alert for the calamity surrounding the end to this era. People will run out of Jerusalem, which will be destroyed. But first, there will be persecution of the Christians. Even members of their families will turn against them. The faithful will suffer.

 I am struck by the hatred. Why can't people accept that others don't think like they do? We as humans have a long history of finding those who are different and then persecuting them. I find solace in my faith. Why would this offend someone else? Who are these people that Christians are turned over to? And why are we a threat to them?

 Prayer: Today I pray for those who are persecuted in Your name, Lord. I pray for those whose faith causes hatred in others. I pray for tolerance. I pray that the victims of persecution are able to forgive. I dream of a time when all of Your people will live in peace as You intended. Amen

October 7, 2014

Luke 20: 36. and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.

 Jesus covers a lot of ground in this chapter.  We hear about the tenants in the tower, and we see the authorities try over and over to find a way to end Jesus's ministry. One test was the question about the woman who was widowed several times. The question was who was her husband in heaven. There is no marriage in heaven says Jesus. God's children are like the angels.

 This is amazing. Like angels? Just wow. Heaven seems so different. I find it hard to visualize. I just don't think we can understand it, so I guess that's all part of faith. We trust it will be truly awesome, because we trust the One who tells us that it will. We aren't sure why, but, yes, it will be awesome.

 Prayer: Lord, I believe Your words on life after death. I place my future in Your hands, and I praise You for providing the wonders of Your kingdom to someone as unworthy as me. Amen

October 6, 2014

Luke 19: 31. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it."

 It's Palm Sunday. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey. There is a great celebration. It seems like the people understand. Unfortunately we all know how this story ends. The people will turn on Jesus soon.

 I am focused on the message Jesus gives the disciples who go to get the donkey. But at that point I got distracted and never finished the post.

October 5, 2014

Luke 18: 39. Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 Jesus has told his disciples about his crucifixion. As they walk into Jericho, a blind beggar hears the commotion and asks what is going on. When he hears that it is Jesus, he won't be silenced. He knows how badly he needs Jesus. Jesus stops to ask what he wants, his sight is restored, and everyone is happy.

I  have trouble seeing why anyone rebuked the blind beggar. This is exactly what Jesus is about. He's searching for the faithful. The disciples know that, but they rebuke him for calling out. Maybe they thought Jesus was too tired. Maybe old prejudices against the disabled surfaced. The persistence of the blind beggar is the inspirational part. Nothing would stop him from calling on Jesus for help.

 Prayer: Lord, I, too, need help. I try to solve things on my own, but I need Your help. Guide my thoughts to calling out to You instead of relying on myself. Give me the kind of faith that the blind beggar had. Amen

October 4, 2014

Luke 17: 11. So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."

 Jesus is talking about a servant who greets his master after a long day of work. The servant is still expected to prepare and serve the master his supper before feeding himself. In this chapter, Jesus also heals the 10 lepers. Only one, a Samaritan, comes back to thank him.

 We are unworthy servants. We do not deserve all our Father has done for us. We should do His will without question once it is revealed to us. Then we cannot be proud of ourselves, for we acknowledge that we are only following One who is much greater than us.

 Prayer: Lord, show me Your will. I pledge to follow it, because I know how unworthy I am. I praise You for Your power and mercy for sinners like me. Amen

October 3, 2014

Luke 16: 11. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

 Jesus is telling about the dishonest manager. He has been unwise with his master's possessions. Jesus says that no one would trust him with greater riches. He ends with the saying that you can't love both God and money.

 Being dishonest is like poison to me. As I grew up, members of my family would try to beat the system. They didn't see anything wrong with taking advantage of a big company or the government. I don't see it that way at all. I value my honesty over even a small amount of financial gain.

 Prayer: Lord, guide me to live a righteous life, so that people who see me will see a reflection of my faith in You. Amen

October 1, 2014

Luke 14: 11. "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 Jesus tells 2 stories about banquets. In the second, a man prepares a huge banquet but nobody wants to come. They all have likely excuses. He sends his servants out twice to gather the misfits and declares that none of those originally invited will taste a bite of the food. The first banquet is all about seating. The message is to be humble and take one of the lesser seats, so you can avoid the humiliation of being asked to move if a better guest wants your seat.

 I guess pride is the byword in both stories. We are so wrapped up in ourselves. We don't even see the hurt we cause. We insult our fellow man because we are so obsessed with our own needs and lives. God didn't send us here for that kind of life. He wants us to serve others instead of being so self-serving.

 Prayer: Lord, let me be humble. Guide my eyes to the suffering of my fellow man. Let me see the ways I can help. Lead me to become Your servant in this world of hurt. Amen