November 30, 2014

Romans 4: 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

 Paul has been explaining the difference between faith and works. He has also discussed the difference between Gentiles and Jews. The law makes us aware of our sin, but none of us can live up to the law. It's not the law that separates us as people; it's faith. People of faith have a bond, because we all worship a God who is greater than us. We gain grace through our faith, even though we fall short of the demands of the law. Our works can never be enough without faith.

 It's hard to live a life of faith. There are competing factors which distract me from the walk with Christ that I desire. If only I had the faith of Father Abraham!

 Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith. Let me come to You, no matter what the problem I face. Guide my thoughts away from the frantic pursuit of daily demands and towards the righteousness that I truly desire. Amen

November 29, 2014

1 Thessalonians 4: 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you

 Paul offers more advice to the church. He wants the church members to be good examples to the community. He wants them to be kind to others. He doesn't want them to be dependent.

 This is a good bit of advice. Quiet lives with significant work are desirable on many levels. There is no pressure to "keep up" with the neighbors, although you are expected to treat them kindly. There is no need to become involved in their business, meaning that you are free from the temptation to judge.

 Prayer: Lord, I ask for a quiet life. I promise to work hard, and I will do my best to stay out of Your children's business. I want to be a good example of how people of faith live. Guide my steps to gain this full and meaningful life. Amen

November 28, 2014

1 Thessalonians 1: 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

 Paul begins this letter with a little history and some commendations. The church flourished while Paul was there. He was unable to come back for a visit, but he sent Timothy, who gave a good report. The people are faithfully waiting for the coming Lord.

 It seems a good day to choose this verse, as Thanksgiving is over, and we begin the countdown to the celebration of Christ's birth. There is so much to be done, but we need to pause to consider our faith and the "reason for the season."

 Prayer: I am so thankful for the holiday just passed and those who shared the bounty with us. I am looking forward to the celebration to come. God has been so good to us, and the gift of His son was the best Christmas gift ever! Praise be to God. Amen .

November 23, 2014

Matthew 16: 26. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

 Jesus has fed the multitude twice and walked on water. He has heard of the execution of John the Baptist and argued with the Pharisees. He has appointed Peter to be the rock his church will be built on. He follows the selected verse with a promise for judgment and reward for the faithful in the end.


 Holding onto your values can be quite a challenge. You have the opportunity to sell your soul in a variety of ways. Do you sell out for money or popularity? Do you let love of the people in your life become more important than your devotion to God? I try to stay in touch with God's plan for me through prayer and this daily Scripture reading. I want to always be aware of the threat to my immortal soul. 

Prayer: Guide me in Your ways, my God. Don't let the temptation of this world blind me to what is good and right. Lead me down the path to eternity with You. Amen

November 22, 2014

Matthew 12: 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

 Jesus is telling lots of parables in today's chapters. He tells 3 about seeds. There is the mustard seed, the seeds of weeds sown in the wheat field, and the seeds which were scattered in different locations. He also tells about judgment day. He has told of the house divided against itself, and he says that you are either for him or against him.

 The verse I chose scares me. I am known to toss out the empty word. I have spoken when I should have been quiet on many occasions. I know why I do it, and I know it's sinful, but I can't seem to stop myself.

 Prayer: Lord, give me the power to stop myself from making outrageous remarks. I need to remember to be silent unless my words will lift You and Your people up. Give me the strength to control my tongue. Amen

November 21, 20114

Matthew 9: 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

 Jesus is in his prime during today's chapters. He does a lot of healing, but I chose the verse when he speaks to the men who carried the paralyzed man in. He heals this man, too, but not before the Pharisees intervene. They accuse Jesus of blasphemy for saying sins were forgiven. Jesus asks if it is harder to heal or to forgive. Then he heals the man. The crowd was impressed.

 Forgiving sins was the heart of Jesus's ministry. I think that sometimes he must have gotten tired of all the healing requests. He couldn't heal every person in the area in the limited time he had, but he must have had so much pity on them. We pray for healing all the time too. All of us will die, but we want to save those we love. The Lord's Prayer was in yesterday's reading. Jesus never mentioned healing, but he emphasized forgiveness. We must forgive so that we can be forgiven.

 Prayer: I take heart that my sins are forgiven. I try to forgive also. It's not always easy, and Satan knows how to raise my worry to make it even harder. Please make me more forgiving. Help me to see the good that You see when someone offends me. Amen

November 20, 2014

Matthew 5: 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

 Jesus has so much to teach us in these chapters. He preaches the Beatitudes, he tells of the speck in the brother's eye, he tells about the house built on the rock, and so much more. This comes from the part about turning the other cheek.

 I got a call at work yesterday from my daughter's roommate. Her car wouldn't start, and she doesn't get paid until tomorrow. She wouldn't make it to work. I disapprove of so much about her, but I didn't hesitate. She charged the battery to my credit card, and she will give me cash on the weekend. Or maybe she will give me an excuse. Maybe this will be the first of many rescue calls. Whatever. I know my Christian duty, and I did what was right.

 Prayer: I am greatly blessed. Thank you, Lord, that I am able to help others. Your son set the example when he gave his life for me. I am grateful that I can "pass it on." Amen

November 19, 2014

Matthew 1: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”).

 Matthew gives us a lot of information about the early life of Jesus. We get the genealogy and the story of the virgin birth. Joseph is a good man, so when he discovered his fiancee is pregnant, he makes plans to divorce her quietly. This was the most honorable move he could make. Then an angel appears with these words, and Joseph and Mary obediently follow God's plan.

 I chose this because Bill Maher challenged the virgin birth as ridiculous on his last show. I really didn't see how that is so far-fetched in a world with lots of babies conceived by artificial insemination and even in vitro. That is done by man. And the angels and God were in charge of the Messiah's birth. God was with them, and they felt that. It motivated their actions through the birth, the flight to Egypt and their decision to locate in Nazareth on their return. God is with me, too, and he can be with anyone, even Bill Maher, if only one opens his or her heart.

 Prayer: God, be with me. I will praise Your goodness for eternity. I will bow down to worship Your son like the Wise Men did. I will follow Your call like Mary and Joseph did. And nothing I will ever do will make me worthy of the gift of faith You have given me. Amen

November 18, 2014

2 Corinthians 13: 9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.

 Paul concludes his letter. He has been telling about a future visit, and he is afraid of what he will find in the church he started. The people are easily misled. Some who are powerful speakers have misinterpreted the new Christianity. Many people have bought into the false beliefs. But Paul is hoping that they will return to the truth.

 This verse reminded me of the love I feel for my children. I would take punishment to spare my children, and Paul feels the same way about the people of his church. He wants them to be strong, to be restored. I pray for my children every day. I have so much love for them, and, like Paul, I pray that they fulfill the promise God sees in them.

 Prayer: I have a long list of people who I pray for, but my children will be on that list every day of my life. You know all the worry they have caused me, Lord, and yet I will never stop loving and praying for them. I know that You feel the same way about Your children. Guide my words and actions to help Your people achieve all they can, in Your holy name. Amen

November 17, 2014

2 Corinthians 8: 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”[b]

 Paul has been promised a big gift for the church by the Corinthians. He tells them how faithful the Macedonians have been in giving, and he praises them for their commitment. He then recounts this verse from Exodus to explain why their gift is appropriate given their means.

 My mother says she prayed this way all her life. Don't let me be too rich or too poor. I'm glad to see the Biblical authority to back that up. Being too rich can lead to indifference towards God and His people. Being too poor can lead to resentment of those who have more.

 Prayer: I am blessed in so many ways. Being able to give to others is one of my blessings. I love to share with God's people in need. Thanks be to You, my Lord, for the blessings which I can pass on to those in need. Amen

November 16, 2014

2 Corinthians 5: 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

 Paul is promising eternity to the followers in Corinth. He explains how good our lives will be in God's kingdom. He explains that Christ is the reason we gain admission to heaven, and he asserts that any hardship on Earth is just a reminder of the glory to come in the afterlife.

 I love the idea of being God's ambassador. We are the only representative of God that some people see, so we must make the effort to be a good example. It won't always be easy, but we persevere because we know life on Earth is just a small part of our existence.

 Prayer: I pray that all God's people would become aware of his loving presence in their lives. I seek comfort for the suffering and sing praises to our mighty God. I want to represent Him on this Earthly stage so that everyone can experience the joy and peace He has ready for all of us who only ask. Amen

November 15, 2014

2 Corinthians 1: 24. We’re not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We’re partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by your own faith, not by ours.

 Paul has not made a second stop in Corinth as he originally planned. There has been trouble within the church, and he feels that his presence would make a difficult situation worse. So he wrote a tearful letter instead.

 I love Paul's attitude on this. So many are turned away from a life of faith by those who want to take charge of their belief system. That is not our purpose. We cannot know what goes on between someone else and God. We can support their faith journey, but we cannot direct it.

 Prayer: I appeal to You, my God, for guidance in interacting with others regarding their faith. I want to be a joyous partner in their faith journey. Stop me if I begin to sound critical of their path. Help me to represent You well. Amen

November 14, 2014

1Corinthians 16: 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

 Paul is preparing for a trip, first to Ephesus, but eventually back to the church at Corinth. He is sending Timothy ahead of him and wants everyone there to treat him well. His advice to the congregation as they wait for his visit is still relevant to believers today.

 So many times I am not so strong nor courageous. I am blown this way and that by the daily wind of everyday life. I need Paul's advice. I should be guarding my thoughts, and my faith should be in the forefront of every action I take.

 Prayer: I am thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice. I promise to be more faithful. I will be strong in the face of the temptation that waits for me each day. I love You. Amen

November 13, 2014

1 Corinthians 13: 8. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

 Paul says the words we love to quote. Love is patient, love is kind.... He also talks a lot about speaking in tongues and prophesying. He says prophets uplift the church, but speaking in tongues only helps others if there is an interpreter. Knowledge isn't elaborated on, but we certainly value it. Love will last beyond all of these however. If we don't love, we are building our lives on transient values.

 It is good to be knowledgeable. It is good to speak to and for the Lord. But without love, we are like a trick pony. Everyone oohs and ahs over our skill, but we feel empty....we ARE empty inside.

 Prayer: Help me to express love more completely. I, like everyone else on Earth, have been hurt and have hardened myself. Guide my thoughts and actions towards loving kindness for all Your creation. Amen

November 12, 2014

1 Corinthians 12: 28. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues.

 Paul is talking about people within the church. We are all one body, and each has a part to play. No part can exist by itself, because each part has a different role to play.

 I am interested in the order in which Paul lists the workers. First are the apostles. That makes sense, because they give up everything to follow Jesus. Then come the prophets. Being a prophet caused the Biblical characters much grief. They don't fit in with the masses, because they tell the truth, not always what people want to hear. The teachers come third. Teaching is a wonderful calling, but it is a burden too. Teaching comes even before working miracles! Next are healers..a really important skill, and then come helpers before administrators (!) and finally speakers. Is the order important? Why does Paul list them this way?

 Prayer: Lord, I want to be of service to Your church. I have been a teacher and a helper. I will serve You in whatever way You call me. I praise Your goodness forever. Amen

November 11, 2014

1 Corinthians 10: 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

 Paul is explaining things to his church again. The issue of the law never leaves the early church. Paul acknowledges the past, but he says that Jesus changed everything. The law no longer binds Christians, but they should be bound by a duty to their fellow man. Feel free to do as you like, but be careful that you are making the most of your time on Earth.

 Paul really sets me on edge at times. In the very next chapter, we get the misogynist Paul. True, he is a product of the culture he was raised in. But it's hard to take when he so clearly hears the voice of God in one chapter, like this one, and he is so far from my prayerful insights in the next. I am going to accept the misogyny coming in his next chapter by holding it up to the standard of this verse. All things, including equal status for women was always lawful, but it was not helpful in his day. Today the Lord needs powerful women to see that His will is done, to build up His church.

 Prayer: Lord, guide my study of the Bible. I am seeking Your will in Your word. Let me find what I need in order to follow the path You would have me take. I praise You and the gift of faith You have granted me. Help me to grow in faith. Amen to

November 10, 2014

Job 36: 10 He opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity.

 Elihu speaks to Job. He is telling about God's greatness. He names all the ways that His followers are blessed. He tells of the bad things that happen to godless people.

 I don't think Elihu was completely on track. He still thinks that Job is being punished for some wrongdoing. He thinks that is how life works. He is mistaken, since bad things happen to good people all the time. But I do like this verse. I am trying to hear God's instructions for me. I want to know when I stray from His will.

 Prayer: Lord, my ears are open to You. Let me know what I need to know to fulfill Your will. I want to serve my almighty and loving God every minute of every day. Amen

November 8, 2014

1 Corinthians 1: 26. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth

 Paul has problems with the church at Corinth. They are divided by the one they follow--they are forming denominations! He reminds them that they all follow God. They don't worship the pastor! Then he says this verse. The faithful are not the smartest nor the richest, but they are the ones God called.

 This is humbling. We aren't supposed to be the smartest or to be so favored materially. Really? I can see where that makes sense, but I grew up hoping to be both. But maybe I serve God better if I am not. I am secure in my belief that I was called to the faith.

 Prayer: Lord, guide me to be a good steward of the gift of faith I was given. Help me to relate to my fellow followers, regardless of their wisdom or social standing. Amen

November 7, 2014

Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control

 Paul continues his letter by comparing flesh and spiritual desires. The desires work against each other, according to Paul. He wants his church to focus on the fruits of the Spirit.

 I am not always in 100% agreement with Paul's advice. If Christ says it, I will not question it, but Paul goes too far on occasion in my view of it. I can't find fault with his list of fruits of the Spirit, however. If only I could live up to these virtues!

 Prayer: Lord, guide me to follow the Holy Spirit. Let the fruits of the Spirit be visible in my life. I want to express each of these in my daily life. Amen

November 6, 2014

Psalm 120: 2"Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.”

 This Psalm was connected to Job 30. Job will not capitulate, he will not confess to sins he never committed. He stands firm in the face of those who lie and say he must have done something wrong. The Psalmist longs for peace while the liars want war.

 This spoke to me about the election. The liars stirred up hate and fear. I am sure our cousin's candidacy was not the only casualty. The Lord is watching. I will leave the judgment to Him.

 Prayer: Lord, heal all those who were hurt by the negative tactics and attacks during this campaign season. Bring our country together with Your will being done. Help us to see how to treat each other with forgiveness and loving kindness. Amen

November 5, 2014

Galatians 1: 10. Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant[a] of Christ.

 Paul is disturbed, because people are coming to Galatia and trying to bend Christianity to their own purposes. Paul reminds the Galatians that he was sent to Gentiles while Peter was the rock on which the Christian Jews could base their church. Both follow the risen Lord instead of the will of men.

 Today is a sad day for American politics. Fear and hatred have trumped common sense and public service. I am so disappointed in my fellow West Virginians especially. Ron's cousin, such a good public servant, was defeated by lies. I know that he and Ceci are servants of God, however, and they will recover. I am not so sure about our state and country.

 Prayer: Lord, I know that You are present in the hearts of Your people. I am praying for my country, a Christian country, which has lost its way. Heal the hatred in Your people, and guide our country to live by Your will. Make those who prey on the weakness of people stumble, so that their true purpose is revealed. Amen

November 4, 2014

Mark 15: 10. For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

 Pilate is wondering how he ever got involved in this whole Jesus thing. He can see that Jesus is not cooperating with the Jewish authorities, but he hasn't committed any crime. Surely reason will prevail if he just offers Jesus as the prisoner to be pardoned as he always does for one on Passover. He thinks he will be off the hook. But he underestimated the power of the authorities, who stir up the crowd to free a true criminal instead. Then "Pilate washes his hands and seals his fate."

 The role of Pilate has been a mystery to me. Was he just evil, or was he misguided? He had great authority, but he let himself be swayed by the masses to do something he knew was wrong. The death of the only truly innocent man in history is his fault to some degree. I don't want the kind of power that would put people's lives in my hands. I am afraid that I would be weak like Pilate was.

 Prayer: Lord, open my eyes so that I don't make mistakes like Pilate did. I know I can be swayed into taking the wrong path. I am weak, and I need Your guidance. Stay with me when temptation is in front of me. Amen

November 3, 2014

Mark 14: 24. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many."

 It's the Passover, and the disciples have found the Upper Room, just as Jesus said they would. They prepare and eat the dinner. Jesus announced that one of them would betray him. And he gives us the ritual of Holy Communion.

 How did he stay calm, knowing what would happen next? He was with those who knew him best, and yet he was so all alone. They could not comprehend all he would face, and yet his love for them, and for us, never wavered nor did his commitment to die for us. I am humbled by my Saviour's last actions. He knows he will suffer. He knows that his group of followers will be scattered, at least temporarily. He knows all the evil that lurks inside humanity. And he loves us anyway, enough to die for us.

 Prayer: Lord, I am unworthy, but I humbly accept Your grace. I take Holy Communion with others who struggle with their faith, just as I do. It's comforting to know that you see the good in all of us. Thanks for all you do for me and for those I love. Amen

November 2, 2014

Mark 12: 12. And they tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them; so they left him and went away.

 The Pharisees are after Jesus again. Palm Sunday has come and gone. Jesus has overturned the tables of the moneychangers. He has been questioned about paying taxes ("Render unto Caesar"). But it's the parable of the wicked tenants which provokes this response.

 The Pharisees know that they are the wicked tenants, but that doesn't cause them to want to confess their sins against Jesus. They just want to be rid of the troublemaker, so that they can return to business as usual. Am I sometimes as blind as these Pharisees? Am I unable to understand the miracles occurring around me? Do I see a hindrance to my day to day life instead of God's hand?

 Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your plan when I encounter it. Guide me to be open to Your work in my life. Let me respond as You would want. Amen