December 31, 2014

Revelation 22: 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

The battle is over, and the people have been judged.  The kingdom of God has descended, and the faithful people are living in it.  Those who don't believe and those who were immoral are kept outside.  An invitation is given to join those inside.

It is hard for the faithful to understand why anyone would not accept this invitation.  The things we find in God's kingdom are so good.  Why wouldn't everyone want them?  

Prayer:  Lord, I pray for the nonbelievers.  I ask that you open their eyes and ears to all You have available.  I pray for those who persecute believers, that they might see You and stop their harassment of believers.  I pray for those whose faith causes them suffering.  I pray for relief from pain and the strength to continue in the faith.
Amen

December 30, 2014

Revelation 17:  14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

The seven bowls have been poured out,and Babylon has fallen.  She sits on a beast with ten horns, which stand for the ten kings who will rule for an hour.  They will wage war, because God has promised them her power for a brief period.

I can see how people who read this try to name the kings.  They are trying to anticipate the apocalypse. I don't see how that would be helpful, since we can only be the best Christians we can be, regardless of whether the end time has come or not.  

Prayer:  Lord, guide me to be the best follower of the Lamb that I can be.  Help me to recognize and repent of my sins.  I want to be ready to live in Your kingdom.
Amen

December 29, 2014

Revelation 11:  15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

“The kingdom of the world has become
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
    and he will reign for ever and ever.”

This is the beginning of the third woe. The prophets have been killed, and they were resurrected.  A lot of suffering follows, with the beast on Earth and a battle in heaven.  

It's so hard for me to find a verse in this part of Revelation.  I find the descriptions hard to read and understand.  I wouldn't want to witness this, and I never understood those Christians who seem eager to see this scenario unfold.  I like this verse because it describes the end result...one that I would be happy to see.

Prayer:  Lord, I don't understand so much about You.  This part of Scripture--the Revelation--frightens me.  I long to live in Your kingdom, but I don't like to think about wars and suffering.  Guide my understanding so that I can better understand Your word.

Amen

December 28, 2014

Revelation 7:  12 saying:

“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

John continues to describe his vision.  There are the scrolls, which no one except the Lamb can open.  The multitude is called, and the angels are the ones who speak these words.

The pastor at Mother's church referenced angels today.  I'm interested in angels. I think many people have a lack of understanding about them.  I love their prayer of praise here.  God deserves all the good we can wish Him.  The angels are not overstating their praises.

Prayer:  I am thankful to my good, wise and powerful God.  You are more than I could ever deserve, and the gift of faith You have given me makes my life in this world tolerable.  I long to worship You with Your angels and with all of Your faithful people.  

Amen

December 27, 2014

Revelation 1: 8 " I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

John begins his message to the seven churches. This is the end of the greeting.  He reminds them of the glory of God and those who surround His throne.  

I like the reference to the eternity of God.  John repeats this twice in his greeting.  It's part of his praise of God before he describes his vision.  

Prayer:  I want to praise my holy Lord, the Almighty.  It's hard to comprehend the God who has always been and who always will be.  I am more comfortable with the God who is present with me now. The mystery of an eternal God amazes me.  
Amen

December 26, 2014

Psalms 119: 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Psalmist is righteous.  He loves God's commands.  He lives with enemies who don't follow the Lord, but his life and safety are placed in God's hands.  In his letters today, John feels the same way.

I have always heard this verse, but it never resonated with me.  Why put a lamp on your feet?  Now I see that it is like a flashlight that guides your steps.  You can see the best way to go.  It's illuminating God's will.

Prayer:  Guide me to Your will.  Your scripture and the voice of the Holy Spirit show me the path to righteousness.  I want to follow that path to a peaceful and meaningful life.
Amen

December 25, 2014

1 John 3:  2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

John is telling about good and bad people.  The good people know God, and they can ask for things from Him, because they understand His will.  They are righteous in their actions.  We don't fully understand yet, but we will when Christ comes again.

That seems like a good thing to meditate about on the day we celebrate the first coming of Christ.  I want to pray well.  I try to listen for that still small voice. I will keep trying, but I will also recognize that there are many things I won't know until Christ comes again.

Prayer:  I want to know Your will for me.  I honor all You gave me with the gift of Your son.   I long for the day when we will begin eternity together.
Amen

December 20, 2014

John 8:  12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus is under seige at the festival in Judea.  The Pharisees are doing their best to discredit him. He is trying to fulfill his mission by explaining how the Spirit will be with the people once he has died and arisen.  

The season of Christmas is one of lights.  But the true light of the season is the one people of faith follow.  It's good to remember that in all the hubbub of the holidays.

Prayer:  I will follow You, my Lord, and I will follow Your son, Jesus.  I know the peace that faith brings.  Thanks for accepting me with all my faults.  
Amen

December 19, 2014

John 6:  68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Jesus is contentious.  The people are greedy, wanting more of the free food Jesus handed out the day before.  Their leaders are trying to catch him doing anything they can charge him with.  They want to stop his ministry, which challenges their authority.  Many of those who have been following him leave, after he tries to explain that he is more than a free lunch.  So he asks the disciples if they will leave him too.

Sadly, I am feeling this.  I have been so involved in trying to please others, and it feels like the little world I inhabit is falling apart.  I can't please everybody.  I can't fix the injustice inflicted on those I care about. But where else can I go?  I know the truth is with Jesus, and I can't withdraw from following my God even when I would most like to give up.

Prayer:  I sit here with tears in my eyes.  I am sorry for myself and for those I love.  I am inadequate.  I want good things for all Your people, but I am overwhelmed.  Grant peace to me and to those I love.  Bring loving kindness to Your world in this week before Christmas.

Amen

December 18, 2014

John 3:  8  "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Jesus is talking to Nicodemus.  He doesn't understand what born again means.  He can't reenter the womb. Jesus talks of being born of the flesh and of the Spirit.  

I like the wind analogy.  It's not my place to judge where the Spirit sends other believers.  It's not their place to judge my spiritual journey.  We can recognize God in each other without seeing things the same way.

Prayer:  Lord, I tried to do Your work, but I offended a fellow believer.  Please forgive me.  I will accept their interpretation of Your word.  I pray that they can understand the Spirit in me and forgive me as well.
Amen

December 17, 2014

2 Peter 1:  2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Peter wrote about the second coming and fallen angels and humans in this letter. But first he addressed the faithful.  He wanted them to understand that God has given them everything they need to become great disciples.  He listed virtues like faith, love, mutual affection, and knowledge.

I chose this verse because I love the sentiment of giving grace and peace through faith and knowledge.  It's a busy time of the year for everyone, but it is important to find grace and peace especially in Advent.  We are awaiting the birth of our Saviour.  

Prayer: Give grace and peace to all I love, Lord.  They can find both in You.  Open their eyes and ears to all you can offer.  
Amen

December 16, 2014

1 Peter 2:  15. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Peter has many things to share with the young churches.  He wants them to lead lives of virtue so that others will see God's power through their examples.  He warns them to submit to authorities.  At the same time, they should live as free people, following God's plan for their lives.

I am struggling with the hurtful actions of foolish people.  I tried to explain that their actions were not advisable, but they choose not to listen.  They have broken the heart of one near to me.  She has stood firm, but she does the right thing in the face of their inconsiderate words and deeds.  She follows Peter's advice so well that the child has become a teacher to me.

Prayer:  God, I accept that I cannot control foolish people.  I can't stop their ignorant talk.  But I can answer evil with good.  Grant me the power to do this graciously.  And open the ears and eyes of the ignorant so that they see the harm they do.
Amen

December 15, 2014

James 1:  17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows

James has a lot to say in his short book.  He is very concerned about people with privilege and the way they treat poor people.  He says you can't have faith without actions which demonstrate your faith. But this verse is the conclusion of a section about those who think God is capable of doing evil.  James says God isn't like that.

I was drawn to the mention of gifts.  I am the beneficiary of so many gifts.  I am a person of privilege, but I try not to hold myself above others.  I try to remember to praise my Lord, who gives me so much.  His most perfect gift to me was my gift of faith.

Prayer:  Praises go to God, who gives me gifts greater than any other can give me.  I love my earthly family, but I know that God's love for me is greater than that.  I praise God for his faithfulness, for the way He stands by me when I am not so constant in my worship.  I don't deserve you, Lord, but I am grateful.
Amen

December 14, 2014

Hebrews 13: 5. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”

Paul is wrapping up his letter.  He has offered advice for dealing with other people.  You should treat strangers and prisoners well. Your marriage and the marriages of others should be honored. You should realize that God will take care of you, so you don't need to worry about money.

We are in Florida, where the wealth of others is much more obvious than it is at home.  It is easy to become discontent, to compare your possessions with those of the people around you. We people of faith don't have to go there, because the gifts God gave us are more valuable than possessions.

Prayer:  I am so glad to know that You will never leave me, Lord.  I'm blessed in so many ways.  I promise to remember that I don't need to worry about material wealth, because I am rich in faith.
Amen

December 13, 2014

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

 Paul explains faith. He cites many examples from the OT. He tells us that the faithful long for our heavenly homes. Because He knows our hearts, God has prepared a place like that for us. This world is not worthy of the faithful.

 When we feel like we don't belong, this is what we need to remember. We are not intended for this world but for the one to come. We are hoping for that better place. We are sure of what others cannot see.

 Prayer: Help me to remember that I am just a stranger here, Lord. Remind me that I am just preparing myself for my real home with you. Let me stay focused on the real prize. Guide my steps so that they lead to eternity with You. Amen

December 12, 2014

Hebrews 8: 10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

 Paul is talking about priests. He explains how Jesus was the greatest priest ever. The old priests had to offer sacrifices, but Jesus sacrificed himself. That's the basis of the new covenant. Now we all know God, so we don't need a priest to act for us.

 This reminds me of a church camp song. God's laws are in our minds and hearts. We are His people. We have that connection, and are we ever blessed!

 Prayer: Thanks, Lord, for thinking of Your people, for the sacrifices You and Your son made for us. I feel blessed to be part of Your eternal plan. Guide and lead me. Amen

December 11, 2014

Hebrews 2: 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

 Paul is explaining the Messiah to the Jews. They were expecting a strong man who would defeat the conquerors. They were not expecting a humble carpenter who roamed around the countryside. Paul explains that Jesus is greater than anyone except God, greater even than the angels. But it was necessary for Jesus to become human in every sense so that he understands our weaknesses.

 I want to hang out with the humble Jesus. I long to hear his voice reassuring me that my faith has been fulfilled in him. I will turn to him when I am tempted. 

Prayer: I love you, my God, and I love Your only son, Jesus. Please be near me and let me hear and recognize Your voice. I know that my life will be better if I spend it following Your plan for me. Amen

December 10, 2014

2 Timothy 2: 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

 Paul says we are to pursue peace,love, righteousness and faith. We should not get involved in arguments. The true Christian will not resent others. Instead we should gently teach them, in the hopes that they will turn to the Lord.

 These are words that I need to hear. Elaine is doing well at that, and she has more reason to be resentful than I. I will do my best to keep my mouth shut, never easy for me. I will be kind and helpful. I will pray that our examples will make it clear to the others that we, as Christians, have righteousness and not revenge as our goal.

 Prayer: Lord, I want to be like Jesus. I want to turn the other cheek. I know that I fall short of all You want me to be. Guide my thoughts, words and deeds to Your glory. Amen

December 9, 2014

1Timothy 5: 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 

Paul has warned about sins. Some are obvious right away, but others "trail behind." Good deeds are the same. If a good deed isn't acknowledged right away, that doesn't mean  it will forever be hidden.

 I need some reassurance about now. It's been a long and lousy night, and I begin today tired and upset. The unfairness of it bothers me most. I discovered the underlying trouble last week, but the truth didn't fully reveal itself until late last night. Good deeds are being punished by an ungrateful "friend." The fact that it is happening to my daughter instead of to me just makes it worse.

 Prayer: I need guidance to say and do the right things. I pray for my daughter and those who live with her. Help us out of this traumatic situation with as few scars as possible. Amen

December 8, 2015

1 Timothy 1: 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 Paul is sending young Timothy out into the world to preach the gospel. He is concerned about forces within the church that may prevent this. He wants Timothy to have a strong faith as the basis of his ministry. He specifically warns against meaningless talk about the law.

The focus is on selfless love. It's rough to maintain the church today, too. The competing forces make it difficult to guide people to worship. There are lots of other places for people to focus their time and attention. We must demonstrate our Christian love, our faith and actions which reflect our clear consciences, to remind those of this world that we have the key to peace in this life and eternity with our Lord.

 Prayer: Help me to be a light representing You to those who see me. Make my love apparent to those who doubt Your goodness. Guide my words, thoughts and actions to Your glory. Amen

December 7, 2014

Colossians 3: 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

 Paul is concerned that there is a focus on Earthly things in this church. They are being subjected to judgment regarding what they eat. He wants them to change their focus to Godly matters. He would love for them to focus on loving kindness.

 I have some forgiving to do, and I have struggled with that for the last few days. Someone attacked my daughter publicly. I sent a message asking them to reconsider. The exchange became heated on his side. I tried to remain reasonable, but I was hurt. I am finding it difficult to let go of my resentment.

 Prayer: I need help in forgiving the one who hurt me. I feel justified, as he did, in hanging onto my resentment. We both need to forgive. I pray that his relationship with Elaine can be healed, and I pray that I can let go of my hurt. I know I need to forgive. Help me to change intent into reality. Amen

December 6, 2014

Philippians 3: 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

 Paul is warning the church about those who have their sights set on Earthly things. They will not share in eternal life, although it may seem as though their lives on Earth have been very satisfying. We shouldn't keep our eyes on them, but on Christ. Our destination is with him and our Father in heaven.

 In Advent, a reminder that we await our Saviour seems so appropriate. There is so much to be done, but we can't forget the real reason for our season of giving. The promise of our lives to come in God's kingdom far outweighs the sparkle and glitter of all the Christmas decorations.

 Prayer: When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all meet Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory. Lord, guide my life so that I hold the keys to Your kingdom in my heart always.
Amen

December 3, 2014

Romans 13: 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 

Paul is explaining how the law--specifically the Ten Commandments-- are reflected in our Christian love. If we truly seek our neighbor's best interest, we will also be following the law. As for the details, like what to eat or when to worship, do whatever lifts God up. Don't threaten someone else's faith through your actions, even if you are convinced that God is good with your interpretation of His laws in your case.

 I understand Paul's position. If we are truly selfless in our daily lives, we fulfill God's laws. Jesus was constantly telling the Pharisees to stop sweating the small stuff. They lost focus on the big picture. They could not even see their Saviour standing in front of them, because they were looking for violations of the law.

 Prayer: I will be mindful of the effect of my actions on my neighbors. I promise to consider their needs. I will act to improve their situations. My love will shine as a beacon to my Christian faith. Guide me to this end. Amen

December 2, 2014

Romans 12: 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

 Paul has explained how the Gentiles became part of the Christian church even though they were not the Chosen People, like Jesus was. They -we- should not think they are better or worse than Israel. Then he offers advice for keeping the faith. We are charged to be faithful and loving to our fellow man.

 This seems like a great Advent rule. It's easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of the holiday rush and to lose sight of hope, patience and prayer. I want to feel the joyous hope of the coming Messiah. I want to spend my time in reflective prayer. I will try not to drag others down with my troubles.

 Prayer: I will remember the reason for the season this Advent. I will take time to reflect on my faith. I will worship the coming Saviour. I will be positive and upbeat. I will try to reflect all that You have blessed me with in my words and deeds. Amen

December 1, 2014

Romans 8: 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.”

 Paul speaks about original sin by one man and redemption by another. Children of the spirit are free from the bonds of death. They are in relationship with God and Jesus. We are heirs to the kingdom.

 I was drawn to the part about never living in fear again. That's one of the main benefits of my faith. I live with the confidence of a child of God.

 Prayer: Lord, I am honored to live a life of faith, thanks to Your holy gift. I want to follow You more closely. I want to live free from doubt and fear. Fill me with Your spirit. Amen