December 31, 2015

Revelation 22: 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

  The kingdom of God has come, and it's beautiful. The servants of the Lord live within it. There is the river of the water of life with the tree of life on its banks. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 

What a wonderful picture!  Eternal life with our Saviour, in a beautiful place with like-minded people. There's nothing to fear. We just relax and worship the One who made it all possible. 

Prayer:  I ended this year with lots of changes. The loss of my mother, Elaine's move to Florida, even Daniel's engagement and the potential sale of the condo. I find comfort in the unchanging nature of my God. I look forward to joining Him in the heavenly city. Please stay with me, God, until the time comes for Your reunion with all Your people. 
Amen

December 30, 2015

Revelation 15:  3and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
    Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,

    King of the nations.[a]

The people who are victorious over the beast say these words. They also acknowledge that there is only one God. They anticipate a great worship service to come when all of His righteousness is revealed.

It's good to think about this part of the end times. A lot of the text is about the plagues and suffering. I like the part about the faithful ones. They need not worry, because the Good Shepherd has their backs.

Prayer:  Lord, I love Your ways. I want to be with You. There is no one to compare with You. I'm blessed with Your gift of faith. Guide me to use it well.
Amen

December 29, 2015

Revelation 12:  11

They triumphed over him
    by the blood of the Lamb
    and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
    as to shrink from death.

The writer speaks about Satan, who waited to take the child from his mother after his birth. Instead the child was swept away into heaven, and the mother fled into the wilderness for safety. Michael and the angels have defeated him. 

The poetry in this speaks of a much larger story to me. We also triumph through the actions of our Saviour and by our witness. We have to remember the changing nature of our lives and the rock solid permanence of our God. We can face death because of our certainty of our faith in the promises of our Father. 

Prayer:  I will testify for You.  I will fill my days with the assurance that I, too, can triumph over the enemy. I know that nothing I do will ever be enough, but that my Saviour took care of that for me. I won't live in fear. Instead I will live to glorify Your holy name. 

Amen. 

December 28, 2015

Revelation 7:  16 Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
    nor any scorching heat.

One of the elders speaks about the great multitude of the Apocalypse. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Now they serve God on His throne, and He takes care of them. 

This reminded me of a song. The people don't have any cares anymore. They are content with their worshipful existence. Mother and I discussed that. I was afraid it would be boring, but she didn't look at it that way at all. 

Prayer:  Lord, I still wonderful about this whole eternity in worship thing. I guess that's why I'm not ready to come to You yet. I'm praying that Mother is right there, and that Your glory is all she ever dreamed it would be and more. I miss her, but I am comforted that she is with You. 

Amen

December 27, 2015

Revelation 3:  20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Jesus, through an angel who carried the message to John in a vision, speaks to the 7 churches. These words are for the church in Lacodicea. They are lukewarm. Jesus is about done with them. They think they have it all and don't need anything. Jesus says they don't have true riches, they are shameful, and they aren't seeing things clearly. 

I wasn't pleased to see that I will be reading Revelation. I don't like it, because it's scary and hard to understand. This verse was just what I need to read though. I have been thinking about my dulled senses. I guess it's part of the grief. It has made me lukewarm in matters of the heart. I see that the answer is in listening for Jesus's knock. 

Prayer: I want to let You in, Lord. I know my life is better when I am in relationship with You. I don't want to be lukewarm in my faith nor in my love for those closest to me. Guide me, even when I shy away from Your plans for me. 
Amen

December 26, 2015

Psalm 119: 90

Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
    you established the earth, and it endures.

The Psalmist is very thankful for the commands of the Lord. He loves them, and he wants to follow them. He goes on and on about this. He has been persecuted by the faithless, and he knows who is always there for him. 

This passage spoke to me on this day after Christmas. Elaine and I were far from family, and Daniel was with his new fiancee's family, leaving Ron alone. The idea of generations of people who are blessed by a faithful God is comforting. This year was an aberration, we stand together, backed up by a loving Father, much of the time. 

Prayer:  I pray for those who wake up today disappointed with the Christmas just over. I pray that they find comfort in a faithful God. His enduring love is just what this world needs. Thanks be to God for his continued blessings. 

Amen

December 25, 2015

1 John 4:  9 This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 

John's letter repeats itself a lot. He is really trying to get the recipients to see that God is love, to understand the relationship between God and Jesus, and to know that they must love each other to serve both. 

This seems a good summary of the truth about Christmas. We get the ultimate present in the birth we celebrate today. It stands for the depth of God's love for us. 

Prayer:  I pray for all God's people this Christmas morning. I pray for those closest to me, for those who suffer from grief, pain, loneliness and poverty, for the victims of injustice. 
Amen

December 24, 2015

John 20: 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said,“Peace be with you!” 

Jesus has been resurrected, and he has been seen by several people before this encounter. Now he has ascended to heaven and returned. He will breathe the Holy Spirit into the disciples. 

It seems strange in one way and awesome in another to read John's story of the crucifixion and resurrection on Christmas Eve. People love the baby Jesus, even non-believers, but the crucified and risen Christ is harder for many to take. I just read about the Chinese government persecuting Christians, so the image of the meeting behind locked doors seems especially apt. And the Christ who offers peace resonated with my celebration of Christmas. 

Prayer:  Lord, I celebrate the birth of Your son as so many do. I need him in my life, along with the peace he brings. Be with those I love on this strange Christmas, as we are separated by so many miles. 
Amen

December 23, 2015

John 16:  22 So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Jesus is still telling the disciples about his impending death and resurrection. He knows that they aren't fully prepared for the events to come, but he is doing his best to reassure them. 

I'm here, cleaning the condo again before leaving for Christmas in Astor. It's sad, as each time I leave it becomes emptier. My time of grief is here too. I'm letting go of so much more than these four walls. A whole way of life has been lost to me. 

Prayer: I need comfort. I need closure. Lord, I am asking for Your strength to guide me through the rest of my days on Earth. I look forward to the day of reunion with my loved ones in Your kingdom, but I need help to make the most of the rest of my life, starting with these moments right now. 
Amen

December 22, 2015

John 14:  27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Jesus has prepared for the inevitable death on the cross. He has spoken to his disciples about that and why it must happen. He told that the Holy Spirit would come and enable them to continue his mission. 

They don't really understand, and that's probably good. If they knew what was going to happen, they wouldn't have been able to move ahead, and Jesus's destiny had to be fulfilled. But he is kind, and he reassures them. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am not prepared either. I am stumbling through this holiday season. I'm not really part of it, but it's all around me. Help me to truly feel it. I want the wonder of the gift of Your son to touch me in a new way. 
Amen

December 21, 2015

John 10:  16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

Jesus is ready to fully reveal his mission. He is the gate to eternal life, the Good Shepherd. He says the sheep recognize his voice, but they would run away from a stranger's voice. 

One flock and one shepherd. It's hard to imagine that. Everyone treasures their individuality in today's world. Could we really come together?  Is that even possible?

Prayer:  I want to be able to believe that Christians and all of Christ's flocks could unite. It's hard for me to imagine such a scenario for people. We put walls and distance between us. We divide rather than unite. Please bring us to Your kingdom, in unity and love. 
Amen

December 20, 2015

John 8:  47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.

Jesus is speaking to the people. He takes a hard line with them. They don't see how special he is. They don't understand the offer he makes to believers. 

People are self-serving. We seek comfort by pleasing ourselves. When confronted with the truth, we become uncomfortable. So many times, we turn away. We stop listening to God. 

Prayer:  I am sorry that I don't listen, Lord. I know that I am a disappointment to You. It's a true miracle that You are so faithful when I am so unfaithful. I confess my many weaknesses. 
Amen

December 17, 2015

2 Peter 1:  13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body

Peter has a lot to say in this letter. He is concerned about Judgment Day, and he knows that people are saying that God isn't coming back. His faith is strong, however, and he reminds us of this, knowing that he won't be on Earth much longer.

I'm facing my first Christmas without Mother. She could have said these words. She clung to her faith until the very end, and then she followed her Lord home. I need to have this kind of grasp on my faith during a time of change and uncertainty. 

Prayer:  I need You, Lord. I need to proclaim my faith in a busy and thoughtless world. Keep me by Your side and comfort me. Guide me to represent You well. 
Amen

December 11, 2015

Hebrews 1:  6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Paul quotes Deuteronomy. He is making the case for the Messiah to the Chosen People. He wants them to understand just how important Jesus is. He was, like us, a little lower than the angels for a time, but he is now with his Father on the throne. The angels worship him, and so should we.

I have been having trouble getting the Christmas spirit. I am sure that it's partly grief, but my last few weeks have been so stressful with work too.  Not my job, that's easy. It's my home and family that have me so overcommitted. The packing, the moving, the long drive to, from and within Florida....  I am so overwhelmed. And there is Christmas too. I have given up the Christmas things, but I have tried to find the meaning of Christmas in my life. It's not so successful.

Prayer:  Lord, I am seeking Your Holy Spirit to guide me. I need to find the wonder and magic of Christmas in my life. I want to feel the truth in the gift of Your son.  Please make me more mindful of the reason for the season.
Amen

December 8, 2015

1 Timothy 4:  10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Paul has a lot of advice for young Timothy. He has been sent to keep the Ephesians on the right path, when others are trying to derail the church with excessive rules. In the end, Paul says, we need to remember why we work so hard to live a life of faith.

I have been doing a lot of labor. My life is full of stress. I have problems at home and abroad. It's good to take a deep breath and to remember the ultimate purpose of all my efforts.

Prayer:  Lord, I am beat. I have been pushing myself to do it all, and I always fall short. I become discouraged. Lift me up to be the witness You need in this holiday season. I need Your help more than ever.
Amen

December 6, 2015

Philippians 4:  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Paul tells the church to rejoice twice. And the part after this verse tells them they will find peace in God twice. In between we find the assurance that we need not worry, as we hand our problems over to God.

I'm no stranger to troubles in recent weeks. This morning I added another. Elaine is supposed to start work in a few hours. That's been a sequence of issues. Now she can't find her ID, so she won't be able to log in. I need God's intervention to get this done. Elaine has exhausted herself trying to get this done. Lord, help her.

Prayer:  I need You to be with Elaine. Guide her to the way to get online to begin her work. Be with her and with all the others who need You so desperately.
Amen

December 5, 2015

Ephesians 5:  28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Paul talked about marriage. He says wives should submit to their husbands as the head of the family. He says husbands should feed and care for their wives, just as they feed and care for their own bodies.

I never thought I would choose a Paul quote on marriage, but it's the day we celebrate the legacy of our good friend, Walt Crossett. Walt lived this way. He was so in love with Nancy, and he proved it over and over with his actions. In every way imaginable, Nancy is dealing with the loss of her lifetime.

Prayer:  Lord, comfort all of us who grieve Walt today. Be especially present with Nancy and with Walt's sisters. I believe You can provide all we need in our time of mourning.
Amen

December 4, 2015

Ephesians 4:  6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Paul is talking about the way that Jesus's life bridged the gap between Gentiles and the Chosen People. He explains that the Christians, now bonded to the Holy Spirit, are now equal and brothers to the Jews.

With the recent shootings by a Muslim couple in California, this stood out to me. It's the same God that these evil people claimed to worship. We are all His people. How could a person of faith be led into so much evil?

Prayer:  Your people need guidance, Lord. Please send us the help we so desperately need. We should be showing Your love to our fellow man. Help us to follow Your path faithfully.
Amen

December 3, 2015

Romans 14:  4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

Paul deals with people who disagree on worship practices. Some are vegetarian, while others eat meat. Some feel differently about worship on different days of the week. Paul says we shouldn't impose our faith practices on others. That's between them and God.

It's hard to relate to other Christians at times. They don't see faith the same way we do. It's tempting to dismiss their take and revert to our own ways of worship. Paul, who brought the faith to us, the Gentiles, says we shouldn't do that.

Prayer:  Lord, guide Your people to reconciliation. Don't allow our differences divide us. Show us how to love each other.
Amen

December 1, 2015

Romans 8:  39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul has suffered. He explains how Jesus's death saved us all. He talks about our sinful nature and the Spirit living in us. Then he concludes with this verse:  nothing can separate God's people from Him.

I haven't been very faithful in reading Scripture or making journal entries lately. I was traveling, packing and unpacking, stocking Elaine's new house, cleaning. I was praying every day, but I was separated from my daily habits, spiritual and otherwise. It's comforting to know, however, that God has always been right beside me, no matter how distracted I have been.

Prayer:;  I am sorry that I haven't been faithful as usual in the unsettling time just behind me. I confess to being distracted from my practice of faith, Lord. I am so thankful that You are steadfast in Your love of me. I have been feeling it, Lord, and I promise to do better.
Amen

November 28, 2015

Matthew 28:  14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.

The chief priests and elders told this to the guards at Jesus's tomb. They didn't want people to know that he rose from the dead. They wanted everyone to think his disciples stole the body from the tomb.

This is so disturbing. These men saw the angel.  They felt the earthquake, but their fear of trouble from the governor is greater than any other force, even a heavenly one. It's so self-serving and just wrong. Even if they didn't understand the truth, they knew that they were lying.

Prayer:  Lord, don't let me become more interested in protection than in the truth, especially when it comes to You. Guide me to be the kind of witness You need among Your people.
Amen

November 22, 2015

Matthew 13: 43  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Jesus says a lot in the three chapters of Matthew today. He is talking about Judgment Day. The weeds have been allowed to grow with the wheat. But the harvesters have thrown the weeds into the fire. Now the faithful get their reward.

I'm looking forward to this day. I fear the fall of the people of the earth, but I understand the joy of the faithful when God's kingdom is fully realized.

Prayer:  I want to shine like the sun. I want to join the faithful in Your kingdom, Lord. I hear Your voice, and it sounds so good to me. Imagine my joy when I finally come into Your presence.
Amen

November 15, 2015

2 Corinthians 1:  4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Paul begins the second letter with praises to God, Jesus's father and a description of our relationship with Him.

Comfort is what I need.  Someone stopped me at church to say how sad I seem.  I am noticing the weight loss in my clothing and how it fits.  I struggle with the changes in my life.  I have troubles.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to be a comfort to others.  Thank you for the comfort You have given me.  I know I have been troubled a lot lately, Lord, and it helps to know that You are always there.
Amen

November 14, 2015

1 Corinthians 15:  44. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

Paul is talking about life after death. Some in Corinth doubt that. Without the resurrection, there is no point to faith, Paul says. He explains that there must first be life, then death and resurrection.

I have been thinking about death and faith a lot. Walt's death, so soon after my mother's, has really rocked me. A spiritual body... what is that?  Is the person who died aware of what is going on with the living?  Do they feel time slipping by?  Is there only awareness of the glory of God?

Prayer:  Lord, I am hurting for myself and for Your people. We grieve the loss of those we have loved. Comfort us. Help us to move on despite our pain. Let us feel Your presence in our daily lives.
Amen

November 12, 2015

1 Corinthians 12:  3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

This is Paul talking to the church again.  He wants them to understand that they are one body, all working together to glorify the Lord.  He doesn't want any of them to feel alienated from the whole body of those who worship the same Lord.

I am sad today.  Illness, strife, change, even death surround me.  I can't find peace in my own home.  It does comfort me that we are all in this together.  Despite our differences, we ultimately belong to the one true Lord, and I will serve Him as best as I can.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to be a better servant.  Help me to see how I can be more effective in bringing peace into my home.  Guide my words and actions to glorify You.

Amen 

November 9, 2015

1 Corinthians 8:  3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

Paul is talking about sin. He talks about sexual sin and about eating food which was sacrificed to an idol. He talks about slavery and circumcision. This is in the middle of all that.

I'm loving this. If you love God, He knows you. Yes, and He knows what is in your heart. You aren't fooling Him. So forget your pretenses.

Prayer:  I love You, God. You know what is in my heart. Let me know when I am getting out of line. You are the best thing ever.
Amen

November 8, 2015

 1 Corinthians 1: 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

A good quote for the beginning of a November challenge:  from now to Thanksgiving, I will start each entry with a thanksgiving statement.  Today I am thankful for the gift of faith I received and for those who share it with me.

Paul was thankful for the people of the church in Corinth. He is concerned about their division however. They are starting to follow different leaders within the church. Paul reminds them that they all follow Christ. He doesn't want anyone to be a follower of Paul or anyone else.

Grace is the greatest gift we have ever been given. I know that I am not worthy of it; neither is anyone else. Yet we try to pick it apart. We look to see all the ways we are more worthy than our fellow man.

Prayer:  Lord, show me how to bring Your people together. We come up with so many ways to divide ourselves into groups. I would like to see more Christian brotherhood. Let me know how You would have me to promote that.
Amen

November 7, 2015

Galatians 5:  26  Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Paul has given us a list of acts of the flesh, guaranteed to keep us out of heaven. Then he lists the fruits of the spirit. He says Christians have conquered the flesh and should follow the Spirit.

I'm disturbed by posts a young friend has shared on Facebook attacking churches. They say how off track Christians are today, as opposed to the early churches. No problems so far, but I find this spiritual one upmanship to be self-righteous and disturbing. Shouldn't Christians try to find common ground?  Can't we accept that everyone has a different sort of relationship with God?

Prayer:  Lord, guide Your followers to love and understanding. Lead us away from the tendency to judge others. Help us to see when our righteousness turns into self-righteous indignation.  Correct our attitudes so that we may best serve You.
Amen

November 6, 2015

Galatians 4: . 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[d]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 

Paul is puzzled by the previous behavior of the Galatians. They welcomed a sick Paul and treated him so well. Now they have been distracted by a competing group. He tells them that they were saved by faith. Where is that faith now?

I felt this verse. I especially like the "are known by God" part. We are in a relationship with God that is everything in our lives. But "weak and miserable" forces pull us away from the purity of our faith. We find ourselves enslaved, instead of empowered. 

Prayer:  Empower my faith, Lord. Strengthen me in my daily life. Comfort me in my sorrow. Rejoice with me at the triumphs of those I love. 
Amen

November 3, 2015

Mark 14:  65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Jesus has been betrayed by Judas.  He is taken to the Sanhedrin.  They try to get him to talk, but he doesn't have much to say.  Then they ask if he is the Messiah.  He says yes, and that makes them crazy.

I have never focused so much on the actions of the Sanhedrin and their employees.  How awful!  He hasn't done anything to harm them.  Why do they react so strongly?  They are only acting in their own self-interest.  They have all the privileges in this system; another one might lead to their downfall.  It's all about sin.

Prayer:  Let me see my own sin, Lord.  I don't want to be like the Sanhedrin.  I want to be able to see Your hand in my life clearly.  Let me know when I have crossed the line.
Amen

November 2, 2015

Mark 11:  24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 

The disciples are shocked. In the morning Jesus had cursed a fig tree. He was disappointed that it had no figs, so he said it would never have figs again. In the evening, it had died. This was Jesus's reply to their astonishment. 

Okay, I am going there. That's what happened with Sherri. I asked and believed, and it was so. How much power there is in these words!  Praying like this from now on!

Prayer:  I am asking for Your plan to be fulfilled for those I love most. Ron's health, Elaine's move, Daniel's return to grad school...I am asking for all of these things to show Your glory. I believe that there is nothing You can't do. Make it so. 
Amen

November 1, 2015

Mark 10:  21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

The rich young man has followed the Mosaic law all his life. He asks what else he needs to do to inherit heaven. Jesus's answer made him sad. He knew he couldn't do that. He left. 

I am suddenly flush with money, and it hasn't made my life better so far. We gave away a car, and I feel really good about that. I have proposed giving our son and his girlfriend the title to the car we paid for, but that they drive. That seems right. I don't think I am so attached to the money, but I feel pressure to be a good steward of it. It has caused conflict in my marriage, and I could see how it could cause conflict between my children and us. You better believe I will not be selling everything to give it to the poor. Does that make me a bad Christian?

Prayer:  Lord, show me how to use my wealth to glorify You and to improve the lives of Your people. I want to be properly generous, but I need to protect myself and my family against the costs of my old age. Guide me to know how to show my love for You financially. 
Amen

October 30, 2015

Mark 6:  3  Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon?Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

There are so many examples of the faith of the people around Nazareth, but the hometown people can't believe it. This guy is no one special. It offends them that the Messiah grew up with them. The other people,Jairus, the woman who had been bleeding for so long, even the demons recognized Jesus and had faith in him. 

Even in Job today, there is a reference to the faithless. Job 21:  15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
    What would we gain by praying to him?’

I have spent a lot of time worrying about faithless friends and family. I realize how difficult it is to be faithful. To suspend disbelief and to follow something you will never see is quite a task. But the best people I know have done that. They are always trying to be the best servants they can be of a God they feel in their hearts. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am Yours. I give my life to You. I am sad for those who don't share this special relationship. Be there for Your people and show us how to best serve You. 

Amen

October 28, 2015

Mark 1:   45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Jesus told the healed man not to tell. In fact, he gave a strong warning that he should only show himself to the priests to follow the procedure given in Mosaic law. 

Of course he told everyone. It was life-changing!  The result was that Jesus became a celebrity. He was forced to stay out of sight. The people found him anyway. If only people today were so easily influenced to seek our Saviour!

Prayer:  I am so sad. People I know, including myself, are hurting. Life is so hard. Where can I go for healing?  Guide me to the lonely place where You are found. 
Amen

October 27, 2015

Acts 27:  25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 

Paul is on the ship on his way to appeal his case to Caesar.  He told them not to sail, but they wouldn't listen.  Now they have been caught in a horrible Nor'easter.  They think they will all die, but an angel has appeared to Paul and told him otherwise.

I need this kind of pep talk.  Everything seems so uncertain, and I can't be sure my judgment is good.   Grief still follows me around.  And yet I know what God has told us.  It will all be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end.

Prayer:  Lord, I need Your guidance and comfort.  I am floundering in a sea of grief and change.  Show me the way to go.
Amen

October 24, 2015

Acts 19:  15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 

There were some followers who were brothers, and they were traveling around casting out demons when one spoke to them. This caused a great deal of fear among the other followers, and people confessed their sins. 


I don't know about the response of the followers to this. I am guessing that it would be very scary if a demon spoke like that. I am thinking that confessing sins might not be people's reaction today. I think it's kind of haunting to think of demons that way. Would we want demons to acknowledge us?

Prayer:  Lord, I need comfort. I was just frightened by the man stumbling around outside in the semi-darkness. I pray for him, but I also pray for those of us inside the condo. Who is this guy?  
Amen

October 23, 2015

Acts  17:  32  When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”   

Paul is in Athens, where there were many people interested in discussing philosophy. He has been trying to teach the Message in public and the synagogue. The people had mixed reactions. 

The resurrection of the dead is what caught my attention. I am spending my first night alone in Mother's condo. I was worried that the sadness would overwhelm me. It hasn't. She isn't here, and there have been moments when that seems very strange, but I am fine. I am comforted that she is where she needs to be. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am so grateful for the legacy left here by my mother. She had such a wonderful life in this home, and now she has moved to Your place. Praises to a God who has given us the promise of eternal life. 
Amen