Acts 7: 20 At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child.
This is in the middle of Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin. He has recounted the history of the chosen people, through Jacob and Joseph. Then he begins to tell about Moses. He tells about his childhood and about the Lord calling him. He tells about the unfaithful people who challenged Moses all the way. And he upsets the Sanhedrin when he compares their actions towards Jesus to these people of the past.
I was drawn to the "no ordinary child" part. I just told Ron about some children we know who are extraordinary. Moses was different from his earliest days. The Lord had quite a plan for him. And being ordinary, while it might be more pleasant, was never part of that plan.
Prayer: I pray for all the extraordinary children today. I pray that the promise that You see in them can be realized. And I pray that they learn to lean on You in times of trouble.
Amen
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
January 29, 2015
Psalm 14: 6
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.
David wrote this Psalm. He was calling on God to save His people from fools who have denied God. They don't think there are any consequences for their corruption. They "devour" God's people, but deep inside, they know that they are not the equal of the righteous people.
I have been thinking about income inequality, and its effects on our world. There are some who think that they need to acquire more without regard to the human and environmental impact. The large number of Americans decline in wealth while the few prosper. But the poor can always turn to God. And in that way, they are richer than the deniers.
Prayer: I pray for our world. I pray that people with the means to make it a better place for everyone will be moved to do that instead of just to increase their own wealth. I pray for the poor and oppressed. Increase their blessings so that they may better serve You.
Amen
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
January 28, 2015
Acts 4: 20 " As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Peter and John have been brought before the Sanhedrin. They want to know more about the healing of the lame man. They ask in whose name this was done. Peter tells them it was done in Jesus's name. They confer and tell them to stop saying that. This is Peter and John's reply.
This is a powerful statement. No amount of threats will silence the true believers. Truth is more powerful than authority. The faith and actions of these early Christians should guide us two thousand years later.
Prayer: I can't stop myself, Lord. I love to sing Your praises. I won't be silent if I think You are being misrepresented or ignored. Guide me to represent You well.
Amen
Peter and John have been brought before the Sanhedrin. They want to know more about the healing of the lame man. They ask in whose name this was done. Peter tells them it was done in Jesus's name. They confer and tell them to stop saying that. This is Peter and John's reply.
This is a powerful statement. No amount of threats will silence the true believers. Truth is more powerful than authority. The faith and actions of these early Christians should guide us two thousand years later.
Prayer: I can't stop myself, Lord. I love to sing Your praises. I won't be silent if I think You are being misrepresented or ignored. Guide me to represent You well.
Amen
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
January 27, 2015
Acts 3: 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Peter and John were walking around the gate when they spotted the beggar. Peter spoke to him. But Peter didn't offer any money, he healed the guy instead. People were amazed when they saw this guy who they knew as lame walking normally.
To me this is a story of the power of faith. Peter has the faith, and look what he did! And consider the lame man...his day didn't go as expected. But he got so much more...praise the Lord!
Prayer: Lord, Your power is amazing. Help me to be a conduit for it. I will be aware of Your call. Guide my actions.
Amen
Peter and John were walking around the gate when they spotted the beggar. Peter spoke to him. But Peter didn't offer any money, he healed the guy instead. People were amazed when they saw this guy who they knew as lame walking normally.
To me this is a story of the power of faith. Peter has the faith, and look what he did! And consider the lame man...his day didn't go as expected. But he got so much more...praise the Lord!
Prayer: Lord, Your power is amazing. Help me to be a conduit for it. I will be aware of Your call. Guide my actions.
Amen
Monday, January 26, 2015
January 26, 2015
Acts 2: 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
It's Pentecost. The disciples have been speaking in tongues, and some accused them of drunkenness. Peter tried to explain that they are full of the Spirit. Then the people are sad, thinking they have missed their chance of salvation. Peter tells them that they need only repent to join those who are saved.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church. I am sad when I think about the decline in our church. Many of our former members moved to other churches, but there are so many more who don't recognize the truth in Peter's words
Prayer: I pray for those who don't know the faith I was blessed with. I ask that You guide the faithful to grow our church. I want more of Your people to find the strength and comfort that only You can provide.
Amen
It's Pentecost. The disciples have been speaking in tongues, and some accused them of drunkenness. Peter tried to explain that they are full of the Spirit. Then the people are sad, thinking they have missed their chance of salvation. Peter tells them that they need only repent to join those who are saved.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church. I am sad when I think about the decline in our church. Many of our former members moved to other churches, but there are so many more who don't recognize the truth in Peter's words
Prayer: I pray for those who don't know the faith I was blessed with. I ask that You guide the faithful to grow our church. I want more of Your people to find the strength and comfort that only You can provide.
Amen
Sunday, January 25, 2015
January 25, 2015
Exodus 12: 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.
This is the night of Passover. The Egyptians didn't let the Israelites go, even after all the plagues, but the death of every first-born son got their attention. The loud wailing is an image I can picture, with every household in grief for the loved one lost.
What a disaster. I imagine September 11, or Pearl Harbor day, but the wailing was not for someone in each family. I think of the Holocaust, with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz coming in a few days. That's closer to the devastating scene of the Passover slaughter. It was going to take a big shock for the Egyptians to free their slaves, and Passover was the event to get them going.
Prayer: I grieve for the mothers who have lost their sons. I pray for people who don't listen to You and who suffer as a result. I feel for my fellow man, even those who reject Your will. Comfort us, O Lord, even when we don't deserve it.
Amen
This is the night of Passover. The Egyptians didn't let the Israelites go, even after all the plagues, but the death of every first-born son got their attention. The loud wailing is an image I can picture, with every household in grief for the loved one lost.
What a disaster. I imagine September 11, or Pearl Harbor day, but the wailing was not for someone in each family. I think of the Holocaust, with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz coming in a few days. That's closer to the devastating scene of the Passover slaughter. It was going to take a big shock for the Egyptians to free their slaves, and Passover was the event to get them going.
Prayer: I grieve for the mothers who have lost their sons. I pray for people who don't listen to You and who suffer as a result. I feel for my fellow man, even those who reject Your will. Comfort us, O Lord, even when we don't deserve it.
Amen
Saturday, January 24, 2015
January 24, 2015
Luke 24: 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Christ has risen. The women found that out from the angels when they went to the tomb. The men found that hard to believe, even after Peter confirmed that the tomb was empty. Jesus appears to the followers on the Emmaus Road, and they hurry back to tell the others. Then Jesus appears with them, eats some fish (love that!), and finally ascends.
The confusion of the early Christians fascinates me. They walked and talked with Jesus, but they never really understood what he was saying. We don't get the opportunity to spend time with a flesh and blood Jesus. How incomplete must our understanding be! Some things are clear, however, and the most important is how this blessing changes everything for eternity.
Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful for my many blessings. The blessing Your son gave all of us through his life, death and resurrection is the deal-changer. Guide me to be a faithful follower, always ready to hear Your voice in my daily life.
Amen
Christ has risen. The women found that out from the angels when they went to the tomb. The men found that hard to believe, even after Peter confirmed that the tomb was empty. Jesus appears to the followers on the Emmaus Road, and they hurry back to tell the others. Then Jesus appears with them, eats some fish (love that!), and finally ascends.
The confusion of the early Christians fascinates me. They walked and talked with Jesus, but they never really understood what he was saying. We don't get the opportunity to spend time with a flesh and blood Jesus. How incomplete must our understanding be! Some things are clear, however, and the most important is how this blessing changes everything for eternity.
Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful for my many blessings. The blessing Your son gave all of us through his life, death and resurrection is the deal-changer. Guide me to be a faithful follower, always ready to hear Your voice in my daily life.
Amen
Friday, January 23, 2015
January 23, 2015
Luke 23: 29.For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed."
Jesus spoke these words to his female followers. They were so sad, having seen all that had happened since his arrest. Jesus knew that they and their descendants faced even rougher times to come.
This made me think about the Holocaust. Surely many Jewish women felt that way. Having descendants wa hugely important to the Hebrews. And there was a formal program in place to exterminate them. Plus there was the personal anguish. The fewer attachments you had, the less you suffered.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for the persecuted. Today we find ourselves in a world where terrorists target Your people of both Jewish and Christian faith. Be with those who suffer in Your name. Guide us to help them however we can.
Amen
Jesus spoke these words to his female followers. They were so sad, having seen all that had happened since his arrest. Jesus knew that they and their descendants faced even rougher times to come.
This made me think about the Holocaust. Surely many Jewish women felt that way. Having descendants wa hugely important to the Hebrews. And there was a formal program in place to exterminate them. Plus there was the personal anguish. The fewer attachments you had, the less you suffered.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for the persecuted. Today we find ourselves in a world where terrorists target Your people of both Jewish and Christian faith. Be with those who suffer in Your name. Guide us to help them however we can.
Amen
Thursday, January 22, 2015
January 22, 2015
Exodus 3: 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
This occurs at the burning bush. Moses recognized God's voice right away. He reacted, but then he loses his nerve when he realized that God wants big things from him. Moses is acutely aware of his own personal failures, and he anticipates trouble ahead.
I wanted to focus on this moment. Moses has a huge job ahead of him, but he meets God with faith. Can I recognize God's voice? Will I move closer to Him? Do I know when to stop and worship? Will I accept His call without reservations?
Prayer: Let me really hear Your call to me, Lord. I recognize Your power, and I want to serve.
Amen
This occurs at the burning bush. Moses recognized God's voice right away. He reacted, but then he loses his nerve when he realized that God wants big things from him. Moses is acutely aware of his own personal failures, and he anticipates trouble ahead.
I wanted to focus on this moment. Moses has a huge job ahead of him, but he meets God with faith. Can I recognize God's voice? Will I move closer to Him? Do I know when to stop and worship? Will I accept His call without reservations?
Prayer: Let me really hear Your call to me, Lord. I recognize Your power, and I want to serve.
Amen
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
January 21, 2015
Luke 21: 36 "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Jesus started talking about the temple in Jerusalem. He then tells about his second coming. It's pretty scary, with Christians persecuted and natural disasters everywhere. He tells his followers to always be in relationship with God. We should not let the temptations and troubles of this world distract us from faithful worship.
I am always unsettled by people who claim to see the signs of the second coming. I think they are proud, not humble as a Christian should be. I would never disregard these words from Jesus, however, and I try to nourish my faith daily. Life Journal helps me do that.
Prayer: I pray that I will be ready to stand before Your son when he comes for me. I will try to keep my focus on my faith, even when everyday life seems overwhelming. I long to know You better, Lord.
Amen
Jesus started talking about the temple in Jerusalem. He then tells about his second coming. It's pretty scary, with Christians persecuted and natural disasters everywhere. He tells his followers to always be in relationship with God. We should not let the temptations and troubles of this world distract us from faithful worship.
I am always unsettled by people who claim to see the signs of the second coming. I think they are proud, not humble as a Christian should be. I would never disregard these words from Jesus, however, and I try to nourish my faith daily. Life Journal helps me do that.
Prayer: I pray that I will be ready to stand before Your son when he comes for me. I will try to keep my focus on my faith, even when everyday life seems overwhelming. I long to know You better, Lord.
Amen
Monday, January 19, 2015
January 19, 2015
Psalms 10: 17
You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed
You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed
Much of this Psalm is a cry for God to put the wicked in their place. It's a diatribe against their arrogance. The wicked believe they are safe from man and God. The Psalmist calls for vengeance. He knows that God is aware of the plight of the needy.
Today is Martin Luther King Day. I have been reading about the civil rights movement of his day and of today. I remember the segregated time I grew up in. I was too young to be involved in MLK's movement. Today I better understand the struggle people of color have faced. I'm grateful that our God was always there for them.
Prayer: Lord, be with those wounded by years of hatred and oppression. Show them the simple beauty of Your message of love and forgiveness.
Amen
Sunday, January 18, 2015
January 18, 2015
Genesis 44: 34 "How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father.”
Joseph has sent his brothers home, but he directed that the silver they had paid be put into their things. He set it up so that his younger brother would be left behind to pay for the alleged crime. Judah begs to stay in place of Benjamin. That causes Joseph to break down and tell his brothers who he is.
I relate to Judah's feelings about his father. How could he face his father's grief? He would do anything to avoid letting his loved one down.
Prayer: Guide me to demonstrate the loving kindness of Judah. Show me how to act in ways that will show my love for others.
Amen
Joseph has sent his brothers home, but he directed that the silver they had paid be put into their things. He set it up so that his younger brother would be left behind to pay for the alleged crime. Judah begs to stay in place of Benjamin. That causes Joseph to break down and tell his brothers who he is.
I relate to Judah's feelings about his father. How could he face his father's grief? He would do anything to avoid letting his loved one down.
Prayer: Guide me to demonstrate the loving kindness of Judah. Show me how to act in ways that will show my love for others.
Amen
Saturday, January 17, 2015
January 17, 2014
Luke 17: 18. "Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Jesus heals 10 lepers. One returns to thank him. This follows the speech about the servant-master relationship. Jesus says we must understand our role as God's servant. It's our job to discern His will, follow it, and praise Him for all He has provided.
We are a sorry, ungrateful lot. We can relate to the nine lepers who left to celebrate their healing without a thought to praising God who made it happen. How many times do we plow ahead without any thought of gratitude?
Prayer: Accept my belated thanks for all my blessings. I know I am selfish and ungrateful. I do believe that You have the best plan for me, but I got distracted by the temptations of this world. Forgive me.
Amen
Jesus heals 10 lepers. One returns to thank him. This follows the speech about the servant-master relationship. Jesus says we must understand our role as God's servant. It's our job to discern His will, follow it, and praise Him for all He has provided.
We are a sorry, ungrateful lot. We can relate to the nine lepers who left to celebrate their healing without a thought to praising God who made it happen. How many times do we plow ahead without any thought of gratitude?
Prayer: Accept my belated thanks for all my blessings. I know I am selfish and ungrateful. I do believe that You have the best plan for me, but I got distracted by the temptations of this world. Forgive me.
Amen
Friday, January 16, 2015
January 16, 2014
Genesis 39: 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Joseph has been thrown into prison unjustly, because he refused the seductive moves of Potipher's wife. Just like his time in Potipher's house, however, the Lord blessed everything Joseph did. He was truly God's golden boy.
This is what it's like to live in harmony with God. You know what to say and do. The outcome isn't always good. Joseph has been sold into slavery by his own brothers. He is now in prison. But he shows us that we should stay in touch with God's will and live a life of testimony to our God's power.
Prayer: Keep me in touch with You, my God. Show me Your mighty power in my life. I await Your instructions.
Amen
Joseph has been thrown into prison unjustly, because he refused the seductive moves of Potipher's wife. Just like his time in Potipher's house, however, the Lord blessed everything Joseph did. He was truly God's golden boy.
This is what it's like to live in harmony with God. You know what to say and do. The outcome isn't always good. Joseph has been sold into slavery by his own brothers. He is now in prison. But he shows us that we should stay in touch with God's will and live a life of testimony to our God's power.
Prayer: Keep me in touch with You, my God. Show me Your mighty power in my life. I await Your instructions.
Amen
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
January 14, 2015
Luke 14: 34 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
Jesus is being pestered by the Pharisees again in the beginning of this chapter. They don't want him healing on the Sabbath. The chapter concludes with this warning. Everyone who puts anything else before Jesus has lost their saltiness.
I have been thinking about this verse as I spread the salt on my steps and walk. Salt is a wonderful thing. Made of the atoms of 2 poisonous gases, it is a solid with many uses. Am I losing my saltiness? Am I focused on my faith? How useful am I for the Lord?
Prayer: Make me the person You need to further Your mission. Keep my focus on Your plan for me. Bless me and those I love, but help me to remember that You come first.
Amen
Jesus is being pestered by the Pharisees again in the beginning of this chapter. They don't want him healing on the Sabbath. The chapter concludes with this warning. Everyone who puts anything else before Jesus has lost their saltiness.
I have been thinking about this verse as I spread the salt on my steps and walk. Salt is a wonderful thing. Made of the atoms of 2 poisonous gases, it is a solid with many uses. Am I losing my saltiness? Am I focused on my faith? How useful am I for the Lord?
Prayer: Make me the person You need to further Your mission. Keep my focus on Your plan for me. Bless me and those I love, but help me to remember that You come first.
Amen
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
January 13, 2015
Luke 13: 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’
The Pharisees told Jesus that Herod was trying to kill him. This is his reply. He follows that with the promise that he would die in Jerusalem. The reference to the third day surely refers to the Resurrection.
It's a verse I never really noticed before. I am a bit surprised at the name-calling. This is not the meek and mild Jesus. This is the confident, take-charge Jesus. He knows why he is there and exactly what he is doing.
Prayer: I am grateful for the promise Jesus kept when he gave his life for us. I know that I could never be worthy of the glory to come. Your grace and mercy lead me to life for eternity in Your kingdom. Thanks be to God.
Amen
The Pharisees told Jesus that Herod was trying to kill him. This is his reply. He follows that with the promise that he would die in Jerusalem. The reference to the third day surely refers to the Resurrection.
It's a verse I never really noticed before. I am a bit surprised at the name-calling. This is not the meek and mild Jesus. This is the confident, take-charge Jesus. He knows why he is there and exactly what he is doing.
Prayer: I am grateful for the promise Jesus kept when he gave his life for us. I know that I could never be worthy of the glory to come. Your grace and mercy lead me to life for eternity in Your kingdom. Thanks be to God.
Amen
Monday, January 12, 2015
January 12, 2015
Luke 12: 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
Jesus illustrates the point about worry with his examples of birds and flowers. They thrive, and we admire their beauty, but they don't count like we do to God. We need to center our lives on Him, instead of focusing on our material needs.
I was awake in the night. Satan was filling my head with worries. I saw what I needed to do, and it involved removal of a source of worry. The Lord will provide, and I will receive what I ask for in Jesus's name.
Prayer: Lord, release me from worry about those I love. Guide me to You in prayer for them instead. You know our needs, and You will provide. I am blessed to live a life of faith in You.
Amen
Jesus illustrates the point about worry with his examples of birds and flowers. They thrive, and we admire their beauty, but they don't count like we do to God. We need to center our lives on Him, instead of focusing on our material needs.
I was awake in the night. Satan was filling my head with worries. I saw what I needed to do, and it involved removal of a source of worry. The Lord will provide, and I will receive what I ask for in Jesus's name.
Prayer: Lord, release me from worry about those I love. Guide me to You in prayer for them instead. You know our needs, and You will provide. I am blessed to live a life of faith in You.
Amen
Sunday, January 11, 2015
January 11, 2015
Luke 11: 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
This follows "Ask and you shall receive" and the Lord's Prayer. The disciples asked how to pray. Jesus says that God will not refuse our request, even as we would not refuse a neighbor or our own children.
I ask the Lord for blessings every day as I pray the Lord's Prayer. I have a long prayer list. I try to keep the door open so that I can hear God's voice. Today I woke up in Elaine's new home for the first time. I really want this to be a place of peace and comfort for her.
Prayer: Lord, give us our daily bread. Today I am asking for my immediate family members that all of us find what we need. All of us face our own unique challenges. Bless us with the comforts of home, health and family.
Amen
This follows "Ask and you shall receive" and the Lord's Prayer. The disciples asked how to pray. Jesus says that God will not refuse our request, even as we would not refuse a neighbor or our own children.
I ask the Lord for blessings every day as I pray the Lord's Prayer. I have a long prayer list. I try to keep the door open so that I can hear God's voice. Today I woke up in Elaine's new home for the first time. I really want this to be a place of peace and comfort for her.
Prayer: Lord, give us our daily bread. Today I am asking for my immediate family members that all of us find what we need. All of us face our own unique challenges. Bless us with the comforts of home, health and family.
Amen
Saturday, January 10, 2015
January 10, 2015
Luke 10: 16 "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Jesus is all about the ministry. He is giving directions to those who act in his name. His emphasis is on the relationship between himself, his followers and God.
It is still hard for so many to live in faith. It's tempting to think that you can reason the way to the best life. We have so much material wealth, and we can insulate ourselves from many hardships. The bottom line, however, involves humbly seeking God's will for us. We must always be listening.
Prayer: Let me hear Your voice, Lord, as I pray, as I devote time to the reading of Your word, and as I go about my daily life. I know You have the answers I need. Open my ears to hear them.
Amen
Jesus is all about the ministry. He is giving directions to those who act in his name. His emphasis is on the relationship between himself, his followers and God.
It is still hard for so many to live in faith. It's tempting to think that you can reason the way to the best life. We have so much material wealth, and we can insulate ourselves from many hardships. The bottom line, however, involves humbly seeking God's will for us. We must always be listening.
Prayer: Let me hear Your voice, Lord, as I pray, as I devote time to the reading of Your word, and as I go about my daily life. I know You have the answers I need. Open my ears to hear them.
Amen
Friday, January 9, 2015
January 9, 2015
Genesis 24: 51 "Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as theLord has directed.”
The story of Isaac and Rebekah is well known. Isaac's mother, Sarah, has died. Abraham doesn't want him to marry outside their faith, so he sends the servant after a bride. The servant prays for a woman who will offer water to him and his camels. Rebekah appears and does that. Her father and brother respond with these words when he tells the story.
I was torn between this story and the story of Jesus at the Transfiguration. Both are ultimately stories which tell how people of faith follow God's will with good results. I especially like that Rebekah is asked for and gives consent to the plan.
Prayer: Let me see Your will for me as clearly as Your son and Rebekah's family did. Guide me to the good things You have prepared for me. I love and trust you.
Amen
The story of Isaac and Rebekah is well known. Isaac's mother, Sarah, has died. Abraham doesn't want him to marry outside their faith, so he sends the servant after a bride. The servant prays for a woman who will offer water to him and his camels. Rebekah appears and does that. Her father and brother respond with these words when he tells the story.
I was torn between this story and the story of Jesus at the Transfiguration. Both are ultimately stories which tell how people of faith follow God's will with good results. I especially like that Rebekah is asked for and gives consent to the plan.
Prayer: Let me see Your will for me as clearly as Your son and Rebekah's family did. Guide me to the good things You have prepared for me. I love and trust you.
Amen
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
January 7, 2015
Luke 7: 47 "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Jesus has gone to the Pharisee's home. A woman has washed and perfumed his feet. The Pharisee says he isn't a prophet, or he would see that she is a sinner. Jesus answers him this way.
This makes me feel better about MY sins. I feel greater love for my redeemer, because I know how great his forgiveness is. However it also means that I need to demonstrate my love in a big way.
Prayer: I love You, Lord. Guide me in the paths which best allow me to express that love.
Amen
Jesus has gone to the Pharisee's home. A woman has washed and perfumed his feet. The Pharisee says he isn't a prophet, or he would see that she is a sinner. Jesus answers him this way.
This makes me feel better about MY sins. I feel greater love for my redeemer, because I know how great his forgiveness is. However it also means that I need to demonstrate my love in a big way.
Prayer: I love You, Lord. Guide me in the paths which best allow me to express that love.
Amen
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
January 6, 2015
Luke 6: 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you
This follows the Beatitudes. Jesus is setting a higher standard for his followers. It is easy to love those who love you, and it is easy to loan to those you know will pay you back. It's also easy to bless and pray for friends. Jesus requires more.
I struggle with this. I think most people do. It i tempting to want payback. We, as Christians, have to rise above those feelings.
Prayer: Lord, bless those who have hurt me. Help me to dismiss those feelings of resentment towards them. Help me to be more like Your son.
Amen
This follows the Beatitudes. Jesus is setting a higher standard for his followers. It is easy to love those who love you, and it is easy to loan to those you know will pay you back. It's also easy to bless and pray for friends. Jesus requires more.
I struggle with this. I think most people do. It i tempting to want payback. We, as Christians, have to rise above those feelings.
Prayer: Lord, bless those who have hurt me. Help me to dismiss those feelings of resentment towards them. Help me to be more like Your son.
Amen
Sunday, January 4, 2015
January 4, 2015
Luke 4: 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
This was after all the temptation in the wilderness. Jesus refused to turn stones to bread. He wouldn't throw himself off the high place. And he refused to worship Satan in trade for all the kingdoms on Earth.
I was struck by the reference to an opportune time. Jesus has just begun his ministry. What was Satan thinking would be a better time? Was he thinking that people would let Jesus down? Was he thinking that the people in power would make Jesus's life too difficult for him to handle? I'm sure that Satan speaks to me when I am most discouraged.
Prayer: Keep the voice of Satan away from my ears, O Lord. Don't let him tempt me. I know that all power belongs to You, but I am weak. Remind me to turn away from the voice of evil and towards You when I am down.
Amen
This was after all the temptation in the wilderness. Jesus refused to turn stones to bread. He wouldn't throw himself off the high place. And he refused to worship Satan in trade for all the kingdoms on Earth.
I was struck by the reference to an opportune time. Jesus has just begun his ministry. What was Satan thinking would be a better time? Was he thinking that people would let Jesus down? Was he thinking that the people in power would make Jesus's life too difficult for him to handle? I'm sure that Satan speaks to me when I am most discouraged.
Prayer: Keep the voice of Satan away from my ears, O Lord. Don't let him tempt me. I know that all power belongs to You, but I am weak. Remind me to turn away from the voice of evil and towards You when I am down.
Amen
Friday, January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
Luke 2: 29.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace."
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace."
These are the words of Simeon. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. Then he felt the call to go to the temple when Christ was being consecrated to the Lord. He held Jesus as he said this. Mary and Joseph were amazed.
Mother and I went to the movies. When we returned to the car, she was short of breath. I started the car, and she reached for the seat belt and began to cry. She says she wasn't able to pull it around her. She sobbed and sobbed. I have been reluctant to acknowledge her comments about being ready to die. Now I am wondering if I need a prayer like Simeon's.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to Your will for Mother. I want her to never feel that way again. Those were her words, not mine, but I can let her go if You are ready to take her home. Comfort me as the loss to come becomes reality.
Amen
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