March 31, 2015

Psalm 49:  7
Truly, no ransom avails for one’s life,[a]
    there is no price one can give to God for it.

The Psalmist talks about life eternal. We can't buy eternal life. No matter how wealthy someone is, they will die. So how can we obtain eternity?  Not through riches.  Not even though knowledge.

So we are left to rely on God and his mercy. We must accept a greater power, the One who sent His only son to save us. What a powerful thought as Good Friday approaches!

Prayer:  Lord, I give thanks for the death and resurrection of my Saviour. Nothing I can ever do will repay his sacrifice, so it is quite a blessing that Your grace is sufficient. I love and worship You.

Amen

March 29, 2015

1 Corinthians 14:  1 Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.

Paul is comparing prophesying with speaking in tongues. He says that speaking in tongues is impressive to non-believers, but that prophesying is better, unless the words are interpreted for the church. 

I am impressed by the fact that Paul puts prophesying up there with love. We all know that Jesus put love of our fellow men and worship of God as the only real requirements of faith. So prophesying is really important, and we should focus on hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking within us.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to hear Your voice speaking to me. Your will can be done when I recognize and act on it. I pray for Your will to be done, and I pray that I may discern it daily.
Amen

March 28, 2015

Psalm 39:  1. I said, “I will guard my ways
    that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will keep a muzzle on my mouth
    as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

David is under attack, but he sits and waits quietly. He is impatient with God. He doesn't give up, though. He cries and asks for forgiveness. 

This speaks to yesterday's post. I am discouraged about my friends repeating my comments about a co-worker to him. I have confessed my sin, but I will consider the people who love drama more than they desire to protect me. I am not dissimilar, and I prove that time and again. I talk to get a desired reaction, and I don't consider the effects of my words.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to hear Your voice before I put my foot in my mouth again. I need to consider the ripple effect my words will have before speaking in anger. Forgive my transgressions and guide me to more loving kindness in the future. 

Amen

March 27, 2015

1 Corinthians 12:  27.Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Paul is talking about fruits of the spirit. He names and describes them. We cannot expect everyone to have all the gifts. We need to recognize and appreciate the gifts we have and those our fellow Christians have. 

I chose this in guilt. I was angry, and I shot off my mouth. I am trying to be a good member of the body of Christ, but I fail all the time.

Prayer: I am sorry, for I have sinned. I was angry, and I felt justified, but I should have kept my mouth shut. Please forgive me. 
Amen

March 25, 2015

1 Corinthians 10:  22 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. 

Paul is telling about eating food which was sacrificed to an idol. He wraps this up by saying that everything is legal for the Christians, but not everything is beneficial. We are not prohibiting from eating anything, but we should consider the effects of our actions on others who are witness to them.

This struck me because of an event locally. First I saw an announcement by a medium in a nearby town asking for customers for her readings. This morning I saw that a FB friend had paid for one. She was comforted by the contact she believes she had from beyond. Other friends advised her that she had been duped. One friend said she would never do that for fear of allowing demons into her home. I am thinking that there is a real danger for my friend.

Prayer: Protect Your people from the demons around us.  My friend has suffered so much trauma, and I fear that she is being led into temptation. Be there, so that she feels Your comforting presence. Give her and the rest of us the strength to resist the lure of an easy fix. Strengthen our faith in the true path to You instead.
Amen

March 24, 2015

1 Corinthians 9:  22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. 

Paul is claiming the right of the clergy to a portion of the church offering, just as Moses and Joshua claimed a portion of the Israelites' sacrifices for the Levites. He says that he personally will not take a share, although it would be within his rights to do that. He doesn't want side issues like money or Mosaic law to interfere with his message. It's that important.

I wonder what Paul would think about the wealth of some of today's clergymen. I do believe that pastors deserve compensation, but I can't help but doubt the faith of those who disregard the needy of this world as they live in luxury. 

Prayer:  I humbly appeal for guidance in the distribution of the assets I acquire. I want to participate in helping my neighbors worldwide, but I need to provide for my family too. Show me how You would have me contribute to Your work on Earth.
Amen

March 23, 2015

1 Corinthians 8:  12 But when you thus sin against members of your family,[c] and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 

Paul is talking about food. He says food will not change our relationship with God. God doesn't care what we eat. But if we do anything which causes another believer to sin, based on us as role models, then we sin too.

Paul is quite a task master. He wants the Christians to be examples to each other and to nonbelievers. We should consider how our behavior can lead others to Christ or to rejecting faith. 

Prayer:  Help my weak and sinful self to be a strong and faithful representative of Your power and might. Guide my words and actions to be all You know that I am capable of.
Amen

March 22, 2015

Joshua 13:  33 But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance, as he said to them.

These chapters were an accounting of the kings conquered by the Israelites, and then there is an accounting of the division of land. The Levites didn't get an allotment of land. Their share of the offerings given to God was their portion. 

This makes me think about clergy today. The popular vision is the wealth of the famous few. There are many more, in this day of megachurches, who are quite well paid. But I know those who serve as pastors while holding other jobs to make ends meet. How should we, the congregation, view our responsibility to those who have taken the mantle of the Levites?

Prayer: Guide me, as a Christian, to give the proper respect and financial commitment to Your pastors, Lord. Help me to see how my witness can assist them in service to You.
Amen

March 21, 2015

Joshua 9:  14 So the leaders partook of their provisions, and did not ask direction from the Lord.

The Gibeonites were very smart. They had heard about the Chosen People and their victories at Jericho and Ai. They disguised themselves as travelers, and they appealed to the leaders to make a peace treaty. When the Israelites found out about the deception, they couldn't attack the Gibeonites. They had already sworn an oath to God to have peace. So they made the Gibeonites their slaves, and the Gibeonites were just glad to be saved. 

I found this verse which reminded me of my faith at times. I think that I have things under control. I don't look to God for advice. Then I discover that my control is not sufficient.  

Prayer:  I need You, how I need You. Every hour I need You. This song sums up my faith. You have the best plan for me at all times. Guide me to You, and make me uncomfortable when I forget to pray for guidance. 
Amen

March 20, 2015

Psalm 69:  32 
Let the oppressed see it and be glad;
    you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

David is talking about a song of thanksgiving he will write. The Lord will hear it and like it, just like he hears the cry of the oppressed. David is asking God for protection from his enemies. 

I am pleased with the image of the happiness of the oppressed when they hear the praise song. Isn't it wonderful that all of us can find a renewed heart in worship and praise?

Prayer:  Be with me, my Lord. I want to spend time with others who share my belief in Your goodness. I am so grateful for the many blessings of life with You. 

Amen

March 19, 2015

1 Corinthians 4:  12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure

Paul is talking about the disciples. He continues to say that they speak kindly, even when slandered. They are being treated like trash. The people in the church are tired of waiting for Paul to return. He has sent Timothy to them, and he hopes to come soon to straighten out the arrogant people of the congregation. 

I am inspired by the devotion Paul speaks about. To persevere when weary, to bless and speak kindly while you are slandered and ridiculed, to endure through persecution, that is true service to the Lord. I want to feel that kind of strength in faith. 

Prayer:  Lord, make my faith strong. Guide me to follow You every day in every way. I am Your servant. Thy will be done in my life, today and every day.
Amen

March 18, 2015

Psalm 37:  24 
though we stumble,[c] we[d] shall not fall headlong,
    for the Lord holds us by the hand.

This is another of David's Psalms. He is now old, and he noticed that the Lord's people are doing well. They aren't hungry. They live without shame. The wicked try to bring them down, but the Lord's faithful to them in times of trouble. 

I stumble. I do that pretty often. I am so glad that I serve a God who stops my headlong fall. I have been hurt by the wicked, but I can forgive, because I know that God has my back. 

Prayer:  Praises to the almighty God. He stands with me and protects me. He gives me comfort when I suffer. He provides for my needs. I am indeed blessed. 

Amen

March 17, 2015

Deuteronomy 32:  2 
May my teaching drop like the rain,
    my speech condense like the dew;
like gentle rain on grass,
    like showers on new growth.

The speaker goes on to remind the listener how good God is. He reminds them of God's faithful protection of a stubborn and unfaithful people. Moses and Joshua recited this song to the people shortly before Moses's death. 

I chose this verse because of its imagery. The natural references ring so true. I can picture the water on the thirsty new plants. I love the idea that learning about God is like that. 

Prayer:  Help me to teach in this way, Lord. Let me show others Your glory. Show me how to lead others to You. 

Amen

March 14, 2015

Galatians 5:  22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. 

Paul is still fighting the circumcision battle. He says we are free from the old laws since we follow Christ. But he warns against following the desires of the flesh instead of these fruits of the Spirit. 

No one could argue against the fruits. What a noble goal to aim for!  If only it was easy to follow this path!  But our self interests always intervene, causing us to act in a contrary way. We aren't patient or kind. We can't control our impulses. 

Prayer:  Help me to cling to the fruits of the Spirit, Lord. Guide my thoughts, words and actions towards loving kindness. Help me to know when self-interest is leading me down the wrong path. 
Amen

March 11, 2015

Galatians 2:  10 They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was  eager to do.

Paul is telling how he became the one who brought the message to the Gentiles, while Peter brought it to the Jews. He tells of the dissension caused by the Jews who thought that Gentiles should have been circumcised. He ends by saying that Jesus died in vain if it is a necessity to follow Jewish laws to be justified. 

I like the one requirement that the Jewish leaders made once they understood Paul's point. It goes along with the sermon I heard last week. We work to share with the poor. Paul was eager to do that, and we should be too.  

Prayer: Help me to be Your agent for the poor. I work hard, and I want to share. Guide me to the best way to serve Your people.
Amen

March 9, 2015

Mark 16:  7 " But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 

The stranger in Jesus's tomb says this to the women who have come to anoint his body. They are in shock. They had just been wondering how they were going to be able to move the huge stone from the tomb, and it was already done. Then this man speaks to them. He tells them that Jesus has been raised from the dead. 

Those women must have been so flustered. They were trying to do the right thing for a friend who had passed away. They surely weren't expecting to find an empty tomb. I have to think that they were at least a little skeptical about the stranger and what he said. I am also surprised that Peter got a shout-out separate from the rest. Did Jesus think he needed special encouragement since the denying him 3 times had happened?

Prayer:  Lord, the takeaway from today's reading for me is that the impossible is possible with God. I am asking for healing for Ron. We have had several days of relatively good health. Today is not one of those. I am asking for a good outcome from this treatment--for few side effects and for the cure he so desperately needs. His health has been a driving issue in our lives for so long. Lift this burden from us.
Amen

March 8, 2015

Mark 15:  46 Then Joseph[l] bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body,[m] wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 

Jesus was flogged by Pilate and turned over for crucifixion. He died before Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body. Pilate made sure he was dead and said okay. Then Joseph put his body in a tomb while the Mary's watched. 

I wanted to focus on Joseph of Arimathea. He was a respected member of the council. And he was waiting for God's kingdom. I was interested to find out that many think he is the rich man referred to in Isaiah's prophecies that the Messiah would be with the rich in death. 

Prayer:  While his closest friends were denying knowing Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea boldly asked for and prepared his body for burial in Joseph's own tomb. I pray to have the faith to risk the favor of public opinion like he did. Guide me to do what is right in Your eyes. 
Amen

March 7, 2015

Mark 14:  62 Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

The high priest has asked Jesus if he's the Messiah. This answer caused the high priest to call him a blasphemer. Then the others say it's a crime which results in death. 

Jesus's words don't seem so alarming to me. He has been preaching and healing for some time. He overturned the money chamber's tables at the temple. Surely the high priest had begun to realize that this was no ordinary guy. Why is this answer such a shock?

Prayer:  I am like the high priest at times. I see and hear but I don't understand. Guide me to find Your truth in situations I find myself questioning. Help me to be Your faithful servant. 

Amen

March 6, 2015

Psalm 36:  6
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
    your judgments are like the great deep;
    you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.

The chapters today are full of great verses. Moses gets to see the Promised Land, but he doesn't get to cross the Jordan to go to it. He prepares those who will go after his death with some tough talk. Jesus tells about his second coming, also with some tough talk. And David has some tough talk about wicked people. 

The verse I chose emphasizes the One in charge. God is strong, and His judgment is deep. He is omnipresent, with all of us. As we travel through the mountains and towards the sea today, as we leave our beloved pets behind while we vacation, I am comforted by the mighty power of my Lord.

Prayer:  I ask for Your mercy on us as we travel, and I ask that You comfort and protect our pups here at home. Keep all of us in good health, and return us to be together when our vacation is over.

Amen

March 5, 2015

Mark 12:  31The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

The scribe asks Jesus which command is greatest. The first command is to love God wholeheartedly. That along with love your neighbor make the greatest commandments. The scribe agreed. Jesus acknowledged the scribe's faith, and everyone stopped peppering him with questions. 

I like the short sweet version. Love God as well as you can. Don't think of yourself as better than anybody else. Love them and yourself. That pretty well sums it up. 

Prayer:  Lord, I do love You. Help me to love You more. I try to be caring with others. I know that my self-interest can intrude on my good intentions. Guide me to more loving kindness in thoughts and deeds.  
Amen

March 3, 2015

Mark 10:  49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.”

He is Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. He wants to be healed, but others have tried to quiet his calls to Jesus. When he gets to Jesus, he is indeed healed. 

I like this verse taken out of context. Imagine that you are him. You hear Jesus telling the others to bring you over. Then the ones who were trying to silence you tell you that you are welcome to go to Jesus. He is calling for you!

Prayer:  Lord, I am listening. I have been calling to You for healing. Please call for me. My faith is strong, and I need Your healing hand set upon Ron. We are working for the cure, but the path seems dark today. Send Your light and employ Your healing powers.
Amen

March 2, 2015

Mark 9:  40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 

The disciples saw someone casting out demons in Jesus's name, and they tried to stop him. He wasn't one of the disciples. But Jesus says they should have left him alone. Anyone who does good in Christ's name will be rewarded. 

I will contemplate this short verse a long time. I tend to think that people are against me, perhaps too often. If they are not against me, they are for me. Okay, so I need to give them and myself a break. Mainly myself, since they don't even know that I am thinking about the slights I am attributing to them.

Prayer:  Increase my humility, Lord. Help me to see the people around me in a more favorable light. Perhaps I am wasting my time and energy thinking people are against me, when they are on my side. 
Amen