May 29, 2015

Romans 10: 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

Paul is talking about Jews and Gentiles again. He says no one can be held accountable for things they don't know. He praises those who bring the Good News. All we have to do is accept Christ in our hearts and share our belief. 

This is a good summary. We sometimes complicate our faith, but we don't need to. 

Prayer:  Lord, I accept You in my heart. I want to follow Your plan for my life, and I won't hesitate to let others know who I serve. 
Amen

May 28, 2015

Proverbs 9:  17 “Stolen water is sweet;
    food eaten in secret is delicious"

Folly is speaking in counterpoint to Wisdom. Wisdom is concerned with following God's will, with being righteous. Folly lures people into her house, where there are immediate pleasures. However, the people discover that they are "in the realm of the dead."

I am struck by the simplicity of Folly's argument. It does have its appeal. We like to feel that we have gotten away with something. Even very small children do this. It's a fundamental appeal which draws us in. We are all subjects to that feeling, but we can turn to God for forgiveness when we realize what we have done. 

Prayer: Help me to recognize Folly when she calls. Let Your wisdom override my temptation. Guide me in the way that leads to eternal life. 

Amen

May 27, 2015

Proverbs 6:  19 a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Solomon tells us 7 things God detests. This includes shedding innocent blood and lying. People who devised wicked schemes and who rush into evil are there too. Pride is another, and then we come to these seemingly lesser offenses.   

Well, lying about what someone else did is clearly wrong, but sometimes it makes a better story, and everyone loves some good gossip. It's hard to stop myself sometimes. I am enjoying the attention I get, and I am generally repeating truth. I beat myself up later, when I consider my intent was to stir up interest without regard to the greater good. I'm still working on this one. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am weak. I confess the times I added to conflict with my words. I'm sorry that I let my pride rule over Your will for my life. I'm a sinner, and I need forgiveness. 

Amen

May 26, 2015

Proverbs 3:  21
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
    preserve sound judgment and discretion

Solomon explains that wisdom comes from God. Wisdom speaks as God's will is revealed, but many don't listen. We suffer the natural consequences of our lapses, when we could have avoided the whole catastrophe.  If we are aware of and follow the voice of God, we live our ultimate life. 

This seems pretty deep and pretty simple at the same time. If only life didn't intervene, with all its demands and distractions, maybe we could fulfill God's vision. But maybe life is more the journey than the destination. And keeping wisdom and understanding in sight while juggling other tasks may be the real purpose of this world. 

Prayer:  Lord, guide me to keep Your will in my sight each day, even with the distraction of daily life. I believe that You have the answers. Help me to see them. 

Amen

May 24, 2015

Romans 5: 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Paul is talking about justification. Jesus's death justified us, but God's love predates even the crucifixion. In the OT readings lately, Solomon has built the temple. The words of prayer and song were that the Lord's love endures forever. The same sentiment is repeated in today's Psalm 136. Now we aren't merely justified by Christ's sacrifice, we are saved by his resurrection. 

The love of our God is eternal. That led to our salvation. Because he lived, I can face tomorrow. Because he lived, all fear is gone. We are blessed indeed. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am singing Your praises in my heart today. I'm not going to let the voice of doom into my head nor my heart. You are good all the time. I'm just going to be the grateful recipient of Your goodness. 
Amen

May 23, 2015

2 Chronicles 7: 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lordabove the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

“He is good; his love endures forever."

Solomon has just completed the temple. This is the first worship there. The musicians will use instruments that David had made to turn this into a praise song. The party lasted 7 days.

We are headed to a party, a baby shower for family. It's going to be a picnic too, but it won't last 7 hours. Well, maybe it will for some, but it won't for us. We will celebrate new life. It will be small compared to Solomon's fete.

Prayer:  I pray for my family, both traditional and church. There's so much need and so many blessings in both. I pray to find the joy in worship that Solomon had. Bless my time spent in praise and thanks.
Amen

May 22, 2015

1 Kings 8:  28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 

Solomon's temple is complete, and he speaks at its dedication. He asks whether God will actually live there, and he answers his own question. Of course God won't live there, so Solomon prays that He will hear and respond to the prayers of all who come there. He knows all of them will be sinners and in need of prayer. So he cites instances where there will be suffering which prayers could relieve. 

I was struck by the variety of needs Solomon saw that his people would have. Even the foreign visitor's prayers were included in his plea. Solomon's prayer for wisdom had been answered, and he applied his superior judgment to his people. What a guy!

Prayer:  I don't have the wisdom of Solomon, but I do earnestly pray to You, my God. I pray for healing and comfort for so many. I pray for guidance. I know that I need You. I beg for Your attention and response. Amen

May 21,2015

Psalm 98:  9
let them sing before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Paul talked about judgment too. He was warning the Christians about judging other people. We don't judge others as God does. We lack righteousness. We can't give true equity, because our judgment is clouded by self-interest. 

This passage has a lot to say about us. Our place to to praise and worship God and to serve others. Instead we try to do God's job through judgment.  What are we thinking?  We should just do our part and leave the rest to God. 

Prayer:  Lord, stop my slide into judgment. Help me to know when I am moving from observations to judgments. Instead guide me to praise Your mighty power. You are the only judge I need.

Amen 

May 19, 2015

2 Thessalonians 3:  15. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Paul is upset about Christians who are idle busybodies. They won't work. Paul says that they must work to eat. He tells the other church members to avoid them. He wants them to be ashamed of themselves. He draws the line at hating them however. 

It's tough when you know that someone you care about is taking advantage of you. It seems to happen so quickly. You want to serve them, but you don't want to be an enabler. You can withdraw your presence, you can tell them how you feel, but Paul says you shouldn't treat them like the enemy. 

Prayer:  Lord, help me to be a servant without letting others slide into unnecessary dependency. I want to be humble, but I don't want to be a doormat for others. It's not good for any of us. Help me to discern when service becomes an unnecessary drain. Give me the words to show others that they need to be more self-reliant. 
Amen

May 18, 2015

1 Kings 3:  12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 

God is speaking to Solomon in a dream. Solomon asked for wisdom, because he wasn't sure he was up to the task of being king. God was impressed. Solomon didn't ask for fame or wealth, but God granted those to him as well. 

I have been feeling disconnected from God lately. I know that means I moved, because He's immovable. I need to rethink my prayers. Just exactly what do I want?  I know that I want a cure for Ron, and I want my mother to recover from this depression she has had since Al's death. I want Elaine to get relief from her headaches. But what about me?

Prayer:  Lord, give my family healing. Be with those who suffer and mourn. Guide my life to serve You better. Help me to feel You beside me. I have not been as faithful as I could be, but I promise to try harder. 
Amen

May 17, 2015

Psalm 95:  5

The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.

The Psalmist is praising God's creation. He speaks of the depths of the earth and its mountains as well. We are advised to praise God in worship for all He has done. 

I read this, and I started thinking about the sea. I swam in it last Monday, and I sailed on it Wednesday. I enjoyed seeing its creatures around the Indian River Lagoon. The sea is amazing, and I saw the mountains with new eyes when I returned home. God's creation is wonderful!

Prayer:  I will praise You, Lord, for Your creations. I am so blessed to be able to appreciate the natural beauty around me. I know You are there for me, just as Your creations surround me. I pray to feel Your presence in my daily life. 

Amen

May 16, 2015

Psalm 91:  4
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

The Psalmist talks about our relationship with God. We need not fear the terrors of the night nor the battles of the day. We don't need to fear illness or injury. God is our refuge, because He recognizes our love for Him. 

I am home, but my worries remain. Ron has finished the treatment, but his last bloodwork indicates that he may still not have found the cure he needs. My mother is depressed, dealing with the death of her brother and family secrets revealed. I always worry about my children, and my nieces and nephews have their own challenges. I need to find peace in God's refuge. 

Prayer:  Lord, cover me and mine with Your wings. Protect and shield us. We need Your power and guidance. I love You, and I am trusting in Your faithfulness. 

Amen

May 15, 2015

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

Paul tells the church not to engage in sexual immortality. Specifically, he warns against satisfying lust in a way that would take advantage of another. Then he says their love for each other is evident, offering this verse as a means to gain the respect of the community. 

I am just home from 3 weeks with Mother, and this verse describes what I want. I came home to find a mess, and I want to hang out close by here, minding my business and working to get my home in shape. 

Prayer: Thanks for the opportunity to rest and refresh in my own home. I love the concept of a quiet life at home. I promise to stay in touch through Bible study and prayer. 
Amen

May 14, 2015

1 Thessalonians 3: 10.Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Timothy has reported to Paul about the church. Paul was afraid that they might have suffered a lack of faith in his absence, but he was pleased with the report. He hopes to come back to see them soon. 

I begin my trip home today, after being gone for 3 weeks. I am so glad to return, but I will miss being able to spend time with Mother and my other Florida friends and family. I agree with Paul completely. 

Prayer:  Lord, be with those I leave in Florida. Guide and comfort them. I pray for safe travels and for those at home as well. Help me to be the person they need in their individual walks of faith. 
Amen

May 10, 2015

2 Samuel 18:  33 So the king knew Absalom was dead and he became very upset. He went upstairs to the room over the gate, crying, “O my son Absalom! My son Absalom, I wish I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

David has stayed behind while his commanders go to rout Absalom and the insurgents. David has told them to be kind to his son, but Joab and his followers killed him and buried him in a hole. Then Joab sent an Ethiopian to tell David, because he was a foreigner. 

It's Mother's Day, so I chose this verse as a commentary on parenthood. David knew that Absalom wanted David dead, and he had tried but failed to do that. Nonetheless, David hopes that Absalom can be saved. In the NT verses, Jesus is crucified. How God must have suffered to watch His son die!

Prayer: I know You love me, and one way I get a glimpse of Your love is through mine for my children. I pray for them, and I pray for my mother too. I pray for Your children all over the world. I pray for the broken-hearted children and parents who suffer when they think of their families. And I praise You for the blessings You have given to me and to my family. 
Amen

May 9, 2015

Matthew 26:  66. "What do you think?”

The Jewish leaders answered, “He is guilty, and he must die.”

The high priest speaks first. Jesus has admitted that he is the Messiah. He tells them that they will see him at God's right hand. That infuriates the priests. 

The certainty of the priests is what gets me. They are so sure that Jesus is a blasphemer.  They are so sure that his death is the answer. I don't think I could ever be so certain about ending anyone's life, even if they were guilty of murder. I know that I could never condone someone's death based on his or her words. 

May 8, 2015

Matthew 25:  27 Everyone who uses what they have will get more. They will have much more than they need. But people who do not use what they have will have everything taken away from them.

Jesus is still talking about the kingdom of God. This is following the story of the servants who were given different numbers of bags of money. One said he was afraid to lose what he was given, so he buried it in the ground until the master returned. The others used their money to make more money. 

Jesus later speaks about separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep helped those who were in need. The goats protested that they didn't ignore Jesus's need, but they did ignore his people. The goats were sent to the devil, and the sheep were accepted into the Kingdom. Really those are the same things. Don't live a small life, protecting your wealth. Reach out and spread your faith and your gifts. 

Prayer:  Guide me to use the gifts You have given me wisely. Let me be more aware of those I can help. Make my heart open up instead of selfishly protecting my own interests. 
Amen

May 7, 2015

Matthew 24:  27 When the Son of Man comes, everyone will see him. It will be like lightning flashing in the sky that can be seen everywhere.

Jesus is talking about his Second Coming. He says many people will say a new Messiah has come, but there won't be any doubt when it really happens. Everyone will know. There will be a short time of great trouble, and then the rapture will happen. 

I know people who believe that we are near the Second Coming. They think they see the signs. I'm kind of afraid. I don't want to see the great trouble, even though I want to live in God's kingdom. I don't want to see loved ones who don't recognize God be punished. 

Prayer:  I pray for those who don't know You. I would like for everyone to feel Your love. I pray for those who think their sins are too great to forgive. I promise to be ready for You, by spreading Your love wherever I go. 
Amen

May 6, 2015

Matthew 23:  23 It will be bad for you teachers of the law and you Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You give God a tenth of the food you get, even your mint, dill, and cumin.[d] But you don’t obey the really important teachings of the law—being fair, showing mercy, and being faithful. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things. 

Jesus is disgusted with the religious authorities in Jerusalem. They are all about rules, but they lack the human feelings which are the backbone of the rules. They believe that they are better than those who surrounds them. They congratulate themselves on their willingness to follow the rules, and they seek the adulation of others for their piety. 

It's not easy to be a follower of Christ. If it's easy, I'm not doing it right. The rush to judgment, the tendency to pat ourselves on the back, the way we try to solve our own problems without consulting God in Scripture and prayer all prove how inadequate we are. 

Prayer:  I love You, God. You are so much greater than I can ever be. Let my motivation be seeking Your approval and no one else's. Guide my actions by love and mercy for Your people. Help me to contribute to a climate of justice. I serve only You. 
Amen

May 5, 2015

Matthew 22:  40 "All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.”

The Pharisees are after Jesus again. They ask for the greatest commandment. Jesus says it's, "Love the Lord, your God, with all my your heart and soul and might."  He adds the second as well, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

It seems so simple. You just have to love our Creator and His creation. So why is life so complicated?  Why do we have wars and poverty and racism?  Why can't we just follow God?   We are selfish and greedy. We disagree and treat those who don't share our viewpoint disrespectfully. 

Prayer:  Lord, Your people must be such a disappointment to You. Given the simplest of tasks, we fail and fall short. Help me to see the path You would have me follow so that I can follow Your commands. 
Amen

May 4, 2015

Matthew 21:  32 John came showing you the right way to live, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes believed John. You saw that happening, but you would not change. You still refused to believe him.

Jesus talks a lot about John the Baptist after Palm Sunday. He knows what is coming, and he knows that it could have been avoided if the people had accepted John's testimony. A lot of people thought that he was a prophet, but the ones in power did nothing to save him from being beheaded on a whim. 

How would the history of western civilization be changed if those in power accepted John's teaching?  Would he and Jesus have begun a new way of life for the coming generations without the crucifixion and resurrection?  John never appeared to be the kind of authority that leads churches. He was outside that hierarchy. It's hard to imagine the Roman Catholic Church as headed by him....no pomp, no pageantry.

Prayer:  Lord, let me find Your truth in the less obvious places. Help me to discern the people who speak with Your authority wherever I encounter them. Direct my words and actions to better reflect You. 
Amen

May 3, 2015

1 Chronicles 17:  27 "You have been kind enough to bless my family. You were kind enough to promise that my family will serve you forever. Lord, you yourself blessed my family, so my family really will be blessed forever.”

David is speaking to God. He was concerned about the ark residing in a tent while David had a nice house. God speaks to Nathan, telling him that David isn't the one who will build God's house. His son will, and David's line will continue through him. 

I am praying for my blessed family today. The widow of my uncle, whose memorial service we attended last weekend, is back in the hospital. Her heart is the problem. Her children are suffering with her. We are a family who serves God, so I know their faith is a comfort now. 

Prayer:  Lord, give strength and peace to my family as they face the loss of Al and now the illness of Marge. We are a family blessed by generations of faith. Your comfort is needed in this time of trouble. 
Amen

May 2, 2015

Matthew 19:  24 Then Jesus said to his followers, “The truth is, it will be very hard for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom."

The rich young man had followed the 10 Commandments. He asked what else he needed to do in order to enter heaven. Jesus said he should sell everything and follow him. The young man was very sad, because he couldn't do that. 

I wonder about us. We are so privileged, and we don't want to lose our things either. So many of us think we are going to heaven, but we love our privileges. It's so good that we have grace. We really are unworthy. 

Prayer:  I am sorry, Lord, that I am so much like the rich young man. Help me to focus on what is truly important. You are so great, and I am weak. 
Amen