Revelations 2: 5 So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you don’t change, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
This is directed at the Ephesians. God's message to them is mostly good news. They have remained faithful, working hard. They have recognized false prophets. But they have lost their fervor, and God doesn't approve of lukewarm Christians.
I struggle with this. I remember the times when I have felt really close to God, and I miss that feeling. It's so easy to be caught up in the day to day demands of life. Faith takes a back seat, which it never should.
Prayer: I want to be more faithful. I need a changed heart. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Show me how to be a better servant.
Amen
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
August 27, 2015
Psalm 143: 11
Lord, let me live
so that people will praise your name.
Show me how good you are
and save me from my trouble.
Lord, let me live
so that people will praise your name.
Show me how good you are
and save me from my trouble.
David's enemies are after him. He is ready to give up. Then he remembers all that God has done for him, and he asks for God's help.
I don't have enemies who want to kill me, but I mourn the loss of relationships I thought were strong. The other people have demonstrated that they don't share the feeling of closeness I thought we had. That hurts. I don't wish them harm, but I do need comfort from my God.
Prayer: I have troubles, Lord. I'm hurting from the neglect of people I considered friends. Show me how to turn this into something that will glorify You.
Amen
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
August 26, 2015
3 John 4. It always gives me the greatest joy when I hear that my children are following the way of truth.
John wrote these letters to friends. He talks about his activities and what he has heard about the recipients and their churches. He is glad to hear that his friend is faithful. He hopes he is healthy too.
There wasn't much to choose from in today's reading. Babylon is going to get what they deserve, says Jeremiah. And John converses by letter with a friend. I chose this verse because it's positive. I am not feeling so positive today. I'm hurting about my children and their relationship. I long to say John's words and to mean them.
Prayer: I need Your help, Lord. I don't understand what is going on in my own family. I feel a great distance between us, and the closeness of our family usually brings me such peace. I'm handing this one to You. Help us.
Amen
John wrote these letters to friends. He talks about his activities and what he has heard about the recipients and their churches. He is glad to hear that his friend is faithful. He hopes he is healthy too.
There wasn't much to choose from in today's reading. Babylon is going to get what they deserve, says Jeremiah. And John converses by letter with a friend. I chose this verse because it's positive. I am not feeling so positive today. I'm hurting about my children and their relationship. I long to say John's words and to mean them.
Prayer: I need Your help, Lord. I don't understand what is going on in my own family. I feel a great distance between us, and the closeness of our family usually brings me such peace. I'm handing this one to You. Help us.
Amen
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
Jeremiah 38: 6
So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it,only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.
Jeremiah has been called to the king over and over. The king hopes that Jeremiah will change the prophecy he has made about the overthrowing of Jerusalem. It doesn't happen, so the king hands him over to his officials.
Poor Jeremiah. All he has ever done was to serve God faithfully. Now he's sitting in the mud and will surely die at the bottom of the cistern. He's saved, but his message never changed. I'm grateful for servants like Jeremiah who never waver in their faith.
Prayer: Make my faith stronger, Lord. Let me always tell Your truth, no matter the consequences. Be with me as I attempt to become a more faithful servant.
Amen
So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it,only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.
Jeremiah has been called to the king over and over. The king hopes that Jeremiah will change the prophecy he has made about the overthrowing of Jerusalem. It doesn't happen, so the king hands him over to his officials.
Poor Jeremiah. All he has ever done was to serve God faithfully. Now he's sitting in the mud and will surely die at the bottom of the cistern. He's saved, but his message never changed. I'm grateful for servants like Jeremiah who never waver in their faith.
Prayer: Make my faith stronger, Lord. Let me always tell Your truth, no matter the consequences. Be with me as I attempt to become a more faithful servant.
Amen
Monday, August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
Psalm 74: 12
But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.
But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.
This is the message throughout today's Scripture reading. God is our salvation; He is the key to life eternal. John elaborates by adding God's son, Jesus, into the mix. We gain eternal life when we acknowledge Christ.
I like the King from long ago image. I picture my God looking down on the world as it was hundreds and thousands of years ago. It's the same God watching over me today. Everything else changes, but God stands firm.
Prayer: I love You, God. I love Your son and the Holy Spirit too. You are always there for me, just as You were there in the past. I long to improve my relationship with You and to live as You would want.
Amen
Sunday, August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
1 John 4: 19. We love because he first loved us.
John talks a lot about love. He follows this verse with the part which tells us that we can't love God unless we love His people, who we have seen. A person can't love an unseen God unless we can love those we do see
I'm like everyone else. I find some people more lovable than others. There are good reasons, and not so good reasons, but some people just appeal more to me. God through Jesus, makes it clear that it's unacceptable to follow that path. Only through loving all His people can we perfect our love of God.
Prayer: I want to do a better job of loving Your people, Lord. Guide me towards loving kindness. Make of me the kind of servant You would have.
Amen
John talks a lot about love. He follows this verse with the part which tells us that we can't love God unless we love His people, who we have seen. A person can't love an unseen God unless we can love those we do see
I'm like everyone else. I find some people more lovable than others. There are good reasons, and not so good reasons, but some people just appeal more to me. God through Jesus, makes it clear that it's unacceptable to follow that path. Only through loving all His people can we perfect our love of God.
Prayer: I want to do a better job of loving Your people, Lord. Guide me towards loving kindness. Make of me the kind of servant You would have.
Amen
Thursday, August 20, 2015
August 20, 2015
1 John 1: 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
John explains Christ and his message. His message is that God is light; He never sins. We will always sin, so if we say we don't, we are not in relationship with God. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us.
This is a sticking point for many. They justify their actions, saying that they are good people, and that's enough. They don't need God. But none of us is ever going to be good enough on our own. We Christians know that everyone needs God's grace.
Prayer: I need Your grace, God. I sin and fall short of what you want for me. I feed my ego at the expense of others. I'm selfish. I harbor grudges. Please forgive me, Lord.
Amen
John explains Christ and his message. His message is that God is light; He never sins. We will always sin, so if we say we don't, we are not in relationship with God. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us.
This is a sticking point for many. They justify their actions, saying that they are good people, and that's enough. They don't need God. But none of us is ever going to be good enough on our own. We Christians know that everyone needs God's grace.
Prayer: I need Your grace, God. I sin and fall short of what you want for me. I feed my ego at the expense of others. I'm selfish. I harbor grudges. Please forgive me, Lord.
Amen
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
August 19, 2015
John 21: 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return,what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Jesus has been talking to Peter. He asks him 3 times if he loves Jesus, and he says he does. Then Peter sees John and asked Jesus, "How about him?" This is Jesus's reply.
According to John, some people thought Jesus said John would be immortal. That's not the point. He was just telling Peter, and the rest of us, that everyone else's walk is not our business. We must walk our own path to him.
Prayer: I want so much for others to feel their faith as i have. I pray for the unbelievers, but I respect that my path isn't theirs. I ask for strengthened faith for myself. Show me how to represent You in a way that they can understand.
Amen
Jesus has been talking to Peter. He asks him 3 times if he loves Jesus, and he says he does. Then Peter sees John and asked Jesus, "How about him?" This is Jesus's reply.
According to John, some people thought Jesus said John would be immortal. That's not the point. He was just telling Peter, and the rest of us, that everyone else's walk is not our business. We must walk our own path to him.
Prayer: I want so much for others to feel their faith as i have. I pray for the unbelievers, but I respect that my path isn't theirs. I ask for strengthened faith for myself. Show me how to represent You in a way that they can understand.
Amen
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
August 18, 2015
John 20: 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus talks to Thomas, who wouldn't believe that the other disciples had seen Jesus until he was able to see and touch him.
We are the people Jesus was talking about. We haven't seen, and people have waited 2000 years for a second coming the disciples believed would come in their lifetime. It's hard to stay faithful, but there are many faithful Christians all over the world today.
Prayer: Today I am thankful for those who have faithfully followed Your word for so many years. They make it possible for believers today to keep the faith. Stay with Your people, Lord, and guide us in the path You would choose for us.
Amen
Jesus talks to Thomas, who wouldn't believe that the other disciples had seen Jesus until he was able to see and touch him.
We are the people Jesus was talking about. We haven't seen, and people have waited 2000 years for a second coming the disciples believed would come in their lifetime. It's hard to stay faithful, but there are many faithful Christians all over the world today.
Prayer: Today I am thankful for those who have faithfully followed Your word for so many years. They make it possible for believers today to keep the faith. Stay with Your people, Lord, and guide us in the path You would choose for us.
Amen
Sunday, August 16, 2015
August 16, 2015
Jeremiah 22: 16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?”
declares the Lord.
He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah has watched his people fail to listen to his prophecies. His faith is strong, but the people won't listen to his warnings. He tells them what will happen if they repent and follow God. But he knows that they won't, and the Babylonians will prevail.
Defending the poor and needy is what it means to know God. It's not an easy life, when those with the means to help turn their heads away. How can we follow God and also live our selfish lives?
Prayer: Lord, show me how I can best serve Your poor and needy people. Guide me to be Your hands on Earth. I am working on loving my neighbor, and I want to be the best follower I can be. Help me see how to serve.
Amen
Saturday, August 15, 2015
August 15, 2015
John 17: 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Jesus spoke about his disciples. He later says that he was not only praying for his faithful followers, but that he also prayed for all believers.
This speaks to me. I'm not supposed to be out of the world. I'm supposed to ask for strength to resist the devil. He comes to me and tries to lead me off the straight and narrow path God has planned for me. I need a lot of prayer to stay the course!
Prayer: Protect me from the evil one, Lord. I know he wants to see me fall, and he knows my every weakness. I look to You to follow Your path for me.
Amen
Jesus spoke about his disciples. He later says that he was not only praying for his faithful followers, but that he also prayed for all believers.
This speaks to me. I'm not supposed to be out of the world. I'm supposed to ask for strength to resist the devil. He comes to me and tries to lead me off the straight and narrow path God has planned for me. I need a lot of prayer to stay the course!
Prayer: Protect me from the evil one, Lord. I know he wants to see me fall, and he knows my every weakness. I look to You to follow Your path for me.
Amen
Thursday, August 13, 2015
August 13, 2015
John 15: 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Jesus is preparing the disciples for life without him. He explains what they are supposed to do. He warns them of the hardships to come. And yet the number one rule is to love each other, just as he and our God love us.
It's not always easy to meet others with love. They have their own agendas, which so often conflict with ours. They cause pain to others we love. I'm struggling with this a bit. My inclination is to walk away, but Jesus makes it clear that I am supposed to extend my love to everyone, just as he did.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be the person You see. But I am weak, and my steps falter at times. Hold me up, and grant me the strength to do what You would have me do. And that's to love all Your people.
Amen
Jesus is preparing the disciples for life without him. He explains what they are supposed to do. He warns them of the hardships to come. And yet the number one rule is to love each other, just as he and our God love us.
It's not always easy to meet others with love. They have their own agendas, which so often conflict with ours. They cause pain to others we love. I'm struggling with this a bit. My inclination is to walk away, but Jesus makes it clear that I am supposed to extend my love to everyone, just as he did.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be the person You see. But I am weak, and my steps falter at times. Hold me up, and grant me the strength to do what You would have me do. And that's to love all Your people.
Amen
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
August 12, 2015
John 14: 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you.
Jesus prepared the disciples for his death. He talks of going to his father's mansion and of coming back to get them. They won't see him any more, but they will get the Holy Spirit.
It's tough to face a world that doesn't see the One we follow. We feel it, but we can't really explain that to the skeptics. And we do live in this world, so doubt can creep in pretty easily. Faith is a gift, but there are strings attached. The price is high, but the payoff is amazing!
Prayer: Lord, I am not as strong in faith as I could be. Guide me on the path which takes me closer to You. Help me to feel the Spirit inside me at all times.
Amen
Jesus prepared the disciples for his death. He talks of going to his father's mansion and of coming back to get them. They won't see him any more, but they will get the Holy Spirit.
It's tough to face a world that doesn't see the One we follow. We feel it, but we can't really explain that to the skeptics. And we do live in this world, so doubt can creep in pretty easily. Faith is a gift, but there are strings attached. The price is high, but the payoff is amazing!
Prayer: Lord, I am not as strong in faith as I could be. Guide me on the path which takes me closer to You. Help me to feel the Spirit inside me at all times.
Amen
Monday, August 10, 2015
August 10, 2015
John 12: 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue
The next verse states that they loved human praise more than God's praise. Palm Sunday has just happened, and everyone knows about Lazarus. People who loved God could see the truth.
I don't want to be like these quiet believers! How could they be so cowed by the powers that be? They couldn't possibly understand who God is! I know that the power of God is the greatest power ever, and pleasing God is my number one priority!
Prayer: I want to please You, Lord. Being part of Your church is important, but nothing is more important than following Your will for me. Help me to be the person You know that I can be.
Amen
The next verse states that they loved human praise more than God's praise. Palm Sunday has just happened, and everyone knows about Lazarus. People who loved God could see the truth.
I don't want to be like these quiet believers! How could they be so cowed by the powers that be? They couldn't possibly understand who God is! I know that the power of God is the greatest power ever, and pleasing God is my number one priority!
Prayer: I want to please You, Lord. Being part of Your church is important, but nothing is more important than following Your will for me. Help me to be the person You know that I can be.
Amen
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
August 5, 2015
John 7: 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
The Pharisees speak to Nicodemus. He wants to know whether Jewish law condemns someone without giving him a chance to defend himself. They answer condescendingly.
I hate the tone of this reply to a genuine question. People have gotten a gang mentality. They know they are right, everyone around them will confirm that. They don't like any implications which challenged conventional thinking.
Prayer: Lord, always keep my thoughts open so that I will recognize You when You speak to me. Help me to know when I veer from Your path. You always know what is best for me.
Amen
The Pharisees speak to Nicodemus. He wants to know whether Jewish law condemns someone without giving him a chance to defend himself. They answer condescendingly.
I hate the tone of this reply to a genuine question. People have gotten a gang mentality. They know they are right, everyone around them will confirm that. They don't like any implications which challenged conventional thinking.
Prayer: Lord, always keep my thoughts open so that I will recognize You when You speak to me. Help me to know when I veer from Your path. You always know what is best for me.
Amen
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
August 4, 2015
John 6: 58 "This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
Jesus talks about communion and eternal life. The people ask for a sign, after Jesus had already fed the 5000. They cited Moses, whom they credit with the manna which fed their forefathers. We must eat Christ's body and drink his blood to live eternally.
I don't think I have always taken communion seriously enough. I remember being glad as a child when there was communion, because the sermon would be shorter. And I don't always give communion due emphasis even today. It's a symbol of so much that is right about my faith. I promise to be more attentive to that.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for insight into Your mysterious ways. Help me to see the significance of all that goes on in Your church. I have faith, but I long for a deeper, more satisfying relationship with You.
Amen
Jesus talks about communion and eternal life. The people ask for a sign, after Jesus had already fed the 5000. They cited Moses, whom they credit with the manna which fed their forefathers. We must eat Christ's body and drink his blood to live eternally.
I don't think I have always taken communion seriously enough. I remember being glad as a child when there was communion, because the sermon would be shorter. And I don't always give communion due emphasis even today. It's a symbol of so much that is right about my faith. I promise to be more attentive to that.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for insight into Your mysterious ways. Help me to see the significance of all that goes on in Your church. I have faith, but I long for a deeper, more satisfying relationship with You.
Amen
Sunday, August 2, 2015
August 2, 2015
John 4: 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. She was surprised that he spoke to a Samaritan, and the disciples were surprised to find him talking to a woman. He has told her about her husbands already.
The faith of this woman and her fellow Samaritans is amazing. She connects the dots so much more quickly than the Jews. She gathers the townspeople, and Jesus stays there, because they are ready for the Word.
Prayer: I wish my faith was stronger. Strengthen me, Lord, so that I can do Your work on Earth.
Amen
Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. She was surprised that he spoke to a Samaritan, and the disciples were surprised to find him talking to a woman. He has told her about her husbands already.
The faith of this woman and her fellow Samaritans is amazing. She connects the dots so much more quickly than the Jews. She gathers the townspeople, and Jesus stays there, because they are ready for the Word.
Prayer: I wish my faith was stronger. Strengthen me, Lord, so that I can do Your work on Earth.
Amen
Saturday, August 1, 2015
August 1, 2015
John 3: 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
Jesus tells Nicodemus about being born again and finding eternal life. Then Join the Baptist gives his followers these truths.
Rejecting Jesus grabbed my attention. My cousin's daughter posted a shockingly atheist meme on Facebook. My mother, who never calls me, did because she was alarmed. I spoke by text with the poster's mother, who says it's just a consideration of alternative positions. I am more concerned, because it definitely seems in keeping with the latter part of this verse.
Prayer: I pray for those who struggle with faith. I ask that they discern the truth they have heard as being the best means to focus of their lives. I pray for my own lapses of faith. Keep me strong.
Amen
Jesus tells Nicodemus about being born again and finding eternal life. Then Join the Baptist gives his followers these truths.
Rejecting Jesus grabbed my attention. My cousin's daughter posted a shockingly atheist meme on Facebook. My mother, who never calls me, did because she was alarmed. I spoke by text with the poster's mother, who says it's just a consideration of alternative positions. I am more concerned, because it definitely seems in keeping with the latter part of this verse.
Prayer: I pray for those who struggle with faith. I ask that they discern the truth they have heard as being the best means to focus of their lives. I pray for my own lapses of faith. Keep me strong.
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)