Revelation 22: 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
The kingdom of God has come, and it's beautiful. The servants of the Lord live within it. There is the river of the water of life with the tree of life on its banks. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
What a wonderful picture! Eternal life with our Saviour, in a beautiful place with like-minded people. There's nothing to fear. We just relax and worship the One who made it all possible.
Prayer: I ended this year with lots of changes. The loss of my mother, Elaine's move to Florida, even Daniel's engagement and the potential sale of the condo. I find comfort in the unchanging nature of my God. I look forward to joining Him in the heavenly city. Please stay with me, God, until the time comes for Your reunion with all Your people.
Amen
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
December 30, 2015
Revelation 15: 3and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:
King of the nations.[a]
The people who are victorious over the beast say these words. They also acknowledge that there is only one God. They anticipate a great worship service to come when all of His righteousness is revealed.
It's good to think about this part of the end times. A lot of the text is about the plagues and suffering. I like the part about the faithful ones. They need not worry, because the Good Shepherd has their backs.
Prayer: Lord, I love Your ways. I want to be with You. There is no one to compare with You. I'm blessed with Your gift of faith. Guide me to use it well.
Amen
“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
The people who are victorious over the beast say these words. They also acknowledge that there is only one God. They anticipate a great worship service to come when all of His righteousness is revealed.
It's good to think about this part of the end times. A lot of the text is about the plagues and suffering. I like the part about the faithful ones. They need not worry, because the Good Shepherd has their backs.
Prayer: Lord, I love Your ways. I want to be with You. There is no one to compare with You. I'm blessed with Your gift of faith. Guide me to use it well.
Amen
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
December 29, 2015
Revelation 12: 11
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
The writer speaks about Satan, who waited to take the child from his mother after his birth. Instead the child was swept away into heaven, and the mother fled into the wilderness for safety. Michael and the angels have defeated him.
The poetry in this speaks of a much larger story to me. We also triumph through the actions of our Saviour and by our witness. We have to remember the changing nature of our lives and the rock solid permanence of our God. We can face death because of our certainty of our faith in the promises of our Father.
Prayer: I will testify for You. I will fill my days with the assurance that I, too, can triumph over the enemy. I know that nothing I do will ever be enough, but that my Saviour took care of that for me. I won't live in fear. Instead I will live to glorify Your holy name.
Amen.
Monday, December 28, 2015
December 28, 2015
Revelation 7: 16 Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
nor any scorching heat.
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
nor any scorching heat.
One of the elders speaks about the great multitude of the Apocalypse. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Now they serve God on His throne, and He takes care of them.
This reminded me of a song. The people don't have any cares anymore. They are content with their worshipful existence. Mother and I discussed that. I was afraid it would be boring, but she didn't look at it that way at all.
Prayer: Lord, I still wonderful about this whole eternity in worship thing. I guess that's why I'm not ready to come to You yet. I'm praying that Mother is right there, and that Your glory is all she ever dreamed it would be and more. I miss her, but I am comforted that she is with You.
Amen
Sunday, December 27, 2015
December 27, 2015
Revelation 3: 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Jesus, through an angel who carried the message to John in a vision, speaks to the 7 churches. These words are for the church in Lacodicea. They are lukewarm. Jesus is about done with them. They think they have it all and don't need anything. Jesus says they don't have true riches, they are shameful, and they aren't seeing things clearly.
I wasn't pleased to see that I will be reading Revelation. I don't like it, because it's scary and hard to understand. This verse was just what I need to read though. I have been thinking about my dulled senses. I guess it's part of the grief. It has made me lukewarm in matters of the heart. I see that the answer is in listening for Jesus's knock.
Prayer: I want to let You in, Lord. I know my life is better when I am in relationship with You. I don't want to be lukewarm in my faith nor in my love for those closest to me. Guide me, even when I shy away from Your plans for me.
Amen
Jesus, through an angel who carried the message to John in a vision, speaks to the 7 churches. These words are for the church in Lacodicea. They are lukewarm. Jesus is about done with them. They think they have it all and don't need anything. Jesus says they don't have true riches, they are shameful, and they aren't seeing things clearly.
I wasn't pleased to see that I will be reading Revelation. I don't like it, because it's scary and hard to understand. This verse was just what I need to read though. I have been thinking about my dulled senses. I guess it's part of the grief. It has made me lukewarm in matters of the heart. I see that the answer is in listening for Jesus's knock.
Prayer: I want to let You in, Lord. I know my life is better when I am in relationship with You. I don't want to be lukewarm in my faith nor in my love for those closest to me. Guide me, even when I shy away from Your plans for me.
Amen
Saturday, December 26, 2015
December 26, 2015
Psalm 119: 90
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
The Psalmist is very thankful for the commands of the Lord. He loves them, and he wants to follow them. He goes on and on about this. He has been persecuted by the faithless, and he knows who is always there for him.
This passage spoke to me on this day after Christmas. Elaine and I were far from family, and Daniel was with his new fiancee's family, leaving Ron alone. The idea of generations of people who are blessed by a faithful God is comforting. This year was an aberration, we stand together, backed up by a loving Father, much of the time.
Prayer: I pray for those who wake up today disappointed with the Christmas just over. I pray that they find comfort in a faithful God. His enduring love is just what this world needs. Thanks be to God for his continued blessings.
Amen
Friday, December 25, 2015
December 25, 2015
1 John 4: 9 This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
John's letter repeats itself a lot. He is really trying to get the recipients to see that God is love, to understand the relationship between God and Jesus, and to know that they must love each other to serve both.
This seems a good summary of the truth about Christmas. We get the ultimate present in the birth we celebrate today. It stands for the depth of God's love for us.
Prayer: I pray for all God's people this Christmas morning. I pray for those closest to me, for those who suffer from grief, pain, loneliness and poverty, for the victims of injustice.
Amen
John's letter repeats itself a lot. He is really trying to get the recipients to see that God is love, to understand the relationship between God and Jesus, and to know that they must love each other to serve both.
This seems a good summary of the truth about Christmas. We get the ultimate present in the birth we celebrate today. It stands for the depth of God's love for us.
Prayer: I pray for all God's people this Christmas morning. I pray for those closest to me, for those who suffer from grief, pain, loneliness and poverty, for the victims of injustice.
Amen
Thursday, December 24, 2015
December 24, 2015
John 20: 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said,“Peace be with you!”
Jesus has been resurrected, and he has been seen by several people before this encounter. Now he has ascended to heaven and returned. He will breathe the Holy Spirit into the disciples.
It seems strange in one way and awesome in another to read John's story of the crucifixion and resurrection on Christmas Eve. People love the baby Jesus, even non-believers, but the crucified and risen Christ is harder for many to take. I just read about the Chinese government persecuting Christians, so the image of the meeting behind locked doors seems especially apt. And the Christ who offers peace resonated with my celebration of Christmas.
Prayer: Lord, I celebrate the birth of Your son as so many do. I need him in my life, along with the peace he brings. Be with those I love on this strange Christmas, as we are separated by so many miles.
Amen
Jesus has been resurrected, and he has been seen by several people before this encounter. Now he has ascended to heaven and returned. He will breathe the Holy Spirit into the disciples.
It seems strange in one way and awesome in another to read John's story of the crucifixion and resurrection on Christmas Eve. People love the baby Jesus, even non-believers, but the crucified and risen Christ is harder for many to take. I just read about the Chinese government persecuting Christians, so the image of the meeting behind locked doors seems especially apt. And the Christ who offers peace resonated with my celebration of Christmas.
Prayer: Lord, I celebrate the birth of Your son as so many do. I need him in my life, along with the peace he brings. Be with those I love on this strange Christmas, as we are separated by so many miles.
Amen
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
December 23, 2015
John 16: 22 So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Jesus is still telling the disciples about his impending death and resurrection. He knows that they aren't fully prepared for the events to come, but he is doing his best to reassure them.
I'm here, cleaning the condo again before leaving for Christmas in Astor. It's sad, as each time I leave it becomes emptier. My time of grief is here too. I'm letting go of so much more than these four walls. A whole way of life has been lost to me.
Prayer: I need comfort. I need closure. Lord, I am asking for Your strength to guide me through the rest of my days on Earth. I look forward to the day of reunion with my loved ones in Your kingdom, but I need help to make the most of the rest of my life, starting with these moments right now.
Amen
Jesus is still telling the disciples about his impending death and resurrection. He knows that they aren't fully prepared for the events to come, but he is doing his best to reassure them.
I'm here, cleaning the condo again before leaving for Christmas in Astor. It's sad, as each time I leave it becomes emptier. My time of grief is here too. I'm letting go of so much more than these four walls. A whole way of life has been lost to me.
Prayer: I need comfort. I need closure. Lord, I am asking for Your strength to guide me through the rest of my days on Earth. I look forward to the day of reunion with my loved ones in Your kingdom, but I need help to make the most of the rest of my life, starting with these moments right now.
Amen
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
December 22, 2015
John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Jesus has prepared for the inevitable death on the cross. He has spoken to his disciples about that and why it must happen. He told that the Holy Spirit would come and enable them to continue his mission.
They don't really understand, and that's probably good. If they knew what was going to happen, they wouldn't have been able to move ahead, and Jesus's destiny had to be fulfilled. But he is kind, and he reassures them.
Prayer: Lord, I am not prepared either. I am stumbling through this holiday season. I'm not really part of it, but it's all around me. Help me to truly feel it. I want the wonder of the gift of Your son to touch me in a new way.
Amen
Jesus has prepared for the inevitable death on the cross. He has spoken to his disciples about that and why it must happen. He told that the Holy Spirit would come and enable them to continue his mission.
They don't really understand, and that's probably good. If they knew what was going to happen, they wouldn't have been able to move ahead, and Jesus's destiny had to be fulfilled. But he is kind, and he reassures them.
Prayer: Lord, I am not prepared either. I am stumbling through this holiday season. I'm not really part of it, but it's all around me. Help me to truly feel it. I want the wonder of the gift of Your son to touch me in a new way.
Amen
Monday, December 21, 2015
December 21, 2015
John 10: 16. I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Jesus is ready to fully reveal his mission. He is the gate to eternal life, the Good Shepherd. He says the sheep recognize his voice, but they would run away from a stranger's voice.
One flock and one shepherd. It's hard to imagine that. Everyone treasures their individuality in today's world. Could we really come together? Is that even possible?
Prayer: I want to be able to believe that Christians and all of Christ's flocks could unite. It's hard for me to imagine such a scenario for people. We put walls and distance between us. We divide rather than unite. Please bring us to Your kingdom, in unity and love.
Amen
Jesus is ready to fully reveal his mission. He is the gate to eternal life, the Good Shepherd. He says the sheep recognize his voice, but they would run away from a stranger's voice.
One flock and one shepherd. It's hard to imagine that. Everyone treasures their individuality in today's world. Could we really come together? Is that even possible?
Prayer: I want to be able to believe that Christians and all of Christ's flocks could unite. It's hard for me to imagine such a scenario for people. We put walls and distance between us. We divide rather than unite. Please bring us to Your kingdom, in unity and love.
Amen
Sunday, December 20, 2015
December 20, 2015
John 8: 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.
Jesus is speaking to the people. He takes a hard line with them. They don't see how special he is. They don't understand the offer he makes to believers.
People are self-serving. We seek comfort by pleasing ourselves. When confronted with the truth, we become uncomfortable. So many times, we turn away. We stop listening to God.
Prayer: I am sorry that I don't listen, Lord. I know that I am a disappointment to You. It's a true miracle that You are so faithful when I am so unfaithful. I confess my many weaknesses.
Amen
Jesus is speaking to the people. He takes a hard line with them. They don't see how special he is. They don't understand the offer he makes to believers.
People are self-serving. We seek comfort by pleasing ourselves. When confronted with the truth, we become uncomfortable. So many times, we turn away. We stop listening to God.
Prayer: I am sorry that I don't listen, Lord. I know that I am a disappointment to You. It's a true miracle that You are so faithful when I am so unfaithful. I confess my many weaknesses.
Amen
Thursday, December 17, 2015
December 17, 2015
2 Peter 1: 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body
Peter has a lot to say in this letter. He is concerned about Judgment Day, and he knows that people are saying that God isn't coming back. His faith is strong, however, and he reminds us of this, knowing that he won't be on Earth much longer.
I'm facing my first Christmas without Mother. She could have said these words. She clung to her faith until the very end, and then she followed her Lord home. I need to have this kind of grasp on my faith during a time of change and uncertainty.
Prayer: I need You, Lord. I need to proclaim my faith in a busy and thoughtless world. Keep me by Your side and comfort me. Guide me to represent You well.
Amen
Peter has a lot to say in this letter. He is concerned about Judgment Day, and he knows that people are saying that God isn't coming back. His faith is strong, however, and he reminds us of this, knowing that he won't be on Earth much longer.
I'm facing my first Christmas without Mother. She could have said these words. She clung to her faith until the very end, and then she followed her Lord home. I need to have this kind of grasp on my faith during a time of change and uncertainty.
Prayer: I need You, Lord. I need to proclaim my faith in a busy and thoughtless world. Keep me by Your side and comfort me. Guide me to represent You well.
Amen
Friday, December 11, 2015
December 11, 2015
Hebrews 1: 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Paul quotes Deuteronomy. He is making the case for the Messiah to the Chosen People. He wants them to understand just how important Jesus is. He was, like us, a little lower than the angels for a time, but he is now with his Father on the throne. The angels worship him, and so should we.
I have been having trouble getting the Christmas spirit. I am sure that it's partly grief, but my last few weeks have been so stressful with work too. Not my job, that's easy. It's my home and family that have me so overcommitted. The packing, the moving, the long drive to, from and within Florida.... I am so overwhelmed. And there is Christmas too. I have given up the Christmas things, but I have tried to find the meaning of Christmas in my life. It's not so successful.
Prayer: Lord, I am seeking Your Holy Spirit to guide me. I need to find the wonder and magic of Christmas in my life. I want to feel the truth in the gift of Your son. Please make me more mindful of the reason for the season.
Amen
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Paul quotes Deuteronomy. He is making the case for the Messiah to the Chosen People. He wants them to understand just how important Jesus is. He was, like us, a little lower than the angels for a time, but he is now with his Father on the throne. The angels worship him, and so should we.
I have been having trouble getting the Christmas spirit. I am sure that it's partly grief, but my last few weeks have been so stressful with work too. Not my job, that's easy. It's my home and family that have me so overcommitted. The packing, the moving, the long drive to, from and within Florida.... I am so overwhelmed. And there is Christmas too. I have given up the Christmas things, but I have tried to find the meaning of Christmas in my life. It's not so successful.
Prayer: Lord, I am seeking Your Holy Spirit to guide me. I need to find the wonder and magic of Christmas in my life. I want to feel the truth in the gift of Your son. Please make me more mindful of the reason for the season.
Amen
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
December 8, 2015
1 Timothy 4: 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Paul has a lot of advice for young Timothy. He has been sent to keep the Ephesians on the right path, when others are trying to derail the church with excessive rules. In the end, Paul says, we need to remember why we work so hard to live a life of faith.
I have been doing a lot of labor. My life is full of stress. I have problems at home and abroad. It's good to take a deep breath and to remember the ultimate purpose of all my efforts.
Prayer: Lord, I am beat. I have been pushing myself to do it all, and I always fall short. I become discouraged. Lift me up to be the witness You need in this holiday season. I need Your help more than ever.
Amen
Paul has a lot of advice for young Timothy. He has been sent to keep the Ephesians on the right path, when others are trying to derail the church with excessive rules. In the end, Paul says, we need to remember why we work so hard to live a life of faith.
I have been doing a lot of labor. My life is full of stress. I have problems at home and abroad. It's good to take a deep breath and to remember the ultimate purpose of all my efforts.
Prayer: Lord, I am beat. I have been pushing myself to do it all, and I always fall short. I become discouraged. Lift me up to be the witness You need in this holiday season. I need Your help more than ever.
Amen
Sunday, December 6, 2015
December 6, 2015
Philippians 4: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Paul tells the church to rejoice twice. And the part after this verse tells them they will find peace in God twice. In between we find the assurance that we need not worry, as we hand our problems over to God.
I'm no stranger to troubles in recent weeks. This morning I added another. Elaine is supposed to start work in a few hours. That's been a sequence of issues. Now she can't find her ID, so she won't be able to log in. I need God's intervention to get this done. Elaine has exhausted herself trying to get this done. Lord, help her.
Prayer: I need You to be with Elaine. Guide her to the way to get online to begin her work. Be with her and with all the others who need You so desperately.
Amen
Paul tells the church to rejoice twice. And the part after this verse tells them they will find peace in God twice. In between we find the assurance that we need not worry, as we hand our problems over to God.
I'm no stranger to troubles in recent weeks. This morning I added another. Elaine is supposed to start work in a few hours. That's been a sequence of issues. Now she can't find her ID, so she won't be able to log in. I need God's intervention to get this done. Elaine has exhausted herself trying to get this done. Lord, help her.
Prayer: I need You to be with Elaine. Guide her to the way to get online to begin her work. Be with her and with all the others who need You so desperately.
Amen
Saturday, December 5, 2015
December 5, 2015
Ephesians 5: 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
Paul talked about marriage. He says wives should submit to their husbands as the head of the family. He says husbands should feed and care for their wives, just as they feed and care for their own bodies.
I never thought I would choose a Paul quote on marriage, but it's the day we celebrate the legacy of our good friend, Walt Crossett. Walt lived this way. He was so in love with Nancy, and he proved it over and over with his actions. In every way imaginable, Nancy is dealing with the loss of her lifetime.
Prayer: Lord, comfort all of us who grieve Walt today. Be especially present with Nancy and with Walt's sisters. I believe You can provide all we need in our time of mourning.
Amen
Paul talked about marriage. He says wives should submit to their husbands as the head of the family. He says husbands should feed and care for their wives, just as they feed and care for their own bodies.
I never thought I would choose a Paul quote on marriage, but it's the day we celebrate the legacy of our good friend, Walt Crossett. Walt lived this way. He was so in love with Nancy, and he proved it over and over with his actions. In every way imaginable, Nancy is dealing with the loss of her lifetime.
Prayer: Lord, comfort all of us who grieve Walt today. Be especially present with Nancy and with Walt's sisters. I believe You can provide all we need in our time of mourning.
Amen
Friday, December 4, 2015
December 4, 2015
Ephesians 4: 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Paul is talking about the way that Jesus's life bridged the gap between Gentiles and the Chosen People. He explains that the Christians, now bonded to the Holy Spirit, are now equal and brothers to the Jews.
With the recent shootings by a Muslim couple in California, this stood out to me. It's the same God that these evil people claimed to worship. We are all His people. How could a person of faith be led into so much evil?
Prayer: Your people need guidance, Lord. Please send us the help we so desperately need. We should be showing Your love to our fellow man. Help us to follow Your path faithfully.
Amen
Paul is talking about the way that Jesus's life bridged the gap between Gentiles and the Chosen People. He explains that the Christians, now bonded to the Holy Spirit, are now equal and brothers to the Jews.
With the recent shootings by a Muslim couple in California, this stood out to me. It's the same God that these evil people claimed to worship. We are all His people. How could a person of faith be led into so much evil?
Prayer: Your people need guidance, Lord. Please send us the help we so desperately need. We should be showing Your love to our fellow man. Help us to follow Your path faithfully.
Amen
Thursday, December 3, 2015
December 3, 2015
Romans 14: 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Paul deals with people who disagree on worship practices. Some are vegetarian, while others eat meat. Some feel differently about worship on different days of the week. Paul says we shouldn't impose our faith practices on others. That's between them and God.
It's hard to relate to other Christians at times. They don't see faith the same way we do. It's tempting to dismiss their take and revert to our own ways of worship. Paul, who brought the faith to us, the Gentiles, says we shouldn't do that.
Prayer: Lord, guide Your people to reconciliation. Don't allow our differences divide us. Show us how to love each other.
Amen
Paul deals with people who disagree on worship practices. Some are vegetarian, while others eat meat. Some feel differently about worship on different days of the week. Paul says we shouldn't impose our faith practices on others. That's between them and God.
It's hard to relate to other Christians at times. They don't see faith the same way we do. It's tempting to dismiss their take and revert to our own ways of worship. Paul, who brought the faith to us, the Gentiles, says we shouldn't do that.
Prayer: Lord, guide Your people to reconciliation. Don't allow our differences divide us. Show us how to love each other.
Amen
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
December 1, 2015
Romans 8: 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul has suffered. He explains how Jesus's death saved us all. He talks about our sinful nature and the Spirit living in us. Then he concludes with this verse: nothing can separate God's people from Him.
I haven't been very faithful in reading Scripture or making journal entries lately. I was traveling, packing and unpacking, stocking Elaine's new house, cleaning. I was praying every day, but I was separated from my daily habits, spiritual and otherwise. It's comforting to know, however, that God has always been right beside me, no matter how distracted I have been.
Prayer:; I am sorry that I haven't been faithful as usual in the unsettling time just behind me. I confess to being distracted from my practice of faith, Lord. I am so thankful that You are steadfast in Your love of me. I have been feeling it, Lord, and I promise to do better.
Amen
Paul has suffered. He explains how Jesus's death saved us all. He talks about our sinful nature and the Spirit living in us. Then he concludes with this verse: nothing can separate God's people from Him.
I haven't been very faithful in reading Scripture or making journal entries lately. I was traveling, packing and unpacking, stocking Elaine's new house, cleaning. I was praying every day, but I was separated from my daily habits, spiritual and otherwise. It's comforting to know, however, that God has always been right beside me, no matter how distracted I have been.
Prayer:; I am sorry that I haven't been faithful as usual in the unsettling time just behind me. I confess to being distracted from my practice of faith, Lord. I am so thankful that You are steadfast in Your love of me. I have been feeling it, Lord, and I promise to do better.
Amen
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