December 20, 2016

John 7:  , 51 “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”

Nicodemus speaks. He has gone to the Pharisees to ask about Jesus. They say none of them believe in Jesus; only the mob does. Then they asked if he was also from Galilee since he buys into what Jesus is saying. 

They attack Nicodemus by insulting his place of origin!  They are so arrogant, so full of  themselves. In another part of the reading, Jesus says that people can't find room for the Word. Still so true today. And evil people attack others with insults today too. Jesus, save us. 

Prayer:  I am praying for my neighbors, the people of my country who insult and condemn others without reason. I pray that You melt their hearts of stone, Lord. We need You. 
Amen

December 19, 2016

John 5:  24. "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

Jesus has been questioned by the religious authorities. He is having trouble, since their only goal is to stop his ministry. They don't see who he is at all. He is trying to explain his function in God's big picture.

It's so easy, and it's so hard. We will face judgment from Jesus, and we are so unworthy. We stand convicted of so many sins, but we are redeemed through Christ's sacrifice. It's our only hope.

Prayer:  Lord, I confess of all the ways I haven't lived up to Your vision of all I can be. I am sorry for my indifference to the suffering of others. I pray to be more faithful, to put my beliefs into my daily activities.
Amen

December 17, 2016

John 1:  12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

John doesn't recount the nativity. He doesn't have the flight to Egypt nor the boy in the synagogue. He goes straight from images of eternity to John the Baptist. Then he describes the meeting between these cousins. And he tells us why it all matters. 

I'm running into a lot of atheism these days. Not sure if the Christmas activities bring out their needs to feel superior to the faithful, or maybe it's a reaction to the election frustration of so many progressives, but they are out there. And I don't know what to do with them. I kind of want to explain my faith, and I also want to move past them and anything else that would ruin my Christmas. 

Prayer:  I am praying for nonbelievers. I'm sure that they need prayer all the time, but this season must really rankle them. It's bound to occur to them that they are missing out on something they don't understand. I am especially praying for those who respond to Christmas with anger. Soothe these troubled people before they can harm Your faithful. 
Amen

December 16, 2016

1 Peter 5:  9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Peter has a lot of advice for the new churches he's founding. He talks about how Christian families should act, and then he talks about how church members should treat each other. He warns that they may suffer for their beliefs, but says that's better than suffering the consequences of doing wrong. 

It's been a rough few weeks since the election, and this really spoke to me. There are so many with such strong feelings. It's hard to respond with blessings, but it's what we are called to do. 

Prayer:  Lord, guide me to bless those whom I distrust. Pour Your blessings into their lives, so that they might recognize Your good intentions for their lives. Make them into Your disciples, that we might better serve You on Earth. 
Amen

December 13, 2016

Hebrews 11:   6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Paul completed this chapter with stories of the Old Testament faithful. From Abel to Noah to Moses and so many more, he talks about the faith that sustained them. And yet they never saw the promise of the Messiah fulfilled like those of Paul's time. 

Faith isn't easy. A friend and I discussed this recently. It's not easy to believe in something that is unproven, and that's the basis of faith. He was wanting to know how I resolve apparent conflict between the Bible and science. I told him that I accept that I don't understand, and that I trust God will make it all clear in His own time. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am so thankful for Your blessings and one of the greatest is the witness of other people of faith throughout the years. I'm grateful for all those whose paths have crossed mine. Help me to be a beacon for others of faith whose lives I touch. 
Amen

December 12, 2016

Hebrews 7:  3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

Paul talks a lot about Melchizedek. He first appeared to Abraham, who offered him a tithe right away. Then Jesus is named a priest in his order. Melchizedek means king of peace. And he has no end or beginning. 

I had to read up on Melchizedek. He may have been a precursor to Jesus on Earth as a human. No doubt he was more powerful than Abraham, who was quite a guy himself. It's just more of the Christmas mystery. Who was that baby in a manager?  

Prayer:  Lord, I don't understand so much. I just need to lean on You fully. Be my guide as I wander through this troubled and troubling life. You are forever. 
Amen

December 11, 2016

Hebrews 1:  3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Paul describes Jesus in terms of relationships with those on Earth and in heaven. He tells about his fully human experience, and he reflects on his position with God and the Holy Spirit, as well as angels. Everything is centered on Jesus. 

It's a good thought, as I head to my last service of the year at my home church. I know that it's all about you, Jesus!

Prayer:  Lord, prepare me to celebrate the birth of Your son with Your people. 
Amen

December 10, 2016

2 Timothy 2: 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Paul feels that the end is near for him. He needs to get his message to Timothy, who has been raised in the faith. There are those who want to argue fine points about Christianity, and Paul wants Timothy to stay away from that. 

It's easy to be drawn into arguments, especially when everyone has a strong opinion of their own. We need to remember that being right isn't always the goal. Instead it's kindness and loving concern. We have to put our own resentment aside in order to be God's voice on Earth. 

Prayer:  Lord, I promise to be less concerned with others' opinions of me and more concerned with keeping the peace. I know that I can be outspoken, and not always in a kind way. I'm trying to conquer my sinful pride. Help me be a better servant. 
Amen

December 8, 2016

1 Timothy 4:   8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Paul is offering advice. He has a lot to say about elders and deacons, the structure of of the church. He won't allow women to speak, as usual. Then he gets more personal. He tells Timothy how to be an effective church leader. 

I like this thought. Keeping ourselves physically fit is important, but it's not the same kind of important as being righteous. That's our link to eternity. 

Prayer:  Lord, help me to stay physically and spiritually fit. Show me how to prepare for the rest of my life on earth and also for eternity with You. Help me to hear Your voice. 
Amen

December 7, 2016

Colossians 3:  12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

Paul follows this advice with a reminder to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Then he asks them to bind together their acts with love. 

It's a nice Paul, a gentle Paul, a loving and forgiving Paul. I can always use a reminder to act this way. I'm trying not to dwell on that perceived slight, that difference of opinion. I want to be the kind of disciple my God deserves. 

Prayer:  I am making a promise to focus on these fine qualities:  compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love. I know that You expect no less from me. I love You, and I desire to please You. Help me to become a more faithful servant. 
Amen

December 6, 2016

Philippians 4:  8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Paul really likes the Philippians. In this section, he first tells them to rejoice. Then he asks them to be gentle, for God is near. After this verse, he concludes with a promise that they will find God's peace in their hearts. 

I'm trying to stay positive when the country I love seems to be falling apart. A man has promised that he can fix us, but I doubt both his intention and the likely result. I'm going to focus on what is noble and right. I'm sticking to thoughts about the pure, lovely world and all the admirable people in it. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am grateful to live in your lovely world with so many noble and admirable folks. I'm looking for the purity and truth around me. Guide my eyes to those things which will lift me up. 
Amen

December 4, 2016

Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Paul has a lot to say to the Ephesians. He talks about his own mission to the Gentiles, and he speaks of their faith favorably. Then he offers  a prayer that the merge between the Jewish and Gentile followers will be successful. He concludes with advice for their futures.

This is really sound advice. It's so easy to find fault. It's so tempting to feel that others have a better chance than you do, and to try to protect the position you currently occupy against the perceived threat they offer. It's hard, but we should aim to always be a benefit to those who hear us.

Prayer:  Lord, I am so guilty of unwholesome talk. I have allowed pride to guide my words, instead of listening to the Holy Spirit within me. I confess my weakness, and I pledge to seek to lift others up.
Amen

December 3, 2016

Romans 13:  ] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Paul has just explained that all of the Ten Commandments can be summed up as, "Love your neighbor as yourself."  He has been struggling to make sure that the church in Rome has a firm foundation in the Jewish tradition, especially as it relates to prophesy. But it's simple too, if we just follow Christ's example. 

It's not so easy to live on Earth with our fellow man. We disagree on so much, just as the Romans did. And it's tempting to think that we are right about these issues, and that those who have other ideas are somehow deficient. But we can't do that and call ourselves true Christians. We must always wish the best for everyone, even those who disagree with our most fundamental values. 

Prayer:  I pray for a country divided. I pray for tolerance and compassion for all Americans, especially those in charge. I want for us to become a better country, based on a common love for each other. Guide our nation in these troubled times. 
Amen

December 2, 2016

Romans 12:  16 Live in harmony with one another.Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Paul has been explaining how the Gentiles have been brought into the church. He tells the Romans about the promises made to the Israelites and how they broke the faith. Now he is offering advice to the newest Christians about how they should live. 

I'm drawn to the parts of this verse. Live in harmony with everyone. Don't be proud or conceited. Don't be afraid to hang out with those others look down on. I like that. It's not how many people live. They like provocation. They are sure that they are better than others for so many reasons. And they are proud of that. I don't want to be like that. I live in their world,  but I am not of it. 

Prayer:  I confess to pride. I confess to provoking confrontation at times. I'm guilty of judging others and finding them to be lacking. Lord, deliver me from the conceit which leads to that kind of behavior. I need Your guidance. 
Amen

December 1, 2016

Romans 8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 

Paul has been talking about sin and death. He tells us about the wages of sin, and he talks a lot about original sin through Adam.  That's pretty dark stuff, but this verse takes us back into the light. This is our reward for a life of faith;  we know that God is always available to turn our lives into the best lives we can have.

It's so hard when good people face tragedy. Flooding, fires, war, illness or injury...there's many ways that we can be hurt. But, as followers of Christ, we know that divine guidance is ours. God's plan is always in our best interest.

Prayer:  Lord, I praise Your good plans for me and for all Your people. Be there for us. I pledge to keep the faith. I know just how weak I am, and I know just how much I need You.
Amen

November 26, 2016

Matthew 25:  40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Jesus is talking about the Second Coming. He has separated the sheep from the goats. The sheep are described as being compassionate. The goats are not. They have ignored the needs of their fellow man. 

It's hard for me not to reply when people say we shouldn't help refugees as long as we have one homeless American. This clearly proves them wrong. The least of these doesn't see nationality. It isn't about choosing one person over another. We are called to help everyone. 

Prayer:  Lord, I pray for my country. So many claim allegiance to You, but their actions don't follow Your word about helping people. Help us to share willingly with all Your creation. Guide me to be more compassionate. 
Amen

November 25, 2016

Matthew 21:  32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Jesus is talking to the chief priests and elders in the temple courts. They won't answer his question about the source of John the Baptist's power. They knew neither answer served their purposes, so they said that they didn't know. Now Jesus tells them that tax collectors and prostitutes will get into heaven, but they won't. 

It's hard to deal with unbelievers, but it must have been even worse with these heads of the church. They should be Jesus's closest support, not his worst enemies. It's the fall of Satan all over, as God's will is denied in favor of selfish interests. 

Prayer:  Lord, I acknowledge Your great power and might. I believe that You have a plan greater than any I can come up with. I want to follow You throughout eternity. 
Amen

November 23, 2016

Matthew 14:  13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 

Jesus has just learned that John the Baptist, his cousin, Elijah himself, has been murdered by Herod. How much this news must have affected him!  He feels it on a personal as well as a prophetic level. He tries to get away, but the people follow, and he heals them, as they knew he would. 

I'm thinking about the grief and sense of doom that must have enveloped Jesus. He just wanted to get away, to pray and communicate with his Father. But, no, there are always needy people. And Jesus got up and did what needed to be done. That's who he was, and is. 

Prayer:  Lord, I feel for Jesus as he grieved, for all of us really. He knew the sacrifice that would have to be made for us. I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused, with my willful and sinful behavior. Forgive me. 
Amen

November 22, 2016

Matthew 11:  29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Jesus has been talking about the response of his fellow Jews to his ministry. They don't see him clearly, and they won't be safe on Judgment Day. But the true believers will. Jesus will give us rest. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. 

I'm still recovering from the election, and I am in a period of discontent. I'm feeling helpless, and Jesus sure is a place of refuge. I'm going after the humble and gentle Jesus, who offers me rest from my discomfort. 

Prayer:  Lord, how do people without faith cope?  How are those who care about our country and all Your people in it coping without You?  I need rest for my soul, and then I need guidance from You on how to make my daily walk reflect the loving kindness You expect from me. 
Amen

November 21, 2016

Matthew 10: 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

Jesus is talking about getting into heaven. He says that it isn't easy. You must love God above everything else. The disciples will suffer at the hands of men, but they will get the eternal reward. 

It's hard not to be afraid right now. We have elected a President who will not be like any other we have ever had. He is opposed to everything I stand for politically. But the Scripture reminds me that I should be more concerned with my relationship with God. I should stand in the place where He would want to find me. 

Prayer:  Lord, I want to be right with You. I believe that You are our only hope, and I know that Your plan for me and for this country is good. Help me to see the ways that I can best serve Your plans. 
Amen

November 20, 2016

Matthew 3:   44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Jesus tells us that anyone can love those who love them back. We are like God when we love everyone. We need to perfect ourselves through our love for all God's children. 

It's been a rough couple of weeks. Not only was I on the losing side of every election except the most local ones, but the victorious side has felt a need to mock the feelings of those who were disappointed with the outcome. It's hard to love people who diminish your feelings. But we don't have a choice, if we are truly following The Word. 

Prayer:  Lord, I need Your help and guidance to be the person You see in me. I need to perfect myself in love for everyone You made. I pray that those who persecute Your people would open their eyes and repent of the harm they have caused. 
Amen

November 19, 2016

Matthew 2:  13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

This is after the visit from the Wise Men. Herod knows that they aren't coming back to help him find the newborn king, and he is determined to stop the baby from threatening his position. Joseph, as always, listened to the Lord's messengers. The baby is safe in Egypt until Herod died. 

Matthew covers so much in just 4 chapters today. From Abraham to Joseph, we follow the history of the son of David. Joseph finds out about Mary's pregnancy, and he married her anyway. Then we go straight to the Wise Men. Next is the flight to Egypt, followed by John the Baptist, and into the beginning of Jesus's  ministry. I'm focusing on the obedience of Joseph. He was so faithful. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am amazed at Your servant, Joseph. He was so ready to hear Your voice and to follow Your will. Help me to become more like him. I would like to see Your son glorified, and I know that You can guide me to see that it is done. 
Amen

November 18, 2016

Psalms 124:  8

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

The Psalmist is glad that God has protected his people against their enemies and natural disasters. He praises God, and he gives thanks that they have escaped their enemies. 

It's hard to imagine what threats the enemies posed in the Psalmist's day. We have our challenges, but we move through our lives with little thought to physical danger, from other people or nature. We still need to remember God, because we still need lots of help though. 

Prayer:  Lord, we need Your help today, just as Your people have always done. We are weak, and You are strong. We bow to Your amazing power and give thanks, as we should. 

Amen

November 14, 2016

               Sing and Dance for the Lord

Psalm 149:  4

For the Lord takes delight in his people;
    he crowns the humble with victory.

The Psalmist tells of a great time of worship. The people sing, dance and play the timbrel and harp. Everyone is rejoicing. He goes dark in the second half of the Psalm with righteous vengeance. 

Well the festival sounded great at first. The singing and dancing with music reflected the happiness of the people. They are pleased with their Creator. I like that image, so I am stopping there. 

Prayer:  I want to be more humble, Lord. I need to resist the sin of going my own way, and I need to look harder for the path You would have me follow. I know that I will prosper when I live my life in relationship with You. 

Amen

November 13, 2016

All About Love

1 Corinthians 13:  2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 

Paul is writinging some of his best words. Love is patient; love is kind. Love doesn't keep track of wrongs, but it rejoices in the right. And here are the words I needed to hear:  faith doesn't replace love. 

I'm trying to move forward. I awoke with a promise to myself that I would display an attitude of gratitude today. That's my worship on this Sunday, and the most important thing I can appreciate is love. Love for me, but mainly my love for others and for God's creation. 

Prayer:  Lord, I appreciate so much about my life, but I am mostly thankful for love received and given. Help me to feel and express Your loving kindness today and every day. 
Amen

November 12, 2016

God schools Job

Job 38:  4

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
    Tell me, if you understand.

God tells it like it is to Job. He begins a great list of unexplainable things that God created, but that Job doesn't understand. The stars, the earth, the sea, the weather....the list goes on and on. 

I'm human, so, just like Job, I question God's motives at times. I don't understand, and I need to be reminded of that. Faith is so humbling. We serve a master we will never fully understand. And we need to wait humbly until His will for us is revealed. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am Your humble servant. I know that Your might and wisdom show me the way. Help me to be more patient. Guide me to better life through You. 

Amen

November 9, 2016

1 Corinthians 4:  5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Paul starts this chapter with an explanation of who he is. He says that they are entrusted to share the mysteries of God. And that requires that they be faithful. He doesn't care about the judgment of others. 

I'm devastated by the election yesterday. It was such a hopeful, positive day, but I had a headache. I muddled through, and then the election results blew me away. I can't find a way to face this new reality. I'm comforted by Paul's words. I can trust Him to reveal his truths in His own time. I will wait for the Lord. 

Prayer:  Lord, I need You. I'm in grief, and I need Your strength and comfort. I am lost, and I don't know where to turn, except to You. Be my guide, and I will trust that Your will, as always, will always be enough. 
Amen

November 6, 2016

Job 30:  31

My lyre is tuned to mourning,
    and my pipe to the sound of wailing.

Poor Job. He has been through so much, and now he has lost his dignity along with his health. He can't see any good outcome. He has cried out to God, but he hasn't gotten relief. 

It's tough to read Job's words. He can't understand how all this could have happened to him. He had everything, and he tried to be good and just, but he has lost it all. That's just awful, and I am glad I'm not Job. That being said, he surely knows how to express his pain well. 

Prayer:  I'm praying for all those in pain this evening. Some are physically hurt, and some have emotional trauma. Be with all of them, and guide Your people, including me, to be there for them. Help us to better serve You. 

Amen