February 28, 2016

1 Corinthians 13:  7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things

Paul describes love. He says nothing else is worth anything without it. He concludes by saying that love was greater than hope or faith. 

This is a bit confusing. If God is love, and we have faith in God, wouldn't we have love?  Love is actually pretty demanding. It bears everything, it believes everything, it hopes for everything, and it endures whatever the loved one throws at it. Pretty strong stuff. 

Prayer:  Lord, I know You love me. I believe, so I have faith. Hope usually is a strong point for me. But do I have the kind of love You would want me to have for Your people?  Strengthen my love. Make me into the person You want me to do. 
Amen

February 27, 2016

Mark 6:  56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

Jesus is busy, too busy really. The disciples go with him to a remote place, but the people follow him. Only the ones in his hometown don't get it. 

It must have been wonderful to have the option of going to see Jesus. We pray, but we don't see Jesus right there to touch. 

Prayer:  Lord, there is so much hurt and misunderstanding among your people. Be with us, and guide me to greater faith. I want to touch "but the hem of your garment."  Heal me and prepare me to serve You better. 
Amen

February 26, 20216

Psalm 28:  7

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

David wrote this Psalm. At first he cried for mercy and asked not to be taken away with the evil ones. They speak kindly but harbor malice in their hearts. Finally he calls out his praise for God. 

I'm surprised at the definition of the evil ones. They speak kindly, but they have bad intent. That seems pretty mild, but God knows their hearts. David's heart is good. He trusts God. God takes care of him. 

Prayer:  Lord, I need to trust You more. I need to hand over all my resentment. I'm trusting You to handle other people. You know their hearts. Help me to keep my heart pure. 

Amen

February 25, 2016

Mark 4:  27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 

Jesus is talking about faith. He has told about the seeds which never sprout, and he tells about those which sprout but don't take root. The ones that are crowded out by the thorns of everyday life worry me most. But this is the kind of Christian who grew to maturity, even though he or she can't explain it. 

I'm not happy with today's backsliding into winter, but we have been enjoying the return of growth after a cold winter. As I have walked around the farm and campus, I have seen the signs of growth and renewal everywhere. It makes me feel hopeful. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am pleased with the longer days, and I love to see Your creations come back to life after the cold, dark winter. Help my faith to grow as Your creation does. You are awesome and powerful. 
Amen

February 24, 2016

Mark 3:  29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin

Jesus is speaking about those who said he was casting out demons with the spirit of the devil. He wasn't nearly as upset when people attacked him, but the spirit behind him?  Don't go there!

There was a lot of drama in today's readings. The people in sight of the Holy Land lost faith, and many lost their lives as well. The naysayers were always watching Jesus, hoping he would make a mistake. But the ultimate indignity, the unforgivable sin, was to attack the Holy Spirit. God is good, all the time. 

Prayer:  Lord, I believe in Your goodness. I believe that the Holy Spirit is always there, always ready when Your people cry out to You. I am crying out now. Hard times are all around us. Stay by my side, and show me the way through these troubled waters. 
Amen

February 23, 2016

Psalm 90:  17

May the favour[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us –
    yes, establish the work of our hands.

This is a Psalm of Moses. Moses was God's friend, the one person who could see Him without dying. Moses has told us how powerful God is. Now he asks for God's blessings on our work. 

Yes, I could use some blessings. My work, both paid and for my family and friends, needs blessing. I feel good about what I am doing, and then the props get knocked out from under me. Am I so bad?  Do I deserve the condemnation I receive?  I'm just not sure. 

Prayer:  Lord, bless my works. Guide me to do those things that serve You and Your people. Give me the assurance that I am heading down the right path. Your mighty power is all I need. 

Amen

February 21, 2016

Numbers 9:  23. At the command of the Lordthey encamped, and at the command of the Lord they set out; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.

The tabernacle is ready, and the people move towards The Promised Land. There's a cloud over the tabernacle during the day. At night there was fire. When the cloud moved, the people moved. When it stayed, they camped in that place. 

I had a hard time finding a verse today. It's a rough day here. My husband was very upset with an encounter with a relative last evening. He is still suffering, and he has brought me down with him. It's hard to know what to do. If only there was a cloud to show me when to move and when to stay put. 

Prayer:  I am lost in the wilderness, Lord. I don't know what to do or say. The circumstances, so old, have come back to haunt me. I know that I will forgive, but I am troubled about the reactions of others. I can't control that, so I am handing them to You. Please let Your will be done for all those who have been hurt in this situation. 
Amen

February 20, 2016

Psalm 23:  4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[d]
    I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
    thy rod and thy staff,
    they comfort me.

David's words are so well known. I have said them from memory so many times while praying, especially late at night. He used the familiar analogy of God as a shepherd and us as sheep to show how God cares for us. Even when things seem the darkest, God is there. He can protect His people. 

I am reading The Yearling as I approach 6 months without Mother. In the book, Jody's best friend dies. The grief of Jody, his father and the friend's family touched me deeply. I know those feelings well. The presence of my God makes the shadowy times tolerable. 

Prayer:   Lord, You are my shepherd. You protect and lead me, even in the worst of times. You comfort me in the depth of my sadness. Stay by my side. 

Amen

February 18, 2016

Acts 25:  19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive. 

Festus talks to Agrippa about Paul. He was surprised that the prisoner wasn't even accused of the types of crimes he expected. It wasn't normal for someone to come to Roman courts over what seemed to Festus to be a minor religious argument. But Paul insisted on his rights as a Roman citizen, so he is going to Rome to see Caesar. 


I was struck by the tone in this verse. How puzzling Festus found this whole situation!   It had nothing to do with his job to settle a dispute among Jews over their faith!  And so what if they think Jesus is dead, but Paul says he's alive!  Well, in the end, that is the most important point of all, and through history, we will see it becomes very important to Romans too. 

Prayer:  Lord, let me see what is truly important about the life of Your son. Guide my understanding as well as my thoughts, words and deeds. 
Amen

February 16, 2016

Leviticus 26:  12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people

God tells the people how good their lives will be if they follow Him. Then he tells just how awful things will get if they turn away. He also reminded them of the way He took them out of slavery. 

I just love the image of God walking among the people. His people. It's rough to think that not everyone will make the cut, but this is what we can look forward to in heaven. We won't ever feel alone. We won't need to fear anything. 

Prayer:  Praise be to a God who will someday walk among all His people. I can't wait to be in that number, Lord. You are everything I need. Thanks for the gift of faith that makes this world tolerable and for eternity with You in Paradise. 
Amen

February 13, 2016

Acts 20:  38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Paul is going to Jerusalem. He wants to be there for Passover, so he doesn't stop at Ephesus. Instead he sends for the elders. He prays for them and reminds them of all he has taught them. 

How awful for the people. I know that it gives people comfort to say goodbye to a loved one before they die, but Paul is neither old nor sick. It must have been very hard to take, knowing that they were saying goodbye and believing that Paul knew that he would never be back. 

Prayer:  I said goodbye to Mother so many times, but I could only wonder if it was our final goodbye. I was always sad about the possibility. Lord, I praise You for gathering Mother home in such a peaceful way. I'm still grieving, but I am comforted that she is with You. I look forward to our reunion someday in Your home. 
Amen

February 12, 2016

Acts 19:  11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul

Paul is traveling through Asia. He has been in the synagogue at Ephesus, where he baptized some people who had previously been baptized by John. They got the Holy Spirit once they were baptized in Jesus's name. Now Paul has amazing power. Even touching things he has touched will cure people. 

That's amazing, all right. What kind of faith did Paul have?  He was mighty, and his might came from God. I have been questioning Paul, but maybe I should reconsider. I know how his words, from the Epistles, have been used to make people feel bad about themselves. But I need to look at his life with new eyes. 

Prayer:  Lord, help me understand Your servant, Paul. Guide my Bible study to new insights. Build my faith. 
Amen. 

February 11, 2016

Acts 18:  27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.

Paul is traveling with Aquila and Priscilla. This New, Apollos, shows up. He knows a lot about Scripture, but they take him home to explain the Good News more "adequately."  Then he goes on to spread the word further. 

It's great to read about the message spreading across the known world in these early days of the church. I like to picture Aquila and Priscilla as well as Lydia and the others. How exciting to be on the cutting edge of the new faith, a faith that mankind has waited for. 

Prayer:  Lord, help Your people today to feel the enthusiasm of Your young church. I'm so upset by those who attack and/or misrepresent Your message. Show the faithful how to best let Your people see You through us. 
Amen

February 10, 2016

Acts 17:  28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’[b] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’[

Paul is moving around Greece. He has been a sent away from 2 places after the authorities were outraged by his teachings. Now he's in Athens. He has found a community of thinkers, and he is sharing the Good News with them. 

This statement is the heart of our Christian lives. Everything is really about God in the end. If we don't have God, what is the point?  I truly don't understand how people live without faith. 

Prayer:  I pray for Your people, God. I pray for their health, I pray for their souls, and I pray that they find You. Be with us, Lord. We need You, even when we aren't aware of the need. 
Amen

February 9, 2016

Acts 16:  40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

The disciples met Lydia when they were looking for a quiet place to pray. She listened to them, was baptized, and invited them to stay with her. But Paul irritated the owner of a demon-possessed slave when he exorcised her, and they were flogged and sent to prison. While they were there, an earthquake destroyed the jail. They could have left, but they didn't, and they saved the chief guard and his family as a result. 

The Lord moves in mysterious ways, and this chapter explains several of them. But Lydia is my focus. She was a true follower, and she is a great example for Christian women of all times. 

Prayer:  Lord, let me be as faithful as Lydia. I have heard Your word, and I want to follow. Help me to be more open to service in Your name. 
Amen

February 8, 2016

Leviticus 9:  34 Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.

Moses has listened carefully to the Lord's instructions. He has prepared Aaron and his sons for service in the temple. Now the offering is accepted by God. 

What an image!  If we had such graphic demonstrations of God's acceptance of all we offer to Him, surely everyone would believe. We don't though. We have to count on the affirmation from the Spirit within us. 

Prayer:  Lord, I long for contact with You. I seek affirmation that I am following the path You would have me follow. I know that my relationship with You is better than anything this Earth offers me. Strengthen my faith. 
Amen

February 6, 2016

Acts 13:   44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

Paul has travelled to Pisidian Antioch. There he has spoken with the leaders of the synagogue. As he left, others wanted to hear more. This is the result. Everyone is interested, but the leaders don't like it, so they shake the dust off their feet and move on. But the Holy Spirit goes with them and leaves them joyful. 

It's amazing to think how Paul is like a rock star here. The people can't stay away. It's like college students and a Bernie Sanders rally!  😊. You wonder what it would take for a pastor to get a crowd like that today. 

Prayer:  I will go, Lord, where You lead me. Show me how to gather Your people in this way, to hear all You have to offer them. I fear that so many good people are being left out of the party. I know it's their choice, but I pray that they see You and follow.
Amen

February 4, 2016

Psalm 19:  12

But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.

David wrote this Psalm. It's recognizable, as he first praises God's works of creation. Then he talks about the Law and the people who follow them. The Psalm ends the way our pastors in the UMC end the prayer before the sermon, 

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

I didn't know where the pastors words came from. But I was also struck by verse 12. It's true. I need to pray for forgiveness even for the sins I don't realize that I commit. I am guilty of many sins, mostly stemming from shooting my mouth off in an attempt to be recognized. I suffer from a selfishness that God clearly recognizes and forgives. I am sure that manifests itself in many ways I don't comprehend. 

Prayer:  Forgive me, Lord. I am guilty of a multitude of sins. I recognize some of them. Help me to resist the temptation to feed my ego at the expense of others. Guide me to see the ways I can better serve You. 

Amen

February 3, 2016

Exodus 36:  7 because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

God gave Moses very specific instructions on how to build the sanctuary. Now it's done. Remarkably, the people had to be restrained from bringing more than was needed. 

It's hard to imagine people so fired up that they bring more than the church needs. I have a meeting this evening at church. I would rather go home, but I will go. I will go, because I am sure that there won't be a surplus of people there. It's the same reason I signed up to bake cookies on my day off. There never seems to be a surplus of any good things at my church. 

Prayer:  I pray for Your church, Lord. I pray that people will be moved to give their time and money for the many needs Your church experiences. I pledge to be more faithful myself. 
Amen

February 1, 2016

Acts 8:  20 Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!"

Simon has been a great sorcerer, famous for entertaining tricks he has performed. Yet he becomes a follower of Philip without any understanding of what that means. John and Peter come to town, for the purpose of bringing the Holy Spirit to Samaria. Simon thinks Peter can teach him better tricks if he offers Peter money. Peter is incensed. The Holy Spirit won't be sold out. 

You can't treat the Holy Spirit like that. It's unbelievably offensive. It's not so different today. We can agree to disagree about minor theological points, but we can't disrespect the Spirit. 

Prayer:  We are not the people You created us to be. I'm as guilty as the rest. I don't listen for Your voice. I am selfish and impatient. Give me better faith, so I can live the life You intended for me. 
Amen