2 Kings 13: 21 Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.
The killing and movement between kings who followed God's will and those who didn't continues, but this verse stopped me. Elisha had one last conversation with the king, assuring 3 victories over Aram before his death. But the power of the prophet wasn't lost to death.
It's amazing to think of the power of these OT people who had a relationship with God. It makes me consider my own relationship with Him. I have felt the power at times, but I am totally disconnected at others. What might I be capable of if my communion with my Lord was constant?
Prayer: Strengthen our connection, Lord. Show me how to be more constantly in touch with Your plan for my life. Protect me and those I love as we travel so far today. Help me to represent You no matter where I am.
Amen
Monday, June 27, 2016
Sunday, June 26, 2016
June 26, 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 asks Timothy to act with a pure heart. He warns him not to be involved in quarrels, but instead to gently instruct those who are out of line.
We had the family campout this weekend. It was so good to see everyone getting along so well. The kids played, and the adults really were enjoying each other's company. The resentment of the past didn't seem to have a place in the gathering.
Prayer: I am so thankful for the relationships with these people who have become as much my family as the one I was born into. I am glad that our quarrelsome past is in the past, and that we can be together so happily. Thanks for your many blessings, some of which are the people I spent time with yesterday.
Amen
Paul asks Timothy to act with a pure heart. He warns him not to be involved in quarrels, but instead to gently instruct those who are out of line.
We had the family campout this weekend. It was so good to see everyone getting along so well. The kids played, and the adults really were enjoying each other's company. The resentment of the past didn't seem to have a place in the gathering.
Prayer: I am so thankful for the relationships with these people who have become as much my family as the one I was born into. I am glad that our quarrelsome past is in the past, and that we can be together so happily. Thanks for your many blessings, some of which are the people I spent time with yesterday.
Amen
Friday, June 24, 2016
June 24, 2016
1 Timothy 6: . 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
Paul tells Timothy what to say to rich people. They will build a treasure in heaven through their generosity today. Their hope should be in God instead of their transient possessions.
I'm trying to do this. Having more money after Mother's death has not been an unqualified blessing, as I have worried about doing the right thing with it. This much has always been clear to me: I will share the wealth whenever I see need. I'm especially interested in personal sharing, to make life easier for those I know are suffering. I have written a few checks already, and more will be coming.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to share my wealth with generous gifts to those in need. Show me the ways that I can spend both time and money to make life better for those who are hurting. Help me to build my treasure where it really counts, in Your kingdom.
Amen
Paul tells Timothy what to say to rich people. They will build a treasure in heaven through their generosity today. Their hope should be in God instead of their transient possessions.
I'm trying to do this. Having more money after Mother's death has not been an unqualified blessing, as I have worried about doing the right thing with it. This much has always been clear to me: I will share the wealth whenever I see need. I'm especially interested in personal sharing, to make life easier for those I know are suffering. I have written a few checks already, and more will be coming.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to share my wealth with generous gifts to those in need. Show me the ways that I can spend both time and money to make life better for those who are hurting. Help me to build my treasure where it really counts, in Your kingdom.
Amen
Thursday, June 23, 2016
June 23, 2016
1 Timothy 5: 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Paul has some pretty specific advice in this chapter. A lot of it is about how to treat widows. Paul says that the church should take care of widows without family. But he's clear that if they have Fay, the family should provide first.
So failing those closest to you makes you worse than a nonbeliever. It's hard for me to imagine why anyone would do that. Providing for your loved ones is a great joy, but there are some who don't see it that way. You have to wonder how they convince themselves that their momentary pleasure exceeds the long-term benefits of a continuing relationship of love. It's hard to see that any true believers would feel like this. If you feel God's love, wouldn't you want to spread that to others, especially your own household?
Prayer: I pray for the unloved. I pray for those who don't see the damage they do to the people closest to them. I pray that all Your people will truly feel Your love, Lord, and I pray that it moves us to make Your world a better place.
Amen
Paul has some pretty specific advice in this chapter. A lot of it is about how to treat widows. Paul says that the church should take care of widows without family. But he's clear that if they have Fay, the family should provide first.
So failing those closest to you makes you worse than a nonbeliever. It's hard for me to imagine why anyone would do that. Providing for your loved ones is a great joy, but there are some who don't see it that way. You have to wonder how they convince themselves that their momentary pleasure exceeds the long-term benefits of a continuing relationship of love. It's hard to see that any true believers would feel like this. If you feel God's love, wouldn't you want to spread that to others, especially your own household?
Prayer: I pray for the unloved. I pray for those who don't see the damage they do to the people closest to them. I pray that all Your people will truly feel Your love, Lord, and I pray that it moves us to make Your world a better place.
Amen
Sunday, June 19, 2016
June 19,=2016
2 Kings 2: 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.
Elijah is about to leave in a whirlwind. God will take his faithful servant to heaven. On the way, he performs this miracle. After leaving Elisha alone, Elisha used Elijah's cloak to replicate the miracle. He returns to take on the role of prophet.
These miracles are pretty awesome. Elijah was so much a man of God. He has witnessed so much, endured so much without losing a bit of faith. Elisha asked him for a double portion of his spirit. They lived with more faith than I can imagine.
Prayer: Lord, give me greater faith. Help me to feel You in all that I do. Give me the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing that You are in charge of my life.
Amen
Elijah is about to leave in a whirlwind. God will take his faithful servant to heaven. On the way, he performs this miracle. After leaving Elisha alone, Elisha used Elijah's cloak to replicate the miracle. He returns to take on the role of prophet.
These miracles are pretty awesome. Elijah was so much a man of God. He has witnessed so much, endured so much without losing a bit of faith. Elisha asked him for a double portion of his spirit. They lived with more faith than I can imagine.
Prayer: Lord, give me greater faith. Help me to feel You in all that I do. Give me the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing that You are in charge of my life.
Amen
Friday, June 17, 2016
June 17, 2016
Colossians 3: 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Paul is giving a shortened version of advice he has written to other churches. He tells them to treat each other well. He tells them to change their old behavior for behavior more suitable for Christians. He tells them to be thankful and to praise God in worship. This is his conclusion.
I'm in agreement with Paul on this. As my father told me (and as we enter Father's Day weekend), any job worth doing is worth doing well. I don't understand people who spend so much of their lives trying to avoid effort. I know that they can't be Christians, because then they would know that God knows they aren't trying. What a waste of the life He gave them!
Prayer: Lord, I promise to try my best to be all You want me to be. I will get up and work and love as much as I can. I will listen for Your voice and for the troubled voices of friends and family. I will contribute to helping the needy. I know that You are watching, and that comforts, rather than scares me.
Amen
Paul is giving a shortened version of advice he has written to other churches. He tells them to treat each other well. He tells them to change their old behavior for behavior more suitable for Christians. He tells them to be thankful and to praise God in worship. This is his conclusion.
I'm in agreement with Paul on this. As my father told me (and as we enter Father's Day weekend), any job worth doing is worth doing well. I don't understand people who spend so much of their lives trying to avoid effort. I know that they can't be Christians, because then they would know that God knows they aren't trying. What a waste of the life He gave them!
Prayer: Lord, I promise to try my best to be all You want me to be. I will get up and work and love as much as I can. I will listen for Your voice and for the troubled voices of friends and family. I will contribute to helping the needy. I know that You are watching, and that comforts, rather than scares me.
Amen
Thursday, June 16, 2016
June 16, 2016
1 Kings 17: 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
Israel has gone through a tough time. The king and many of the people have become Baal worshippers. The prophets of God have been killed. Elijah has been in hiding. Now he's announced that a drought is coming. God sent him to a village, to a widow whose food is running out. Elijah asks her for bread, but she says she only has enough to make a dying meal for herself and her son. This is his reply.
Elijah is not revered enough by today's Christians. He was an awesome follower of the Lord when Israel was falling apart. His faith and his connection to God were so powerful. It seems as though Jews held him in higher regard than we do. I researched it, and I discovered that the Muslims also acknowledge Elijah. He is a central figure in the Mormon religion. He was there at Jesus's transfiguration. I will have to be more aware of Elijah in my prayers.
Prayer: Lord, I want to thank You for Your prophets, people who were misunderstood at best and persecuted at worst for their connection to You. I am sorry that Your people didn't recognize the prophets and acted against Your will. Make me open to Your words, spoken directly to me and also to those prophets in our world today.
Amen
Israel has gone through a tough time. The king and many of the people have become Baal worshippers. The prophets of God have been killed. Elijah has been in hiding. Now he's announced that a drought is coming. God sent him to a village, to a widow whose food is running out. Elijah asks her for bread, but she says she only has enough to make a dying meal for herself and her son. This is his reply.
Elijah is not revered enough by today's Christians. He was an awesome follower of the Lord when Israel was falling apart. His faith and his connection to God were so powerful. It seems as though Jews held him in higher regard than we do. I researched it, and I discovered that the Muslims also acknowledge Elijah. He is a central figure in the Mormon religion. He was there at Jesus's transfiguration. I will have to be more aware of Elijah in my prayers.
Prayer: Lord, I want to thank You for Your prophets, people who were misunderstood at best and persecuted at worst for their connection to You. I am sorry that Your people didn't recognize the prophets and acted against Your will. Make me open to Your words, spoken directly to me and also to those prophets in our world today.
Amen
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
June 15, 2016
Colossians 1: 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Paul begins another letter. He starts with thanksgiving for the faith of the readers. The second section describes Christ. He is the image of a God we can't visualize. He reconciles us with God so that we never need to fear death. And he is the head of our church.
The continuity of God caught my attention. He is the first, and we all reflect His creation. He continues to hold us together today. That's just unbelievably awesome. I don't understand why people don't see that as a relief. We can rest easy, knowing that the God who always has been will also always be there for us.
Prayer: Lord, You are almighty. You are our greatest blessing. You created all we see and so much more. And yet, You are always available to us. Thanks be to God
Amen
Paul begins another letter. He starts with thanksgiving for the faith of the readers. The second section describes Christ. He is the image of a God we can't visualize. He reconciles us with God so that we never need to fear death. And he is the head of our church.
The continuity of God caught my attention. He is the first, and we all reflect His creation. He continues to hold us together today. That's just unbelievably awesome. I don't understand why people don't see that as a relief. We can rest easy, knowing that the God who always has been will also always be there for us.
Prayer: Lord, You are almighty. You are our greatest blessing. You created all we see and so much more. And yet, You are always available to us. Thanks be to God
Amen
Monday, June 13, 2016
June 13, 2016
Philippians 3: 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul is in prison, and he has had plenty of time to reflect on his faith. He warns the reader that there are enemies of Christ out there. They satisfy themselves, but they are missing out. They think that they have achieved glory, but they will know shame. As for us, we must stop dwelling on the past, and we need to move towards a life that is more in tune with our beliefs.
It's a time of change in my life. I lost my mother, and she helped to build the faith I have today. My daughter has moved far away, and my son is engaged, with a life to come that will be less directed by his interactions with me. On the other hand, my husband is restored to health, and we look forward to many years together. In this time of change, it's good to know that my faith is firm, and that I can strengthen it.
Prayer: Lord, I am weak, but I desire to strengthen my faith. I will attempt to move closer to You with each passing day. I will focus on You, and I will be more aware of my failings. I will try to become all You know that I can be.
Amen
Paul is in prison, and he has had plenty of time to reflect on his faith. He warns the reader that there are enemies of Christ out there. They satisfy themselves, but they are missing out. They think that they have achieved glory, but they will know shame. As for us, we must stop dwelling on the past, and we need to move towards a life that is more in tune with our beliefs.
It's a time of change in my life. I lost my mother, and she helped to build the faith I have today. My daughter has moved far away, and my son is engaged, with a life to come that will be less directed by his interactions with me. On the other hand, my husband is restored to health, and we look forward to many years together. In this time of change, it's good to know that my faith is firm, and that I can strengthen it.
Prayer: Lord, I am weak, but I desire to strengthen my faith. I will attempt to move closer to You with each passing day. I will focus on You, and I will be more aware of my failings. I will try to become all You know that I can be.
Amen
June 14, 2016
Through a slip of the finger, I read and wrote this on the 13th, but this chapter is given for the 14th.
Philippians 4: 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Paul finishes his letter, talking about a gift the Philippians sent while he was imprisoned. He emphasizes that he is not asking for more. He has learned that he doesn't need much except God.
Paul has had an interesting life. He was a most devoted, although delusional, follower of the religious authorities. He persecuted Christians before God intervened. Then he became one of the best-known Christians of all time. His words have been the basis of some of the best and worst moments in Christian history. In the end, however, his sincere statement on the value of the true faith says so much. It's the contented feeling that we can handle any circumstances as long as God is with us, and the knowledge that He is always with us, that defines a true life of faith.
Prayer: Lord, I know that You are with me always. I praise You for Your mighty power and wisdom. I pray that You will show me the path You would have me follow. And I pray for comfort, as I will surely stumble and find myself far from You. Help me when I fall, and I promise to forgive Your people when they fail me.
Amen
Philippians 4: 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Paul finishes his letter, talking about a gift the Philippians sent while he was imprisoned. He emphasizes that he is not asking for more. He has learned that he doesn't need much except God.
Paul has had an interesting life. He was a most devoted, although delusional, follower of the religious authorities. He persecuted Christians before God intervened. Then he became one of the best-known Christians of all time. His words have been the basis of some of the best and worst moments in Christian history. In the end, however, his sincere statement on the value of the true faith says so much. It's the contented feeling that we can handle any circumstances as long as God is with us, and the knowledge that He is always with us, that defines a true life of faith.
Prayer: Lord, I know that You are with me always. I praise You for Your mighty power and wisdom. I pray that You will show me the path You would have me follow. And I pray for comfort, as I will surely stumble and find myself far from You. Help me when I fall, and I promise to forgive Your people when they fail me.
Amen
Saturday, June 11, 2016
June 11, 2016
Philippians 1: 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Paul begins this letter praising the recipients. Then he turns to his own situation. He is in prison. He says everyone there knows that he is imprisoned for for his faith, and that the believers among them are strengthened by his experience. Then he acknowledges that some who preach do so for vain and self-aggrandizing reasons, but why does that matter as long as they spread the word.
I return for the second day of our State Democratic convention today. These words could describe my fellow delegates and myself. We are all different in our motivation to be there. Frankly, I was largely motivated by curiosity. That's not the best reason to be there, but it's probably not the worst either. In the end, if the people participate in our democracy, though, everyone wins.
Prayer: Lord, guide my fellow delegates and me to make good decisions today. Show all the public servants and voters how to build a government which honors Your values. Remind Your people to weigh their words and actions on what Christ would have us do.
Amen
Paul begins this letter praising the recipients. Then he turns to his own situation. He is in prison. He says everyone there knows that he is imprisoned for for his faith, and that the believers among them are strengthened by his experience. Then he acknowledges that some who preach do so for vain and self-aggrandizing reasons, but why does that matter as long as they spread the word.
I return for the second day of our State Democratic convention today. These words could describe my fellow delegates and myself. We are all different in our motivation to be there. Frankly, I was largely motivated by curiosity. That's not the best reason to be there, but it's probably not the worst either. In the end, if the people participate in our democracy, though, everyone wins.
Prayer: Lord, guide my fellow delegates and me to make good decisions today. Show all the public servants and voters how to build a government which honors Your values. Remind Your people to weigh their words and actions on what Christ would have us do.
Amen
Thursday, June 9, 2016
June 9, 2016
Psalm 94: 22
But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
The Psalmist started by condemning the wicked. He called God the avenger, and he wants the wicked to be punished. He tells how the Lord has supported him when he stood up to the evil ones.
I don't love the whole Psalm, but I love this verse. I have needed so much support in the past year. A fortress and a refuge is very appealing. And I know that God is always there, and I have called out to Him on so many occasions, for so many reasons.
Prayer: Lord, You are my fortress, my refuge. I love how You are always there for me. Everything else changed, but You stand firm. Thanks for being there for me. I will be calling on You again soon. I'm reassured that You will be waiting.
Amen
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
June 8, 2016
Ephesians 4: 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Paul further warns us not to let the devil get a foothold. There are other rules for Christian behavior: don't steal or lie, work so that you can share with others, be kind and compassionate.
That foothold part grabbed my attention. That is just where I was a week ago. I was angry and hurt, and the devil was doing his best to make me increase the rift. He whispered in my ear, telling me how right I was. He encouraged me to speak in anger, which would have made matters worse. But after a day in the woods, with only dogs for company, my prayers showed me the folly of that kind of thought. I understood that I would be forgiven only as I forgive others. For real.
Prayer: Lord, I am weak. I can be flattered by the devil into the belief that I am superior and that I deserve better treatment. I need Your guidance to become the loving and forgiving servant You deserve. Stay with me, especially when I least deserve Your mercy.
Amen
Paul further warns us not to let the devil get a foothold. There are other rules for Christian behavior: don't steal or lie, work so that you can share with others, be kind and compassionate.
That foothold part grabbed my attention. That is just where I was a week ago. I was angry and hurt, and the devil was doing his best to make me increase the rift. He whispered in my ear, telling me how right I was. He encouraged me to speak in anger, which would have made matters worse. But after a day in the woods, with only dogs for company, my prayers showed me the folly of that kind of thought. I understood that I would be forgiven only as I forgive others. For real.
Prayer: Lord, I am weak. I can be flattered by the devil into the belief that I am superior and that I deserve better treatment. I need Your guidance to become the loving and forgiving servant You deserve. Stay with me, especially when I least deserve Your mercy.
Amen
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
June 7, 2016
Ephesians 3: . 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Paul is really speaking with conviction here. He says he kneels before God, and he praises Him and the offer of grace through His son, Jesus. He prays that the reader will understand how much God loves him or her, and he references just how large the power of God in our lives is.
It's amazing how much God can mean in a person's life. We see it in their actions and their words. And it's amazing how some can turn that into judgment and condemnation. They seem to forget the foundation of love that Paul refers to. We are in a tough time in our country. Hate and judgment seem to "trump" love. People fear those who are not like themselves in some way.
Prayer: I pray to be filled with Your love. I pray for Your love to pour over my country, so that Your people can join together in fulfilling all You would have us achieve. Thy will be done in our troubled society. Fill us with the love You showed through the sacrifice of Your beloved son.
Amen
Paul is really speaking with conviction here. He says he kneels before God, and he praises Him and the offer of grace through His son, Jesus. He prays that the reader will understand how much God loves him or her, and he references just how large the power of God in our lives is.
It's amazing how much God can mean in a person's life. We see it in their actions and their words. And it's amazing how some can turn that into judgment and condemnation. They seem to forget the foundation of love that Paul refers to. We are in a tough time in our country. Hate and judgment seem to "trump" love. People fear those who are not like themselves in some way.
Prayer: I pray to be filled with Your love. I pray for Your love to pour over my country, so that Your people can join together in fulfilling all You would have us achieve. Thy will be done in our troubled society. Fill us with the love You showed through the sacrifice of Your beloved son.
Amen
Monday, June 6, 2016
June 6, 2016
Ephesians 2: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Paul explains what had Solomon so upset in today's verses from Ecclesiastes. Solomon was old, and he had enjoyed and accomplished much, but now he sees that he will die. This leaves him hopeless. All that he has accomplished could easily be undone by his foolish heirs. Paul knows that our lives are not meaningless and that's not because of anything we did. It's because Jesus came to save us.
Prayer: Lord, Your gift to us makes life worthwhile. We live, because Your son died for us. We don't deserve our blessings here on Earth, and we certainly don't deserve life eternal with You. Forgive us our weaknesses, and guide us on the path which leads to You in heaven.
Amen
Paul explains what had Solomon so upset in today's verses from Ecclesiastes. Solomon was old, and he had enjoyed and accomplished much, but now he sees that he will die. This leaves him hopeless. All that he has accomplished could easily be undone by his foolish heirs. Paul knows that our lives are not meaningless and that's not because of anything we did. It's because Jesus came to save us.
Prayer: Lord, Your gift to us makes life worthwhile. We live, because Your son died for us. We don't deserve our blessings here on Earth, and we certainly don't deserve life eternal with You. Forgive us our weaknesses, and guide us on the path which leads to You in heaven.
Amen
Sunday, June 5, 2016
June 5, 2016
Proverbs 30: 8
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Solomon repeats the words of Agur. He continues to say that if he becomes rich, he may forget about God. If he is poor, he might be tempted to steal.
My mother always said that. I didn't know its source. It makes sense, as we can see in our 21st century America. We have lost sight of the Lord. We worship all the wrong things. The poor are tempted to take what seems to be the unfair gains of the better off. This magnifies the difference between the classes. And the ones who are well blessed economically forget to be humble and to stay in touch with the Creator.
Prayer: Lord, I am so well blessed materially. Please help me to stay in touch with Your plan for my blessed life. Guide me to make good choices. Show me how to best serve You. I pray also for the poor. Help them to follow Your plans as well. Let me see how I can ease their struggles.
Amen
Saturday, June 4, 2016
June 4, 2016
Proverbs 29: 20 There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
Solomon continues to give advice. Today was full of advice about leaders and servants. There was also advice about holding your anger back. And this, just like it was intended for me.
I'm so guilty of this. I speak without thinking all the time. Sometimes I think that's why God wanted me way out in the country. I don't have the opportunity to screw up as often.
Prayer: Lord, I am weak. I speak when I should be quiet. I shoot off my mouth when the best course of action would be to observe. I'm sorry that I am so addicted to public acclaim that I say things better left unsaid. Forgive me, and help me to be wiser in respect to my words.
Amen
Solomon continues to give advice. Today was full of advice about leaders and servants. There was also advice about holding your anger back. And this, just like it was intended for me.
I'm so guilty of this. I speak without thinking all the time. Sometimes I think that's why God wanted me way out in the country. I don't have the opportunity to screw up as often.
Prayer: Lord, I am weak. I speak when I should be quiet. I shoot off my mouth when the best course of action would be to observe. I'm sorry that I am so addicted to public acclaim that I say things better left unsaid. Forgive me, and help me to be wiser in respect to my words.
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)