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

November 5, 2016

Job 29:  14

I put on righteousness as my clothing;
    justice was my robe and my turban.

This is part of Job's final defense. He describes his former standing within the community. People listened when he spoke. The needy knew that he would be there for them. Now he has lost everything. 

Job had the worst happen to him. He has nothing, not even his health. But he remembers how it used to be. He doesn't blame God for what he has lost, although he doesn't understand how this misfortune all came upon him. God knew Job's heart, just as He knows mine, and Job proved God was right. I only wish that I could speak as certainly about my own goodness. 

Prayer:  Lord, let me stand before You as confidently as Job did. Guide my actions so that I may know that I have been righteous and just. 

Help me to become a better servant for You. 

Amen

November 2 2016

Mark 11:  24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Jesus is nearing the end of his ministry. In today's reading, we find Palm Sunday and the overturned money changers in the temple. But this quote refers to a fig tree Jesus has cursed. The next day, it is dead all the way to its roots. 

This amazed me. We went through the colon cancer scare, but I honestly was never worried, except for Ron's mental state. I prayed for good results, of course, many weeks ago. And then, I just believed that it would happen. In retrospect, it reminds me of Sherri's cancer. Somehow I knew the result once I prayed. Is this the power of faith that Jesus describes? I had to include the second verse to get the whole piece of advice about prayer. 

Prayer:  Lord, I want to pray more effectively. I see that this involves 2 parts. First, I let go of my resentment and ask Your forgiveness. Then I visualize the life I want, the one that totally jibes with Your plan for me, and I ask for that, believing that You will deliver. Thanks in advance for Your guidance. I will be listening for Your response. 
Amen

November 1, 2016

Mark 9:  37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Jesus has a lot to say about children in today's reading. He is tender and mild, like we like him to be. But he's also tough on demons, casting out the ones that disciples couldn't, and he is holy, at the Transfiguration and in preparation for the crucifixion. 

I'm still seeing the world through the view at The Shack, having read it for the fifth time. God is very real to me right now. And it's the Jesus on the dock, with nothing but love for all creation, that comes through this verse. His oneness with the Father is also evident. I'm so blessed to be a person of faith. 

Prayer:  Lord, You are always with me. You guide and protect me. I'm in awe of Your power, but I am most moved by Your love for Your people. Help me to see You in everyone I meet. 
Amen