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
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
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
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
Saturday, December 17, 2016
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
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
Friday, December 16, 2016
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
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
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
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
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
Monday, December 12, 2016
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
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
Sunday, December 11, 2016
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
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
Saturday, December 10, 2016
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
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
Thursday, December 8, 2016
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
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
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
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
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
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
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
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
Sunday, December 4, 2016
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
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
Saturday, December 3, 2016
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
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
Friday, December 2, 2016
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
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
Thursday, December 1, 2016
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
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
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