February 7, 2017

Leviticus 5:  If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.

Leviticus is a rule book. Here it's addressing the rules for sacrifices. It's very clear on how that works, and the sacrifice for different offenses and for different kinds of people are spelled out. This is one of the possible offenses. 

This is something I have been thinking about a lot. I have learned about issues that conflict with the positions of our current President. I don't want to cause bad feelings between myself and friends and family who disagree about his Presidency. But it's a sin if I don't speak out. I will be responsible if others don't have the knowledge I have. 

Prayer:  Lord, guide me how to point out the information I have on matters without unnecessary agitation of those I care about. Show me how to reach others with Your truth. Let me become a fount of knowledge for those who need the truth. Help me to do all this with love. 

Amen

February 6, 2017

Acts 13:   10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? "

Paul says that to the false prophet, Bar-Jesus. His boss sent for Paul and Barnabus, because the boss wants to hear the truth. But Bar-Jesus won't let that happen, until Paul tells him off and makes him blind temporarily. The boss understands that. 

I don't normally choose negative passages. But these days, I sometimes feel like a good calling out is needed. When people claim that they are followers, but their words and actions say otherwise, don't we owe it to God to say that?  

Prayer:  God, we need You to show us Your true followers. Help us to identify and confront those who pervert Your ways. I pray for Your people here and around the world. 
Amen

February 5, 2017

Acts 12:   20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.

Herod has had the guards who were watching Peter executed. He has had James killed before that, and he had been encouraged by the fact that the Jews were all right with that. That's when he had Peter imprisoned. It was his intention to kill Peter too, but the angel freed him. Now he feels invincible, but God has other plans. Herod, clad in his royal gowns, is struck dead right in front of everyone by an angel. 

This is a story that I don't remember. God and his angels have been busy. The people are a mess, and Herod is sure that he is the ultimate authority. Once God acts, Herod's power is revealed to be transient. All of us should remember that, because ours is too. 

Prayer: I need You, God. I'm trying to do it myself again. I forget that You are always with me. Surrender isn't easy but here it goes:  Thy will be done. Seriously. I'm handing the reins to You. Protect and heal Your people. We all need You. 
Amen

February 4, 2017

Psalm 19:
 12 But who can discern their own errors?

    Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

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

I'm posting these verses on the morning of the fifth. I read them last night, but I was too tired for a full post. I'm awake way too early this morning, but I want a record of last night's reflection. In the middle of the recovery from Ron's accident, I need to remember to praise my God and to question my own judgment. God knows best. That's all. 

February 1, 2017

Acts 8:  35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

Philip has been sent by God to the eunuch. They are traveling, and the eunuch has been reading Isaiah. Philip goes nearer and asks if he understands it. He doesn't, so Philip explains. The eunuch is baptized and goes on his way. 

There are 2 stories in this chapter about people we never hear any more about. The eunuch is one, and the other is a sorcerer who hears and believes. However, he tries to buy the Stairway to Heaven. Peter calls him out, he asks for forgiveness, and the story moves on. It was so difficult to be a Christian in those days. The disciples must have had many stories like these. And I grow weary with so few obstacles, beyond my own self, to my faith. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am weak. I get tired of doing the good work, and I despair. I'm not willing to forgive. I want to hold on to my righteous indignation, even though I know it doesn't help a thing. Help me to let it go. Strengthen my faith, so that I may better serve You. 
Amen