After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. John 14:3
Someday, according to Christ, he will set us free. He will come back. In the blink of an eye, as fast as the lightning flashes from the east to the west, he will come back. And everyone will see him-you will, I will. Bodies will push back the dirt and break the surface of the sea. The earth will tremble, the sky will roar, and those who do not know him will shudder. But in that hour you will not fear, because you know him.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Ruth's Story
Ruth cannot tell her story without tears. In her mideighties and unable to get around much anymore, Ruth may not appear to be a central figure in our church's life. She depends on others for rides, and because she lives alone she doesn't have a huge circle of influence. But when she tells us her story of salvation-as she does often-Ruth stands out as a remarkable example of God's grace. Back when she was in her thirties, a friend invited her to go to a meeting one night. Ruth didn't know she was going to hear a preacher. " I wouldn't have gone if I knew " she says. She already had " religion," and it wasn't doing her any good. But go she did. And she heard the good news about Jesus that night.
Now, more than fifty years later, she cries tears of joy when she talks of how Jesus transformed her life. That evening, she became a child of God. Her story never grows old.
It doesn't matter if our story is similiar to Ruth's or not. What does matter is that we take the simple step of putting our faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection. The apostle Paul said, " If you declare with your mouth, ' Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
That's what Ruth did. You can do that too. Jesus redeems, transforms, and gives us new life.
Belonging to Christ is not rehabilitation; it's re-creation
Now, more than fifty years later, she cries tears of joy when she talks of how Jesus transformed her life. That evening, she became a child of God. Her story never grows old.
It doesn't matter if our story is similiar to Ruth's or not. What does matter is that we take the simple step of putting our faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection. The apostle Paul said, " If you declare with your mouth, ' Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
That's what Ruth did. You can do that too. Jesus redeems, transforms, and gives us new life.
Belonging to Christ is not rehabilitation; it's re-creation
Monday, October 30, 2017
Psalm 119:97-104
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies: For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers. For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients. Because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way. That I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding. Therefore I hate every false way.
Love IS All You'll Find
We know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. 1 John 4:16.
Water must be wet. A fire must be hot. You can't take the wet out of water and still have water. You can't take the heat out of fire and still have fire. In the same way, you can't take the love out of [ God]...and still have him exist. For he was...and is...Love.
Probe deep within him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision he has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story he has told and you'll see it.
Love.
No bitterness. No evil. No cruelty. Just love. Flawless love. Passionate love. Vast and pure love. He is love.
Water must be wet. A fire must be hot. You can't take the wet out of water and still have water. You can't take the heat out of fire and still have fire. In the same way, you can't take the love out of [ God]...and still have him exist. For he was...and is...Love.
Probe deep within him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision he has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story he has told and you'll see it.
Love.
No bitterness. No evil. No cruelty. Just love. Flawless love. Passionate love. Vast and pure love. He is love.
Unraveling the Mysteries
I have always enjoyed the wit and insight of Peanuts creator, Charles Schulz. One of my favorite cartoons drawn by him appeared in a book about young people in the church. It shows a young man holding a Bible as he tells a friend on the phone, " I think I've made one of the first steps toward unraveling the mysteries of the Old Testament...I'm starting to read it!" ( Teen-Ager is Not a Disease).
Psalm 119 overflows with the writer's hunger to understand and experience the power of God's Word each day. " Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long". This eager pursuit leads to growing wisdom, understanding, and obedience to the Lord.
The Bible doesn't contain a magic formula for " unraveling the mysteries" in its pages. The process is more than mental and requires a response to what we read. While some passages may remain puzzling to us, we can embrace those truths we clearly understand, and say to the Lord, " How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path".
A wonderful journey of discovery awaits us in God's Word.
Lord, thank You for the Bible, which gives us wisdom and understanding to follow Your pathway of life today.
A commitment to read and follow God's Word begins a daily journey of discovering His love and power.
Psalm 119 overflows with the writer's hunger to understand and experience the power of God's Word each day. " Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long". This eager pursuit leads to growing wisdom, understanding, and obedience to the Lord.
The Bible doesn't contain a magic formula for " unraveling the mysteries" in its pages. The process is more than mental and requires a response to what we read. While some passages may remain puzzling to us, we can embrace those truths we clearly understand, and say to the Lord, " How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path".
A wonderful journey of discovery awaits us in God's Word.
Lord, thank You for the Bible, which gives us wisdom and understanding to follow Your pathway of life today.
A commitment to read and follow God's Word begins a daily journey of discovering His love and power.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
A Heart Like His
From this time on we do not think of anyone as the world does. ( 2 Corinthians 5:16)
Ask God to help you have his eternal view of the world. His view of humanity is starkly simple. From his perspective every person is either: Entering through the small gate or the wide gate ( Matthew 7:13-14)... Heaven called or hell bound ( Mark 16:15-16)... Our ledger, however, is cluttered with unnecessary columns. Is he rich? Is she pretty? What work does he do? What color is her skin? Does she have a college degree? These matters are irrelevant to God... To have a heart like his is to look into the faces of the saved and rejoice! They are just one grave away from being just like Jesus. To have a heart like his is to look into the faces of the lost and pray. For unless they turn, they are one grave away from torment.
Ask God to help you have his eternal view of the world. His view of humanity is starkly simple. From his perspective every person is either: Entering through the small gate or the wide gate ( Matthew 7:13-14)... Heaven called or hell bound ( Mark 16:15-16)... Our ledger, however, is cluttered with unnecessary columns. Is he rich? Is she pretty? What work does he do? What color is her skin? Does she have a college degree? These matters are irrelevant to God... To have a heart like his is to look into the faces of the saved and rejoice! They are just one grave away from being just like Jesus. To have a heart like his is to look into the faces of the lost and pray. For unless they turn, they are one grave away from torment.
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Thus says the Lord:
" Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes. But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. " Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord, For he shall be like a tree planted by waters. Which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes: But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor cease from yielding fruit.
" Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes. But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. " Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord, For he shall be like a tree planted by waters. Which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes: But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor cease from yielding fruit.
Rooted in God
When friends moved into a new home, they planted wisteria near their fence and looked forward to the lavender blossom that would appear after five years of growth. Over two decades they enjoyed this plant, carefully pruning and tending it. But suddenly the wisteria died, for their neighbors had poured some weed killer by the other side of the fence. The poison seeped into the wisteria's roots and the tree perished--or so my friends thought. To their surprise, the following year some shoots came through the ground.
We see the image of trees flourishing and perishing when the prophet jeremiah relates them to God's people who either trust in the Lord or ignore His ways. Those who follow God will send their roots into soil near water and will bear fruit, but those who follow their own hearts will be like a bush in the desert. The prophet yearns that God's people would rely on the true and living God, that they would be " a tree planted by the water."
We know the " Father is the gardner" and that in Him we can trust and have confidence. May we follow Him with our whole heart as we bear fruit that lasts.
Loving Lord, I want to follow You completely, whether in times of drought or abundance. Help me turn to You for help and hope.
When we follow God, He makes us to flourish.
We see the image of trees flourishing and perishing when the prophet jeremiah relates them to God's people who either trust in the Lord or ignore His ways. Those who follow God will send their roots into soil near water and will bear fruit, but those who follow their own hearts will be like a bush in the desert. The prophet yearns that God's people would rely on the true and living God, that they would be " a tree planted by the water."
We know the " Father is the gardner" and that in Him we can trust and have confidence. May we follow Him with our whole heart as we bear fruit that lasts.
Loving Lord, I want to follow You completely, whether in times of drought or abundance. Help me turn to You for help and hope.
When we follow God, He makes us to flourish.
Friday, October 27, 2017
God's Faithfulness
My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19
God's faithfulness has never depended on the faithfulness of his children. He is faithful even when we aren't. When we lack courage, he doesn't. He has made a history out of using people in spite of people.
Need an example? The feeding of the five thousand. It's the only miracle, aside from those of the final week, recorded in all four Gospels. Why did all four writers think it was worth repeating?... Perhaps they wanted to show how God doesn't give up even when his people do....
When the disciples didn't pray, Jesus prayed. When the disciples didn't see God, Jesus sought God. When the disciples were weak, Jesus had faith.
I simply think God is greater than our weakness. In fact, I think it is our weakness that reveals how great God is...
God is faithful even when his children are not.
God's faithfulness has never depended on the faithfulness of his children. He is faithful even when we aren't. When we lack courage, he doesn't. He has made a history out of using people in spite of people.
Need an example? The feeding of the five thousand. It's the only miracle, aside from those of the final week, recorded in all four Gospels. Why did all four writers think it was worth repeating?... Perhaps they wanted to show how God doesn't give up even when his people do....
When the disciples didn't pray, Jesus prayed. When the disciples didn't see God, Jesus sought God. When the disciples were weak, Jesus had faith.
I simply think God is greater than our weakness. In fact, I think it is our weakness that reveals how great God is...
God is faithful even when his children are not.
Deuteronomy 24:19-22
When you your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it: it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. That the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of the vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward: it shall be for the the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt: therefore I command you to do this thing.
God Provides
Outside my window office, the squirrels are in a race against winter to bury their acorns in a safe, accessible place. Their commotion amuses me. An entire herd of deer can go through our back yard and not make a sound, but one squirrel sounds like an invasion.
The two different creatures are different in another way as well. Deer do not prepare for winter. When the snow comes they eat whatever they can find along the way ( including ornamental shrubs in our yard). But squirrels would starve if they followed that example. They would be unable to find suitable food.
The deer and the squirrel represent ways that God cares for us. He enables us to work and save for the future, and He meets our need when resources are scarce. As the wisdom literature teaches, God gives us seasons of plenty so that we can prepare for seasons of need. And as Psalms 23 says, the Lord leads us through perilous places to pleasant pastures.
Another way God provides is by instructing those with plenty to share with those in need. So when it comes to provision, the message of the Bible is this: Work while we can, save what we can, share what we can, and trust God to meet our needs.
Thank You, Lord for the promise that You will meet our needs. Help us not to fear or doubt. We're grateful that You're watching over us and that our cries for help reach Your ear.
Our needs will never exhaust God's supply.
The two different creatures are different in another way as well. Deer do not prepare for winter. When the snow comes they eat whatever they can find along the way ( including ornamental shrubs in our yard). But squirrels would starve if they followed that example. They would be unable to find suitable food.
The deer and the squirrel represent ways that God cares for us. He enables us to work and save for the future, and He meets our need when resources are scarce. As the wisdom literature teaches, God gives us seasons of plenty so that we can prepare for seasons of need. And as Psalms 23 says, the Lord leads us through perilous places to pleasant pastures.
Another way God provides is by instructing those with plenty to share with those in need. So when it comes to provision, the message of the Bible is this: Work while we can, save what we can, share what we can, and trust God to meet our needs.
Thank You, Lord for the promise that You will meet our needs. Help us not to fear or doubt. We're grateful that You're watching over us and that our cries for help reach Your ear.
Our needs will never exhaust God's supply.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Exceedingly Better
My birthday is the day after my mother's. As an adolescent, I would scramble to think of a gift that delighted my mom yet fit in my budget. She always received my purchases with appreciation, and on the following day, my birthday, she would present her gift to me. Without fail, her gift vastly outshone mine. Her intention wasn't to diminish what I'd given her; she simply gave generously from her resources, which far exceeded my own.
My desire to give to my mother reminds me of David's wish to build a home for God. Struck by the contrast between his palace and the tent where God revealed Himself, David longed to build God a temple. Instead of granting David's wish to give, God responded by giving David an exceedingly better gift. God promised that not only would one of David's children ( Solomon) build the temple (1 Chronicles 17:11), but that He would build David a house, a dynasty. That promise began with Solomon but found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, whose throne was indeed " established forever". David wanted to give from his finite resources, but God promised something infinite.
Like David, may we always be moved to give to God out of gratitude and love. And may we always see how much more abundantly He has given to us in Jesus.
Father God, I thank You for Your astounding gift to me in Jesus Christ. Your love overwhelms me.
God's gift to us in Jesus Christ exceeds all gifts.
My desire to give to my mother reminds me of David's wish to build a home for God. Struck by the contrast between his palace and the tent where God revealed Himself, David longed to build God a temple. Instead of granting David's wish to give, God responded by giving David an exceedingly better gift. God promised that not only would one of David's children ( Solomon) build the temple (1 Chronicles 17:11), but that He would build David a house, a dynasty. That promise began with Solomon but found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, whose throne was indeed " established forever". David wanted to give from his finite resources, but God promised something infinite.
Like David, may we always be moved to give to God out of gratitude and love. And may we always see how much more abundantly He has given to us in Jesus.
Father God, I thank You for Your astounding gift to me in Jesus Christ. Your love overwhelms me.
God's gift to us in Jesus Christ exceeds all gifts.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Jesus in Disguise
When a friend cared for her housebound mother-in-law, she asked her what she longed for the most. Her mother-in-law said, " For my feet to be washed." My friend admitted, " How I hated that job! Each time she asked me to do it I was resentful, and would ask God to hide my feelings from her."
But one day her grumbling attitude changed in a flash. As she got out the bowel and towel and knelt at her mother-in-law's feet, she said, " I looked up, and for a moment I felt like I was washing the feet of Jesus Himself. She was Jesus in disguise!" After that, she felt hoored to was her mother-in-law's feet.
When I heard this moving accoun, I thought of Jesus's story about the end of time that He taught on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. The King welcomes into His kingdom His sons and daughters, saying that when they visited the sick or fed the hungry, " Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." We too serve Jesus Himself whe we visit those in prison or give clothes to the needy.
Today, might you echo my friend, who now wonders when she meets someone new, " Are you Jesus in disguise?"
Lord Jesus Christ, You can transform the most mundane of tasks. Help me to love others in Your name.
When we serve others, we serve Jesus.
But one day her grumbling attitude changed in a flash. As she got out the bowel and towel and knelt at her mother-in-law's feet, she said, " I looked up, and for a moment I felt like I was washing the feet of Jesus Himself. She was Jesus in disguise!" After that, she felt hoored to was her mother-in-law's feet.
When I heard this moving accoun, I thought of Jesus's story about the end of time that He taught on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. The King welcomes into His kingdom His sons and daughters, saying that when they visited the sick or fed the hungry, " Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." We too serve Jesus Himself whe we visit those in prison or give clothes to the needy.
Today, might you echo my friend, who now wonders when she meets someone new, " Are you Jesus in disguise?"
Lord Jesus Christ, You can transform the most mundane of tasks. Help me to love others in Your name.
When we serve others, we serve Jesus.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Brother to Brother
My brother and I, less than a year apart in age, were quite " competitive" growing up ( translation: we fought!). Dad understood. He had brothers. Mom not so much.
Our story could have fit in the book of Genesis, which might well be subtitled a Brief History of Sibling Rivalry. Cain and Abel; Isaac and Ishmael; Joseph and everyone not named Benjamin. But for brother-to-brother animosity, it's hard to beat Jacob and Esau.
Esau's twin brother had cheated him twice, so he wanted to kill Jacob. Decades later Jacob and Esau would reconcile. But rivalry continued on in their descendants, who became the nations of Edom and Israel. When the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Edom met them with threats and an army. Much later, as Jerusalem's citizens fled invading forces, Edom slaughtered the refugees.
Happily for us, the Bible contains not just the sad account of our brokenness but the story of God's redemption as well. Jesus changed everything, telling His disciples, " A new command I give you: Love one another". Then He showed us what that means by dying for us.
As my brother and I got older, we became close. That's the thing with God. When we respond to the forgiveness He offers, His grace can transform our sibling rivalries into brotherly love.
Lord, we invite You to transform our relationships with Your healing love.
Sibling rialry is natural. God's love is supernatural.
Our story could have fit in the book of Genesis, which might well be subtitled a Brief History of Sibling Rivalry. Cain and Abel; Isaac and Ishmael; Joseph and everyone not named Benjamin. But for brother-to-brother animosity, it's hard to beat Jacob and Esau.
Esau's twin brother had cheated him twice, so he wanted to kill Jacob. Decades later Jacob and Esau would reconcile. But rivalry continued on in their descendants, who became the nations of Edom and Israel. When the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Edom met them with threats and an army. Much later, as Jerusalem's citizens fled invading forces, Edom slaughtered the refugees.
Happily for us, the Bible contains not just the sad account of our brokenness but the story of God's redemption as well. Jesus changed everything, telling His disciples, " A new command I give you: Love one another". Then He showed us what that means by dying for us.
As my brother and I got older, we became close. That's the thing with God. When we respond to the forgiveness He offers, His grace can transform our sibling rivalries into brotherly love.
Lord, we invite You to transform our relationships with Your healing love.
Sibling rialry is natural. God's love is supernatural.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Your Safe Place
My daughter and I were arranging to attend an extended family gathering. Because she was nervous about the trip, I offered to drive. " Okay. But I feel safer in my car. Can you drive it " she asked. I assumed she preferred her more spacious vehicle to my compact one so I responded, " Is my car too cramped? " " No, it's just that my car is my safe place. Somehow I feel protected there."
Her comment challenged me to consider my own personal " safe place." Immediately I thought of Proverbs 18:10, " The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. " In Old Testament times, the walls and watchtower of a city provided warning of danger from without and shielding for its citizens within. The writer's point is that God's name, which stands for His character, person, and everything that He is, provides true protection for His people.
Certain physical places promise longed-for safety in moments that seem dangerous. A sturdy roof overhead in the midst of a storm. A hospital offering medical care. The embrace of a loved one.
What is your " safe place"? Wherever we seek safety, it is God's presence with us in that place that provides the strength and protection we really need.
Dear God, thank You that no matter what worries and concerns we have today, when we think about You, we find safety in Your presence.
God is a safe place in life's storms.
Her comment challenged me to consider my own personal " safe place." Immediately I thought of Proverbs 18:10, " The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. " In Old Testament times, the walls and watchtower of a city provided warning of danger from without and shielding for its citizens within. The writer's point is that God's name, which stands for His character, person, and everything that He is, provides true protection for His people.
Certain physical places promise longed-for safety in moments that seem dangerous. A sturdy roof overhead in the midst of a storm. A hospital offering medical care. The embrace of a loved one.
What is your " safe place"? Wherever we seek safety, it is God's presence with us in that place that provides the strength and protection we really need.
Dear God, thank You that no matter what worries and concerns we have today, when we think about You, we find safety in Your presence.
God is a safe place in life's storms.
Friday, October 20, 2017
When Beauty Never Ends
I love looking at the Grand Canyon. Whenever I stand at the canyon rim I see new brushstrokes of God's handiwork that take my breath away.
Even though it's a ( very large) " hole" in the ground, the Grand Canyon causes me to reflect on heaven. A very honest twelve- year-old asked me once, " Won't heaven be boring? Don't you think we'll get tired of praising God all the time? " But if a " hole in the ground" can be so overwhelmingly beautiful we can't stop looking at it, we can only imagine the joy of one day seeing the very Source of beauty-our loving Creator-in all of the pristine wonder of the new creation.
David expressed this longing when he wrote, " One thing I ask from the Lord, yhis only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord." There's nothing more beautiful than the presence of God, which draws near to us on this earth as we seek Him by faith, looking forward to seeing Him face to face.
On that day we'll never come to an end of fresh, new discoveries of His exquisite goodness and the wonders of the works of His hands. Every moment in His presence will bring a breathtaking revelation of His beauty and His love.
Beautiful Savior, please help me to seek You every day and to live even now in Your presence and Your love.
We were created to enjoy God forever.
Even though it's a ( very large) " hole" in the ground, the Grand Canyon causes me to reflect on heaven. A very honest twelve- year-old asked me once, " Won't heaven be boring? Don't you think we'll get tired of praising God all the time? " But if a " hole in the ground" can be so overwhelmingly beautiful we can't stop looking at it, we can only imagine the joy of one day seeing the very Source of beauty-our loving Creator-in all of the pristine wonder of the new creation.
David expressed this longing when he wrote, " One thing I ask from the Lord, yhis only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord." There's nothing more beautiful than the presence of God, which draws near to us on this earth as we seek Him by faith, looking forward to seeing Him face to face.
On that day we'll never come to an end of fresh, new discoveries of His exquisite goodness and the wonders of the works of His hands. Every moment in His presence will bring a breathtaking revelation of His beauty and His love.
Beautiful Savior, please help me to seek You every day and to live even now in Your presence and Your love.
We were created to enjoy God forever.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
We've Got the Power
The loud crackling noise startled me. Recognizing the sound, I raced to the kitchen. I'd accidentialy tapped the start button on the empty coffee maker. Unplugging the appliance, I grabbed the handle of the carafe. Then I touched the bottom of the container to ensure it wasn't too hot to place on the tile counter. The smooth surfaced burned my fingertips, blistering my tender skin.
As my husband nursed my wound, I shook my head. I knew the glass would be hot. " I honestly do not know why I touched it," I said.
My response after making such a mistake reminded me of Paul's reaction to a more serious issue in Scripture-the nature of sin.
The apostle admits to not knowing why he does things he knows he shouldn't do and doesn't want to do. ( Romans 7:15). Affirming that Scripture determines right and wrong, he acknowledges the real, complex war constantly waging between the flesh and the spirit in the struggle against sin. Confessing his own weaknesses, he offers hope for victory now and forever.
When we surrender our lives to Christ, He gives us His Holy Spirit who empowers us to choose to do right. As He enables us to obey God's Word, we can avoid thee searing sin that seperates us from the abundant life God promises those who love Him.
Lord, thanks for breaking the chains that used to bind us to a life controlled by our sinful nature.
The Holy Spirit transforms us through His love and by His grace.
As my husband nursed my wound, I shook my head. I knew the glass would be hot. " I honestly do not know why I touched it," I said.
My response after making such a mistake reminded me of Paul's reaction to a more serious issue in Scripture-the nature of sin.
The apostle admits to not knowing why he does things he knows he shouldn't do and doesn't want to do. ( Romans 7:15). Affirming that Scripture determines right and wrong, he acknowledges the real, complex war constantly waging between the flesh and the spirit in the struggle against sin. Confessing his own weaknesses, he offers hope for victory now and forever.
When we surrender our lives to Christ, He gives us His Holy Spirit who empowers us to choose to do right. As He enables us to obey God's Word, we can avoid thee searing sin that seperates us from the abundant life God promises those who love Him.
Lord, thanks for breaking the chains that used to bind us to a life controlled by our sinful nature.
The Holy Spirit transforms us through His love and by His grace.
An Encounter with Stones
After centuries of war and destruction, the modern city of Jerusalem is literally built on its own rubble. During a family visit, we walked the Via Dolorosa ( the Way of Sorrow), the route tradition says Jesus followed on His way to the cross. The day was hot, so we paused for a rest and descended to the cool basement of the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. There I was intrigued by the sight of ancient pavement stones unearthed during recent construction-stones etched with games played by Roman soldiers during their idle moments.
Those particular stones, even though likely from a period later than Jesus, caused me to ponder my spiritual life at the time. Like a bored soldier passing time in idle moments, I had become complacent and uncaring toward God and others. I was deeply moved by remembering that near the place I was standing, the Lord was beatened, mocked, insulted, and abused as He took all of my failure and rebellion on Himself.
" He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." ( Isaiah 53:5)
My encounter with the stones still speaks to me of Jesus's loving grace that is greater than all my sin.
Lord Jesus, through Your great sacrafice for us, we find forgiveness, healing, and hope. Thank You that we live today and forever in Your love.
Our sin is great-God's grace is greater
Those particular stones, even though likely from a period later than Jesus, caused me to ponder my spiritual life at the time. Like a bored soldier passing time in idle moments, I had become complacent and uncaring toward God and others. I was deeply moved by remembering that near the place I was standing, the Lord was beatened, mocked, insulted, and abused as He took all of my failure and rebellion on Himself.
" He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." ( Isaiah 53:5)
My encounter with the stones still speaks to me of Jesus's loving grace that is greater than all my sin.
Lord Jesus, through Your great sacrafice for us, we find forgiveness, healing, and hope. Thank You that we live today and forever in Your love.
Our sin is great-God's grace is greater
Invisible Influence
On a visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, I saw a masterpiece called The Wind. The painting showed a storm moving through a wooded area. Tall, thin trees leaned to the left. Bushes thrashed in the same direction.
In an even more powerful sense, the Holy Spirit is able to sway believers in the direction of God's goodness and truth. If we go along with the Spirit, we can expect to become more courageous and more loving. We will also become more discerning about how to handle our desires. ( 2 Timothy 1:7).
In some situations, however, the Spirit nudges us toward spiritual growth and change, but we respond with a " no." Continually stonewalling this conviction is what Scripture calls " quenching the Spirit." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Over time, things we once considered wrong appear not to be quite as bad.
When our relationship with God seems distant and disconnected, this may be because the Spirit's conviction has been repeatedly brushed aside. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to see the root of the problem. nThankfully, we can pray and ask God to show us our sin. If we turn away from sin and recommit ourselves to Him, God will forgive us and revive the power and influence of His Spirit within us.
God, show me how I have resisted Your Holy Spirit. Help Me to listen when You speak. I want to be right with You again.
Yielding to the Holy Spirit leads to right living.
In an even more powerful sense, the Holy Spirit is able to sway believers in the direction of God's goodness and truth. If we go along with the Spirit, we can expect to become more courageous and more loving. We will also become more discerning about how to handle our desires. ( 2 Timothy 1:7).
In some situations, however, the Spirit nudges us toward spiritual growth and change, but we respond with a " no." Continually stonewalling this conviction is what Scripture calls " quenching the Spirit." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Over time, things we once considered wrong appear not to be quite as bad.
When our relationship with God seems distant and disconnected, this may be because the Spirit's conviction has been repeatedly brushed aside. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to see the root of the problem. nThankfully, we can pray and ask God to show us our sin. If we turn away from sin and recommit ourselves to Him, God will forgive us and revive the power and influence of His Spirit within us.
God, show me how I have resisted Your Holy Spirit. Help Me to listen when You speak. I want to be right with You again.
Yielding to the Holy Spirit leads to right living.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Creation Care
The " big browns" are spawining in the Owyhee River-brown trout beginning their fall nesting ritual. You can see them excavating their nests in the gravelly shallows.
Wise fishermen know that fish are spawning and try not to disturb them. They avoid walking on gravel bars where they might trample the eggs, or wading upstream from the nests where they might dislodge debris that can smother them. And they don't fish for these trout, though it's tempting to do so as they rest near their nests.
These precautions are part of an thic that governs responsible fishing. But there is a deeper and better cause.
The Scriptures stress the fact that God has given us the earth. (Genesis 1:28-30) It is ours to use, but we must use it as those who love it.
I muse on the work of God's hands: a partridge calling across canyon, a bull elk bugling up a fight, a herd of antelope far off in the distance, a brook trout and its kaleidoscope rose moles, a mother otter playing in a stream with her pups- I love all these things, for they have been given to me for my delight, out of my Father's great love.
And what I love, I portect.
Heavenly Father, You have put us here to enjoy and ponder Your marvelous creation. May everything You have made remind us of Your goodness, love, and care.
Care for creation honors the Creator.
Wise fishermen know that fish are spawning and try not to disturb them. They avoid walking on gravel bars where they might trample the eggs, or wading upstream from the nests where they might dislodge debris that can smother them. And they don't fish for these trout, though it's tempting to do so as they rest near their nests.
These precautions are part of an thic that governs responsible fishing. But there is a deeper and better cause.
The Scriptures stress the fact that God has given us the earth. (Genesis 1:28-30) It is ours to use, but we must use it as those who love it.
I muse on the work of God's hands: a partridge calling across canyon, a bull elk bugling up a fight, a herd of antelope far off in the distance, a brook trout and its kaleidoscope rose moles, a mother otter playing in a stream with her pups- I love all these things, for they have been given to me for my delight, out of my Father's great love.
And what I love, I portect.
Heavenly Father, You have put us here to enjoy and ponder Your marvelous creation. May everything You have made remind us of Your goodness, love, and care.
Care for creation honors the Creator.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Two-Winged Sun
For five years, an ancient clay seal remained in a closet in Jerusalem's Institute of Archaeology. After the seal was dug up at the foot of the southern part of Jerusalem's old city wall, initial examination failed to establish the significance of the nearly 3,000-year old object. But then a researcher carefully scrutinized the letters on the seal, resulting in a major discovery. The inspiration, written in ancient Hebrew, reads: " Belonging to Hezekiah [ son of] Ahaz king of Judah."
At the center of the seal is a two-winged sun surrounded by two images symbolizing life. The archaeologists who discovered the seal believe that King Hezekiah began using this seal as a symbol of God's protection after the Lord healed him from a life-threatening illness. Hezekiah had been pleading with the Lord to heal him. And God heard his prayer. He also gave Hezekiah a sign that He would indeed do what He had promised, saying, " I will cause the sun's shadow to move ten steps backward."
The facts related to this archeological artifact give us an encouraging reminder that the people in the Bible were learning, as we are, to call on the Lord who hears us when we cry out to Him for help. And even when His answers are not what we want or expect, we can rest assured that He is compassionate and He is powerful. The One who orders the movement of the sun can certainly move in our hearts.
Dear God, You are great and powerful, yet You care for me. Help me to believe in Your power and love, and to seek Your help always.
Call out to God; He is wanting to hear from you.
At the center of the seal is a two-winged sun surrounded by two images symbolizing life. The archaeologists who discovered the seal believe that King Hezekiah began using this seal as a symbol of God's protection after the Lord healed him from a life-threatening illness. Hezekiah had been pleading with the Lord to heal him. And God heard his prayer. He also gave Hezekiah a sign that He would indeed do what He had promised, saying, " I will cause the sun's shadow to move ten steps backward."
The facts related to this archeological artifact give us an encouraging reminder that the people in the Bible were learning, as we are, to call on the Lord who hears us when we cry out to Him for help. And even when His answers are not what we want or expect, we can rest assured that He is compassionate and He is powerful. The One who orders the movement of the sun can certainly move in our hearts.
Dear God, You are great and powerful, yet You care for me. Help me to believe in Your power and love, and to seek Your help always.
Call out to God; He is wanting to hear from you.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Wake-Up Call!
During the years when I traveled frequently and stayed in a different city every night, I always scheduled a wake-up call when I checked into a hotel. Along with a personal alarm, I needed a jangling telephone to help get me out of bed and moving in the morning.
The book of Revelation contains a spiritual wake-up call in the apostle John's letters to the seven churches in the province of Asia. To the church in Sardis he wrote this message from Jesus Himself: " I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God."
In the midst of spiritual fatigue, we may fail to notice the lethargy that creeps into our relationship with God. But the Lord tells us to " remember... what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent."
Many people find that scheduling some extra time each morning to read the Bible and talk to the Lord in prayer helps them stay spiritually alert. It's not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day.
Lord, enable us to hear and respond to Your wake-up call today.
Spending time with Jesus is a joy!
The book of Revelation contains a spiritual wake-up call in the apostle John's letters to the seven churches in the province of Asia. To the church in Sardis he wrote this message from Jesus Himself: " I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God."
In the midst of spiritual fatigue, we may fail to notice the lethargy that creeps into our relationship with God. But the Lord tells us to " remember... what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent."
Many people find that scheduling some extra time each morning to read the Bible and talk to the Lord in prayer helps them stay spiritually alert. It's not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day.
Lord, enable us to hear and respond to Your wake-up call today.
Spending time with Jesus is a joy!
Monday, October 9, 2017
From Worms to War
It was ten-year-old Cleo's first time fishing, and as he looked into the container of bait he seemed hesitant to get started. Finally he said to my husband, " Help me, I -S-O-W!" When my husband asked him what the problem was, Cleo responded, " I-S-O-W! I'm scared of worms!" His fear had made him unable to act.
Fear can paralyze grown men too. Gideon must've been afraid when the angel of the Lord came to him as he was threshing wheat in secret, hiding from his Midianite enemies. ( Judges. 6:11). The angel told him he had been chosen by God to lead His people in battle.
Gideon's response? " Pardon me, my lord,....but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family". After being assured of the Lord's presence, Gideon still seemed fearful and asked for signs that God would use him to save Israel as He promised. And God responded to Gideon's requests. The Israelites were successful in battle and then enjoyed peace for forty years.
We all have fears of various kinds-from worms to wars. Gideon's story teaches us that we can be confident of this: If God asks us to do something, He'll give us the strength and power to do it.
Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are with us.
To take the fear out of living, put your faith in the living God.
Fear can paralyze grown men too. Gideon must've been afraid when the angel of the Lord came to him as he was threshing wheat in secret, hiding from his Midianite enemies. ( Judges. 6:11). The angel told him he had been chosen by God to lead His people in battle.
Gideon's response? " Pardon me, my lord,....but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family". After being assured of the Lord's presence, Gideon still seemed fearful and asked for signs that God would use him to save Israel as He promised. And God responded to Gideon's requests. The Israelites were successful in battle and then enjoyed peace for forty years.
We all have fears of various kinds-from worms to wars. Gideon's story teaches us that we can be confident of this: If God asks us to do something, He'll give us the strength and power to do it.
Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are with us.
To take the fear out of living, put your faith in the living God.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
How Long?
When I married, I thought I would have children immediately. That did not happen, and the pain of infertility brought me to my knees. I often cried out to God, " How long?" I knew God could change my circumstance. Why wasn't He?
Are you waiting on God? Are you asking, How long, Lord, before justice prevails in our world? Before there is a cure for cancer? Before I am no longer in debt?
The prophet Habakkuk was well acquainted with that feeling. In the seventh century BC, he cried out to the Lord: " How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ' Violence!' but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?" He prayed for a long time, struggling to reconcile how a just and powerful God could allow wickedness, injustice, and corruption to continue in Judah. As far as Habakkuk was concerned, God should have already intervened. Why was God doing nothing. Like Habakkuk, we have continuously asked God, " How long?"
Yet, we are not alone. As with Habakkuk, God hears our burdens. We must continue to cast them on the Lord because He cares for us. God hears us and, in His time, will give an answer.
Lord, Thank You for bearing my burdens. I know that You hear my ries and will answer in accordance to Your perfect plan and purposes.
Don't despair because of evil; God will have the last word.
Todays reading Habakkuk 1:2-11
Are you waiting on God? Are you asking, How long, Lord, before justice prevails in our world? Before there is a cure for cancer? Before I am no longer in debt?
The prophet Habakkuk was well acquainted with that feeling. In the seventh century BC, he cried out to the Lord: " How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ' Violence!' but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?" He prayed for a long time, struggling to reconcile how a just and powerful God could allow wickedness, injustice, and corruption to continue in Judah. As far as Habakkuk was concerned, God should have already intervened. Why was God doing nothing. Like Habakkuk, we have continuously asked God, " How long?"
Yet, we are not alone. As with Habakkuk, God hears our burdens. We must continue to cast them on the Lord because He cares for us. God hears us and, in His time, will give an answer.
Lord, Thank You for bearing my burdens. I know that You hear my ries and will answer in accordance to Your perfect plan and purposes.
Don't despair because of evil; God will have the last word.
Todays reading Habakkuk 1:2-11
Friday, October 6, 2017
Entering His Presence
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21.
Just as a parent needs to know that his or her child is safe at school, we long to know that our loved ones are safe in death. We long for the reassurance that the soul goes immediately to be with God. But dare we believe it? Can we believe it? According to the Bible we can.
Scripture is surprisingly quiet about this phase of our lives. When speaking about the period between the death of the body and the resurrection of the body, the Bible doesn't shout; it just whispers. But at the confluence of these whispers, a firm voice is heard. This authoritative voice assures us that, at death, the Christian immediately enters into the presence of God and enjoys conscious fellowship with the Father and with those who have gone before.
Just as a parent needs to know that his or her child is safe at school, we long to know that our loved ones are safe in death. We long for the reassurance that the soul goes immediately to be with God. But dare we believe it? Can we believe it? According to the Bible we can.
Scripture is surprisingly quiet about this phase of our lives. When speaking about the period between the death of the body and the resurrection of the body, the Bible doesn't shout; it just whispers. But at the confluence of these whispers, a firm voice is heard. This authoritative voice assures us that, at death, the Christian immediately enters into the presence of God and enjoys conscious fellowship with the Father and with those who have gone before.
If I knew Then...
On the way to work, I listened to the song " Dear Younger Me," which beautifully asks: If you could go back, knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self? As I listened, I thought about the bits of wisdom and warning I might give my younger, less-wise self. At some point in our lives, most of us have thought about how we might do things differently- if only we could do it all over again.
But the song illustrates that even though our past may fill us with regrets, all our experiences have shaped who we are. We can't go back or change the consequences of our choices or our sin. But praise God we don't have to carry the heavy burdens and mistakes of the past around with us. Because of what Jesus has done! " In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"! ( 1 Peter 1:13).
If we turn to Him in faith and sorrow for our sins, He will forgive us. On that day we're made brand new and begin the process of being spiritually transformed ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter what we've done ( or haven't done), we are forgiven because what He's done. We can move forward, making the most of today and anticipating a future with Him. In Christ, we're free!
Dear Lord, I'm so thankful that through You we can be free of the burdens of the past-the mistakes, the pain, the sins-that hang so heavy. We don't need to carry around regret or shame. We can leave them with You.
Leave your heavy burdens with God.
But the song illustrates that even though our past may fill us with regrets, all our experiences have shaped who we are. We can't go back or change the consequences of our choices or our sin. But praise God we don't have to carry the heavy burdens and mistakes of the past around with us. Because of what Jesus has done! " In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"! ( 1 Peter 1:13).
If we turn to Him in faith and sorrow for our sins, He will forgive us. On that day we're made brand new and begin the process of being spiritually transformed ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter what we've done ( or haven't done), we are forgiven because what He's done. We can move forward, making the most of today and anticipating a future with Him. In Christ, we're free!
Dear Lord, I'm so thankful that through You we can be free of the burdens of the past-the mistakes, the pain, the sins-that hang so heavy. We don't need to carry around regret or shame. We can leave them with You.
Leave your heavy burdens with God.
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