Michael was nineteen when he collapsed from nervous exhaustion. He was attending college full time during the day and writing, arranging, playing piano and drums in local clubs in the afternoons and evenings. He had high stress, little sleep, and was rapidly working himself to death. The family doctor suggested he be placed in a nearby mental hospital where he could get the rest he needed. His mother later told me that she and the doctor regretted that decision, but at the time they didn't know what else to do. Michael described his two weeks of " rest" there as the most frightening experience of his life. He observed so much strange and horrifying behavior in the other patients that it traumatized him with fear that he might never get out. He went back to college with a less-stressful work schedule, but also great fear.
Throughout the years we've been married, there have been times when he was so overworked and pressured that he experienced that same kind of exhaustion. It always reminded him of what had happened when he was a teenager. The past would come upon him like a specter and threaten him with the thought, You're going to end up in a mental hospital again. It's been at those times, he said, that my prayers for him have meant the most. I always prayed that he would know the truth, and the truth, and the truth would set him free ( John 8:32). I prayed for God to deliver him from the past. This has been a gradual process, but I saw strides forward every time I prayed.
The past should not be a place where we live, but something from which we learn. We are to forget " those things which are behind" and reach " forward to those things which are ahead," and we're to " press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:13,14). God is a redeemer and a restorer. We need to allow Him to be both. He can redeem the past and restore what was lost. He can make up for the bad things that have happened ( Psalm 90:15). We must trust Him to do things. We can never move out of the present into the future of what God has for us if we cling to and live in the past.
Your husband's past not only affects him, it affect your offspring as well. More is passed down to your children and grandchildren than just the color of your hair and eyes. We can leave a legacy as painful and damaging as the one we experienced ourselves. We can bequeath a heritage of divorce, anger, anxiety, depression, and fear, to name a few. Whatever you and your husband can free yourselves from will mean more freedom for them. As long as you dwell in the past, you not only lose some of what God has for your future, but for your children's future as well.
The events of your husband's past that most affect his life today probably occurred in his childhood. Bad things that happened or good things that didn't happen with family members are the most significant. Being labeled in a certain way by a relative or peer carries over into adulthood. Such words as " fat," " stupid," " uncoordinated," " failure," " poor," " loser", " slob," " four-eyes," " slow," or " idiot" take their toll and imprint themselves into the mind and emotions well into adulthood. While no one can pretend the past didn't happen, it's possible to pray that all the effects of it are removed. No one is destined to live with them forever.
God says we are to cry out for deliverance, walk in His ways, proclaim His truth, and then we will find freedom from our past. But sometimes there are levels of freedom to go through. Your husband may think he's gotten free of something and it will rear its head again, leaving him feeling like he's right back where he started. Tell him not to be discouraged by that. If he has been walking with the Lord, he is probably moving into a deeper level of liberty that God wants to work in his life. Your prayers will surely gird him for the journey to greater freedom.
Being set free from the past can happen quickly or it can be a step-by-step process, depending on what God is teaching. The problem is, you can't make it happen on your timetable. You have to be patient and pray for as long as it takes to keep the voices of the past at bay so that your husband can make the decision to not listen to them.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that You would enable ( husband's name) to let go of his past completely. Deliver him from any hold it has on him. Help him to put off his former conduct and habitual ways of thinking about it and be renewed in his mind ( Ephesians 4:22,23). Enlarge his understanding to know that You make all things new ( Revelation 21:5). Show him a fresh, Holy Spirit-inspired way of relating to negative things that have happened. Give him the mind of Christ so that he can clearly discern Your voice from the voices of the past. When he hears those old voices, enable him to rise up and shut them down with the truth of Your Word. Where he has formerly experienced rejection or pain, I pray he not allow them to color what he sees and hears now. Pour forgiveness into his heart so that bitterness, resentment, revenge, and unforgiveness will have no place there. May he regard the past as only a history lesson and not a guide for his daily life. Wherever his past has become an unpleasant memory, I pray You would redeem it and bring life out of it. Bind up his wounds ( Psalm 147:3). Restore his soul ( Psalm 23:3). Help him to release the past so that he will not live in it, but learn from it, break out of it, and move into the future You have for him.
Power Tools:
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ( Isaiah 43:18,19)
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and ....put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. ( Ephesians 4:22-24)
Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ( 2 Corinthians 4:16)
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. ( Revelation 21:4)
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Sweat The Small Stuff
Subtle Sins:
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
For this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them....
Be careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture:
Ephesians 5:3-7, 15-20
Defining Moments:
Ever tried cleaning up a room that was totally trashed? When the dresser drawers won't shut and the bed disguises an unseen colony of clothes and clutter--when the last shoe has finally dropped and you've been surrounded by the law of gravity--it's time to do the big stuff first. The glaring things. The obvious things. Like making your bed. Folding up your sweaters. Returning all the plates, forks, and glasses to the kitchen.
But underneath the chief culprits lies a second layer of vandals. Dust. Corners. Baseboards. Pockets of disarray you didn't even notice before, but now--with all the major problems taken care of--they cry out for correction. On and on it goes. The light exposes another. You fi, tinker, and straighten. You want to be clean.
As a growing Christian, you need to stay constantly open to the white glove of God's Word--not to keep you endlessly frustrated with your faults, but to keep unseen sins from becoming an all-day mess. What's under the rug can be more of a problem than you think.
Next Up:
Becoming a Christian doesn't automatically eliminate the bad habits you've formed over the years. But it does give you power to overcome them, one try at a time.
Quote:
" The light Jesus brings helps us to see ourselves more clearly and not to be fooled by what is hidden inside." -James Houston
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
For this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them....
Be careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture:
Ephesians 5:3-7, 15-20
Defining Moments:
Ever tried cleaning up a room that was totally trashed? When the dresser drawers won't shut and the bed disguises an unseen colony of clothes and clutter--when the last shoe has finally dropped and you've been surrounded by the law of gravity--it's time to do the big stuff first. The glaring things. The obvious things. Like making your bed. Folding up your sweaters. Returning all the plates, forks, and glasses to the kitchen.
But underneath the chief culprits lies a second layer of vandals. Dust. Corners. Baseboards. Pockets of disarray you didn't even notice before, but now--with all the major problems taken care of--they cry out for correction. On and on it goes. The light exposes another. You fi, tinker, and straighten. You want to be clean.
As a growing Christian, you need to stay constantly open to the white glove of God's Word--not to keep you endlessly frustrated with your faults, but to keep unseen sins from becoming an all-day mess. What's under the rug can be more of a problem than you think.
Next Up:
Becoming a Christian doesn't automatically eliminate the bad habits you've formed over the years. But it does give you power to overcome them, one try at a time.
Quote:
" The light Jesus brings helps us to see ourselves more clearly and not to be fooled by what is hidden inside." -James Houston
The Lord Is Peace
God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ( Philippians 4:7)
The Lord came to Gideon and told him he was to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. That's like God telling a housewife to stand up to her abusive husband or a high school student to take on drug peddlers or a preacher to preach the truth to a congregation of Pharisees. " Y-y-you-b-b-better get somebody else," we stammer. But then God reminds us that he knows we can't, but he can, and to prove it he gives a wonderful gift. He brings a spirit of logic....He gave it to David after he showed him the gospel; he gave it to Jesus after he chowed him the cross. And he gave it to Gideon. So, Gideon, in turn, gave the name to God. He built an altar and named it Jehovah-shalom, the Lord is peace ( Judges 65:24).
The Lord came to Gideon and told him he was to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. That's like God telling a housewife to stand up to her abusive husband or a high school student to take on drug peddlers or a preacher to preach the truth to a congregation of Pharisees. " Y-y-you-b-b-better get somebody else," we stammer. But then God reminds us that he knows we can't, but he can, and to prove it he gives a wonderful gift. He brings a spirit of logic....He gave it to David after he showed him the gospel; he gave it to Jesus after he chowed him the cross. And he gave it to Gideon. So, Gideon, in turn, gave the name to God. He built an altar and named it Jehovah-shalom, the Lord is peace ( Judges 65:24).
I Am Your Strength And Your Shield
I am your strength and your shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.
Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
Psalm 28:7, Matthew 6:34; Psalm 56:3; Genesis 28:15
Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
Psalm 28:7, Matthew 6:34; Psalm 56:3; Genesis 28:15
White as Snow
Last December, my family and I went to the mountains. We had lived in a tropical climate all our lives, so it was the first time we could see snow in all its magnificence. As we contemplated the white mantle covering the fields, my husband quoted Isaiah, " Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."
After asking about the meaning of scarlet, our three-year old daughter asked, " Is the color red bad?" She knows sins are things God dislikes, but this verse is not talking about colors. The prophet was describing the bright red dye obtained from the eggs of a small insect. Clothes would be double-dyed in this bright red so the color became fixed. Neither rain nor washing would remove it. Sin is like that. No human effort can take it away. It's rooted in the heart.
Only God can cleanse a heart from sin. And as we looked at the mountains, we admired the pure whiteness that scrubbing and bleaching a piece of cloth dyed scarlet red can't achieve. When we follow Peter's teaching, " Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out", God forgives us and gives us a new life. Only through Jesus's sacrifice can we receive what no one else can give- a pure heart. What a wonderful gift!
Father, thank You for forgiving our sins and wiping them clean.
When God forgives, He purifies us too.
After asking about the meaning of scarlet, our three-year old daughter asked, " Is the color red bad?" She knows sins are things God dislikes, but this verse is not talking about colors. The prophet was describing the bright red dye obtained from the eggs of a small insect. Clothes would be double-dyed in this bright red so the color became fixed. Neither rain nor washing would remove it. Sin is like that. No human effort can take it away. It's rooted in the heart.
Only God can cleanse a heart from sin. And as we looked at the mountains, we admired the pure whiteness that scrubbing and bleaching a piece of cloth dyed scarlet red can't achieve. When we follow Peter's teaching, " Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out", God forgives us and gives us a new life. Only through Jesus's sacrifice can we receive what no one else can give- a pure heart. What a wonderful gift!
Father, thank You for forgiving our sins and wiping them clean.
When God forgives, He purifies us too.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
His Fatherhood
When I asked my husband to share with me his deepest fears, one of the things he mentioned was the fear of not being a good father. " I believe it's something men in general tend to fear, " he said. " We get so caught up in doing what we do in our work that we're afraid we haven't done it well enough with our children. Or we're afraid we haven't done it well enough, or we're missing something. It becomes even more of a problem with teenagers. We fear we can't communicate with them because we'll be perceived as old and irrelevant."
I was touched by his perspective and resolved to pray for him to be a good father. I believe my prayers made a difference because I saw him become more patient with our children and less insecure about his own parenting skills. He grew increasingly relaxed and able to enjoy them. He became less guilt-ridden or angry when it was necessary to discipline them and more able to speak wisdom powerfully into their lives. He now sees that any flaw in our children is not necessarily a reflection of his value as a father.
Thoughts of failure and inadequacy are what cause so many fathers to give up, leave, become overbearing from trying to hard, or develop a passive attitude and fade into the background of their children's lives. It can be especially overwhelming to a man who already feels like a failure in other areas. Mothers get overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy, too, but only most deeply disturbed ever abandon, ignore, or hurt their children. That's because we have the opportunity from the moment of conception to pour so much of ourselves into our children's lives. We carry them in the womb, we nurse and nurture them as newborns, we guide and teach and love them so much that we have a full sense of bonding from the start. Fathers don't have that privilege and often feel they are starting on the outside, trying to work their way in. If they are also spending a great amount of time and energy trying to establish their careers, they can easily feel hoplessly removed and ineffectual. Our prayers can help redeem this situation.
Have you ever had someone pray for you when you couldn't think straight, and after they prayed you had complete clarity and vision? I've experienced that countless times. I believe this is what can happen for our husbands when we pray about their parenting. If they are tortured with doubt and burdened by a sense of responsibility, we can minimize these feelings with our prayers. Prayer can help them gain a clear perspective of what it means to be a good father, and open the door to Holy Spirit guidance on how to handle the parenting challenges that arise.
My husband recalled a specific incident where he knew my prayers for him regarding his fatehrhood had made a big difference. It happened when our son, Christopher, was about seven and we had caught him in a lie. We knew we had to deal with it, but we wanted a full confession from him along with a repentant heart. Neither was forthcoming at that moment. Michael wanted to teach him a lesson but didn't know what to do, so he asked me to pray. While I was praying, it became very clear to him. As CHris watched, Michael drew a triangle and a picture of Satan, God, and Christopher, one at each of the points. He then described Satan's plan for Chris, and God's plan for Chris. He illustrated how lying was part of Satan's plan that Chris was going along with. He described in detail the ultimate consequences of going along with Satan's plans--which meant traveling on a spectrum away from God--and it shook Christopher up so badly that he broke down and confessed the lie with a completely repentant heart. Michael said he knew that without that clear picture from God he would not have been able to get through to his son with the depth he needed to.
The best way for a man to be a good father is to get to know his heavenly Father and learn to imitate Him. The more time he spends in the Lord's presence, being transformed into His likeness, the better influence he will be when he spends time with his children. He will have a father's heart because he understands the Father's heart. This can be difficult if your husband didn't have a good relationship with his earthly father. The way a man relates to his dad will often affect how he relates to his Father God. If he was abandoned by him, he may fear being abandoned by God. If his father was distant or uncaring, he may see God as distant and uncaring. If he doubted his father's love, he may doubt his heavenly Father's love. If he is angry with his father, he may be angry with his Father God as well. Events of the past with regard to his own dad can serve as a barrier that keeps him from truly knowing the Father's love. This will carry over into his relationship with his children.
Pray that your husband grows into a greater understanding of his heavenly Father's love and be healed of any misconceptions he has in his heart and mind about it. Where his father has failed him and he has blamed God, ask the Lord to heal that enormous hurt. The bible says, " Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness." ( Proverbs 20:20) Unless forgiveness happens in his heart for his dad, he will be in the dark as to how to be the best father for his children. His father doesn't have to be alive in order to right that relationship, because it's what is in his own heart regarding his dad that matters. Pray that he will gain a right attitude toward his earthly father so nothing will stand in the way of his relationship with his Father God.
Men don't always realize how important they are to their children. They sometimes feel they are only there to provide materially for them. But the importance of a father's influence can never be underestimated. How he relates to his children will shape their lives for bad or for good. It will change his life forever, too. For if he fails as a father, he will always carry that sense of failure with him. If he succeeds, there will be no greater measure of success in his life.
Prayer:
Lord, teach ( hsubands name) to be a good fatehr. Where it was not modeled to him according to Your ways, heal those areas and help him to forgive his dad. Give him revelation of You and a hunger in his heart to really know You as his heavenly Father. Draw him close to spend time in Your presence so he can become more like You, and fully understand Your Fatehr's heart of compassion and love toward him. Grow that same heart in him for his children. Help him to balance mercy, judgment, and instruction the way You do. Though You require obedience, You are quick to acknowledge a repentant heart. Make him that way too. Show him when to discipline and how. Help him to see that he who loves his child disciplines him promptly ( Proverbs 13:24). May he never provoke his " children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" ( Ephesians 6:4). I pray we will be united in the rules we set for our children and be in full agreement as to how they are raised. I pray that there will be no strife or argument over how to handle them and the issues that surround their lives.
Give him skills of communication with his children. I pray he will not beeeeee stern, hard, cruel, cold, abusive, noncommunicative, passive, critical, weak, uninterested, neglectful, undependable, or uninvolved. Help him instead to be kind, loving, soft hearted, warm, interested, affirming, affectionate, involved, strong, consistent, dependable, verbally communicative, understanding, and patient. May he require and inspire his children to honor him as their father so that their lives will be long and blessed.
Lord, I know we pass a spiritual inheritance to our children. Let the heritage he passes on be one rich in the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Enable him to model clearly a walk of submission to Your laws. May he delight in his children and long to grow them up Your way. Being a good father is something he wants very much. I pray that You would give him the desire of his heart.
Power Tools:
Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. ( Proverbs 17:6)
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. ( Proverbs 3:12)
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. ( Proverbs 23:24)
Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul. ( Proverbs 29:17)
I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almight. ( 2 Corinthians 6:18)
I was touched by his perspective and resolved to pray for him to be a good father. I believe my prayers made a difference because I saw him become more patient with our children and less insecure about his own parenting skills. He grew increasingly relaxed and able to enjoy them. He became less guilt-ridden or angry when it was necessary to discipline them and more able to speak wisdom powerfully into their lives. He now sees that any flaw in our children is not necessarily a reflection of his value as a father.
Thoughts of failure and inadequacy are what cause so many fathers to give up, leave, become overbearing from trying to hard, or develop a passive attitude and fade into the background of their children's lives. It can be especially overwhelming to a man who already feels like a failure in other areas. Mothers get overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy, too, but only most deeply disturbed ever abandon, ignore, or hurt their children. That's because we have the opportunity from the moment of conception to pour so much of ourselves into our children's lives. We carry them in the womb, we nurse and nurture them as newborns, we guide and teach and love them so much that we have a full sense of bonding from the start. Fathers don't have that privilege and often feel they are starting on the outside, trying to work their way in. If they are also spending a great amount of time and energy trying to establish their careers, they can easily feel hoplessly removed and ineffectual. Our prayers can help redeem this situation.
Have you ever had someone pray for you when you couldn't think straight, and after they prayed you had complete clarity and vision? I've experienced that countless times. I believe this is what can happen for our husbands when we pray about their parenting. If they are tortured with doubt and burdened by a sense of responsibility, we can minimize these feelings with our prayers. Prayer can help them gain a clear perspective of what it means to be a good father, and open the door to Holy Spirit guidance on how to handle the parenting challenges that arise.
My husband recalled a specific incident where he knew my prayers for him regarding his fatehrhood had made a big difference. It happened when our son, Christopher, was about seven and we had caught him in a lie. We knew we had to deal with it, but we wanted a full confession from him along with a repentant heart. Neither was forthcoming at that moment. Michael wanted to teach him a lesson but didn't know what to do, so he asked me to pray. While I was praying, it became very clear to him. As CHris watched, Michael drew a triangle and a picture of Satan, God, and Christopher, one at each of the points. He then described Satan's plan for Chris, and God's plan for Chris. He illustrated how lying was part of Satan's plan that Chris was going along with. He described in detail the ultimate consequences of going along with Satan's plans--which meant traveling on a spectrum away from God--and it shook Christopher up so badly that he broke down and confessed the lie with a completely repentant heart. Michael said he knew that without that clear picture from God he would not have been able to get through to his son with the depth he needed to.
The best way for a man to be a good father is to get to know his heavenly Father and learn to imitate Him. The more time he spends in the Lord's presence, being transformed into His likeness, the better influence he will be when he spends time with his children. He will have a father's heart because he understands the Father's heart. This can be difficult if your husband didn't have a good relationship with his earthly father. The way a man relates to his dad will often affect how he relates to his Father God. If he was abandoned by him, he may fear being abandoned by God. If his father was distant or uncaring, he may see God as distant and uncaring. If he doubted his father's love, he may doubt his heavenly Father's love. If he is angry with his father, he may be angry with his Father God as well. Events of the past with regard to his own dad can serve as a barrier that keeps him from truly knowing the Father's love. This will carry over into his relationship with his children.
Pray that your husband grows into a greater understanding of his heavenly Father's love and be healed of any misconceptions he has in his heart and mind about it. Where his father has failed him and he has blamed God, ask the Lord to heal that enormous hurt. The bible says, " Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness." ( Proverbs 20:20) Unless forgiveness happens in his heart for his dad, he will be in the dark as to how to be the best father for his children. His father doesn't have to be alive in order to right that relationship, because it's what is in his own heart regarding his dad that matters. Pray that he will gain a right attitude toward his earthly father so nothing will stand in the way of his relationship with his Father God.
Men don't always realize how important they are to their children. They sometimes feel they are only there to provide materially for them. But the importance of a father's influence can never be underestimated. How he relates to his children will shape their lives for bad or for good. It will change his life forever, too. For if he fails as a father, he will always carry that sense of failure with him. If he succeeds, there will be no greater measure of success in his life.
Prayer:
Lord, teach ( hsubands name) to be a good fatehr. Where it was not modeled to him according to Your ways, heal those areas and help him to forgive his dad. Give him revelation of You and a hunger in his heart to really know You as his heavenly Father. Draw him close to spend time in Your presence so he can become more like You, and fully understand Your Fatehr's heart of compassion and love toward him. Grow that same heart in him for his children. Help him to balance mercy, judgment, and instruction the way You do. Though You require obedience, You are quick to acknowledge a repentant heart. Make him that way too. Show him when to discipline and how. Help him to see that he who loves his child disciplines him promptly ( Proverbs 13:24). May he never provoke his " children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" ( Ephesians 6:4). I pray we will be united in the rules we set for our children and be in full agreement as to how they are raised. I pray that there will be no strife or argument over how to handle them and the issues that surround their lives.
Give him skills of communication with his children. I pray he will not beeeeee stern, hard, cruel, cold, abusive, noncommunicative, passive, critical, weak, uninterested, neglectful, undependable, or uninvolved. Help him instead to be kind, loving, soft hearted, warm, interested, affirming, affectionate, involved, strong, consistent, dependable, verbally communicative, understanding, and patient. May he require and inspire his children to honor him as their father so that their lives will be long and blessed.
Lord, I know we pass a spiritual inheritance to our children. Let the heritage he passes on be one rich in the fullness of Your Holy Spirit. Enable him to model clearly a walk of submission to Your laws. May he delight in his children and long to grow them up Your way. Being a good father is something he wants very much. I pray that You would give him the desire of his heart.
Power Tools:
Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. ( Proverbs 17:6)
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. ( Proverbs 3:12)
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. ( Proverbs 23:24)
Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul. ( Proverbs 29:17)
I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almight. ( 2 Corinthians 6:18)
Between Friends
Accountability:
The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, " There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor.
" The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
" Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him...."
Then Nathan said to David, " You are the man!.... Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your won. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites....
" You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel."
Then David said to Nathan, " I have sinned against the Lord."
Scripture:
2 Samuel 12:1-4,7,9,12-13
Defining Moments:
" I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me." ( Psalm 16:7-8)
He's there. Wherever you are. Whatever you're feeling. Without having to play a silly mind game or pretend something that's not real, you can just believe the fact that God is always with you, His power always within reach, His help always one word away.
But when it's late, when you've had a tough day, when a drink is sounding awfully good or the remote control is driving through a bad section of TV-land, the features on God's face can dim a little. His invisible presence can fade into your forgetfulness.
But if you've got a couple of friends you've promised to stay accountable to, if you dread the thought of facing them without a clear conscience and a good word of testimony, you can flash their faces through your mind or make a wuick phone call and remember what a holy life is worth.
Lokk, we're all in this thing together.
Next Up:
You've made some good friends by joining the family of faith, but also some sworn enemies. Let's look at who's out to get you and what it's going to take to win.
Quote:
" I believe if a man gets close to a true spiritual champion, he will become one. We become like the people we associate with." -Ronnie Floyd
The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, " There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor.
" The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
" Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him...."
Then Nathan said to David, " You are the man!.... Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your won. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites....
" You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel."
Then David said to Nathan, " I have sinned against the Lord."
Scripture:
2 Samuel 12:1-4,7,9,12-13
Defining Moments:
" I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me." ( Psalm 16:7-8)
He's there. Wherever you are. Whatever you're feeling. Without having to play a silly mind game or pretend something that's not real, you can just believe the fact that God is always with you, His power always within reach, His help always one word away.
But when it's late, when you've had a tough day, when a drink is sounding awfully good or the remote control is driving through a bad section of TV-land, the features on God's face can dim a little. His invisible presence can fade into your forgetfulness.
But if you've got a couple of friends you've promised to stay accountable to, if you dread the thought of facing them without a clear conscience and a good word of testimony, you can flash their faces through your mind or make a wuick phone call and remember what a holy life is worth.
Lokk, we're all in this thing together.
Next Up:
You've made some good friends by joining the family of faith, but also some sworn enemies. Let's look at who's out to get you and what it's going to take to win.
Quote:
" I believe if a man gets close to a true spiritual champion, he will become one. We become like the people we associate with." -Ronnie Floyd
God Heals Our Hurts
He had compassion on them ( Matthew 14:14)
The Greek word for compassion is splanchnizomai, which won't mean much to you unless you are in the health professions and studied " splanchnology" in school. If so, you remember that " splancnology" is a study of...the gut.
When Matthew writes that Jesus had compassion on the people, he is not saying that Jesus felt casual pity for them. No, the term is far more graphic. Matthew is saying that Jesus felt their hurt in his gut:
He felt the limp of the crippled.
He felt the hurt of the diseased.
He felt the loneliness of the leper.
He felt the embarrassment of the sinful.
And once he felt their hurts, he couldn't help but heal their hurts.
The Greek word for compassion is splanchnizomai, which won't mean much to you unless you are in the health professions and studied " splanchnology" in school. If so, you remember that " splancnology" is a study of...the gut.
When Matthew writes that Jesus had compassion on the people, he is not saying that Jesus felt casual pity for them. No, the term is far more graphic. Matthew is saying that Jesus felt their hurt in his gut:
He felt the limp of the crippled.
He felt the hurt of the diseased.
He felt the loneliness of the leper.
He felt the embarrassment of the sinful.
And once he felt their hurts, he couldn't help but heal their hurts.
Worship Me Only
Worship Me Only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought-choices will keep you close to Me.
Psalm 112:7, 1 Corinthians 13:11
Psalm 112:7, 1 Corinthians 13:11
Able and Available
My husband was at work when I received news about my mom's cancer diagnosis. I left him a message and reached out to friends and family. None were available. Covering my face with trembling hands, I sobbed. " Help me, Lord." A resulting assurance that God was with me comforted me through those moments when I felt utterly alone.
I thanked the Lord when my husband came home and support from friends and family trickled in. Still, the calming awareness of God's presence I sensed in those first few hours of lonely grieving affirmed that God is readily and faithfully available wherever and whenever I need help.
In Psalms 46, the psalmist proclaims God is our sanctuary, strength, and steadfast supporter. When it feels as if we're surrounded by chaos or everything we thought was stable crashes down around us, we don't have to fear. God doesn't falter. His power is evident and effective. Our eternal Sustainer gives us confidence in His unchanging character. The Lord, our secure stronghold, remains with us forever.
God created His followers to prayerfully support and encourage one another. But He also affirms He is always able and available. When we call on God, we can trust Him to keep His promises to provide for us. He will comfort us through His people as well as through His personal presence.
Lord, thank You for assuring us You're always accessible because You're always with us.
God is always able and available to help us.
I thanked the Lord when my husband came home and support from friends and family trickled in. Still, the calming awareness of God's presence I sensed in those first few hours of lonely grieving affirmed that God is readily and faithfully available wherever and whenever I need help.
In Psalms 46, the psalmist proclaims God is our sanctuary, strength, and steadfast supporter. When it feels as if we're surrounded by chaos or everything we thought was stable crashes down around us, we don't have to fear. God doesn't falter. His power is evident and effective. Our eternal Sustainer gives us confidence in His unchanging character. The Lord, our secure stronghold, remains with us forever.
God created His followers to prayerfully support and encourage one another. But He also affirms He is always able and available. When we call on God, we can trust Him to keep His promises to provide for us. He will comfort us through His people as well as through His personal presence.
Lord, thank You for assuring us You're always accessible because You're always with us.
God is always able and available to help us.
Monday, January 29, 2018
His Relationships
Isolation is not healthy. We all need the influence of good people to keep us on the right path. Every married couple should have at least two strong believing couples with whom they can share encouragement, strength, and the richness of their lives. Being around such people is edifying, enriching, balancing, and fulfilling, and it helps us keep persepective when things seem to grow out of proportion. Having the positive qualities of other people rub off on us is the best thing for a marriage.
I remember one time when Michael and I had an argument just before we were to be at another couple's house for dinner. On the drive there we sat in stiffened silence, and all I could think about was how we could possibly get through the evening gracefully without making the other couple very uncomfortable. When we arrived, the warmth, love, and rich godliness we felt from them infected our thoughts and emotions. Soon we were laughing and talking and having a great time, forgetting about what had transpired previously. What those two people had was not just a " let the good times roll" party spirit. It was the joy of the Lord, and it wore off on us.
We've witnessed the exact same thing happen in reverse. There have been numerous instances when a couple in the midst of maritial strife came to our house for dinner and went away with peace in their hearts. One particular couple even called just before they were to arrive--when the dinner was completely ready--to say they'd just had a bad argument and couldn't possibly be enjoyable guests. I told them we completely understood, having experienced the same thing ourselves, but that we wanted them to come, even if they sat in silence all night. " Besides, you do need to eat," I said. " If necessary you can sit at opposite ends of the table." It took some persuading, but they came and it turned out to be a highly enjoyable evening for all. We even ended up laughing about what transpired earlier and they left hand and hand.
Being good friends with godly people who love the Lord doesn't just happen by chance. We must pray that such people will come into our lives. And then when we find them, we should continue to cover the relationships in prayer. We should also pray the bad influences awa. The Bible says we must " not be unequally yoked together with unbelivers" ( 2 Corinthians 6:14). This doesn't mean we can never be around anyone who isn't a Christian, but our closet, most influential relationships should be with people who know and love the Lord, or there will be consequences. " The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." ( Proverbs 12:26). That's why it's very important to have a church home where it's possible to meet the kind of people you need. Choose to be around the highest quality people you can, the ones whose hearts are aimed toward God.
Pray also for your husband to have godly male friends. And when he finds them, give time to be with them without criticism. Those friends will refine him. " As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens the countenance of his friend." ( Proverbs 27:17). They will be a good influence. " Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend does so by hearty councel." ( Proverbs 27:9) Of course if it becomes obsessive, pray for balance.
After we had children, Michael worked every day and night during the week and on weekends he spent spare time on the golf course or at baseball and football games with his friends. There were many bitter arguments about that, but no changes happened until I started praying that God would convict him and turn his heart toward home. God did a much better job that I ever could have.
Often men have fewer close friends than women because of the way their time is consumed with establishing their careers. They don't take the necessary steps to develop close friendships like we do. That's where prayer can make a difference. Even if your husband is not a believer, you can still pray for him to have godly friends. A close friend of mine has a husband who doesn't follow the Lord and we have prayed many times for him to have godly friends and be in contact with believers where he works. God has now brought so many strong Christians into his life that we laugh about how the Lord has him surrounded.
Pray about all of your husband's relationships. He needs to have good relationships with his parents, brotehrs, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers, and neighbors. Pray that none of his relationships be marred by his inability to forgive. A husband who is tortured with unforgiveness is not a pretty sight.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for ( husband's name) to have good, godly male friends with whom he can openly share his heart. May they be trustworthy men of wisdom who will speak truth into his life and not just say what he wants to hear ( Proverbs 28:23). Give him the discernment to separate himself from anyone who will not be a good influence ( 1 Corinthians 5:13). Show him the importance of godly friendships and help me encourage him to sustain them. Give us believing married couples whom we can feel comfortable sharing our lives.
I pray for strong, peaceful relationships with each of his family members, neighbors, acquaintances, and coworkers. Today I specificall pray for his relationship with ( Name of Person). Inspire open communication and mutual acceptance between them. Let there be reconcilliation where there has been estrangement. Work peace into anything that needs to be worked out.
I pray that in his heart he will honor his father and mother so that he will live long and blessed in his life ( Exodus 20:12). Enable him to be a forgiving person and not to carry grudges or hold things in his heart against others. Lord, You've said in Your Word that " he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes" ( 1 John 2:11). I pray that my husband would never be blinded by the darkness of unforgiveness, but continually walk in the light of forgiveness. May he not judge or show contempt for anyone but remember that " we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" ( Romans 14:10). Enable him to love his enemies, bless those who curse him, do good to those who hate him, and pray for those who spitefully use him and persecute him ( Matthew 5:44). I pray that I will be counted as his best friend and that our friendship with one another will continue to grow. SHow him what it means to be a true friend and enable him to be one.
Power Tools:
Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is themanner of some, but exhorting one another. ( Hebrews 10:24,25)
If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. ( Matthew 5:23,24)
If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. ( 1 John 1:7)
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, " I repent," you shall forgive him. ( Luke 17:3,4)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this you will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. ( John 13:34,35)
I remember one time when Michael and I had an argument just before we were to be at another couple's house for dinner. On the drive there we sat in stiffened silence, and all I could think about was how we could possibly get through the evening gracefully without making the other couple very uncomfortable. When we arrived, the warmth, love, and rich godliness we felt from them infected our thoughts and emotions. Soon we were laughing and talking and having a great time, forgetting about what had transpired previously. What those two people had was not just a " let the good times roll" party spirit. It was the joy of the Lord, and it wore off on us.
We've witnessed the exact same thing happen in reverse. There have been numerous instances when a couple in the midst of maritial strife came to our house for dinner and went away with peace in their hearts. One particular couple even called just before they were to arrive--when the dinner was completely ready--to say they'd just had a bad argument and couldn't possibly be enjoyable guests. I told them we completely understood, having experienced the same thing ourselves, but that we wanted them to come, even if they sat in silence all night. " Besides, you do need to eat," I said. " If necessary you can sit at opposite ends of the table." It took some persuading, but they came and it turned out to be a highly enjoyable evening for all. We even ended up laughing about what transpired earlier and they left hand and hand.
Being good friends with godly people who love the Lord doesn't just happen by chance. We must pray that such people will come into our lives. And then when we find them, we should continue to cover the relationships in prayer. We should also pray the bad influences awa. The Bible says we must " not be unequally yoked together with unbelivers" ( 2 Corinthians 6:14). This doesn't mean we can never be around anyone who isn't a Christian, but our closet, most influential relationships should be with people who know and love the Lord, or there will be consequences. " The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." ( Proverbs 12:26). That's why it's very important to have a church home where it's possible to meet the kind of people you need. Choose to be around the highest quality people you can, the ones whose hearts are aimed toward God.
Pray also for your husband to have godly male friends. And when he finds them, give time to be with them without criticism. Those friends will refine him. " As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens the countenance of his friend." ( Proverbs 27:17). They will be a good influence. " Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend does so by hearty councel." ( Proverbs 27:9) Of course if it becomes obsessive, pray for balance.
After we had children, Michael worked every day and night during the week and on weekends he spent spare time on the golf course or at baseball and football games with his friends. There were many bitter arguments about that, but no changes happened until I started praying that God would convict him and turn his heart toward home. God did a much better job that I ever could have.
Often men have fewer close friends than women because of the way their time is consumed with establishing their careers. They don't take the necessary steps to develop close friendships like we do. That's where prayer can make a difference. Even if your husband is not a believer, you can still pray for him to have godly friends. A close friend of mine has a husband who doesn't follow the Lord and we have prayed many times for him to have godly friends and be in contact with believers where he works. God has now brought so many strong Christians into his life that we laugh about how the Lord has him surrounded.
Pray about all of your husband's relationships. He needs to have good relationships with his parents, brotehrs, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers, and neighbors. Pray that none of his relationships be marred by his inability to forgive. A husband who is tortured with unforgiveness is not a pretty sight.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for ( husband's name) to have good, godly male friends with whom he can openly share his heart. May they be trustworthy men of wisdom who will speak truth into his life and not just say what he wants to hear ( Proverbs 28:23). Give him the discernment to separate himself from anyone who will not be a good influence ( 1 Corinthians 5:13). Show him the importance of godly friendships and help me encourage him to sustain them. Give us believing married couples whom we can feel comfortable sharing our lives.
I pray for strong, peaceful relationships with each of his family members, neighbors, acquaintances, and coworkers. Today I specificall pray for his relationship with ( Name of Person). Inspire open communication and mutual acceptance between them. Let there be reconcilliation where there has been estrangement. Work peace into anything that needs to be worked out.
I pray that in his heart he will honor his father and mother so that he will live long and blessed in his life ( Exodus 20:12). Enable him to be a forgiving person and not to carry grudges or hold things in his heart against others. Lord, You've said in Your Word that " he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes" ( 1 John 2:11). I pray that my husband would never be blinded by the darkness of unforgiveness, but continually walk in the light of forgiveness. May he not judge or show contempt for anyone but remember that " we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" ( Romans 14:10). Enable him to love his enemies, bless those who curse him, do good to those who hate him, and pray for those who spitefully use him and persecute him ( Matthew 5:44). I pray that I will be counted as his best friend and that our friendship with one another will continue to grow. SHow him what it means to be a true friend and enable him to be one.
Power Tools:
Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is themanner of some, but exhorting one another. ( Hebrews 10:24,25)
If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. ( Matthew 5:23,24)
If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. ( 1 John 1:7)
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, " I repent," you shall forgive him. ( Luke 17:3,4)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this you will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. ( John 13:34,35)
Strength In Numbers
Why You Belong in Church
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ...
If the foot should say, " Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, " Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
If the whole boy were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body....
But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12, 15-20, 24b-26
Defining Moments:
Your week may be filled with sales meetings and lunch plans, with night classes and homework, with diapers and runny noses. Whatever ordinary means to you. You may be having a squabble with your sister or a hassle with your landlord. You may be knee deep in credit card bills or trying not to worry about that curious new pain in your side.
The week has a way of wearing you down, of hitting you head-on with more troubles and temptations than you were hoping to handle. You can fall into bed on Saturday night a limp rag. A sigh. A surrender. You may feel almost as far out of God's plan as you were before you gave your life to Him.
But no matter what your week's been like, you can walk into God's house on Sunday morning and know that you're right where you're supposed to be--that you're part of something bigger than yourself, a place where you belong, a member of an eternal family. You need them, and they need you. And together, you can find the strength to face another week. To go on another day.
Next Up: More than Sunday morning, though, you need a face-to-face connection with a few close Christian friends who can help to keep you living what you say you believe.
Quote:
" It's only as we, as a body of Christians, grow together in Jesus Christ that we will truly reflect faith, hope, and love." -Gene Getz
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ...
If the foot should say, " Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, " Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
If the whole boy were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body....
But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12, 15-20, 24b-26
Defining Moments:
Your week may be filled with sales meetings and lunch plans, with night classes and homework, with diapers and runny noses. Whatever ordinary means to you. You may be having a squabble with your sister or a hassle with your landlord. You may be knee deep in credit card bills or trying not to worry about that curious new pain in your side.
The week has a way of wearing you down, of hitting you head-on with more troubles and temptations than you were hoping to handle. You can fall into bed on Saturday night a limp rag. A sigh. A surrender. You may feel almost as far out of God's plan as you were before you gave your life to Him.
But no matter what your week's been like, you can walk into God's house on Sunday morning and know that you're right where you're supposed to be--that you're part of something bigger than yourself, a place where you belong, a member of an eternal family. You need them, and they need you. And together, you can find the strength to face another week. To go on another day.
Next Up: More than Sunday morning, though, you need a face-to-face connection with a few close Christian friends who can help to keep you living what you say you believe.
Quote:
" It's only as we, as a body of Christians, grow together in Jesus Christ that we will truly reflect faith, hope, and love." -Gene Getz
A Heart At Peace
The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. ( James 3:17)
The heart of Jesus was pure. The Savior was adored by thousands, yet content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women ( Luke 8:1-3), yet never accused of lustful thoughts; scorned by his own creation, but willing to forgive them before they even requested his mercy. Peter, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, described him as a " lamb, unblemished and spotless."
After spending the same amount of time with Jesus, John concluded, " And in him is no sin."
Jesus' heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem. The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldiers, but not Jesus. He lifted his hand to heal. His heart was at peace.
The heart of Jesus was pure. The Savior was adored by thousands, yet content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women ( Luke 8:1-3), yet never accused of lustful thoughts; scorned by his own creation, but willing to forgive them before they even requested his mercy. Peter, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, described him as a " lamb, unblemished and spotless."
After spending the same amount of time with Jesus, John concluded, " And in him is no sin."
Jesus' heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem. The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldiers, but not Jesus. He lifted his hand to heal. His heart was at peace.
Keep Your Focus On Me
Keep Your Focus On Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of your mind. Only the crown of My creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in My image.
Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thought shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you rest in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.
Psalm 8:5; Genesis 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 26:3
Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thought shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you rest in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.
Psalm 8:5; Genesis 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 26:3
Like a Little Child
One evening many years ago, after saying a goodnight prayer with our two-year old daughter, my wife was surprised by a question. " Mommy, where is Jesus? "
Launn replied, " Jesus is in heaven and He's everywhere, right here with us. And He can be in your heart if you ask Him to come in."
" I want Jesus to be in my heart."
" One of these days you can ask Him."
" I want to ask Him to be in my heart now."
So our little girl said, " Jesus, please come into my heart and be with me." And that started her faith journey with Him.
When Jesus's disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, He called a little child to come and join them. " Unless you change and become like little children, " Jesus said, " you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.... And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
Through the eyes of Jesus we can see a trusting child as our example of faith. And we are told to welcome all who open their hearts to Him. " Let the little children come to me," Jesus said, " and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You with confident faith of a child.
Our faith in Jesus is to be like that of a trusting child.
Launn replied, " Jesus is in heaven and He's everywhere, right here with us. And He can be in your heart if you ask Him to come in."
" I want Jesus to be in my heart."
" One of these days you can ask Him."
" I want to ask Him to be in my heart now."
So our little girl said, " Jesus, please come into my heart and be with me." And that started her faith journey with Him.
When Jesus's disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, He called a little child to come and join them. " Unless you change and become like little children, " Jesus said, " you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.... And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
Through the eyes of Jesus we can see a trusting child as our example of faith. And we are told to welcome all who open their hearts to Him. " Let the little children come to me," Jesus said, " and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You with confident faith of a child.
Our faith in Jesus is to be like that of a trusting child.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Final Commendations and Greetings
I command to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, abd Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelies, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus, and all the saints who are with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you Amen.
Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. I tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
Galus, my host abd the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, abd Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelies, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus, and all the saints who are with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you Amen.
Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. I tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
Galus, my host abd the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
His Priorities
Men have many different ideas about what their priorities should be. But every wife feels she should be at the top of he husband's list-right there under God. I've found , however, that if a wife wants her husband's priorities to be in that kind of order, sha has to make sure hers are in that order as well. In other words, if you want your husband to place you as priority over work, children, friends, and activities, you need to do the same for him. I God and spouse aren't clearly top priorities in your life, your husband will have less incentive to make them so in his. I know very well about the struggle to keep order of priorities, especially if there are little ones in the picture. Children's needs are immediate and urgent and you're the one to take care of them. A husband, after all, is an adult and hopefully can take care of himself. Even if there are no children, it's possible to be consumed by work, home, friends, projects, interests, and activities. It's hard, in the midst of everything that occupies your time and attention not to allow your husband to fall down on the list-or at least feel as though he has.
Fortunately, priorities don't always have to do with the total amount of time spent on them, otherwise anyone with a forty-hour work week would be putting God second to their job unless he or she was praying at least eight hours a day. And there is no way a wife can give as much time to her husband as she does to a young child without neglecting the child. When it comes to your husband, it's not so much a matter of how much time you take, but that you do take the time to make him feel like he is a priority.
Just greeting him first thing in the morning with a smile and a hug can make him feel he's important to you. so is asking him, " Is there anything you want me to do for you today?" ( And then he tells you, remember to do it.) Also, let him know you are praying for him and ask what he specifically wants you to pray about. Even checking in with him periodically in the midst of the many other things you are doing assures him he's still at the top of your list.
Priorities have to do with the position in the heart. Planning times for just the two of you-a date, a night or two away, a dinner alone, time in the home without any children or friends-communicates to him that he is a priority in your heart. If you want your husband to love you more, you need to love him more. It always works, especially if you're praying about it as well.
If you feel that you just don't have the time and or energy to put your husband first and still do all that's expected of you, ask God for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit. Seek Him first and He will help you get your priorities in order. If your schedule doesn't allow time to be with God and draw on His strength, then rework your priorities and make a new schedule. The old one is not working.
In the business my husband is in, we often see people experience success quickly. The problem with that is a spirit of lust for more success, more power, and more wealth usually comes along with it. When these people don't make a special effort to keep their priorities in order, their pride guides them, and they buy into its lure. They slip into overdrive, leaving God, family, church, and friends in their dust. When these shooting stars come back to earth, the landing is often hard. We don't want that to happen, even on a small scale, to our husbands. Pray for your husband to always put God first, you second, and the children third. Then, no matter what else is going on in his life, his priorities will be in order and there will be greater peace and happiness ahead for both of you.
Prayer:
God, I proclaim You Lord over my life. Help me to seek You first every day and set my priorities in perfect order. Reveal to me how to properly put my husband before children, work, family, friends, activities, and interests. Show me what I can do right now to demonstrate to him that he has this position in my heart. Mend the times I have caused him to doubt that. Tell me how to prioritize everything so that whatever steals away, or has no lasting purpose, will not occupy my time.
I pray for my husband's priorities to be in perfect order as well. Be Lord and Ruler over his heart. Help him to choose a simplicity of life that will allow him to have time alone with You, Lord, a place to be quiet in Your presence every day. Speak to him about making Your Word, prayer and praise a priority. Enable him to place me and our children in greater prominence in his heart than career, friends, and activities. I pray he will seek You first and submit his all to You, for when he does I know the other pieces of his life will fit together perfectly.
Power Tools:
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ( Matthew 6:33)
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ( Philippians 2:4)
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. ( Matthew 6:24)
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. ( Matthew 13:45,46)
You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. ( Matthew 4:10)
Fortunately, priorities don't always have to do with the total amount of time spent on them, otherwise anyone with a forty-hour work week would be putting God second to their job unless he or she was praying at least eight hours a day. And there is no way a wife can give as much time to her husband as she does to a young child without neglecting the child. When it comes to your husband, it's not so much a matter of how much time you take, but that you do take the time to make him feel like he is a priority.
Just greeting him first thing in the morning with a smile and a hug can make him feel he's important to you. so is asking him, " Is there anything you want me to do for you today?" ( And then he tells you, remember to do it.) Also, let him know you are praying for him and ask what he specifically wants you to pray about. Even checking in with him periodically in the midst of the many other things you are doing assures him he's still at the top of your list.
Priorities have to do with the position in the heart. Planning times for just the two of you-a date, a night or two away, a dinner alone, time in the home without any children or friends-communicates to him that he is a priority in your heart. If you want your husband to love you more, you need to love him more. It always works, especially if you're praying about it as well.
If you feel that you just don't have the time and or energy to put your husband first and still do all that's expected of you, ask God for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit. Seek Him first and He will help you get your priorities in order. If your schedule doesn't allow time to be with God and draw on His strength, then rework your priorities and make a new schedule. The old one is not working.
In the business my husband is in, we often see people experience success quickly. The problem with that is a spirit of lust for more success, more power, and more wealth usually comes along with it. When these people don't make a special effort to keep their priorities in order, their pride guides them, and they buy into its lure. They slip into overdrive, leaving God, family, church, and friends in their dust. When these shooting stars come back to earth, the landing is often hard. We don't want that to happen, even on a small scale, to our husbands. Pray for your husband to always put God first, you second, and the children third. Then, no matter what else is going on in his life, his priorities will be in order and there will be greater peace and happiness ahead for both of you.
Prayer:
God, I proclaim You Lord over my life. Help me to seek You first every day and set my priorities in perfect order. Reveal to me how to properly put my husband before children, work, family, friends, activities, and interests. Show me what I can do right now to demonstrate to him that he has this position in my heart. Mend the times I have caused him to doubt that. Tell me how to prioritize everything so that whatever steals away, or has no lasting purpose, will not occupy my time.
I pray for my husband's priorities to be in perfect order as well. Be Lord and Ruler over his heart. Help him to choose a simplicity of life that will allow him to have time alone with You, Lord, a place to be quiet in Your presence every day. Speak to him about making Your Word, prayer and praise a priority. Enable him to place me and our children in greater prominence in his heart than career, friends, and activities. I pray he will seek You first and submit his all to You, for when he does I know the other pieces of his life will fit together perfectly.
Power Tools:
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ( Matthew 6:33)
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ( Philippians 2:4)
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. ( Matthew 6:24)
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. ( Matthew 13:45,46)
You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. ( Matthew 4:10)
Out In the Open
Confession And Repentance:
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.... If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.....
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Scripture:
Proverbs 28:13-14, 1 John 1:6-9, Hebrews 4:5-16
Defining Moments:
God is no pushover. His call to holy living is very clear, very firm, very hard to misunderstand. Let's not trick ourselves into thinking that His heart of compassion has made Him soft on sin.
But rest in this: " He remembers that we are dust" ( Psalm 103:14). He knows where we've come from. He understands the bad habits we've molded over the years, the comfortable corners we run to when we're tired or upset or discouraged. Truth is, the anger we feel pressing down on us is more ours than His, for while we could kick ourselves for caving again, He's heartbroken that we've sold ourselves out so cheaply, that we've chosen the path of pain when He has offered the path of peace.
So as you catch yourself in compromise, confess your mistake. And promise ( with God's help) that you'll turn your back on this foolishness. Confession gets your sin out in front where you can deal with it. Repentance takes it out to the curb where God can haul it off with the rest of your garbage. And leave you feeling clean again.
Next Up:
God hasn't saved you just so you could enjoy life in a better mood. He has placed you in a community of faith, where your little part can be multiplied in ministry.
Quote:
" Christianity is strange. It orders man to acknowledge that he is evil, even abominable. Yet it also bids him to be like God." -Blaise Pascal
Statement:
Nobody expects you to be perfect. But by owning up to your mistakes, you get a whole lot closer to it.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.... If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.....
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Scripture:
Proverbs 28:13-14, 1 John 1:6-9, Hebrews 4:5-16
Defining Moments:
God is no pushover. His call to holy living is very clear, very firm, very hard to misunderstand. Let's not trick ourselves into thinking that His heart of compassion has made Him soft on sin.
But rest in this: " He remembers that we are dust" ( Psalm 103:14). He knows where we've come from. He understands the bad habits we've molded over the years, the comfortable corners we run to when we're tired or upset or discouraged. Truth is, the anger we feel pressing down on us is more ours than His, for while we could kick ourselves for caving again, He's heartbroken that we've sold ourselves out so cheaply, that we've chosen the path of pain when He has offered the path of peace.
So as you catch yourself in compromise, confess your mistake. And promise ( with God's help) that you'll turn your back on this foolishness. Confession gets your sin out in front where you can deal with it. Repentance takes it out to the curb where God can haul it off with the rest of your garbage. And leave you feeling clean again.
Next Up:
God hasn't saved you just so you could enjoy life in a better mood. He has placed you in a community of faith, where your little part can be multiplied in ministry.
Quote:
" Christianity is strange. It orders man to acknowledge that he is evil, even abominable. Yet it also bids him to be like God." -Blaise Pascal
Statement:
Nobody expects you to be perfect. But by owning up to your mistakes, you get a whole lot closer to it.
Adopted by God
The Spirit himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:16)
When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, but also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God's justice and love are equally honored. And you, God's creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn't end with God's forgiveness.... It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name.
When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, but also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God's justice and love are equally honored. And you, God's creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn't end with God's forgiveness.... It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name.
Let My Love Enfold You
Let My Love Enfold You in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.
Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold my hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step.
Hebrews 13:15, 2 Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 73:23-24
Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold my hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step.
Hebrews 13:15, 2 Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 73:23-24
True Hope
Not long ago I visited the Empire State building with a friend. The line looked short-just down the block and around the corner. Yet as we entered the building, we discovered the line of people stretching through the lobby, up the stairs, and into another room. Every new turn revealed more distance to go.
Attractions and theme parks carefully route their crowds to make the lines seem shorter. Yet disappointment can lurk. " Just around the bend."
Sometimes life's disappointments are much more severe. The job we hoped for doesn't materialize; friends we counted on let us down; romantic relationship we longed for fails to work out. But into these heartbreaks, God's Word speaks a refreshing truth about our hope in Him. The apostle Paul wrote; " Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame or disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, God whispers the truth that we are unconditionally loved and will one day be with Him-regardless of the obstacles we face. In a world that may often disappoint us, how good it is to know that God gives genuine hope.
Abba, Father, thank You that I can always trust in Your perfect, never-ending love.
In Christ, the hopeless, find hope.
Attractions and theme parks carefully route their crowds to make the lines seem shorter. Yet disappointment can lurk. " Just around the bend."
Sometimes life's disappointments are much more severe. The job we hoped for doesn't materialize; friends we counted on let us down; romantic relationship we longed for fails to work out. But into these heartbreaks, God's Word speaks a refreshing truth about our hope in Him. The apostle Paul wrote; " Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame or disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, God whispers the truth that we are unconditionally loved and will one day be with Him-regardless of the obstacles we face. In a world that may often disappoint us, how good it is to know that God gives genuine hope.
Abba, Father, thank You that I can always trust in Your perfect, never-ending love.
In Christ, the hopeless, find hope.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Peace, Be Still
Meditation and Quietude:
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes....
Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
There's a quiet place beyond the buzz of the TV and the telephone. And God's saving you a seat.
Defining Moments:
The New Agers came in, started talking about focusing and finding their center ( and stuff like that), and made people think of meditation as some heebie-jeebie, hippie holdover that feels at home on a PBS special, but not on our living room sofas.
Just because someone misuses God's gift, however, doesn't diminish its importance. Meditation is a much-needed Christian discipline. When you seek a silent place away from the pull of the newspaper or the approaching drumbeats of a work deadline, when you feast on a single verse of the Scripture, letting the Holy Spirit bring to your mind new lessons to learn, new twists on the truth, new insights to gather...you will learn to recognize God's voice and grow in your relationship.
You don't have to go out looking for demands and distractions. They'll find you-enough to fill every second of your life with noise and activity, yet still leave you restless and dissatisfied. COme quietly before God. Meditate on His word. And enjoy His satisfying rest.
Next up:
Now we're getting somewhere. The next step in growing as a Christian is learning how to keep your life an open book before God, and let nothing come between you.
Quote:
" We must carefully plan solitude. We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with, and listen to, God." -Henri Nouwen
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes....
Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
There's a quiet place beyond the buzz of the TV and the telephone. And God's saving you a seat.
Defining Moments:
The New Agers came in, started talking about focusing and finding their center ( and stuff like that), and made people think of meditation as some heebie-jeebie, hippie holdover that feels at home on a PBS special, but not on our living room sofas.
Just because someone misuses God's gift, however, doesn't diminish its importance. Meditation is a much-needed Christian discipline. When you seek a silent place away from the pull of the newspaper or the approaching drumbeats of a work deadline, when you feast on a single verse of the Scripture, letting the Holy Spirit bring to your mind new lessons to learn, new twists on the truth, new insights to gather...you will learn to recognize God's voice and grow in your relationship.
You don't have to go out looking for demands and distractions. They'll find you-enough to fill every second of your life with noise and activity, yet still leave you restless and dissatisfied. COme quietly before God. Meditate on His word. And enjoy His satisfying rest.
Next up:
Now we're getting somewhere. The next step in growing as a Christian is learning how to keep your life an open book before God, and let nothing come between you.
Quote:
" We must carefully plan solitude. We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with, and listen to, God." -Henri Nouwen
The Compassionate Christ
When he arrived, he saw a great crowd waiting. He felt sorry for them...So he began to teach them many things. ( Mark 6:34)
When Jesus lands on the shore of Bethsaida, he leaves the Sea of Galilee and steps into a sea of humanity. Keep in mind, he has crossed the sea to get away from the crowds. He needs to grieve. He longs to relax with his followers. He needs anything but another crowd of thousands to teach and heal. But his love for people overcomes his need for rest....
Many of those he healed would never say " thank you," but he healed them anyway. Most would be more concerned with being healthy than being holy, but he healed them anyway. Some of those who asked for bread today would cry for his blood a few months later, but he healed them anyway.... He had compassion on them.
When Jesus lands on the shore of Bethsaida, he leaves the Sea of Galilee and steps into a sea of humanity. Keep in mind, he has crossed the sea to get away from the crowds. He needs to grieve. He longs to relax with his followers. He needs anything but another crowd of thousands to teach and heal. But his love for people overcomes his need for rest....
Many of those he healed would never say " thank you," but he healed them anyway. Most would be more concerned with being healthy than being holy, but he healed them anyway. Some of those who asked for bread today would cry for his blood a few months later, but he healed them anyway.... He had compassion on them.
My Peace
My Peace is the treasures: the pearl of great price. It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver and the receiver. I have purchased this peace for you with My blood. You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of life's storms. If you have the world's peace-everything going your way-you don't seek My unfathomable Peace. Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world. Expect them each day. Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.
Matthew 13:46, James 1:2, and John 16:33
Matthew 13:46, James 1:2, and John 16:33
God of Life
A few winters ago, my hometown experienced an unusually long blast of bone-chilling temperatures that finally gave way to the warmer weather of spring. For two weeks straight, the outside thermometer dipped well below the sub-zero degree mark ( -20 C; -5 F).
On one particularly bitter cold morning, the sound of chirping birds broke the silence of night. Dozens, if not hundreds, sang their hearts out. If I didn't know any better, I could have sworn the little creatures were crying out to their Creator to please warm things up!
Bird experts tell us that the multitude of birdsongs we hear during late winter mornings are mostly male birds, attempting to attract mates and claim their territories. Their chirping reminded me that God fine-tuned His creation to sustain and flourish life-because He is a God of life.
In a psalm that marvels at God's flourishing earth, the author begins, " Let all that I am praise the Lord." He went on to write, " The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches."
From the singing and nesting birds to a vast ocean " teeming with creatures beyond number," we see reasons to praise the Creator for the lengths He's gone to ensure that all of life thrives.
Thank God for the world He has made. List the parts of His creation that You especially enjoy. Thank Him for them one by one.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
On one particularly bitter cold morning, the sound of chirping birds broke the silence of night. Dozens, if not hundreds, sang their hearts out. If I didn't know any better, I could have sworn the little creatures were crying out to their Creator to please warm things up!
Bird experts tell us that the multitude of birdsongs we hear during late winter mornings are mostly male birds, attempting to attract mates and claim their territories. Their chirping reminded me that God fine-tuned His creation to sustain and flourish life-because He is a God of life.
In a psalm that marvels at God's flourishing earth, the author begins, " Let all that I am praise the Lord." He went on to write, " The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches."
From the singing and nesting birds to a vast ocean " teeming with creatures beyond number," we see reasons to praise the Creator for the lengths He's gone to ensure that all of life thrives.
Thank God for the world He has made. List the parts of His creation that You especially enjoy. Thank Him for them one by one.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Jesus Calling
I want you to be all mine. I am weaning you from other dependencies. Your security rests in Me alone-not in other people, not in circumstances. Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always before you, beckoning you on-one step at a time. Neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from My loving Presence.
( Deuteronomy 33:27) ( Romans 8:39)
( Deuteronomy 33:27) ( Romans 8:39)
The Reachable Jesus
He remembered us when we were in trouble. His love continues forever. ( Psalm 136:23)
God chose to reveal himself through a human body.
The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And his tears...oh, don't miss the tears...they came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.
So, people came to him. My, how they came to him! They came at night; they touched him as he walked down the street; they followed him around the sea; they invited him into their homes and placed their children at his feet. Why? Because he refused to be a statue in a cathedral or a priest in an elevated pulpit. He chose instead to be a touchable, approachable, reachable Jesus.
God chose to reveal himself through a human body.
The tongue that called forth the dead was a human one. The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And his tears...oh, don't miss the tears...they came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.
So, people came to him. My, how they came to him! They came at night; they touched him as he walked down the street; they followed him around the sea; they invited him into their homes and placed their children at his feet. Why? Because he refused to be a statue in a cathedral or a priest in an elevated pulpit. He chose instead to be a touchable, approachable, reachable Jesus.
It's in the Attitude
Regina drove home from work discouraged and tired. The day had started with tragic news in a text message from a friend, then spiraled downward in meetings with co-workers who refused to work with any of her ideas. As Regina was talking to the Lord, she thought it best to put the stress of the day aside and made a surprise visit with some flowers to an elderly friend at a care center. Her spirits lifted as Maria shared how good the Lord was to her. She said, " I have my own bed and a chair, three meals a day, and help from the nurses here. And occasionally God sends a cardinal to my window just because He knows I love them and He loves me."
Attitude. Perspective. As the saying goes, " Life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it." The people James wrote to were scattered because persecution, and he asked them to consider their perspective about difficulties. He challenged them with these words: " Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds." We are each on our own journey of learning to trust God with hard circumstances. The kind of joy-filed perspective James talked about comes as we learn to see that God can use strugglers to produce maturity in our faith.
Lord, please change my attitude about hard times. Bring about joy, perseverance, and maturity in me.
God can bring times of growth out of our times of heartache.
Attitude. Perspective. As the saying goes, " Life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it." The people James wrote to were scattered because persecution, and he asked them to consider their perspective about difficulties. He challenged them with these words: " Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds." We are each on our own journey of learning to trust God with hard circumstances. The kind of joy-filed perspective James talked about comes as we learn to see that God can use strugglers to produce maturity in our faith.
Lord, please change my attitude about hard times. Bring about joy, perseverance, and maturity in me.
God can bring times of growth out of our times of heartache.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
My Help!
For decades the renowned Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has blessed multitudes through their soul-refreshing gospel songs. One example is their recording from Psalm 121 titled " My Help."
Psalm 121 begins with a personal confession of faith in the Lord who brought all things into existence, and He was the source of the psalmist's help. Just what did this mean? Stability, around-the-clock care, constant presence and protection, and preservation from all kinds of evil for time and eternity.
Taking their cues from Scripture, God's people through the ages have identified the Lord as their source of " help" through their songs. My own worship experience includes lifting my voice with others who sang a soulful rendition of Charles Wesley's, " Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, no other help I know; if thou withdraw Thyself from me, Ah! wither shall I go." The great reformer Martin Luther got it right when he penned the words, " A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing."
Do you feel alone, forsaken, abandoned, confused? Ponder the lyrics of Psalm 121. Allow these words to fill your soul with faith and courage. You're not alone, so don't try to do life on your own. Rather, rejoice in the earthly and eternal care of God as demonstrated in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. And whatever the next steps, take them with His help.
Father, how grateful we are that scripture and song remind us that You are our source of help. Help me to not forget that this day.
The Maker of the universe is the helper of God's people!
Psalm 121 begins with a personal confession of faith in the Lord who brought all things into existence, and He was the source of the psalmist's help. Just what did this mean? Stability, around-the-clock care, constant presence and protection, and preservation from all kinds of evil for time and eternity.
Taking their cues from Scripture, God's people through the ages have identified the Lord as their source of " help" through their songs. My own worship experience includes lifting my voice with others who sang a soulful rendition of Charles Wesley's, " Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, no other help I know; if thou withdraw Thyself from me, Ah! wither shall I go." The great reformer Martin Luther got it right when he penned the words, " A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing."
Do you feel alone, forsaken, abandoned, confused? Ponder the lyrics of Psalm 121. Allow these words to fill your soul with faith and courage. You're not alone, so don't try to do life on your own. Rather, rejoice in the earthly and eternal care of God as demonstrated in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. And whatever the next steps, take them with His help.
Father, how grateful we are that scripture and song remind us that You are our source of help. Help me to not forget that this day.
The Maker of the universe is the helper of God's people!
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Dealing With Delay
A global computer system outage causes widespread flight cancellations, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers at airports. During a winter storm, multiple auto accidents close major highways. The person who promised to send a reply " right away" has failed to do so. Delays can often produce anger and frustration, but as the followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of looking to Him for help.
One of the Bible's great examples of patience is Joseph, who was sold to slave traders by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by his employer's wife, and imprisoned in Egypt. " But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. Years later, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, he was made second in command in Egypt.
The most remarkable fruit of his patience occurred when his brothers came to buy grain during the famine. " I am your brother Joseph, " he told them, " the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you....So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."
In all our delays, brief or long, may we, like Joseph, gain patience, perspective, and peace as we trust in the Lord.
Father in heaven, in all our delays may we trust Your faithful hand of guidance and experience Your presence with us in every situation.
Confidence in God enables us to live out our faith patiently.
One of the Bible's great examples of patience is Joseph, who was sold to slave traders by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by his employer's wife, and imprisoned in Egypt. " But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. Years later, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, he was made second in command in Egypt.
The most remarkable fruit of his patience occurred when his brothers came to buy grain during the famine. " I am your brother Joseph, " he told them, " the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you....So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."
In all our delays, brief or long, may we, like Joseph, gain patience, perspective, and peace as we trust in the Lord.
Father in heaven, in all our delays may we trust Your faithful hand of guidance and experience Your presence with us in every situation.
Confidence in God enables us to live out our faith patiently.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
The Power Of Prayer
One day, when I was deeply concerned about the welfare of one close to me, I found encouragement in part of the Old Testament story of Samuel, a wise leader of the Israelites. As I read how Samuel interceded for God's people as they faced trouble, I strengthened my resolve to pray for the one I loved.
The Israelites faced the threat of the Philistines, who had previously defeated them when God's people didn't trust in Him. After repenting of their sins, they heard that the Philistines were about to attack. This time, however, they asked Samuel to continue praying for them, and the Lord anwered clearly by throwing their enemy into confusion. Though the Philistines may have been mightier than the ISraelites, the Lord was strongest of them all.
When we ache over the challenges facing those we love and fear the situation wont change, we may be tempted to believe that the Lord will not act. But we should never under estimate the power of prayer, for our loving God hears our pleas. We don't know ho He will move in response to our petitions, but we know that as our Father He longs for us to embrace His love and to trust in His faithfulness.
Do you have someone you can pray for today?
Father God, the way You hear and answer my prayers amazes me. Strengthen my faith, that I will always believe in Your goodness and love.
God hears us when we pray.
The Israelites faced the threat of the Philistines, who had previously defeated them when God's people didn't trust in Him. After repenting of their sins, they heard that the Philistines were about to attack. This time, however, they asked Samuel to continue praying for them, and the Lord anwered clearly by throwing their enemy into confusion. Though the Philistines may have been mightier than the ISraelites, the Lord was strongest of them all.
When we ache over the challenges facing those we love and fear the situation wont change, we may be tempted to believe that the Lord will not act. But we should never under estimate the power of prayer, for our loving God hears our pleas. We don't know ho He will move in response to our petitions, but we know that as our Father He longs for us to embrace His love and to trust in His faithfulness.
Do you have someone you can pray for today?
Father God, the way You hear and answer my prayers amazes me. Strengthen my faith, that I will always believe in Your goodness and love.
God hears us when we pray.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Pursuing Unity
Growing up during the 1950"s, I never questioned racism and the segregation practices that permeated daily life in the city where we lived. In schools, restaurants, public transportation, and neigborhoods, people with different shades of skin color were separated.
My attitude changed in 1968 when I entered US Army Basic Training. Our company included young men from many different cultural groups. We soon learned that we needed to understand and accept each other, work together, and accomplish our mission.
When Paul wrote to the first century church at Colossae, he was well aware of the diversity of its members. He reminded them, " Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumised or uncircumsised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all." In a group where surface as well as deeper differences could easily divide people, Paul urged them to " clothe [ themselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." And over all these virtues, he told them to put on love " which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Putting these principles into practice may often be a work in progress, but that is what Jesus calls us to. What we as believers hold in common is our love for Him. On that basis, we pursue understanding, peace, and unity as members of the body of Christ.
Amid all our wonderful diversity, we pursue an even greater unity in Christ.
Christ's love creates unity in the midst of diversity.
My attitude changed in 1968 when I entered US Army Basic Training. Our company included young men from many different cultural groups. We soon learned that we needed to understand and accept each other, work together, and accomplish our mission.
When Paul wrote to the first century church at Colossae, he was well aware of the diversity of its members. He reminded them, " Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumised or uncircumsised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all." In a group where surface as well as deeper differences could easily divide people, Paul urged them to " clothe [ themselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." And over all these virtues, he told them to put on love " which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Putting these principles into practice may often be a work in progress, but that is what Jesus calls us to. What we as believers hold in common is our love for Him. On that basis, we pursue understanding, peace, and unity as members of the body of Christ.
Amid all our wonderful diversity, we pursue an even greater unity in Christ.
Christ's love creates unity in the midst of diversity.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Fitting In
Lee is a diligent and reliable bank employee. Yet he often finds himself sticking out like a sore thumb for living out his faith. This reveals itself in practical ways, such as when he leaves the break room during an inappropriate conversation. At a Bible study, he shared with his friends, " I fear that I'm losing promotion opportunities for not fitting in."
Believers during the prophet Malachi's time faced a similar challenge. They had returned from exile and the temple had been rebuilt, but there was skepticism about God's plan for their future. Some of the Israelites were saying, " It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements...? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it."
How can we stand firm for God in a culture that tells us we will lose out if we don't blend in? The faithful in Malachi's time responded to that challenge by meeting with like-minded believers to encourage each other. Malachi shares this important detail with us: " The Lord listened and heard."
God notices and cares for all who fear and honor Him. He doesn't call us to " fit in" but to draw closer to Him each day as we encourage each other. Let's stay faithful!
Lord, help us to keep on encouraging one another to stay faithful to You in this faithless world.
Our faith may be tested so that we may trust God's faithfulness.
Believers during the prophet Malachi's time faced a similar challenge. They had returned from exile and the temple had been rebuilt, but there was skepticism about God's plan for their future. Some of the Israelites were saying, " It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements...? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it."
How can we stand firm for God in a culture that tells us we will lose out if we don't blend in? The faithful in Malachi's time responded to that challenge by meeting with like-minded believers to encourage each other. Malachi shares this important detail with us: " The Lord listened and heard."
God notices and cares for all who fear and honor Him. He doesn't call us to " fit in" but to draw closer to Him each day as we encourage each other. Let's stay faithful!
Lord, help us to keep on encouraging one another to stay faithful to You in this faithless world.
Our faith may be tested so that we may trust God's faithfulness.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
What's Inside?
" Do you want to see what's inside?" my friend asked. I had just complimented her on the old-fashioned rag doll her daughter held in her small arms. Instantly curious, I replied that yes, I very much wanted to see what was inside. She turned the doll face down and pulled open a discreet zipper sewn into its back. From within the cloth body, Emily gently removed a treasure: the rag doll she'd held and loved throughout the years of her own childhood more than two decades prior. The " outer" doll was merely a shell without this inner core to give it strength and form.
Paul describes the truth of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as a treasure, carried about in the frail humanity of God's people. That treasure enables those who trust in Him to bear up under unthinkable adversity and continue in their service.When they do, His light-His life-shines brightly through the " cracks" of their humanness. Paul encourages us all not to " lose heart" ( 2 Corinthians 4:16) because God strengthens us to do His work.
Like the " inner" doll, gospel-treasure within us lends both purpose and fortitude to our lives. When God's strength shines through us, it invites others to ask, " What's inside?" We can then unzip our hearts and reveal the life-giving promise of salvation in Christ.
Than You, Lord, for saving me. Please shine Your light brightly through my broken life so others will be invited to know You too.
The gospel of truth shines through the brokenness of God's people.
Paul describes the truth of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as a treasure, carried about in the frail humanity of God's people. That treasure enables those who trust in Him to bear up under unthinkable adversity and continue in their service.When they do, His light-His life-shines brightly through the " cracks" of their humanness. Paul encourages us all not to " lose heart" ( 2 Corinthians 4:16) because God strengthens us to do His work.
Like the " inner" doll, gospel-treasure within us lends both purpose and fortitude to our lives. When God's strength shines through us, it invites others to ask, " What's inside?" We can then unzip our hearts and reveal the life-giving promise of salvation in Christ.
Than You, Lord, for saving me. Please shine Your light brightly through my broken life so others will be invited to know You too.
The gospel of truth shines through the brokenness of God's people.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Growing a Servant's Heart
It was a long day at work. But when I got home, it was time to start my " other" job: being a good dad. Greetings from my wife and kids soon became, " Dad, what's for dinner" " Dad, can you get me some water?" " Dad, can we play soccer?"
I just wanted to sit down. And even though part of me really wanted to be a good dad, I didn't feel like serving my family's needs. That's when I saw it: a thank-you card my wife had received from someone at church. It pictured a bowl of water, a towel, and dirty sandals. Across the bottom were those words from Luke 22:27: " I am among you as one who serves."
That statement of Jesus's mission, to serve those He came to seek and save, was exactly what I needed. If Jesus was willing to do the dirtiest of jobs for His followers-like scrubbing His followers' no doubt filthy feet- I could get my son a cup of water without grumbling about it. In that moment, I was reminded that my family's requests to serve them weren't merely an obligation, but an opportunity to reflect Jesus's servant heart and His love to them. When requests are made of us, they are chances to become more like the One who served His followers by laying down His life for us.
Lord, sometimes it's hard to serve others' needs. Help us to become more like You, willing to express Your love in the many opportunities we have to serve those around us each day.
God's love for us empowers us to serve others.
I just wanted to sit down. And even though part of me really wanted to be a good dad, I didn't feel like serving my family's needs. That's when I saw it: a thank-you card my wife had received from someone at church. It pictured a bowl of water, a towel, and dirty sandals. Across the bottom were those words from Luke 22:27: " I am among you as one who serves."
That statement of Jesus's mission, to serve those He came to seek and save, was exactly what I needed. If Jesus was willing to do the dirtiest of jobs for His followers-like scrubbing His followers' no doubt filthy feet- I could get my son a cup of water without grumbling about it. In that moment, I was reminded that my family's requests to serve them weren't merely an obligation, but an opportunity to reflect Jesus's servant heart and His love to them. When requests are made of us, they are chances to become more like the One who served His followers by laying down His life for us.
Lord, sometimes it's hard to serve others' needs. Help us to become more like You, willing to express Your love in the many opportunities we have to serve those around us each day.
God's love for us empowers us to serve others.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Stones of Remeberance
Some mornings when I go online, Facebook shows me " memories"-things I've posted on that day in previous years. These memories, such as photos from my brother's wedding or a video of my daughter playing with my grandmother, usually make me smile. But sometimes they have a more profound emotional effect. When I see a note about a visit to my brother in law during his chemotherapy or a picture of the staples across my mother's scalp after her brain surgery three years ago, I am reminded of God's faithful presence during difficult circumstances. These Facebook memories nudge me towards prayer and gratitude.
All of us are prone to forget the things God has done for us. We need reminders. When Joshua led God's people towards their new home, they had to cross the Jordan River. God parted the waters, and His people walked through on dry land. To create a memorial of this miracle, they took twelve stones from the middle of the riverbed and stacked them on the other side. When others asked what stones meant, God's people would tell the story of what God had done that day.
Physical reminders of God's faithfulness in the past can remind us to trust Him in the present-and with the future.
God, thank You for Your faithfulness to me over many years! Help me to trust You with the present and the future as well.
All of us are prone to forget the things God has done for us. We need reminders. When Joshua led God's people towards their new home, they had to cross the Jordan River. God parted the waters, and His people walked through on dry land. To create a memorial of this miracle, they took twelve stones from the middle of the riverbed and stacked them on the other side. When others asked what stones meant, God's people would tell the story of what God had done that day.
Physical reminders of God's faithfulness in the past can remind us to trust Him in the present-and with the future.
God, thank You for Your faithfulness to me over many years! Help me to trust You with the present and the future as well.
Monday, January 8, 2018
The Debt Eraser
I blinked back tears as I reviewed my medical bill. Considering my husband's severe cut in salary after a lengthy unemployment, even paying half of the balance would require years of small monthly installments. I prayed before calling the doctor's office to explain our situation and request a payment plan.
After leaving me on a hold for a short time, the receptionist informed me the doctor had zeroed out our account.
I sobbed a thank you. The generous gift overwhelmed me with gratitude. Hanging up the phone, I praised God. I considered saving the bill, not as a reminder of what I used to owe but as a reminder of what God had done.
My physician's choice to pardon my debt brought to mind God's choice to forgive the insurmountable debt of my sins. Scripture assusres us God is " compassionate and gracious" and " abounding in love." He " does not treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins " as far as the east is from the west", when we repent and accept Christ as our Savior. His sacrifice erases the debt we once owed. Completely.
Once forgiven, we aren't defined by or limited by our past debt. In response to the Lord's extravagant gift, we can acknowledge all He's done. Offering our devoted worship and grateful affection, we can live for Him and share Him with others.
Thank You for erasing our debt completely when we place our confidence in You, Lord.
Our greatest debt, caused by sin, is erased by our greater God.
After leaving me on a hold for a short time, the receptionist informed me the doctor had zeroed out our account.
I sobbed a thank you. The generous gift overwhelmed me with gratitude. Hanging up the phone, I praised God. I considered saving the bill, not as a reminder of what I used to owe but as a reminder of what God had done.
My physician's choice to pardon my debt brought to mind God's choice to forgive the insurmountable debt of my sins. Scripture assusres us God is " compassionate and gracious" and " abounding in love." He " does not treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins " as far as the east is from the west", when we repent and accept Christ as our Savior. His sacrifice erases the debt we once owed. Completely.
Once forgiven, we aren't defined by or limited by our past debt. In response to the Lord's extravagant gift, we can acknowledge all He's done. Offering our devoted worship and grateful affection, we can live for Him and share Him with others.
Thank You for erasing our debt completely when we place our confidence in You, Lord.
Our greatest debt, caused by sin, is erased by our greater God.
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