Scriptures: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and who are perishing.” (II Corinthians 2:14-15)
In 1983, when I first came to the United States, I worked so hard to adapt to this new country, new life style, new culture and this new system of how everything in life works. In fact, it demanded so much of me that I totally forgot about various holidays and festivals we had back in Taiwan. One day, when a friend of mine came to invite me to his house for the Chinese New Year, I was surprised, “Is it that time of the year already?” It completely escaped my mind!
When I got to his home, the minute I entered the house, the aroma of the food his Mom was cooking captured my attention. Not only did it bring back memories of many, many tasty food we had in Taiwan, it also brought back many wonderful memories of things and people close to my heart there. The time I spent with friends walking down the night market, sharing heart and laughter over midnight snacks, heart-warming family reunion, and many, many other memories I left behind. That night, I really felt like I found a home away from home.
There were many other aromas that night. But his Mom’s cooking reminded me of my homeland, Taiwan, and my life there. Just like that, there are many spiritual aromas out there, but only Christ-like lives will bring out “the aroma of Christ” (II Corinthians 2:15) that reminds people of the life and work of our Lord Jesus.
As we are commanded to be the aroma of Christ to God, we need to ask ourselves first if we know the aroma of Christ? If not, let’s ask our Lord to awake our spiritual senses so we may find Him, the Way, the Truth and the Life for us. If so, are we totally submerged in it so the fragrance of Him goes all the way into the inner most part of our being? Are we living a life style that gives out that aroma to show the glory and beauty of a life in our Lord Jesus? May God help us to pursue a life style that spreads the aroma of Christ right where we are!
Prayer Requests:
Those who have dulled their spiritual senses in their worldly life style that they can not and will not recognize the aroma of Christ.
Prayer:
Father God, we thank you for giving us new lives through Your Son, Jesus! We ask that You continue to watch over us as we go through this journey of life and keep our spiritual senses alert so we bring fragrance of Christ to this needy and hurting world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
How to Prosper.
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Having raised three boys, and now watching my 4 year old grandson being raised, is frustrating to watch his parents go through the same things that I did when I was a young parent. I remember feeling the awesome responsibility of always wanting to do what is right, and at the same time, having the overwhelming feeling, trying to learn the things I did not know, to be the person I had not grown to be yet, and just wrestling with life during some of the hard times.
In this well known Psalm, King David begins all of the Psalms with a very positive exhortation with promises of being blessed, bearing fruit and prospering. He says that if we just stay away from bad people and stay in the Bible, we can be like "trees planted by streams of water."
Now, being a grandpa, I feel even more the responsibility of being the person God wants me to be, so that He can use me as an example to others, like my son and grandson, of how to walk upright and worthy of being blessed by God.
To stay away from the "bad guys" is the easiest thing to do. I "hang out" with others who I believe are godly men and have a righteous lifestyle. To do this I go to church regularly and actively participate in the activities. However, finding time to "meditate day and night", seems harder. Not that I don't delight in reading or studying the Bible, I really do, but for me it takes a lot of discipline to schedule time in an already too busy life to just sit down and read.
So what should we do? We should decide to continue to hang onto the promises God gives us, that of being blessed and prospering, and live a life God wants us to live, by not listening to the world, the "bad guys", and making sure we schedule time everyday to delight in what God tells us in the Bible.
Prayer Request:
That God would help us find time in our busy lives to read the Bible.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have promised that you would bless us and that we would prosper if we avoid those individuals who you say are not good to hang around and if we delight reading the Bible day and night. Help us to do just that.
Amen
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Having raised three boys, and now watching my 4 year old grandson being raised, is frustrating to watch his parents go through the same things that I did when I was a young parent. I remember feeling the awesome responsibility of always wanting to do what is right, and at the same time, having the overwhelming feeling, trying to learn the things I did not know, to be the person I had not grown to be yet, and just wrestling with life during some of the hard times.
In this well known Psalm, King David begins all of the Psalms with a very positive exhortation with promises of being blessed, bearing fruit and prospering. He says that if we just stay away from bad people and stay in the Bible, we can be like "trees planted by streams of water."
Now, being a grandpa, I feel even more the responsibility of being the person God wants me to be, so that He can use me as an example to others, like my son and grandson, of how to walk upright and worthy of being blessed by God.
To stay away from the "bad guys" is the easiest thing to do. I "hang out" with others who I believe are godly men and have a righteous lifestyle. To do this I go to church regularly and actively participate in the activities. However, finding time to "meditate day and night", seems harder. Not that I don't delight in reading or studying the Bible, I really do, but for me it takes a lot of discipline to schedule time in an already too busy life to just sit down and read.
So what should we do? We should decide to continue to hang onto the promises God gives us, that of being blessed and prospering, and live a life God wants us to live, by not listening to the world, the "bad guys", and making sure we schedule time everyday to delight in what God tells us in the Bible.
Prayer Request:
That God would help us find time in our busy lives to read the Bible.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have promised that you would bless us and that we would prosper if we avoid those individuals who you say are not good to hang around and if we delight reading the Bible day and night. Help us to do just that.
Amen
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Fellowship and Worship
Scriptures: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
A man had not gone to the church for any service or fellowship for some time. His family and friends in church were trying very hard to convince him to go, but without success. One night, the pastor paid him a visit. After he seated the pastor, he went to kitchen to get the pastor a cup of tea. As he was working in the kitchen, the pastor saw there was fire in the fireplace, so he walked over to the fireplace and picked up a piece of burning coal from the fireplace and placed it on the floor outside the fireplace. Then, the pastor left.
When the man came back from kitchen, he saw that piece of coal on the floor alone, he realized what the pastor was trying to tell him. So, he went to the church for service the following Sunday.
Some people think that, since faith is an individual thing, there is no point going to church for services and fellowship. They think it’s just a waste of time. They forget that we were not only saved individually, we were also saved into the body of Christ as a member, just as Paul indicated in I Corinthians, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews of Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (I Corinthians 12:13)
God prepares His church for us for good reasons. First of all, God knows how vulnerable we are when we are alone. We would be easy prey for the loneliness, self-pity, pride and all kinds of empty worldliness our enemy Devil throws our way. Secondly, we need constant reminders of His love and presence in our lives because this world is so noisy and demanding of our attention that we often lose sight of Him. Thirdly, He loves to work with and through people. Church is not only a group of people through whom we may be blessed by God, but also a group of people for whom we may be the blessings God prepares. Most importantly, we are called to be “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9) Apostle Peter said that Christians as a whole is a holy nation in God’s eyes. A nation is strong when they are one, not when they are divided or scattered. When the children of God get together in one, “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:2), it pleases our Heavenly Father most. That is why our Lord Jesus, in His High Priest Prayer (John 17), He prayed for our oneness.
Meeting together for fellowship and worship brings about closeness among believers, promotes oneness before God, and give glory to our Lord Jesus. As much as we have other worldly duties, let us forget not that our first and foremost duty is to live for the glory of God!
Prayer Requests:
Those, for whatever reasons, find going to church tiring or even meaningless.
Prayer:Our gracious Lord, thank You for giving us Your church so we may be strengthened when weary, comforted when broken, up-lifted when despair, satisfied when needy, edified when seeking. Thank You for giving us brothers and sisters with whom we may join hearts as one to praise and worship You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
A man had not gone to the church for any service or fellowship for some time. His family and friends in church were trying very hard to convince him to go, but without success. One night, the pastor paid him a visit. After he seated the pastor, he went to kitchen to get the pastor a cup of tea. As he was working in the kitchen, the pastor saw there was fire in the fireplace, so he walked over to the fireplace and picked up a piece of burning coal from the fireplace and placed it on the floor outside the fireplace. Then, the pastor left.
When the man came back from kitchen, he saw that piece of coal on the floor alone, he realized what the pastor was trying to tell him. So, he went to the church for service the following Sunday.
Some people think that, since faith is an individual thing, there is no point going to church for services and fellowship. They think it’s just a waste of time. They forget that we were not only saved individually, we were also saved into the body of Christ as a member, just as Paul indicated in I Corinthians, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews of Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (I Corinthians 12:13)
God prepares His church for us for good reasons. First of all, God knows how vulnerable we are when we are alone. We would be easy prey for the loneliness, self-pity, pride and all kinds of empty worldliness our enemy Devil throws our way. Secondly, we need constant reminders of His love and presence in our lives because this world is so noisy and demanding of our attention that we often lose sight of Him. Thirdly, He loves to work with and through people. Church is not only a group of people through whom we may be blessed by God, but also a group of people for whom we may be the blessings God prepares. Most importantly, we are called to be “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9) Apostle Peter said that Christians as a whole is a holy nation in God’s eyes. A nation is strong when they are one, not when they are divided or scattered. When the children of God get together in one, “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:2), it pleases our Heavenly Father most. That is why our Lord Jesus, in His High Priest Prayer (John 17), He prayed for our oneness.
Meeting together for fellowship and worship brings about closeness among believers, promotes oneness before God, and give glory to our Lord Jesus. As much as we have other worldly duties, let us forget not that our first and foremost duty is to live for the glory of God!
Prayer Requests:
Those, for whatever reasons, find going to church tiring or even meaningless.
Prayer:Our gracious Lord, thank You for giving us Your church so we may be strengthened when weary, comforted when broken, up-lifted when despair, satisfied when needy, edified when seeking. Thank You for giving us brothers and sisters with whom we may join hearts as one to praise and worship You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Spiritual Vertigo
Scriptures: “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
YEARS ago while learning to fly airplanes, I received instructions in dealing with the sneaky threat of vertigo. This condition can come upon a pilot suddenly, for no apparent cause, and bring dizziness and disorientation, with potentially fatal consequences.
After all these years, I remember what I was taught: "Get on gauges." The strategy is to quit looking outside the cockpit, to quit trusting eyesight and the sense of balance that vertigo has rendered untrustworthy. Instead, pilots focus on instruments inside the cockpit that indicate air speed, altitude, and wing and nose positions relative to the horizon. Concentrating on gauges, a pilot can maintain safe flight until the vertigo subsides.
Christians experience spiritual vertigo from time to time. Life's setbacks can deprive us of hope, challenge our faith, and make us susceptible to false teachings and worldly temptations. Sometimes, we lose our spiritual bearing for no apparent reason.
At those times, we need to “get on the gauges” of faith, to dedicate ourselves to prayer and reading scripture and to focus on God’s direction. The world has many ways to disorient us, but fixing our minds and hearts on God is the sure way to navigate safely.
Prayer Requests:
Those who are so busy in life that they do not have time to sit down and take a long different look at where their lives are taking them.
Prayer:
When we lose our balance, Lord, draw us into the truth of Your Word and the safety of Your grace. Amen!
(From The Upper Room On-line Daily Devotion, July 18, 2007 – Written by Bob Tippee of Texas)
How is our Integrity?
Scripture: 1 Kings 9:4-5a
“As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.”
On my wall in my cubical I have a copy of Avery Dennison’s Vision and Values to remind me of the high standard we have here at Avery. As a Christian, these values align closely to my personal values.
Integrity is a value that God recognizes and rewards. After King Solomon had finished building the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, God appeared to Solomon and promised him that his royal throne would be established forever IF he walked before the Lord with integrity of heart and uprightness.
The online version of the American Heritage dictionary defines integrity as a “steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code” and the Avery Dennison value of Integrity says that we are to “act honestly, ethically and honorably.”
This makes me feel good that we work in a place with high moral standards, but it also makes me want to keep alert so that nothing could be misunderstood to the contrary. In order to do this I pray what the psalmist prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Prayer Request
For those who are struggling with things in there life that God’s grace would be upon them.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please give us a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit of God to help us live a life that is honorable, and full of integrity, so that you will be glorified in our life and that others will see that we love you. Amen
“As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.”
On my wall in my cubical I have a copy of Avery Dennison’s Vision and Values to remind me of the high standard we have here at Avery. As a Christian, these values align closely to my personal values.
Integrity is a value that God recognizes and rewards. After King Solomon had finished building the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, God appeared to Solomon and promised him that his royal throne would be established forever IF he walked before the Lord with integrity of heart and uprightness.
The online version of the American Heritage dictionary defines integrity as a “steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code” and the Avery Dennison value of Integrity says that we are to “act honestly, ethically and honorably.”
This makes me feel good that we work in a place with high moral standards, but it also makes me want to keep alert so that nothing could be misunderstood to the contrary. In order to do this I pray what the psalmist prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Prayer Request
For those who are struggling with things in there life that God’s grace would be upon them.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please give us a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit of God to help us live a life that is honorable, and full of integrity, so that you will be glorified in our life and that others will see that we love you. Amen
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
It Takes Time to Grow
Scriptures: “Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3)
A believer asked a missionary, “I do my devotion daily. But I do not see any effect? How’s so?” The missionary gave him a dirty cage for raising chickens and said, “Use this to bring water here everyday.” The believer was surprised and asked, “But this is a cage for raising chickens. How can it be used to bring water anywhere?” The missionary replied, “Just do as I said.”
After a few days, the missionary asked the believer again, “How is the task of bringing water in chicken cage?” The believer replied, “I couldn’t even bring a bucket of water with it.” The missionary pointed to the chicken cage and said, “See, isn’t it clean now?”
When we read devotionals like “The Stream in The Desert” by Mrs. Carmen, or others by Andrew Murray, or D.L. Moody, we appreciate such deep reflections and sharing and long for a spiritual growth that leads us into such depth of spiritual life. But we often forget that it takes time for life to grow and mature. We often have our eyes set on something big and easily noticeable. We want it and we want it now. But growth in life, especially growth with depth, does not work that way.
The Word of God has power and authority. It can cleanse our souls and spirits, even to the bottom of our very being, “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) All that is required of us is a humble and open heart ready for instructions and edifications. Once our hearts are ready, we need to allow the Word of God to work in our inner most being, to cleanse us from within, so we can be the persons our Lord Jesus wants us to be.
Only when we become the persons He wants us to be can we see the manifestations of such life. Let’s give God the time He needs to work in our lives, to cleanse and sanctify us and prepare us for His glory!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are not satisfied with where they are spiritually right now.
Prayer:
Our Father of all goodness, thank You for the precious blood of our Lord Jesus to cleanse us of all our sins. Thank You for giving us Your Word, Bible, so we may come to know Your will and desires for us. Help us to be open to Your instructions and be willing to be molded anyway You want. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
A believer asked a missionary, “I do my devotion daily. But I do not see any effect? How’s so?” The missionary gave him a dirty cage for raising chickens and said, “Use this to bring water here everyday.” The believer was surprised and asked, “But this is a cage for raising chickens. How can it be used to bring water anywhere?” The missionary replied, “Just do as I said.”
After a few days, the missionary asked the believer again, “How is the task of bringing water in chicken cage?” The believer replied, “I couldn’t even bring a bucket of water with it.” The missionary pointed to the chicken cage and said, “See, isn’t it clean now?”
When we read devotionals like “The Stream in The Desert” by Mrs. Carmen, or others by Andrew Murray, or D.L. Moody, we appreciate such deep reflections and sharing and long for a spiritual growth that leads us into such depth of spiritual life. But we often forget that it takes time for life to grow and mature. We often have our eyes set on something big and easily noticeable. We want it and we want it now. But growth in life, especially growth with depth, does not work that way.
The Word of God has power and authority. It can cleanse our souls and spirits, even to the bottom of our very being, “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) All that is required of us is a humble and open heart ready for instructions and edifications. Once our hearts are ready, we need to allow the Word of God to work in our inner most being, to cleanse us from within, so we can be the persons our Lord Jesus wants us to be.
Only when we become the persons He wants us to be can we see the manifestations of such life. Let’s give God the time He needs to work in our lives, to cleanse and sanctify us and prepare us for His glory!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are not satisfied with where they are spiritually right now.
Prayer:
Our Father of all goodness, thank You for the precious blood of our Lord Jesus to cleanse us of all our sins. Thank You for giving us Your Word, Bible, so we may come to know Your will and desires for us. Help us to be open to Your instructions and be willing to be molded anyway You want. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Whose Voice Is It?
My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my secure height; I shall not fall. My safety and my glory are with God, my strong rock and refuge. (Ps. 62:6-8)
What does it mean to rest in God alone? In our noisy, fast-paced world, it can be hard to distinguish God’s voice from the myriad of voices clamoring for our attention at any given moment. We have demands of jobs, of families, requests from friends and acquaintances. There is the constant din of distractions from the media, the Internet and numerous other things that vie for our attention. It’s no wonder people are stressed and worn out so much of the time!
In our faith communities, we are asked to tithe of our treasure and talent for the support and building up of the church. But do we tithe our time? Just as we set aside a portion of our treasure to be used in God’s service, do we set aside time for Him to use as He sees fit?
My husband leaves for work a little before 6:00 each morning. That time just after he leaves and before I have to start getting ready for work is God’s “prime time” in my day. There are no phones ringing, no e-mail messages to answer. The children at the elementary school across the street have not yet begun arriving and, save for the birds singing, the neighborhood is quiet. My head isn’t yet spinning with all the things I have to accomplish that day. It’s the ideal time to just sit with the Lord, to take up a Scripture passage and meditate on it; to praise God and share my concerns and needs with Him. But most of all, it’s a time to listen and let Him tell me how He wants me to spend my day.
So how can we be sure it's God's voice we're hearing? The Enemy is a master counterfeiter. He is adept at suggesting “projects” to us that on the surface may seem quite noble. I have learned through experience over the years that such suggestions are typically aimed at distracting me from other spiritual work I need to be doing. The only way to distinguish whose voice is calling is to consistently spend time with the One we know loves us without limit. The Gospels tell us that Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray. Although He is divine, in His humanity, He experienced all the same doubts and temptations and daily frustrations that we do. His commitment to perfect communion with the Father was nurtured and kept intact through that consistent, intimate prayer. We are called into that same relationship with the Father. My sheep hear My voice; I know them and they follow Me. (Jn. 10:27).
The Lord is waiting for us. Do we give Him the prime time of our day, or just what’s left over after all the other daily concerns have been addressed?
Prayer Request
For all those whose busy lives leave them tired and empty, that they would learn to set time aside for the Lord who can give them true rest and refreshment.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray that your gentle voice might come to those who are so busy searching for happiness in things that cannot truly satisfy. You tell us, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Help us to always give you the first and the best of our time, that we might receive the blessings You wish to give us, and know Your love and consolation. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Your Son and our Lord. Amen.
What does it mean to rest in God alone? In our noisy, fast-paced world, it can be hard to distinguish God’s voice from the myriad of voices clamoring for our attention at any given moment. We have demands of jobs, of families, requests from friends and acquaintances. There is the constant din of distractions from the media, the Internet and numerous other things that vie for our attention. It’s no wonder people are stressed and worn out so much of the time!
In our faith communities, we are asked to tithe of our treasure and talent for the support and building up of the church. But do we tithe our time? Just as we set aside a portion of our treasure to be used in God’s service, do we set aside time for Him to use as He sees fit?
My husband leaves for work a little before 6:00 each morning. That time just after he leaves and before I have to start getting ready for work is God’s “prime time” in my day. There are no phones ringing, no e-mail messages to answer. The children at the elementary school across the street have not yet begun arriving and, save for the birds singing, the neighborhood is quiet. My head isn’t yet spinning with all the things I have to accomplish that day. It’s the ideal time to just sit with the Lord, to take up a Scripture passage and meditate on it; to praise God and share my concerns and needs with Him. But most of all, it’s a time to listen and let Him tell me how He wants me to spend my day.
So how can we be sure it's God's voice we're hearing? The Enemy is a master counterfeiter. He is adept at suggesting “projects” to us that on the surface may seem quite noble. I have learned through experience over the years that such suggestions are typically aimed at distracting me from other spiritual work I need to be doing. The only way to distinguish whose voice is calling is to consistently spend time with the One we know loves us without limit. The Gospels tell us that Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray. Although He is divine, in His humanity, He experienced all the same doubts and temptations and daily frustrations that we do. His commitment to perfect communion with the Father was nurtured and kept intact through that consistent, intimate prayer. We are called into that same relationship with the Father. My sheep hear My voice; I know them and they follow Me. (Jn. 10:27).
The Lord is waiting for us. Do we give Him the prime time of our day, or just what’s left over after all the other daily concerns have been addressed?
Prayer Request
For all those whose busy lives leave them tired and empty, that they would learn to set time aside for the Lord who can give them true rest and refreshment.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray that your gentle voice might come to those who are so busy searching for happiness in things that cannot truly satisfy. You tell us, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Help us to always give you the first and the best of our time, that we might receive the blessings You wish to give us, and know Your love and consolation. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Your Son and our Lord. Amen.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Wonderfully Made
Scriptures: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:4)
Since I was born with no arms and two badly bent legs, you might not think that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Often when my wife and I go out, people act shocked to see a short man whose one artificial arm has a hook attached to it. They cannot get past my appearance to see me. But I have come to realize that it is not my outward form that makes me wonderful!
My parents were unable to care for me, but my heavenly Father was always directing and guiding me as I was moved from place to place. At the Shriners’ Hospital, I was fitted for my first arm and had many surgeries that enabled me to walk. Just down the street from Good Shepherd Home, my last group home, was a storefront Mennonite Church whose Sunday school teachers came week after week to take me and other children to church. They made me a part of their lives and loved me. Together with one of my nurses, they taught me that I, Jeff Steinberg, -- born with no arms and twisted legs – am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Since the day I asked the Lord Jesus to come into my life, what others call “handicaps” have become a springboard for me to share God’s love with a lost and dying world.
Prayer Requests:
Those “handicapped” with the disability of not being able to see themselves beyond their outward appearance.
Prayer:
O God, help us to see Your loving hands at work in our lives and to know that each of us can be used in Your services. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
(From The Upper Room On-line Daily Devotion, January 12, 2005 – Written by Jeff Steinberg of Florida)
Since I was born with no arms and two badly bent legs, you might not think that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Often when my wife and I go out, people act shocked to see a short man whose one artificial arm has a hook attached to it. They cannot get past my appearance to see me. But I have come to realize that it is not my outward form that makes me wonderful!
My parents were unable to care for me, but my heavenly Father was always directing and guiding me as I was moved from place to place. At the Shriners’ Hospital, I was fitted for my first arm and had many surgeries that enabled me to walk. Just down the street from Good Shepherd Home, my last group home, was a storefront Mennonite Church whose Sunday school teachers came week after week to take me and other children to church. They made me a part of their lives and loved me. Together with one of my nurses, they taught me that I, Jeff Steinberg, -- born with no arms and twisted legs – am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Since the day I asked the Lord Jesus to come into my life, what others call “handicaps” have become a springboard for me to share God’s love with a lost and dying world.
Prayer Requests:
Those “handicapped” with the disability of not being able to see themselves beyond their outward appearance.
Prayer:
O God, help us to see Your loving hands at work in our lives and to know that each of us can be used in Your services. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
(From The Upper Room On-line Daily Devotion, January 12, 2005 – Written by Jeff Steinberg of Florida)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Plant Seed with Hope & Assurance
Scriptures: “I planted the seed, Apollo watered it, but God made it grow.” (I Corinthians 3:6)
One Christian was having lunch with a co-worker from India. He came to know his Indian co-worker about 3 weeks ago and their relationship was primarily work related. For some reason unknown to the Christian at that time, his Indian friend started to tell him all the problems he was having back home between his wife and his parents.
With everything he knew, this Christian tried to counsel his friend. But, the efforts were without success. Not knowing what else to say, he became silent and the two just sat there doing nothing but eating. All of a sudden, a small voice in this Christian's heart told him to tell his friend things about Jesus. “But he is an Hindu,” protested the Christian. Yet, the voice persisted. So he asked his friend if he knew Jesus. His friend replied, “No.” So, he began to share the good news of Jesus with his Indian friend. At the end of the sharing, there was silence again. This Christian did not know how well his Indian friend received the gospel. So, they went back to their office.
After some chores in the office, this Christian returned to his cubicle which he shared with his Indian friend only to find that his friend had written a line on his document, “God can solve all my problems!” That opened up the door for more sharing and witnessing which eventually lead to his friend and all the family to salvation.
Sometimes we really don’t know the impact of the things we are doing. But that’s what faith is all about, isn’t it? We are not called to know everything that’s going to happen before we take actions. We are called to know and trust our Lord Jesus, both in His provisions and guidance, and take actions accordingly. God will take care of the rest.
Like this Christian, we often struggle with questions like, “should I do it? Or should I not do it?” “What’s going to happen if I do it? Will I lose face? Will I lose this friend?” We forget that our Lord is the Sovereign God and, so long as we act according to His will, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
Paul said that he planted the seed and Apollo watered it, but God made it grow. Sometimes that’s our job too. We were not meant to see the result. We were simply called to plant the seed. God will bring along someone else to water it and He Himself will see to it that the seed grows. Let’s not let our fear and analysis stand in the way of our ministries in His name. Let’s remember that, as long as we obey His commands and act accordingly, our Lord will see to it that He is glorified in the process and in the end!
Prayer Requests:
Those struggling with family problems and are in desperate need for Jesus and His healing power.
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for Jesus and thank You for being there for us always! Please help us to remember that You are the source of all goodness and give us the faith and strength to witness Your love and grace in every opportunity You present to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
One Christian was having lunch with a co-worker from India. He came to know his Indian co-worker about 3 weeks ago and their relationship was primarily work related. For some reason unknown to the Christian at that time, his Indian friend started to tell him all the problems he was having back home between his wife and his parents.
With everything he knew, this Christian tried to counsel his friend. But, the efforts were without success. Not knowing what else to say, he became silent and the two just sat there doing nothing but eating. All of a sudden, a small voice in this Christian's heart told him to tell his friend things about Jesus. “But he is an Hindu,” protested the Christian. Yet, the voice persisted. So he asked his friend if he knew Jesus. His friend replied, “No.” So, he began to share the good news of Jesus with his Indian friend. At the end of the sharing, there was silence again. This Christian did not know how well his Indian friend received the gospel. So, they went back to their office.
After some chores in the office, this Christian returned to his cubicle which he shared with his Indian friend only to find that his friend had written a line on his document, “God can solve all my problems!” That opened up the door for more sharing and witnessing which eventually lead to his friend and all the family to salvation.
Sometimes we really don’t know the impact of the things we are doing. But that’s what faith is all about, isn’t it? We are not called to know everything that’s going to happen before we take actions. We are called to know and trust our Lord Jesus, both in His provisions and guidance, and take actions accordingly. God will take care of the rest.
Like this Christian, we often struggle with questions like, “should I do it? Or should I not do it?” “What’s going to happen if I do it? Will I lose face? Will I lose this friend?” We forget that our Lord is the Sovereign God and, so long as we act according to His will, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
Paul said that he planted the seed and Apollo watered it, but God made it grow. Sometimes that’s our job too. We were not meant to see the result. We were simply called to plant the seed. God will bring along someone else to water it and He Himself will see to it that the seed grows. Let’s not let our fear and analysis stand in the way of our ministries in His name. Let’s remember that, as long as we obey His commands and act accordingly, our Lord will see to it that He is glorified in the process and in the end!
Prayer Requests:
Those struggling with family problems and are in desperate need for Jesus and His healing power.
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for Jesus and thank You for being there for us always! Please help us to remember that You are the source of all goodness and give us the faith and strength to witness Your love and grace in every opportunity You present to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
What should I be thinking?
Scripture:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Every day I drive to and from work on one of the many freeways that we have here in California. Sometimes things move along comfortably on the freeway but most times I just sit behind the car in front of me and crawl along. During those times I find my mind wandering on just about anything. Sometimes I think about a meeting I am going to have that morning, other times I am thinking (or worrying) about things at home, and still other times I find myself just reading billboards along the way, but in all cases, it is usually very easy to just let my mind “veg” while I am driving in traffic on the freeway.
It is at those times that it seems I need to work extra hard at “managing” what I think. What do I mean? Well, everyday we are so bombarded with all kinds of media that is targeted at motivating us to do something or buy something or go someplace or be something, that it next to impossible to not be effected by it. I heard once that the majority of what we learn enters the eye and it follows that what enters our eyes contributes to what we think about and what we think about contributes to who we are.
I really want to be a good person. I think all of us do. And I want God to be pleased with what I do, who I am, and how I think. The law penalizes us for things we do wrong, but Jesus told us that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery” and “anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5)
These are hard words. It is certainly not an easy task to control every thought that goes on in our minds. However, I think that we can contribute positively to what we become as good people and please God with a life that glorifies him. If we make a conscious effort to incorporate into our thought lives, and establish a habit of doing what the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians to think about true, honorable, just, pure, love, good, virtuous and praise worthy things.
Prayer Request:
For all of us to be pro-active in thinking about good and positive things so that God can work in our lives to make us the good people He wants us to be.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,Help us to think about the good things you do for us and not about those things that harm us or others. Glorify yourself in our lives by helping us to be what you want us to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Every day I drive to and from work on one of the many freeways that we have here in California. Sometimes things move along comfortably on the freeway but most times I just sit behind the car in front of me and crawl along. During those times I find my mind wandering on just about anything. Sometimes I think about a meeting I am going to have that morning, other times I am thinking (or worrying) about things at home, and still other times I find myself just reading billboards along the way, but in all cases, it is usually very easy to just let my mind “veg” while I am driving in traffic on the freeway.
It is at those times that it seems I need to work extra hard at “managing” what I think. What do I mean? Well, everyday we are so bombarded with all kinds of media that is targeted at motivating us to do something or buy something or go someplace or be something, that it next to impossible to not be effected by it. I heard once that the majority of what we learn enters the eye and it follows that what enters our eyes contributes to what we think about and what we think about contributes to who we are.
I really want to be a good person. I think all of us do. And I want God to be pleased with what I do, who I am, and how I think. The law penalizes us for things we do wrong, but Jesus told us that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery” and “anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5)
These are hard words. It is certainly not an easy task to control every thought that goes on in our minds. However, I think that we can contribute positively to what we become as good people and please God with a life that glorifies him. If we make a conscious effort to incorporate into our thought lives, and establish a habit of doing what the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians to think about true, honorable, just, pure, love, good, virtuous and praise worthy things.
Prayer Request:
For all of us to be pro-active in thinking about good and positive things so that God can work in our lives to make us the good people He wants us to be.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,Help us to think about the good things you do for us and not about those things that harm us or others. Glorify yourself in our lives by helping us to be what you want us to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hope in Newness
Scriptures: “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
One Sunday, a sister brought her new born baby to church and shared with everyone there her joy of having this new addition to her family. Everyone wanted to hold the baby, to feel that new life breathing in the arms, to see that peaceful look when sleeping and, yes, to hear that desperate cry when awaken by the Oohs and Ahs of people around.
A new life is always exciting and welcomed. It may appear in the first blossom in spring, the first fruit on the tree, the new born cubs or, in this case, the new born baby. Why? I think it’s because there a whole new life waiting ahead, filled with opportunities for accomplishments and adventures. Moreover, since these are new lives, just born, they come with no prior burdens, prejudices, or records. They are brand new blank pages waiting to be filled out with stories. This is especially precious for those of us who feel like our lives are more than half passed. We see hope in new lives.
The same is true with our spiritual lives. Our old lives, filled with self-righteousness and lusts, are sinful and need to be dealt with. So, God in Holy Spirit gives us a new life in Christ when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I am convinced that our salvation does not only bring us a new life, it also brings to reality a whole new eternal and heavenly dimension of blessings that we never knew before: the knowledge and experience of the character of God, the joy and peace of living in the guidance and shelter of the sovereign God, the honor of serving the Most High God and the blessings of sharing this good news with all people around us, and more. The opportunities for accomplishments and adventures that come with the new life in Christ are so much that it brings great joy to both saints everywhere and angels of our Lord in Heaven when a sinner repents and is made a child of God.
Let’s not forget that our salvation is provided with great price, our Lord Jesus. But, more importantly, let’s not forget that, in paying such great price, God has turned our lives to a whole new page on which He wants to write His messages to the people around us. Knowing the character and power of God, knowing that our lives will continue to be filled with challenges and trials, let us strive to be open to His leading in serving Him through serving the people around us so our hope in Christ may be made visible to all and give glory to our Lord and Savior.
Prayer Requests:
1. Those who are having problems in their relationship with their loved ones, like family members, and are not able to see any way out.
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank you for sending your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, to come and die for our sins. Thank you for giving us a new life in which we may come to know You and Your will for us so we may experience all Your promised blessings. Help us not to lose sight of this eternal dimension of our new lives so we may discern where You are leading us and may serve You without weary. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
One Sunday, a sister brought her new born baby to church and shared with everyone there her joy of having this new addition to her family. Everyone wanted to hold the baby, to feel that new life breathing in the arms, to see that peaceful look when sleeping and, yes, to hear that desperate cry when awaken by the Oohs and Ahs of people around.
A new life is always exciting and welcomed. It may appear in the first blossom in spring, the first fruit on the tree, the new born cubs or, in this case, the new born baby. Why? I think it’s because there a whole new life waiting ahead, filled with opportunities for accomplishments and adventures. Moreover, since these are new lives, just born, they come with no prior burdens, prejudices, or records. They are brand new blank pages waiting to be filled out with stories. This is especially precious for those of us who feel like our lives are more than half passed. We see hope in new lives.
The same is true with our spiritual lives. Our old lives, filled with self-righteousness and lusts, are sinful and need to be dealt with. So, God in Holy Spirit gives us a new life in Christ when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. I am convinced that our salvation does not only bring us a new life, it also brings to reality a whole new eternal and heavenly dimension of blessings that we never knew before: the knowledge and experience of the character of God, the joy and peace of living in the guidance and shelter of the sovereign God, the honor of serving the Most High God and the blessings of sharing this good news with all people around us, and more. The opportunities for accomplishments and adventures that come with the new life in Christ are so much that it brings great joy to both saints everywhere and angels of our Lord in Heaven when a sinner repents and is made a child of God.
Let’s not forget that our salvation is provided with great price, our Lord Jesus. But, more importantly, let’s not forget that, in paying such great price, God has turned our lives to a whole new page on which He wants to write His messages to the people around us. Knowing the character and power of God, knowing that our lives will continue to be filled with challenges and trials, let us strive to be open to His leading in serving Him through serving the people around us so our hope in Christ may be made visible to all and give glory to our Lord and Savior.
Prayer Requests:
1. Those who are having problems in their relationship with their loved ones, like family members, and are not able to see any way out.
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank you for sending your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, to come and die for our sins. Thank you for giving us a new life in which we may come to know You and Your will for us so we may experience all Your promised blessings. Help us not to lose sight of this eternal dimension of our new lives so we may discern where You are leading us and may serve You without weary. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Recognizing The Love of God by Peter Lin
Scriptures: "But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
A little girl’s Sunday school teacher passed away. She was heart broken because her teacher loved her dearly. So, she missed her a lot. One night, this little girl had a dream in which she went to heaven and was reunited with her Sunday school teacher. She was thrilled.
So, after she woke up, she couldn’t wait to tell her Mom about her dream. She told her Mom that her teacher took her for a trip in heaven and introduced her to many, many saints, like Peter, John and Paul. Her Mother was more than happy to see this little girl so thrilled. So, she asked her daughter: "Did she introduce you to Jesus?" This little girl stared at her Mom and protested that "Mom! I don’t need her to introduce me to Jesus. I can recognize Him just by looking at the wounds in His hands and feet!"
God loves us! We all know that. But how do we come to such realization? By the daily material blessings? What if they were taken away from us? What then? Or, by the good people around us? What if we move? What then?
This little girl knew better. She recognized Jesus by the wounds in Jesus’ hands and feet, marks left on Jesus by what happened to Him on the Mount of Calvary. That was the place where all our sins met the righteousness of God for judgment and was the ultimate testimony of God’s love for us.
As we continue to interact with people and things going on in our lives, let’s not lose sight of the cross on Calvary for it is not only the place where He showed us how much He loves us, but also the place where He showed us how much He is committed to us, His children!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are so busy in life that they have no time to enjoy the love of God
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son, Jesus, to be the good news of your salvation for us so we may come to know you and your love! Please help us to be mindful of your love for us so we may be inspired to share your love with all those around us! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
A little girl’s Sunday school teacher passed away. She was heart broken because her teacher loved her dearly. So, she missed her a lot. One night, this little girl had a dream in which she went to heaven and was reunited with her Sunday school teacher. She was thrilled.
So, after she woke up, she couldn’t wait to tell her Mom about her dream. She told her Mom that her teacher took her for a trip in heaven and introduced her to many, many saints, like Peter, John and Paul. Her Mother was more than happy to see this little girl so thrilled. So, she asked her daughter: "Did she introduce you to Jesus?" This little girl stared at her Mom and protested that "Mom! I don’t need her to introduce me to Jesus. I can recognize Him just by looking at the wounds in His hands and feet!"
God loves us! We all know that. But how do we come to such realization? By the daily material blessings? What if they were taken away from us? What then? Or, by the good people around us? What if we move? What then?
This little girl knew better. She recognized Jesus by the wounds in Jesus’ hands and feet, marks left on Jesus by what happened to Him on the Mount of Calvary. That was the place where all our sins met the righteousness of God for judgment and was the ultimate testimony of God’s love for us.
As we continue to interact with people and things going on in our lives, let’s not lose sight of the cross on Calvary for it is not only the place where He showed us how much He loves us, but also the place where He showed us how much He is committed to us, His children!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are so busy in life that they have no time to enjoy the love of God
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son, Jesus, to be the good news of your salvation for us so we may come to know you and your love! Please help us to be mindful of your love for us so we may be inspired to share your love with all those around us! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
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