Then Peter approaching asked Him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Mt 18:21-22)
Some years ago, I had a falling out with someone who had once been a close friend. We had worked together for months on a number of projects, and had done some very good work together. Unfortunately, we had some serious differences of opinion on some key points that we could never resolve. I tried to do what I could to mend fences, but nothing seemed to work, and we ended up going our separate ways.
For months, I agonized over that situation. As long as my friend refused to even talk to me, much less forgive me, I felt trapped in the circumstances. I asked a priest I knew for some counsel, and he pointed out to me that forgiveness is a much different animal than reconciliation – which is what I really wanted. If both parties are not willing, reconciliation is not possible. But, he point out to me, it was within my power to forgive my friend, even if she didn’t ask for my forgiveness or think she had done anything that warranted forgiveness. And extending forgiveness was not contingent on receiving forgiveness from her.
The Scriptures remind us that we will be forgiven in the measure with which we forgive others. When we say the Lord’s Prayer – and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (Mt. 6:12) - we had better be serious. There is no caveat for whether or not the other person asks for forgiveness, or whose fault it might be, or anything else. When Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk.23:34), He didn’t wait for His executioners to ask for forgiveness. As far as we can tell, they never did. It didn’t matter. Jesus forgave them anyway, and we are called to imitate His example.
The priest who counseled me gave me a short mantra prayer to say whenever feelings of anger or hostility toward my friend would well up in me: Jesus, I choose to forgive. Please forgive me. It took weeks of saying that little prayer, but over time I could feel the knots of resentment beginning to soften and unravel as the grace of forgiveness began to work in me.
Like love, forgiveness is not a feeling or emotion, but rather an act of the will, a decision. It is the most powerful force on earth, for when we choose the path of forgiveness, we find in the end that we are the ones who are set free.
Prayer Request:
For those imprisoned in the grip of hurt, anger, and resentment that they just can’t seem to let go.
Prayer:
Jesus, I choose to forgive. Please forgive me. Amen.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Spiritual Well-Being
Scriptures: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things ….” (I Timothy 4:8)
After stepping through the threshold of 50, an annual physical examination has become a mandate for me from my doctor. This year’s report added a couple of more items to my prescriptions, daily exercise and diet, as my cholesterol level, especially the triglyceride, is very high.
I am grateful that these physical examinations are available to review our physical conditions for identification of problems through all kinds of measures. I am also grateful that, for many of these problems, solutions are readily available. The identification of problems is only the first step. The identification and execution of the proposed solutions are critical to living healthy.
Paul understood the importance of physical health, too. That’s why he did not deny the value of physical training. But, compared with godliness, physical training only brings us some value. Why? I believe there are 3 reasons. First of all, the focus of physical fitness is for us. But the focus of godliness is for God. We are called to be “imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) God is to be the center of our lives. As much as physical training can help us physically, it does not train us in centering our lives on God, our Lord.
Secondly, the benefits of physical fitness are good only for a while. But the benefits of godliness are good for eternity. We are all mortal beings and, for that, this body we have today is just a vessel for the manifestation of us in this materialistic world for the duration God set forth for us. One day, our physical health will all deteriorate and eventually leave us. But the godly character built through the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus will last forever for it is the character of God and will abide in the spiritual life born of the Holy Spirit forever.
And thirdly, physical fitness has little impact on one’s spiritual life. But godliness not only has impact on one’s own spiritual life, it may also touch and transform other’s spiritual lives. Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6) As such, the realms of influence are different also. Working out help a person to be physically strong and, in the process, often promotes pride and self-reliance. These things are counter-productive to our spiritual growth. Godliness, on the other hand, aims at enhancing our faith and reliance on God for His guidance and providence. It help bring out the glory and holiness of God and reveal them to those spiritually immature and to those who have not yet known our Lord Jesus. It is the character and life style pleasing to God that He can use to touch and transform people.
Just like having the annual physical examination is critical to our physical well-being, it is of vital importance that we have our spiritual examination often too. God has blessed us with His word in the bible through which our minds, hearts and thoughts may be examined for identification of any sin and ungodliness in our lives. He has also sent His Spirit to dwell in us to help guide and assist us through our life-long journey. He is in fact our personal spiritual trainer.
May God help us so we may be open to His leading and enlightenment so we can continuously improve our spiritual health!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are struggling with their spiritual growth.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending the Comforter to our lives to help and to guide us. We ask that You open our minds and hearts to His leading and instructions so we may live as “imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
After stepping through the threshold of 50, an annual physical examination has become a mandate for me from my doctor. This year’s report added a couple of more items to my prescriptions, daily exercise and diet, as my cholesterol level, especially the triglyceride, is very high.
I am grateful that these physical examinations are available to review our physical conditions for identification of problems through all kinds of measures. I am also grateful that, for many of these problems, solutions are readily available. The identification of problems is only the first step. The identification and execution of the proposed solutions are critical to living healthy.
Paul understood the importance of physical health, too. That’s why he did not deny the value of physical training. But, compared with godliness, physical training only brings us some value. Why? I believe there are 3 reasons. First of all, the focus of physical fitness is for us. But the focus of godliness is for God. We are called to be “imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) God is to be the center of our lives. As much as physical training can help us physically, it does not train us in centering our lives on God, our Lord.
Secondly, the benefits of physical fitness are good only for a while. But the benefits of godliness are good for eternity. We are all mortal beings and, for that, this body we have today is just a vessel for the manifestation of us in this materialistic world for the duration God set forth for us. One day, our physical health will all deteriorate and eventually leave us. But the godly character built through the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus will last forever for it is the character of God and will abide in the spiritual life born of the Holy Spirit forever.
And thirdly, physical fitness has little impact on one’s spiritual life. But godliness not only has impact on one’s own spiritual life, it may also touch and transform other’s spiritual lives. Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6) As such, the realms of influence are different also. Working out help a person to be physically strong and, in the process, often promotes pride and self-reliance. These things are counter-productive to our spiritual growth. Godliness, on the other hand, aims at enhancing our faith and reliance on God for His guidance and providence. It help bring out the glory and holiness of God and reveal them to those spiritually immature and to those who have not yet known our Lord Jesus. It is the character and life style pleasing to God that He can use to touch and transform people.
Just like having the annual physical examination is critical to our physical well-being, it is of vital importance that we have our spiritual examination often too. God has blessed us with His word in the bible through which our minds, hearts and thoughts may be examined for identification of any sin and ungodliness in our lives. He has also sent His Spirit to dwell in us to help guide and assist us through our life-long journey. He is in fact our personal spiritual trainer.
May God help us so we may be open to His leading and enlightenment so we can continuously improve our spiritual health!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are struggling with their spiritual growth.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending the Comforter to our lives to help and to guide us. We ask that You open our minds and hearts to His leading and instructions so we may live as “imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wait on the Lord
Scripture:"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" - Psalm 27:14
I heard that Oral Roberts once said, "the calling from God is more important then life itself" I must admit, I am awed by this statement, but when you think about it, what God wants for our lives should be more important then anything we might want including life itself. He gave us our lives and if we are believing Christians Paul tells us "we are not our own, we were bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) I know that I truly do want what God wants for me and though I have never been in a place where life itself has been a choice, I do struggle almost everyday asking God what He wants me to do.
Now sometimes this means considering the small things that come into our lives everyday, like deciding to do or not do something because it does or does not glorify God. Other times it is contemplating big things that require much thought and prayer before even doing anything at all. In both cases, and all those in between, we should always consider what God wants for us to do, yet we usually spend a lot of time thinking about what we want to do.
The first commandment says in Exodus 20 "thou shalt have no other gods before me." Now it seems pretty clear, from verse 5 that we should not "bow down" or "serve" other gods like statues or idols, but my question to you is, isn't anything we put before God, or what God wants, an idol or an "other god"? Some would disagree. What about if we don't know what God wants us to do? Can't we do what we want to do then? I am not so convinced. In this example, it would seem that if we are willing to do something that God has not told us what to do and we do it anyways, then we are really saying that since God did not tell us then we are not responsbile for doing something He did not want us to do because He did not tell us not to do it. But at the same time I think we are also saying that since we wanted to do it and God did not tell us either way, and we do it, we are saying that we are willing to risk putting something ahead of what God might want by doing it anyways. This sounds like idolatry to me.
I don't know about you, but I could do with a good dose of patience every now and then. I think that when we want to do something and don't know what God wants, that God intentionally does not answer our prayers as fast as we might want because He wants us to really consider if we are really doing something for Him or if we are wanting to do something that we hope He will what us to do. One rule of thumb that has stayed with me, though I do not always follow it like I should, is "if you don't know, don't do it" and I think this is applicable to doing something that we don't know if it is God's will or not.
So what should be do if we don't know what God wants us to do? "Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Prayer Request:
That God would give us both patience to wait on Him when we want to know what to do or not do, and wisdom to know what is His will so that we will know what to do or not do.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We don't always know what is your will and we are constantly moving forward on things that we should not because we did now wait patiently to find out what your will is. Help us Lord. Give us wisdom to know your will and Patience to wait for it.
I heard that Oral Roberts once said, "the calling from God is more important then life itself" I must admit, I am awed by this statement, but when you think about it, what God wants for our lives should be more important then anything we might want including life itself. He gave us our lives and if we are believing Christians Paul tells us "we are not our own, we were bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) I know that I truly do want what God wants for me and though I have never been in a place where life itself has been a choice, I do struggle almost everyday asking God what He wants me to do.
Now sometimes this means considering the small things that come into our lives everyday, like deciding to do or not do something because it does or does not glorify God. Other times it is contemplating big things that require much thought and prayer before even doing anything at all. In both cases, and all those in between, we should always consider what God wants for us to do, yet we usually spend a lot of time thinking about what we want to do.
The first commandment says in Exodus 20 "thou shalt have no other gods before me." Now it seems pretty clear, from verse 5 that we should not "bow down" or "serve" other gods like statues or idols, but my question to you is, isn't anything we put before God, or what God wants, an idol or an "other god"? Some would disagree. What about if we don't know what God wants us to do? Can't we do what we want to do then? I am not so convinced. In this example, it would seem that if we are willing to do something that God has not told us what to do and we do it anyways, then we are really saying that since God did not tell us then we are not responsbile for doing something He did not want us to do because He did not tell us not to do it. But at the same time I think we are also saying that since we wanted to do it and God did not tell us either way, and we do it, we are saying that we are willing to risk putting something ahead of what God might want by doing it anyways. This sounds like idolatry to me.
I don't know about you, but I could do with a good dose of patience every now and then. I think that when we want to do something and don't know what God wants, that God intentionally does not answer our prayers as fast as we might want because He wants us to really consider if we are really doing something for Him or if we are wanting to do something that we hope He will what us to do. One rule of thumb that has stayed with me, though I do not always follow it like I should, is "if you don't know, don't do it" and I think this is applicable to doing something that we don't know if it is God's will or not.
So what should be do if we don't know what God wants us to do? "Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Prayer Request:
That God would give us both patience to wait on Him when we want to know what to do or not do, and wisdom to know what is His will so that we will know what to do or not do.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We don't always know what is your will and we are constantly moving forward on things that we should not because we did now wait patiently to find out what your will is. Help us Lord. Give us wisdom to know your will and Patience to wait for it.
Monday, August 27, 2007
How Far Is Death from Life?
Scriptures: “And this is life eternal, that they should know You the only true God, and Him whom You did send, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)
How far is death from life? Some may say it’s only a moment long. Some may say it varies by individuals. To some, it’s only days or even hours long. To others, it’s much longer, some even longer than a century. But, for most of us, it’s somewhere in between.
A few weeks ago, one of my uncles went home to be with the Lord. He was born and brought up in a well-respected family and, after he grew up, he became a well-know scholar and a respected professor, smart and intellectual. Yet, he did not know God. When my aunt received the Lord, he was furious. He forbad her to go to church, he burned the bible, he did everything he could to stop her from going to church. But the love of Jesus was not only with her but also empowered her. So, after more than 40 years, the love of God through her testimonies touched and changed his heart. He accepted Jesus to be his personal Lord and Savior also.
That was more than 10 years ago. Since then, his life changed. He didn’t get to live forever physically. But he had a little taste of the sweetness of heavenly life while he was still with us. He might have existed since his birth. But I think his life began the day he became a child of God for joy and peace characterized his life since then.
People like to ask questions like “How long did he live? But I think a more important question is “How well did he live?” And, for this question, there is only one answer, Jesus! Apart from Him, there is no life for He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) And, only in Him can we “have it to the full.” (John 10:13)
To me, my uncle is not dead. His life just started a whole new and glorious chapter. How about us? “And this is life eternal, that they should know You the only true God, and Him whom You did send, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)
Prayer Requests:
1. Those who lost their loved ones
2. Those who are searching for meaning and purposes in life
Prayer:
Our triumphant Lord, thank you for giving your life and died for us so we may live in the riches you prepared for us. Help us not only learn to live, but also learn to understand your triumph over death so we have life eternal. Because of you, we can be liberated from the fear of death and live in the certainty of life eternal, with all your joy and peace. We want to thank you and praise because we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!
How far is death from life? Some may say it’s only a moment long. Some may say it varies by individuals. To some, it’s only days or even hours long. To others, it’s much longer, some even longer than a century. But, for most of us, it’s somewhere in between.
A few weeks ago, one of my uncles went home to be with the Lord. He was born and brought up in a well-respected family and, after he grew up, he became a well-know scholar and a respected professor, smart and intellectual. Yet, he did not know God. When my aunt received the Lord, he was furious. He forbad her to go to church, he burned the bible, he did everything he could to stop her from going to church. But the love of Jesus was not only with her but also empowered her. So, after more than 40 years, the love of God through her testimonies touched and changed his heart. He accepted Jesus to be his personal Lord and Savior also.
That was more than 10 years ago. Since then, his life changed. He didn’t get to live forever physically. But he had a little taste of the sweetness of heavenly life while he was still with us. He might have existed since his birth. But I think his life began the day he became a child of God for joy and peace characterized his life since then.
People like to ask questions like “How long did he live? But I think a more important question is “How well did he live?” And, for this question, there is only one answer, Jesus! Apart from Him, there is no life for He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) And, only in Him can we “have it to the full.” (John 10:13)
To me, my uncle is not dead. His life just started a whole new and glorious chapter. How about us? “And this is life eternal, that they should know You the only true God, and Him whom You did send, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)
Prayer Requests:
1. Those who lost their loved ones
2. Those who are searching for meaning and purposes in life
Prayer:
Our triumphant Lord, thank you for giving your life and died for us so we may live in the riches you prepared for us. Help us not only learn to live, but also learn to understand your triumph over death so we have life eternal. Because of you, we can be liberated from the fear of death and live in the certainty of life eternal, with all your joy and peace. We want to thank you and praise because we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in My Name – He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (Jn. 14:26-27)
Last week, I was in Colorado making a much needed silent retreat. During the last few days of my time there, a close friend was going through a really difficult situation. We prayed together before I left, and expressed our mutual faith that God would somehow bring good from the current troubles. Still, it was very hard to see someone I love dearly in such pain when I was powerless to do anything to relieve it.
Anyone who is a parent knows this feeling well. We raise our kids as best we can and try to teach them to make good choices. Inevitably, they make some ill-advised decisions along the way, and we have to let them deal with the consequences of those decisions if they are to grow into mature adults. But it can be excruciatingly painful to watch in the meantime.
As I was on the plane back to Denver, I began praying about the situation my friend is in. I felt badly that I was leaving just when it seemed I was needed the most, if only for an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on. I remember at one point saying to the Lord, “I can’t hold my friend right now, but You can! Please reach in and bring peace and comfort to this situation.”
I was tired, and dozed off. When I awoke a little while later, I found that the sadness I felt earlier had been completely lifted from me. Nothing about the situation had changed, of course, but I found a deep peace (at 30,000 ft LOL!) when I placed that situation over which I have no control into the hands of the One who does.
In reflecting on that experience, I realize that my peace was found, not in solving my friend’s problem – for indeed I cannot solve it – but in that place of surrender within my soul, where God’s Spirit lives. It is a good reminder that I need to regularly retreat into that deep place no matter how crazy life gets. It’s kind of like the ocean. The waves are breaking at the surface, churning up the sand and rocks and whatever else in the shallows. But if you dive down to the deep water, everything is quiet and still, even though things remain chaotic at the surface. There in the calm depths you can stretch your hands out to Jesus and say, “You take this, Lord. It’s too big for me.”
Prayer Request
For those who are driven to try to fix and control what they cannot, and find life chaotic and frustrating.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit as our advocate and guide. Inspire our thoughts, and help us to surrender into Your care all that troubles us, so that we might experience that deep peace which passes all understanding. We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Last week, I was in Colorado making a much needed silent retreat. During the last few days of my time there, a close friend was going through a really difficult situation. We prayed together before I left, and expressed our mutual faith that God would somehow bring good from the current troubles. Still, it was very hard to see someone I love dearly in such pain when I was powerless to do anything to relieve it.
Anyone who is a parent knows this feeling well. We raise our kids as best we can and try to teach them to make good choices. Inevitably, they make some ill-advised decisions along the way, and we have to let them deal with the consequences of those decisions if they are to grow into mature adults. But it can be excruciatingly painful to watch in the meantime.
As I was on the plane back to Denver, I began praying about the situation my friend is in. I felt badly that I was leaving just when it seemed I was needed the most, if only for an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on. I remember at one point saying to the Lord, “I can’t hold my friend right now, but You can! Please reach in and bring peace and comfort to this situation.”
I was tired, and dozed off. When I awoke a little while later, I found that the sadness I felt earlier had been completely lifted from me. Nothing about the situation had changed, of course, but I found a deep peace (at 30,000 ft LOL!) when I placed that situation over which I have no control into the hands of the One who does.
In reflecting on that experience, I realize that my peace was found, not in solving my friend’s problem – for indeed I cannot solve it – but in that place of surrender within my soul, where God’s Spirit lives. It is a good reminder that I need to regularly retreat into that deep place no matter how crazy life gets. It’s kind of like the ocean. The waves are breaking at the surface, churning up the sand and rocks and whatever else in the shallows. But if you dive down to the deep water, everything is quiet and still, even though things remain chaotic at the surface. There in the calm depths you can stretch your hands out to Jesus and say, “You take this, Lord. It’s too big for me.”
Prayer Request
For those who are driven to try to fix and control what they cannot, and find life chaotic and frustrating.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit as our advocate and guide. Inspire our thoughts, and help us to surrender into Your care all that troubles us, so that we might experience that deep peace which passes all understanding. We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Whole Armor of God
Scripture:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11
On Wednesday evening I usually go to a very charismatic church where we all pray out loud for about an hour and then the pastor presents a very practical Bible Study on how to be a strong, spiritual Christian. It is a very uplifting time of fellowship but last night I did not go. I arrived home to get a quick bite to eat and then started thinking about something my wife said to me a couple of days ago. After eating some leftover chicken I plopped myself on the couch and clicked on the TV. I was not really paying attention to it but before I realized it I was feeling down.
At first I did not understand what I was feeling. Thoughts of how tired I was and how alone I felt infiltrated me. Then I began to feel angry and since I don't like to feel that way, I redirected my thoughts to what was on the TV. The sitcom was on and I began to laugh a little, but the heavy feeling still stayed with me. In my head I know it would have been better for me to be around other Christians who love the Lord and I am really not beating myself up about it but I am reminded by what happened last night of just how important it is to "put on the whole armor of God."
Nothing serious really happened. I just stayed home one night. But just last month I was encouraging a good friend of mine how important it was for him to go to church. He fell into the same trap as I did but for him it was going to see some friends at a restaurant they frequent, and then the next Wednesday he did not go again, and then the next, and before he had realized it he had not gone for over a month.
The devil is very sutle and very asute. He knows us very well and he has been trapping Christians for many, many, many years. I have only been a Christian about 35 years and I am no match for him so I must keep in mind what the Bible says so that I may be able to "stand against the wiles of the devil."
Prayer Request:
That we always be on our guard defending ourselves so that we do not fall but continue to grow in the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, the enemy is too smart for us. He knows every trick in the book, but you Lord have given us a book that will help us so that we do not fall, giving you all the honor and glory in everything we do. Thank you for your Word and help us continually put on the whole armor of God because you have already defeated the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11
On Wednesday evening I usually go to a very charismatic church where we all pray out loud for about an hour and then the pastor presents a very practical Bible Study on how to be a strong, spiritual Christian. It is a very uplifting time of fellowship but last night I did not go. I arrived home to get a quick bite to eat and then started thinking about something my wife said to me a couple of days ago. After eating some leftover chicken I plopped myself on the couch and clicked on the TV. I was not really paying attention to it but before I realized it I was feeling down.
At first I did not understand what I was feeling. Thoughts of how tired I was and how alone I felt infiltrated me. Then I began to feel angry and since I don't like to feel that way, I redirected my thoughts to what was on the TV. The sitcom was on and I began to laugh a little, but the heavy feeling still stayed with me. In my head I know it would have been better for me to be around other Christians who love the Lord and I am really not beating myself up about it but I am reminded by what happened last night of just how important it is to "put on the whole armor of God."
Nothing serious really happened. I just stayed home one night. But just last month I was encouraging a good friend of mine how important it was for him to go to church. He fell into the same trap as I did but for him it was going to see some friends at a restaurant they frequent, and then the next Wednesday he did not go again, and then the next, and before he had realized it he had not gone for over a month.
The devil is very sutle and very asute. He knows us very well and he has been trapping Christians for many, many, many years. I have only been a Christian about 35 years and I am no match for him so I must keep in mind what the Bible says so that I may be able to "stand against the wiles of the devil."
Prayer Request:
That we always be on our guard defending ourselves so that we do not fall but continue to grow in the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, the enemy is too smart for us. He knows every trick in the book, but you Lord have given us a book that will help us so that we do not fall, giving you all the honor and glory in everything we do. Thank you for your Word and help us continually put on the whole armor of God because you have already defeated the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
20/20
Scriptures: “Does He who implanted the ear not see? Does He who implanted the eye not see?” (Psalm 94:9)
When we went camping with friends in San Simeon last time, we took time to visit Cambria, a town just a couple of miles south of San Simeon. The beach there was beautiful. Not only was the coastal line beautiful, there were a lot of activities going on there too: surfers enjoying the waves, pelicans and seagulls enjoying schools of fish, seals swimming up and down the waves, and fisherman trying to catch some fish for the day. It was a wonderful and relaxing picture that really could take our minds off anything else in life.
One of my friends decided to join the fishermen for fishing. He found himself a spot on the beach to cast the baits. While he was fishing, the rest of us decided to take a walk along the shore. The rocks were beautifully and artistically formed and arranged. We climbed some of them to watch the spectacular scene where waves splashed off the rocks. On those rocks, we could see clearer how those sea birds catch fish. It’s amazing how they could see fish in the water from so high in the sky.
As soon as they spotted the fish, they dived into the ocean to catch the fish. Sometimes, more than one dived at the same time. Sometimes, they flew together in formation circling over the ocean looking for food. One of my friends called them the “B-2 bombers”.
While the fishing friend was struggling to catch some fish, these sea birds did not seem to have any problems getting the fish they wanted. Not only so, you could see them moving along with the schools of fish. We were all amazed at how good their vision must be and were marveling at the wonder of God’s creation!
God was the one who made it possible for these sea birds to see so clearly from such a distance, even through the distortion of light in water. Psalmist said that “Does He who implanted the eye not see?” (Psalm 94:9) Of course He does! His vision is perfect at any distance, better than 20/20, perfect in its absolute sense!
While our visions are imperfect, so is our faith. When storms in life hit, we become panic and disoriented. But the Lord has promised that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. So, no matter what happen to us, we can take comfort that He sees us and what we are going through. Nothing can hinder His vision. We can be sure that He not only sees us, but also takes action to come alongside to strengthen and to guide us through.
“But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 94:22)
Prayer Requests:
Those who are dealing with troubles in life and are wondering where God is when they need Him.
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for knowing us even before we were formed and for preparing a great plan for each of us that brings meaning to our lives. As we, in our limitations and weaknesses, so often get disoriented, please help us remember that You see everything we are going through and that You love to carry us through these circumstances in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
When we went camping with friends in San Simeon last time, we took time to visit Cambria, a town just a couple of miles south of San Simeon. The beach there was beautiful. Not only was the coastal line beautiful, there were a lot of activities going on there too: surfers enjoying the waves, pelicans and seagulls enjoying schools of fish, seals swimming up and down the waves, and fisherman trying to catch some fish for the day. It was a wonderful and relaxing picture that really could take our minds off anything else in life.
One of my friends decided to join the fishermen for fishing. He found himself a spot on the beach to cast the baits. While he was fishing, the rest of us decided to take a walk along the shore. The rocks were beautifully and artistically formed and arranged. We climbed some of them to watch the spectacular scene where waves splashed off the rocks. On those rocks, we could see clearer how those sea birds catch fish. It’s amazing how they could see fish in the water from so high in the sky.
As soon as they spotted the fish, they dived into the ocean to catch the fish. Sometimes, more than one dived at the same time. Sometimes, they flew together in formation circling over the ocean looking for food. One of my friends called them the “B-2 bombers”.
While the fishing friend was struggling to catch some fish, these sea birds did not seem to have any problems getting the fish they wanted. Not only so, you could see them moving along with the schools of fish. We were all amazed at how good their vision must be and were marveling at the wonder of God’s creation!
God was the one who made it possible for these sea birds to see so clearly from such a distance, even through the distortion of light in water. Psalmist said that “Does He who implanted the eye not see?” (Psalm 94:9) Of course He does! His vision is perfect at any distance, better than 20/20, perfect in its absolute sense!
While our visions are imperfect, so is our faith. When storms in life hit, we become panic and disoriented. But the Lord has promised that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. So, no matter what happen to us, we can take comfort that He sees us and what we are going through. Nothing can hinder His vision. We can be sure that He not only sees us, but also takes action to come alongside to strengthen and to guide us through.
“But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 94:22)
Prayer Requests:
Those who are dealing with troubles in life and are wondering where God is when they need Him.
Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for knowing us even before we were formed and for preparing a great plan for each of us that brings meaning to our lives. As we, in our limitations and weaknesses, so often get disoriented, please help us remember that You see everything we are going through and that You love to carry us through these circumstances in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Greater is He
Scripture:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesian 6:12
My wife and I had been making plans to go to Spain for a couple of weeks in October to do a puppet evangelism ministry in Benidorm & Andalusia. We had been planning this for almost a year but for the last couple of months my wife has been having a pain in her side and it turns out that she has gall stones. She is going to have to have surgery next month putting on hold our plans.
This reminded me of what Michele wrote a couple of weeks ago about how sometimes God changes our plans and that we might not always know His reasons but we know that He is faithful. After thinking about this a while, I realized I was not so much disappointed about needing to change our plans as I was about being worried about my wife's surgery.
On the one hand I could feel myself getting worried about what might go wrong and on the other hand I was trying to convince myself that God is faithful and knows the situation. Like is says in Ephesians 4:5,6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Now I know that this battle within me is not me at all. I know that the thoughts that I have that cause me to feel worried are from the enemy and the thoughts I have convincing myself that God is faithful is from the Holy Spirit. Yet the thoughts and feelings exist anyways, and along the same lines as what Peter said yesterday in his post, and knowing that I am experiencing a spiritual battle, I John 4:4 helps me because it says "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
Prayer Request:
For those who are stuggling in their daily spiritual battles and that they may find grace and power.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Everyday seems to bring us trials that we know you have given us victory over. Please give us the faith to know this victory in our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesian 6:12
My wife and I had been making plans to go to Spain for a couple of weeks in October to do a puppet evangelism ministry in Benidorm & Andalusia. We had been planning this for almost a year but for the last couple of months my wife has been having a pain in her side and it turns out that she has gall stones. She is going to have to have surgery next month putting on hold our plans.
This reminded me of what Michele wrote a couple of weeks ago about how sometimes God changes our plans and that we might not always know His reasons but we know that He is faithful. After thinking about this a while, I realized I was not so much disappointed about needing to change our plans as I was about being worried about my wife's surgery.
On the one hand I could feel myself getting worried about what might go wrong and on the other hand I was trying to convince myself that God is faithful and knows the situation. Like is says in Ephesians 4:5,6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Now I know that this battle within me is not me at all. I know that the thoughts that I have that cause me to feel worried are from the enemy and the thoughts I have convincing myself that God is faithful is from the Holy Spirit. Yet the thoughts and feelings exist anyways, and along the same lines as what Peter said yesterday in his post, and knowing that I am experiencing a spiritual battle, I John 4:4 helps me because it says "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
Prayer Request:
For those who are stuggling in their daily spiritual battles and that they may find grace and power.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Everyday seems to bring us trials that we know you have given us victory over. Please give us the faith to know this victory in our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Source of Power
Scriptures: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Every time I go to the beach, I am always amazed at the way waves behave. First of all, some parts of the waves rise earlier and higher than others and some part breaks down earlier than others, too. They don’t all come to the same spot to rise and break. They don’t all rise and break at the same time, either. But, these combinations create a beautiful scene where layers of waves rushing toward the shore with white top shining against the deep blue color of the ocean.
Secondly, no matter how the coastal line changes in shape, formation or direction, these waves relentlessly rush against the shore. What kind of power is behind such movements, so persistent and forceful! The answer is, of course, the power of God!
In our Christian lives, we all desire to live a life in and through which God works mightily. We try everything we can: we join committees in church, donate to charity organizations and support missionaries. We labor so much, but reap little. Why? I think the answer is in our disconnection with the source of power, our Lord God!
In spite of all the persecutions and tribulations he went through, Paul claimed that he could do everything because he did not do them alone. There were two keys in his claim: one, he did them through our Lord Jesus. Paul knew better his own limitation and insufficiency. More then that, he knew better who his Lord was and what Jesus could accomplish. So, he wisely went to our Lord for everything. We need to do the same.
Corrie Ten Boom, the author of The Hiding Place, once preached the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the message, an ex-Nazi concentration camp soldier who persecuted her before came up to her to greet and shake hands with her. But Corrie found herself unable to reach out to him. She anxiously asked the Lord, “Lord Jesus, I cannot forgive him with my own strength. Please give me Your forgiving power!” As she reached out and grasped his hand, all of a sudden, she felt an enormous power welling up in her and she was immediately filled with compassion for that man. She said, “Our Lord demands that we love our enemies. Every time He gives us the order to love, He also gives us the love too!”
As we press on in our Christian journey and take on all kinds of opportunities to administer to others for our Lord Jesus, we need to be like Paul and Corrie, we need to be connected to the source of all power, our Lord God. May God help us and give us the heart to look up to Him for guidance and strength in everything we do!
Prayer Requests:
Those struggling with their services and ministries for the Kingdom of God
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for calling us to be Your children and for giving us all kinds of opportunities to work with You to bring Your blessings to the people around us. We ask that You humble us and make us Your vessels of grace and Your instruments of salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Every time I go to the beach, I am always amazed at the way waves behave. First of all, some parts of the waves rise earlier and higher than others and some part breaks down earlier than others, too. They don’t all come to the same spot to rise and break. They don’t all rise and break at the same time, either. But, these combinations create a beautiful scene where layers of waves rushing toward the shore with white top shining against the deep blue color of the ocean.
Secondly, no matter how the coastal line changes in shape, formation or direction, these waves relentlessly rush against the shore. What kind of power is behind such movements, so persistent and forceful! The answer is, of course, the power of God!
In our Christian lives, we all desire to live a life in and through which God works mightily. We try everything we can: we join committees in church, donate to charity organizations and support missionaries. We labor so much, but reap little. Why? I think the answer is in our disconnection with the source of power, our Lord God!
In spite of all the persecutions and tribulations he went through, Paul claimed that he could do everything because he did not do them alone. There were two keys in his claim: one, he did them through our Lord Jesus. Paul knew better his own limitation and insufficiency. More then that, he knew better who his Lord was and what Jesus could accomplish. So, he wisely went to our Lord for everything. We need to do the same.
Corrie Ten Boom, the author of The Hiding Place, once preached the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the message, an ex-Nazi concentration camp soldier who persecuted her before came up to her to greet and shake hands with her. But Corrie found herself unable to reach out to him. She anxiously asked the Lord, “Lord Jesus, I cannot forgive him with my own strength. Please give me Your forgiving power!” As she reached out and grasped his hand, all of a sudden, she felt an enormous power welling up in her and she was immediately filled with compassion for that man. She said, “Our Lord demands that we love our enemies. Every time He gives us the order to love, He also gives us the love too!”
As we press on in our Christian journey and take on all kinds of opportunities to administer to others for our Lord Jesus, we need to be like Paul and Corrie, we need to be connected to the source of all power, our Lord God. May God help us and give us the heart to look up to Him for guidance and strength in everything we do!
Prayer Requests:
Those struggling with their services and ministries for the Kingdom of God
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for calling us to be Your children and for giving us all kinds of opportunities to work with You to bring Your blessings to the people around us. We ask that You humble us and make us Your vessels of grace and Your instruments of salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Love Your Enemies
Scripture:
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Luke 6:27
The scriptures tell us to love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, and do good for those who hate you. Now I hope you don't have any real enemies or have anyone who really hates you, but I am sure that we all have people who don't like us and and people we don't like, and we try to avoid them and they try to avoid us. In a mild or passive way, I see this as a kind of persecution. We don't like someone, so we don't try to have a relationship with them, we avoid them, or we even let our friends know that we don't particularly like that other person.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. Now this seems a little extreme, but if Jesus wanted us to love our enemies, what do you think he wants us to do with our relationships, or lack thereof, of people we don't like or people who don't like us? That's right, love them, pray for them and do good to them. Avoiding them and not caring for them does not seem like the right thing to do according to what are Lord told us to do in these scriptures.
Who is the person you don't like, or are avoiding? Maybe they did something to offend you, or you did something to offend them. Even if you don't have a heart to love them yet, or can't muster up enough effort to do good to them, we should a least be praying for them. And my guess is, that if we start praying for them, God will start by changing our hearts and then maybe he will show you how to start loving them and doing good to them.
Prayer Request:
That we love others as Christ loved us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, We know there are people in our lives that we do not like or that rub us the wrong way, but your command to us is to love them, pray for them and do good to them. This is going to be hard for us, Lord, but please give us the strength to obey this command and teach us your love, so that we can show them YOUR love.
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Luke 6:27
The scriptures tell us to love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, and do good for those who hate you. Now I hope you don't have any real enemies or have anyone who really hates you, but I am sure that we all have people who don't like us and and people we don't like, and we try to avoid them and they try to avoid us. In a mild or passive way, I see this as a kind of persecution. We don't like someone, so we don't try to have a relationship with them, we avoid them, or we even let our friends know that we don't particularly like that other person.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. Now this seems a little extreme, but if Jesus wanted us to love our enemies, what do you think he wants us to do with our relationships, or lack thereof, of people we don't like or people who don't like us? That's right, love them, pray for them and do good to them. Avoiding them and not caring for them does not seem like the right thing to do according to what are Lord told us to do in these scriptures.
Who is the person you don't like, or are avoiding? Maybe they did something to offend you, or you did something to offend them. Even if you don't have a heart to love them yet, or can't muster up enough effort to do good to them, we should a least be praying for them. And my guess is, that if we start praying for them, God will start by changing our hearts and then maybe he will show you how to start loving them and doing good to them.
Prayer Request:
That we love others as Christ loved us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, We know there are people in our lives that we do not like or that rub us the wrong way, but your command to us is to love them, pray for them and do good to them. This is going to be hard for us, Lord, but please give us the strength to obey this command and teach us your love, so that we can show them YOUR love.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Tuning Up by Michele Lear
Scripture:
On that day you will realize that I am in My Father and you are in Me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves Me. And whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him. (John. 14:20-21)
A friend of mine has a piece of wall art in his office that I really like. It is a shadow box with a picture of a music manuscript in the background. A phrase is etched in black on the glass that says: “I will make the Lord my music. I will make His love the key that tunes my heart and gives my life its harmony.” As a singer, I know the importance of tuning. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a piece of music is on paper, or how moving the text is; if it’s not sung in tune, the music loses a lot of its power. The harmonies just don’t ring the way they do when everything is in the center of the tone. Listeners tune out!
Singing in tune doesn’t just happen. It takes years and a lot of effort to learn to produce a sound that is in tune with the other music around you. Some voices don’t easily blend to those around them. Learning to sing in tune involves things like minding your posture, breath support, relaxing and opening the throat. It means knowing your own body and what it needs to do to produce a good sound.
Our spiritual walk is a lot like that. With effort and diligence, we must learn the inner workings of our spirits and train ourselves through prayer, fasting, good works, etc., so that we can be attuned to and “walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8) by living according to His commandments. On occasion, we encounter people who have difficulty “harmonizing” with everyone else. In such cases, we must act in charity to try to bring such folks along, to help them “tune” to the music of the Spirit.
Getting a choir to make beautiful sounds is the ultimately the job of the conductor. He is the one who knows the individual voices and has the skills to draw the best from them. But the singers must respond to his cues, commands and instructions. The occasional dissonance can be remedied, but if someone is singing in a completely different key, it’s just not going to blend no matter what you do. So let us respond to the Spirit’s leading. Let us tune our lives to the “Key of C” – Christ - so that He may make of us a chorus of praise that rises like sweet incense before the Father’s throne.
Prayer Request:
For those discouraged by the dissonance in their lives.
Prayer:
Almighty Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us. Help us to stay in tune with the wonderful plan You have for each of us. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
On that day you will realize that I am in My Father and you are in Me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves Me. And whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him. (John. 14:20-21)
A friend of mine has a piece of wall art in his office that I really like. It is a shadow box with a picture of a music manuscript in the background. A phrase is etched in black on the glass that says: “I will make the Lord my music. I will make His love the key that tunes my heart and gives my life its harmony.” As a singer, I know the importance of tuning. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a piece of music is on paper, or how moving the text is; if it’s not sung in tune, the music loses a lot of its power. The harmonies just don’t ring the way they do when everything is in the center of the tone. Listeners tune out!
Singing in tune doesn’t just happen. It takes years and a lot of effort to learn to produce a sound that is in tune with the other music around you. Some voices don’t easily blend to those around them. Learning to sing in tune involves things like minding your posture, breath support, relaxing and opening the throat. It means knowing your own body and what it needs to do to produce a good sound.
Our spiritual walk is a lot like that. With effort and diligence, we must learn the inner workings of our spirits and train ourselves through prayer, fasting, good works, etc., so that we can be attuned to and “walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8) by living according to His commandments. On occasion, we encounter people who have difficulty “harmonizing” with everyone else. In such cases, we must act in charity to try to bring such folks along, to help them “tune” to the music of the Spirit.
Getting a choir to make beautiful sounds is the ultimately the job of the conductor. He is the one who knows the individual voices and has the skills to draw the best from them. But the singers must respond to his cues, commands and instructions. The occasional dissonance can be remedied, but if someone is singing in a completely different key, it’s just not going to blend no matter what you do. So let us respond to the Spirit’s leading. Let us tune our lives to the “Key of C” – Christ - so that He may make of us a chorus of praise that rises like sweet incense before the Father’s throne.
Prayer Request:
For those discouraged by the dissonance in their lives.
Prayer:
Almighty Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us. Help us to stay in tune with the wonderful plan You have for each of us. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
In God’s Hands
Scriptures: “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:9-10)
One day, as I was driving, I noticed a car with a license plate that said, “KUL FMLY”, and the frame of the plate said, “We are in God’s Hands.” What an interesting combination. People nowadays like to be cool. But, what does it mean?
The on-line Wikipedia defines cool as “an aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance, style and Zeitgeist. Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well as its subject nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control and is often used as an expression of admiration or approval.” So, cool probably means smart, independent, and stylish.
But, without the context of God, this mentality has driven people to follow worldly fashion and to act more self-centered. The propagation of this idea and mentality has certainly created more problems than solutions for this world because the application of such idea has been limited to the context of the individual’s profile.
As a Christian, we have been taught to be shrewd, to be able to act and think independent of the worldly ways, and to follow godly traditions of the saints. In a way, we have been taught to be cool. But all within the context of God, just as this license plate said. More than that, I think this license plate reminds us once more that, when we are in God’s hands, there’s actually noting that can harm or move us. Bible tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in troubles.” (Psalm 46:1)
So, I guess it’s ok to be cool, as long as we are in God’s hands and are pursuing coolness defined by Him!
Prayer Requests:
Those teenagers living for coolness
Prayer:
Father God, we thank you for setting godly examples for us to follow. We ask for the guidance of Your Spirit of wisdom so we may live and share the riches and power of the life You have promised. We especially want to pray for those young teenagers. Please raise Your faithful servants to administer to them so they may be equipped to face the temptations and challenges from this dark and wicked generation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
One day, as I was driving, I noticed a car with a license plate that said, “KUL FMLY”, and the frame of the plate said, “We are in God’s Hands.” What an interesting combination. People nowadays like to be cool. But, what does it mean?
The on-line Wikipedia defines cool as “an aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance, style and Zeitgeist. Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well as its subject nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control and is often used as an expression of admiration or approval.” So, cool probably means smart, independent, and stylish.
But, without the context of God, this mentality has driven people to follow worldly fashion and to act more self-centered. The propagation of this idea and mentality has certainly created more problems than solutions for this world because the application of such idea has been limited to the context of the individual’s profile.
As a Christian, we have been taught to be shrewd, to be able to act and think independent of the worldly ways, and to follow godly traditions of the saints. In a way, we have been taught to be cool. But all within the context of God, just as this license plate said. More than that, I think this license plate reminds us once more that, when we are in God’s hands, there’s actually noting that can harm or move us. Bible tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in troubles.” (Psalm 46:1)
So, I guess it’s ok to be cool, as long as we are in God’s hands and are pursuing coolness defined by Him!
Prayer Requests:
Those teenagers living for coolness
Prayer:
Father God, we thank you for setting godly examples for us to follow. We ask for the guidance of Your Spirit of wisdom so we may live and share the riches and power of the life You have promised. We especially want to pray for those young teenagers. Please raise Your faithful servants to administer to them so they may be equipped to face the temptations and challenges from this dark and wicked generation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Don't Rely on what You Think
Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5,6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
When I graduated from high school my church had a mini ceremony for all of the graduates. We all stood in a line while the Pastor gave us a card. He told us that he prayed for each of us and gave us each a verse of scripture that the Lord lead him to give us. Mine was Proverbs 3:5,6. I took these verses of scripture as my life verses that day.
I can't tell you how many times I have thought, and prayed, about my life using these two verses. Hundreds, maybe thousands of times, but I must admit, that this passage of scripture has been both the best passage for me to meditate on and one of the hardest passage of scripture for me to follow.
First of all, I am an analyst by nature. My mind is constantly thinking about how to fix things and analyzing alternatives. Even when I go to Albertson or Home Depot I find myself just walking down the aisles seeing if I can think of anything else we might need and calculating in my head the best prices. I have a tendency to trust and depend on this ability and many times this has lead me away from the Lord.
In this passage God promises to help us by "directing our paths". This is a great promise for those who want God to lead them. However, there are three conditions:
1) Trust in the Lord, with all of your heart
2) Don't rely on your own thinking, or understanding
3) In everything you do acknowledge God (put Him first & thank Him)
The first and last conditions seem more spiritual than practical. There is certainly a practical side to trusting in God or acknowledging Him. When the Bible tells us not to trust in our own understanding that is a hard thing for me to do. So what do I do? I keep reminding myself (and the Holy Spirit reminds me when I forget) about this verse of scripture (and others like it) that I want God to be in charge of my life. I want to follow what God says because he knows best, and even though I spend a lot of time thinking things through, I don't really want to rely on what I think. I want to continually remember that God made me the way I am and he knows what I can and can't do. He wants me to depend on Him.
Prayer Request:
That God help us remember, that He knows best about everything in our lives and trust in Him in all that we do.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we know, that you know everything. You know the abilities you have given us, and you know that we have a tendency to trust in our own abilities and forget to acknowledge you. We want you to lead us Lord, so we ask that you continue to remind us through your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen
Proverbs 3:5,6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
When I graduated from high school my church had a mini ceremony for all of the graduates. We all stood in a line while the Pastor gave us a card. He told us that he prayed for each of us and gave us each a verse of scripture that the Lord lead him to give us. Mine was Proverbs 3:5,6. I took these verses of scripture as my life verses that day.
I can't tell you how many times I have thought, and prayed, about my life using these two verses. Hundreds, maybe thousands of times, but I must admit, that this passage of scripture has been both the best passage for me to meditate on and one of the hardest passage of scripture for me to follow.
First of all, I am an analyst by nature. My mind is constantly thinking about how to fix things and analyzing alternatives. Even when I go to Albertson or Home Depot I find myself just walking down the aisles seeing if I can think of anything else we might need and calculating in my head the best prices. I have a tendency to trust and depend on this ability and many times this has lead me away from the Lord.
In this passage God promises to help us by "directing our paths". This is a great promise for those who want God to lead them. However, there are three conditions:
1) Trust in the Lord, with all of your heart
2) Don't rely on your own thinking, or understanding
3) In everything you do acknowledge God (put Him first & thank Him)
The first and last conditions seem more spiritual than practical. There is certainly a practical side to trusting in God or acknowledging Him. When the Bible tells us not to trust in our own understanding that is a hard thing for me to do. So what do I do? I keep reminding myself (and the Holy Spirit reminds me when I forget) about this verse of scripture (and others like it) that I want God to be in charge of my life. I want to follow what God says because he knows best, and even though I spend a lot of time thinking things through, I don't really want to rely on what I think. I want to continually remember that God made me the way I am and he knows what I can and can't do. He wants me to depend on Him.
Prayer Request:
That God help us remember, that He knows best about everything in our lives and trust in Him in all that we do.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we know, that you know everything. You know the abilities you have given us, and you know that we have a tendency to trust in our own abilities and forget to acknowledge you. We want you to lead us Lord, so we ask that you continue to remind us through your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Perfection after Trials
Scriptures: “These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proven genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (I Peter 1:7)
A well loved and respected elder in a church was well into his 70’s when he was diagnosed with cancer. He spent the last 6 months of his life in hospital fighting the disease. But, at the end, he went home to be with the Lord.
Many brothers and sisters in his church were more than confused and sad for losing him. They could not understand why God would let a devout and godly man like him suffer so much, especially toward the end of his life.
After the burial, his son gave a testimony in the church. He said, “Ever since my father was hospitalized, receiving all kinds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he went through a lot of difficult time. Through them all, he never complained. But we could tell he was in great pain. It was only a few days before he went home to be with the Lord when he suddenly opened his eyes and said, “I got it.” He realized why the Lord let him go through so much, even in such old age. He said, even though he never complained during those difficult treatments, he never was able to give thanks and praises to his Lord and Savior.” He added, “But he learned his lesson and the last few days of his life were filled with joy and thanksgiving!”
When I heard this story, it gave me a totally brand new perspective to face life. God has made clear His will and purpose in our lives. But, most of time, we don’t necessarily know all that He has in mind for us. We search, question, and struggle through life to find the meaning and purpose of our lives. Sometimes, we do so because we don’t know. Sometimes, it’s because we don’t like what we know for sure to be His will because He has already made known to us in His Word.
But, through them all, God makes sure we learn our lessons through which He cleans and transforms our lives so as to bear the image of His Son, Jesus. Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29) This story once again humbled me and reminded me that I still have many lessons to learn in life.
Thank you, Lord, for always keeping our best interests in mind when leading us through this journey we call life.
Prayer Requests:
Those who face events and incidences in life that don’t seem to make sense.
Prayer:
Our gracious Father, thank You for Jesus and for Your loving call for us to follow our Lord Jesus. Please help us to focus on Jesus only as we follow so we will not be lost in life and can be the “Little Christ” we were called to be. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
A well loved and respected elder in a church was well into his 70’s when he was diagnosed with cancer. He spent the last 6 months of his life in hospital fighting the disease. But, at the end, he went home to be with the Lord.
Many brothers and sisters in his church were more than confused and sad for losing him. They could not understand why God would let a devout and godly man like him suffer so much, especially toward the end of his life.
After the burial, his son gave a testimony in the church. He said, “Ever since my father was hospitalized, receiving all kinds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he went through a lot of difficult time. Through them all, he never complained. But we could tell he was in great pain. It was only a few days before he went home to be with the Lord when he suddenly opened his eyes and said, “I got it.” He realized why the Lord let him go through so much, even in such old age. He said, even though he never complained during those difficult treatments, he never was able to give thanks and praises to his Lord and Savior.” He added, “But he learned his lesson and the last few days of his life were filled with joy and thanksgiving!”
When I heard this story, it gave me a totally brand new perspective to face life. God has made clear His will and purpose in our lives. But, most of time, we don’t necessarily know all that He has in mind for us. We search, question, and struggle through life to find the meaning and purpose of our lives. Sometimes, we do so because we don’t know. Sometimes, it’s because we don’t like what we know for sure to be His will because He has already made known to us in His Word.
But, through them all, God makes sure we learn our lessons through which He cleans and transforms our lives so as to bear the image of His Son, Jesus. Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29) This story once again humbled me and reminded me that I still have many lessons to learn in life.
Thank you, Lord, for always keeping our best interests in mind when leading us through this journey we call life.
Prayer Requests:
Those who face events and incidences in life that don’t seem to make sense.
Prayer:
Our gracious Father, thank You for Jesus and for Your loving call for us to follow our Lord Jesus. Please help us to focus on Jesus only as we follow so we will not be lost in life and can be the “Little Christ” we were called to be. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Sometimes God Changes Your Plans
I had a nice post all written that I was going to upload here. And then a friend sent an inspirational story to me. This is far more beautiful than anything I could ever write, so enjoy, and keep your eyes open for those moments when God seems to change gears on you. Rest assured, He has something wonderful planned for you! This is a little lengthier than we usually post, but I hope you will find this as inspiring as I did.
Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:
Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith. That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under "S" for strange... Very strange.
Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, "Do you think I'll ever find God?"
I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said very emphatically.
"Why not?" he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, "Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that God will find you!" He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.
I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- God will find you! At least I thought it was clever
Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.
Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe. "Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick," I blurted out.
"Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks."
"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.
"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied.
"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?"
"Well, it could be worse."
"Like what?"
"Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life."
I began to look through my mental file cabinet under "S" where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)
"But what I really came to see you about," Tom said, "is something you said to me on the last day of class." (He remembered!) He continued, "I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me Then you said, 'But He will find you.' I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.
(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)
"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit.
"Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, or about an after life, or anything like that. I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.'"
"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him. "Dad?"
"Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper.
"Dad, I would like to talk with you."
"Well, talk."
"I mean, it's really important."
The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What is it?"
"Dad, I love you. I just wanted you to know that." Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him. "The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me."
"It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.
"I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.
"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'
"Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him."
"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize. To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love lives in God and God is living in him.' Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it."
"Oooh.. I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class."
"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call."
In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date. However, he never made it. He had another appointment, an appointment far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision. He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.
Before he died, we talked one last time.
"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.
"I know, Tom."
"Will you tell them for me? Will you ... tell the whole world for me?"
I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best."
So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.
With thanks, Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University, Chicago
And thanks to my friend, Christine, who sent this to me.
Prayer Request
For all those who are struggling to find God, and feeling like He's not there.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we believe and trust that You have a plan - a wonderful plan - for each of us. Sometimes Your ways seem very strange to us. Help us to see with Your eyes, and love with Your heart. When our faith is weak, give us your grace to reach out and cling to You who are the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:
Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith. That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under "S" for strange... Very strange.
Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, "Do you think I'll ever find God?"
I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said very emphatically.
"Why not?" he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, "Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that God will find you!" He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.
I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- God will find you! At least I thought it was clever
Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.
Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe. "Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick," I blurted out.
"Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks."
"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.
"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied.
"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?"
"Well, it could be worse."
"Like what?"
"Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life."
I began to look through my mental file cabinet under "S" where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)
"But what I really came to see you about," Tom said, "is something you said to me on the last day of class." (He remembered!) He continued, "I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me Then you said, 'But He will find you.' I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.
(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)
"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit.
"Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, or about an after life, or anything like that. I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.'"
"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him. "Dad?"
"Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper.
"Dad, I would like to talk with you."
"Well, talk."
"I mean, it's really important."
The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What is it?"
"Dad, I love you. I just wanted you to know that." Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him. "The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me."
"It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.
"I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.
"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'
"Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him."
"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize. To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love lives in God and God is living in him.' Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it."
"Oooh.. I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class."
"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call."
In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date. However, he never made it. He had another appointment, an appointment far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision. He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.
Before he died, we talked one last time.
"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.
"I know, Tom."
"Will you tell them for me? Will you ... tell the whole world for me?"
I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best."
So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.
With thanks, Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University, Chicago
And thanks to my friend, Christine, who sent this to me.
Prayer Request
For all those who are struggling to find God, and feeling like He's not there.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we believe and trust that You have a plan - a wonderful plan - for each of us. Sometimes Your ways seem very strange to us. Help us to see with Your eyes, and love with Your heart. When our faith is weak, give us your grace to reach out and cling to You who are the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Being Healed
Scripture Matthew 8:2-3:
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
This morning on the way to work I was listening to a CD that quoted a number of verses from the Bible that had to do with why God heals. In the context of what I was listening to, this verse was being used to tell us that God heals because he has compassion on us.
While meditating about this I began thinking about what kind of a man this leper was. I was not really thinking about his disease but more about what his temperment was like. For example, having such a contagious disease, he probably felt rejected because everyone stayed away from him, or, having such an incurable disease, he probably felt things were hopeless for him.
This lead me to think about someone I know who has gotten himself in some trouble because of a serious personal problem. In his case, sin is his leprosy and it is more then contagious, he was born with it and he is incapable of being cured, except by the blood of Jesus Christ.
So what is the difference between these two men? The man with leprosy humbly went to Jesus, knowing that his plight could only be cured by Him and the other has not come to that place yet.
We all need to have a humble heart, and the faith to go to Jesus, believing that he will help us in our time of need.
Prayer Request:
For my friend, that he will come to Jesus and ask Him to be cured from his leprosy.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,In the name of Jesus I pray that you will reach out and draw my friend unto yourself and heal him from his perosnal problem and lead him to know you as Savior.
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
This morning on the way to work I was listening to a CD that quoted a number of verses from the Bible that had to do with why God heals. In the context of what I was listening to, this verse was being used to tell us that God heals because he has compassion on us.
While meditating about this I began thinking about what kind of a man this leper was. I was not really thinking about his disease but more about what his temperment was like. For example, having such a contagious disease, he probably felt rejected because everyone stayed away from him, or, having such an incurable disease, he probably felt things were hopeless for him.
This lead me to think about someone I know who has gotten himself in some trouble because of a serious personal problem. In his case, sin is his leprosy and it is more then contagious, he was born with it and he is incapable of being cured, except by the blood of Jesus Christ.
So what is the difference between these two men? The man with leprosy humbly went to Jesus, knowing that his plight could only be cured by Him and the other has not come to that place yet.
We all need to have a humble heart, and the faith to go to Jesus, believing that he will help us in our time of need.
Prayer Request:
For my friend, that he will come to Jesus and ask Him to be cured from his leprosy.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,In the name of Jesus I pray that you will reach out and draw my friend unto yourself and heal him from his perosnal problem and lead him to know you as Savior.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The Depth and Purity
Scriptures: “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:9-11)
Recently, I took a trip to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and was amazed by the deep blue water in the lake. The ranger told us that the water was so blue because of two reasons: 1) The lake was deep. Crater Lake was said to be the deepest lake in the nation and the seventh deepest lake in the world. 2) The water was very pure. There is no stream or creek that flows into Crater Lake. All water in the lake came from the snow in the winter.
As a result, the water was so blue it matches the blue in the sky. It not only reflects the images of the mountains around it, it also reflects the sky and the clouds above it. Depth and purity are the two factors contributing to the beauty of the lake. How true it is also for our Christian lives.
We pride ourselves as Christians. As such, we are called to bear the image of our Lord Jesus. How do we do that? I think the answer lies in our pursuit of spiritual depth and purity. To pursue spiritual depth, we need to study, meditate, and understand the Word of God; we need to spend time in prayers, in getting close to our Lord; and we need to open our mind and heart to opportunities of serving God and people. We need to cultivate our lives so that the riches of God may flow through us to others around us.
To pursue purity, we need to know what godliness is and be sensitive to sin and all ungodly wickedness; we need to be committed to taking a stand for the person and the truth we believe in; and we need to anchor our faith deep in our Lord Jesus so our lives may be renewed to reflect the image of “the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrew 12:2)
The park rangers said that Crater Lake receives 44 feet of snow each year. This snow pretty covers everything in the national park during the winter and spring seasons. Yet, year after year, this lake comes out the storms amazingly beautiful, simply because of its depth and purity. Let’s cultivate the depth and purity our spiritual lives such they they will shine and glorify their Creator!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are searching for directions for spiritual growth and guidance in ministries and witnesses.
Prayer:
Our gracious Lord, thank You for speaking to us through Your words and Your creation. Help us to keep our eyes and mind open to Your work of wonder in our lives and give us grateful hearts so we know to respond with thanksgiving and praises to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Recently, I took a trip to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and was amazed by the deep blue water in the lake. The ranger told us that the water was so blue because of two reasons: 1) The lake was deep. Crater Lake was said to be the deepest lake in the nation and the seventh deepest lake in the world. 2) The water was very pure. There is no stream or creek that flows into Crater Lake. All water in the lake came from the snow in the winter.
As a result, the water was so blue it matches the blue in the sky. It not only reflects the images of the mountains around it, it also reflects the sky and the clouds above it. Depth and purity are the two factors contributing to the beauty of the lake. How true it is also for our Christian lives.
We pride ourselves as Christians. As such, we are called to bear the image of our Lord Jesus. How do we do that? I think the answer lies in our pursuit of spiritual depth and purity. To pursue spiritual depth, we need to study, meditate, and understand the Word of God; we need to spend time in prayers, in getting close to our Lord; and we need to open our mind and heart to opportunities of serving God and people. We need to cultivate our lives so that the riches of God may flow through us to others around us.
To pursue purity, we need to know what godliness is and be sensitive to sin and all ungodly wickedness; we need to be committed to taking a stand for the person and the truth we believe in; and we need to anchor our faith deep in our Lord Jesus so our lives may be renewed to reflect the image of “the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrew 12:2)
The park rangers said that Crater Lake receives 44 feet of snow each year. This snow pretty covers everything in the national park during the winter and spring seasons. Yet, year after year, this lake comes out the storms amazingly beautiful, simply because of its depth and purity. Let’s cultivate the depth and purity our spiritual lives such they they will shine and glorify their Creator!
Prayer Requests:
Those who are searching for directions for spiritual growth and guidance in ministries and witnesses.
Prayer:
Our gracious Lord, thank You for speaking to us through Your words and Your creation. Help us to keep our eyes and mind open to Your work of wonder in our lives and give us grateful hearts so we know to respond with thanksgiving and praises to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Home Is Where the Heart Is
As the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest to settle her young, my home is by Your altars, Lord of hosts, my kind and my God! Happy are those who dwell in Your house! They never cease to praise You.
(Psalm 84:4-5)
A well known proverb tells us that “Home is where the heart is.” While our ultimate home is heaven, we need in this life to have a place that connects us to those people and things that are dear and familiar. In this sense, home is, most commonly, one’s domicile. But the idea of home is bigger than that. Peter mentioned in yesterday’s post that the smells in his friend’s kitchen reminded him of his home in Taiwan. Physical cues are powerful, and they have an important role to play in our spiritual lives as well.
A number of years ago, I was difficulty praying. Whenever I would try to pray, I would be assaulted by distractions. This went on for several weeks. Frustrated, I confided in a friend, who taught me the importance of place in prayer. I was encouraged to not only set aside a specific time to pray each day, but to also establish a place to pray. It took a while, but over time, when my senses perceived the time and place, my mind and body somehow “knew” it was time to pray, and I was able to settle myself more easily and enter into a place of quiet within myself. This "tip" has been of great value considering how much noise invades my life every day. (Now you know why I haven’t clamored to get a BlackBerry!)
Just as an athlete trains his body using specific workout routines, so too we must train our spirits in the practice of prayer. When we come with our whole heart to this familiar place devoted to intimacy with the Almighty, we then can truly say with the Psalmist that our home is by God’s altar. Isn’t that the best possible home we can have on this side of eternity?
Prayer Request:
For those suffering from distractions, both in life and in prayer, that impede them from enjoying the loving embrace of God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for calling us into union with You. Help us to always make our home in Your holy presence, and to make a home for You in our hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
(Psalm 84:4-5)
A well known proverb tells us that “Home is where the heart is.” While our ultimate home is heaven, we need in this life to have a place that connects us to those people and things that are dear and familiar. In this sense, home is, most commonly, one’s domicile. But the idea of home is bigger than that. Peter mentioned in yesterday’s post that the smells in his friend’s kitchen reminded him of his home in Taiwan. Physical cues are powerful, and they have an important role to play in our spiritual lives as well.
A number of years ago, I was difficulty praying. Whenever I would try to pray, I would be assaulted by distractions. This went on for several weeks. Frustrated, I confided in a friend, who taught me the importance of place in prayer. I was encouraged to not only set aside a specific time to pray each day, but to also establish a place to pray. It took a while, but over time, when my senses perceived the time and place, my mind and body somehow “knew” it was time to pray, and I was able to settle myself more easily and enter into a place of quiet within myself. This "tip" has been of great value considering how much noise invades my life every day. (Now you know why I haven’t clamored to get a BlackBerry!)
Just as an athlete trains his body using specific workout routines, so too we must train our spirits in the practice of prayer. When we come with our whole heart to this familiar place devoted to intimacy with the Almighty, we then can truly say with the Psalmist that our home is by God’s altar. Isn’t that the best possible home we can have on this side of eternity?
Prayer Request:
For those suffering from distractions, both in life and in prayer, that impede them from enjoying the loving embrace of God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for calling us into union with You. Help us to always make our home in Your holy presence, and to make a home for You in our hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)