Scripture: "But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'" Jeremiah 5:23-24
In the books of the prophets, their purpose is often to call Israel back to "the God of their ancestors". We find that the Israelites have turned their backs on God to worship other gods, to lead their own lives void of God, to seek their own pleasures, wealth and direction.
All through the Old Testament, we see the Israelites turn to God, and things go generally pretty well for them. With all the provision and protection God gives to them in abundance, it is soon taken for granted, and the Israelites once again turn away from God because they find they don't "need" Him anymore. As time goes by, they find their country and their very lives are in peril again. As they suffer consequences for putting God on the back burner, (suffering famine, losing wars, government corruption, turning to mediums and sorcery) they turn back to God, place their dependence on Him once again, and as a result, God blesses them by placing His hand of protection over them, offering provision and guidance. And on and on the pattern goes.
I see America very much like the Israelites, and it makes me sad. In the 1960's, children in school started their day with a simple prayer as such: "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country." But things have changed drastically in my country, and although we are supposed to be a country tolerant of everyone else's lifestyes and beliefs, whether we believe them to be immoral, destructive or dangerous, the gavel of justice seems to be coming down squarely on the heads of Christian believers. We are harshly looked at as "judgmental" and "closed minded" because we believe and follow the precepts of the Bible laid out by God Almighty. And somehow "we" are in the wrong!
I see America very much like the Israelites - once the Israelites were protected from their enemies, often supernaturally, because God kept them safe. They didn't suffer from hunger and self destruction - until the world lured them away and then they figured "life is good, it will always be this good, what do we need God for, anyway?"
America was once the strongest nation in the world. We won two World Wars. We once had strong leaders that took us through lean times. Even when we suffered the Great Depression, smaller wars, the assassination of a president - Americans generally banded together, they helped one another, and they grieved together as a nation. At that time, we were a nation that strongly believed in God seven days a week, and lived our lives accordingly.
But now I listen to the radio and hear ads for a psychic network. I flip through channels on TV and am assaulted by awful visuals as I travel from a news station to a movie I want to see. I'm saddened by the magazines that I see in the racks at the check out stands, the visuals that even little children must be exposed to at such a young and tender age. And the ten commandments have been hauled out of courts and city halls, prayer in school is illegal, spreading the Gospel is somehow more offensive than the crude language heard on public radio.
We are a nation in trouble. Are we believers really the minority? Sometimes it feels as though we, as believers, are one tiny little group trying to change the course of the doomed Titanic.
All we can do at this point is band together, keep each other accountable, and hold on strong. We each must have a part in growing our churches, spreading the Gospel ... and pray for God's blessings "upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country." This is such a beautiful and simple prayer, that I just may begin my mornings with it from now on.
Carry on, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to spread God's Word and "Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest." Never to allow God to be taken for granted.
All is not lost ... we must have faith that God will intervene for this wayward country of ours.
Prayer request: That each one of us draws closer to the Lord, discovers our gifts, and begin to effectively share Christ with others in love and with compassion.
Prayer: Lord, we humbly ask You to please help our nation to turn back to You. Help our nation realize our very lives depend on You, not on the wisdom of man, not in our government, not in sorcery. Help each of us to draw others closer to You through the gifts You have given each one of us. Heal America. Heal our world. Amen.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Work as unto the Lord
Scripture:
"Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ". (Ephesians 6:5)
A few years ago I was working for a company in Torrence and was hired to develop database reports that were distributed electronically to all their distribution points across the nation. I knew how to do this very well but I worked for a younger, less experienced manager who wanted things done a particular way and was not open to techniques that I was familiar with.
About that same time I was studying the book of Ephesians, chapters 5 & 6, reading about submission. In those chapters Paul tells us how men are to submit to Christ, how women are to submit to men, how children are to submit to parents and how slaves are to submit to their masters. Now there are a lot of particulars about submission in these chapters and I don't want anyone to get upset about what I just wrote. I only mention this to lead us to the verses in scripture about slaves submitting to their masters.
Now the mere mention of the word slavery brings up a touchy subject, particularly in light of America's history, but in many cultures, contemporary and historical, slavery was a common and accepted practice. Again, I don't want anyone to get all bent out of shape here, I am not making any political statement about submission or slavery, I am leading to a particular point which has been helpful to me.
Now for years I just read over the part about slaves submitting to their masters because that part could not really apply to me, but I was wrong. Because when I was having trouble at my job, the Lord lead me to understand, that when I am working for an employer, I am, in a sense, the employers "slave" during the hours I am employed to work. Hear me out here. Beyond the point that one might make about the difference between being an employee and a slave, look carefully at what Paul is telling us to do.
First of all we read "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh". If we replace the word "slaves" with the word "employees" and the word "masters" with the word "boss" we have, "Employees, be obedient to those who are your bosses according to the flesh". Now immediately one might say, "well what if ... ?" Let's just assume that your boss will not tell you to do anything that is either illegal, immoral or unethical. Now this verse could be applied to our relationship to our employer.
For example, there should be some level of "fear and trembling" (v.6:5) toward your boss because he is your boss and we should do our jobs "in the sincerity of your heart", that is do the best we know how, "as to Christ". Paul is actually telling us here that when we do labor for our superiors, we should do it as if we were doing it for the Lord, "not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers" but "doing the will of God in your heart" (v.6:6) "as to the Lord, and not to men" (v.6:7)
This passage also speaks to "masters", or employers or bosses. "Do the same things to them (employees), and give up threatening (don't do it) " because the real "master" or boss "is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him". (v.6:9) And the promise is this "knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord."
Meditate on this passage for a while. See what the Lord speaks to you about it. It spoke to me this way.
Prayer:
Father, you are our creator and you came down in the Son and died for us on the Cross. You deserve all of our loyalty and submission but we are easily led astray by the World, the flesh and the devil. Thank you for forgiving us and lead us Holy Spirit to know, and understand the Word of God so that we can walk our lives in your power. In Jesus' name. Amen
"Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ". (Ephesians 6:5)
A few years ago I was working for a company in Torrence and was hired to develop database reports that were distributed electronically to all their distribution points across the nation. I knew how to do this very well but I worked for a younger, less experienced manager who wanted things done a particular way and was not open to techniques that I was familiar with.
About that same time I was studying the book of Ephesians, chapters 5 & 6, reading about submission. In those chapters Paul tells us how men are to submit to Christ, how women are to submit to men, how children are to submit to parents and how slaves are to submit to their masters. Now there are a lot of particulars about submission in these chapters and I don't want anyone to get upset about what I just wrote. I only mention this to lead us to the verses in scripture about slaves submitting to their masters.
Now the mere mention of the word slavery brings up a touchy subject, particularly in light of America's history, but in many cultures, contemporary and historical, slavery was a common and accepted practice. Again, I don't want anyone to get all bent out of shape here, I am not making any political statement about submission or slavery, I am leading to a particular point which has been helpful to me.
Now for years I just read over the part about slaves submitting to their masters because that part could not really apply to me, but I was wrong. Because when I was having trouble at my job, the Lord lead me to understand, that when I am working for an employer, I am, in a sense, the employers "slave" during the hours I am employed to work. Hear me out here. Beyond the point that one might make about the difference between being an employee and a slave, look carefully at what Paul is telling us to do.
First of all we read "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh". If we replace the word "slaves" with the word "employees" and the word "masters" with the word "boss" we have, "Employees, be obedient to those who are your bosses according to the flesh". Now immediately one might say, "well what if ... ?" Let's just assume that your boss will not tell you to do anything that is either illegal, immoral or unethical. Now this verse could be applied to our relationship to our employer.
For example, there should be some level of "fear and trembling" (v.6:5) toward your boss because he is your boss and we should do our jobs "in the sincerity of your heart", that is do the best we know how, "as to Christ". Paul is actually telling us here that when we do labor for our superiors, we should do it as if we were doing it for the Lord, "not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers" but "doing the will of God in your heart" (v.6:6) "as to the Lord, and not to men" (v.6:7)
This passage also speaks to "masters", or employers or bosses. "Do the same things to them (employees), and give up threatening (don't do it) " because the real "master" or boss "is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him". (v.6:9) And the promise is this "knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord."
Meditate on this passage for a while. See what the Lord speaks to you about it. It spoke to me this way.
Prayer:
Father, you are our creator and you came down in the Son and died for us on the Cross. You deserve all of our loyalty and submission but we are easily led astray by the World, the flesh and the devil. Thank you for forgiving us and lead us Holy Spirit to know, and understand the Word of God so that we can walk our lives in your power. In Jesus' name. Amen
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Second Chance
Scriptures: Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. (Philemon 1:8-9)
In his great novel, Les Miserables, French writer, Victor Hugo, presented the life of a peasant, Valjean, in the French Revolution era who became a thief for the sake of helping his starving sister and her children. Ever since then, his life was intertwined with the law enforcement.
After Valjean’s release from prison, he had to carry a yellow passport to indicate that he was an ex-convict. As a result, no one would take him in for this reason. That is, of course, until he met Bishop Myriel who took him in and provided him room and board. But, because of the hardship in life, he could not resist the temptation and stole silverwares from the Bishop. When caught by the police and brought before the Bishop for cross-examination, the Bishop claimed that those silverwares were meant to be gifts for Valjean. As a matter of fact, the Bishop claimed that Valjean actually forgot two other candlesticks.
Because of the Bishop, Valjean was given another opportunity in life. The hardship and bitterness that used to fill his life was replaced with mercy and kindness. He went on to become an entrepreneur who cared for the poor and his testimonies moved even the Inspector Javert who’s been hunting him down for trial in court. Javert eventually gave up his pursuit after Valjean.
This well-known story touched me deeply in more than one way. It impressed upon me the grace of God who not only forgave my sins, but also gave me a sonship that I do not deserve. More than a relationship, He gave me opportunities after opportunities to know Him, to learn His way, and to grow to be like His Son Jesus.
In many ways, we are just like Valjean, having to struggle with life and failing every challenge that comes our way. Every struggle and challenge adds to the burden of life. The bag of burden grows larger and heavier as each day goes by. Coping with them demands more than what we have in ourselves. We are overwhelmed and need a break! We need a change of direction in life! We need help!
God sees our miseries. In Christ Jesus He reached out to us and gave us that second chance we never deserved. This second chance is not a one-time favor that came at the point of our conversion to Christ only. It is an on-going blessing that comes to us everyday. Every morning, as I wake up, I am reminded that this is a new day and God has given me a new opportunity to know Him deeper and to receive and share His love and grace more with others.
That is why the book of Philemon is one of my favorite books in the Bible for it’s a book about giving second chance, too. It was a letter from Apostle Paul to a man named Philemon about a runaway slave called Onesimus who used to work for Philemon. For some reason unexplained in the letter, he ran away from his master. By the grace of God, he met the Apostle Paul through whom he came to know Jesus and received Him as his personal Lord and Savior.
For a true repentant sinner as he was, Paul believed that he must face his past. So, Paul pleaded with Onesimus’ master Philemon for a second chance. It is interesting and thought provoking to realize that, though our Lord had given Onesimus a second chance in this life and in eternity, Paul would plead to Philemon to also give Onesimus a second chance.
Although Bible never told us what happened to Onesimus later on. Church history seems to indicate that Philemon did follow Paul advice and gave Onesimus the second chance he needed for toward the end of the first century, the Bishop for Colossian church was a man named Onesimus. Just as Paul said in his letter to Philemon, “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” (Philemon 1:11)
It’s pleasing to God that we become useful to Him and to people. I pray that God help us to realize that this starts from the second chance He has given us and goes on with the second chances we give to others!
Prayer Requests:
For whoever needs a second chance
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for seeing us in our true conditions, miserable and lacking in every way. Thank you for the second chances You have given us in life. Please help us to be vessels of Your grace in sharing these second chances with others. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, Amen!
In his great novel, Les Miserables, French writer, Victor Hugo, presented the life of a peasant, Valjean, in the French Revolution era who became a thief for the sake of helping his starving sister and her children. Ever since then, his life was intertwined with the law enforcement.
After Valjean’s release from prison, he had to carry a yellow passport to indicate that he was an ex-convict. As a result, no one would take him in for this reason. That is, of course, until he met Bishop Myriel who took him in and provided him room and board. But, because of the hardship in life, he could not resist the temptation and stole silverwares from the Bishop. When caught by the police and brought before the Bishop for cross-examination, the Bishop claimed that those silverwares were meant to be gifts for Valjean. As a matter of fact, the Bishop claimed that Valjean actually forgot two other candlesticks.
Because of the Bishop, Valjean was given another opportunity in life. The hardship and bitterness that used to fill his life was replaced with mercy and kindness. He went on to become an entrepreneur who cared for the poor and his testimonies moved even the Inspector Javert who’s been hunting him down for trial in court. Javert eventually gave up his pursuit after Valjean.
This well-known story touched me deeply in more than one way. It impressed upon me the grace of God who not only forgave my sins, but also gave me a sonship that I do not deserve. More than a relationship, He gave me opportunities after opportunities to know Him, to learn His way, and to grow to be like His Son Jesus.
In many ways, we are just like Valjean, having to struggle with life and failing every challenge that comes our way. Every struggle and challenge adds to the burden of life. The bag of burden grows larger and heavier as each day goes by. Coping with them demands more than what we have in ourselves. We are overwhelmed and need a break! We need a change of direction in life! We need help!
God sees our miseries. In Christ Jesus He reached out to us and gave us that second chance we never deserved. This second chance is not a one-time favor that came at the point of our conversion to Christ only. It is an on-going blessing that comes to us everyday. Every morning, as I wake up, I am reminded that this is a new day and God has given me a new opportunity to know Him deeper and to receive and share His love and grace more with others.
That is why the book of Philemon is one of my favorite books in the Bible for it’s a book about giving second chance, too. It was a letter from Apostle Paul to a man named Philemon about a runaway slave called Onesimus who used to work for Philemon. For some reason unexplained in the letter, he ran away from his master. By the grace of God, he met the Apostle Paul through whom he came to know Jesus and received Him as his personal Lord and Savior.
For a true repentant sinner as he was, Paul believed that he must face his past. So, Paul pleaded with Onesimus’ master Philemon for a second chance. It is interesting and thought provoking to realize that, though our Lord had given Onesimus a second chance in this life and in eternity, Paul would plead to Philemon to also give Onesimus a second chance.
Although Bible never told us what happened to Onesimus later on. Church history seems to indicate that Philemon did follow Paul advice and gave Onesimus the second chance he needed for toward the end of the first century, the Bishop for Colossian church was a man named Onesimus. Just as Paul said in his letter to Philemon, “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” (Philemon 1:11)
It’s pleasing to God that we become useful to Him and to people. I pray that God help us to realize that this starts from the second chance He has given us and goes on with the second chances we give to others!
Prayer Requests:
For whoever needs a second chance
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for seeing us in our true conditions, miserable and lacking in every way. Thank you for the second chances You have given us in life. Please help us to be vessels of Your grace in sharing these second chances with others. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, Amen!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Going the Distance
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7).
I’ve really enjoyed watching the Olympics over the past couple of weeks. I am amazed at the things that the human body can accomplish through discipline and hard work. Along with the triumphs, of course, there are always stories about those athletes who didn’t quite measure up. That description, oddly enough, is sometimes used even about the winners.
There has been a lot of discussion among sports commentators over the past few days about Usain Bolt, the runner from Jamaica who won gold medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. While his performances were incredible and his speed absolutely astounding, particularly for so tall a man, the point focused upon by the sports pundits and bloggers has been around how Bolt “let up” at the end of the 100-meter race, speculating about what the result might have been had the young man continued to push forward all the way through to the finish instead of beginning his victory celebration before crossing the line.
Sometimes, I get similarly lazy in my spiritual walk. I might have had a particularly grueling day or week at work, and so I “cheat” a little on reading/studying Scripture and other things that I know I need to do as daily spiritual food. At other times, I may have come through a particularly trying period, and when things start to get better, it’s tempting to believe, “OK, God, I can take it from here.” There is no “taking a break” from the most important walk of our lives.
All we have to do is look at Jesus’ earthly life to know that the race - and the spiritual work that is part of it - is never finished on this side of heaven. As He was preparing his disciples for His imminent departure from this earth, He promised that He would not leave them, that His Holy Spirit would be sent to them to guide them. I am with you always, to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20).
The conclusion of Luke’s Gospel tells that that after Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God (Lk. 24:52-53). Just because Jesus’ earthly mission was complete didn’t mean that their work was finished – and neither is ours. As the mystical Body of Christ, we continue His work in our world. In last night’s broadcast of the 200-meter sprint, it was clear that Usain Bolt had taken the criticism of his earlier effort to heart. In that final, he went full throttle for the entire race, not only winning the gold medal, but also breaking a world record that many had believed would stand forever.
Like Bolt, we have to keep pushing forward to the finish. When the tough times come, we must not only continue our spiritual practices, but increase them, even if – and especially if – we don’t feel like it. St. Paul says that every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.... I drive my body and train it (1 Cor. 9:25, 27). So let’s keep driving ourselves, just as Paul did, so that at the end of the race, we will hear our Lord say to us, Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master’s house (Mt. 25:23).
Prayer Request: For those suffering from physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue.
Prayer: O Lord, our God, we thank you for not leaving us to our own devices, for we know that without You, we can only go astray. When we feel tired and weary, help us to remember that You are always with us to strengthen us and refresh us, and help us remember that our rest is found in You. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
I’ve really enjoyed watching the Olympics over the past couple of weeks. I am amazed at the things that the human body can accomplish through discipline and hard work. Along with the triumphs, of course, there are always stories about those athletes who didn’t quite measure up. That description, oddly enough, is sometimes used even about the winners.
There has been a lot of discussion among sports commentators over the past few days about Usain Bolt, the runner from Jamaica who won gold medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints. While his performances were incredible and his speed absolutely astounding, particularly for so tall a man, the point focused upon by the sports pundits and bloggers has been around how Bolt “let up” at the end of the 100-meter race, speculating about what the result might have been had the young man continued to push forward all the way through to the finish instead of beginning his victory celebration before crossing the line.
Sometimes, I get similarly lazy in my spiritual walk. I might have had a particularly grueling day or week at work, and so I “cheat” a little on reading/studying Scripture and other things that I know I need to do as daily spiritual food. At other times, I may have come through a particularly trying period, and when things start to get better, it’s tempting to believe, “OK, God, I can take it from here.” There is no “taking a break” from the most important walk of our lives.
All we have to do is look at Jesus’ earthly life to know that the race - and the spiritual work that is part of it - is never finished on this side of heaven. As He was preparing his disciples for His imminent departure from this earth, He promised that He would not leave them, that His Holy Spirit would be sent to them to guide them. I am with you always, to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20).
The conclusion of Luke’s Gospel tells that that after Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God (Lk. 24:52-53). Just because Jesus’ earthly mission was complete didn’t mean that their work was finished – and neither is ours. As the mystical Body of Christ, we continue His work in our world. In last night’s broadcast of the 200-meter sprint, it was clear that Usain Bolt had taken the criticism of his earlier effort to heart. In that final, he went full throttle for the entire race, not only winning the gold medal, but also breaking a world record that many had believed would stand forever.
Like Bolt, we have to keep pushing forward to the finish. When the tough times come, we must not only continue our spiritual practices, but increase them, even if – and especially if – we don’t feel like it. St. Paul says that every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.... I drive my body and train it (1 Cor. 9:25, 27). So let’s keep driving ourselves, just as Paul did, so that at the end of the race, we will hear our Lord say to us, Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master’s house (Mt. 25:23).
Prayer Request: For those suffering from physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue.
Prayer: O Lord, our God, we thank you for not leaving us to our own devices, for we know that without You, we can only go astray. When we feel tired and weary, help us to remember that You are always with us to strengthen us and refresh us, and help us remember that our rest is found in You. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Waiting
Scripture: Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the Lord; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord."
"Wait for the Lord." Such easy words to say, but can you live them?
"Wait for the Lord." Sometimes not as easy as waiting for a bus, an appointment, a phone call.
I find it interesting that the next sentence says "Be courageous and let your heart be strong."
To wait for the Lord can sometimes be the most difficult thing to do, especially when someone is sick, or you are looking for a job, a home to move into or wait for the doctor's results on a test. These words ring so true under such strained circumstances. "Be courageous and let your heart be strong."
Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?"
I don't believe God ever takes us just so far - and then abandons us at any time. It may feel as though He's left your side, but I hang onto these scriptures in difficult times. If He cares for a little bird - how much more for me, His child?
These scriptures were never more alive in my life than in 2001. Within a 6 month period, my mother passed away, my truck was stolen and I lost my job. True story!
It is only because of my faith in God, that after losing my job, ("How much more can one person take?!" I asked God) I had to literally throw my head back and laugh out loud.
Sound incredulous?
I know my God is incredible!!!
Sometimes things are so bad that you have to choose to either cry or laugh.
I chose laughter because despite what life threw at me, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, God was with me. Just as in Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And indeed, I felt somehow nestled in His hand, safe from the storm no matter what was going on around me.
Through this most difficult time in my life, my family drew closer together when my mom died. Temp jobs started rolling in. With part of my inheritance, I eventually bought a new truck.
Be strong.
Wait on the Lord.
It is the hardest thing to do - but the rewards He has for you - priceless.
Prayer: Lord, help us all to remember that no matter what life throws at us, You are always in our midst, You hear our cries and bring comfort, shelter and fill our needs. Thank you, Lord, for never abandoning us in our time of need.
Prayer request: That the Lord make Himself known to all those right now who need to feel His gentle presence in their lives. Pray for those who need comfort, shelter and healing.
"Wait for the Lord." Such easy words to say, but can you live them?
"Wait for the Lord." Sometimes not as easy as waiting for a bus, an appointment, a phone call.
I find it interesting that the next sentence says "Be courageous and let your heart be strong."
To wait for the Lord can sometimes be the most difficult thing to do, especially when someone is sick, or you are looking for a job, a home to move into or wait for the doctor's results on a test. These words ring so true under such strained circumstances. "Be courageous and let your heart be strong."
Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?"
I don't believe God ever takes us just so far - and then abandons us at any time. It may feel as though He's left your side, but I hang onto these scriptures in difficult times. If He cares for a little bird - how much more for me, His child?
These scriptures were never more alive in my life than in 2001. Within a 6 month period, my mother passed away, my truck was stolen and I lost my job. True story!
It is only because of my faith in God, that after losing my job, ("How much more can one person take?!" I asked God) I had to literally throw my head back and laugh out loud.
Sound incredulous?
I know my God is incredible!!!
Sometimes things are so bad that you have to choose to either cry or laugh.
I chose laughter because despite what life threw at me, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, God was with me. Just as in Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And indeed, I felt somehow nestled in His hand, safe from the storm no matter what was going on around me.
Through this most difficult time in my life, my family drew closer together when my mom died. Temp jobs started rolling in. With part of my inheritance, I eventually bought a new truck.
Be strong.
Wait on the Lord.
It is the hardest thing to do - but the rewards He has for you - priceless.
Prayer: Lord, help us all to remember that no matter what life throws at us, You are always in our midst, You hear our cries and bring comfort, shelter and fill our needs. Thank you, Lord, for never abandoning us in our time of need.
Prayer request: That the Lord make Himself known to all those right now who need to feel His gentle presence in their lives. Pray for those who need comfort, shelter and healing.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Compassion
Scriptures: When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)
A friend of mine, a seminarian shared a personal story with me. When he was taking a course on counseling, per class requirements, he had to counsel people. One day, a young man walked into his office and requested to talk to him. He gladly showed him in and started the conversation.
In their conversation, he noticed this young man’s name which had the same last name as the director of their counseling department. So he asked this young man if he was related to the director in any way. It turned out that this young man was the director’s son. This got this seminarian uneasy. So, he decided to talk with the director.
He told the director about his son coming to him for counseling. He told the director that he could not release any information he had from the director’s son and that he is in somewhat a difficult position. The director, having heard all that he had to say, told him that it was absolutely OK for him to counsel his son. He said, the techniques were important, but the most important thing he would expect of my friend was that he would be caring enough to try his best to understand his son. My friend said, even years later, this advice has always been a reminder for him, especially when things are not going well.
Bible is full of passages that show how much Jesus cares. Jesus often acted out of His compassion. Out of His compassion, to some, He healed them, fed them, taught them many things, and cried with them. To others, He warned them and rebuked them. Compassion was an important attribute of Jesus and, to the disciples who witnessed Jesus in all His earthly ministries, seemed to have compelled Jesus to take on a lot of ministries to comfort and strengthen people and to bring them back into the condition and relationship God has in mind for them all along.
People came to Jesus in various conditions and appearances. But, to Jesus, needs were what He saw in them. Social status, physical condition, wealth and others didn’t matter to Him. He saw their needs and His compassion prompted for actions to satisfy those needs. He responded and the results were just like the prophecy for Him, “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” (Matthew 11:5)
Today, the same needs are still there. People are “harassed and hopeless,” just like the time of Jesus. They are lost and longing for a sense of direction in life, just like the time of Jesus. They are suffering physically and emotionally, just like the time of Jesus. A lot of things have changed, but the fundamental needs for love and for the right relationship with God remain. Such is the world we live in and the needs challenging us.
Paul said, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5). Compassion moved Jesus to minister to the people of His time. It should move us to do the same, too. What needs do we see in the community we live? Do we care enough to understand and do something about them?
May God help us all!
Prayer Requests:
For compassionate Christians everywhere
Prayer:
Our loving Father, You don’t see us as the appearances we present ourselves. You see us in our deepest needs and have compassion for us. Help us to be filled with Your compassion for all and be moved by Your Spirit to take actions to share the good news of Your salvation and the promises of abundant life Your Son Jesus made possible for all. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Accepting His Abundance
Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then He told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now” (Jn. 2:7-10).
Yesterday, I had a nearly 6-hour flight home from Boston. My seat in the last row of the plane gave me a great opportunity to mentally remove myself from the normal bustle of the cabin, and to immerse myself in prayer once the gentleman sharing my row drifted off to sleep.
I got to meditating on St. John’s account of the wedding feast at Cana, and in my mulling, it occurred to me that in our spiritual walk, we often get stuck and settle for “inferior wine” or, worse, stick with water. We are content to accept Christ, to begin establishing a relationship with him. But when He asks us to put out into deep water and lower [our] nets for a catch (Lk. 5:4), we sometimes recoil and make excuses.
Jesus came not just that we might have life, but that we might have life more abundantly (Jn. 10:10). Jesus doesn’t want to give us dime-store gifts; but sometimes we settle for less through our own fear, laziness or sense of unworthiness. Accepting God’s abundance requires trust, even when the prospects before us seem to be impossible. At such times we need to be like Abraham, who believed that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy (Heb. 11:11).
Our Lord is the ultimate giver, taking what is good and making it even better. John the Baptist told his followers, I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Mt. 3:11). The question is: Are we ready to live in that fire? Will we open ourselves to His superior wine? Or are we going to settle for water and cheap wine?
Prayer Request: For those who feel stuck in their spiritual walk.
Prayer: O Lord, our God, we thank You for the abundance You bestow on us each day. Give us the courage and humility to accept Your abundance, so that these gifts might be multiplied, just as the loaves and fishes were multiplied, for the good of Your children and the upbuilding of the Church. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Yesterday, I had a nearly 6-hour flight home from Boston. My seat in the last row of the plane gave me a great opportunity to mentally remove myself from the normal bustle of the cabin, and to immerse myself in prayer once the gentleman sharing my row drifted off to sleep.
I got to meditating on St. John’s account of the wedding feast at Cana, and in my mulling, it occurred to me that in our spiritual walk, we often get stuck and settle for “inferior wine” or, worse, stick with water. We are content to accept Christ, to begin establishing a relationship with him. But when He asks us to put out into deep water and lower [our] nets for a catch (Lk. 5:4), we sometimes recoil and make excuses.
Jesus came not just that we might have life, but that we might have life more abundantly (Jn. 10:10). Jesus doesn’t want to give us dime-store gifts; but sometimes we settle for less through our own fear, laziness or sense of unworthiness. Accepting God’s abundance requires trust, even when the prospects before us seem to be impossible. At such times we need to be like Abraham, who believed that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy (Heb. 11:11).
Our Lord is the ultimate giver, taking what is good and making it even better. John the Baptist told his followers, I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Mt. 3:11). The question is: Are we ready to live in that fire? Will we open ourselves to His superior wine? Or are we going to settle for water and cheap wine?
Prayer Request: For those who feel stuck in their spiritual walk.
Prayer: O Lord, our God, we thank You for the abundance You bestow on us each day. Give us the courage and humility to accept Your abundance, so that these gifts might be multiplied, just as the loaves and fishes were multiplied, for the good of Your children and the upbuilding of the Church. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Pleasing God
Scripture:
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Is God pleased with you? or me? I know I want him to be. I strive very hard to "be holy as I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16), to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17), to "study to show yourself approved unto God" (2 Tim. 2:15), to "not forsake the assembling of yourselves together" (Heb. 10:25) and many many other scriptures. When I want God's will in my heart I "delight myself in the Lord and he will give you the desires for your heart". (Psalm 37:4) When I don't know what to do about something I "ask God (for wisdom) who gives it liberally" (James 1:5) and I try real hard not to doubt, because he who doubts is like a ship on the sea" and then I "trust in the Lord and lean not unto my own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). But is God pleased with us? Because today's scripture says that "without faith it is impossible to please God."
All of these "things" that we try to do as Christians do not give us any faith because only God can give us our "measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3). Then once we have this faith we should live by this faith because "the just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17). Being born of God, through that faith, we have the "victory that overcomes the world" (1 John 5:4). Amen. So we do have faith, because faith comes from God. And how did we get this faith? "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17) and that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1) So faith is real because faith is the reality, or proof, of things that we hope for and can not see (or hear, feel, taste or smell).
For example, I have never seen angels with any of my senses, but it is faith that cause me to believe that they exist because the Bible tells me that angels exist. It is the faith that God has given to us through His Word that gives us the reality of what we can not see. "Faith can only appropriate what God has already provided." (1) Faith is not "trying" to believe something is true. It is believing it is true because GOD says it is true. So what if I can't "prove it" without seeing, hearing, touching, tasting or smelling? You can't "prove it" with your senses. If you could, then it would not be faith.
My grandson Seth goes to bed every night in his own bed, in his own room. However, every once in a while we wake up in the morning and he is in bed with us. Do you think my grandson knows we are in our bedroom, in the house? Sure he does, but I suspect he likes to "feel" with his five senses our presence. And I suspect, we are very mucy like my grandson. We want to "feel" with our senses to "prove" something we can not see, like something we want to believe in, in our hearts. But that would not be faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God."
I believe that the Spirit of God, which God put in us, when we heard about the Word of Christ and, was given faith, by God, gave us an unique, spiritual ability, that we have so little knowledge or experience in knowing how to utilized it in our lives. Proof of that is our works, or lack of them. (James 2) (But that will be another posting. ;-)
Prayer Request:
For a number of Avery Dennison employees that are experiencing difficult times right now with family, health and finances.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father. We rejoice in the faith that you put in us when we received Jesus into our heart and life. We thank you for sending your Son to die for us on the Cross and we surrender to you, what you already bought with a price, our lives, back to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
(1) http://www.awmi.net/tv/2007/week5
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Is God pleased with you? or me? I know I want him to be. I strive very hard to "be holy as I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16), to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17), to "study to show yourself approved unto God" (2 Tim. 2:15), to "not forsake the assembling of yourselves together" (Heb. 10:25) and many many other scriptures. When I want God's will in my heart I "delight myself in the Lord and he will give you the desires for your heart". (Psalm 37:4) When I don't know what to do about something I "ask God (for wisdom) who gives it liberally" (James 1:5) and I try real hard not to doubt, because he who doubts is like a ship on the sea" and then I "trust in the Lord and lean not unto my own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). But is God pleased with us? Because today's scripture says that "without faith it is impossible to please God."
All of these "things" that we try to do as Christians do not give us any faith because only God can give us our "measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3). Then once we have this faith we should live by this faith because "the just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17). Being born of God, through that faith, we have the "victory that overcomes the world" (1 John 5:4). Amen. So we do have faith, because faith comes from God. And how did we get this faith? "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17) and that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1) So faith is real because faith is the reality, or proof, of things that we hope for and can not see (or hear, feel, taste or smell).
For example, I have never seen angels with any of my senses, but it is faith that cause me to believe that they exist because the Bible tells me that angels exist. It is the faith that God has given to us through His Word that gives us the reality of what we can not see. "Faith can only appropriate what God has already provided." (1) Faith is not "trying" to believe something is true. It is believing it is true because GOD says it is true. So what if I can't "prove it" without seeing, hearing, touching, tasting or smelling? You can't "prove it" with your senses. If you could, then it would not be faith.
My grandson Seth goes to bed every night in his own bed, in his own room. However, every once in a while we wake up in the morning and he is in bed with us. Do you think my grandson knows we are in our bedroom, in the house? Sure he does, but I suspect he likes to "feel" with his five senses our presence. And I suspect, we are very mucy like my grandson. We want to "feel" with our senses to "prove" something we can not see, like something we want to believe in, in our hearts. But that would not be faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God."
I believe that the Spirit of God, which God put in us, when we heard about the Word of Christ and, was given faith, by God, gave us an unique, spiritual ability, that we have so little knowledge or experience in knowing how to utilized it in our lives. Proof of that is our works, or lack of them. (James 2) (But that will be another posting. ;-)
Prayer Request:
For a number of Avery Dennison employees that are experiencing difficult times right now with family, health and finances.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father. We rejoice in the faith that you put in us when we received Jesus into our heart and life. We thank you for sending your Son to die for us on the Cross and we surrender to you, what you already bought with a price, our lives, back to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
(1) http://www.awmi.net/tv/2007/week5
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Chosen and Adopted!
Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-6: For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
I wasn’t raised Protestant. In my 20’s I left the church of my upbringing because I felt what I was mainly being taught was that God was a demanding and angry God. I felt He was only out to squash me for my sins. As a kid, I would try to be “good” for as long as possible, but every time I failed, I would grow discouraged. I started to take on an attitude of “Why bother? I will never be good enough.” What a dangerous attitude to have!
While I struggled through my spiritual ambiguity over a number of years, God sent several friends and acquaintances to cross my path who shared their faith with me. I knew there was a God, I knew (some how) He couldn't be constantly “mean” and I desired to belong to a church. I wasn’t looking for just any church – I’m very grateful for my mother’s teachings, because she gave me a solid foundation for my faith. I wasn’t an empty vessel waiting to be filled by any passing theology.
Finally, a friend introduced me to a non-denominational (Protestant) church she was attending. And there is where I found the teaching that my spirit longed for. Yes, God does demand allegiance from us. He requires deep reverence and loyalty. But the flip side to my knowledge of God, I discovered, was right here in the bible all along.
Ephesians 1:4-6 is water to a very thirsty soul: “He CHOSE us to be holy and blameless in His sight!”
How special is THAT? That God would CHOOSE each one of us!?! Chosen .. not reviled by or angry at us at all!!.
“In LOVE – He predestined us to be adopted..."
Not only are we lovingly hand picked, but He ADOPTS each of us. As soon as we accept Christ as our Savior! He holds the door of His house open for us to enter into His presence! AND ... He did this “in accordance with His PLEASURE and will”!!
THERE is the sweet side of God I some how knew existed, but missed in all my previous childhood teaching. And furthermore, I learned we will never be perfect, never be “good enough”. This is the very nature of being human! It was for this reason, God sent Jesus to us.
We are such a motley crew, that we’ll never get it exactly right. God knew this from the beginning, and because of His great love for us, He sent Jesus to earth to show us how to live the Christian life. He died in our place and took the full wrath of God from us. And now Christ stands as our mediator between us - imperfect humans – and God.
Now we all have “Freedom in Christ”. (A term I have heard often, but as I have written this, have discovered what it really means!) As a Christian, we do our best to follow in Christ’s footsteps; living the Christian life. When we fall, and we all do – and because Jesus took the wrath of God upon Himself, we are able to repent and keep moving forward!
We don’t lose God’s love and mercy. He doesn’t grow angry, weary or impatient with us. He doesn’t blast us off the map or make us “pay” for our mistakes. And He certainly doesn’t have a giant fly swatter, just waiting for us to mess up. :-) Instead, we serve a God that will lovingly lift us up when we fall, take our hand, and keep moving forward with us.
This is the definition of the Christian life, and the love and mercy He demonstrated through Christ, that makes His Word “Good News.”
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to us to stand in our place and for showing us such love and mercy. Help us to live lives worthy of being called “Christian”.
Prayer request: That we all evaluate our lives and continue to draw closer to God.
I wasn’t raised Protestant. In my 20’s I left the church of my upbringing because I felt what I was mainly being taught was that God was a demanding and angry God. I felt He was only out to squash me for my sins. As a kid, I would try to be “good” for as long as possible, but every time I failed, I would grow discouraged. I started to take on an attitude of “Why bother? I will never be good enough.” What a dangerous attitude to have!
While I struggled through my spiritual ambiguity over a number of years, God sent several friends and acquaintances to cross my path who shared their faith with me. I knew there was a God, I knew (some how) He couldn't be constantly “mean” and I desired to belong to a church. I wasn’t looking for just any church – I’m very grateful for my mother’s teachings, because she gave me a solid foundation for my faith. I wasn’t an empty vessel waiting to be filled by any passing theology.
Finally, a friend introduced me to a non-denominational (Protestant) church she was attending. And there is where I found the teaching that my spirit longed for. Yes, God does demand allegiance from us. He requires deep reverence and loyalty. But the flip side to my knowledge of God, I discovered, was right here in the bible all along.
Ephesians 1:4-6 is water to a very thirsty soul: “He CHOSE us to be holy and blameless in His sight!”
How special is THAT? That God would CHOOSE each one of us!?! Chosen .. not reviled by or angry at us at all!!.
“In LOVE – He predestined us to be adopted..."
Not only are we lovingly hand picked, but He ADOPTS each of us. As soon as we accept Christ as our Savior! He holds the door of His house open for us to enter into His presence! AND ... He did this “in accordance with His PLEASURE and will”!!
THERE is the sweet side of God I some how knew existed, but missed in all my previous childhood teaching. And furthermore, I learned we will never be perfect, never be “good enough”. This is the very nature of being human! It was for this reason, God sent Jesus to us.
We are such a motley crew, that we’ll never get it exactly right. God knew this from the beginning, and because of His great love for us, He sent Jesus to earth to show us how to live the Christian life. He died in our place and took the full wrath of God from us. And now Christ stands as our mediator between us - imperfect humans – and God.
Now we all have “Freedom in Christ”. (A term I have heard often, but as I have written this, have discovered what it really means!) As a Christian, we do our best to follow in Christ’s footsteps; living the Christian life. When we fall, and we all do – and because Jesus took the wrath of God upon Himself, we are able to repent and keep moving forward!
We don’t lose God’s love and mercy. He doesn’t grow angry, weary or impatient with us. He doesn’t blast us off the map or make us “pay” for our mistakes. And He certainly doesn’t have a giant fly swatter, just waiting for us to mess up. :-) Instead, we serve a God that will lovingly lift us up when we fall, take our hand, and keep moving forward with us.
This is the definition of the Christian life, and the love and mercy He demonstrated through Christ, that makes His Word “Good News.”
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to us to stand in our place and for showing us such love and mercy. Help us to live lives worthy of being called “Christian”.
Prayer request: That we all evaluate our lives and continue to draw closer to God.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
God Speaks Through Circumstances
Scripture:
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things" (Eccl. 11:5).
God will often try to lead us, using circumstances to direct us in making and confirming decisions. I have often discovered this to be the case but only after a situation has occurred. I later look back and see how God worked in the situation.
Currently, my wife and I are making an offer on a large house, with extra bedrooms, in Upland. While reviewing the paperwork, a lawyer suggested we put in a clause protecting us from "acts of God" should something happen after the offer is accepted. Well we neglected to do that and the next day was the recent earthquake. Now, nothing happened to the house and we are still moving forward with the purchase, but I realized something could have happened and I missed a possible leading of the Lord.
Then, other night we were reading in the book of James, chapter 1, verse 27 about how real religion is one that helps orphans and widows and protects oneself from being contaminated from the world. And this was the night before we found out that the house was zoned so that we can take in young mothers who need a place to stay.
God often confirms His direction through circumstances and we should be on alert that when God sets up situations. Jackie and I are feeling God has something very special in a way of ministry for us and that He may be giving us direction through these circumstances.
Prayer Request:
That the Lord will keep our hearts open to His leading so that He can use us to help others.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for giving to us everyday. We surrender what you give so that we can serve you by helping others who are in need.
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things" (Eccl. 11:5).
God will often try to lead us, using circumstances to direct us in making and confirming decisions. I have often discovered this to be the case but only after a situation has occurred. I later look back and see how God worked in the situation.
Currently, my wife and I are making an offer on a large house, with extra bedrooms, in Upland. While reviewing the paperwork, a lawyer suggested we put in a clause protecting us from "acts of God" should something happen after the offer is accepted. Well we neglected to do that and the next day was the recent earthquake. Now, nothing happened to the house and we are still moving forward with the purchase, but I realized something could have happened and I missed a possible leading of the Lord.
Then, other night we were reading in the book of James, chapter 1, verse 27 about how real religion is one that helps orphans and widows and protects oneself from being contaminated from the world. And this was the night before we found out that the house was zoned so that we can take in young mothers who need a place to stay.
God often confirms His direction through circumstances and we should be on alert that when God sets up situations. Jackie and I are feeling God has something very special in a way of ministry for us and that He may be giving us direction through these circumstances.
Prayer Request:
That the Lord will keep our hearts open to His leading so that He can use us to help others.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for giving to us everyday. We surrender what you give so that we can serve you by helping others who are in need.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Our Debt was Paid
Scripture:
"And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."
(Luke 16:17)
The jot was not only one of the smallest letters of the Greek alphabet, but also one of the most insignificant, being sometimes deleted at the writer's pleasure. The tittle was only a mark or a point on a line that helped distinguish one letter from another. The tittle corresponds to our period or apostrophe. The point that Jesus is making is that even the tiniest detail of the law would not pass away.
Christ fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law. The law was ordained to life, but no one could keep it. So, God Himself became flesh. He did what no sinful flesh had ever done. He kept the law thereby winning the life of God as the prize for keeping the law. This granted Him eternal life but before He could give it to us, we still had a debt that had to be paid. This is similar to someone receiving the death penalty for some hideous crime, then some billionaire leaves his whole estate to him. It would do the condemned man no good. But if that same billionaire could somehow take that man's place and die for him, then he could go free and enjoy his new wealth. That's what Jesus did for us. He took our sins and gave us His righteousness.
Jesus did much more than just obtain eternal life for us, He also paid all the wages of our sins (Rom. 6:23). God literally placed the condemnation, or judgment, that was against us upon His own Son. Jesus' perfect flesh was condemned so our defiled flesh could go free. What a trade! Since Jesus bore our sentence (condemnation), we don't have to bear it. The debt has already been paid.
Prayer Request:
That we would be more assertive in telling others about the dept that Jesus paid for all of us and that the Holy Spirit would fill our mouths with the Word to reach the lost.
Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for paying our debt and making it so that we can be with you eternally. Lead us to speak to others about you kingdom and make us usable to lead others to Christ.
"And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."
(Luke 16:17)
The jot was not only one of the smallest letters of the Greek alphabet, but also one of the most insignificant, being sometimes deleted at the writer's pleasure. The tittle was only a mark or a point on a line that helped distinguish one letter from another. The tittle corresponds to our period or apostrophe. The point that Jesus is making is that even the tiniest detail of the law would not pass away.
Christ fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law. The law was ordained to life, but no one could keep it. So, God Himself became flesh. He did what no sinful flesh had ever done. He kept the law thereby winning the life of God as the prize for keeping the law. This granted Him eternal life but before He could give it to us, we still had a debt that had to be paid. This is similar to someone receiving the death penalty for some hideous crime, then some billionaire leaves his whole estate to him. It would do the condemned man no good. But if that same billionaire could somehow take that man's place and die for him, then he could go free and enjoy his new wealth. That's what Jesus did for us. He took our sins and gave us His righteousness.
Jesus did much more than just obtain eternal life for us, He also paid all the wages of our sins (Rom. 6:23). God literally placed the condemnation, or judgment, that was against us upon His own Son. Jesus' perfect flesh was condemned so our defiled flesh could go free. What a trade! Since Jesus bore our sentence (condemnation), we don't have to bear it. The debt has already been paid.
Prayer Request:
That we would be more assertive in telling others about the dept that Jesus paid for all of us and that the Holy Spirit would fill our mouths with the Word to reach the lost.
Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for paying our debt and making it so that we can be with you eternally. Lead us to speak to others about you kingdom and make us usable to lead others to Christ.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thank you Bob
Scripture:
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
(James 1:27)
Many years ago when I was going to Bible College, I had a roommate who was the cook for the college. He was one of those type of guys that did what he thought was right and did not really get challenged much when he did something differently then others. Well I guess there is a part of me that is like that and we were friends for years. In fact, if I could find him now, I am sure we would be as close as if we had never been apart.
Well, anyway, later after he got married and I came back from the mission field, he told me that he had memorized the whole book of James. I was amazed. Bob was not the type who could sit down and work on something that long but he was they type that if he had made up his mind about something he would not let it go. He obviously did that this time and since then I have always marveled that he did this.
Well last night I began studying James again and I started with listening to the first chapter numerous times and begin typing down my thoughts into a journal that I keep online. So far I have only logged about a dozen or so thoughts but one particular thought stood out.
You probably do not know it, but recently Michele, one of our dear sisters in the Lord and a co-author in this devotional blog, was moved from an office she had upstairs, back downstairs and is in the cubical right next to me here at Corporate. Well as you can imagine, there are many moments during the week we get to share in fellowship and yesterday we were sharing together and it struck me how wonderful the Lord is, by giving us a great fellowship in his Spirit.
All of us have our different ways of worshiping or differences in understanding doctrine but we all share a common bond in Jesus Christ, being born again by the Spirit of God and desiring to grow in the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So this morning, when I was meditating on James 1, verse 27 stood out as one of the basics for all of our religions (doctrines), that the "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." That is, that the works of our faith are to love those that need our love and at the same time protect ourselves from all of the unholiness that is around us.
I still would like to be as ambitious as Bob, memorizing the whole book of James. Anyone want to join me?
Prayer Request:
For the continued healing of our brothers and sisters in Christ here at Avery Dennison that are experiencing health trials and that their hearts would be filled with the joy, peace and power of the Holy Spirit of God.
Prayer:
Father, you desire only our hearts and we surrender ourselves to you. You sent your son to die on the Cross to pay for all of our sins because you loved us so much. Thank you Lord. We desire to me better doers of your Word. Lead us to those how need your love through us and bring to our attention those things that could sneak into our lives from the world.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
(James 1:27)
Many years ago when I was going to Bible College, I had a roommate who was the cook for the college. He was one of those type of guys that did what he thought was right and did not really get challenged much when he did something differently then others. Well I guess there is a part of me that is like that and we were friends for years. In fact, if I could find him now, I am sure we would be as close as if we had never been apart.
Well, anyway, later after he got married and I came back from the mission field, he told me that he had memorized the whole book of James. I was amazed. Bob was not the type who could sit down and work on something that long but he was they type that if he had made up his mind about something he would not let it go. He obviously did that this time and since then I have always marveled that he did this.
Well last night I began studying James again and I started with listening to the first chapter numerous times and begin typing down my thoughts into a journal that I keep online. So far I have only logged about a dozen or so thoughts but one particular thought stood out.
You probably do not know it, but recently Michele, one of our dear sisters in the Lord and a co-author in this devotional blog, was moved from an office she had upstairs, back downstairs and is in the cubical right next to me here at Corporate. Well as you can imagine, there are many moments during the week we get to share in fellowship and yesterday we were sharing together and it struck me how wonderful the Lord is, by giving us a great fellowship in his Spirit.
All of us have our different ways of worshiping or differences in understanding doctrine but we all share a common bond in Jesus Christ, being born again by the Spirit of God and desiring to grow in the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So this morning, when I was meditating on James 1, verse 27 stood out as one of the basics for all of our religions (doctrines), that the "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." That is, that the works of our faith are to love those that need our love and at the same time protect ourselves from all of the unholiness that is around us.
I still would like to be as ambitious as Bob, memorizing the whole book of James. Anyone want to join me?
Prayer Request:
For the continued healing of our brothers and sisters in Christ here at Avery Dennison that are experiencing health trials and that their hearts would be filled with the joy, peace and power of the Holy Spirit of God.
Prayer:
Father, you desire only our hearts and we surrender ourselves to you. You sent your son to die on the Cross to pay for all of our sins because you loved us so much. Thank you Lord. We desire to me better doers of your Word. Lead us to those how need your love through us and bring to our attention those things that could sneak into our lives from the world.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Little Child Shall Lead Them
He called a child over, placed it in their midst and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven’ (Mt. 18:2-3).
Last week, I had the great joy of having my daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter out for a visit from Chicago. For a number of reasons, it had been more than 3 years since we’d seen them. My husband and I were concerned that Arianna, our granddaughter, wouldn’t know who we are. Fortunately, our daughter had shown her a picture of the two of us that was taken at my husband’s class reunion last year, and when we met them at the airport, she recognized us immediately.
The week was filled with trips to local sites – Disneyland, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Los Angeles Zoo, the beaches, as well as dinners with family and friends. As the week progressed, Arianna grew more and more enamored with her grandfather, to the point where she would literally launch herself into his arms whenever she saw him. (If you ask her what her favorite ride at Disneyland is, she will tell you: Grampa!)
That scene was a perfect image for how we should be with our heavenly Father. Like Arianna did with her grandfather, we should willingly fly into His open arms, knowing that He will never allow us to fall, that He has everything well in hand, and like Jen wrote yesterday, knows exactly what we should be doing. More importantly, He has made sure we have the means to do that by sending us His Holy Spirit. He promises us: I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you (Jn. 14:18).
St. Paul later took up this same theme in his letters to the early Church in speaking of our adoption as children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. He reminds us in Romans 8 that nothing – absolutely NOTHING – will stop God from loving us. We can stake our very lives on that. The Lord tells us that even though a mother might abandon her child, He will never forsake us (cf. Isaiah 49:15-16). He has called us by name and we are His own. Just as Arianna did with her Grampa, we can crawl up into our heavenly Father’s lap in complete assurance that we are safe in His love.
Now that’s what I call good news! Hallelujah!
Prayer Request: That we will become docile like little children in the Father’s arms.
Prayer: Lord, our God, we cannot begin to fathom the depths of the love You have for us. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us and to show us that love. Give us grace to put aside our pride and stubbornness, and to put our trust in Your love, that we might in turn show that love to others. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Last week, I had the great joy of having my daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter out for a visit from Chicago. For a number of reasons, it had been more than 3 years since we’d seen them. My husband and I were concerned that Arianna, our granddaughter, wouldn’t know who we are. Fortunately, our daughter had shown her a picture of the two of us that was taken at my husband’s class reunion last year, and when we met them at the airport, she recognized us immediately.
The week was filled with trips to local sites – Disneyland, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Los Angeles Zoo, the beaches, as well as dinners with family and friends. As the week progressed, Arianna grew more and more enamored with her grandfather, to the point where she would literally launch herself into his arms whenever she saw him. (If you ask her what her favorite ride at Disneyland is, she will tell you: Grampa!)
That scene was a perfect image for how we should be with our heavenly Father. Like Arianna did with her grandfather, we should willingly fly into His open arms, knowing that He will never allow us to fall, that He has everything well in hand, and like Jen wrote yesterday, knows exactly what we should be doing. More importantly, He has made sure we have the means to do that by sending us His Holy Spirit. He promises us: I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you (Jn. 14:18).
St. Paul later took up this same theme in his letters to the early Church in speaking of our adoption as children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. He reminds us in Romans 8 that nothing – absolutely NOTHING – will stop God from loving us. We can stake our very lives on that. The Lord tells us that even though a mother might abandon her child, He will never forsake us (cf. Isaiah 49:15-16). He has called us by name and we are His own. Just as Arianna did with her Grampa, we can crawl up into our heavenly Father’s lap in complete assurance that we are safe in His love.
Now that’s what I call good news! Hallelujah!
Prayer Request: That we will become docile like little children in the Father’s arms.
Prayer: Lord, our God, we cannot begin to fathom the depths of the love You have for us. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us and to show us that love. Give us grace to put aside our pride and stubbornness, and to put our trust in Your love, that we might in turn show that love to others. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Is that You, God?
Scripture: "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."But Moses said, ''O LORD, please send someone else to do it." (Exodus 3:12-13)
We've all done it. Some of us would be ashamed to admit we do it more than others.
We argue with God.
Seeing that in print is an almost humourous notion. Kind of makes you wonder - how could and why would anyone argue with God Almighty?! But we do.
I love this story of Moses because he represents the everyman. He represents ... us!
When you read the account of Moses and the burning bush in its entirety, Moses seems to try to convince God that He has the wrong man. 'Who am I that I should go...?' (Ex 3:11) 'What if they don't believe me...?' (Ex 4:1) 'I am slow of speech and tongue.' (Ex 4:10) And finally, 'O LORD, please send someone else to do it.'
I am amused because I have found myself doing the very same thing. I've always been rather shy and withdrawn around people until I get to know them. I can't cross a room to introduce myself to strangers. I'm very uncomfortable at parties, celebrations and gatherings where I don't know anyone. I find myself 'alone in a crowd'. But 2 years ago I felt the Lord speaking to me, telling me to move into leadership at my church. At first, I inwardly laughed at the idea. I was certain it was my own crazy thoughts. So I pushed it aside.
Months passed, and I kept feeling the same impression upon my heart, 'It's time to move into leadership.' As time drew on, I stopped laughing and then I got really scared. The first thing I said in my head was, 'No way! I'm afraid of people!'
Week after week, I became very certain this was not any of my own thoughts, but the Holy Spirit speaking to me. And yet, like Moses, I found myself resisting. Would you believe I told God, flat out, 'NO!' And when He kept pursuing me, I actually argued with Him, very much like Moses.
First, I tried to reason with Him: 'God, You must have the wrong number. Do you know who I am?! If You did, surely You wouldn't be asking me to do this impossible task!' Then I tried to disqualify myself by explaining, 'Who am I to be a leader?! I don't know that much.' Then I really put my foot down: 'I'm scared!'
Yet He pursued me until I did exactly what I was supposed to do all along: Submit. 'Ok, Lord,' I told Him, 'I will move into leadership.'
Have you been argueing with God lately? Is He taking you down a path you're unfamiliar with?
Take it from me and Moses: There's no point in arguing. God wins. Psalm 139:16 says, 'All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.' Yes, He knows where He is taking you. He's known for a very long time. You just need to trust Him.
As it turns out, the Lord is helping me to grow out of my shyness little by little. Now, I co-lead a bible study with my best friend on Friday nights. When called upon by my pastor, I will pray for people. I serve communion. I joined other ministries within my church. All it took was for me to stop wrestling with God. I had to stop trying to convince Him that He had me figured out all wrong. I had run out of reasons to disqualify myself to do the tasks He was asking of me.
In the end, there was nothing left to fight about. I turned to my Father, and said, 'Yes, Lord.'
If you are wrestling with God, it's time to put your hands down and trust that He knows exactly what He's doing. This is what He has shown me.
Prayer request: For new Christians to become so familiar with the Lord's voice, they will know it instantly and say 'Yes Lord' without a fight. Also, for struggling, mature Christians who need to hear His voice once again.
Prayer: Lord, help us to hear your voice and seek Your presence every day. Help us each to fulfill Your will with each of our lives.
We've all done it. Some of us would be ashamed to admit we do it more than others.
We argue with God.
Seeing that in print is an almost humourous notion. Kind of makes you wonder - how could and why would anyone argue with God Almighty?! But we do.
I love this story of Moses because he represents the everyman. He represents ... us!
When you read the account of Moses and the burning bush in its entirety, Moses seems to try to convince God that He has the wrong man. 'Who am I that I should go...?' (Ex 3:11) 'What if they don't believe me...?' (Ex 4:1) 'I am slow of speech and tongue.' (Ex 4:10) And finally, 'O LORD, please send someone else to do it.'
I am amused because I have found myself doing the very same thing. I've always been rather shy and withdrawn around people until I get to know them. I can't cross a room to introduce myself to strangers. I'm very uncomfortable at parties, celebrations and gatherings where I don't know anyone. I find myself 'alone in a crowd'. But 2 years ago I felt the Lord speaking to me, telling me to move into leadership at my church. At first, I inwardly laughed at the idea. I was certain it was my own crazy thoughts. So I pushed it aside.
Months passed, and I kept feeling the same impression upon my heart, 'It's time to move into leadership.' As time drew on, I stopped laughing and then I got really scared. The first thing I said in my head was, 'No way! I'm afraid of people!'
Week after week, I became very certain this was not any of my own thoughts, but the Holy Spirit speaking to me. And yet, like Moses, I found myself resisting. Would you believe I told God, flat out, 'NO!' And when He kept pursuing me, I actually argued with Him, very much like Moses.
First, I tried to reason with Him: 'God, You must have the wrong number. Do you know who I am?! If You did, surely You wouldn't be asking me to do this impossible task!' Then I tried to disqualify myself by explaining, 'Who am I to be a leader?! I don't know that much.' Then I really put my foot down: 'I'm scared!'
Yet He pursued me until I did exactly what I was supposed to do all along: Submit. 'Ok, Lord,' I told Him, 'I will move into leadership.'
Have you been argueing with God lately? Is He taking you down a path you're unfamiliar with?
Take it from me and Moses: There's no point in arguing. God wins. Psalm 139:16 says, 'All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.' Yes, He knows where He is taking you. He's known for a very long time. You just need to trust Him.
As it turns out, the Lord is helping me to grow out of my shyness little by little. Now, I co-lead a bible study with my best friend on Friday nights. When called upon by my pastor, I will pray for people. I serve communion. I joined other ministries within my church. All it took was for me to stop wrestling with God. I had to stop trying to convince Him that He had me figured out all wrong. I had run out of reasons to disqualify myself to do the tasks He was asking of me.
In the end, there was nothing left to fight about. I turned to my Father, and said, 'Yes, Lord.'
If you are wrestling with God, it's time to put your hands down and trust that He knows exactly what He's doing. This is what He has shown me.
Prayer request: For new Christians to become so familiar with the Lord's voice, they will know it instantly and say 'Yes Lord' without a fight. Also, for struggling, mature Christians who need to hear His voice once again.
Prayer: Lord, help us to hear your voice and seek Your presence every day. Help us each to fulfill Your will with each of our lives.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Stephen: A Marketplace Minister
Scripture:
"Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.: (Acts 6:8-9).
In the beginnings of the early church, the disciples were seeing God move in mighty ways. The disciples found themselves preaching the word of God all over the region. However, there became practical needs that arose among the people that the disciples were tending to. However, due to their preaching, these needs were not being met adequately. One of these needs involved food distribution to widows. There became an issue as to whether the needs of all the widows were being cared for. This brought pressure upon the disciples who felt their primary focus must be to preach the gospel. They now realized they could not do both adequately. This led them to appoint seven men whose lives qualified for service as leaders to serve these needs.
The first man named to fill this responsibility was Stephen, described as a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost; with a strong faith in Christ. He was full of courage, gifts and graces. He was an extraordinary man, and excelled in every thing that was good; his name signified a crown.
This was a time when the church began mobilizing other marketplace believers for ministry in the community. Stephen was the first chosen and interestingly, became the first martyred believer. One of the most interesting things one can notice when the disciples took this action is described in these passages. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). It is as though the Lord took the cap off and everything started happening. Even a large number of priests came into the faith.
Take an inventory of your life today and determine if someone could describe your life as a person "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, full of grace and power, and one who does great wonders and miraculous things." If not, begin asking God today to accomplish this in your life.
Prayer:
Dear God, I must confess that I often get caught up in the "daily grind." I concentrate on the things that must be done, on earning a living, taking care of family matters, going to church, maintaining and improving my house, and so much more. Sometimes, I don't just stop and reflect on what you want. I'm sorry. God, what do you want to do through me today? What do you want me to accomplish for a purpose greater than myself? Please help me to have pure motives and always a willing heart. I pray that I will do as Your Word exhorts in Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." May you be glorified. In Jesus' name, amen.
(TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman)
"Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.: (Acts 6:8-9).
In the beginnings of the early church, the disciples were seeing God move in mighty ways. The disciples found themselves preaching the word of God all over the region. However, there became practical needs that arose among the people that the disciples were tending to. However, due to their preaching, these needs were not being met adequately. One of these needs involved food distribution to widows. There became an issue as to whether the needs of all the widows were being cared for. This brought pressure upon the disciples who felt their primary focus must be to preach the gospel. They now realized they could not do both adequately. This led them to appoint seven men whose lives qualified for service as leaders to serve these needs.
The first man named to fill this responsibility was Stephen, described as a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost; with a strong faith in Christ. He was full of courage, gifts and graces. He was an extraordinary man, and excelled in every thing that was good; his name signified a crown.
This was a time when the church began mobilizing other marketplace believers for ministry in the community. Stephen was the first chosen and interestingly, became the first martyred believer. One of the most interesting things one can notice when the disciples took this action is described in these passages. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). It is as though the Lord took the cap off and everything started happening. Even a large number of priests came into the faith.
Take an inventory of your life today and determine if someone could describe your life as a person "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, full of grace and power, and one who does great wonders and miraculous things." If not, begin asking God today to accomplish this in your life.
Prayer:
Dear God, I must confess that I often get caught up in the "daily grind." I concentrate on the things that must be done, on earning a living, taking care of family matters, going to church, maintaining and improving my house, and so much more. Sometimes, I don't just stop and reflect on what you want. I'm sorry. God, what do you want to do through me today? What do you want me to accomplish for a purpose greater than myself? Please help me to have pure motives and always a willing heart. I pray that I will do as Your Word exhorts in Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." May you be glorified. In Jesus' name, amen.
(TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Making Lemonade
Scriptures: The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)
It was a Palm Sunday! Everyone in the church was busy and excited. A little girl was beautifully dressed up because she was going to lead the children’s parade through the church. As they were getting everything ready, a naughty boy took a purple crayon and colored the girl’s shoes purple.
The little girl cried out, “I don’t want to wear purple shoes!” Her mother tried to calm her and to remove the crayon from her shoes, but the crayon would not come off. So, her mother told her, “Don’t look at your shoes; just keep your eyes fixed on the cross.”
Years later, this little girl grew up and was diagnosed with cancer. But she remembered what her mother told her that Palm Sunday morning. In the midst of her own sufferings, she reached out to many people, including that naughty boy who once made her days terrible. This story was from The Upper Room Daily Devotion and was written by that naughty boy whose life was transformed because this girl learned to fix her eyes on the cross, despite the circumstances.
Life is full of surprises. Just as the little girl was all dressed up and ready for the celebration of the festival, a crayon and a little boy almost changed the entire picture. People say, “When life throws you a lemon, make lemonade out of it.” How do you do that?
How do you pull yourself together again when your loved one walked out on you? How do you keep your spirit up when you’ve been lying in the hospital for 10 months and there’s no sign of relief in sight? How do you tell your spouse and children that the only job you have keeping the family supported is no longer there? How do you remain hopeful when all odds are against you? I don’t know!
But the mother of this little girl said something profound that Palm Sunday morning, “Don’t look at your shoes; just keep your eyes fixed on the cross.” The crayon was still on the shoes, but the girl’s eyes were not on there any more. Her focus became the cross where her Savior laid down His life for her and for everyone of us. She has shifted her attention away from the insignificant in life to the primary cause of her being, Lord Jesus. That’s all she needed.
There are many things in life that we cannot explain, nor expect. A brother in our church has been confined to bed in hospitals and rehab centers for almost a year. He is nearly incapable of walking on his own now. Yet, every time he sees us, he waved with smiles. His wife gave glory to God for every thing they have encountered and would not miss a chance to share with every visitor what God has done for them. If you have not seen him in the hospital, you would think her everyday life is rosy and trouble free. How did they do that? By staying focus on the cross, the very one that Paul said, “…it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)
I don’t know about your life. There are a lot of surprises, pleasant and not, in mine. Like everyone else, I don’t know what’s going to happen next. But this I know, Jesus is my Lord, He is in charge of my life and He will hold my hand and see me through, just as this song says,
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from it’s sunshine,
For it’s skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
(words and music by Ira Stanphill)
Prayer Requests:
For those confined to bed for a long time
Prayer:
Father, You know our limitations in every way. Please help us to trust You with every step in life, visible or not, and help us to live out that hope and trust in You so we may be encouragements and blessings to those who are sick. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
It was a Palm Sunday! Everyone in the church was busy and excited. A little girl was beautifully dressed up because she was going to lead the children’s parade through the church. As they were getting everything ready, a naughty boy took a purple crayon and colored the girl’s shoes purple.
The little girl cried out, “I don’t want to wear purple shoes!” Her mother tried to calm her and to remove the crayon from her shoes, but the crayon would not come off. So, her mother told her, “Don’t look at your shoes; just keep your eyes fixed on the cross.”
Years later, this little girl grew up and was diagnosed with cancer. But she remembered what her mother told her that Palm Sunday morning. In the midst of her own sufferings, she reached out to many people, including that naughty boy who once made her days terrible. This story was from The Upper Room Daily Devotion and was written by that naughty boy whose life was transformed because this girl learned to fix her eyes on the cross, despite the circumstances.
Life is full of surprises. Just as the little girl was all dressed up and ready for the celebration of the festival, a crayon and a little boy almost changed the entire picture. People say, “When life throws you a lemon, make lemonade out of it.” How do you do that?
How do you pull yourself together again when your loved one walked out on you? How do you keep your spirit up when you’ve been lying in the hospital for 10 months and there’s no sign of relief in sight? How do you tell your spouse and children that the only job you have keeping the family supported is no longer there? How do you remain hopeful when all odds are against you? I don’t know!
But the mother of this little girl said something profound that Palm Sunday morning, “Don’t look at your shoes; just keep your eyes fixed on the cross.” The crayon was still on the shoes, but the girl’s eyes were not on there any more. Her focus became the cross where her Savior laid down His life for her and for everyone of us. She has shifted her attention away from the insignificant in life to the primary cause of her being, Lord Jesus. That’s all she needed.
There are many things in life that we cannot explain, nor expect. A brother in our church has been confined to bed in hospitals and rehab centers for almost a year. He is nearly incapable of walking on his own now. Yet, every time he sees us, he waved with smiles. His wife gave glory to God for every thing they have encountered and would not miss a chance to share with every visitor what God has done for them. If you have not seen him in the hospital, you would think her everyday life is rosy and trouble free. How did they do that? By staying focus on the cross, the very one that Paul said, “…it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)
I don’t know about your life. There are a lot of surprises, pleasant and not, in mine. Like everyone else, I don’t know what’s going to happen next. But this I know, Jesus is my Lord, He is in charge of my life and He will hold my hand and see me through, just as this song says,
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from it’s sunshine,
For it’s skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
(words and music by Ira Stanphill)
Prayer Requests:
For those confined to bed for a long time
Prayer:
Father, You know our limitations in every way. Please help us to trust You with every step in life, visible or not, and help us to live out that hope and trust in You so we may be encouragements and blessings to those who are sick. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
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