Doctor: "I see you're over a month late for your appointment. Don't you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What's your excuse?"
Patient: "I was just following your orders, Doc."
Doctor: "Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order."
Patient: "You told me to avoid people who irritate me."
Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us. In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building). So how should we deal with them?
Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled “How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand” which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com). In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Romans 12:
(1) Manage Your mouth -- Bless and don't curse (Rom. 12:14)
(2) Put yourself in the other person's place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rom. 12:15)
(3) Never, never, never take revenge (Rom. 12:17)
(4) Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rom. 12:17)
(5) Don't just win the war, win the peace (Rom. 12:18)
(6) Make room for God (Rom. 12:19)
The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to "get even". The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rom. 12:21). It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.
"But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps..." (I Peter 2:19-20)
Verses
Mark 5:36
But Jesus, giving no attention to their words, said to the ruler of the Synagogue, Have no fear, only have faith.
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Acts 10:38
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything.
You will have enough to give to every good work.
Prayer
Father, I consider today the path of life laid out for those who are wise. It certainly isn’t the shortest, most traveled, or least difficult trail. There are times when the incline may be so steep it forces me on all fours, but that’s a posture in which I’m most humbled. It forces me to kneel down before You, the Lord my Maker. Your strength is perfect when my strength is fleeting. It is a place where I realize it is no longer my strength but it is in Your perfect strength that I walk. It is no longer my plan but Your perfect plan that I follow. It is no longer my wisdom but Your perfect wisdom that instructs me. You give perfect direction and adequate strength to walk the upward path that leads to life everlasting. Thank You that I will never walk the path of life alone, for You lead the way as You make my feet like hind’s feet on high places. Amen.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (29 05 2009)
Thought for the day
Judith Viorst once wrote an essay based on interviews she had with children. The subject was "What's a good mother like?"
Viorst reports that the children expected their mother to get angry from time to time. "She has to," said Ted, "or she'll faint from holding it in."
"But it's best to remember," said Randy, "that when your mother starts to act real weird, you have to look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder if you giggle."
"My mommy got so mad," said Megan, "that she yanked the plate off the table and all the mashed potatoes flew into the air."
"And why," Viorst asked, pretending she'd never heard of such shocking behavior, "why would a mother do a thing like that?"
"Well," said Megan, "she told my older brother, Mike, he's 11 years old, to eat the potatoes on his plate and he said 'Later.' And then she told him again to eat the potatoes and Mike said 'Soon.' And then she told him he had better eat those potatoes right now and he said, 'In a minute.' And then she stood up and Mike finally took a bite and told her, 'How can I eat them? They're cold!'
"It truly is not easy being a Mom! But how blessed we were to have our mothers. In this country, we will honor our mothers on mothersday, and I think it’s certainly appropriate. Paul said we as Christians are to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7), and I can’t think of anyone any more deserving of honor than our mothers. I hope that you will honor in a special way those mothers who are like Hannah.
In I Samuel 1, we have recorded the birth of Samuel. Before he was born, Hannah prayed a vow to God. She said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11).
The Lord heard her petition and she was blessed with the birth of Samuel. Hannah didn’t forget her vow to the Lord. She took her son Samuel to be trained at the feet of Eli, the priest of God. From a very young age, Hannah made sure that her son was preparing to serve the Lord.
I heard about a preacher a number of years ago who came home after preaching a gospel meeting, and he was asked how it went. Rather discouraged, he said that he had only baptized one young girl who was about 12 or 13 years old -- all in all, comparatively speaking, not a very successful meeting. But, after that girl grew up, she married and became the mother of five sons who became gospel preachers. What a great impact that young lady ended up having in the world!I know that mothers -- especially mothers of young children -- sometimes get discouraged because they wonder if they’re really accomplishing anything. Let me assure you that if you are instilling within your children a love for God and His Word, you’re accomplishing something. It may be years down the road before you see the results, but you’re having an impact. You’re making a difference.
Give honor this weekend to your own mother -- and to those mothers around you -- who, like Hannah, have vowed to give their children over to God.
Verses
Matthew 17:20
Jesus said to them, Because you had no faith. I promise you, if you have faith, though it be but as a grain of mustard seed, you have only to say to this mountain, Remove from this place to that, and it will remove; nothing will be impossible to you.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.
Joshua 1:3
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, if you believe that you have received it, it shall be yours.
Prayer
Father, we are so grateful for those who, with vibrant faith and in faithful obedience, offer our names up to You in prayer. Their prayer covering serves us much like an invisible shield that protects our vulnerable hearts against the brutal fiery darts of Satan. In our growing walk with You move us beyond the singular “Bless me” type prayers to asking Your blessings on others as we call out their names and present their needs to You in prayer. In doing so we will be following the model Paul speaks of in Philippians 2 where he says we are to be interested not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others. May we be faithful in putting Jesus first, others second and ourselves last in our daily thoughts and in our intercessory prayers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Judith Viorst once wrote an essay based on interviews she had with children. The subject was "What's a good mother like?"
Viorst reports that the children expected their mother to get angry from time to time. "She has to," said Ted, "or she'll faint from holding it in."
"But it's best to remember," said Randy, "that when your mother starts to act real weird, you have to look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder if you giggle."
"My mommy got so mad," said Megan, "that she yanked the plate off the table and all the mashed potatoes flew into the air."
"And why," Viorst asked, pretending she'd never heard of such shocking behavior, "why would a mother do a thing like that?"
"Well," said Megan, "she told my older brother, Mike, he's 11 years old, to eat the potatoes on his plate and he said 'Later.' And then she told him again to eat the potatoes and Mike said 'Soon.' And then she told him he had better eat those potatoes right now and he said, 'In a minute.' And then she stood up and Mike finally took a bite and told her, 'How can I eat them? They're cold!'
"It truly is not easy being a Mom! But how blessed we were to have our mothers. In this country, we will honor our mothers on mothersday, and I think it’s certainly appropriate. Paul said we as Christians are to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7), and I can’t think of anyone any more deserving of honor than our mothers. I hope that you will honor in a special way those mothers who are like Hannah.
In I Samuel 1, we have recorded the birth of Samuel. Before he was born, Hannah prayed a vow to God. She said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11).
The Lord heard her petition and she was blessed with the birth of Samuel. Hannah didn’t forget her vow to the Lord. She took her son Samuel to be trained at the feet of Eli, the priest of God. From a very young age, Hannah made sure that her son was preparing to serve the Lord.
I heard about a preacher a number of years ago who came home after preaching a gospel meeting, and he was asked how it went. Rather discouraged, he said that he had only baptized one young girl who was about 12 or 13 years old -- all in all, comparatively speaking, not a very successful meeting. But, after that girl grew up, she married and became the mother of five sons who became gospel preachers. What a great impact that young lady ended up having in the world!I know that mothers -- especially mothers of young children -- sometimes get discouraged because they wonder if they’re really accomplishing anything. Let me assure you that if you are instilling within your children a love for God and His Word, you’re accomplishing something. It may be years down the road before you see the results, but you’re having an impact. You’re making a difference.
Give honor this weekend to your own mother -- and to those mothers around you -- who, like Hannah, have vowed to give their children over to God.
Verses
Matthew 17:20
Jesus said to them, Because you had no faith. I promise you, if you have faith, though it be but as a grain of mustard seed, you have only to say to this mountain, Remove from this place to that, and it will remove; nothing will be impossible to you.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.
Joshua 1:3
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, if you believe that you have received it, it shall be yours.
Prayer
Father, we are so grateful for those who, with vibrant faith and in faithful obedience, offer our names up to You in prayer. Their prayer covering serves us much like an invisible shield that protects our vulnerable hearts against the brutal fiery darts of Satan. In our growing walk with You move us beyond the singular “Bless me” type prayers to asking Your blessings on others as we call out their names and present their needs to You in prayer. In doing so we will be following the model Paul speaks of in Philippians 2 where he says we are to be interested not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others. May we be faithful in putting Jesus first, others second and ourselves last in our daily thoughts and in our intercessory prayers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Thought for the day
A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a greasy little salesman runs up to him, and yells, "Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!"
The golfer, annoyed, says, "What is it?"
"It's a special golf ball," says the salesman. "You can never lose it!"
"Whattaya mean," scoffs the golfer, "you can never lose it? What if you hit it into the water?"
"No problem," says the salesman. "It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it."
"Well, what if you hit it into the woods?""Easy," says the salesman. "It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed."
"Okay," says the golfer, impressed. "But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?"
"No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark! I'm telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!"
The golfer buys it at once. "Just one question," he says to the salesman. "Where did you get it?""I found it!"
Maybe someday someone will invent a golf ball that can never be lost, but until then we will all have to deal with losing things -- golf balls, car keys, glasses, etc. We also have to deal with a lost humanity. I find it interesting that the one term Jesus used most often to describe those who are outside of Christ is the word "lost".In Luke 15, Jesus elaborated on this idea by telling three parables -- the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost (prodigal) son. The point has often been made that those three parables demonstrate three different ways of being lost -- through unintentional wandering (the sheep), through the negligence of someone else (the coin), or through willful disobedience (the son).
However, the point of those three parables is not so much about our lostness as they are about the fact that our God is willing to search for us and bring us back into a relationship with Him. If we will truly see the world around us as "lost", it will change our perspective as well. Think about the last time you knew of a child that was missing. When a child is lost, we don't ask what race the child is. It doesn't matter -- the child is lost! We don't ask the child's economic status. It doesn't matter -- the child is lost! We don't ask what the child may or may not have done wrong. It doesn't matter -- the child is lost! All that matters is that we find that child and bring him/her home safely.
Seeing a world around us as "lost" will change the way we see them. The scribes and Pharisees looked at the tax collectors and sinners and saw terrible, ugly people. Jesus saw people who were lost. All that mattered to him was that he bring them home safely."For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) Father, thank you for diligently searching for me and for bringing me home to you. Fill me with your love so that I may care enough to seek out those around me who are lost. In Jesus' name, Amen.
With the top story finished I would like to ask you a question: “ARE YOU BORN AGAIN”?, you know you get so called Christians out there but they were never born again. If you are not born again you can pray the following prayer:
"The Sinners Prayer"
Heavenly Father:...
I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is Your Son, And that He died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask You right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship You all the day's of my Life!. Because Your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
I would like to welcome you to our family, The next step is to purchase a Bible or if you have one to write today’s date in the front for a remembrance of the date you gave your life to Jesus , this is so that you can start your relationship with God! The next step is to find a church where you and your family can go to worship. Did you know that, God and his Angels Celebrate, when his children that were lost, come home? Well, they do! Praise God for Mercy.
Verses
1 John 5:4
Those who are in spiritual union with God resist the power of the evil world, and the inspiring motive in their successful conflict with sin is their faith.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Luke 22:40
When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Prayer
Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity, that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ’s presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.
A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a greasy little salesman runs up to him, and yells, "Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!"
The golfer, annoyed, says, "What is it?"
"It's a special golf ball," says the salesman. "You can never lose it!"
"Whattaya mean," scoffs the golfer, "you can never lose it? What if you hit it into the water?"
"No problem," says the salesman. "It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it."
"Well, what if you hit it into the woods?""Easy," says the salesman. "It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed."
"Okay," says the golfer, impressed. "But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?"
"No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark! I'm telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!"
The golfer buys it at once. "Just one question," he says to the salesman. "Where did you get it?""I found it!"
Maybe someday someone will invent a golf ball that can never be lost, but until then we will all have to deal with losing things -- golf balls, car keys, glasses, etc. We also have to deal with a lost humanity. I find it interesting that the one term Jesus used most often to describe those who are outside of Christ is the word "lost".In Luke 15, Jesus elaborated on this idea by telling three parables -- the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost (prodigal) son. The point has often been made that those three parables demonstrate three different ways of being lost -- through unintentional wandering (the sheep), through the negligence of someone else (the coin), or through willful disobedience (the son).
However, the point of those three parables is not so much about our lostness as they are about the fact that our God is willing to search for us and bring us back into a relationship with Him. If we will truly see the world around us as "lost", it will change our perspective as well. Think about the last time you knew of a child that was missing. When a child is lost, we don't ask what race the child is. It doesn't matter -- the child is lost! We don't ask the child's economic status. It doesn't matter -- the child is lost! We don't ask what the child may or may not have done wrong. It doesn't matter -- the child is lost! All that matters is that we find that child and bring him/her home safely.
Seeing a world around us as "lost" will change the way we see them. The scribes and Pharisees looked at the tax collectors and sinners and saw terrible, ugly people. Jesus saw people who were lost. All that mattered to him was that he bring them home safely."For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) Father, thank you for diligently searching for me and for bringing me home to you. Fill me with your love so that I may care enough to seek out those around me who are lost. In Jesus' name, Amen.
With the top story finished I would like to ask you a question: “ARE YOU BORN AGAIN”?, you know you get so called Christians out there but they were never born again. If you are not born again you can pray the following prayer:
"The Sinners Prayer"
Heavenly Father:...
I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is Your Son, And that He died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask You right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship You all the day's of my Life!. Because Your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
I would like to welcome you to our family, The next step is to purchase a Bible or if you have one to write today’s date in the front for a remembrance of the date you gave your life to Jesus , this is so that you can start your relationship with God! The next step is to find a church where you and your family can go to worship. Did you know that, God and his Angels Celebrate, when his children that were lost, come home? Well, they do! Praise God for Mercy.
Verses
1 John 5:4
Those who are in spiritual union with God resist the power of the evil world, and the inspiring motive in their successful conflict with sin is their faith.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Luke 22:40
When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Prayer
Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity, that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ’s presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (27 05 2009)
Thought for the day
A duck walked into a feed store and asked the owner, "Do you have any duck food?"
The proprietor replied, "No, we don't have any duck food."
The next day the duck walked into the same feed store and asked the owner, "Do you have any duck food?"
The feed store owner was an ill-mannered, impatient man. He yelled at the duck, "I told you yesterday! We don't have any duck food. Now get out of here and don't come back or I'll nail your webbed feet to the floor!"
Again, on the next day, the duck walked into the same feed store. This time he asked the store owner, "Do you have any nails?"
"Nope. We don't have nails.""Then do you have any duck food?"
I suppose we've all made threats from time to time that we never intended to carry out. Those of us who are parents find that our children catch on very quickly to whether or not we intend to carry through on the promises and threats we make to them.
As Christians, we want to be known as a people of our word. Jesus stressed how important that is. We shouldn't have to play word games like, "Well, if I say it like this, then I mean what I say, otherwise I don't." We need to develop a reputation as a people of our word.
May the prayer of David be our prayer this day:"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
Verses
1 John 5:4
Those who are in spiritual union with God resist the power of the evil world, and the inspiring motive in their successful conflict with sin is their faith.
Mark 11:23
"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.
Hebrews 11:11
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But [although I am not pressing you to give] this [is true] -- he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows in a beneficent, generous spirit, with a view to the blessing of the recipient, shall also reap blessings given in a beneficent, generous manner.
Prayer
Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
A duck walked into a feed store and asked the owner, "Do you have any duck food?"
The proprietor replied, "No, we don't have any duck food."
The next day the duck walked into the same feed store and asked the owner, "Do you have any duck food?"
The feed store owner was an ill-mannered, impatient man. He yelled at the duck, "I told you yesterday! We don't have any duck food. Now get out of here and don't come back or I'll nail your webbed feet to the floor!"
Again, on the next day, the duck walked into the same feed store. This time he asked the store owner, "Do you have any nails?"
"Nope. We don't have nails.""Then do you have any duck food?"
I suppose we've all made threats from time to time that we never intended to carry out. Those of us who are parents find that our children catch on very quickly to whether or not we intend to carry through on the promises and threats we make to them.
As Christians, we want to be known as a people of our word. Jesus stressed how important that is. We shouldn't have to play word games like, "Well, if I say it like this, then I mean what I say, otherwise I don't." We need to develop a reputation as a people of our word.
May the prayer of David be our prayer this day:"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
Verses
1 John 5:4
Those who are in spiritual union with God resist the power of the evil world, and the inspiring motive in their successful conflict with sin is their faith.
Mark 11:23
"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.
Hebrews 11:11
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But [although I am not pressing you to give] this [is true] -- he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows in a beneficent, generous spirit, with a view to the blessing of the recipient, shall also reap blessings given in a beneficent, generous manner.
Prayer
Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (26 05 2009)
Thought for the day
I love the story of a church that had a parking problem. It was right next door to a store that was closed on Sunday. They asked the owner if they could use his parking lot. He said that they could use it for 51 Sundays out of the year but that it would be chained off one week. They were happy with the deal, but curious why it would be chained off that one Sunday. He explained that he just wanted them to remember that it wasn't their parking lot!
You know, there's a lot of wisdom there. Because if you use something long enough, you tend to assume that it's yours. But everything we have belongs to God. God wants us to remember that. He told Israel that one day they would be richly blessed. But He warned them: "But then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of mine hand have gained me this wealth.' And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
Think about it. Is it harder to give up something of your own or give someone back what is already his? If I need to haul some stuff around, I might need to borrow a friend's pickup truck for a while. Suppose I kept it for a day. Then I start to give it back to him. Is that hard to do? Here's a car that's worth thousands of rands and I'm just giving it to him? Sure, it's easy to give it to him because it's not mine; it belongs to my friend.
What we have belongs to God; it's His stuff to begin with! He blesses us by letting us use it, but it's still His. And when we understand that, giving to God becomes a lot easier.Someone has said that "As long as a man thinks that he owns what he has, then the church will always appear to him as a beggar appealing to him to part with what he has to meet her needs. But once a man realizes that he owns nothing, but owes everything, and even his life is given him in trust, then proper portion of his blessings will be given back to God."
Verses
Matthew 24:35
The earth and sky may disintegrate, but the promises and predictions which I have made will stand.
1 Peter 3:10
For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;
Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Jeremiah 29:7
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
Romans 8:32
He who has not spared even his own Son but has delivered him for us all, how can he fail to grant us also all things with him?
Prayer
Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.
I love the story of a church that had a parking problem. It was right next door to a store that was closed on Sunday. They asked the owner if they could use his parking lot. He said that they could use it for 51 Sundays out of the year but that it would be chained off one week. They were happy with the deal, but curious why it would be chained off that one Sunday. He explained that he just wanted them to remember that it wasn't their parking lot!
You know, there's a lot of wisdom there. Because if you use something long enough, you tend to assume that it's yours. But everything we have belongs to God. God wants us to remember that. He told Israel that one day they would be richly blessed. But He warned them: "But then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of mine hand have gained me this wealth.' And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
Think about it. Is it harder to give up something of your own or give someone back what is already his? If I need to haul some stuff around, I might need to borrow a friend's pickup truck for a while. Suppose I kept it for a day. Then I start to give it back to him. Is that hard to do? Here's a car that's worth thousands of rands and I'm just giving it to him? Sure, it's easy to give it to him because it's not mine; it belongs to my friend.
What we have belongs to God; it's His stuff to begin with! He blesses us by letting us use it, but it's still His. And when we understand that, giving to God becomes a lot easier.Someone has said that "As long as a man thinks that he owns what he has, then the church will always appear to him as a beggar appealing to him to part with what he has to meet her needs. But once a man realizes that he owns nothing, but owes everything, and even his life is given him in trust, then proper portion of his blessings will be given back to God."
Verses
Matthew 24:35
The earth and sky may disintegrate, but the promises and predictions which I have made will stand.
1 Peter 3:10
For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;
Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Jeremiah 29:7
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
Romans 8:32
He who has not spared even his own Son but has delivered him for us all, how can he fail to grant us also all things with him?
Prayer
Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (25 05 2009)
Thought for the day
A man exiting a grocery store was very surprised when a rather good-looking and perky young lady greeted him cheerfully by saying, "Good evening!" Her face was beaming. At least she was smiling until he gave her that "Who are you?" look. He couldn't remember having ever seen her before. Then she obviously realized that a mistake had been made and apologized. She explained, "Oh, I'm so sorry. When I first saw you I thought you were the father of one of my children." She walked on her way into the store.
The man was left staring dumbfounded after her. More than a bit puzzled, he thought to himself, "What is the world coming to, an attractive woman who doesn't even keep track of what the father of her children look like." However, he was also a bit flattered that he might resemble one of her former suitors, but also hoped that nobody overheard her saying that she mistook him for being the father of one of her children.
A bit stunned, he walked to his car. He still did not realize, of course, that....she was a second grade teacher.
A case of mistaken identity. Have you ever done that? You see someone in the store or on the street that you think you know and you call out and wave only to realize that it's not really them at all. First glances can be deceiving.I've done the same thing spiritually, too. I've judged people at a glance as being stuck-up only to find out later on that they are only shy. I've judged people for their irritability only to find out later what burdens they had been carrying that caused them to be a bit short with me. I've judged some people as "hopeless sinners" only to discover in time a humble heart and a spirit that wants to surrender to God.
This is what the Pharisees in the time of Jesus just couldn't seem to understand. They couldn't get past the first appearances. They couldn't get beyond the outside to look at the heart. And they didn't much care to get to know any of "those people" long enough to learn anything about their problems, their struggles, or their heart."For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7).Father, help me to take a "second look", to learn to look beyond the outward appearance, to look at the heart of the people around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
The same is true of all the promises of God: they are affirmed by His 'I will,' ay, and they are sealed by His 'Amen'; and so God is glorified through our faith in His promises.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God.
Jeremiah 29:7
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
Philippians 4:19
My God will gloriously supply all your needs with his wealth, through your union with Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.
A man exiting a grocery store was very surprised when a rather good-looking and perky young lady greeted him cheerfully by saying, "Good evening!" Her face was beaming. At least she was smiling until he gave her that "Who are you?" look. He couldn't remember having ever seen her before. Then she obviously realized that a mistake had been made and apologized. She explained, "Oh, I'm so sorry. When I first saw you I thought you were the father of one of my children." She walked on her way into the store.
The man was left staring dumbfounded after her. More than a bit puzzled, he thought to himself, "What is the world coming to, an attractive woman who doesn't even keep track of what the father of her children look like." However, he was also a bit flattered that he might resemble one of her former suitors, but also hoped that nobody overheard her saying that she mistook him for being the father of one of her children.
A bit stunned, he walked to his car. He still did not realize, of course, that....she was a second grade teacher.
A case of mistaken identity. Have you ever done that? You see someone in the store or on the street that you think you know and you call out and wave only to realize that it's not really them at all. First glances can be deceiving.I've done the same thing spiritually, too. I've judged people at a glance as being stuck-up only to find out later on that they are only shy. I've judged people for their irritability only to find out later what burdens they had been carrying that caused them to be a bit short with me. I've judged some people as "hopeless sinners" only to discover in time a humble heart and a spirit that wants to surrender to God.
This is what the Pharisees in the time of Jesus just couldn't seem to understand. They couldn't get past the first appearances. They couldn't get beyond the outside to look at the heart. And they didn't much care to get to know any of "those people" long enough to learn anything about their problems, their struggles, or their heart."For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7).Father, help me to take a "second look", to learn to look beyond the outward appearance, to look at the heart of the people around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
The same is true of all the promises of God: they are affirmed by His 'I will,' ay, and they are sealed by His 'Amen'; and so God is glorified through our faith in His promises.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God.
Jeremiah 29:7
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
Philippians 4:19
My God will gloriously supply all your needs with his wealth, through your union with Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (22 05 2009)
Thought for the day
Little Emily ran into the house, crying as though her heart would break.
"What's wrong, dear?" asked her father.
"My doll! Billy broke it!" she sobbed.
"How did he break it, Emily?"
"I hit him over the head with it.
"It's an old, old story that began in the Garden of Eden. I think it is significant that, after the sin committed by Adam and Eve, God asked Adam if he had eaten the fruit (even though He already knew the answer). It was a chance for Adam to be honest, an opportunity to take responsibility. Instead, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and ever since we have been pointing the finger at others for our transgressions.
"It wasn't my fault." "I couldn't help it." "He made me do it." We continue to point fingers and make accusations. All the while, God is hoping that we'll be honest enough to admit our mistakes, knowing that only then can we find forgiveness.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (I John 1:9-10)Is there anything you need to be honest about and own up to today?
Verses
Luke 1:37
For no word of God shall be void of power."
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Habakkuk 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
1 Peter 3:7
In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way. You should show respect to them. They are weaker than you. But God gives them the same blessing that he gives you--the grace that gives true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.
Romans 10:12
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek. There is the same Lord of all, generous toward all who call upon him,
Prayer
Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, Amen.
Little Emily ran into the house, crying as though her heart would break.
"What's wrong, dear?" asked her father.
"My doll! Billy broke it!" she sobbed.
"How did he break it, Emily?"
"I hit him over the head with it.
"It's an old, old story that began in the Garden of Eden. I think it is significant that, after the sin committed by Adam and Eve, God asked Adam if he had eaten the fruit (even though He already knew the answer). It was a chance for Adam to be honest, an opportunity to take responsibility. Instead, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and ever since we have been pointing the finger at others for our transgressions.
"It wasn't my fault." "I couldn't help it." "He made me do it." We continue to point fingers and make accusations. All the while, God is hoping that we'll be honest enough to admit our mistakes, knowing that only then can we find forgiveness.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." (I John 1:9-10)Is there anything you need to be honest about and own up to today?
Verses
Luke 1:37
For no word of God shall be void of power."
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Habakkuk 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
1 Peter 3:7
In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way. You should show respect to them. They are weaker than you. But God gives them the same blessing that he gives you--the grace that gives true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.
Romans 10:12
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek. There is the same Lord of all, generous toward all who call upon him,
Prayer
Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, Amen.
Thursday prayer & verses (21 05 2009)
Thought for the day
A master took his 2 students into a forest. There he took a hollow coconut with a small hole and inserted sweet rice. Then he tied it to a tree and waited with his student nearby.
Soon, a monkey came along, sniffed the rice, inserted his paw, and screeched in frustration when he was unable to withdraw his paw (now a fist clenching the rice) through the narrow opening.
'Let go of the rice, silly! Run!' screamed the students, amazed by its obvious stupidity... but to no avail.
'What was the trap that caught the monkey?' asked the master.
'Rice,' said one student.
'The coconut,' said another.
'No,' replied the wise master, 'The trap was greed - he only had to let go of his attachment to be free. Likewise, we are the ones who trap ourselves. We are always responsible. The real trap is always within, not out there. The causes of suffering are in us. External situations are only conditions.'
With that, he hacked the coconut open... and the unrepentant monkey ran away with a fistful of rice.
'He won't be so lucky every time. This is how they catch monkeys here! Don't be like him! Am I being compassionate trying to teach the monkey and you this lesson? But did he really learn?
What is in your monkey fist that you still hold on to?'
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
For we do not stare at the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are for now, but the things that are not seen are everlasting.
Deuteronomy 7:14
"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
Deuteronomy 7:9
"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
2 Chronicles 7:1
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you an overflowing measure of all good gifts, that all your wants of every kind may be supplied at all times, and you may give of your abundance to every good work.
PrayerFather, we are surrounded by the endless display of Your awesome handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order testifying to Your greatness and watchful eye over all of creation. The silent heavens speak out as they declare Your majesty and glory. They reveal Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence. May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ’s return. Amen.
A master took his 2 students into a forest. There he took a hollow coconut with a small hole and inserted sweet rice. Then he tied it to a tree and waited with his student nearby.
Soon, a monkey came along, sniffed the rice, inserted his paw, and screeched in frustration when he was unable to withdraw his paw (now a fist clenching the rice) through the narrow opening.
'Let go of the rice, silly! Run!' screamed the students, amazed by its obvious stupidity... but to no avail.
'What was the trap that caught the monkey?' asked the master.
'Rice,' said one student.
'The coconut,' said another.
'No,' replied the wise master, 'The trap was greed - he only had to let go of his attachment to be free. Likewise, we are the ones who trap ourselves. We are always responsible. The real trap is always within, not out there. The causes of suffering are in us. External situations are only conditions.'
With that, he hacked the coconut open... and the unrepentant monkey ran away with a fistful of rice.
'He won't be so lucky every time. This is how they catch monkeys here! Don't be like him! Am I being compassionate trying to teach the monkey and you this lesson? But did he really learn?
What is in your monkey fist that you still hold on to?'
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
For we do not stare at the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are for now, but the things that are not seen are everlasting.
Deuteronomy 7:14
"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
Deuteronomy 7:9
"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
2 Chronicles 7:1
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you an overflowing measure of all good gifts, that all your wants of every kind may be supplied at all times, and you may give of your abundance to every good work.
PrayerFather, we are surrounded by the endless display of Your awesome handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order testifying to Your greatness and watchful eye over all of creation. The silent heavens speak out as they declare Your majesty and glory. They reveal Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence. May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ’s return. Amen.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (20 05 2009)
Thought for the day
A customer sent an order to a book club for the one they were offering that month. The distributor noticed that the bill for a previous book hadn't been paid. The collections manager then sent their form letter saying, "We can't ship your new order until you pay for the last one."The collections manager received a note a few days later, "Please cancel the order. I can't wait that long.
"We live in a society where people expect to receive things without paying for them -- at least for a long, long time. That's why credit cards are so popular. You don't have to have any money. Just hand them that little piece of plastic. The bill will come later?
You can worry about it then. A popular form of advertising says, "Buy now -- no payments for six months!" or "No payments until January 2007!" Companies know that we are more likely to buy something if the payment can be delayed because if it is far enough away, we won't think about the hardship it may cause.
Satan operates in much the same way. If he can convince us that the consequences of sin will not be experienced for a long, long time (if at all), then we will be more likely to give in. Listen to how Solomon put it:"Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." (Eccl. 8:11)
But credit card bills eventually arrive in the mail, merchants eventually expect us to pay for any merchandise that we carry home with us, and sin will eventually have its consequences."Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God." (Eccl. 8:12-13)
Verses
Psalm 89:34
My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
John 15:7
If you live in Me -- abide vitally united to Me -- and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.
James 1:4
And you must let this ability to hold on patiently do its full work, so that you will be perfect and complete Christians, not lacking a single thing.
Prayer
Father, we want to be a people whose hearts and minds are One with Yours. Through our diligent study and application of Your Living Word our thoughts and attitudes are formed. Keep us faithful to the Truth of Your knowledge. We stand in firm opposition to the world’s substitutes; the acceptance and celebration of what You describe as sin. The world may dress it up, even make it appealing, and cover up the disastrous results it brings on the individual, his or her family and society at large. The world is not our authority, but Your Word is! Help us to read, retain and regard Your knowledge as our pattern for life. Amen.
A customer sent an order to a book club for the one they were offering that month. The distributor noticed that the bill for a previous book hadn't been paid. The collections manager then sent their form letter saying, "We can't ship your new order until you pay for the last one."The collections manager received a note a few days later, "Please cancel the order. I can't wait that long.
"We live in a society where people expect to receive things without paying for them -- at least for a long, long time. That's why credit cards are so popular. You don't have to have any money. Just hand them that little piece of plastic. The bill will come later?
You can worry about it then. A popular form of advertising says, "Buy now -- no payments for six months!" or "No payments until January 2007!" Companies know that we are more likely to buy something if the payment can be delayed because if it is far enough away, we won't think about the hardship it may cause.
Satan operates in much the same way. If he can convince us that the consequences of sin will not be experienced for a long, long time (if at all), then we will be more likely to give in. Listen to how Solomon put it:"Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." (Eccl. 8:11)
But credit card bills eventually arrive in the mail, merchants eventually expect us to pay for any merchandise that we carry home with us, and sin will eventually have its consequences."Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God." (Eccl. 8:12-13)
Verses
Psalm 89:34
My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
John 15:7
If you live in Me -- abide vitally united to Me -- and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.
James 1:4
And you must let this ability to hold on patiently do its full work, so that you will be perfect and complete Christians, not lacking a single thing.
Prayer
Father, we want to be a people whose hearts and minds are One with Yours. Through our diligent study and application of Your Living Word our thoughts and attitudes are formed. Keep us faithful to the Truth of Your knowledge. We stand in firm opposition to the world’s substitutes; the acceptance and celebration of what You describe as sin. The world may dress it up, even make it appealing, and cover up the disastrous results it brings on the individual, his or her family and society at large. The world is not our authority, but Your Word is! Help us to read, retain and regard Your knowledge as our pattern for life. Amen.
Tuesday prayer & verses (19 05 2009)
Thought for the day
Dads, give yourself a point for every one of these you've actually said to your kids:
Don't ask me, ask your mother.
Close the door -- were you raised in a barn?
You didn't beat me -- I let you win. Big boys don't cry.
Don't worry, it's only blood.
Don't you know any normal boys?
Now you listen to ME, Buster!
I'll play catch after I read the paper.
Coffee will stunt your growth.
A little dirt never hurt anyone, just wipe it off.
Get your elbows off the table.
I told you, keep your eye on the ball.
Who said life was supposed to be fair?
Always say please and thank you-- that way, you get more. I
f you forget, you'll be grounded till the end of the world.
You call that a haircut?
"Hey" is for horses.
This will hurt me a lot more than it hurts you.
Turn off those lights -- do you think I'm made of money?
Don't give me any of your lip, young lady.
You call that noise "music"?
We're not lost -- I'm just not sure where we are.
No, we're not there yet.
Shake it off, it's only pain.
When I was your age, I treated MY father with respect.
As long as you live under my roof, you'll live by my rules.
I'll tell you why -- because I said so, that's why!
Do what I say, not what I do.
Sit up straight! So you think you're smart , do you?
What's so funny? Wipe that smile off your face.
If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
C'mon, you throw like a girl. Y
ou want something to do? I'll give you something to do.
This is your last warning!
What are your intentions with my daughter?
I'd better get a good report, or you better head to Mexico.
I'm not sleeping, I was watching that channel.
What keeps those jeans of yours from falling off?
I'm not just talking to hear my own voice!
Don't believe everything you hear.
What do you think I am, a bank?
What part of NO don't you understand?
I don't care what other fathers are doing -- I'm not everybody else's father!
You're not leaving my house dressed like that!
Hey, did you hear me talking to you?
Don't use that tone with me!
Am I talking to a brick wall?
If I catch you doing that one more time, I'll.... Act your age.
Wipe your feet!
Don't make me stop the car!
What did I just get finished telling you?
Some of the things we fathers say are downright embarrassing when we think about it. But, in our finer moments, it is our intention to give advice that will shape our children into the people God wants them to be. Though our children don't believe we can relate to anything that goes on in their lives, we can. With what we have learned over the years by listening to others and the experience of making wrong decisions, we want to share with our children a wisdom that will keep them on the right path."Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. When I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me: 'Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.'" (Prov. 4:1-5)
Verses
James 1:2-4
Be constantly rejoicing. Consider it a matter for unadulterated joy [without any admixture of sorrow] whenever you fall into the midst of variegated trials which surround you, knowing experientially that the approving of your faith, that faith having been put to the test for the purpose of being approved, and having met the test, has been approved, [that this approving process] produces a patience which bears up and does not lose heart or courage under trials. But be allowing the aforementioned patience to be having its complete work in order that you may be spiritually mature and complete in every detail, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross, so that we would stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed.
Galatians 3:24
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Matthew 7:11
As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, your Father in heaven will give good things to those who ask him!
PrayerFather, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
Dads, give yourself a point for every one of these you've actually said to your kids:
Don't ask me, ask your mother.
Close the door -- were you raised in a barn?
You didn't beat me -- I let you win. Big boys don't cry.
Don't worry, it's only blood.
Don't you know any normal boys?
Now you listen to ME, Buster!
I'll play catch after I read the paper.
Coffee will stunt your growth.
A little dirt never hurt anyone, just wipe it off.
Get your elbows off the table.
I told you, keep your eye on the ball.
Who said life was supposed to be fair?
Always say please and thank you-- that way, you get more. I
f you forget, you'll be grounded till the end of the world.
You call that a haircut?
"Hey" is for horses.
This will hurt me a lot more than it hurts you.
Turn off those lights -- do you think I'm made of money?
Don't give me any of your lip, young lady.
You call that noise "music"?
We're not lost -- I'm just not sure where we are.
No, we're not there yet.
Shake it off, it's only pain.
When I was your age, I treated MY father with respect.
As long as you live under my roof, you'll live by my rules.
I'll tell you why -- because I said so, that's why!
Do what I say, not what I do.
Sit up straight! So you think you're smart , do you?
What's so funny? Wipe that smile off your face.
If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
C'mon, you throw like a girl. Y
ou want something to do? I'll give you something to do.
This is your last warning!
What are your intentions with my daughter?
I'd better get a good report, or you better head to Mexico.
I'm not sleeping, I was watching that channel.
What keeps those jeans of yours from falling off?
I'm not just talking to hear my own voice!
Don't believe everything you hear.
What do you think I am, a bank?
What part of NO don't you understand?
I don't care what other fathers are doing -- I'm not everybody else's father!
You're not leaving my house dressed like that!
Hey, did you hear me talking to you?
Don't use that tone with me!
Am I talking to a brick wall?
If I catch you doing that one more time, I'll.... Act your age.
Wipe your feet!
Don't make me stop the car!
What did I just get finished telling you?
Some of the things we fathers say are downright embarrassing when we think about it. But, in our finer moments, it is our intention to give advice that will shape our children into the people God wants them to be. Though our children don't believe we can relate to anything that goes on in their lives, we can. With what we have learned over the years by listening to others and the experience of making wrong decisions, we want to share with our children a wisdom that will keep them on the right path."Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. When I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me: 'Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.'" (Prov. 4:1-5)
Verses
James 1:2-4
Be constantly rejoicing. Consider it a matter for unadulterated joy [without any admixture of sorrow] whenever you fall into the midst of variegated trials which surround you, knowing experientially that the approving of your faith, that faith having been put to the test for the purpose of being approved, and having met the test, has been approved, [that this approving process] produces a patience which bears up and does not lose heart or courage under trials. But be allowing the aforementioned patience to be having its complete work in order that you may be spiritually mature and complete in every detail, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross, so that we would stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed.
Galatians 3:24
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Matthew 7:11
As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, your Father in heaven will give good things to those who ask him!
PrayerFather, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
Monday prayer & verses (18 05 2009)
Thought for the day
The following notes are reported to be actual notes sent in to teachers by parents:
My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.
Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. She is administrating.
Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.
Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.
Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.
Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak.
Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.
I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don't know what size she wear.
Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
Sally won't be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral.
Excuses can sound rather ridiculous, can't they? As a Christian, I've heard a lot of excuses for folks not "going to church" on Sundays. Even more serious are those excuses people make for not becoming Christians. When all is said and done, no excuse is a good one."Then [Jesus] said to him, 'A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, "Come, for all things are now ready." But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused."
And another said, "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused." Still another said, "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.".....I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' " (Luke 14:16-20,24).
We have been invited to share in a great spiritual feast. Let us set aside our excuses and make every effort to be a part of that celebration.
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able, by the power energizing us, to exceed all our fondest hopes and aspirations,
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Ephesians 5:1
So then you should try to become like God, for you are his children and he loves you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be unceasing in prayer.
1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment.
Prayer
Father, Romans 1:21 indicates that those who knew You neither glorified nor gave thanks to You which led to their futile and foolish thinking. It eventually caused the light of Your Word to be veiled and ineffective in their lives as darkness crept in and covered the radiant light of Your truth. They sought honor for themselves and lived for self-glory. Anything good in us is but a reflection of the Spirit of Christ who lives within, so we will glory only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ though it is mocked and ridiculed by the world. We are unashamedly children of God whose depth of wisdom comes not from the understanding from the world but the understanding from Your Word. May its truth always be our source of light in the darkened age in which we live. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
The following notes are reported to be actual notes sent in to teachers by parents:
My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.
Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. She is administrating.
Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.
Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.
Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.
Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak.
Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.
I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don't know what size she wear.
Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
Sally won't be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral.
Excuses can sound rather ridiculous, can't they? As a Christian, I've heard a lot of excuses for folks not "going to church" on Sundays. Even more serious are those excuses people make for not becoming Christians. When all is said and done, no excuse is a good one."Then [Jesus] said to him, 'A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, "Come, for all things are now ready." But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused."
And another said, "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused." Still another said, "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.".....I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' " (Luke 14:16-20,24).
We have been invited to share in a great spiritual feast. Let us set aside our excuses and make every effort to be a part of that celebration.
Verses
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able, by the power energizing us, to exceed all our fondest hopes and aspirations,
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Ephesians 5:1
So then you should try to become like God, for you are his children and he loves you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be unceasing in prayer.
1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment.
Prayer
Father, Romans 1:21 indicates that those who knew You neither glorified nor gave thanks to You which led to their futile and foolish thinking. It eventually caused the light of Your Word to be veiled and ineffective in their lives as darkness crept in and covered the radiant light of Your truth. They sought honor for themselves and lived for self-glory. Anything good in us is but a reflection of the Spirit of Christ who lives within, so we will glory only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ though it is mocked and ridiculed by the world. We are unashamedly children of God whose depth of wisdom comes not from the understanding from the world but the understanding from Your Word. May its truth always be our source of light in the darkened age in which we live. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (15 05 2009)
Thought for the day
The visiting city dweller was amazed when the farmer gave a whistle and his dog herded the cattle into the corral, then latched the gate with her paw.
"Wow! That's some dog. What's her name?
"The forgetful farmer thought a minute, then asked, "What do you call that red flower that smells good and has thorns on the stem?"
"A rose.""That's it!" The farmer turned to his wife. "Hey, Rose, what do we call this dog?
"We sometimes forget to thank God for His blessings. But another area we tend to be forgetful is in expressing our thankfulness toward other people for the things they have done for us.
When was the last time you thanked your parents for all the sacrifices they made in bringing you up? Or a Sunday-school teacher or preacher who has meant a great deal to your spiritual development? Or a boss, co-worker or employee who brightens your workplace with a beautiful attitude? It's easy for us to forget to tell others how much they mean to us.
"Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.....And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.....So Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?'" (Luke 17:12-17)Why not take a moment today to write a note or make a call to someone who has done something special for you? Don't forget to say, "Thank you!"
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
And this is why you must wear all the armor God gives you, so that you'll be able to stand up against all these forces when that evil day comes, and still be standing after you have finished fighting.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
3 John 2
Beloved, I pray that, in all things, you may be prosperous, and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
Prayer
Father, so many of us live in a state of discontent when we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary thrills with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction within ourselves and in our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, developing godly character, giving without receiving in return, and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will never leave us nor forsake us and You will meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The visiting city dweller was amazed when the farmer gave a whistle and his dog herded the cattle into the corral, then latched the gate with her paw.
"Wow! That's some dog. What's her name?
"The forgetful farmer thought a minute, then asked, "What do you call that red flower that smells good and has thorns on the stem?"
"A rose.""That's it!" The farmer turned to his wife. "Hey, Rose, what do we call this dog?
"We sometimes forget to thank God for His blessings. But another area we tend to be forgetful is in expressing our thankfulness toward other people for the things they have done for us.
When was the last time you thanked your parents for all the sacrifices they made in bringing you up? Or a Sunday-school teacher or preacher who has meant a great deal to your spiritual development? Or a boss, co-worker or employee who brightens your workplace with a beautiful attitude? It's easy for us to forget to tell others how much they mean to us.
"Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.....And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.....So Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?'" (Luke 17:12-17)Why not take a moment today to write a note or make a call to someone who has done something special for you? Don't forget to say, "Thank you!"
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
And this is why you must wear all the armor God gives you, so that you'll be able to stand up against all these forces when that evil day comes, and still be standing after you have finished fighting.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
3 John 2
Beloved, I pray that, in all things, you may be prosperous, and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
Prayer
Father, so many of us live in a state of discontent when we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary thrills with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction within ourselves and in our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, developing godly character, giving without receiving in return, and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will never leave us nor forsake us and You will meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.
If somebody has faith
From Prophet Riaan du Toit - Transforming Your World
2 TIMOTHY 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of fear but love, power and a sound mind…….meaning we have received something from God.
What did God give you ?
It’s a Spirit of Power, Love and Sound mind and not a Spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear). It’s all about a calm and well-balanced mind with discipline and self-control. This is what we have. It does not say that we will get it one day, it says we HAVE it !
I was not born to fear but to have faith and overcome. Fear will not control my mind because You have given us a Spirit of love and a sound mind. No room for fear !
In LUKE 7:36-48 an interesting scenario played off around a dining table !
Pharisee's and disciples were mingling with sinners and saints. Some were there on invitation, some were there on assignment, some were there not knowing why. Your life is an assignment ! You were assigned to change the world around you. Don’t allow fear, don’t allow uncertainty to control your thoughts. You have a balanced mind and purpose-filled life !
We were placed on the planet to interconnect with one another as purposes and destinies flow together. If we don't connect with one another nobody knows why you are here !
When we do connect and get together, could it possibly be that the Christ in our midst and present are there to forgive sins ! When was the last time you took the opportunity at a dining table to confront people and tell them “you MUST be born again”
It's NEVER just about the food at a table but what you were fed with, meaning heavenly sustenance ! Somebody with a need can penetrate a dinner with faith and have that need met !
Get a passion for people !
These are awesome times !
No more excuses why we can't and why we shouldn't !Here am I Lord, use me !
2 TIMOTHY 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of fear but love, power and a sound mind…….meaning we have received something from God.
What did God give you ?
It’s a Spirit of Power, Love and Sound mind and not a Spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear). It’s all about a calm and well-balanced mind with discipline and self-control. This is what we have. It does not say that we will get it one day, it says we HAVE it !
I was not born to fear but to have faith and overcome. Fear will not control my mind because You have given us a Spirit of love and a sound mind. No room for fear !
In LUKE 7:36-48 an interesting scenario played off around a dining table !
Pharisee's and disciples were mingling with sinners and saints. Some were there on invitation, some were there on assignment, some were there not knowing why. Your life is an assignment ! You were assigned to change the world around you. Don’t allow fear, don’t allow uncertainty to control your thoughts. You have a balanced mind and purpose-filled life !
We were placed on the planet to interconnect with one another as purposes and destinies flow together. If we don't connect with one another nobody knows why you are here !
When we do connect and get together, could it possibly be that the Christ in our midst and present are there to forgive sins ! When was the last time you took the opportunity at a dining table to confront people and tell them “you MUST be born again”
It's NEVER just about the food at a table but what you were fed with, meaning heavenly sustenance ! Somebody with a need can penetrate a dinner with faith and have that need met !
Get a passion for people !
These are awesome times !
No more excuses why we can't and why we shouldn't !Here am I Lord, use me !
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (14 05 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of a married couple who enjoyed their luxury fishing boat together, but it was the husband who was always behind the wheel operating the boat. He was concerned about what might happen in an emergency. So one day out on the lake he said to his wife, "Please take the wheel, dear. Pretend that I am having a heart attack. You must get the boat safely to shore."
So she drove the boat to shore.
Later that evening, the wife walked into the living room where her husband was watching television. She sat down next to him, switched the TV channel, and said to him, "Please go into the kitchen, dear. Pretend I'm having a heart attack. You must set the table, cook the dinner, and wash the dishes."
It's not a very pleasant thing to pretend such a thing, but there are some legitimate concerns we should have. I wouldn't consider it at all out of place for an insurance salesman to ask the question, "If you were to have a heart attack today, would your wife and children be taken care of?"An even more important question needs to be raised as we consider our spiritual relationship with God.
If I were to have a heart attack tonight and die, would I be prepared to stand before the great judgment seat of Christ? It's a legitimate question. When I was a teenager, I thought that I would live forever. As I grow older, I become more and more aware of the fact that each day is a blessing provided by God, and I am not promised even one more."Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:13-14)
I know it requires a degree of seriousness that may make you a bit uncomfortable, but just for a moment, pretend that you are having a heart attack. Are you prepared for eternity?
Verses
Romans 4:21
For he was fully convinced that God would fulfill his promise.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Psalm 34:9-10
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
Prayer
Father, as a believer, I want to rid myself of such things as malice, slander or filthy language from my lips. I want the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing to You this day. I pray that my conversation is uplifting so that I build others up rather than tear them down. May I walk in Your grace so that I impart grace to others showing respect, courtesy, and interest in their lives. Just as salt is tasty to food making it more pleasant to eat, I pray that my dialogue is wholesome making conversation pleasant and beneficial to those who listen. Because of Your redemptive work in my life I am indeed, blessed and highly flavored with the preserving salt of Your holy Word. Amen.
The story is told of a married couple who enjoyed their luxury fishing boat together, but it was the husband who was always behind the wheel operating the boat. He was concerned about what might happen in an emergency. So one day out on the lake he said to his wife, "Please take the wheel, dear. Pretend that I am having a heart attack. You must get the boat safely to shore."
So she drove the boat to shore.
Later that evening, the wife walked into the living room where her husband was watching television. She sat down next to him, switched the TV channel, and said to him, "Please go into the kitchen, dear. Pretend I'm having a heart attack. You must set the table, cook the dinner, and wash the dishes."
It's not a very pleasant thing to pretend such a thing, but there are some legitimate concerns we should have. I wouldn't consider it at all out of place for an insurance salesman to ask the question, "If you were to have a heart attack today, would your wife and children be taken care of?"An even more important question needs to be raised as we consider our spiritual relationship with God.
If I were to have a heart attack tonight and die, would I be prepared to stand before the great judgment seat of Christ? It's a legitimate question. When I was a teenager, I thought that I would live forever. As I grow older, I become more and more aware of the fact that each day is a blessing provided by God, and I am not promised even one more."Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:13-14)
I know it requires a degree of seriousness that may make you a bit uncomfortable, but just for a moment, pretend that you are having a heart attack. Are you prepared for eternity?
Verses
Romans 4:21
For he was fully convinced that God would fulfill his promise.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Psalm 34:9-10
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
Prayer
Father, as a believer, I want to rid myself of such things as malice, slander or filthy language from my lips. I want the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing to You this day. I pray that my conversation is uplifting so that I build others up rather than tear them down. May I walk in Your grace so that I impart grace to others showing respect, courtesy, and interest in their lives. Just as salt is tasty to food making it more pleasant to eat, I pray that my dialogue is wholesome making conversation pleasant and beneficial to those who listen. Because of Your redemptive work in my life I am indeed, blessed and highly flavored with the preserving salt of Your holy Word. Amen.
Wednesday prayer & verses (13 05 2009)
Thought for the day
Good news/bad news for a preacher:
Good News: You baptized seven people today in the river.
Bad News: You lost two of them in the swift current.
Good News: The Ladies Bible Class voted to send you a get-well card.
Bad News: The vote passed by 31-30.
Good News: The elders accepted your job description the way you wrote it.
Bad News: They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.
Good News: Mrs. Jones is wild about your sermons.
Bad News: Mrs. Jones is also wild about "The Gong Show," "The Jerry Springer Show" and "Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
Good News: The building committee finally voted to add more church parking.
Bad News: They are going to blacktop your front lawn.
Good News: Church attendance rose dramatically the last three weeks.
Bad News: You were on vacation.
Good News: Your elders want to send you to the "Holy Land".
Bad News: They are stalling until the next war.
Good News: The youth in your church come to your house for a surprise visit.
Bad News: It's in the middle of the night and they are armed with toilet paper and shaving cream to "decorate" your house.
Life is filled with good news and bad news. So is the Bible. The good news is: Christ took our place on the cross and died for our sins. The bad news is: not everyone has chosen to respond to that act of love in an obedient faith.
"As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!' But they have not all obeyed the gospel."(Romans 10:15b-16a)
Father, thank you for the good news that you have shared with us. As excited as we are about your love and grace, it grieves us when those we share it with are sometimes not even interested. We pray for open doors and open hearts as we exercise our "beautiful feet". In Jesus name, amen.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded and bruised for [our] sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed--and we were healed!
Deuteronomy 6:24
`And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever it may be you pray for or ask for, believe that you will obtain it and you will have it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I will never fully comprehend the depth of Your sacrificial death where we see man at his worst and God at His best. In my place You took my guilt and shame as You became the guilt offering pouring out Your life unto death and taking on my iniquity. You gave all so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they were washed white as snow, cleansed by the saving blood of the sinless Lamb. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. I walk in newness of life and in the power of the resurrected Savior. Praise Your name, Lord Jesus! You are risen, You are risen indeed! Amen.
Good news/bad news for a preacher:
Good News: You baptized seven people today in the river.
Bad News: You lost two of them in the swift current.
Good News: The Ladies Bible Class voted to send you a get-well card.
Bad News: The vote passed by 31-30.
Good News: The elders accepted your job description the way you wrote it.
Bad News: They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.
Good News: Mrs. Jones is wild about your sermons.
Bad News: Mrs. Jones is also wild about "The Gong Show," "The Jerry Springer Show" and "Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
Good News: The building committee finally voted to add more church parking.
Bad News: They are going to blacktop your front lawn.
Good News: Church attendance rose dramatically the last three weeks.
Bad News: You were on vacation.
Good News: Your elders want to send you to the "Holy Land".
Bad News: They are stalling until the next war.
Good News: The youth in your church come to your house for a surprise visit.
Bad News: It's in the middle of the night and they are armed with toilet paper and shaving cream to "decorate" your house.
Life is filled with good news and bad news. So is the Bible. The good news is: Christ took our place on the cross and died for our sins. The bad news is: not everyone has chosen to respond to that act of love in an obedient faith.
"As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!' But they have not all obeyed the gospel."(Romans 10:15b-16a)
Father, thank you for the good news that you have shared with us. As excited as we are about your love and grace, it grieves us when those we share it with are sometimes not even interested. We pray for open doors and open hearts as we exercise our "beautiful feet". In Jesus name, amen.
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded and bruised for [our] sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed--and we were healed!
Deuteronomy 6:24
`And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.
Mark 11:24
That is why I tell you, whatever it may be you pray for or ask for, believe that you will obtain it and you will have it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I will never fully comprehend the depth of Your sacrificial death where we see man at his worst and God at His best. In my place You took my guilt and shame as You became the guilt offering pouring out Your life unto death and taking on my iniquity. You gave all so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they were washed white as snow, cleansed by the saving blood of the sinless Lamb. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. I walk in newness of life and in the power of the resurrected Savior. Praise Your name, Lord Jesus! You are risen, You are risen indeed! Amen.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (12 05 2009)
Thought for the day
The following quote comes from Kim Sherer:
"One night while my young son, Ryan, was sleeping, a storm began brewing outside. After a loud clap of thunder, I heard him wake up so I headed toward his room to comfort him. He asked me to stay with him until he fell asleep. As I lay there I realized he hadn't asked me to make the storm go away, but to stay with him. How many times, I wondered, have I asked God to take away the storms of life, when instead I need to ask him to stay with me and help me weather them more peacefully?
"What a beautiful thought!"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Father, we do indeed pray for your comforting presence in the storms of our lives. As much as we might desire for the storms to go away, it is much important to us that you remain with us and see us through the storms. Thank you for your assurance that you will do that for us. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision will come to pass at its appointed time, and it shall be fulfilled at the end, it shall not lie; and if it should delay, do not be impatient, because it will surely come, it will not delay.
1 Peter 2:24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.
2 Corinthians 5:19
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
John 15:7
If you live in Me -- abide vitally united to Me -- and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.
Prayer
Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
The following quote comes from Kim Sherer:
"One night while my young son, Ryan, was sleeping, a storm began brewing outside. After a loud clap of thunder, I heard him wake up so I headed toward his room to comfort him. He asked me to stay with him until he fell asleep. As I lay there I realized he hadn't asked me to make the storm go away, but to stay with him. How many times, I wondered, have I asked God to take away the storms of life, when instead I need to ask him to stay with me and help me weather them more peacefully?
"What a beautiful thought!"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Father, we do indeed pray for your comforting presence in the storms of our lives. As much as we might desire for the storms to go away, it is much important to us that you remain with us and see us through the storms. Thank you for your assurance that you will do that for us. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision will come to pass at its appointed time, and it shall be fulfilled at the end, it shall not lie; and if it should delay, do not be impatient, because it will surely come, it will not delay.
1 Peter 2:24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.
2 Corinthians 5:19
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
John 15:7
If you live in Me -- abide vitally united to Me -- and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.
Prayer
Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (11 05 2009)
Thought for the day
I want to let you know about an event that changed my life a while ago. It is a memory that comes and goes, but it is one of the most precious memories that me and my wife share. I am thankful that we can remember it together. It's a reminder that things are not what they seem and that angels come in many packages.
We were on our way home from an event we visited, one Saturday or Sunday morning. And when I say morning, I'm talking 1:00 to 2:00 in the morning. We were on our way home and decided to stop at a local gas station to get coffee and something to snack on since it was a good hour and a half before we got home.
When we were done, we got back into our car and before I started it, we noticed a man standing outside in front of the building. You could tell that he was a homeless man. His clothes were tattered and worn and it looked like he had gone in and gotten him some coffee or something warm to drink since it was cold this time of the year. He must have not had enough money to get something to eat. That is not something I remember too well, because that is not what "moved" me.
The next thing I remember is a dog that walked up to the front of the building. Being a dog lover, I noticed that she was part wolf and probably part German shepherd. I could tell she was a she, because you could tell that she had been feeding puppies. She was terribly in need of something to eat and I felt so bad for her. I knew if she didn't eat soon, she and her puppies would not make it especially the cold weather we experienced.
Me and my wife sat there and looked at her. We noticed that people walked by and didn't even pet her, like most people do when they walk by an animal in front of a store. She might not have been as pretty and clean as most, but she still deserved better. But we still did not do anything. But someone did. The homeless man, who I thought did not buy himself anything to eat, went back into the store.
And what he did brought tears to me and my wife. He had gone into the store and with what money he may have had, bought a can of dog food and fed that dog.
I know that this story isn't as inspirational as most stories, but it plays a great part in our lives. You see, that was Mother's Day weekend. And a lot of people forget that some animals are parents too. And animals as well as us are God's creations too.
It would be a better story if I could remember all the details, but even without the details, I believe it still gets the message across. It took a homeless man, to show me what I should have done. He made me a better man that day.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Don't throw away your trust now -- it carries with it a rich reward. Patient endurance is what you need if, after doing God's will, you are to receive what he has promised.
Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Galatians 2:16
"knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
Joshua 1:8
This law book you shall never cease to have on your lips; you must pore over it day and night, that you may be mindful to carry out all that is written in it, for so shall you make your way prosperous, so shall you succeed.
Prayer
Father, we give thanks for the men and women of great valor who have given their lives for our freedoms over the centuries. We also give thanks for those who have impacted our spiritual lives as we seek to live faithfully for You; the Biblical saints, the early church fathers, the martyrs of the faith, the evangelists, preachers, and teachers of Your Holy Word, our family members who showed us the way and we thank You for those extraordinary believers who not only lived for You but lived as an example of faith to those of us who were watching and learning along the way. Above all, we thank You for the person of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life to our eternal Home in heaven. Amen.
I want to let you know about an event that changed my life a while ago. It is a memory that comes and goes, but it is one of the most precious memories that me and my wife share. I am thankful that we can remember it together. It's a reminder that things are not what they seem and that angels come in many packages.
We were on our way home from an event we visited, one Saturday or Sunday morning. And when I say morning, I'm talking 1:00 to 2:00 in the morning. We were on our way home and decided to stop at a local gas station to get coffee and something to snack on since it was a good hour and a half before we got home.
When we were done, we got back into our car and before I started it, we noticed a man standing outside in front of the building. You could tell that he was a homeless man. His clothes were tattered and worn and it looked like he had gone in and gotten him some coffee or something warm to drink since it was cold this time of the year. He must have not had enough money to get something to eat. That is not something I remember too well, because that is not what "moved" me.
The next thing I remember is a dog that walked up to the front of the building. Being a dog lover, I noticed that she was part wolf and probably part German shepherd. I could tell she was a she, because you could tell that she had been feeding puppies. She was terribly in need of something to eat and I felt so bad for her. I knew if she didn't eat soon, she and her puppies would not make it especially the cold weather we experienced.
Me and my wife sat there and looked at her. We noticed that people walked by and didn't even pet her, like most people do when they walk by an animal in front of a store. She might not have been as pretty and clean as most, but she still deserved better. But we still did not do anything. But someone did. The homeless man, who I thought did not buy himself anything to eat, went back into the store.
And what he did brought tears to me and my wife. He had gone into the store and with what money he may have had, bought a can of dog food and fed that dog.
I know that this story isn't as inspirational as most stories, but it plays a great part in our lives. You see, that was Mother's Day weekend. And a lot of people forget that some animals are parents too. And animals as well as us are God's creations too.
It would be a better story if I could remember all the details, but even without the details, I believe it still gets the message across. It took a homeless man, to show me what I should have done. He made me a better man that day.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Don't throw away your trust now -- it carries with it a rich reward. Patient endurance is what you need if, after doing God's will, you are to receive what he has promised.
Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Galatians 2:16
"knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
Joshua 1:8
This law book you shall never cease to have on your lips; you must pore over it day and night, that you may be mindful to carry out all that is written in it, for so shall you make your way prosperous, so shall you succeed.
Prayer
Father, we give thanks for the men and women of great valor who have given their lives for our freedoms over the centuries. We also give thanks for those who have impacted our spiritual lives as we seek to live faithfully for You; the Biblical saints, the early church fathers, the martyrs of the faith, the evangelists, preachers, and teachers of Your Holy Word, our family members who showed us the way and we thank You for those extraordinary believers who not only lived for You but lived as an example of faith to those of us who were watching and learning along the way. Above all, we thank You for the person of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life to our eternal Home in heaven. Amen.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (08 05 2009)
Thought for the day
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking.
Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there."
He pounded his fat baby hands on the high-chair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man with a tattered rag of a coat, dirty, greasy and worn. His pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would be shoes.
His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose, it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.
His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.
"Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?"
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a boo!"
Nobody thought the old man was cute.
He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed.
We ate in silence, all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door.
My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door.
"Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed.
As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing.
As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's pick-me-up position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship.
Erik, in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder.
The man's eyes closed and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes.
His aged hands full of grime, pain and hard labor-gently, so gently cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back.
No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine.
He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby."
Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain.
I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift."
I said nothing more than a muttered “thanks”.
With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car.
My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me."
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment, a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.
I felt it was God asking....
"Are you willing to share your son for a moment?", when He shared His for an eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
Verses
Jeremiah 1:12
Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
2 Corinthians 9:11
He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts they receive from us.
PrayerFather, help me not to waste my time and energy in futile or wishful thinking. Instead I want to fix my thoughts upon the living hope I have in Jesus Christ my Lord. I anchor my soul in the bedrock of Your Holy Word so that when other viewpoints counter the truths prescribed in Your Word my anchor remains firm and secure. When difficulties appear insurmountable remind me that I serve an extraordinary God who does not rely on natural solutions but works in the supernatural realm to meet each one of my needs. Your solutions to my problems are not subject to my scrutiny but rather I conform to Your leading and accept Your plan for my life. In doing so I am not tossed to and fro by wishful thinking but I am firmly grounded in the living hope of our resurrected Lord and Savior. It is in His name that I pray, Amen.
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking.
Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there."
He pounded his fat baby hands on the high-chair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man with a tattered rag of a coat, dirty, greasy and worn. His pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would be shoes.
His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose, it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.
His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.
"Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?"
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a boo!"
Nobody thought the old man was cute.
He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed.
We ate in silence, all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door.
My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door.
"Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed.
As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing.
As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's pick-me-up position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship.
Erik, in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder.
The man's eyes closed and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes.
His aged hands full of grime, pain and hard labor-gently, so gently cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back.
No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine.
He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby."
Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain.
I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift."
I said nothing more than a muttered “thanks”.
With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car.
My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me."
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment, a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.
I felt it was God asking....
"Are you willing to share your son for a moment?", when He shared His for an eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
Verses
Jeremiah 1:12
Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
2 Corinthians 9:11
He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts they receive from us.
PrayerFather, help me not to waste my time and energy in futile or wishful thinking. Instead I want to fix my thoughts upon the living hope I have in Jesus Christ my Lord. I anchor my soul in the bedrock of Your Holy Word so that when other viewpoints counter the truths prescribed in Your Word my anchor remains firm and secure. When difficulties appear insurmountable remind me that I serve an extraordinary God who does not rely on natural solutions but works in the supernatural realm to meet each one of my needs. Your solutions to my problems are not subject to my scrutiny but rather I conform to Your leading and accept Your plan for my life. In doing so I am not tossed to and fro by wishful thinking but I am firmly grounded in the living hope of our resurrected Lord and Savior. It is in His name that I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (07 05 2009)
Thought for the day
In one episode from the comic strip "Peanuts", Lucy comes up to her brother, Linus, and tells him that she has "converted" someone in her class to her way of thinking religiously. Knowing his sister, Linus couldn't believe it. "How did you do it?" he asked.
Lucy explained, "I told him everything I believe and asked him if he believed it, too. When we came to something he didn't see my way, I just hit him over the head with my lunch box until he believed it!"
I've seen some instances of "lunch box evangelism", haven't you? It's not very effective. Unfortunately, there are times that the way we talk and the way we act make it difficult for us to share our faith with those around us.
Listen to these words of advice Peter gives to Christian women who are married to non-Christian husbands:
"In the same way, you wives should yield to your husbands. Then, if some husbands do not obey God's teaching, they will be persuaded to believe without anyone's saying a word to them. They will be persuaded by the way their wives live. Your husbands will see the pure lives you live with your respect for God." (I Peter 3:1-2, NCV)
Peter isn't saying that we shouldn't talk to people about the Christian life, but he is saying that it is more effective for others to see us actually living that life.
Know someone who needs to hear the gospel message? Put your lunch box away and be careful of the example that you set around them.
Verses
Galatians 6:9
So don't weary of being generous. For unless you throw in the towel, you are certain to reap the harvest that follows the sowing of good works.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Isaiah 59:21
"As for Me," says the Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and forevermore."
Proverbs 13:21
Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I commit myself to You this day, I ask that You make me a glowing ember of Your truth, Your wisdom, and Your compassionate mercy. I want my light to shine for You so that all glory will be directed back to You, my source of light. If I find myself in the midst of a circle of employees engaged in ungodly conversation help me not to blend in. But rather help me to be the light of Your glory in my conversation, full of grace seasoned with salt, so that I will know how to respond to each person. I ask that You would reveal to me any false motivation for carrying out good deeds. Remind me that it is for Your glory that I do these things. It is neither for the praise of others nor for personal advancement, but the advancement of the Gospel. Lord, help me to reach just one today with an unexpected act of kindness that will direct the recipient’s thoughts toward my Father in heaven. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
In one episode from the comic strip "Peanuts", Lucy comes up to her brother, Linus, and tells him that she has "converted" someone in her class to her way of thinking religiously. Knowing his sister, Linus couldn't believe it. "How did you do it?" he asked.
Lucy explained, "I told him everything I believe and asked him if he believed it, too. When we came to something he didn't see my way, I just hit him over the head with my lunch box until he believed it!"
I've seen some instances of "lunch box evangelism", haven't you? It's not very effective. Unfortunately, there are times that the way we talk and the way we act make it difficult for us to share our faith with those around us.
Listen to these words of advice Peter gives to Christian women who are married to non-Christian husbands:
"In the same way, you wives should yield to your husbands. Then, if some husbands do not obey God's teaching, they will be persuaded to believe without anyone's saying a word to them. They will be persuaded by the way their wives live. Your husbands will see the pure lives you live with your respect for God." (I Peter 3:1-2, NCV)
Peter isn't saying that we shouldn't talk to people about the Christian life, but he is saying that it is more effective for others to see us actually living that life.
Know someone who needs to hear the gospel message? Put your lunch box away and be careful of the example that you set around them.
Verses
Galatians 6:9
So don't weary of being generous. For unless you throw in the towel, you are certain to reap the harvest that follows the sowing of good works.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Isaiah 59:21
"As for Me," says the Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and forevermore."
Proverbs 13:21
Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I commit myself to You this day, I ask that You make me a glowing ember of Your truth, Your wisdom, and Your compassionate mercy. I want my light to shine for You so that all glory will be directed back to You, my source of light. If I find myself in the midst of a circle of employees engaged in ungodly conversation help me not to blend in. But rather help me to be the light of Your glory in my conversation, full of grace seasoned with salt, so that I will know how to respond to each person. I ask that You would reveal to me any false motivation for carrying out good deeds. Remind me that it is for Your glory that I do these things. It is neither for the praise of others nor for personal advancement, but the advancement of the Gospel. Lord, help me to reach just one today with an unexpected act of kindness that will direct the recipient’s thoughts toward my Father in heaven. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (06 05 2009)
Thought for the day
During a children’s sermon one Sunday morning, I held up an ugly-looking summer shirt that I wore occasionally around the house. I explained to the children that someone said the shirt was ugly and should be thrown away.
"This really hurt me," I explained. "I'm having trouble forgiving the person who said those mean things. Do you think I should forgive that person?" I asked the children.
Immediately, my six-year-old daughter, Alicia, raised her hand. "Yes, you should," she said without hesitation. "But why? The person hurt my feelings," I responded.
To which Alicia wisely answered, "Because you're married to her."
We live in a society that doesn't care much at all about forgiveness. Our culture exalts those TV and movie heroes who take vengeance on others. Those who are willing to forgive are portrayed as weak, and those who refuse to forgive are strong. The result is a society filled with bitterness, vengeance, anger, hate and hostility. Marriages suffer because grudges are held and nobody's willing to forgive. Crimes of retaliation and ridiculously excessive lawsuits are rampantly common as people seek vengeance both inside or outside the law.
But Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others. In fact, he doesn't give us any other option, if we are to be his disciples. He said, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15). That's strong language!
Again in Mark 11:25-26, Jesus said, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
When Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21), Jesus responds by telling a parable about a master who forgave a servant's huge debt, but that servant refused to forgive another servant who owed him a small amount. The story ends with an angry master turning over the unforgiving servant to the jailers for torture and torment. And then Jesus made the application in one of the harshest statements in all the gospels: "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18:35).
Jesus makes it painfully clear that forgiving others is directly related to our being forgiven by God, and our unwillingness to forgive destroys the bridge over which God's forgiveness comes to us. Before you ask for God to forgive you, is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is an assurance of things hoped for, a sure persuasion of things not seen;
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Philippians 4:19
God will abundantly recompense you out of his full storehouse of blessing in Christ.
Prayer
Father, in our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the broken-hearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heavenbound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time. Amen.
During a children’s sermon one Sunday morning, I held up an ugly-looking summer shirt that I wore occasionally around the house. I explained to the children that someone said the shirt was ugly and should be thrown away.
"This really hurt me," I explained. "I'm having trouble forgiving the person who said those mean things. Do you think I should forgive that person?" I asked the children.
Immediately, my six-year-old daughter, Alicia, raised her hand. "Yes, you should," she said without hesitation. "But why? The person hurt my feelings," I responded.
To which Alicia wisely answered, "Because you're married to her."
We live in a society that doesn't care much at all about forgiveness. Our culture exalts those TV and movie heroes who take vengeance on others. Those who are willing to forgive are portrayed as weak, and those who refuse to forgive are strong. The result is a society filled with bitterness, vengeance, anger, hate and hostility. Marriages suffer because grudges are held and nobody's willing to forgive. Crimes of retaliation and ridiculously excessive lawsuits are rampantly common as people seek vengeance both inside or outside the law.
But Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others. In fact, he doesn't give us any other option, if we are to be his disciples. He said, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15). That's strong language!
Again in Mark 11:25-26, Jesus said, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
When Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21), Jesus responds by telling a parable about a master who forgave a servant's huge debt, but that servant refused to forgive another servant who owed him a small amount. The story ends with an angry master turning over the unforgiving servant to the jailers for torture and torment. And then Jesus made the application in one of the harshest statements in all the gospels: "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18:35).
Jesus makes it painfully clear that forgiving others is directly related to our being forgiven by God, and our unwillingness to forgive destroys the bridge over which God's forgiveness comes to us. Before you ask for God to forgive you, is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is an assurance of things hoped for, a sure persuasion of things not seen;
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Philippians 4:19
God will abundantly recompense you out of his full storehouse of blessing in Christ.
Prayer
Father, in our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the broken-hearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earthbound, but our affection for You is heavenbound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time. Amen.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (05 05 2009)
Thought for the day
A small bottle containing urine sat on the desk of Sir William Osler. He was then the eminent professor of medicine at Oxford University. Sitting before him was a classroom full of young wide-eyed medical students listening to his lecture on the importance of observing details. To emphasize his point, he reached down and picked up the bottle. Holding it high, he announced:
"This bottle contains a urine sample for analysis. It's often possible by testing it to determine the disease from which the patient suffers."Suiting action to words, he dipped a finger into the urine and then into his mouth as he continued: "Now I am going to pass this bottle around. Each of you please do exactly as I did. Perhaps we can learn the importance of this technique and diagnose the case."
The bottle made its way from row to row as each student gingerly poked his finger in and bravely sampled the contents with a frown. Dr. Osler then retrieved the bottle and startled his students with these words:
"Gentlemen, now you will understand what I mean when I speak about details. Had you been observant, you would have seen that I put my index finger into the bottle but my middle finger into my mouth."
Jesus put the same emphasis on the importance of paying attention to details. Consider how many times Jesus spoke the words:"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matthew 13:9) In other words, "Pay attention! Listen closely to what I'm about to say."
Far too often, we only half-listen (my wife will tell you that I'm especially prone to this whenever she's talking to me). We hear some of what is said, but we tend to miss many of the details (in my defense, I can usually come back from the store with three of the four items she told me to pick up!).
As serious as that tendency may be in our everyday lives, it can be deadly to us spiritually. Missing out on what Jesus has to say may mean the difference between eternal life and eternal death.
So, pay attention! Listen carefully!
Verses
Romans 10:17
This shews that believing depends on tidings heard, and that hearing in turn implies God's word uttered.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
2 Corinthians 9:11
God will make you rich in all things: rich enough for you to be a great blessing to the poor. Your generous gift through me will make many people thank God for you.
PrayerFather, I consider the extremely difficult choice Job made not to sin by charging You with wrongdoing. I consider Joseph who withstood tremendous temptation by resisting the seduction of Potiphar’s wife. And I consider Daniel who refused to stop the custom of praying to his Father in heaven though he knew it would land him in the lions’ den. These three, among scores of other godly brothers and sisters throughout the centuries, chose to do the right thing knowing that doing so would cause them great suffering, terrible injustice, or martyrdom. The ultimate example is Jesus, Your Son, who died in our stead though He was wholly innocent of sin. Help me not to look for that which is easy, quick, or that which will avoid consequence. I choose to deal with the consequence of obedience to You; whether or not it works out for my good in the short term. May my greatest concern be for that which works for my good internally and eternally. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
A small bottle containing urine sat on the desk of Sir William Osler. He was then the eminent professor of medicine at Oxford University. Sitting before him was a classroom full of young wide-eyed medical students listening to his lecture on the importance of observing details. To emphasize his point, he reached down and picked up the bottle. Holding it high, he announced:
"This bottle contains a urine sample for analysis. It's often possible by testing it to determine the disease from which the patient suffers."Suiting action to words, he dipped a finger into the urine and then into his mouth as he continued: "Now I am going to pass this bottle around. Each of you please do exactly as I did. Perhaps we can learn the importance of this technique and diagnose the case."
The bottle made its way from row to row as each student gingerly poked his finger in and bravely sampled the contents with a frown. Dr. Osler then retrieved the bottle and startled his students with these words:
"Gentlemen, now you will understand what I mean when I speak about details. Had you been observant, you would have seen that I put my index finger into the bottle but my middle finger into my mouth."
Jesus put the same emphasis on the importance of paying attention to details. Consider how many times Jesus spoke the words:"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matthew 13:9) In other words, "Pay attention! Listen closely to what I'm about to say."
Far too often, we only half-listen (my wife will tell you that I'm especially prone to this whenever she's talking to me). We hear some of what is said, but we tend to miss many of the details (in my defense, I can usually come back from the store with three of the four items she told me to pick up!).
As serious as that tendency may be in our everyday lives, it can be deadly to us spiritually. Missing out on what Jesus has to say may mean the difference between eternal life and eternal death.
So, pay attention! Listen carefully!
Verses
Romans 10:17
This shews that believing depends on tidings heard, and that hearing in turn implies God's word uttered.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
2 Corinthians 9:11
God will make you rich in all things: rich enough for you to be a great blessing to the poor. Your generous gift through me will make many people thank God for you.
PrayerFather, I consider the extremely difficult choice Job made not to sin by charging You with wrongdoing. I consider Joseph who withstood tremendous temptation by resisting the seduction of Potiphar’s wife. And I consider Daniel who refused to stop the custom of praying to his Father in heaven though he knew it would land him in the lions’ den. These three, among scores of other godly brothers and sisters throughout the centuries, chose to do the right thing knowing that doing so would cause them great suffering, terrible injustice, or martyrdom. The ultimate example is Jesus, Your Son, who died in our stead though He was wholly innocent of sin. Help me not to look for that which is easy, quick, or that which will avoid consequence. I choose to deal with the consequence of obedience to You; whether or not it works out for my good in the short term. May my greatest concern be for that which works for my good internally and eternally. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (04 05 2009)
Thought for the day
I heard a story once about two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, who traveled with a group that was going around the world. As they were visiting in Korea, they saw by the side of the road, a field in which a boy was pulling a crude plow and an old man held the plow handles and guided it.
The lawyer was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.
He turned to the missionary, who served as their interpreter and guide, and he said, "That's a curious picture. I suppose they are very poor.
"The guide replied, "Yes, that is the family of Chi Noue. When the place of worship was being built, they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money, so they sold their only ox and gave the money to the church. This spring, they are pulling the plow themselves.
"The men were silent for several moments. Then the businessman replied, "That must have been a real sacrifice."The guide said, "They do not call it that. They thought it was fortunate that they had an ox to sell."
I am reminded of a parable Jesus told: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matt. 13:44).Notice carefully the words "for joy."
This man doesn't just sell everything he has; he does so with joy. He doesn't regret it. He doesn't complain about the sacrifice he has to make. In fact, he probably doesn't even consider it to be a sacrifice. He gives a lot for the field, but he gets so much more in return.
When I perform a wedding ceremony, I often include these words: "Whatever sacrifice you will be required to make to preserve this common life, always make it generously. Sacrifice is usually difficult. Only love can make it easy; and perfect love can make it a joy."The same thing holds true in our walk with Christ. Sacrifices will be necessary, and only a deep love for Christ will make them a joy. The real test of our commitment is not so much whether we are willing to make sacrifices for our Lord, but whether we are able to make those sacrifices with joy.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
For this reason take up all the arms of God, so that you may be able to be strong in the evil day, and, having done all, to keep your place.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Ephesians 3:14-15
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Luke 18:1
He also showed them, by means of a parable, that they ought to persist in prayer, without becoming weary.
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to [all] this? If God be for us, who [can be] against us? -- Who can be our foe, if God is on our side? [Ps. 118:6.]
Prayer
Father, help us to be ever watchful and always prayerful as we see the foundations of our Christian faith attacked. Through the power of Your Spirit we want to take a firm position against the enemy and be strong in our faith. We stand with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world who are going through the same kind of struggles, or worse, and especially pray for those who are paying a great price for their uncompromising stand. You assure us that after we suffer for a little while, You will restore, support, strengthen and sustain us as we remain firm on Your foundation.
You laid in Zion a sure foundation, a Stone. That tried but proven Stone is Jesus, one whom the builders rejected, yet a precious Cornerstone to those of us who are building our lives upon this Rock. It is only in Him, our solid Rock, that we can anchor our soul so that it does not drift aimlessly by the strong winds, the fierce storms or rising waters. Nor the mirages that counterfeit the reality of Your timeless truths as revealed to us in Scripture. Help us to be on guard against false prophets and keep us in maintenance mode, no matter how much we may feel like giving up. For it’s not the one who runs the swiftest, nor the one who runs for just a day, but the one who endures to the end who shall be saved. Amen.
I heard a story once about two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, who traveled with a group that was going around the world. As they were visiting in Korea, they saw by the side of the road, a field in which a boy was pulling a crude plow and an old man held the plow handles and guided it.
The lawyer was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.
He turned to the missionary, who served as their interpreter and guide, and he said, "That's a curious picture. I suppose they are very poor.
"The guide replied, "Yes, that is the family of Chi Noue. When the place of worship was being built, they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money, so they sold their only ox and gave the money to the church. This spring, they are pulling the plow themselves.
"The men were silent for several moments. Then the businessman replied, "That must have been a real sacrifice."The guide said, "They do not call it that. They thought it was fortunate that they had an ox to sell."
I am reminded of a parable Jesus told: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matt. 13:44).Notice carefully the words "for joy."
This man doesn't just sell everything he has; he does so with joy. He doesn't regret it. He doesn't complain about the sacrifice he has to make. In fact, he probably doesn't even consider it to be a sacrifice. He gives a lot for the field, but he gets so much more in return.
When I perform a wedding ceremony, I often include these words: "Whatever sacrifice you will be required to make to preserve this common life, always make it generously. Sacrifice is usually difficult. Only love can make it easy; and perfect love can make it a joy."The same thing holds true in our walk with Christ. Sacrifices will be necessary, and only a deep love for Christ will make them a joy. The real test of our commitment is not so much whether we are willing to make sacrifices for our Lord, but whether we are able to make those sacrifices with joy.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
For this reason take up all the arms of God, so that you may be able to be strong in the evil day, and, having done all, to keep your place.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Ephesians 3:14-15
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Luke 18:1
He also showed them, by means of a parable, that they ought to persist in prayer, without becoming weary.
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to [all] this? If God be for us, who [can be] against us? -- Who can be our foe, if God is on our side? [Ps. 118:6.]
Prayer
Father, help us to be ever watchful and always prayerful as we see the foundations of our Christian faith attacked. Through the power of Your Spirit we want to take a firm position against the enemy and be strong in our faith. We stand with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world who are going through the same kind of struggles, or worse, and especially pray for those who are paying a great price for their uncompromising stand. You assure us that after we suffer for a little while, You will restore, support, strengthen and sustain us as we remain firm on Your foundation.
You laid in Zion a sure foundation, a Stone. That tried but proven Stone is Jesus, one whom the builders rejected, yet a precious Cornerstone to those of us who are building our lives upon this Rock. It is only in Him, our solid Rock, that we can anchor our soul so that it does not drift aimlessly by the strong winds, the fierce storms or rising waters. Nor the mirages that counterfeit the reality of Your timeless truths as revealed to us in Scripture. Help us to be on guard against false prophets and keep us in maintenance mode, no matter how much we may feel like giving up. For it’s not the one who runs the swiftest, nor the one who runs for just a day, but the one who endures to the end who shall be saved. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)