Thought for the day
The story is told about a woman who called her husband on his car phone as he was on his way home from work and she said, “Honey, you need to be careful. I just saw on the news that there’s some nut driving the wrong way on the Interstate.”
Her husband said, “There’s not just one nut, there’s hundreds of them!”
Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt like trying to do God’s will makes you go the wrong way down the road? All the traffic’s coming the other way. Have you ever thought, “If everybody’s going this way, it’s so hard to go against the flow. Would God really mind if I just turned around for a little while?”An article in The London Times a couple of years ago reported that there are currently about 200 million Christians in over 60 countries who are being persecuted for their faith.
Because we have freedom in South Africa to worship God, those of us who live here sometimes we forget just how many people in this world live under oppression – by Communist authorities or Muslim authorities, or authorities who simply oppose God and the people who follow God.
And even if you don’t face governmental oppression, there are no doubt many of you who live with oppression – in your home, in your workplace or at your school – oppressed by a family member or boss or teacher who makes it difficult on you as a Christian. More and more, we all are living in an anti-God culture. We live in an environment that makes it difficult at times for us to stand up for God.
We must remember the words of Paul: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
No matter which way the crowd around you is flowing, may you have the courage to travel the direction that God would have you to travel.
Verses
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes, saying, "As you believe, so your prayer is granted,"
Exodus 23:25
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Matthew 21:22
and everything that you ask for in your prayers you shall have, if you believe."
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes rich; Toil yields no increase like it.
Prayer
Father, we have freely received Your gift of forgiveness and salvation. Because of this we are motivated by compassion for the lost as we recognize their ultimate human need is to have a spiritual relationship with You. We want to be a part of the ultimate mission in reaching them with the gospel message so that they might have forgiveness of sins and enjoy eternal life in heaven. Keep us ever mindful of our mission and obedient to Your leading. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (30 09 2009)
Thought for the day
It is reported that the German controllers at Frankfurt Airport expect pilots to know their gate location and how to get there without any assistance from them. This conversation is said to have taken place between the control tower in Frankfurt and a British Airways 747 (radio call Speedbird 206) after landing:
Speedbird 206: "Good morning Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of the runway.
"Ground: "Guten morgan, taxi to your gate."
The British Airways 747 pulls onto the main taxiway and stops.
Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?"
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, ground, I'm looking up the gate location now."
Ground (with impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you never flown to Frankfurt before?"
Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, in 1944. But I didn't stop".
Things look different from the ground than they do in the air! (especially when the view from the air has crosshairs that get in the way :-) Our perspective makes all the difference in the world.Which raises an interesting question -- do we tend to look at things from an earthly point of view or from a heavenly point of view?
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)
If things in your life aren't looking so good from "ground level", perhaps it will help to take a look at things from a heavenly perspective.
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all God's promises He is the Yes that makes them come true. And so He makes it possible for us to give glory to God by saying, "It is true."
Exodus 23:25
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,
James 1:17
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes rich; Toil yields no increase like it.
Prayer
Father, it is through Your eyes of compassion that we see people who have genuine need. Help us not to look at a distance and wait for others to respond, but be willing to do our part as we ask You to help us meet the need. Even as You have given to us the abundant life, help us to be abundant in giving of ourselves to others in their need. We pray for this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
It is reported that the German controllers at Frankfurt Airport expect pilots to know their gate location and how to get there without any assistance from them. This conversation is said to have taken place between the control tower in Frankfurt and a British Airways 747 (radio call Speedbird 206) after landing:
Speedbird 206: "Good morning Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of the runway.
"Ground: "Guten morgan, taxi to your gate."
The British Airways 747 pulls onto the main taxiway and stops.
Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?"
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, ground, I'm looking up the gate location now."
Ground (with impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you never flown to Frankfurt before?"
Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, in 1944. But I didn't stop".
Things look different from the ground than they do in the air! (especially when the view from the air has crosshairs that get in the way :-) Our perspective makes all the difference in the world.Which raises an interesting question -- do we tend to look at things from an earthly point of view or from a heavenly point of view?
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)
If things in your life aren't looking so good from "ground level", perhaps it will help to take a look at things from a heavenly perspective.
Verses
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all God's promises He is the Yes that makes them come true. And so He makes it possible for us to give glory to God by saying, "It is true."
Exodus 23:25
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,
James 1:17
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes rich; Toil yields no increase like it.
Prayer
Father, it is through Your eyes of compassion that we see people who have genuine need. Help us not to look at a distance and wait for others to respond, but be willing to do our part as we ask You to help us meet the need. Even as You have given to us the abundant life, help us to be abundant in giving of ourselves to others in their need. We pray for this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (29 09 2009)
Thought for the day
The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.
"The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV) "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10)May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
Verses
Mark 11:23
Amen, I say to you, whoever shall say to the mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart but shall be believing that what he utters comes to pass, he shall have it.
Exodus 23:25
You must worship the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless your bread and your water. I will take away sickness from you.
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember that everyone who has sown sparingly will also reap sparingly. And everyone who has sown generously will also reap generously.
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 story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter.
"The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV) "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10)May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
Verses
Mark 11:23
Amen, I say to you, whoever shall say to the mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart but shall be believing that what he utters comes to pass, he shall have it.
Exodus 23:25
You must worship the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless your bread and your water. I will take away sickness from you.
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember that everyone who has sown sparingly will also reap sparingly. And everyone who has sown generously will also reap generously.
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.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (28 09 2009)
Thought for the day
It is said that during a service at an old synagogue in Eastern Europe, when the Shema prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting.
The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, and the ones standing yelled at the ones sitting to stand up.
The rabbi, learned as he was in the Law and commentaries, didn't know what to do. His congregation suggested that he consult a housebound 98-year-old man, who was one of the original founders of their temple. The rabbi hoped the elderly man would be able to tell him what the actual temple tradition was, so he went to the nursing home with a representative of each faction of the congregation.
The one whose followers stood during Shema said to the old man, "Is it ourtradition to stand during this prayer?"
The old man answered, "No,that isnot our tradition."
The one whose followers sat asked, "Is it our tradition to sit during Shema?" The old man answered, "No, that is not our tradition."
Then the rabbi said to the old man, "The congregants fight all the time, yelling at each other about whether they should sit or stand..."
The old man interrupted, exclaiming, "THAT is our tradition!"I think I've known some congregations with that same tradition!:-)
Seriously, though, what is our tradition? What is it that we have done over and over until it is what we are known for? Is it our posture in prayer? Or is it our fussing and arguing with one another?
Traditions of men are to be renounced when they oppose the commandments of God (Mark 7:9), but tradition is nothing more than we way we normally do things. Wouldn't it be great to have a tradition of loving service to God? Or a tradition of unity?
The church in Thessalonica had a great tradition. Paul speaks of it as he opens his second letter to them:"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure." (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
What's your tradition?
Verses
1 John 5:4
because all that has derived its Life from God masters the world. This is the power that has mastered the world -- our faith!
Exodus 23:25
You must worship the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless your bread and your water. I will take away sickness from you.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Never give in then, my dear brothers, never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord's work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be laboring in vain.
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious gift of life--so that nothing may hinder your prayers.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember the saying: "A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, and a generous sower will reap a bumper crop."
Prayer
Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
It is said that during a service at an old synagogue in Eastern Europe, when the Shema prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting.
The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, and the ones standing yelled at the ones sitting to stand up.
The rabbi, learned as he was in the Law and commentaries, didn't know what to do. His congregation suggested that he consult a housebound 98-year-old man, who was one of the original founders of their temple. The rabbi hoped the elderly man would be able to tell him what the actual temple tradition was, so he went to the nursing home with a representative of each faction of the congregation.
The one whose followers stood during Shema said to the old man, "Is it ourtradition to stand during this prayer?"
The old man answered, "No,that isnot our tradition."
The one whose followers sat asked, "Is it our tradition to sit during Shema?" The old man answered, "No, that is not our tradition."
Then the rabbi said to the old man, "The congregants fight all the time, yelling at each other about whether they should sit or stand..."
The old man interrupted, exclaiming, "THAT is our tradition!"I think I've known some congregations with that same tradition!:-)
Seriously, though, what is our tradition? What is it that we have done over and over until it is what we are known for? Is it our posture in prayer? Or is it our fussing and arguing with one another?
Traditions of men are to be renounced when they oppose the commandments of God (Mark 7:9), but tradition is nothing more than we way we normally do things. Wouldn't it be great to have a tradition of loving service to God? Or a tradition of unity?
The church in Thessalonica had a great tradition. Paul speaks of it as he opens his second letter to them:"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure." (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
What's your tradition?
Verses
1 John 5:4
because all that has derived its Life from God masters the world. This is the power that has mastered the world -- our faith!
Exodus 23:25
You must worship the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless your bread and your water. I will take away sickness from you.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Never give in then, my dear brothers, never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord's work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be laboring in vain.
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious gift of life--so that nothing may hinder your prayers.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember the saying: "A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, and a generous sower will reap a bumper crop."
Prayer
Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (25 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Charlie Boswell was blinded during World War II while rescuing his friend from a tank that was under fire. He was a great athlete before his accident and in a testimony to his talent and determination he decided to try a brand new sport, a sport he never imagined playing, even with his eyesight . . .golf!
Through determination and a deep love for the game he became the National Blind Golf Champion! He won that honor 13 times. One of his heroes was the great golfer Ben Hogan, so it truly was an honor for Charlie to win the Ben Hogan Award in 1958.
Upon meeting Ben Hogan, Charlie was awestruck and stated that he had one wish and it was to have one round of golf with the great Ben Hogan. Mr. Hogan agreed that playing a round together would be an honor for him as well, as he had heard about all of Charlie's accomplishments and truly admired his skills.
"Would you like to play for money, Mr. Hogan?" blurted out Charlie.
"I can't play you for money, it wouldn't be fair!" said Mr. Hogan.
"Aw, come on, Mr. Hogan.....$1,000 per hole!"
"I can't, what would people think of me, taking advantage of you and your circumstance," replied the sighted golfer.
"Chicken, Mr. Hogan?"
"Okay," blurted a frustrated Hogan, "but I am going to play my best!"
"I wouldn't expect anything else," said the confident Boswell.
"You're on Mr. Boswell, you name the time and the place!"
A very self-assured Boswell responded: "10 o'clock . . . tonight!
"Timing is everything! As Solomon said, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Eccl. 3:1). But the problem for me has always been doing or saying something at the right time. So often, I'll leave a conversation and hours later be thinking, "That's what I should have said!", but it's too late, the time has passed.
Solomon also said, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Prov. 15:23), or as the NCV translates it, "People enjoy giving good advice.
Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing."Father, may the words I speak today be "the right words at the right time" both to be of help to others and to be a glory to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Mark 9:23
And Jesus answered, "The question is, if you can do anything. Everything is possible for the person who believes."
Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Psalm 66:19
But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord gives wealth: hard work makes it no greater.
Prayer
Father, Your grace is amazing, far beyond the natural circumstances of life, so that it requires a heart of faith if we are to receive the free gift of Your salvation. Thank You for your greatest sacrifice when You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Through His righteous act where He paid fully with His very life, we received the free gift of salvation available to all who will call upon the name of the Lord.
Charlie Boswell was blinded during World War II while rescuing his friend from a tank that was under fire. He was a great athlete before his accident and in a testimony to his talent and determination he decided to try a brand new sport, a sport he never imagined playing, even with his eyesight . . .golf!
Through determination and a deep love for the game he became the National Blind Golf Champion! He won that honor 13 times. One of his heroes was the great golfer Ben Hogan, so it truly was an honor for Charlie to win the Ben Hogan Award in 1958.
Upon meeting Ben Hogan, Charlie was awestruck and stated that he had one wish and it was to have one round of golf with the great Ben Hogan. Mr. Hogan agreed that playing a round together would be an honor for him as well, as he had heard about all of Charlie's accomplishments and truly admired his skills.
"Would you like to play for money, Mr. Hogan?" blurted out Charlie.
"I can't play you for money, it wouldn't be fair!" said Mr. Hogan.
"Aw, come on, Mr. Hogan.....$1,000 per hole!"
"I can't, what would people think of me, taking advantage of you and your circumstance," replied the sighted golfer.
"Chicken, Mr. Hogan?"
"Okay," blurted a frustrated Hogan, "but I am going to play my best!"
"I wouldn't expect anything else," said the confident Boswell.
"You're on Mr. Boswell, you name the time and the place!"
A very self-assured Boswell responded: "10 o'clock . . . tonight!
"Timing is everything! As Solomon said, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Eccl. 3:1). But the problem for me has always been doing or saying something at the right time. So often, I'll leave a conversation and hours later be thinking, "That's what I should have said!", but it's too late, the time has passed.
Solomon also said, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Prov. 15:23), or as the NCV translates it, "People enjoy giving good advice.
Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing."Father, may the words I speak today be "the right words at the right time" both to be of help to others and to be a glory to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Mark 9:23
And Jesus answered, "The question is, if you can do anything. Everything is possible for the person who believes."
Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Psalm 66:19
But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord gives wealth: hard work makes it no greater.
Prayer
Father, Your grace is amazing, far beyond the natural circumstances of life, so that it requires a heart of faith if we are to receive the free gift of Your salvation. Thank You for your greatest sacrifice when You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Through His righteous act where He paid fully with His very life, we received the free gift of salvation available to all who will call upon the name of the Lord.
Thursday prayer & verses (24 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son.
"Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!"
"But why, Mom? I don't want to go."
"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go."
"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me, too!"
"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready."
"Give me two reasons why I should go to school."
"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the principal!"
Sometimes we have to do things even when we don't feel like doing them! It's called having a sense of duty. I think perhaps the concept of duty has taken some abuse in the church. We sometimes talk about the importance of doing things for God because we want to, not because we have to. And I would wholeheartedly agree with that. But if we only serve God when we really "feel" like it, our service would be minimal indeed. Sometimes the feelings aren't there, and we need to continue to serve knowing that it is the "right" thing to do.It shouldn't bother us to think that way because we do many other things in life for the same reason.
For example, I am a father of three children. When each of of those babies entered my home, I loved them. And I provided for their needs because I loved them. But, I can honestly say that there were many times I got up in the middle of night to meet their needs when I didn't "feel" like it. There were times when I got out of bed exhausted and irritable, and the only reason I got up was because I had a responsibility as a father to meet their needs. The love is always there, but sometimes it is a sense of duty that drives you to do what needs to be done.
The same thing is true in our Christian walk. When you get "exhausted and irritable" in your service to Christ, when you don't "feel" like doing what you know needs to be done, may a sense of responsibility, a sense of duty, drive you to continue to remain faithful."And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say,
'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:7-10)
Verses
1 Corinthians 15:57
But to God be the thanks, who is ever giving us the victory Through our Lord, Jesus the Messiah!
Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
2 Corinthians 9:10
God is the One who gives seed to the person who plants. And he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make your seed grow. He will make a great harvest from your goodness (giving).
Prayer
Father, You welcome all to be a part of Your kingdom: the young and the old, the weak and the strong, those born in ideal circumstances and those conceived in the worst imaginable settings. All the days ordained for our lives were written in Your book before one of them came to be. May our welcoming voices and warm touch make an eternal difference to innocent lives born in our hostile world, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son.
"Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!"
"But why, Mom? I don't want to go."
"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go."
"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me, too!"
"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready."
"Give me two reasons why I should go to school."
"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the principal!"
Sometimes we have to do things even when we don't feel like doing them! It's called having a sense of duty. I think perhaps the concept of duty has taken some abuse in the church. We sometimes talk about the importance of doing things for God because we want to, not because we have to. And I would wholeheartedly agree with that. But if we only serve God when we really "feel" like it, our service would be minimal indeed. Sometimes the feelings aren't there, and we need to continue to serve knowing that it is the "right" thing to do.It shouldn't bother us to think that way because we do many other things in life for the same reason.
For example, I am a father of three children. When each of of those babies entered my home, I loved them. And I provided for their needs because I loved them. But, I can honestly say that there were many times I got up in the middle of night to meet their needs when I didn't "feel" like it. There were times when I got out of bed exhausted and irritable, and the only reason I got up was because I had a responsibility as a father to meet their needs. The love is always there, but sometimes it is a sense of duty that drives you to do what needs to be done.
The same thing is true in our Christian walk. When you get "exhausted and irritable" in your service to Christ, when you don't "feel" like doing what you know needs to be done, may a sense of responsibility, a sense of duty, drive you to continue to remain faithful."And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say,
'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:7-10)
Verses
1 Corinthians 15:57
But to God be the thanks, who is ever giving us the victory Through our Lord, Jesus the Messiah!
Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
2 Corinthians 9:10
God is the One who gives seed to the person who plants. And he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make your seed grow. He will make a great harvest from your goodness (giving).
Prayer
Father, You welcome all to be a part of Your kingdom: the young and the old, the weak and the strong, those born in ideal circumstances and those conceived in the worst imaginable settings. All the days ordained for our lives were written in Your book before one of them came to be. May our welcoming voices and warm touch make an eternal difference to innocent lives born in our hostile world, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Forward
Prophet Riaan du Toit
FORWARD
We are in a period of Fasting as a congregation and we are being challenged by God to forget the old way of doing things. Your past shall be forgotten and irrelevant. A new thing, such a work as was never yet done in the world must come forth from you.
In LEVITICUS 26 the Word of God declares to make room for the new !
Clear out the old store of things kept too long. Your stock of old corn would be still unexhausted and large when the next harvest will bring a new supply. Make way for the new corn, which also is so plentiful, that of itself it will fill up your barns.
It was also Paul of old that aimed to do this one thing, forgetting what lies behind and reaching to that which lies ahead. We have to be able to turn our back on yesterday and go FORWARD !
Let it go and go FORWARD !
Get up from your captive place and go FORWARD !
It may be that you are caught up with such bad memories or even concepts about
yesterday that’s not God like. This is exactly where the children of Israel found themselves when they faced the Red sea before them and the Egyptian army behind them. In EXODUS 14 there was nothing behind them but:
Slavery;
400 years of bad memories;
An army wanting to kill them !
It also states in the very same chapter that you will never see them again !!!!!
There is no turning back ! We have to continue moving FORWARD !
This is also the place where Moses cried out to God and the Lord said, FORWARD !!!!!!
We will never see lack again !
We will never see defeat again !
We will never see famine again !
You will never see me like you see me now !
We can’t remain the same……we were born for greater things ! Make the decision with your spouse and family and choose to go FORWARD !
FORWARD
We are in a period of Fasting as a congregation and we are being challenged by God to forget the old way of doing things. Your past shall be forgotten and irrelevant. A new thing, such a work as was never yet done in the world must come forth from you.
In LEVITICUS 26 the Word of God declares to make room for the new !
Clear out the old store of things kept too long. Your stock of old corn would be still unexhausted and large when the next harvest will bring a new supply. Make way for the new corn, which also is so plentiful, that of itself it will fill up your barns.
It was also Paul of old that aimed to do this one thing, forgetting what lies behind and reaching to that which lies ahead. We have to be able to turn our back on yesterday and go FORWARD !
Let it go and go FORWARD !
Get up from your captive place and go FORWARD !
It may be that you are caught up with such bad memories or even concepts about
yesterday that’s not God like. This is exactly where the children of Israel found themselves when they faced the Red sea before them and the Egyptian army behind them. In EXODUS 14 there was nothing behind them but:
Slavery;
400 years of bad memories;
An army wanting to kill them !
It also states in the very same chapter that you will never see them again !!!!!
There is no turning back ! We have to continue moving FORWARD !
This is also the place where Moses cried out to God and the Lord said, FORWARD !!!!!!
We will never see lack again !
We will never see defeat again !
We will never see famine again !
You will never see me like you see me now !
We can’t remain the same……we were born for greater things ! Make the decision with your spouse and family and choose to go FORWARD !
Tuesday prayer & verses (23 09 2009)
Thought for the day
A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."
His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket.""That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed."That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!""No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for.""But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise.""Yes, it's true," came the reply.
"It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs."See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you."What's important to you? What do you listen for? Are there times that you fail to listen to God or see what God is doing in your life because you are focused on other things that are more important to you?
Jesus said, "For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear." (Matt. 13:15-16)
Father, we pray -- amidst all the distractions of the world all around us, may our ears always be open to your voice, and our eyes open to your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Matthew 21:21
Jesus said to them in reply, "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith and do not waver, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done.
Joel 3:10
Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am strong.' "
Ephesians 4:29
Do not use harmful words in talking. Use only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
Romans 10:12
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for all have the same Lord and his riches are available for all who call on him for help.
Prayer
I stand at the crossroads and look; I ask for the ancient paths where the good way is, and by God’s grace I choose to walk in it and accept Your promise that I will find rest for my soul. Lord, as I stand at the crossroads of decision I am pulled in many directions, but then I see the well-worn path marked out by the faithful followers of God throughout the centuries – the faithful ones who remained true to Your ancient law whose hearts did not betray the One True God. With godly determination I earnestly desire to follow in the steps of the Master that leads me to find rest for my soul on earth and secures a heavenly home where my soul no longer grows weary.
A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."
His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket.""That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed."That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!""No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for.""But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise.""Yes, it's true," came the reply.
"It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs."See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you."What's important to you? What do you listen for? Are there times that you fail to listen to God or see what God is doing in your life because you are focused on other things that are more important to you?
Jesus said, "For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear." (Matt. 13:15-16)
Father, we pray -- amidst all the distractions of the world all around us, may our ears always be open to your voice, and our eyes open to your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Matthew 21:21
Jesus said to them in reply, "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith and do not waver, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done.
Joel 3:10
Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, 'I am strong.' "
Ephesians 4:29
Do not use harmful words in talking. Use only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
Romans 10:12
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for all have the same Lord and his riches are available for all who call on him for help.
Prayer
I stand at the crossroads and look; I ask for the ancient paths where the good way is, and by God’s grace I choose to walk in it and accept Your promise that I will find rest for my soul. Lord, as I stand at the crossroads of decision I am pulled in many directions, but then I see the well-worn path marked out by the faithful followers of God throughout the centuries – the faithful ones who remained true to Your ancient law whose hearts did not betray the One True God. With godly determination I earnestly desire to follow in the steps of the Master that leads me to find rest for my soul on earth and secures a heavenly home where my soul no longer grows weary.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (22 09 2009)
Thought for the day
I heard about a preacher who was talking with a man, and he asked him, "Do you know the Bible?" The man said, "Yes, sir." He said, "What part of the Bible do you know the best?" The man said, "The New Testament."
The preacher went on to ask him what part of the New Testament he knew the best. The man said, "Well, I suppose I know the story of the Good Samaritan best of all." The preacher said, "Tell me that story."
The man said, “Well, as best as I can recall, there was a good Samaritan traveling down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho and he fell among the thorns and they sprang up and choked him and left him half dead. “But a man came by feeding his swine and he said to the man, ‘I will arise and go to my father.’ So he took up his bed and walked. But while the soldiers were chasing him through the forest, he got the hair of his head caught up in the trees and he hung there 40 days and 40 nights, and the ravens fed him.
“Just then, Delilah came along with a big pair of shears and she cut off his hair and he fell on stony ground. But the good master of the house resurrected the man and he journeyed on his way. “All of a sudden, he came to the wall of Jericho and there’s Jezebel sitting on the wall and she mocked him. And he said, ‘Chunk her down to the dogs.’ And they chunked her down 70 times 7, and great was the fall thereof, and of the fragments that remained they picked up twelve baskets full, and whose wife shall she be in the resurrection?”
I would hope that no one's Bible knowledge here this morning is quite as bad as that, but I think it's safe to say that few of us know the Bible as well as we should. Contrary to popular opinion, when it comes to spiritual matters, ignorance is not bliss. In Proverbs 19:2, Solomon said, "It is not good for a soul to be without knowledge." God has always stressed the fact that his people need to know his word.
In the days of Hosea, God said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." (Hosea 4:6).
What was the problem? It wasn't that they didn't have access to God's Word. They just simply didn't care enough about it to listen to it. Does it scare you just a bit to realize that God could possibly say the same thing about us – “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"? Thom Rainer was accurate when he said, "Almost every home in our nation has one or more Bibles, but our citizens are biblically illiterate.”
We need to be known as a people of the book, a people who study and know and love the Bible.
Verses
Mark 5:36
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
1 Peter 2:24
The burden of our sins He Himself carried in His own body to the Cross and bore it there, so that we, having died so far as our sins are concerned, may live righteous lives. By His wounds yours have been healed.
Matthew 4:10
"Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him.' "
Luke 6:28
"bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
2 Corinthians 9:8
God has the power to supply you abundantly with every blessing. Thus you will always have enough for every situation, and you will be able to provide abundantly for every good work.
Prayer
Father, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we’re on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy! And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible! Amen.
I heard about a preacher who was talking with a man, and he asked him, "Do you know the Bible?" The man said, "Yes, sir." He said, "What part of the Bible do you know the best?" The man said, "The New Testament."
The preacher went on to ask him what part of the New Testament he knew the best. The man said, "Well, I suppose I know the story of the Good Samaritan best of all." The preacher said, "Tell me that story."
The man said, “Well, as best as I can recall, there was a good Samaritan traveling down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho and he fell among the thorns and they sprang up and choked him and left him half dead. “But a man came by feeding his swine and he said to the man, ‘I will arise and go to my father.’ So he took up his bed and walked. But while the soldiers were chasing him through the forest, he got the hair of his head caught up in the trees and he hung there 40 days and 40 nights, and the ravens fed him.
“Just then, Delilah came along with a big pair of shears and she cut off his hair and he fell on stony ground. But the good master of the house resurrected the man and he journeyed on his way. “All of a sudden, he came to the wall of Jericho and there’s Jezebel sitting on the wall and she mocked him. And he said, ‘Chunk her down to the dogs.’ And they chunked her down 70 times 7, and great was the fall thereof, and of the fragments that remained they picked up twelve baskets full, and whose wife shall she be in the resurrection?”
I would hope that no one's Bible knowledge here this morning is quite as bad as that, but I think it's safe to say that few of us know the Bible as well as we should. Contrary to popular opinion, when it comes to spiritual matters, ignorance is not bliss. In Proverbs 19:2, Solomon said, "It is not good for a soul to be without knowledge." God has always stressed the fact that his people need to know his word.
In the days of Hosea, God said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." (Hosea 4:6).
What was the problem? It wasn't that they didn't have access to God's Word. They just simply didn't care enough about it to listen to it. Does it scare you just a bit to realize that God could possibly say the same thing about us – “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"? Thom Rainer was accurate when he said, "Almost every home in our nation has one or more Bibles, but our citizens are biblically illiterate.”
We need to be known as a people of the book, a people who study and know and love the Bible.
Verses
Mark 5:36
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
1 Peter 2:24
The burden of our sins He Himself carried in His own body to the Cross and bore it there, so that we, having died so far as our sins are concerned, may live righteous lives. By His wounds yours have been healed.
Matthew 4:10
"Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him.' "
Luke 6:28
"bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
2 Corinthians 9:8
God has the power to supply you abundantly with every blessing. Thus you will always have enough for every situation, and you will be able to provide abundantly for every good work.
Prayer
Father, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we’re on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy! And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible! Amen.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (21 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Over the years, I have collected a lot of stories and anecdotes. Many of those stories are heard and quickly forgotten. A few of them, though, are so significant that I continue to be reminded of them because of the powerful lessons they teach. This morning's story is one of those that I rank among my favorites:
An ancient Chinese parable tells of Old Tan Chang who had a small farm overshadowed by a towering mountain. One day he got the notion to get rid of the mountain. With the help of his wife and sons, he began to hack at the rock around its base. A neighbor walked by and scoffed,
"You will never finish the job, old man! There are not enough days in the year for you to do this."
But Tan replied confidently, "I am not as foolish as you think, my friend. I may be old and feeble, but after I am gone, my sons will continue to peck away at the mountain. Then their sons and their sons'' sons will do the same. Since the mountain cannot grow, someday it will be level with the ground, and the sun will shine upon our land."
As I read the Bible, I am reminded that God's work often takes hundreds of years with each generation doing a little bit more until finally God's work is completed. The Hebrew writer tells us (11:13) that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all received promises from God, but those promises were not fulfilled in their generations. They "pecked away" at the mountain one stroke at a time, and later generations received a multitude of blessings.
It is a reminder that we need in our "instant culture". We have gotten used to instant coffee, instant messengers, and a multitude of other products all designed to help us receive what we want as quickly as possible. The result is that when we pray for God's will to be done in our lives, we want it done within the next five minutes. There are great things to be achieved simply by laying a groundwork that succeeding generations can build on.
It is a reminder that I need when I tackle a task that seems to be endless. Many days I have told myself that "the mountain cannot grow" and every chip I take out of the mountain makes it that much smaller, and in time, the mountain will be gone. I hope that if you are facing mountains in your life that this parable will serve as an encouragement to you as well.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58)
Verse
1 Peter 5:7
having deposited with Him once for all the whole of your worry, because to Him it is a matter of concern respecting you.
1 Peter 2:24
He took our sins on himself, giving his body to be nailed on the tree, so that we, being dead to sin, might have a new life in righteousness, and by his wounds we have been made well.
Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."
1 Corinthians 14:15
What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
James 1:4
Now let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and unimpaired, lacking in nothing.
Prayer
Father, we are assured that You will guide us each day as we keep in step with Your Spirit. You satisfy our needs and give strength to the weary. Thank You for hearing our cries and saving us from our troubles. Thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and comforting those whose spirits have been crushed. Though we choose to live according to Your ways we know that we’re not exempt from problems, but we are greatly encouraged to know that You, Father, solve them all and sustain us in the midst of them. Thank You faithful, holy and righteous One. Amen.
Over the years, I have collected a lot of stories and anecdotes. Many of those stories are heard and quickly forgotten. A few of them, though, are so significant that I continue to be reminded of them because of the powerful lessons they teach. This morning's story is one of those that I rank among my favorites:
An ancient Chinese parable tells of Old Tan Chang who had a small farm overshadowed by a towering mountain. One day he got the notion to get rid of the mountain. With the help of his wife and sons, he began to hack at the rock around its base. A neighbor walked by and scoffed,
"You will never finish the job, old man! There are not enough days in the year for you to do this."
But Tan replied confidently, "I am not as foolish as you think, my friend. I may be old and feeble, but after I am gone, my sons will continue to peck away at the mountain. Then their sons and their sons'' sons will do the same. Since the mountain cannot grow, someday it will be level with the ground, and the sun will shine upon our land."
As I read the Bible, I am reminded that God's work often takes hundreds of years with each generation doing a little bit more until finally God's work is completed. The Hebrew writer tells us (11:13) that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all received promises from God, but those promises were not fulfilled in their generations. They "pecked away" at the mountain one stroke at a time, and later generations received a multitude of blessings.
It is a reminder that we need in our "instant culture". We have gotten used to instant coffee, instant messengers, and a multitude of other products all designed to help us receive what we want as quickly as possible. The result is that when we pray for God's will to be done in our lives, we want it done within the next five minutes. There are great things to be achieved simply by laying a groundwork that succeeding generations can build on.
It is a reminder that I need when I tackle a task that seems to be endless. Many days I have told myself that "the mountain cannot grow" and every chip I take out of the mountain makes it that much smaller, and in time, the mountain will be gone. I hope that if you are facing mountains in your life that this parable will serve as an encouragement to you as well.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58)
Verse
1 Peter 5:7
having deposited with Him once for all the whole of your worry, because to Him it is a matter of concern respecting you.
1 Peter 2:24
He took our sins on himself, giving his body to be nailed on the tree, so that we, being dead to sin, might have a new life in righteousness, and by his wounds we have been made well.
Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."
1 Corinthians 14:15
What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
James 1:4
Now let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and unimpaired, lacking in nothing.
Prayer
Father, we are assured that You will guide us each day as we keep in step with Your Spirit. You satisfy our needs and give strength to the weary. Thank You for hearing our cries and saving us from our troubles. Thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and comforting those whose spirits have been crushed. Though we choose to live according to Your ways we know that we’re not exempt from problems, but we are greatly encouraged to know that You, Father, solve them all and sustain us in the midst of them. Thank You faithful, holy and righteous One. Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
When God created Fathers
When God Created Fathers
Erma Bombeck
When the good Lord was creating Fathers he started with a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said, "What kind of Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."
And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a Father's hands, they were large and sinewy. And the angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do you know what you're doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."
And God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day...yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands."
And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. And the angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"
And God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, and hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."
God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had every seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"
And God smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to ride a horse to Banbury Cross, or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, he added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now, are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother?"
The angel shutteth up.
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” - Psalm 103:13
“Soos ‘n vader hom ontferm oor die kinders, so ontferm die HERE Hom oor die wat Hom vrees.” - Psalm 103:13
Erma Bombeck
When the good Lord was creating Fathers he started with a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said, "What kind of Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."
And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a Father's hands, they were large and sinewy. And the angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do you know what you're doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."
And God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day...yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands."
And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. And the angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"
And God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, and hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."
God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had every seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"
And God smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to ride a horse to Banbury Cross, or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, he added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now, are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother?"
The angel shutteth up.
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” - Psalm 103:13
“Soos ‘n vader hom ontferm oor die kinders, so ontferm die HERE Hom oor die wat Hom vrees.” - Psalm 103:13
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (18 09 2009)
Thought for the day
There was a woman who spent some months serving as a missionary in South Africa. On her final visit to a remote township she attended a medical clinic. As the Zulu women there began to sing together, she found herself deeply moved by their hauntingly beautiful harmonies.
She wanted to always remember this moment and try to share it with friends when she arrived home. With tears flowing down her cheeks, she turned to her friend and asked,
"Can you please tell me the translation of the words to this song?"
Her friend looked at her and solemnly replied . . . "If you boil the water, you won't get dysentery."
How many times have we been guilty of the same thing in a worship service? No, not of singing that particular song, but of singing (and perhaps even being moved emotionally) without being aware of the meaning of the words we were singing.
Paul said, "I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding." (I Cor. 14:15).
The melody may be beautiful, but it is the lyrics which give our songs meaning. Pay careful attention to what is being said.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
Yet we have the same spirit of faith as the psalmist had when he said, "I believe, and that is why I have spoken."
We too believe, and that is why we speak as we do;
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Well then, my beloved brothers, hold your ground, immovable; abound in work for the Lord at all times, for you may be sure that in the Lord your labour is never thrown away.
Matthew 21:22
in fact, when you put your faith into action, you get anything you pray for."
Psalm 112:1,3
Praise Jehovah! Happy a man who fears Jehovah, takes great pleasure in his commandments: In his house are resources and riches, and his rightness stands forevermore.
Prayer
Father, we are assured that You will guide us each day as we keep in step with Your Spirit. You satisfy our needs and give strength to the weary. Thank You for hearing our cries and saving us from our troubles. Thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and comforting those whose spirits have been crushed. Though we choose to live according to Your ways we know that we’re not exempt from problems, but we are greatly encouraged to know that You, Father, solve them all and sustain us in the midst of them. Thank You faithful, holy and righteous One. Amen.
There was a woman who spent some months serving as a missionary in South Africa. On her final visit to a remote township she attended a medical clinic. As the Zulu women there began to sing together, she found herself deeply moved by their hauntingly beautiful harmonies.
She wanted to always remember this moment and try to share it with friends when she arrived home. With tears flowing down her cheeks, she turned to her friend and asked,
"Can you please tell me the translation of the words to this song?"
Her friend looked at her and solemnly replied . . . "If you boil the water, you won't get dysentery."
How many times have we been guilty of the same thing in a worship service? No, not of singing that particular song, but of singing (and perhaps even being moved emotionally) without being aware of the meaning of the words we were singing.
Paul said, "I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding." (I Cor. 14:15).
The melody may be beautiful, but it is the lyrics which give our songs meaning. Pay careful attention to what is being said.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
Yet we have the same spirit of faith as the psalmist had when he said, "I believe, and that is why I have spoken."
We too believe, and that is why we speak as we do;
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Well then, my beloved brothers, hold your ground, immovable; abound in work for the Lord at all times, for you may be sure that in the Lord your labour is never thrown away.
Matthew 21:22
in fact, when you put your faith into action, you get anything you pray for."
Psalm 112:1,3
Praise Jehovah! Happy a man who fears Jehovah, takes great pleasure in his commandments: In his house are resources and riches, and his rightness stands forevermore.
Prayer
Father, we are assured that You will guide us each day as we keep in step with Your Spirit. You satisfy our needs and give strength to the weary. Thank You for hearing our cries and saving us from our troubles. Thank You for being close to the brokenhearted and comforting those whose spirits have been crushed. Though we choose to live according to Your ways we know that we’re not exempt from problems, but we are greatly encouraged to know that You, Father, solve them all and sustain us in the midst of them. Thank You faithful, holy and righteous One. Amen.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (17 09 2009)
Thought for the day
PBS film critic and columnist Michael Medved has shared this anecdoteout of his Jewish heritage:
A few years ago, Rabbi Jacob Karmenetzky made a trip to Israel accompanied by his teenage grandson. Ironically, these two deeply religious people were seated in the airplane next to a prominent Israeli socialist leader and outspoken atheist.
On the flight, the cynical atheist traveler couldn't help noticing the way the teenage boy attended to the needs of his aged, bearded grandfather. He got up to get the old man a glass of water, helped him remove his shoes and put on some slippers, and otherwise demonstrated that the rabbi's comfort represented his primary concern.
At one point, as the boy got up for yet another errand on behalf of the old man, the atheist could contain himself no longer. "Tell me something," he asked the rabbi. "Why does your grandson treat you like some kind of a king? I have a grandson, too, but he wouldn't give me the time of day."
"It's very simple," the old man replied. "My grandson and I both believein a God who rules the universe and created all things, including the firstman. That means that in the boy's eyes, I'm two generations closer to the hand of God Himself. But in the eyes of your grandson, you're just two generations closer to a monkey.
"What you believe about the origin of man really does make a difference, and it will manifest itself in how you act toward others. If we see our origin as a matter of chance from that which is purely physical, then we have no basis on which to assign value to others. On the other hand, if we understand that we were created by a loving God, that gives us all the reason in the world to hold others in high regard, and gives us incentiveto treat them with respect.
"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Ourlikeness.'..." (Genesis 1:26).
Verses
Numbers 23:19
God is not like men, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done.
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
2 Corinthians 1:20
The yes to all of God's promises is in Christ, and through Christ we say yes to the glory of God.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and I will tell thee great and unheard of things, which thou knowest not.
Deuteronomy 8:18
You must remember that it is the LORD your God who has been giving you power to gain wealth, that he might carry out his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as is the case today.
Prayer
Father, You provided David with supernatural courage, strength, and skill to defeat the bully of a giant, Goliath. You divided the waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan River so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that we might always be in reverential fear of Your sovereign supremacy. Nothing in ourselves will defeat the enemies we face, but “with God all things are possible.” See Joshua 4:24, Matthew 19:26
PBS film critic and columnist Michael Medved has shared this anecdoteout of his Jewish heritage:
A few years ago, Rabbi Jacob Karmenetzky made a trip to Israel accompanied by his teenage grandson. Ironically, these two deeply religious people were seated in the airplane next to a prominent Israeli socialist leader and outspoken atheist.
On the flight, the cynical atheist traveler couldn't help noticing the way the teenage boy attended to the needs of his aged, bearded grandfather. He got up to get the old man a glass of water, helped him remove his shoes and put on some slippers, and otherwise demonstrated that the rabbi's comfort represented his primary concern.
At one point, as the boy got up for yet another errand on behalf of the old man, the atheist could contain himself no longer. "Tell me something," he asked the rabbi. "Why does your grandson treat you like some kind of a king? I have a grandson, too, but he wouldn't give me the time of day."
"It's very simple," the old man replied. "My grandson and I both believein a God who rules the universe and created all things, including the firstman. That means that in the boy's eyes, I'm two generations closer to the hand of God Himself. But in the eyes of your grandson, you're just two generations closer to a monkey.
"What you believe about the origin of man really does make a difference, and it will manifest itself in how you act toward others. If we see our origin as a matter of chance from that which is purely physical, then we have no basis on which to assign value to others. On the other hand, if we understand that we were created by a loving God, that gives us all the reason in the world to hold others in high regard, and gives us incentiveto treat them with respect.
"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Ourlikeness.'..." (Genesis 1:26).
Verses
Numbers 23:19
God is not like men, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done.
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
2 Corinthians 1:20
The yes to all of God's promises is in Christ, and through Christ we say yes to the glory of God.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and I will tell thee great and unheard of things, which thou knowest not.
Deuteronomy 8:18
You must remember that it is the LORD your God who has been giving you power to gain wealth, that he might carry out his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as is the case today.
Prayer
Father, You provided David with supernatural courage, strength, and skill to defeat the bully of a giant, Goliath. You divided the waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan River so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that we might always be in reverential fear of Your sovereign supremacy. Nothing in ourselves will defeat the enemies we face, but “with God all things are possible.” See Joshua 4:24, Matthew 19:26
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday pra& verses (16 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Morris walks out into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says,
"Perfect timing. You're just like Dave."
"Who?"
"Dave Aronson. There's a guy who did everything right. Like my coming along when you needed a cab. It would have happened like that to Dave."
"There are always a few clouds over everybody," says Morris.
"Not Dave. He was a terrific athlete. He could have gone on the pro tour in tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star."
"He was something, huh?"
"He had a memory like a trap. Could remember everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which fork to eat with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and I black out the whole neighborhood."
"No wonder you remember him."
"Well, I never actually met Dave."
"Then how do you know so much about him?" asks Morris.
"Because I married his widow."
Ever get the feeling that you never quite measure up to the standard that someone else has set? It can be very frustrating. We look around and see people who have achieved such great things in their professional lives, in their family lives, in their spiritual lives, and we're left feeling very inadequate. Or perhaps others make the comparison and make us feel that way.
If you compare yourself with others, you can always find someone greater than you are, and that can create a sense of inadequacy. Or, if you wish, you can always find someone worse than you are, and that can create a sense of pride. It's easy to see why Paul said what he did:
"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Corinthians10:12).
The only one we dare compare ourselves with is Jesus Christ, and while we will always fall short of the standard, He reaches out to pull us where He is. If we feel any inadequacy, He provides what we lack. If we feel any pride, He reminds us that we have no basis for it.
Verses
Joshua 1:3
As I told Moses, I have given you and all my people the entire land that you will be marching over.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for the wrong things we did. He was crushed for the evil things we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him. And we are healed because of his wounds.
Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
John 14:13
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
3 John 2
Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering.
Prayer
Jesus, You see us in our hour of need. You look beyond our supposed prestige, our accumulation of wealth, or earthly accomplishments. You perceive our thoughts from afar. As You turn on the search light within our hearts You reveal anything or anyone that separates us from You. Thank You that we can be reconciled to You and experience forgiveness for our sins through Your redeeming blood. The riches of Your grace far exceeds the fleeting riches this world has to offer. You lead us in the way everlasting as we earnestly seek You, for You “came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Morris walks out into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says,
"Perfect timing. You're just like Dave."
"Who?"
"Dave Aronson. There's a guy who did everything right. Like my coming along when you needed a cab. It would have happened like that to Dave."
"There are always a few clouds over everybody," says Morris.
"Not Dave. He was a terrific athlete. He could have gone on the pro tour in tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star."
"He was something, huh?"
"He had a memory like a trap. Could remember everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which fork to eat with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and I black out the whole neighborhood."
"No wonder you remember him."
"Well, I never actually met Dave."
"Then how do you know so much about him?" asks Morris.
"Because I married his widow."
Ever get the feeling that you never quite measure up to the standard that someone else has set? It can be very frustrating. We look around and see people who have achieved such great things in their professional lives, in their family lives, in their spiritual lives, and we're left feeling very inadequate. Or perhaps others make the comparison and make us feel that way.
If you compare yourself with others, you can always find someone greater than you are, and that can create a sense of inadequacy. Or, if you wish, you can always find someone worse than you are, and that can create a sense of pride. It's easy to see why Paul said what he did:
"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Corinthians10:12).
The only one we dare compare ourselves with is Jesus Christ, and while we will always fall short of the standard, He reaches out to pull us where He is. If we feel any inadequacy, He provides what we lack. If we feel any pride, He reminds us that we have no basis for it.
Verses
Joshua 1:3
As I told Moses, I have given you and all my people the entire land that you will be marching over.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for the wrong things we did. He was crushed for the evil things we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him. And we are healed because of his wounds.
Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
John 14:13
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
3 John 2
Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering.
Prayer
Jesus, You see us in our hour of need. You look beyond our supposed prestige, our accumulation of wealth, or earthly accomplishments. You perceive our thoughts from afar. As You turn on the search light within our hearts You reveal anything or anyone that separates us from You. Thank You that we can be reconciled to You and experience forgiveness for our sins through Your redeeming blood. The riches of Your grace far exceeds the fleeting riches this world has to offer. You lead us in the way everlasting as we earnestly seek You, for You “came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (15 09 2009)
Thought for the day
A little boy asked his father what was the highest number he had ever counted. Replying that he didn't know, the father asked his son his highest number. It was 973.
"Why did you stop there?" wondered the father.
"Because church was over."
I suspect that you have probably sat through worship services where your mind was focused on something just as trivial rather than on God. It's easy to let the mind wander. "I can't wait to see the ball game this afternoon." "I wonder what we're having for lunch." "I've never noticed before that the carpet down there is starting to unravel a bit."
Is it anywonder that we so often leave the worship assembly with the feeling that it wasn't very meaningful? Worship should be a time when we are confronted with the majesty and glory of God. As we reflect on God's power, we realize how much we need Him in our times of weakness. As we reflect on God's wisdom, we realize how much we need Him in our times of indecision. As we reflect on God's holiness,we are made aware of our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness.
As we reflect on God's love, we realize the effort God has gone to to make that forgiveness available. It's not a ritual we go through every week. It is an opportunity to express our praise to the One who means more to us than all the earth. As we truly worship and praise God from the heart, we become more aware of how much we want to live close to Him. We leave with the challenge to "be holy as He is holy."
"For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to theLORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth." (Psalm 96:4-9)
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
for we live our life by faith, and not by sight.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
John 15:7
'If you dwell in me, and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want, and you shall have it.
Psalm 34:9-10
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
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 little boy asked his father what was the highest number he had ever counted. Replying that he didn't know, the father asked his son his highest number. It was 973.
"Why did you stop there?" wondered the father.
"Because church was over."
I suspect that you have probably sat through worship services where your mind was focused on something just as trivial rather than on God. It's easy to let the mind wander. "I can't wait to see the ball game this afternoon." "I wonder what we're having for lunch." "I've never noticed before that the carpet down there is starting to unravel a bit."
Is it anywonder that we so often leave the worship assembly with the feeling that it wasn't very meaningful? Worship should be a time when we are confronted with the majesty and glory of God. As we reflect on God's power, we realize how much we need Him in our times of weakness. As we reflect on God's wisdom, we realize how much we need Him in our times of indecision. As we reflect on God's holiness,we are made aware of our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness.
As we reflect on God's love, we realize the effort God has gone to to make that forgiveness available. It's not a ritual we go through every week. It is an opportunity to express our praise to the One who means more to us than all the earth. As we truly worship and praise God from the heart, we become more aware of how much we want to live close to Him. We leave with the challenge to "be holy as He is holy."
"For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to theLORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth." (Psalm 96:4-9)
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
for we live our life by faith, and not by sight.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
John 15:7
'If you dwell in me, and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want, and you shall have it.
Psalm 34:9-10
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
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, September 13, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (14 09 2009)
Thought for the day
The following "Children's Letters to God" come, I believe, from a book of the same title:
Dear GOD, In school they told us what You do. Who does it when You are on vacation? -Jane
Dear GOD, Are you really invisible or is that just a trick? -Lucy
Dear GOD, Is it true my father won't get in Heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house? -Anita
Dear GOD, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? -Norma
Dear GOD, Who draws the lines around the countries? -Nan
Dear GOD, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that okay? -Neil
Dear GOD, Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. -Joyce
Dear GOD, Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything before, You can look it up. -Bruce
Dear GOD, If You give me a genie lamp like Aladdin, I will give you anything you want except my money or my chess set. -Raphael
Dear GOD, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother. -Larry
Dear GOD, I bet it is very hard for You to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. -Nan
Dear GOD, We read Thomas Edison made light. But in school they said You did it. So I bet he stoled your idea. Sincerely, Donna
Ah, the innocence of children! In the midst of all their misunderstanding, there is such a wonder about God. I would like to think that as we grow in our understanding of God, we never cease to lose the "wonder."Do you find that, after all these years, you still stand in awe of who God is, of His creative power, and of His matchless love? Do the stories of Jesus' miracles still "amaze" you?"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' "(Matthew 19:14)"Father, may I grow in maturity, but never lose that faith of a child! In Jesus' name, amen."
Verses
Revelation 12:11
They have prevailed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the testimony that they offered on behalf of the truth; their lives were not so dear to them that they were not ready to die for the truth.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
John 15:7
'If you dwell in me, and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want, and you shall have it.
Proverbs 22:7
The man of wealth has rule over the poor, and he who gets into debt is a servant to his creditor.
Prayer
Father, Your infinite mercy is the greatest gift You impart upon Your creation alongside the marvelous truth that Your compassion knows no bounds. Your power and authority far exceed any human role or title established on this earth, yet You love us personally with an inexhaustible and enduring devotion. We are never cast aside as being unimportant or unranked in Your sight, for You refer to us repeatedly as Your “treasured possession.” As we reflect upon the 9/11 disaster eight years ago in America we’re reminded of the scenes of evil played out at its very worst and the response of goodness seen at its very best. People worked together on both sides of the political spectrum, heartfelt prayers resounded throughout our land. Though we may not see it as clearly as we did during that tragic time, we are fully aware that Your loving mercy is never-ending, always extended to us in our time of need. We continue to pray for revival in our land and healing in our nation. In Jesus name. Amen.
The following "Children's Letters to God" come, I believe, from a book of the same title:
Dear GOD, In school they told us what You do. Who does it when You are on vacation? -Jane
Dear GOD, Are you really invisible or is that just a trick? -Lucy
Dear GOD, Is it true my father won't get in Heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house? -Anita
Dear GOD, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? -Norma
Dear GOD, Who draws the lines around the countries? -Nan
Dear GOD, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that okay? -Neil
Dear GOD, Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. -Joyce
Dear GOD, Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything before, You can look it up. -Bruce
Dear GOD, If You give me a genie lamp like Aladdin, I will give you anything you want except my money or my chess set. -Raphael
Dear GOD, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother. -Larry
Dear GOD, I bet it is very hard for You to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. -Nan
Dear GOD, We read Thomas Edison made light. But in school they said You did it. So I bet he stoled your idea. Sincerely, Donna
Ah, the innocence of children! In the midst of all their misunderstanding, there is such a wonder about God. I would like to think that as we grow in our understanding of God, we never cease to lose the "wonder."Do you find that, after all these years, you still stand in awe of who God is, of His creative power, and of His matchless love? Do the stories of Jesus' miracles still "amaze" you?"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' "(Matthew 19:14)"Father, may I grow in maturity, but never lose that faith of a child! In Jesus' name, amen."
Verses
Revelation 12:11
They have prevailed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the testimony that they offered on behalf of the truth; their lives were not so dear to them that they were not ready to die for the truth.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
John 15:7
'If you dwell in me, and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want, and you shall have it.
Proverbs 22:7
The man of wealth has rule over the poor, and he who gets into debt is a servant to his creditor.
Prayer
Father, Your infinite mercy is the greatest gift You impart upon Your creation alongside the marvelous truth that Your compassion knows no bounds. Your power and authority far exceed any human role or title established on this earth, yet You love us personally with an inexhaustible and enduring devotion. We are never cast aside as being unimportant or unranked in Your sight, for You refer to us repeatedly as Your “treasured possession.” As we reflect upon the 9/11 disaster eight years ago in America we’re reminded of the scenes of evil played out at its very worst and the response of goodness seen at its very best. People worked together on both sides of the political spectrum, heartfelt prayers resounded throughout our land. Though we may not see it as clearly as we did during that tragic time, we are fully aware that Your loving mercy is never-ending, always extended to us in our time of need. We continue to pray for revival in our land and healing in our nation. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (11 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Several years ago, a magazine ran a "Dilbert Quotes" contest. The writers were looking for people to submit quotes from their real-life Dilbert-type managers. Here are some of the submissions:
1. As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday and employees will receive their cards in two weeks. This was the winning entry; Fred Dales at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, WA)
2. What I need is a list of specific unknown problems we will encounter. (Lykes Lines Shipping)
3. E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business. (Accounting Mgr., Electric Boat Company)
4. Quote from the boss: "Teamwork is a lot of people doing what 'I' say." (Mktg. executive, Citrix Corporation)
5. We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees. (AT&T Long Lines Division)
6. We recently received a memo from senior management saying, "This is to inform you that a memo will be issued today regarding the subject mentioned above." (Microsoft, Legal Affairs Division)
7. One day my boss asked me to submit a status report to him concerning a project I was working on. I asked him if tomorrow would be soon enough. He said, "If I wanted it tomorrow, I would have waited until tomorrow to ask for it!" (New Business Mgr., Hallmark Cards)
8. This project is so important, we can't let things that are more important interfere with it. (Advertising/Mktg. Mgr., UPS)
Even though that last statement doesn't make any sense, it suggests the truth that there are some things so important that nothing else should get in the way. Unfortunately for UPS (and other employers who may not realize it), that level of importance will never be attached to any project at work. It can only be attached to matters of spiritual commitment. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).
There is only one thing that is of "primary importance", and that should be our desire to do God's will. May God bless you in your efforts to put "first things first" today.
Verses
Romans 10:17
So then faith does come from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
2 Corinthians 6:16
And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For you are God's temple, the home of the living God, and God has said of you, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people."
John 16:23
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each person follow the dictates of his conscience, giving neither with complaint nor under compulsion, for God likes to see a man smile when he gives.
Prayer
Jesus, You are the first and the last, the Beginning and the End, the Living One who was dead and is alive forever and ever! You hold the keys of death and Hades and You hold the key to our hearts. You have promised that if we overcome and do Your will to the end we will be saved, not only in this life but in the eternal life to come. Help us to live as pilgrims in a barren land, for there is no Rock like our God on which we can build a firm foundation and overcome the evil one. Keep us faithful and true, living as a holy people among a people estranged, disobedient and hostile toward You. In Your powerful name we pray. Amen.
Several years ago, a magazine ran a "Dilbert Quotes" contest. The writers were looking for people to submit quotes from their real-life Dilbert-type managers. Here are some of the submissions:
1. As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday and employees will receive their cards in two weeks. This was the winning entry; Fred Dales at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, WA)
2. What I need is a list of specific unknown problems we will encounter. (Lykes Lines Shipping)
3. E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business. (Accounting Mgr., Electric Boat Company)
4. Quote from the boss: "Teamwork is a lot of people doing what 'I' say." (Mktg. executive, Citrix Corporation)
5. We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees. (AT&T Long Lines Division)
6. We recently received a memo from senior management saying, "This is to inform you that a memo will be issued today regarding the subject mentioned above." (Microsoft, Legal Affairs Division)
7. One day my boss asked me to submit a status report to him concerning a project I was working on. I asked him if tomorrow would be soon enough. He said, "If I wanted it tomorrow, I would have waited until tomorrow to ask for it!" (New Business Mgr., Hallmark Cards)
8. This project is so important, we can't let things that are more important interfere with it. (Advertising/Mktg. Mgr., UPS)
Even though that last statement doesn't make any sense, it suggests the truth that there are some things so important that nothing else should get in the way. Unfortunately for UPS (and other employers who may not realize it), that level of importance will never be attached to any project at work. It can only be attached to matters of spiritual commitment. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).
There is only one thing that is of "primary importance", and that should be our desire to do God's will. May God bless you in your efforts to put "first things first" today.
Verses
Romans 10:17
So then faith does come from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
2 Corinthians 6:16
And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For you are God's temple, the home of the living God, and God has said of you, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people."
John 16:23
"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each person follow the dictates of his conscience, giving neither with complaint nor under compulsion, for God likes to see a man smile when he gives.
Prayer
Jesus, You are the first and the last, the Beginning and the End, the Living One who was dead and is alive forever and ever! You hold the keys of death and Hades and You hold the key to our hearts. You have promised that if we overcome and do Your will to the end we will be saved, not only in this life but in the eternal life to come. Help us to live as pilgrims in a barren land, for there is no Rock like our God on which we can build a firm foundation and overcome the evil one. Keep us faithful and true, living as a holy people among a people estranged, disobedient and hostile toward You. In Your powerful name we pray. Amen.
Thursday prayer & verses (10 09 2009)
I want you to reflect for a few moments about the need for cleansing. There is a need for dirty dishes to be cleansed. And there is a need for babies to be cleansed, although preferably not at the same time and in the same place. Some attempts at cleansing (especially those made by men) are not as successful. My favorite way to pass room check in college was to lift the bed, throw everything under it, and set it back down.
My children will tell you, though, that their mother knows how to clean the way it should be done. More than once, after cleaning the kitchen, I've been told by one of my children, "That's not the way Mom does it!" The kitchen looks clean (at least, it does to me). But it's not really clean. I don't always want to admit it, but I know it.
We also have a need for spiritual cleansing. Because of sin, our lives are blemished. We've managed to create quite a filthy mess. And we sometimes think that if we just do enough good things, it will erase all the sinful things we've done. But our attempts to obtain that cleansing on our own have been about as successful as my attempts to clean the kitchen. Our lives may look clean. But they're not really clean. We may not always want to admit it, but deep down, we know it.
Remember the Pharisees? They were great at cleansing themselves -- on the outside. But on the inside, they looked like the dirty dishes in the picture."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also." (Matt. 23:25-26)Our cleansing must begin on the inside, and it can only be found through the blood of Jesus Christ. "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." Without that blood, all the soap in the world can't remove the stain of even one sin.
Therein lies the power of baptism. It is "not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God" (I Peter 3:21) as it brings us into contact with that saving blood (Rom. 6:3). Feel like the baby above? May you find cleansing through Him who shed His blood to make that cleansing possible!
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith, you ask? Well, it is an inner assurance that the things we hope for actually exist, and the conviction that they are already ours even though we cannot see them.
Luke 5:17
Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem.
And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear friends, do not be shaken in your faith by the threat of death. Hold steady, don't let anything throw you.
Keep doing the Lord's work because you are aware of its worth now and your reward in the future.
Romans 8:27
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 5:17
For if by the offense of the one death reigned by the one, much more those who are receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall rule in life by the One, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, we pray today that You will fill us with wisdom and understanding. May our outward lives reflect the inner beauty and peace that comes through the abiding presence of Your Holy Spirit in our hearts. May Your Spirit produce in us genuine Christian fruit so that others will see Jesus in us and glorify You, our Father, who is in heaven. It is through Your glorious power that we are strengthened in the inner person enabling us to endure difficult trials that will not strip us of the lasting joy and peace that comes to those who walk by faith and not by sight.
My children will tell you, though, that their mother knows how to clean the way it should be done. More than once, after cleaning the kitchen, I've been told by one of my children, "That's not the way Mom does it!" The kitchen looks clean (at least, it does to me). But it's not really clean. I don't always want to admit it, but I know it.
We also have a need for spiritual cleansing. Because of sin, our lives are blemished. We've managed to create quite a filthy mess. And we sometimes think that if we just do enough good things, it will erase all the sinful things we've done. But our attempts to obtain that cleansing on our own have been about as successful as my attempts to clean the kitchen. Our lives may look clean. But they're not really clean. We may not always want to admit it, but deep down, we know it.
Remember the Pharisees? They were great at cleansing themselves -- on the outside. But on the inside, they looked like the dirty dishes in the picture."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also." (Matt. 23:25-26)Our cleansing must begin on the inside, and it can only be found through the blood of Jesus Christ. "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." Without that blood, all the soap in the world can't remove the stain of even one sin.
Therein lies the power of baptism. It is "not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God" (I Peter 3:21) as it brings us into contact with that saving blood (Rom. 6:3). Feel like the baby above? May you find cleansing through Him who shed His blood to make that cleansing possible!
Verses
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith, you ask? Well, it is an inner assurance that the things we hope for actually exist, and the conviction that they are already ours even though we cannot see them.
Luke 5:17
Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem.
And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear friends, do not be shaken in your faith by the threat of death. Hold steady, don't let anything throw you.
Keep doing the Lord's work because you are aware of its worth now and your reward in the future.
Romans 8:27
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 5:17
For if by the offense of the one death reigned by the one, much more those who are receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall rule in life by the One, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, we pray today that You will fill us with wisdom and understanding. May our outward lives reflect the inner beauty and peace that comes through the abiding presence of Your Holy Spirit in our hearts. May Your Spirit produce in us genuine Christian fruit so that others will see Jesus in us and glorify You, our Father, who is in heaven. It is through Your glorious power that we are strengthened in the inner person enabling us to endure difficult trials that will not strip us of the lasting joy and peace that comes to those who walk by faith and not by sight.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (09 09 2009)
Thought for the day
While working on his sermon, a preacher heard a knock at his office door. "Come in," he invited.
A contrite-looking man in threadbare clothes came in, pulling a large pig on a rope. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" asked the man with his hat in his hand. Wordlessly, the preacher indicated the chair and the man sat down in it gingerly. The pig proceeded to sniff around the office. With one eye on the animal and one on the man, the preacher folded his hands on his desk and leaned forward, curious to hear the fellow's story.
"What can I do for you?"
"My family is hungry," started the man.
"So I stole this pig. But I feel that I have sinned. Would you please take it?"
"Certainly not," said the minister.
"Then what should I do with it?" asked the man.
"Give it back to the man you stole it from, of course!" the preacher explained.
"I offered it to him, but he refused to take it. Now what should I do?"
"In that case," the minister said,
"It would be all right for you to keep it and feed your family."
That seemed to settle things as far as the man was concerned.
"Thank you for your help, sir."
With a lighter step, he walked out of the office, leading the pig on the rope behind him. It was only later that afternoon when the minister returned home, that he discovered that somebody had stolen his prize pig!
"While the statements that I made were legally correct....." It seems that deceiving others while "technically" telling the truth has become somewhat of an art form. And there's no need to point fingers, because we've all been guilty of it at one time or another. We have learned over the years what words to use (or not use) to lead people to believe what we want them to believe without actually lying (or so we think).
But Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard than we are used to seeing -- a standard of truth and integrity."...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." (Titus 2:7-8).
It's a lofty goal, given to us from the one who was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
Verses
Galatians 6:9
Let us do what is right without tiring of it, for at its proper time we shall reap if we do not weaken.
Acts 14:8-10
And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he leaped and walked.
John 1:18
No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
John 15:7
If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.
2 Corinthians 9:11
Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, [and your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.
Prayer
Father, as we think about Moses we greatly appreciate his act of obedience. Not only did his choice to experience mistreatment along with Your people provide an exodus for the Israelites, but it also provided a Biblical foundation for our lives centuries later. We’ve learned so much from the spiritual truths taught through Moses’ applied wisdom, his discipline, and his obedience in recording Your truths and principles. The very core of our Christian faith is realized through the books of Moses. Help us to realize that You have also called us to make a spiritual difference to those we influence in our generation and the generations to follow. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
While working on his sermon, a preacher heard a knock at his office door. "Come in," he invited.
A contrite-looking man in threadbare clothes came in, pulling a large pig on a rope. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" asked the man with his hat in his hand. Wordlessly, the preacher indicated the chair and the man sat down in it gingerly. The pig proceeded to sniff around the office. With one eye on the animal and one on the man, the preacher folded his hands on his desk and leaned forward, curious to hear the fellow's story.
"What can I do for you?"
"My family is hungry," started the man.
"So I stole this pig. But I feel that I have sinned. Would you please take it?"
"Certainly not," said the minister.
"Then what should I do with it?" asked the man.
"Give it back to the man you stole it from, of course!" the preacher explained.
"I offered it to him, but he refused to take it. Now what should I do?"
"In that case," the minister said,
"It would be all right for you to keep it and feed your family."
That seemed to settle things as far as the man was concerned.
"Thank you for your help, sir."
With a lighter step, he walked out of the office, leading the pig on the rope behind him. It was only later that afternoon when the minister returned home, that he discovered that somebody had stolen his prize pig!
"While the statements that I made were legally correct....." It seems that deceiving others while "technically" telling the truth has become somewhat of an art form. And there's no need to point fingers, because we've all been guilty of it at one time or another. We have learned over the years what words to use (or not use) to lead people to believe what we want them to believe without actually lying (or so we think).
But Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard than we are used to seeing -- a standard of truth and integrity."...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." (Titus 2:7-8).
It's a lofty goal, given to us from the one who was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
Verses
Galatians 6:9
Let us do what is right without tiring of it, for at its proper time we shall reap if we do not weaken.
Acts 14:8-10
And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he leaped and walked.
John 1:18
No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
John 15:7
If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.
2 Corinthians 9:11
Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, [and your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.
Prayer
Father, as we think about Moses we greatly appreciate his act of obedience. Not only did his choice to experience mistreatment along with Your people provide an exodus for the Israelites, but it also provided a Biblical foundation for our lives centuries later. We’ve learned so much from the spiritual truths taught through Moses’ applied wisdom, his discipline, and his obedience in recording Your truths and principles. The very core of our Christian faith is realized through the books of Moses. Help us to realize that You have also called us to make a spiritual difference to those we influence in our generation and the generations to follow. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (08 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Seven Fatal Things You Never Want To Say To Your Pregnant Wife:
7: "I finished all the Oreos."
6: "You know, looking at her, you'd never guess that Pamela Lee had ababy!"
5: "Well, couldn't they induce labor? The 31st is the Super Bowl."
4: "Whoa! For a minute there, I thought I woke up next to Willard Scott!"
3: "I'm jealous! Why can't men experience the joy of childbirth?"
2: "Are your ankles supposed to look like that?"
and the Number 1 fatal thing to say to your pregnant wife:
1. "You don't have the guts to pull the trigger."
Pregnancy, and the ensuing labor and childbirth, is not always a pleasant experience (or so I've been told!). Even Jesus made reference to the problems associated with giving birth: "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (John 16:21-22)
Jesus was right. The joy of a newborn child is great enough to make up for all the pain leading up to that point (or so I've been told!). In like manner, this world is filled with pain and sorrow. Sometimes it feels like the pain will never end. It seems absolutely unbearable at times.
But we are assured that that which awaits God's people will more than make up for it all. The joy that awaits us when Jesus returns will make us forget all the trials we currently face (see 2 Cor. 4:17). The joy will be so great that we will no longer remember the anguish. That gives us hope -- encouragement to "hang in there" when things get tough.
Look to the joy that awaits us!
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.
Exodus 23:26
All your animals will give birth without loss, not one will be without young in all your land; I will give you a full measure of life.
2 Timothy 1:9
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Mark 11:24
I tell you, then, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune follows up the sinful, but prosperity will overtake the pious.
Prayer
Father, You began a good work in me the moment of my conception when You created me in Your own image. Incredibly, You choose to reflect Your divine Being through my thoughts, attitudes, and actions though I am numbered among the “frail children of dust.” I place my trust in You and have found that You never fail. You never give up or abandon the work You started in my life but Your tender mercies and divine plan continue to break me, mold me, and shape me into Your image. The process will not be completed until the day Christ calls us home. Thank You, Father, for being my “Maker, Defender, Redeemer and my Friend”. Amen.
Seven Fatal Things You Never Want To Say To Your Pregnant Wife:
7: "I finished all the Oreos."
6: "You know, looking at her, you'd never guess that Pamela Lee had ababy!"
5: "Well, couldn't they induce labor? The 31st is the Super Bowl."
4: "Whoa! For a minute there, I thought I woke up next to Willard Scott!"
3: "I'm jealous! Why can't men experience the joy of childbirth?"
2: "Are your ankles supposed to look like that?"
and the Number 1 fatal thing to say to your pregnant wife:
1. "You don't have the guts to pull the trigger."
Pregnancy, and the ensuing labor and childbirth, is not always a pleasant experience (or so I've been told!). Even Jesus made reference to the problems associated with giving birth: "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (John 16:21-22)
Jesus was right. The joy of a newborn child is great enough to make up for all the pain leading up to that point (or so I've been told!). In like manner, this world is filled with pain and sorrow. Sometimes it feels like the pain will never end. It seems absolutely unbearable at times.
But we are assured that that which awaits God's people will more than make up for it all. The joy that awaits us when Jesus returns will make us forget all the trials we currently face (see 2 Cor. 4:17). The joy will be so great that we will no longer remember the anguish. That gives us hope -- encouragement to "hang in there" when things get tough.
Look to the joy that awaits us!
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.
Exodus 23:26
All your animals will give birth without loss, not one will be without young in all your land; I will give you a full measure of life.
2 Timothy 1:9
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Mark 11:24
I tell you, then, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune follows up the sinful, but prosperity will overtake the pious.
Prayer
Father, You began a good work in me the moment of my conception when You created me in Your own image. Incredibly, You choose to reflect Your divine Being through my thoughts, attitudes, and actions though I am numbered among the “frail children of dust.” I place my trust in You and have found that You never fail. You never give up or abandon the work You started in my life but Your tender mercies and divine plan continue to break me, mold me, and shape me into Your image. The process will not be completed until the day Christ calls us home. Thank You, Father, for being my “Maker, Defender, Redeemer and my Friend”. Amen.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (07 09 2009)
Thought for the day
Joe, the Governor's most trusted assistant, died in his sleep one night. The Governor had depended on Joe for advice on every subject, from pending bills to wardrobe decisions. In addition, Joe had been his closest friend.
So, it was understandable that the Governor didn't take kindly to the droves of ambitious office seekers who wanted Joe's job. "They don't even have the decency to wait until the man is buried," the Governor muttered.
At the funeral, one eager beaver made his way to the Governor's side. "Governor," the man said, "is there a chance that I could take Joe's place?""Certainly," the governor replied. "But you'd better hurry. I think the undertaker is almost finished.
"I'm sure we can all look around us and find a number of people of whom we have said, "I would like to take his/her place." But I dare say that you have never made that statement of someone who had died, or was about to die. Why would anyone want to trade places with someone like that? It is for that reason that God's love for us is so difficult to comprehend, for that is exactly what Jesus did for us.
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6)
May our lives be forever lived in gratitude for the one who "took our place."
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
So this is no time to throw away your confidence. You've come too far and your reward is too close for you to do that. Of course you still need patience and perseverance if you want to win the prize God has promised those who do His will.
Psalm 103:5
Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ephesians 4:29
Guard against foul talk; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners,
Jeremiah 33:3
If you call to me I will answer you, and tell you great and mysterious things which you do not understand.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will gloriously supply every need of yours according to his riches in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, help us to “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do” as we trust You to do the impossible. Help us not to ponder our problems, but instead to pray for Your will to be done in our lives and those we pray for. Your assure us throughout the Scriptures both by teaching and example that “Nothing is impossible with God.” We want to fully trust You to do the impossible. Amen.
Joe, the Governor's most trusted assistant, died in his sleep one night. The Governor had depended on Joe for advice on every subject, from pending bills to wardrobe decisions. In addition, Joe had been his closest friend.
So, it was understandable that the Governor didn't take kindly to the droves of ambitious office seekers who wanted Joe's job. "They don't even have the decency to wait until the man is buried," the Governor muttered.
At the funeral, one eager beaver made his way to the Governor's side. "Governor," the man said, "is there a chance that I could take Joe's place?""Certainly," the governor replied. "But you'd better hurry. I think the undertaker is almost finished.
"I'm sure we can all look around us and find a number of people of whom we have said, "I would like to take his/her place." But I dare say that you have never made that statement of someone who had died, or was about to die. Why would anyone want to trade places with someone like that? It is for that reason that God's love for us is so difficult to comprehend, for that is exactly what Jesus did for us.
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6)
May our lives be forever lived in gratitude for the one who "took our place."
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
So this is no time to throw away your confidence. You've come too far and your reward is too close for you to do that. Of course you still need patience and perseverance if you want to win the prize God has promised those who do His will.
Psalm 103:5
Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ephesians 4:29
Guard against foul talk; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners,
Jeremiah 33:3
If you call to me I will answer you, and tell you great and mysterious things which you do not understand.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will gloriously supply every need of yours according to his riches in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, help us to “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do” as we trust You to do the impossible. Help us not to ponder our problems, but instead to pray for Your will to be done in our lives and those we pray for. Your assure us throughout the Scriptures both by teaching and example that “Nothing is impossible with God.” We want to fully trust You to do the impossible. Amen.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (04 09 2009)
Thought for the day
A first grade teacher collected some old, well-known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb, and had him/her come up with the rest. Here are the results:
As You Shall Make Your Bed So Shall You... Mess It Up.
Better Be Safe Than... Punch A 5th Grader.
Strike While The... Bug Is Close.
It's Always Darkest Before... Daylight Savings Time.
You Can Lead A Horse To Water But.. How?
Don't Bite The Hand That... Looks Dirty.
You Can't Teach An Old Dog New... Math.
If You Lie Down With The Dogs, You'll... Stink In The Morning.
Love All, Trust.. Me.
An Idle Mind Is... The Best Way To Relax.
A Penny Saved Is... Not Much.
Two's Company, Three's... The Musketeers.
Don't Put Off Tomorrow What... You Put On To Go To Bed.
Laugh And The Whole World Laughs With You, Cry And... You Have To Blow Your Nose.
Children Should Be Seen And Not... Spanked Or Grounded.
If At First You Don't Succeed... Get New Batteries.
You Get Out Of Something What You... See Pictured On The Box.
When The Blind Leadeth The Blind... Get Out Of The Way.
Ah, the "wisdom" of children! That's exactly what proverbs are intended to be -- an expression of wisdom, the result of years of experience expressed in a few concise words. The Bible talks much about the importance of wisdom -- not the wisdom of the world, but God's wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to make right choices, and of course the only way to make right choices is to guide our lives by God's Word.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments." (Psalm 110:10) May God bless you with wisdom as you open your heart today to His will.
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed. We can trust God to do what he promised.
Exodus 23:26
None of your women will have her baby die before it is born. All women will have children. I will allow you to live long lives.
Deuteronomy 8:2
"And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
Colossians 4:2
Keep praying. Keep thanking God. Keep on the watch.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each do according to the free choice of his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for 'God loveth a cheerful giver.'
Prayer
Father God, Your almighty power is balanced with Your tender compassion toward all of creation. It is because of Your abundant mercies that we are not consumed or utterly forsaken. You provide exceedingly more than the bare essentials for our earthly dwelling. Your abiding presence provides faithfulness, stability, and expectant hope for every challenge we face. Thank You for clothing us with dignity, providing us with salvation and for abiding with us day in and day out. Amen.
A first grade teacher collected some old, well-known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb, and had him/her come up with the rest. Here are the results:
As You Shall Make Your Bed So Shall You... Mess It Up.
Better Be Safe Than... Punch A 5th Grader.
Strike While The... Bug Is Close.
It's Always Darkest Before... Daylight Savings Time.
You Can Lead A Horse To Water But.. How?
Don't Bite The Hand That... Looks Dirty.
You Can't Teach An Old Dog New... Math.
If You Lie Down With The Dogs, You'll... Stink In The Morning.
Love All, Trust.. Me.
An Idle Mind Is... The Best Way To Relax.
A Penny Saved Is... Not Much.
Two's Company, Three's... The Musketeers.
Don't Put Off Tomorrow What... You Put On To Go To Bed.
Laugh And The Whole World Laughs With You, Cry And... You Have To Blow Your Nose.
Children Should Be Seen And Not... Spanked Or Grounded.
If At First You Don't Succeed... Get New Batteries.
You Get Out Of Something What You... See Pictured On The Box.
When The Blind Leadeth The Blind... Get Out Of The Way.
Ah, the "wisdom" of children! That's exactly what proverbs are intended to be -- an expression of wisdom, the result of years of experience expressed in a few concise words. The Bible talks much about the importance of wisdom -- not the wisdom of the world, but God's wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to make right choices, and of course the only way to make right choices is to guide our lives by God's Word.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments." (Psalm 110:10) May God bless you with wisdom as you open your heart today to His will.
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed. We can trust God to do what he promised.
Exodus 23:26
None of your women will have her baby die before it is born. All women will have children. I will allow you to live long lives.
Deuteronomy 8:2
"And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
Colossians 4:2
Keep praying. Keep thanking God. Keep on the watch.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each do according to the free choice of his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for 'God loveth a cheerful giver.'
Prayer
Father God, Your almighty power is balanced with Your tender compassion toward all of creation. It is because of Your abundant mercies that we are not consumed or utterly forsaken. You provide exceedingly more than the bare essentials for our earthly dwelling. Your abiding presence provides faithfulness, stability, and expectant hope for every challenge we face. Thank You for clothing us with dignity, providing us with salvation and for abiding with us day in and day out. Amen.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (03 09 2009
Thought for the day
Below are excerpts reported to be from U.S. and British officer performance reviews:
Actual (?) lines out of U.S. Military OERs (Officer Efficiency Report):
-- Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
-- Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching.
-- A room temperature IQ.
-- Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.
-- Bright as Alaska in December.
-- Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.
-- So dense, light bends around him.
-- If brains were taxed, he'd get a rebate.
-- If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.
-- Was left on the Tilt-A-Whirl a bit too long as a baby.
-- Wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
Actual (?) excerpts from Royal Navy and Marines officer fitness reports:
-- His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.
-- I would not breed from this officer.
-- He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entiresatisfaction.
-- He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle.
-- This young lady has delusions of adequacy.
-- Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.
-- She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achievethem.
-- He has the wisdom of youth, and the energy of old age.
-- Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in atrap.
-- This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
It may be that the comments above are an indication of the intelligence of the men involved. But I suspect rather that they reflect the attitude of those men. You see, whether we want to admit it or not, the attitude that we have in the workplace makes an impression on others. And if we give only a half-hearted effort, or show disrespect for those in authority over us, then it not only leaves a negative impression of us, but of the Christianity we claim to believe and live.
Paul speaks in Colossians 3 to slaves of the first century, but his words apply to all Christians in the workplace: "Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord. In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." (Col. 3:22-24)
In all that you do at work, it should be the very best you have to offer! May that be the motto of every Christian in the workplace.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not, then, fling away your fearless trust, for it includes a glorious repayment for all. Yes, you have need of steadfast endurance, so that you may perform the will of God, and so receive the fulfilment of His promise.
Acts 5:16
Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
1 Corinthians 3:9
We are only God's coworkers. You are God's garden, not ours; you are God's building, not ours.
Colossians 4:2
Keep praying. Keep thanking God. Keep on the watch.
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, You are a friend that sticks closer than a brother. It seems that many of our brothers and sisters in the faith are closer than our blood relations because we’ve been joined together as a family of believers and share common spiritual goals. Though we’re created in the image of God and follow Your example we’re still given to human error and do not always apply good judgment which causes division in the body of Christ. Help us to practice forgiveness and exercise forbearance with one another so that we will be united and faithful to one another in times of trouble.
Below are excerpts reported to be from U.S. and British officer performance reviews:
Actual (?) lines out of U.S. Military OERs (Officer Efficiency Report):
-- Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
-- Got into the gene pool while the lifeguard wasn't watching.
-- A room temperature IQ.
-- Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.
-- Bright as Alaska in December.
-- Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.
-- So dense, light bends around him.
-- If brains were taxed, he'd get a rebate.
-- If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.
-- Was left on the Tilt-A-Whirl a bit too long as a baby.
-- Wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
Actual (?) excerpts from Royal Navy and Marines officer fitness reports:
-- His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.
-- I would not breed from this officer.
-- He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entiresatisfaction.
-- He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle.
-- This young lady has delusions of adequacy.
-- Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.
-- She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achievethem.
-- He has the wisdom of youth, and the energy of old age.
-- Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in atrap.
-- This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
It may be that the comments above are an indication of the intelligence of the men involved. But I suspect rather that they reflect the attitude of those men. You see, whether we want to admit it or not, the attitude that we have in the workplace makes an impression on others. And if we give only a half-hearted effort, or show disrespect for those in authority over us, then it not only leaves a negative impression of us, but of the Christianity we claim to believe and live.
Paul speaks in Colossians 3 to slaves of the first century, but his words apply to all Christians in the workplace: "Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord. In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." (Col. 3:22-24)
In all that you do at work, it should be the very best you have to offer! May that be the motto of every Christian in the workplace.
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not, then, fling away your fearless trust, for it includes a glorious repayment for all. Yes, you have need of steadfast endurance, so that you may perform the will of God, and so receive the fulfilment of His promise.
Acts 5:16
Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
1 Corinthians 3:9
We are only God's coworkers. You are God's garden, not ours; you are God's building, not ours.
Colossians 4:2
Keep praying. Keep thanking God. Keep on the watch.
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, You are a friend that sticks closer than a brother. It seems that many of our brothers and sisters in the faith are closer than our blood relations because we’ve been joined together as a family of believers and share common spiritual goals. Though we’re created in the image of God and follow Your example we’re still given to human error and do not always apply good judgment which causes division in the body of Christ. Help us to practice forgiveness and exercise forbearance with one another so that we will be united and faithful to one another in times of trouble.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (02 09 2009)
Thought for the day
After a tiring two-week criminal trial in a high profile bank robbery case, the jury finally ended its 14 hours of deliberations and entered the courtroom to deliver its verdict to the judge. The judge turned to the jury foreman and asked, "Has the jury reached a verdict in this case?"
"Yes we have, your honor," the foreman responded.
"Would you please pass it to me?" the judge declared, as he motioned for the bailiff to retrieve the verdict slip from the foreman and deliver it to him. After the judge read the verdict himself, he delivered the verdict slip back to his bailiff to be returned to the foreman and instructed the foreman,
"Please read your verdict to the court."
"We find the defendant NOT GUILTY of all four counts of bank robbery," stated the foreman.
The family and friends of the defendant jumped for joy at the sound of the "not guilty" verdict and hugged each other as they shouted expressions of gratitude. The defendant's attorney turned to his client and asked, "So, what do you think about that?"
The defendant said, "I'm real confused here. Does this mean that I don't have to give all the money back? "I don't believe the story is true, but it certainly could have been.
"If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things..." (Eccl. 5:8a). We know, all too well, stories of injustice in our court system. There is a big difference between receiving a "not guilty" verdict in a court case and truly being "innocent." And it angers us when we believe that someone has "beat the system" and avoided punishment they deserve.
For someone who does not believe in God, injustice leads to bitterness and depression. Life is unfair. Innocent people are hurt and guilty people are not held accountable. But, for the Christian, we know that justice will prevail. God is not only a God of absolute love and grace, but He is also a God of absolute justice."[God] will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness -- indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil..." (Rom. 2:6-9).
We live in an unjust world, but we take comfort that someday all men will stand accountable before a just God.
Verses
Romans 8:28
Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.
Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear brothers, continue to be firm, incapable of being moved, always letting the cup run over in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.
Matthew 21:22
And whatever you ask for in your prayers, with faith, you will receive.'
Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life.
Verses
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
After a tiring two-week criminal trial in a high profile bank robbery case, the jury finally ended its 14 hours of deliberations and entered the courtroom to deliver its verdict to the judge. The judge turned to the jury foreman and asked, "Has the jury reached a verdict in this case?"
"Yes we have, your honor," the foreman responded.
"Would you please pass it to me?" the judge declared, as he motioned for the bailiff to retrieve the verdict slip from the foreman and deliver it to him. After the judge read the verdict himself, he delivered the verdict slip back to his bailiff to be returned to the foreman and instructed the foreman,
"Please read your verdict to the court."
"We find the defendant NOT GUILTY of all four counts of bank robbery," stated the foreman.
The family and friends of the defendant jumped for joy at the sound of the "not guilty" verdict and hugged each other as they shouted expressions of gratitude. The defendant's attorney turned to his client and asked, "So, what do you think about that?"
The defendant said, "I'm real confused here. Does this mean that I don't have to give all the money back? "I don't believe the story is true, but it certainly could have been.
"If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things..." (Eccl. 5:8a). We know, all too well, stories of injustice in our court system. There is a big difference between receiving a "not guilty" verdict in a court case and truly being "innocent." And it angers us when we believe that someone has "beat the system" and avoided punishment they deserve.
For someone who does not believe in God, injustice leads to bitterness and depression. Life is unfair. Innocent people are hurt and guilty people are not held accountable. But, for the Christian, we know that justice will prevail. God is not only a God of absolute love and grace, but He is also a God of absolute justice."[God] will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness -- indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil..." (Rom. 2:6-9).
We live in an unjust world, but we take comfort that someday all men will stand accountable before a just God.
Verses
Romans 8:28
Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.
Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear brothers, continue to be firm, incapable of being moved, always letting the cup run over in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the service of the Lord is never thrown away.
Matthew 21:22
And whatever you ask for in your prayers, with faith, you will receive.'
Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life.
Verses
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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