Thought for the day
The Santa Claus at the mall was very surprised when a young lady about twenty years old walked up and sat on his lap.
Santa doesn't usually take requests from adults, but she smiled very nicely at him, so he said, "OK, you can ask for something but it has to be for someone other than yourself. What do you want for Christmas?"
"Something for my mother," said the young lady.
"Something for your mother? Well, that's very thoughtful of you," smiled Santa. "What do you want me to bring her? "
Without blinking she replied, "A son-in-law!"
We often say that Christmas is a time when the focus is on giving, but let's be honest -- for many (perhaps most) people, the greater excitement of Christmas is in what we receive, not in what we give. How many people do you know who are saying, "I can't wait to give a gift!"? Now, how many people do you know who are saying, "I can't wait to see what I get!"? As parents, we know the joy of watching our children open their gifts, but are we instilling in our children the joy of giving, or is Christmas simply a time when they are excited to receive what they wanted (or perhaps they're upset because they didn't get what they wanted)?
While trying not to sound too cynical, how many of the gifts we give every Christmas are given because we feel obligated to give, or because we are hoping to receive something back? Is it possible for those of us who are Christ-followers to give simply for the joy of giving?
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "If you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?" (Luke 5:46-47). To take it one step further, if we give only to those from whom we expect to receive something back, how are we different from anyone else in the world? What should distinguish God's people is a desire to give with no thought no receiving anything back.
In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus said, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
May I encourage you, not only this season, but year-round, to seek to find ways to give to those who can't give back, to learn to give simply for the joy of giving.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
That is why you need to get God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.
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.
2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died.
Psalm 118:25
Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
2 Corinthians 9:8
Now God is able to shower on you every kind of favor, so that when you have plenty of everything for any occasion you yourselves may shower every sort of kind deed on others.
Prayer
Jesus, as I live by the truth of Your radiant light I am reminded again of the spiritual transformation that took place when my sins were exposed and You replaced my human nature with Your divine nature. Now my roots grow deep into the light of Your Gospel causing me to draw up nourishment from You so that I grow in faith, becoming strong and vigorous in this glorious new life. Thank You for canceling my sin debt when You were nailed to the cross on my behalf. I’m forever grateful that You came to seek me out and save me when I was lost in sin. I am so glad to be walking in the light of Your truth. Shine, Jesus, shine through me. Amen.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (23 12 2009)
Thought for the day
Dear Ms. Ezell:
Thank you for your letter of April 17. After careful consideration I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your firm. This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite your company's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet with my needs at this time. Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately following graduation. I look forward to seeing you then.
Best of luck in rejecting future candidates.
Sincerely,Matt Taylor
That's certainly a unique way of handling rejection (no, I don't recommend it to you seniors graduated a while back). But how do you handle rejection? We live in a world that rejects our belief in a Creator, our commitment to Jesus Christ, our morality. The rejection might be overwhelming if it were not for the assurance that those of us who are "in Christ" have been "made accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:6)
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." (I Peter 4:14)
Rejection doesn't have to be the end of the world, and it won't be if we live with the assurance that God has accepted us.
Verses
James 1:2-4
Count it a most favourable occurrence, brothers, when you meet with various trying experiences, recognizing that the testing of your faith gives rise to constancy. But let constancy fulfil its complete function, so that you may be whole and hale, deficient in nothing.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Trial has not overtaken you more than men can endure: for God is faithful, Who will not permit you to be tried beyond what you are able; on the contrary, He will with the trial also provide the escape by which you will be able to come out of it.
Colossians 4:2
You must keep praying. Keep watching! Be thankful always.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.
Prayer
Jesus, because You came as light into the world we, the redeemed, are “children of the light.” May we walk faithfully and earnestly in the light of Christ so that darkness dissipates wherever we go. May those still walking in darkness be drawn to Your light through the things we say, the songs we sing, the things we set before our eyes and the things we do as we represent You in the home, the workplace and wherever we go. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Dear Ms. Ezell:
Thank you for your letter of April 17. After careful consideration I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your firm. This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.
Despite your company's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet with my needs at this time. Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately following graduation. I look forward to seeing you then.
Best of luck in rejecting future candidates.
Sincerely,Matt Taylor
That's certainly a unique way of handling rejection (no, I don't recommend it to you seniors graduated a while back). But how do you handle rejection? We live in a world that rejects our belief in a Creator, our commitment to Jesus Christ, our morality. The rejection might be overwhelming if it were not for the assurance that those of us who are "in Christ" have been "made accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:6)
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." (I Peter 4:14)
Rejection doesn't have to be the end of the world, and it won't be if we live with the assurance that God has accepted us.
Verses
James 1:2-4
Count it a most favourable occurrence, brothers, when you meet with various trying experiences, recognizing that the testing of your faith gives rise to constancy. But let constancy fulfil its complete function, so that you may be whole and hale, deficient in nothing.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Trial has not overtaken you more than men can endure: for God is faithful, Who will not permit you to be tried beyond what you are able; on the contrary, He will with the trial also provide the escape by which you will be able to come out of it.
Colossians 4:2
You must keep praying. Keep watching! Be thankful always.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.
Prayer
Jesus, because You came as light into the world we, the redeemed, are “children of the light.” May we walk faithfully and earnestly in the light of Christ so that darkness dissipates wherever we go. May those still walking in darkness be drawn to Your light through the things we say, the songs we sing, the things we set before our eyes and the things we do as we represent You in the home, the workplace and wherever we go. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (21 12 2009)
Thought for the day
Because I'm a guy, I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I'll miss a whole show looking for it, though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator.Because I'm a guy, when I lock my keys in the car I will fiddle with a wire clothes hanger and ignore your suggestions that we call a road service until long after hypothermia has set in. Oh, and when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another guy shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know where to start."Because I'm a guy, when I catch a cold I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You never get as sick as I do, so for you this isn't an issue.Because I'm a guy, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store, like milk, or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items like "Cumin" or "Tofu." For all I know these are the same thing.Because I'm a guy, when one of our appliances stops working I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.Because I'm a guy, I don't think we're all that lost, and no, I don't think we should stop and ask someone. Why would you listen to a complete stranger -- how in the world could HE know where we're going?Because I'm a guy, whatever you got your mother for Mother's Day is ok, I don't need to see it. Did you remember to pick up something for my mom, too?Because I'm a guy, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't.Because I'm a guy, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?Because I'm a guy and this is, after all, the 21st century, I will share equally in the housework. You do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning, and the dishes. I'll do the rest.It does seem that a lot of behavior on the part of men can be explained with the simple phrase "it's because I'm a guy -- that says it all". Likewise, a lot of the behavior we as Christians exhibit in the workplace, at home, or at school, should be explainable by the phrase, "it's because I'm a child of God". That says it all -- that's why I do what I do and say what I say."But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)When people wonder about our actions, they should be able to look at our lives and say, "Oh yes, he acts that way because he's a Christian." Whether they appreciate it or not, may they see that Christ truly does make a difference in the way we live.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
For we keep before us not the things which are seen, but those which are not seen; for the things which are seen are transitory, but those which are not seen are Eternal.
Exodus 15:26
and He saith, `If thou dost really hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and dost that which is right in His eyes, and hast hearkened to His commands, and kept all His statutes: none of the sickness which I laid on the Egyptians do I lay on thee, for I, Jehovah, am healing thee.
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
Ephesians 6:18
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
2 Corinthians 9:6
Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap.
Prayer
Father, we identify with the Israelites who surely had concerns and fears regarding their future as they journeyed into uncharted territory. We are comfortable with the familiar and can easily worry about the unknown. But we find peace and refuge in You, our eternal God, when we experience the unfamiliar as we learn to trust You for all that concerns us. It is in Your everlasting arms that we find a place of reassurance. Your arms never grow weary nor do they turn us away as we come to You for strength, support, and rest. Amen.
Because I'm a guy, I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I'll miss a whole show looking for it, though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator.Because I'm a guy, when I lock my keys in the car I will fiddle with a wire clothes hanger and ignore your suggestions that we call a road service until long after hypothermia has set in. Oh, and when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another guy shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know where to start."Because I'm a guy, when I catch a cold I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You never get as sick as I do, so for you this isn't an issue.Because I'm a guy, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store, like milk, or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items like "Cumin" or "Tofu." For all I know these are the same thing.Because I'm a guy, when one of our appliances stops working I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.Because I'm a guy, I don't think we're all that lost, and no, I don't think we should stop and ask someone. Why would you listen to a complete stranger -- how in the world could HE know where we're going?Because I'm a guy, whatever you got your mother for Mother's Day is ok, I don't need to see it. Did you remember to pick up something for my mom, too?Because I'm a guy, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't.Because I'm a guy, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?Because I'm a guy and this is, after all, the 21st century, I will share equally in the housework. You do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning, and the dishes. I'll do the rest.It does seem that a lot of behavior on the part of men can be explained with the simple phrase "it's because I'm a guy -- that says it all". Likewise, a lot of the behavior we as Christians exhibit in the workplace, at home, or at school, should be explainable by the phrase, "it's because I'm a child of God". That says it all -- that's why I do what I do and say what I say."But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)When people wonder about our actions, they should be able to look at our lives and say, "Oh yes, he acts that way because he's a Christian." Whether they appreciate it or not, may they see that Christ truly does make a difference in the way we live.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
For we keep before us not the things which are seen, but those which are not seen; for the things which are seen are transitory, but those which are not seen are Eternal.
Exodus 15:26
and He saith, `If thou dost really hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and dost that which is right in His eyes, and hast hearkened to His commands, and kept all His statutes: none of the sickness which I laid on the Egyptians do I lay on thee, for I, Jehovah, am healing thee.
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
Ephesians 6:18
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
2 Corinthians 9:6
Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap.
Prayer
Father, we identify with the Israelites who surely had concerns and fears regarding their future as they journeyed into uncharted territory. We are comfortable with the familiar and can easily worry about the unknown. But we find peace and refuge in You, our eternal God, when we experience the unfamiliar as we learn to trust You for all that concerns us. It is in Your everlasting arms that we find a place of reassurance. Your arms never grow weary nor do they turn us away as we come to You for strength, support, and rest. Amen.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (11 12 2009)
Thought for the day
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was not only the creator of Sherlock Holmes, but apparently, he was a creative practical joker, too.
The story is told of one horrendous - although clever - practical joke that he played one time. He just wrote a short, unsigned telegram - all in fun - to 12 of the best known men in England. The anonymous message was the same - only six words - six scary words,
"All is discovered. Flee at once."
As the story goes, within 24 hours not one of those men could be found. I don't know if that really happened, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did because almost everyone carries the burden of knowing they've done something in the past that they're ashamed of. One of the first things we do when we commit a sin is to try to hide (that's what Adam and Eve did!).
And we will often go to great lengths to hide that part of our lives from everyone around else. The more we hide, the more the feelings of guilt grow and the greater we feel the need to hide.
Psalm 139 is a beautiful psalm where David acknowledges that God knows everything about us. He knows our words. He knows our every thought. There is no need to hide from God. There is no way to hide from God. And it is only when we realize that, and are honest about those pieces of our lives that we try to hide that we can come to know forgiveness (and the peace that comes with it).
Let us say with David, "For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before you." (Psalm 51:3)
All is discovered -- it always has been. And there is a need to flee at once -- to the arms of God.
Verses
Matthew 21:21
"Believe me," replied Jesus, "if you have faith and have no doubts in your heart, you will not only do this to a fig-tree but even if you should say to this hill, 'Be uprooted and thrown into the sea', it will happen!
Luke 10:9
"And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Galatians 3:9
Abraham believed this, and because he believed, he was blessed. It is the same today. All who believe today are blessed just as Abraham was blessed.
Psalm 86:6
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications.
Psalm 23:1
Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall never have less than I need.
Prayer
Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that don’t always reflect our choosing. It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations not of our own choosing, but to our overall benefit. Help us to be patient as we search Your Scripture and seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives. Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours. May we not be overcome by adversity but ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image and character deep into our hearts. We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your children, You will have the final say. Amen.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was not only the creator of Sherlock Holmes, but apparently, he was a creative practical joker, too.
The story is told of one horrendous - although clever - practical joke that he played one time. He just wrote a short, unsigned telegram - all in fun - to 12 of the best known men in England. The anonymous message was the same - only six words - six scary words,
"All is discovered. Flee at once."
As the story goes, within 24 hours not one of those men could be found. I don't know if that really happened, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did because almost everyone carries the burden of knowing they've done something in the past that they're ashamed of. One of the first things we do when we commit a sin is to try to hide (that's what Adam and Eve did!).
And we will often go to great lengths to hide that part of our lives from everyone around else. The more we hide, the more the feelings of guilt grow and the greater we feel the need to hide.
Psalm 139 is a beautiful psalm where David acknowledges that God knows everything about us. He knows our words. He knows our every thought. There is no need to hide from God. There is no way to hide from God. And it is only when we realize that, and are honest about those pieces of our lives that we try to hide that we can come to know forgiveness (and the peace that comes with it).
Let us say with David, "For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before you." (Psalm 51:3)
All is discovered -- it always has been. And there is a need to flee at once -- to the arms of God.
Verses
Matthew 21:21
"Believe me," replied Jesus, "if you have faith and have no doubts in your heart, you will not only do this to a fig-tree but even if you should say to this hill, 'Be uprooted and thrown into the sea', it will happen!
Luke 10:9
"And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Galatians 3:9
Abraham believed this, and because he believed, he was blessed. It is the same today. All who believe today are blessed just as Abraham was blessed.
Psalm 86:6
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications.
Psalm 23:1
Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall never have less than I need.
Prayer
Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that don’t always reflect our choosing. It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations not of our own choosing, but to our overall benefit. Help us to be patient as we search Your Scripture and seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives. Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours. May we not be overcome by adversity but ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image and character deep into our hearts. We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your children, You will have the final say. Amen.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (10 12 2009)
Thought for the day
Back in the days when the Old West was being settled, there were a lot of pioneers who made their way over the Oregon trail. When they got to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, they found a stream a little too wide to cross in one step. So they "two-stepped" across by using an ugly lump sticking up out of the water in the middle of the stream.
As the years passed, other pioneers settled in that area, built their cabins, strung fences and plowed the fields. One man built his cabin near that same stream. But he had a problem -- his door flapped in the wind. To solve his problem, he found a heavy lump in the middle of the stream. So he carried it to his front step and it became a door stop.
More years passed. Railroads were built across the nation, more people pushed west and modern cities sprang up. A nephew of the old pioneer went east to study geology at a large university. He returned home during vacation. Lo and behold, on the front porch of his uncle's cabin by the stream, he found not just an ugly lump, and not just a heavy lump, but a lump of pure gold, the largest gold nugget ever discovered on the eastern slopes of the Rockies!
It had been there for three generations, but everybody saw it in a different light, some as an ugly lump, some as a heavy lump, but only the nephew saw it for what it really was -- a lump of gold. The same thing is true of Jesus. The same Jesus whom others have seen as a stumbling rock was actually a very precious stone -- the chief cornerstone.
The cornerstone was the major structural part of ancient buildings. It had to be strong enough to support what was built upon it, and it had to be precisely laid, because every other part of the structure was oriented to it. The cornerstone was the support, the orienter, and the unifier of the entire building. That is what Jesus Christ is to God's building, the church. The whole building ties together because of the cornerstone.
"You are....members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." (Ephesians 2:19-21)
Verses
Romans 8:28
We know that in everything God works with those who love him, whom he has called in accordance with his purpose, to bring about what is good.
Matthew 8:17
in order that this prediction of the Prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, <"He took on Him our weaknesses, and bore the burden of our diseases.">
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Colossians 4:2
Persevere in prayer, but also be inwardly attentive while you pray.
Psalm 1:1-3
Happy the man who never follows the advice of the wicked, or loiters on the way that sinners take, or sits about with scoffers, but finds his pleasure in the law of Yahweh, and murmurs his law day and night. He is like a tree that is planted by water streams, yielding its fruit in season, its leaves never fading; success attends all he does.
Prayer
Father, just as Simeon took Your Son Jesus into His arms and gave praise to You, we invite Jesus into our hearts and raise our arms toward You. We ascribe to You glory and honor and power and strength due Your name. We rejoice in our salvation made available through the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem humankind from their wretched sin. For, at just the right time, while we were still powerless and dead in our sins, Jesus died for us. God, You demonstrated Your love for us, in that You credited righteousness to us through Christ’s death, and justified us from sin. Your wondrous love is truly amazing and I can only respond by dedicating to You my soul, my life, my all! Amen.
Back in the days when the Old West was being settled, there were a lot of pioneers who made their way over the Oregon trail. When they got to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, they found a stream a little too wide to cross in one step. So they "two-stepped" across by using an ugly lump sticking up out of the water in the middle of the stream.
As the years passed, other pioneers settled in that area, built their cabins, strung fences and plowed the fields. One man built his cabin near that same stream. But he had a problem -- his door flapped in the wind. To solve his problem, he found a heavy lump in the middle of the stream. So he carried it to his front step and it became a door stop.
More years passed. Railroads were built across the nation, more people pushed west and modern cities sprang up. A nephew of the old pioneer went east to study geology at a large university. He returned home during vacation. Lo and behold, on the front porch of his uncle's cabin by the stream, he found not just an ugly lump, and not just a heavy lump, but a lump of pure gold, the largest gold nugget ever discovered on the eastern slopes of the Rockies!
It had been there for three generations, but everybody saw it in a different light, some as an ugly lump, some as a heavy lump, but only the nephew saw it for what it really was -- a lump of gold. The same thing is true of Jesus. The same Jesus whom others have seen as a stumbling rock was actually a very precious stone -- the chief cornerstone.
The cornerstone was the major structural part of ancient buildings. It had to be strong enough to support what was built upon it, and it had to be precisely laid, because every other part of the structure was oriented to it. The cornerstone was the support, the orienter, and the unifier of the entire building. That is what Jesus Christ is to God's building, the church. The whole building ties together because of the cornerstone.
"You are....members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." (Ephesians 2:19-21)
Verses
Romans 8:28
We know that in everything God works with those who love him, whom he has called in accordance with his purpose, to bring about what is good.
Matthew 8:17
in order that this prediction of the Prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, <"He took on Him our weaknesses, and bore the burden of our diseases.">
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Colossians 4:2
Persevere in prayer, but also be inwardly attentive while you pray.
Psalm 1:1-3
Happy the man who never follows the advice of the wicked, or loiters on the way that sinners take, or sits about with scoffers, but finds his pleasure in the law of Yahweh, and murmurs his law day and night. He is like a tree that is planted by water streams, yielding its fruit in season, its leaves never fading; success attends all he does.
Prayer
Father, just as Simeon took Your Son Jesus into His arms and gave praise to You, we invite Jesus into our hearts and raise our arms toward You. We ascribe to You glory and honor and power and strength due Your name. We rejoice in our salvation made available through the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem humankind from their wretched sin. For, at just the right time, while we were still powerless and dead in our sins, Jesus died for us. God, You demonstrated Your love for us, in that You credited righteousness to us through Christ’s death, and justified us from sin. Your wondrous love is truly amazing and I can only respond by dedicating to You my soul, my life, my all! Amen.
Wednesday praer & verses (09 12 2009)
Thought for the day
Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources person asked the young MBA fresh out of MIT,
"And what starting salary were you looking for?"
The candidate responded, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."
The HR person said, "Well, what would you say to a package of 5-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% salary, and a company car leased every two years - say a red Corvette?"
The graduate sat up mouth agape and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?"
And the HR person responded, "Certainly.....but you started it!"
That's the trouble with a lot of young people today (I thought I would never be old enough to say that!) -- they want to start at the top and work their way up from there. We as Christians are sometimes the same way. We want what's at "the top" without going through what lies below.
For example, we want patience (and we want it right now!), but we don't want the trials that develop patience. We'd rather start at the top. James said,"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." (James 1:2-3, NCV)
Have you prayed for patience lately? Expect God to give it to you immediately. And, on top of that, you'll never have any problems in life at all. None! Everything will always go smoothly. You'll suffer no injustices, experience no heartaches, and never know what it means to fail. Am I kidding? Certainly........but you started it!
May the troubles you experience today lead you toward patience and maturity in the days to come (no kidding!).
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.
Romans 4:19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Mark 11:24
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe -- trust and be confident -- that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
1 Timothy 6:17
Urge upon those who are wealthy in this life not to pride themselves, or fix their hopes, on so uncertain a thing as wealth, but on God, who gives us a wealth of enjoyment on every side.
Prayer
Father, thank You for meeting our greatest need in the person of Jesus who was born when the time had fully come; born of a virgin conceived by the Holy Spirit. We are a redeemed people because You gave Your only begotten Son so that we would not perish but have eternal life. Just as Simeon and Anna awaited the first coming of the Messiah, we await the second coming of Christ’s return when we will be caught up in the air and will forevermore reign in the eternal heavens. Keep us watchful and faithful until that day of promise is fulfilled. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources person asked the young MBA fresh out of MIT,
"And what starting salary were you looking for?"
The candidate responded, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."
The HR person said, "Well, what would you say to a package of 5-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% salary, and a company car leased every two years - say a red Corvette?"
The graduate sat up mouth agape and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?"
And the HR person responded, "Certainly.....but you started it!"
That's the trouble with a lot of young people today (I thought I would never be old enough to say that!) -- they want to start at the top and work their way up from there. We as Christians are sometimes the same way. We want what's at "the top" without going through what lies below.
For example, we want patience (and we want it right now!), but we don't want the trials that develop patience. We'd rather start at the top. James said,"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." (James 1:2-3, NCV)
Have you prayed for patience lately? Expect God to give it to you immediately. And, on top of that, you'll never have any problems in life at all. None! Everything will always go smoothly. You'll suffer no injustices, experience no heartaches, and never know what it means to fail. Am I kidding? Certainly........but you started it!
May the troubles you experience today lead you toward patience and maturity in the days to come (no kidding!).
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.
Romans 4:19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Mark 11:24
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe -- trust and be confident -- that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
1 Timothy 6:17
Urge upon those who are wealthy in this life not to pride themselves, or fix their hopes, on so uncertain a thing as wealth, but on God, who gives us a wealth of enjoyment on every side.
Prayer
Father, thank You for meeting our greatest need in the person of Jesus who was born when the time had fully come; born of a virgin conceived by the Holy Spirit. We are a redeemed people because You gave Your only begotten Son so that we would not perish but have eternal life. Just as Simeon and Anna awaited the first coming of the Messiah, we await the second coming of Christ’s return when we will be caught up in the air and will forevermore reign in the eternal heavens. Keep us watchful and faithful until that day of promise is fulfilled. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (08 12 2009)
Thought for the day
Imagine what it would have been like if the Old Testament law covered such things as eating of dessert:
For we judge between the plate that is unclean and the plate that is clean, saying first, if the plate is clean, then you shall have dessert. But of the unclean plate, the laws are these:
If you have eaten most of your meat, and two bites of your peas with each bite consisting of not less than three peas each, or in total six peas, eaten where I can see, and you have also eaten enough of your potatoes to fill two forks, both forkfuls eaten where I can see, then you shall have dessert.
But if you eat a lesser number of peas, and yet you eat the potatoes, still you shall not have dessert; and if you eat the peas, yet leave the potatoes uneaten, you shall not have dessert, no, not even a small portion thereof.
And if you try to deceive by moving the potatoes or peas around with a fork, that it may appear you have eaten what you have not, you will fall into iniquity. And I will know, and you shall have no dessert.No, those verses are not to be found in Exodus, Leviticus, or Deuteronomy. But something similar is in the "lawbook" of almost every parent. As children, we thought the "rules" were terribly unfair, almost bordering on "cruel and unusual punishment".
But, as we became parents ourselves, we began to understand the need for setting guidelines for the behavior of our children, both in matters as mundane as the eating of dessert and as crucial as having a faith in Jesus Christ."And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:1).
God, we look to you as our heavenly Father and give thanks for our earthly parents who taught us and trained us (though we didn't always appreciate it at the time). We ask your blessing on those of us who are now in the process of training our children. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go home now; because of your faith, so let it be.' At that moment the boy recovered.
Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Psalm 118:6
He is for me! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me?
Matthew 21:22
Anything you ask for in prayer, believe, and you will get it."
Proverbs 28:25
A grasping nature stirs up enmity, but he who trusts in the Eternal thrives.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for clothing Yourself in flesh and making Your home among Your own creation. You are both God and Man, completely divine and completely human. Rather than coming to us only through written precepts and the revelation of Your Word, You came to us through a Person’s life, something we could tangibly see, physically grasp and personally identify with. You revealed the divine nature and perfect will of the Father through the Person of Jesus Christ. Grace flows through You in those whose lives are spiritually transformed and the lives of those who experience miracles and healings. Thank You for emptying Yourself and taking the nature of a servant as You walked in truth and obedience, knowing that it would lead to death on the cross. We praise You, Jesus, as You are exalted to the highest place. We confess that You are Lord, to the glory of God the Father! Amen.
Imagine what it would have been like if the Old Testament law covered such things as eating of dessert:
For we judge between the plate that is unclean and the plate that is clean, saying first, if the plate is clean, then you shall have dessert. But of the unclean plate, the laws are these:
If you have eaten most of your meat, and two bites of your peas with each bite consisting of not less than three peas each, or in total six peas, eaten where I can see, and you have also eaten enough of your potatoes to fill two forks, both forkfuls eaten where I can see, then you shall have dessert.
But if you eat a lesser number of peas, and yet you eat the potatoes, still you shall not have dessert; and if you eat the peas, yet leave the potatoes uneaten, you shall not have dessert, no, not even a small portion thereof.
And if you try to deceive by moving the potatoes or peas around with a fork, that it may appear you have eaten what you have not, you will fall into iniquity. And I will know, and you shall have no dessert.No, those verses are not to be found in Exodus, Leviticus, or Deuteronomy. But something similar is in the "lawbook" of almost every parent. As children, we thought the "rules" were terribly unfair, almost bordering on "cruel and unusual punishment".
But, as we became parents ourselves, we began to understand the need for setting guidelines for the behavior of our children, both in matters as mundane as the eating of dessert and as crucial as having a faith in Jesus Christ."And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:1).
God, we look to you as our heavenly Father and give thanks for our earthly parents who taught us and trained us (though we didn't always appreciate it at the time). We ask your blessing on those of us who are now in the process of training our children. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go home now; because of your faith, so let it be.' At that moment the boy recovered.
Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Psalm 118:6
He is for me! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me?
Matthew 21:22
Anything you ask for in prayer, believe, and you will get it."
Proverbs 28:25
A grasping nature stirs up enmity, but he who trusts in the Eternal thrives.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for clothing Yourself in flesh and making Your home among Your own creation. You are both God and Man, completely divine and completely human. Rather than coming to us only through written precepts and the revelation of Your Word, You came to us through a Person’s life, something we could tangibly see, physically grasp and personally identify with. You revealed the divine nature and perfect will of the Father through the Person of Jesus Christ. Grace flows through You in those whose lives are spiritually transformed and the lives of those who experience miracles and healings. Thank You for emptying Yourself and taking the nature of a servant as You walked in truth and obedience, knowing that it would lead to death on the cross. We praise You, Jesus, as You are exalted to the highest place. We confess that You are Lord, to the glory of God the Father! Amen.
Monday prayer & verses (07 12 2009)
Thought for the day
An investment counselor went out on her own. She was shrewd and diligent, so business kept coming in, and pretty soon she realized she needed an in-house counsel, so she began interviewing young lawyers."As I'm sure you can understand," she started off with one of the first applicants, "in a business like this, our personal integrity must be beyond question." She leaned forward. "Mr. Peterson, are you an *honest* lawyer?"
"Honest?" replied the job prospect. "Let me tell you something about honesty. Why, I'm so honest that my father lent me fifteen thousand rands for my education and I paid back every cent the minute I tried my very first case."
"Impressive..... And what sort of case was that?
"The lawyer squirmed in his seat and admitted, "He sued me for the money."
Sometimes we do something good because it's the right thing to do. And sometimes we do the right thing simply because we have no choice. The difference will manifest itself in our lives at some point, though, when we do have a choice.
I see it happen all the time with college students. For years, they attended church with Mom and Dad. But as soon as they are on their own, making their own decisions, it becomes evident whether they attended all those years because it was the right thing to do or because they were forced to go.
What is your motivation?
May we all seek to have the attitude of David:"I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure....I love Your law.....My soul keeps your testimonies and I love them exceedingly.....LetYour hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight." (Psa. 119:162,163b,167,173-174)
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
But Scripture says, 'I believed, and therefore I spoke out', and we too, in the same spirit of faith, believe and therefore speak out;
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
1 Corinthians 10:13
As yet you have been faced with no temptation beyond that of the ordinary human life. And God is faithful; even in the future He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength; as soon as temptation assails you He will provide a way of escape, so that you may be saved.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer. Give your whole mind to it, and also offer thanksgiving;
James 1:4
but let your fortitude have complete scope, so that you may be complete and blameless, lacking in nothing.
Prayer
Father, You reward the obedient but the disobedient will always deal with resulting consequences, now or later. Obedience brings about blessing and disobedience brings about dishonor. I want to honor You with my life, for there is nothing hidden from Your eyes. Help me to set the standards of truth and honesty by Your Holy Word, not the standards of this world that are customizing “truth” to suit their ever-changing whims. When I’m confronted with my sin help me to have the fortitude and courage to deal with it. May I not cover it up, change its true meaning, blame others, procrastinate or deceive myself. Thank You for granting complete forgiveness. Amen.
An investment counselor went out on her own. She was shrewd and diligent, so business kept coming in, and pretty soon she realized she needed an in-house counsel, so she began interviewing young lawyers."As I'm sure you can understand," she started off with one of the first applicants, "in a business like this, our personal integrity must be beyond question." She leaned forward. "Mr. Peterson, are you an *honest* lawyer?"
"Honest?" replied the job prospect. "Let me tell you something about honesty. Why, I'm so honest that my father lent me fifteen thousand rands for my education and I paid back every cent the minute I tried my very first case."
"Impressive..... And what sort of case was that?
"The lawyer squirmed in his seat and admitted, "He sued me for the money."
Sometimes we do something good because it's the right thing to do. And sometimes we do the right thing simply because we have no choice. The difference will manifest itself in our lives at some point, though, when we do have a choice.
I see it happen all the time with college students. For years, they attended church with Mom and Dad. But as soon as they are on their own, making their own decisions, it becomes evident whether they attended all those years because it was the right thing to do or because they were forced to go.
What is your motivation?
May we all seek to have the attitude of David:"I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure....I love Your law.....My soul keeps your testimonies and I love them exceedingly.....LetYour hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight." (Psa. 119:162,163b,167,173-174)
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
But Scripture says, 'I believed, and therefore I spoke out', and we too, in the same spirit of faith, believe and therefore speak out;
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
1 Corinthians 10:13
As yet you have been faced with no temptation beyond that of the ordinary human life. And God is faithful; even in the future He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength; as soon as temptation assails you He will provide a way of escape, so that you may be saved.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer. Give your whole mind to it, and also offer thanksgiving;
James 1:4
but let your fortitude have complete scope, so that you may be complete and blameless, lacking in nothing.
Prayer
Father, You reward the obedient but the disobedient will always deal with resulting consequences, now or later. Obedience brings about blessing and disobedience brings about dishonor. I want to honor You with my life, for there is nothing hidden from Your eyes. Help me to set the standards of truth and honesty by Your Holy Word, not the standards of this world that are customizing “truth” to suit their ever-changing whims. When I’m confronted with my sin help me to have the fortitude and courage to deal with it. May I not cover it up, change its true meaning, blame others, procrastinate or deceive myself. Thank You for granting complete forgiveness. Amen.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (04 12 2009)
Thought for the day
A local policeman had just finished his shift one cold November evening and was at home with his wife. "You just won't believe what happened this evening. In all my years on the force I've never seen anything like it!"
"What happened?"
"I came across two guys down by the canal, one of them was drinking battery acid and the other was eating fireworks."
"Drinking battery acid and eating fireworks!! What did you do with them?"
"I charged one and let the other one off."
Spiritually speaking, those of us who are Christians have been both "charged" and "let off." We are charged with sin (and rightfully so, for we are guilty). "For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin." (Rom. 3:9)
But, those of us who are Christians who have put on Christ have also been "let off" because Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins. We have been justified, "just as if I'd" never sinned. "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39)
To be charged is a frightful thing (those of you who have received tickets can vouch for that). To have a judge say, "I find you guilty, but I'm going to pay the fine for you" is inconceivable. Yet, that's exactly what has happened! May our lives demonstrate the gratitude we feel.
Verses
Luke 1:37
For every promise of God is sure to be fulfilled."
Exodus 15:26
"If you will listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and obey it, and do what is right, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you."
2 Corinthians 5:14
We are ruled by Christ's love for us. We are certain that if one person died for everyone else, then all of us have died.
Matthew 21:22
and all that you ask for by prayer, if you have faith, you shall receive.
2 Corinthians 9:10
And God, who supplies "seed for sowing and bread for eating,"
will certainly supply seed for you to sow in ever-increasing abundance, so that the fruits of your piety will be multiplied.
Prayer
Father, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
A local policeman had just finished his shift one cold November evening and was at home with his wife. "You just won't believe what happened this evening. In all my years on the force I've never seen anything like it!"
"What happened?"
"I came across two guys down by the canal, one of them was drinking battery acid and the other was eating fireworks."
"Drinking battery acid and eating fireworks!! What did you do with them?"
"I charged one and let the other one off."
Spiritually speaking, those of us who are Christians have been both "charged" and "let off." We are charged with sin (and rightfully so, for we are guilty). "For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin." (Rom. 3:9)
But, those of us who are Christians who have put on Christ have also been "let off" because Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins. We have been justified, "just as if I'd" never sinned. "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39)
To be charged is a frightful thing (those of you who have received tickets can vouch for that). To have a judge say, "I find you guilty, but I'm going to pay the fine for you" is inconceivable. Yet, that's exactly what has happened! May our lives demonstrate the gratitude we feel.
Verses
Luke 1:37
For every promise of God is sure to be fulfilled."
Exodus 15:26
"If you will listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and obey it, and do what is right, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you."
2 Corinthians 5:14
We are ruled by Christ's love for us. We are certain that if one person died for everyone else, then all of us have died.
Matthew 21:22
and all that you ask for by prayer, if you have faith, you shall receive.
2 Corinthians 9:10
And God, who supplies "seed for sowing and bread for eating,"
will certainly supply seed for you to sow in ever-increasing abundance, so that the fruits of your piety will be multiplied.
Prayer
Father, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
Thursday prayer & verses (03 12 2009)
Thought for the day
I have heard that there is a monastery in Greece perched high on a cliff, several hundred feet in the air. The only way to reach the monastery is to be suspended in a basket which is pulled to the top by several monks who pull and tug with all their strength. Obviously the ride up the steep cliff in that basket is terrifying.
One tourist got exceedingly nervous about half-way up as he noticed that the rope by which he was suspended was old and frayed. With a trembling voice he asked the monk who was riding with him in the basket how often they changed the rope.
The monk thought for a moment and answered serenely: "Whenever it breaks."
We are shocked that someone would wait that long before changing the rope. It only makes sense that the rope ought to be changed long before reaching that point. But it dawned on me that God operates the same way in our lives. If we were to ask God when He will change our lives, His answer might well be, "Whenever you break!"
You see, our lives can only change once we have what the Bible refers to as a "broken spirit". As long as we remain arrogant and determined to do things our way, God can't shape us and mold us. Like a wild stallion, we remain useless until we are "broken"."
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." (Psa. 34:18).
Father, I so often want to stubbornly do things my way. Help me as I strive to have a broken spirit, recognizing my shortcomings, humbly willing to listen to Your instruction. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
(for here I live by what I believe and not by what I see),
Exodus 15:26
"If you will listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and obey it, and do what is right, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you."
Romans 6:23
When someone sins, he earns what sin pays--death. But God gives us a free gift--life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew 21:22
and all that you ask for by prayer, if you have faith, you shall receive.
2 Corinthians 9:10
And God, who supplies "seed for sowing and bread for eating,"
will certainly supply seed for you to sow in ever-increasing abundance, so that the fruits of your piety will be multiplied.
Prayer
Father, we are so very thankful for all the blessings we enjoyed over the past year of 2009. There were many opportunities for rejoicing and many opportunities for trusting. Your mercies are renewed daily and Your provision is experienced in our lives each moment of every day. We seek You for guidance in the new year and growth in our daily Christian walk. Though we cannot predict the future we can predict Your faithfulness because You are a God that does not change. Every promise You’ve made is true as we have seen in the Biblical records. This gives us reason to trust You for the dawning of a new year where we will once again experience Your guiding presence in our daily lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen
I have heard that there is a monastery in Greece perched high on a cliff, several hundred feet in the air. The only way to reach the monastery is to be suspended in a basket which is pulled to the top by several monks who pull and tug with all their strength. Obviously the ride up the steep cliff in that basket is terrifying.
One tourist got exceedingly nervous about half-way up as he noticed that the rope by which he was suspended was old and frayed. With a trembling voice he asked the monk who was riding with him in the basket how often they changed the rope.
The monk thought for a moment and answered serenely: "Whenever it breaks."
We are shocked that someone would wait that long before changing the rope. It only makes sense that the rope ought to be changed long before reaching that point. But it dawned on me that God operates the same way in our lives. If we were to ask God when He will change our lives, His answer might well be, "Whenever you break!"
You see, our lives can only change once we have what the Bible refers to as a "broken spirit". As long as we remain arrogant and determined to do things our way, God can't shape us and mold us. Like a wild stallion, we remain useless until we are "broken"."
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." (Psa. 34:18).
Father, I so often want to stubbornly do things my way. Help me as I strive to have a broken spirit, recognizing my shortcomings, humbly willing to listen to Your instruction. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
(for here I live by what I believe and not by what I see),
Exodus 15:26
"If you will listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and obey it, and do what is right, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you."
Romans 6:23
When someone sins, he earns what sin pays--death. But God gives us a free gift--life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew 21:22
and all that you ask for by prayer, if you have faith, you shall receive.
2 Corinthians 9:10
And God, who supplies "seed for sowing and bread for eating,"
will certainly supply seed for you to sow in ever-increasing abundance, so that the fruits of your piety will be multiplied.
Prayer
Father, we are so very thankful for all the blessings we enjoyed over the past year of 2009. There were many opportunities for rejoicing and many opportunities for trusting. Your mercies are renewed daily and Your provision is experienced in our lives each moment of every day. We seek You for guidance in the new year and growth in our daily Christian walk. Though we cannot predict the future we can predict Your faithfulness because You are a God that does not change. Every promise You’ve made is true as we have seen in the Biblical records. This gives us reason to trust You for the dawning of a new year where we will once again experience Your guiding presence in our daily lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (02 12 2009)
Thought for the day
In the movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Butch and Sundance, running from the law, run up to a cliff hundreds of feet high overlooking a river. They are outnumbered by lawmen who have taken up their positions and there is no way out. They get ready to shoot it out, but they know it's a suicide mission.
Then Butch looks out over the cliff and sees the river below and says, "I know, we'll jump!" Sundance thinks he's crazy. Butch tells him it's their only hope. Sundance is still reluctant. Butch assures Sundance that the lawmen would never follow them, saying, "Would you make a jump like that you didn't have to?" Sundance says, "I have to, and I'm still not going to." Finally, Sundance gives the reason for his reluctance. He says, "I can't swim." Butch just laughs and says, "Are you kidding? The fall will probably kill you!"
But Sundance, because of the predicament, knows he's out of options, and though he can't swim, he jumps.I think there are times that the Lord leads us into predicaments where the only reasonable thing to do is to jump and trust the Lord. And we know that he'll never let us down. Over and over, the Bible stresses that one of the primary attributes of God is his faithfulness. God is always dependable.
You can count on him. He makes his word good. When he tells you he'll do something, you can believe that he will do it. When he makes a promise, you know he's going to keep it. Because God is faithful.It's interesting to notice how the Bible connects stability in the lives of Christians to the faithfulness of God. Thus, we find statements like this: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23).
The reason a Christian is able to stand when life's storms come against him is that his faith is grounded in a God whose promises to him will always be honored. In Hebrews 11, Sarah is praised with these words: "By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11).
Here were two people who shared the disappointment over the years of being childless. They had no tangible reason to think anything had changed. Yet, God gave his word to them. And they knew that God was faithful. He wouldn't let them down.It is essential that we understand this very important truth:
God keeps his promises. And it doesn't matter whether it was made to Abraham, David, Paul or you, God has never given a promise that he failed to honor. He is faithful.
All you need to do is to jump.
Verses
Revelation 12:11
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
Philippians 4:19
May the Lord reward you by supplying all your needs with his wealth of glory in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, we consider with deep gratitude our endless blessings as we are among “all peoples on earth” transformed by the good news of great joy the angels delivered on that unforgettable night! The Savior, yes, the Lord Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, is Messiah. He is our Emmanuel, God with us, who has redeemed us from the pit of despair in this life and eternal damnation in the life to come. He will guide us through the dark and difficult places and set our feet upon a firm foundation to stay the course and sustain us on life’s path. Thank You for Your endless mercies. Amen.
In the movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Butch and Sundance, running from the law, run up to a cliff hundreds of feet high overlooking a river. They are outnumbered by lawmen who have taken up their positions and there is no way out. They get ready to shoot it out, but they know it's a suicide mission.
Then Butch looks out over the cliff and sees the river below and says, "I know, we'll jump!" Sundance thinks he's crazy. Butch tells him it's their only hope. Sundance is still reluctant. Butch assures Sundance that the lawmen would never follow them, saying, "Would you make a jump like that you didn't have to?" Sundance says, "I have to, and I'm still not going to." Finally, Sundance gives the reason for his reluctance. He says, "I can't swim." Butch just laughs and says, "Are you kidding? The fall will probably kill you!"
But Sundance, because of the predicament, knows he's out of options, and though he can't swim, he jumps.I think there are times that the Lord leads us into predicaments where the only reasonable thing to do is to jump and trust the Lord. And we know that he'll never let us down. Over and over, the Bible stresses that one of the primary attributes of God is his faithfulness. God is always dependable.
You can count on him. He makes his word good. When he tells you he'll do something, you can believe that he will do it. When he makes a promise, you know he's going to keep it. Because God is faithful.It's interesting to notice how the Bible connects stability in the lives of Christians to the faithfulness of God. Thus, we find statements like this: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23).
The reason a Christian is able to stand when life's storms come against him is that his faith is grounded in a God whose promises to him will always be honored. In Hebrews 11, Sarah is praised with these words: "By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11).
Here were two people who shared the disappointment over the years of being childless. They had no tangible reason to think anything had changed. Yet, God gave his word to them. And they knew that God was faithful. He wouldn't let them down.It is essential that we understand this very important truth:
God keeps his promises. And it doesn't matter whether it was made to Abraham, David, Paul or you, God has never given a promise that he failed to honor. He is faithful.
All you need to do is to jump.
Verses
Revelation 12:11
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
Philippians 4:19
May the Lord reward you by supplying all your needs with his wealth of glory in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, we consider with deep gratitude our endless blessings as we are among “all peoples on earth” transformed by the good news of great joy the angels delivered on that unforgettable night! The Savior, yes, the Lord Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, is Messiah. He is our Emmanuel, God with us, who has redeemed us from the pit of despair in this life and eternal damnation in the life to come. He will guide us through the dark and difficult places and set our feet upon a firm foundation to stay the course and sustain us on life’s path. Thank You for Your endless mercies. Amen.
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