Wednesday prayer & verses (24 03 2010)

Thought for the day

My grandfather worked in a blacksmith shop when he was a boy, and he used
to tell me, when I was a little boy myself, how he had toughened himself up
so he could stand the rigors of blacksmithing.

One story was how he had developed his arm and shoulder muscles. He said
he would stand outside behind the house and, with a 5-pound potato sack in
each hand, extend his arms straight out to his sides and hold them there as
long as he could.

After a while he tried 10-pound potato sacks, then 50-pound potato sacks
and finally he got to where he could lift a 100-pound potato sack in each
hand and hold his arms straight out for more than a full minute!

Next, he started putting potatoes in the sacks.

--author unknown

I suspect we're all like that at times. We understand (intellectually, at
least) the value of trials. We understand that the testing of our faith
produces patience (James 1:3). We understand that the fiery trials serve
to purify our faith (I Peter 1:7). And we are quite content to hold the
potato sacks -- as long as God doesn't put any potatoes in them!

It's much harder to see the benefit of trials when they are so
overwhelming as to seem to be crushing. As Job said, "For the thing I
greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me."
(Job 3:25).

But empty potato sacks will never build muscles. And light trials will
never develop the kind of qualities that God seeks to develop in our lives.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have
its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
(James 1:2-4).

May the trials you are going through today serve the strengthen the muscles
of your spiritual life.

Verses

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the proof of things unseen;

Isaiah 53:5

But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.

Matthew 16:19

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

The things you don't allow on earth will be the things that God does not allow. The things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.

Luke 18:1

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

1 Corinthians 1:5

who has enriched you in so many ways. This is evident in both your conversation and your understanding.

Prayer

Jesus, just as Peter confessed I too confess with my lips and declare with my life, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Satan, the champion masquerader, seeks to weaken my confession of faith, but will be proven ineffective as I fix my eyes on You, Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. In the flurry of constant activity and daily struggles keep me watchful, always looking to You so that I don’t stumble and fall. And yet by Your grace, should I stumble, You do not cast me down, but uphold me with Your right hand. It is through Your mercy that I will be faithful to the end. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday prayer & verses (23 03 2010)

Thought for the day

The story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said.

One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who came down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." The guests responded with phrases like, "Marvelous! Keep up the good work. We are proud of you. God bless you, sir."

It was not until the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. Not quite knowing what to say, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, "I'm sure she had it coming."

Have many times have you ever heard someone say, "Nobody ever listens to me!"? And how many people go through life frustrated because there truly is nobody who will take the time to really listen to what they have to say? Everybody wants to talk, but so few want to listen! Benjamin Franklin once said, "A pair of good ears will drink dry a hundred tongues."

The Bible has much to say about the value of listening. Take to heart this instruction: "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." (James 1:19).

May I encourage you today to put down the newspaper, turn off the television set, and take the time and effort to listen to those around you. It will show that you care, and who knows, you might even learn something in the process!

Are you listening?

Verses

Galatians 6:9

In doing good let us not be discouraged, because in due time we shall reap if we do not become careless.

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,

Matthew 18:4

"Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

1 John 5:14

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Psalm 112:1,3

Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.

Prayer

Father, in this decadent world where imposters are increasing in number and in their menacing deception we can easily be lured into their schemes or we can stand our ground for purity and holiness. Help us to always be on guard by familiarizing ourselves with Scripture, and arming ourselves in the attire of a Christian soldier as we do battle with the enemy of darkness.

And, Lord, for those who are dear to our heart; those who have taken the enemy’s bait and now are entrapped in sin’s deadly tentacles, we prayerfully intercede on their behalf as we cry out to You. Free them from the deadly strangle of Satan’s influence. Grant us wisdom, discernment, and favor as we interact with them. Send others to bring light to their darkened paths and to help us bear this heavy burden. We will not be defeated, for Your power that is within us is greater than the power of our enemy. We will not despair in our problems, but we will delight in Your promises. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Monday prayer & verses (22 03 2010)

Thought for the day

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complains that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs -- especially the "classic " between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complains because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sues after lightning knocks out the prison's TV satellite dish and he must watch network programs, which he says contain violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sues to be served fruit juice at meals and three pancakes instead of two. (Spradley v. Rathman)

~ An inmate sues to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sues for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sues to be served fresh rather than reconstituted milk. (Gerteisen v. Bowers)

~ An inmate sues for right to conduct martial arts sparring and full-contact fighting as part of his religion. (Gibson v. Miller)

~ An inmate sues because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate -- who has filed more than 140 actions in state and federal court -- sues over finding gristle in his turkey leg. (Attwood v. Bowers)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn't afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison(and he hadn't even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which comes from Paul's pen as he sat in chains:

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly..... And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice." (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same.

There is much to be thankful for!

Verses

Hebrews 10:35-36

Do not then throw away your confidence, for it carries a great reward. You need endurance, if you are to do God's will and win what he has promised.

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?

Isaiah 40:26

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Luke 18:1

Then he gave them an illustration to show that they must always pray and never lose heart.

3 John 2

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Prayer

Father, just as You care for the birds of the air and provide for their nourishment You also provide for our bare essentials in addition to our many wants. We pray for those in the midst of worry and fear; for those living in uncertainty regarding Your faithful provisions. May they look to You whose resources never deplete and whose love never ceases. Your care is evident in nature and especially in those created in Your image. In faith we will trust You to provide for our every need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Friday prayer & verses (19 03 2010)

Thought for the day

A man is in bed with his wife when there is knocking on the door. He rolls over and looks at his clock. It's half past three in the morning.

"I'm not getting out of bed at this time," he thinks, and rolls over.

Then, a louder knock follows. "Aren't you going to answer that?" says his wife. So he drags himself out of bed, and goes downstairs. He opens the door and there is a man standing at the door. It doesn't take the homeowner long to realize the man is drunk.

"Hi there," slurs the stranger, "Can you give me a push?"

"No, get lost, it's half past three. I was in bed," says the man and slams the door.

He goes back up to bed and tells his wife what happened and she says "Dave, that wasn't very nice of you. Remember that night we broke down in the pouring rain on the way to pick the kids up from the baby-sitter and you had to knock on that man's house to get us started again? What would have happened if he'd told us to get lost?"

"But the guy was drunk," says the husband. "It doesn't matter," says the wife. "He needs our help and it would be the Christian thing to help him."

So the husband gets out of bed again, gets dressed, and goes downstairs. He opens the door, and not being able to see the stranger anywhere he shouts, "Hey, do you still want a push?" and he hears a voice cry out, "Yeah, please!"

Still being unable to see the stranger, he shouts: "Where are you?"

The stranger replies: "I'm over here, on your swing."

There are times we all need a little push from one another. In fact, that's one of the reasons that we gather together in worship. We could praise God alone, but we have the opportunity to encourage one another every time we meet together. "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb. 10:24-25)

It's not just reserved for Sundays, though. Know anybody that needs a push today?

Verses

Romans 8:37

and yet, throughout it all, overwhelming victory is ours through him who loved us.

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 10:11

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.

Matthew 6:7

"But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

2 Corinthians 8:9

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that Christ was rich, but for you he became poor. Christ did this so that by his being poor you might become rich.

Prayer

Father, You are our Guide through life, giving us grace for every trial as we feed on Your living Bread. Though our footsteps grow weary and our soul grows thirsty, it is from the Rock before us that Your water flows in abundance. We find joy and contentment in this life as we eat daily from Your Living Bread and drink from Your springs of living water. Amen.

Thursday prayer & verses (18 03 2010)

Thought for the day

I heard about a story about a man whose wife wanted to buy a pet monkey. The husband protested strongly. He said, "Where will the monkey eat?" She said, "He'll eat at the table with us." He said, "But what will he eat?" And she said, "He'll eat the same thing we do." He said, "But where will the monkey sleep?" She said, "He'll sleep in bed with us." He said, "But what about the smell?" She said, "I got used to you, I reckon he will, too."

So often when we think about the need for change, we are quick to think of ways that somebody else needs to change. We are much more hesitant to recognize that there are problems in our own life that need to be dealt with. But Christianity is a growing process, a process by which we are constantly looking for those things that need to be changed and improved, and then taking steps to do just that.

I want to share with you some things that relate to changes that may need to come about in your individual lives. They are certainly changes that I'd like to see in my own life. In regard to our Christian lives, I think there are three areas that we need to focus on -- we need to KNOW the will of God better, we need to DO more of the work of Christ, and we need to BECOME more like Christ.

Knowing, doing and becoming -- I really think those are the three pillars of the Christian life. I believe that's what Christianity is all about.

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9-10).

Do you see the ideas of knowing, doing and becoming in Paul's prayer for the Colossians?

Verses

Habakkuk 2:3

Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed.

Isaiah 53:5

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being [fell] upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.

Matthew 16:19

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind -- that is, declare to be improper and unlawful -- on earth must be already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth -- declare lawful -- must be what is already loosed in heaven.

John 14:13

You can ask him for anything, using my name, and I will do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you.

Proverbs 22:4

True humility and respect for the Lord lead a man to riches, honor and long life.

Prayer

Father, when we place our trust in You we’ve only begun to tap into the unlimited resources You make available to the believer. You have blessed us with Your special favor and Your unsurpassed peace and it only gets better and better as we grow to know You more and more. The illumination of Your Word is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path revealing the mystery of the Gospel to us. May we be found consistent from day to day growing in the grace and knowledge You give to us in the midst of varying daily experiences of life. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.

Wednesday prayer & verses (17 03 2010)

Thought for the day

Someone has prepared the following list of things that you don't want to hear during surgery:

~ Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy.

~ Bo! Bo! Come back with that! Bad dog!

~ Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what's that?

~ Hand me that, uh, that uh, thingie.

~ Ya know, there's big money in kidneys. Hey, this guy's got two of 'em!

~ Everybody stand back! I lost my contact lens!

~ Could you stop that thing from beating? It's throwing my concentration off.

~ That's cool! Can you make his leg twitch again?

~ I wish I hadn't forgotten my glasses.

~ Well folks, this will be an experiment for us all.

~ Sterile, shcmerile. The floor's clean, right?

~ Nurse, did this patient sign the organ donation card?

~ Don't worry. I think it's sharp enough.

~ Oh, no! Page 47 of the manual is missing!

When you think about it, going in for any kind of surgery and allowing a doctor (whom you hardly know) to cut you open with a knife is a great act of faith. Having been there myself, I know that it's not an option that anyone chooses without a lot of thought and prayer. But sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we must be willing to allow a doctor to take our lives in his (or her) hands, trusting in their ability to bring life and health.

Jesus desires that we reach the same point spiritually. If we feel we have no real problems (at least, nothing we can't handle ourselves), we're tempted to take the spiritual equivalent of two aspirin and go on with our lives. But it is only when we realize the seriousness of our condition that we are forced to turn to the Great Physician, allowing him to take our lives in his hand, trusting in his ability to bring life and health.

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick....For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Matthew 9:12-13)

May you realize the seriousness of your ailment, and find comfort in the One who can heal.

Verses

Hebrews 10:38

And those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting him in everything.

Otherwise, if they shrink back, God will have no pleasure in them.

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 Thessalonians 5:16

Rejoice always;

1 Timothy 4:5

for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Joshua 1:8

You must not remove the book of these laws from before you, but think about it day and night, for you must carefully practise all written in it, for then your career will prosper, -- so reflect upon it.

Prayer

Father, as I dwell in Your secure shelter I rest in the shadow of Your wings. You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. You saved me from the evil plot of Satan when You secured for me the eternal plan of salvation. Like a bird who protects its young with the spread of its feathers, You cover me and protect me as You shield me with Your wings blocking the fiery darts of Satan. I will not fear the day nor the night as I am sheltered and protected by You. No evil can harm me for I am resting in Jesus and am safe forevermore. Amen.

Tuesday prayer & verses (16 03 2010)

Thought for the day

The following piece was recently written by Jacquie Sewell. I think you'll appreciate it as much as I did:

Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From a Jigsaw Puzzle

1. Don't force a fit -- if something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

2. When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.

3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).

6. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook. Refer to the Creator's guidebook often.

7. Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

8. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.

9. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

10. Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.

11. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

12. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

13. When you finally reach the last piece, don't be sad. Rejoice in the masterpiece you've made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Copyright 2001 Jacquie Sewell (jsewell416@hotmail.com). Permission is granted to send this to others, but not for commercial purposes.

There's much good advice in there for Christian living. Take #7, for example. There is much variety in the Lord's church -- not only variety of color, but variety of background, and variety of temperament. Some Christians would be happy if they were locked in a room filled with books totally isolated from society; other Christians would go crazy if they didn't have contact with people on a regular basis. Some Christians are fascinated by the theological arguments of the writer of Hebrews; other Christians are more moved by the depth of emotion expressed in the Psalms. Some Christians most enjoy expressing their love through doing things to help other people; other Christians get a great deal of satisfaction by writing notes of encouragement or giving hugs.

We sometimes wish that everybody else in the church was "just like me," but the things that make us different are actually a blessing. In I Corinthians 12, Paul compared the church to a human body. He wrote:

"If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?" (1 Cor. 12:17-19).

Though it sometimes gets frustrating, be thankful for the differences between us. We need the things which other Christians have to offer. It is that variety which allows the church to function as a body. Those differences make us stronger. Thank God for the variety!

Verses

Romans 4:21

And being certain that God was able to keep his word.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Matthew 16:19

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you forbid on earth will be held in heaven to be forbidden, and whatever you permit on earth will be held in heaven to be permitted."

Ephesians 6:18

Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion. Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all the saints;

2 Corinthians 9:7

Let everyone give as he has previously resolved, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Prayer

Father, we read throughout the period of the Judges that the people of Israel endured great heartache and spiritual defeat because each one became his own authority and acted on his own opinions of what was right and wrong. They did not make You the final authority; they disregarded Your holy laws and chose to do that which was right in their own eyes. We see this prevailing attitude in our own day. But as believers we acknowledge that our judgment is flawed and our motives are selfish when we do not submit our will to a holy God who knows what is best for His children. Today we want to obey Your laws and surrender our will as we seek to do what is good and right in Your eyes. This will result in our hearts being strengthened and our lives being blessed by You. Amen.