Thought for the day
Did you hear in the news about the prisoner in a Romanian jail who is suing God?
"God received different material valuables from me, as well as prayers in exchange for promises of a better life. In reality, this did not happen - I found myself in the devil's hands," the plaintiff said.
The convict is serving 20 years in the west Romanian city of Timisoara. He apparently blames God for the troubles in his life and wants God brought to account for failing to fulfill the commitments He undertook and for taking bribes.
The plaintiff said that when he had been baptized in childhood, he concluded a contract with God that had legal effect - God was supposed to protect him from evil.
The plaintiff said the Romanian Orthodox Church, which, according to him, directly represents God, should compensate him for the alleged God-inflicted damage.
I promise - I'm not making this up! Does it surprise you? It shouldn't. The truth, there are a lot of people who feel the same way.
And while they may not take the absurd step of filing a lawsuit against God, they do feel that God has let them down and hasn't fulfilled his part of the "bargain."
Often, when people become Christians, they expect that God will take away all their problems and life will be easy (and many of them expect that because that's what a preacher told them). I suspect that we've all had the thought at some point in our lives, "How could God let that happen to me after all that I've done to serve Him?"
But, living the Christian life does involve difficulties. In fact, it may even be more difficult than life before Christ! Financial problems don't magically disappear, there are still health concerns, people still let you down, and on top of everything else, there are people in this world who don't like Christ who will make your life miserable at times.
But there's no way to accuse God of breach of contract. Jesus was very clear about things up front - "In the world you will have tribulation." (John 16:33). The problems don't disappear, but we are promised God's presence and His strength. And what God gives us far more than outweighs what we have given Him. Let's just hope that God doesn't sue us for our breach of contract!
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
However, we have the same spirit of faith. And you know how it is written, 'I believed and therefore I had to speak'; so I believe and am under the same constraint to speak.
1 Peter 3:10
For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile;
Ephesians 5:1
Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children.
Isaiah 41:17
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues fail for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
2 Corinthians 9:10
God, who gives seed to sow and bread to eat, will give you an abundant supply of seed, and he will make it grow into a plentiful harvest, which will be the result of your charity to others.
Prayer
Father, Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You; for it teaches me to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before You. Even when it brings about hurtful circumstances help me to do the right thing in keeping with the Christ-filled nature I received upon the day of my salvation. May I not be found lacking in integrity but rather be characterized by my integrity as it honors my Father in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Expectations of Jesus
Thought for the day
After being with his blind date all evening, the man couldn't take another minute with her. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave if something like this happened.
When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, "I have some bad news. My grandfather just died."
"Thank goodness," his date replied. "If yours hadn't, mine would have had to!"
I am so glad that I don't have to deal with the "dating scene" -- worrying about making a good first impression so that I can meet her expectations and trying to deal with the awkwardness of the situation if she's doesn't meet my expectations. That's especially the problem with "blind dates", something I managed to avoid altogether in my dating years. You get an image in your mind of what your date is going to be like (or what you hope she's going to be like), and it often doesn't take much to shatter that misconception. Granted, your date could possibly turn out to be better than you expected, but it seldom seems to work out that way.
That was a problem that Jesus faced when he came to this earth. He should have been greeted with open arms -- after all, he was the long-awaited Messiah. The problem is that the Jews had expectations of what the Messiah would be like. For most of the Jews, that preconception involved an earthly king who would boot the Romans out of the land and assume control. In fact, they were quite prepared to make Jesus that king (John 6:15).
Even without that misconception, though, none of the Jews could imagine a Messiah hanging on a cross. So the cross became a "stumbling block" to the Jews and "foolishness" to the Greeks (I Cor. 1:23). Jesus didn't meet their expectations and they hurried to find a way to end the relationship.
Philip Yancey deals with this topic in his book "The Jesus I Never Knew". He speaks of his own misconceptions of Jesus at an early age: "I recalled the Sunday school image of Jesus that I grew up with: someone kind and reassuring, with no sharp edges at all -- a Mister Rogers before the age of children's television." Certainly Jesus was kind and reassuring, but he was so much more than that -- he was a man who was strong (physically and emotionally) and passionate.
What's important is that we allow the Gospels to define who Jesus was, and not expect him to measure up to our preconceived ideas. I challenge you to read the Gospels in a fresh light. Remove all expectations and allow the Word of God to define and shape who Jesus was. I guarantee the Messiah will turn out to be better than you expected!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Verses
Mark 11:23
Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Arise, and hurl thyself into the sea,' and does not waver in his heart, but believes that whatever he says will be done, it shall be done for him.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me and I will answer you; I will tell you great secrets of which you know nothing.
Romans 10:12
Indeed there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same universal Lord is abounding in resources [accessible] to all who call upon him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
After being with his blind date all evening, the man couldn't take another minute with her. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave if something like this happened.
When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, "I have some bad news. My grandfather just died."
"Thank goodness," his date replied. "If yours hadn't, mine would have had to!"
I am so glad that I don't have to deal with the "dating scene" -- worrying about making a good first impression so that I can meet her expectations and trying to deal with the awkwardness of the situation if she's doesn't meet my expectations. That's especially the problem with "blind dates", something I managed to avoid altogether in my dating years. You get an image in your mind of what your date is going to be like (or what you hope she's going to be like), and it often doesn't take much to shatter that misconception. Granted, your date could possibly turn out to be better than you expected, but it seldom seems to work out that way.
That was a problem that Jesus faced when he came to this earth. He should have been greeted with open arms -- after all, he was the long-awaited Messiah. The problem is that the Jews had expectations of what the Messiah would be like. For most of the Jews, that preconception involved an earthly king who would boot the Romans out of the land and assume control. In fact, they were quite prepared to make Jesus that king (John 6:15).
Even without that misconception, though, none of the Jews could imagine a Messiah hanging on a cross. So the cross became a "stumbling block" to the Jews and "foolishness" to the Greeks (I Cor. 1:23). Jesus didn't meet their expectations and they hurried to find a way to end the relationship.
Philip Yancey deals with this topic in his book "The Jesus I Never Knew". He speaks of his own misconceptions of Jesus at an early age: "I recalled the Sunday school image of Jesus that I grew up with: someone kind and reassuring, with no sharp edges at all -- a Mister Rogers before the age of children's television." Certainly Jesus was kind and reassuring, but he was so much more than that -- he was a man who was strong (physically and emotionally) and passionate.
What's important is that we allow the Gospels to define who Jesus was, and not expect him to measure up to our preconceived ideas. I challenge you to read the Gospels in a fresh light. Remove all expectations and allow the Word of God to define and shape who Jesus was. I guarantee the Messiah will turn out to be better than you expected!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Verses
Mark 11:23
Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Arise, and hurl thyself into the sea,' and does not waver in his heart, but believes that whatever he says will be done, it shall be done for him.
Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me and I will answer you; I will tell you great secrets of which you know nothing.
Romans 10:12
Indeed there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same universal Lord is abounding in resources [accessible] to all who call upon him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Based on an idea of mine.
Thought for the day
Townsend, the developer of the laser, was once asked if he didn't have a tremendous sense of achievement in all he had accomplished with his invention, such as methods for precision measurements, laser disc, and weapons technology.
He remarked, "Not really." He said that he could easily identify with the beaver and relayed the following story:
A beaver and a chipmunk happened upon the Hoover Dam while out strolling one day. They were caught off-guard, completely overwhelmed with amazement and awe at the size and magnificence of this structure.
Once the beaver recovered, he remarked, "Well, actually, I didn't build it myself, but it's based upon an idea of mine."
Like much of scientific advancement, I see spiritual growth as a building process. I took the spiritual training my parents gave me and have built upon it, and I expect my children to take the training that I give them and build upon that. I fully expect them to accomplish some great things in their lives, things that I may not have built myself, but which are based on spiritual principles which I have shared with them.
Paul was referring to this process when he said of Timothy, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." (I Timothy 1:5). I wonder if Lois and Eunice ever even imagined all that that little boy Timothy would accomplish in his lifetime?
You may not feel like you're accomplishing much, but if you are instilling in your children (or others) a faith in God, who knows what they may accomplish in the years ahead!
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety onto Him, because it matters to Him concerning you.
Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Colossians 4:3
meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Father, there are those living among us who are “white-washed Christians.” Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.
Townsend, the developer of the laser, was once asked if he didn't have a tremendous sense of achievement in all he had accomplished with his invention, such as methods for precision measurements, laser disc, and weapons technology.
He remarked, "Not really." He said that he could easily identify with the beaver and relayed the following story:
A beaver and a chipmunk happened upon the Hoover Dam while out strolling one day. They were caught off-guard, completely overwhelmed with amazement and awe at the size and magnificence of this structure.
Once the beaver recovered, he remarked, "Well, actually, I didn't build it myself, but it's based upon an idea of mine."
Like much of scientific advancement, I see spiritual growth as a building process. I took the spiritual training my parents gave me and have built upon it, and I expect my children to take the training that I give them and build upon that. I fully expect them to accomplish some great things in their lives, things that I may not have built myself, but which are based on spiritual principles which I have shared with them.
Paul was referring to this process when he said of Timothy, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." (I Timothy 1:5). I wonder if Lois and Eunice ever even imagined all that that little boy Timothy would accomplish in his lifetime?
You may not feel like you're accomplishing much, but if you are instilling in your children (or others) a faith in God, who knows what they may accomplish in the years ahead!
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety onto Him, because it matters to Him concerning you.
Matthew 8:17
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Colossians 4:3
meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Father, there are those living among us who are “white-washed Christians.” Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Complain or fish?
Thought for the day
A game warden noticed how a particular fellow named Sam consistently caught more fish than anyone else, whereas the other guys would only catch three or four a day. Sam would come in off the lake with a boat full.
Stringer after stringer was always packed with freshly caught trout. The warden, curious, asked Sam his secret. The successful fisherman invited the game warden to accompany him and observe. So the next morning the two met at the dock and took off in Sam's boat. When they got to the middle of the lake, Sam stopped the boat, and the warden sat back to see how it was done.
Sam's approach was simple. He took out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and threw it in the air. The explosion rocked the lake with such a force that dead fish immediately began to surface. Sam took out a net and started scooping them up.
Well, you can imagine the reaction of the game warden. When he recovered from the shock of it all, he began yelling at Sam. "You can't do this! I'll put you in jail, buddy! You will be paying every fine there is in the book!"
Sam, meanwhile, set his net down and took out another stick of dynamite. He lit it and tossed it in the lap of the game warden with these words, "Are you going to sit there all day complaining, or are you going to fish?"
Seems to me we have two similar options as Christians -- we can spend our time complaining or we can "fish." Jesus, of course, used the concept of fishing to describe the work of evangelism ("Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." -- Matthew 4:19). The method we use does not involve dynamite, but it does involve the word from which dynamite comes to us -- "dunamis," the Greek word for "power."
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
I've known some folks in the church who use the "dunamis" of the gospel to fish for souls, and I've known other folks content to do nothing but sit back and complain about what everybody else is or isn't doing. It's your choice -- Are you going to complain or are you going to fish?
Verses
Mark 5:36
But Jesus heard what the men were saying, and so He said to Jairus, "You mustn't be afraid. The one thing you must do is keep on believing!"
Deuteronomy 7:14
"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Colossians 4:2
Keep an open line of communication to God with a grateful attitude and be responsive to what he says.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
A game warden noticed how a particular fellow named Sam consistently caught more fish than anyone else, whereas the other guys would only catch three or four a day. Sam would come in off the lake with a boat full.
Stringer after stringer was always packed with freshly caught trout. The warden, curious, asked Sam his secret. The successful fisherman invited the game warden to accompany him and observe. So the next morning the two met at the dock and took off in Sam's boat. When they got to the middle of the lake, Sam stopped the boat, and the warden sat back to see how it was done.
Sam's approach was simple. He took out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and threw it in the air. The explosion rocked the lake with such a force that dead fish immediately began to surface. Sam took out a net and started scooping them up.
Well, you can imagine the reaction of the game warden. When he recovered from the shock of it all, he began yelling at Sam. "You can't do this! I'll put you in jail, buddy! You will be paying every fine there is in the book!"
Sam, meanwhile, set his net down and took out another stick of dynamite. He lit it and tossed it in the lap of the game warden with these words, "Are you going to sit there all day complaining, or are you going to fish?"
Seems to me we have two similar options as Christians -- we can spend our time complaining or we can "fish." Jesus, of course, used the concept of fishing to describe the work of evangelism ("Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." -- Matthew 4:19). The method we use does not involve dynamite, but it does involve the word from which dynamite comes to us -- "dunamis," the Greek word for "power."
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
I've known some folks in the church who use the "dunamis" of the gospel to fish for souls, and I've known other folks content to do nothing but sit back and complain about what everybody else is or isn't doing. It's your choice -- Are you going to complain or are you going to fish?
Verses
Mark 5:36
But Jesus heard what the men were saying, and so He said to Jairus, "You mustn't be afraid. The one thing you must do is keep on believing!"
Deuteronomy 7:14
"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Colossians 4:2
Keep an open line of communication to God with a grateful attitude and be responsive to what he says.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though we cannot see You in the heavenly kingdom, You do see us as we walk the pilgrim pathway. You guide us through this earthly maze of sudden turns, strange territory, and even the disappointing dead ends. Though we may be jostled from time to time in the midst of finding our way we are assured that You watch over us; our going in and our coming out. You know our heart’s cry and You strengthen us as we choose to walk the path of righteousness. Our hearts are fully committed to You and we look to You, our Father, for all our spiritual, physical, emotional and financial needs. Your continuous spiritual presence brings sweet fellowship to our soul. Amen.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Success at all cost.
The story is told of a man named Yussif, the Terrible Turk. Yussif was a 350-pound wrestling champion in Europe a couple of generations ago. After he won the European championship, he sailed to America to wrestle our champ, whose name was Strangler Lewis -- a little guy by comparison who weighed just a shade over 200 pounds.
Although he wasn't very big, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents and it had never failed to work. He put his massive arm around the neck of his opponent and cut off the oxygen. Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.
The problem when he fought Yussif the Turk was that Yussif didn't have a neck. His body went from his head to his massive shoulders. Lewis could never get his hold and it wasn't long that the Turk flipped Lewis to the mat and pinned him. After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold. After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast waist, he stuffed the gold into the belt and boarded the next ship back to Europe. He was a success! He had captured America's glory and her gold!
He set sail on the SS Bourgogne. Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink. Yussif went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body. The added weight was too much for the Turk and he sank like an anvil before they could get him into a lifeboat. He was never seen again.
Maybe you think, "What a fool! He should have had a lot more sense than that!" But, the truth of the matter is, we all tend to grasp the things of this world and hold onto them even while we're sinking.
Solomon made this observation: "Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun: There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, 'For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?' This also is vanity and a grave misfortune." (Ecclesiastes 4:8)
Solomon describes a man, like so many today, who doesn't know how to quit. He can't slow down. He's driven to succeed, to achieve, to accumulate. He works harder and harder to become that successful person he so wants to be. And never once does he pause long enough to ask the question, "Who am I doing this for? Why do I feel compelled to run faster and faster in the rat race?"
Success promises a view from the top. But, without God in the picture, success will drag you down just as it did for Yussif, the Terrible Turk.
"Better is a handful of quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:6)
Verses
Matthew 17:20
And He says to them, Because of the littleness of your faith. For, assuredly I am saying to you, If you are having faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Remove hence to that place, and it shall remove. And not even one thing will be impossible to you.
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross, so that we would stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed.
Matthew 5:44
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never omit your prayers;
Deuteronomy 8:18
Instead, remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth, that He might fulfil at this time the covenant, which He made with your fathers.
Prayer
Father, there are those living among us who are “white-washed Christians.” Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.
Although he wasn't very big, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents and it had never failed to work. He put his massive arm around the neck of his opponent and cut off the oxygen. Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.
The problem when he fought Yussif the Turk was that Yussif didn't have a neck. His body went from his head to his massive shoulders. Lewis could never get his hold and it wasn't long that the Turk flipped Lewis to the mat and pinned him. After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold. After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast waist, he stuffed the gold into the belt and boarded the next ship back to Europe. He was a success! He had captured America's glory and her gold!
He set sail on the SS Bourgogne. Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink. Yussif went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body. The added weight was too much for the Turk and he sank like an anvil before they could get him into a lifeboat. He was never seen again.
Maybe you think, "What a fool! He should have had a lot more sense than that!" But, the truth of the matter is, we all tend to grasp the things of this world and hold onto them even while we're sinking.
Solomon made this observation: "Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun: There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, 'For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?' This also is vanity and a grave misfortune." (Ecclesiastes 4:8)
Solomon describes a man, like so many today, who doesn't know how to quit. He can't slow down. He's driven to succeed, to achieve, to accumulate. He works harder and harder to become that successful person he so wants to be. And never once does he pause long enough to ask the question, "Who am I doing this for? Why do I feel compelled to run faster and faster in the rat race?"
Success promises a view from the top. But, without God in the picture, success will drag you down just as it did for Yussif, the Terrible Turk.
"Better is a handful of quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:6)
Verses
Matthew 17:20
And He says to them, Because of the littleness of your faith. For, assuredly I am saying to you, If you are having faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Remove hence to that place, and it shall remove. And not even one thing will be impossible to you.
1 Peter 2:24
Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross, so that we would stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed.
Matthew 5:44
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never omit your prayers;
Deuteronomy 8:18
Instead, remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth, that He might fulfil at this time the covenant, which He made with your fathers.
Prayer
Father, there are those living among us who are “white-washed Christians.” Outwardly they appear to be believers by their conversation and Christian-like lifestyle. They look like gentle sheep but they are really dangerous like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. These deceivers will be exposed at Your appointed hour since nothing is hidden from You. But we also joyfully consider born-again believers whose hearts are genuinely devoted to You. Their spirit is obedient to You even when tested by fire. They live the noble life of a modern day disciple and show us the way through the narrow gate. The vast majority reject this road, but we know that is it the divine road that leads to internal peace and eternal life. May we, as true believers, extend our hands to others and walk them through this narrow gate that leads to life everlasting.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
In the presence of God.
Thought for the day
I remember hearing about a congregation who had invited a famous preacher to preach for them one Sunday. As it turned out, however, he couldn't go and he sent his brother to speak in his place. As word got around the congregation, several people started to leave. The fill-in preacher then stood up and made this announcement: "Those of you who came to hear my brother speak may leave at this time; those of you who came to worship God may stay on."
There is another story that is told of a tourist in Washington, D.C., who telephoned the minister of a church where the president often attended. The tourist wanted to know if the president was expected to worship there that Sunday. The minister said, "That I don't know for certain, but I can tell you that we are expecting God to be here, and we hope his presence will attract a sizeable crowd."
Can you deny that you would be impressed, even a bit awed, by the presence of the president of the United States in your congregation? Sometimes we forget that as we gather, we are in the presence of Almighty God. We are privileged to have an audience with the King of all creation. We can enter his palace, kneel at his throne, speak our humble praise and receive his divine blessing.
You see, it's always tempting for us to judge the quality of worship by the beauty of the setting or the impressiveness of what we see and hear. At Mt. Sinai, the Israelites approached God in a scene that was tangible and terrifying to the senses. They could see the glory of God. They could hear the power of God.
But our worship is different. "For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet...." (Heb. 12:18-19a)
Our worship may not always look impressive, but we need to be careful that we never forget that we are still in the presence of God. "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God...." (Heb. 12:22a).
What that means is that Christians are on "holy ground" in the weekly worship assembly. The bricks and mortar, pulpit and pews are not sacred. But wherever God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are present, we need to respond to that presence by figuratively taking off our shoes in reverent, worshipful praise.
Verses
Mark 5:36
Jesus heard the word said, and told the ruler of the synagogue, No need to fear; thou hast only to believe.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Ephesians 5:1
Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do.
3 John 2
My dear friend, I know your soul is doing well.
I pray that you are doing fine in every way and that your health is good.
Matthew 21:22
in fact, when you put your faith into action, you get anything you pray for."
Prayer
Father, we choose to follow You all the days of our life. We find great assurance as we’re reminded that we will not be engulfed by the surrounding evil but instead Your light will guide us to eternal blessing. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight holding onto Your promises as we continue to build a solid foundation through Your Holy Word. It is in the Name of Jesus that we pray to You today. Amen.
I remember hearing about a congregation who had invited a famous preacher to preach for them one Sunday. As it turned out, however, he couldn't go and he sent his brother to speak in his place. As word got around the congregation, several people started to leave. The fill-in preacher then stood up and made this announcement: "Those of you who came to hear my brother speak may leave at this time; those of you who came to worship God may stay on."
There is another story that is told of a tourist in Washington, D.C., who telephoned the minister of a church where the president often attended. The tourist wanted to know if the president was expected to worship there that Sunday. The minister said, "That I don't know for certain, but I can tell you that we are expecting God to be here, and we hope his presence will attract a sizeable crowd."
Can you deny that you would be impressed, even a bit awed, by the presence of the president of the United States in your congregation? Sometimes we forget that as we gather, we are in the presence of Almighty God. We are privileged to have an audience with the King of all creation. We can enter his palace, kneel at his throne, speak our humble praise and receive his divine blessing.
You see, it's always tempting for us to judge the quality of worship by the beauty of the setting or the impressiveness of what we see and hear. At Mt. Sinai, the Israelites approached God in a scene that was tangible and terrifying to the senses. They could see the glory of God. They could hear the power of God.
But our worship is different. "For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet...." (Heb. 12:18-19a)
Our worship may not always look impressive, but we need to be careful that we never forget that we are still in the presence of God. "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God...." (Heb. 12:22a).
What that means is that Christians are on "holy ground" in the weekly worship assembly. The bricks and mortar, pulpit and pews are not sacred. But wherever God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are present, we need to respond to that presence by figuratively taking off our shoes in reverent, worshipful praise.
Verses
Mark 5:36
Jesus heard the word said, and told the ruler of the synagogue, No need to fear; thou hast only to believe.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Ephesians 5:1
Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do.
3 John 2
My dear friend, I know your soul is doing well.
I pray that you are doing fine in every way and that your health is good.
Matthew 21:22
in fact, when you put your faith into action, you get anything you pray for."
Prayer
Father, we choose to follow You all the days of our life. We find great assurance as we’re reminded that we will not be engulfed by the surrounding evil but instead Your light will guide us to eternal blessing. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight holding onto Your promises as we continue to build a solid foundation through Your Holy Word. It is in the Name of Jesus that we pray to You today. Amen.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
How lazy can you get?
The story is told of a man who told his doctor that he wasn't able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said, "Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me."
"Well, in plain English," the doctor replied, "you're just lazy."
"Okay," said the man. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."
Speaking of laziness, I am reminded of some of the humorous images painted by Solomon in the book of Proverbs:
"The lazy man says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!' As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth." (Proverbs 26:13-15)
Imagine a man so lazy that he can't even lift his fork to his mouth to eat. Now that's lazy! But, while Solomon uses humor, he is trying to make a serious point. Laziness is a terrible sin.
Oh, I know, I know, if you were to make a list of the ten worst sins, you probably wouldn't include laziness. But think about it for a moment. Think about something good that you intended to do recently -- make a visit, send a card, invite someone over for dinner. Now think about why you didn't get it done. Is there a chance you said, "I just didn't get around to it"? That may be the "medical term", but you know what it is in "plain English."
Take a little extra effort (yes, it will take effort!) to do something good today that you know needs to be done. No excuses, no laziness, just do it.
Verses
1 John 5:4
because everyone who has been Begotten from God is victorious over the world; and the power that ensures victory over the world is this -- even our faith.
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Hebrews 13:6
So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
Isaiah 56:7
even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Psalm 23:1
Because the LORD is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
Prayer
Father, we are thankful for Your great compassion and enduring patience; that You do not treat us as our sins deserve but with Your never-ending mercy. From everlasting to everlasting Your love is with those who walk with You, who keep Your covenant and obey Your precepts. Amen.
"Well, in plain English," the doctor replied, "you're just lazy."
"Okay," said the man. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."
Speaking of laziness, I am reminded of some of the humorous images painted by Solomon in the book of Proverbs:
"The lazy man says, 'There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!' As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth." (Proverbs 26:13-15)
Imagine a man so lazy that he can't even lift his fork to his mouth to eat. Now that's lazy! But, while Solomon uses humor, he is trying to make a serious point. Laziness is a terrible sin.
Oh, I know, I know, if you were to make a list of the ten worst sins, you probably wouldn't include laziness. But think about it for a moment. Think about something good that you intended to do recently -- make a visit, send a card, invite someone over for dinner. Now think about why you didn't get it done. Is there a chance you said, "I just didn't get around to it"? That may be the "medical term", but you know what it is in "plain English."
Take a little extra effort (yes, it will take effort!) to do something good today that you know needs to be done. No excuses, no laziness, just do it.
Verses
1 John 5:4
because everyone who has been Begotten from God is victorious over the world; and the power that ensures victory over the world is this -- even our faith.
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Hebrews 13:6
So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
Isaiah 56:7
even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Psalm 23:1
Because the LORD is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
Prayer
Father, we are thankful for Your great compassion and enduring patience; that You do not treat us as our sins deserve but with Your never-ending mercy. From everlasting to everlasting Your love is with those who walk with You, who keep Your covenant and obey Your precepts. Amen.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Why Eve was created.
Thought for the day
TOP TEN REASONS GOD CREATED EVE (written by Eve of course)
10. God worried that Adam would always be lost in the garden because men hate to ask for directions.
9. God knew that Adam would one day need someone to hand him the TV remote. (Men don't want to see what's ON television, they want to see WHAT ELSE is on!)
8. God knew that Adam would never buy a new fig leaf when his seat wore out and would therefore need Eve to get one for him.
7. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor's appointment for himself.
6. God knew that Adam would never remember which day was garbage day.
5. God knew that if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle childbearing.
4. As "Keeper of the Garden," Adam would never remember where he put his tools.
3. The scripture account of creation indicates Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, "It is not good for man to be alone!"
1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, scratched His head and said, "I can do better than that."
It's interesting that the only time that God said, "It is not good" during His creation was when man was alone. I thank God for his wisdom in creating such a perfect complement to man (despite everything they do to irritate us! :-)
"Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:22-24)
If you're married, I encourage you to take a moment today to remind your wife (or husband) how much she/he means to you. They never get tired of hearing it!
Verses
Luke 1:37
God will see to it that every word of this will actually happen."
James 5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
2 Corinthians 6:18
"I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty."
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray constantly,
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know how generous our Lord Jesus Christ has been: he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.
Prayer
Omnipotent Father, Your immeasurable love and unending forgiveness are characteristics that only a God like You can dispense. The gifts of the Spirit that we seek to implement in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are like prisms diffusing the brilliant light of Your holiness that shines forth through Your Holy Spirit in our lives. As recipients of Your unending goodness may we be dispensers of Your multiple blessings to those You bring into our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
TOP TEN REASONS GOD CREATED EVE (written by Eve of course)
10. God worried that Adam would always be lost in the garden because men hate to ask for directions.
9. God knew that Adam would one day need someone to hand him the TV remote. (Men don't want to see what's ON television, they want to see WHAT ELSE is on!)
8. God knew that Adam would never buy a new fig leaf when his seat wore out and would therefore need Eve to get one for him.
7. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor's appointment for himself.
6. God knew that Adam would never remember which day was garbage day.
5. God knew that if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle childbearing.
4. As "Keeper of the Garden," Adam would never remember where he put his tools.
3. The scripture account of creation indicates Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, "It is not good for man to be alone!"
1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, scratched His head and said, "I can do better than that."
It's interesting that the only time that God said, "It is not good" during His creation was when man was alone. I thank God for his wisdom in creating such a perfect complement to man (despite everything they do to irritate us! :-)
"Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:22-24)
If you're married, I encourage you to take a moment today to remind your wife (or husband) how much she/he means to you. They never get tired of hearing it!
Verses
Luke 1:37
God will see to it that every word of this will actually happen."
James 5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
2 Corinthians 6:18
"I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty."
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray constantly,
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know how generous our Lord Jesus Christ has been: he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.
Prayer
Omnipotent Father, Your immeasurable love and unending forgiveness are characteristics that only a God like You can dispense. The gifts of the Spirit that we seek to implement in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are like prisms diffusing the brilliant light of Your holiness that shines forth through Your Holy Spirit in our lives. As recipients of Your unending goodness may we be dispensers of Your multiple blessings to those You bring into our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Power supply needed?
Thought for the day
After experiencing difficulties with his computer, a poor, incognizant user called the system maker's technical support line for
assistance:
Technician: Hello. How can I help you today?
Customer: There's smoke coming from the power supply on my computer...
Tech: Looks like you need a new power supply...
Cust: No, I don't! I just need to change the startup files...
Tech: Sir, what you described is a faulty power supply. You need to replace it....
Cust: No way! Someone told me that I just had to change the system startup files to fix the problem! All I need is for you to tell me the right command...
For the next ten minutes, in spite of the technician's efforts to explain the problem and its solution, the customer adamantly insisted he was right. So, in frustration, the technician responded...
Tech: I'm sorry. We don't normally tell our customers this, but there's an undocumented DOS command that will fix the problem...
Cust: I knew it!
Tech: Just add the line "LOAD NOSMOKE.COM at the end of the CONFIG.SYS file and everything should work fine. Let me know how it goes...
About ten minutes later, the technician received a call back from the customer...
Cust: It didn't work. The power supply is still smoking...
Tech: Well, what version of DOS are you using?
Cust: MS-DOS 6.22...
Tech: Well, that's your problem. That version of DOS doesn't include NOSMOKE. You'll need to contact Microsoft and ask them for a patch. Let me know how it all works out...
When nearly an hour had passed, the phone rang again...
Cust: I need a new power supply...
Tech: How did you come to that conclusion?
Cust: Well, I called Microsoft and told the technician what you had said, and he started asking me questions about the make of the power supply...
Tech: What did he tell you?
Cust: He said my power supply isn't compatible with NOSMOKE...
As humorous as that story may be, the same thing can happen on a spiritual level, and it's not humorous at all. Someone's life "goes up in smoke." Their reaction is to try to find a "patch" to get them through, when what they really need is a new "power supply". Unless we access the power found only in God, we are doomed to a life of frustration. And it is only when we realize the "incompatibility" between our attempts to patch things up and God's power that we are able to finally bring ourselves back to God in submission.
"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers....that you may know....what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Eph. 1:15-20)
Seen any smoke in your life lately? Have you tried replacing the power supply?
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;
Ezekiel 47:9
"And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Proverbs 22:7
A rich person rules over poor people, and if you borrow you're a slave of him who lends.
Prayer
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from You. As recipients of Your tender compassions and tremendous comfort help us to be like cisterns pouring out the mercies we receive from You into the lives of those who desperately need it. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
After experiencing difficulties with his computer, a poor, incognizant user called the system maker's technical support line for
assistance:
Technician: Hello. How can I help you today?
Customer: There's smoke coming from the power supply on my computer...
Tech: Looks like you need a new power supply...
Cust: No, I don't! I just need to change the startup files...
Tech: Sir, what you described is a faulty power supply. You need to replace it....
Cust: No way! Someone told me that I just had to change the system startup files to fix the problem! All I need is for you to tell me the right command...
For the next ten minutes, in spite of the technician's efforts to explain the problem and its solution, the customer adamantly insisted he was right. So, in frustration, the technician responded...
Tech: I'm sorry. We don't normally tell our customers this, but there's an undocumented DOS command that will fix the problem...
Cust: I knew it!
Tech: Just add the line "LOAD NOSMOKE.COM at the end of the CONFIG.SYS file and everything should work fine. Let me know how it goes...
About ten minutes later, the technician received a call back from the customer...
Cust: It didn't work. The power supply is still smoking...
Tech: Well, what version of DOS are you using?
Cust: MS-DOS 6.22...
Tech: Well, that's your problem. That version of DOS doesn't include NOSMOKE. You'll need to contact Microsoft and ask them for a patch. Let me know how it all works out...
When nearly an hour had passed, the phone rang again...
Cust: I need a new power supply...
Tech: How did you come to that conclusion?
Cust: Well, I called Microsoft and told the technician what you had said, and he started asking me questions about the make of the power supply...
Tech: What did he tell you?
Cust: He said my power supply isn't compatible with NOSMOKE...
As humorous as that story may be, the same thing can happen on a spiritual level, and it's not humorous at all. Someone's life "goes up in smoke." Their reaction is to try to find a "patch" to get them through, when what they really need is a new "power supply". Unless we access the power found only in God, we are doomed to a life of frustration. And it is only when we realize the "incompatibility" between our attempts to patch things up and God's power that we are able to finally bring ourselves back to God in submission.
"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers....that you may know....what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Eph. 1:15-20)
Seen any smoke in your life lately? Have you tried replacing the power supply?
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;
Ezekiel 47:9
"And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Proverbs 22:7
A rich person rules over poor people, and if you borrow you're a slave of him who lends.
Prayer
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from You. As recipients of Your tender compassions and tremendous comfort help us to be like cisterns pouring out the mercies we receive from You into the lives of those who desperately need it. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Creative theories.
Thought for the day
These are the results of a "Creative Scientific Theories Contest" sponsored several years ago by Omni magazine:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
When a cat is dropped, it always lands on its feet. And when toast is dropped, it always lands with the buttered side facing down. I propose to strap buttered toast to the back of a cat; the two will hover, spinning inches above the ground. With a giant buttered cat array, a high-speed monorail could easily link New York with Chicago.
RUNNERS-UP:
#1
If an infinite number of rednecks riding in an infinite number of pickup trucks fire an infinite number of shotgun rounds at an infinite number of highway signs, they will eventually produce all the world's great literary works in Braille.
#2
Why yawning is contagious: You yawn to equalize the pressure on your eardrums. This pressure change outside your eardrums unbalances other people's ear pressures, so they must yawn to even it out.
#3
Communist China is technologically underdeveloped because they have no alphabet and therefore cannot use acronyms to communicate ideas at a faster rate.
#4
The earth may spin faster on its axis due to deforestation. Just as a figure skater's rate of spin increases when the arms are brought in close to the body, the cutting of tall trees may cause our planet to spin dangerously fast.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The quantity of consonants in the English language is constant. If omitted in one place, they turn up in another. When a Bostonian "pahks" his "cah," the lost r's migrate southwest, causing a Texan to "warsh" his car and invest in "erl wells."
Birds take off at sunrise. On the opposite side of the world, they are landing at sunset. This causes the earth to spin on its axis.
Those are certainly some creative theories. I am reminded that over the years there have been some creative theories proposed to explain the empty tomb. The first theory came the same day the tomb was found empty: "When [the chief priests] had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, 'Tell them, "His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept." ' " (Matthew 28:12-13).
Other theories proposed include the suggestion that the women who reported the body missing went to the wrong tomb and just thought Jesus' tomb was empty, and that the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection were either illusions or mass hallucinations. Still others say that Jesus never really died; he merely fainted and later woke up in the tomb and walked out.
All fanciful theories. But none of them adequate the explain the event which showed the power of God more forcefully than anything else that has ever happened. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead!
"If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty......But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (I Cor. 15:14,20).
Father, we thank you for the hope which comes through the knowledge that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead almost 2,000 years ago. While we look to his crucifixion for the cleansing power of forgiveness, we look to his resurrection for the hope of our own resurrection which will one day bring your children into your presence. Until that day comes, we praise you for having such great power. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
For we are not giving our attention to what is seen, but to what is unseen. For what is seen is for a time only, but what is unseen is eternal.
Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Matthew 7:11
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11
And if you hardhearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, won't your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them?
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God;
Prayer
Father, I pray that You will help me to sow for myself righteousness, so that I will reap the fruit of Your unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground of my heart that is stony and hard so that I acknowledge my sins, receive Your forgiveness, and look to You for guidance. May I thoroughly discern the vain philosophies and empty deception that pervades our society. I want to seek Your will above man’s agenda so that You shower Your blessings upon me. Amen.
These are the results of a "Creative Scientific Theories Contest" sponsored several years ago by Omni magazine:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
When a cat is dropped, it always lands on its feet. And when toast is dropped, it always lands with the buttered side facing down. I propose to strap buttered toast to the back of a cat; the two will hover, spinning inches above the ground. With a giant buttered cat array, a high-speed monorail could easily link New York with Chicago.
RUNNERS-UP:
#1
If an infinite number of rednecks riding in an infinite number of pickup trucks fire an infinite number of shotgun rounds at an infinite number of highway signs, they will eventually produce all the world's great literary works in Braille.
#2
Why yawning is contagious: You yawn to equalize the pressure on your eardrums. This pressure change outside your eardrums unbalances other people's ear pressures, so they must yawn to even it out.
#3
Communist China is technologically underdeveloped because they have no alphabet and therefore cannot use acronyms to communicate ideas at a faster rate.
#4
The earth may spin faster on its axis due to deforestation. Just as a figure skater's rate of spin increases when the arms are brought in close to the body, the cutting of tall trees may cause our planet to spin dangerously fast.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The quantity of consonants in the English language is constant. If omitted in one place, they turn up in another. When a Bostonian "pahks" his "cah," the lost r's migrate southwest, causing a Texan to "warsh" his car and invest in "erl wells."
Birds take off at sunrise. On the opposite side of the world, they are landing at sunset. This causes the earth to spin on its axis.
Those are certainly some creative theories. I am reminded that over the years there have been some creative theories proposed to explain the empty tomb. The first theory came the same day the tomb was found empty: "When [the chief priests] had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, 'Tell them, "His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept." ' " (Matthew 28:12-13).
Other theories proposed include the suggestion that the women who reported the body missing went to the wrong tomb and just thought Jesus' tomb was empty, and that the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection were either illusions or mass hallucinations. Still others say that Jesus never really died; he merely fainted and later woke up in the tomb and walked out.
All fanciful theories. But none of them adequate the explain the event which showed the power of God more forcefully than anything else that has ever happened. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead!
"If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty......But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (I Cor. 15:14,20).
Father, we thank you for the hope which comes through the knowledge that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead almost 2,000 years ago. While we look to his crucifixion for the cleansing power of forgiveness, we look to his resurrection for the hope of our own resurrection which will one day bring your children into your presence. Until that day comes, we praise you for having such great power. In Jesus' name, amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
For we are not giving our attention to what is seen, but to what is unseen. For what is seen is for a time only, but what is unseen is eternal.
Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Matthew 7:11
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11
And if you hardhearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, won't your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them?
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God;
Prayer
Father, I pray that You will help me to sow for myself righteousness, so that I will reap the fruit of Your unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground of my heart that is stony and hard so that I acknowledge my sins, receive Your forgiveness, and look to You for guidance. May I thoroughly discern the vain philosophies and empty deception that pervades our society. I want to seek Your will above man’s agenda so that You shower Your blessings upon me. Amen.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Acceptable defects.
Thought for the day
The following "true story" speaks a lot about the quality of Japanese products and their quality standards. Supposedly, they're still laughing about this at IBM.
It seems the computer giant decided to have some parts manufactured in Japan as a trial project. In the specifications, they set out that they will accept three defective parts per 10,000.
When the delivery came in, there was an accompanying letter: "We, Japanese people, had a hard time understanding North American business practices. But the three defective parts per 10,000 have been separately manufactured and have been included in the consignment. Hope this pleases you."
I wonder, how many defects are we willing to accept in our spiritual lives? "Yes, I know there's some greed and gossip and lust, but three defects per ten thousand is still acceptable!" Is our goal as Christians to get our "defects" down to an "acceptable" level, or is our goal to get rid of them all? I know, I know, we'll never achieve that level of perfection in this life. But what is our goal? How much sin are we willing to tolerate before it becomes "unacceptable"?
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Rom. 6:1-2)
"My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin." (I John 2:1a)
That's our goal! May you be satisfied in your spiritual life with nothing less than striving to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ himself.
Versus
Psalm 89:34
No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back one word of what I said.
1 Peter 2:24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.
Ephesians 5:1
Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Don't let anything interfere with your prayer life.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
Prayer
Father, help us to look not only to our own interests but also to the interest of others. May our attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who being equal to You, did not consider this unique privilege to be more important than taking on human flesh to meet our spiritual needs. May we follow Christ’s supreme example of meeting the needs of others when You have commissioned us to do so. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray, amen.
The following "true story" speaks a lot about the quality of Japanese products and their quality standards. Supposedly, they're still laughing about this at IBM.
It seems the computer giant decided to have some parts manufactured in Japan as a trial project. In the specifications, they set out that they will accept three defective parts per 10,000.
When the delivery came in, there was an accompanying letter: "We, Japanese people, had a hard time understanding North American business practices. But the three defective parts per 10,000 have been separately manufactured and have been included in the consignment. Hope this pleases you."
I wonder, how many defects are we willing to accept in our spiritual lives? "Yes, I know there's some greed and gossip and lust, but three defects per ten thousand is still acceptable!" Is our goal as Christians to get our "defects" down to an "acceptable" level, or is our goal to get rid of them all? I know, I know, we'll never achieve that level of perfection in this life. But what is our goal? How much sin are we willing to tolerate before it becomes "unacceptable"?
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Rom. 6:1-2)
"My little children, these things I write to you that you may not sin." (I John 2:1a)
That's our goal! May you be satisfied in your spiritual life with nothing less than striving to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ himself.
Versus
Psalm 89:34
No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back one word of what I said.
1 Peter 2:24
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.
Ephesians 5:1
Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Don't let anything interfere with your prayer life.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
Prayer
Father, help us to look not only to our own interests but also to the interest of others. May our attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who being equal to You, did not consider this unique privilege to be more important than taking on human flesh to meet our spiritual needs. May we follow Christ’s supreme example of meeting the needs of others when You have commissioned us to do so. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray, amen.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Do what you are good at.
Thought for the day
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat. "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced.
Then, he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed.
"Strike One!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike Two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike Three!"
"Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"
It's important that we find what we're good at and do it with all our might. Not everyone can be a great hitter. If you can't hit, then work at being a great pitcher. If you can't do that, then be a great base runner or fielder or batboy or fan in the stands!
One of the great aspects of the Lord's church is that not everyone is expected to excel in the same areas. Some are great preachers. Others are great encouragers. Still others have a special way of working with children.
Paul used the illustration of a human body, each part having a different function, and each one essential to the well-being of the body as a whole.
"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." (I Cor. 12:12)
Thank God for the abilities and talents He has given you, and make every effort to use them to His glory in His kingdom.
Verses
James 1:2-4
My Brothers, when you meet with temptations, whatever they are, think of them as a cause for nothing but rejoicing, remembering that the testing of your faith develops endurance. And let endurance do its work perfectly, so that you may be absolutely perfect and not deficient in any respect.
Matthew 10:1
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Matthew 4:23
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Luke 2:37
and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Philippians 4:19
My God will amply supply your every need, through Christ Jesus, from His riches in glory.
Prayer
Father, forgive us when we seek after temporal solutions to meet the deep yearnings of our heart. Your eternal solution was to send Jesus, Your Son, to give us life – a life that is no longer empty or imprisoned by sin’s chains. Thank You for Jesus who came that we might have abundant life through His substitutionary death on our behalf. Nothing on earth and no person dear to our hearts deserves our allegiance more than our Savior. Thank You for coming; thank You for giving and thank You for saving us from ourselves. Amen.
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat. "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced.
Then, he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed.
"Strike One!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike Two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike Three!"
"Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"
It's important that we find what we're good at and do it with all our might. Not everyone can be a great hitter. If you can't hit, then work at being a great pitcher. If you can't do that, then be a great base runner or fielder or batboy or fan in the stands!
One of the great aspects of the Lord's church is that not everyone is expected to excel in the same areas. Some are great preachers. Others are great encouragers. Still others have a special way of working with children.
Paul used the illustration of a human body, each part having a different function, and each one essential to the well-being of the body as a whole.
"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." (I Cor. 12:12)
Thank God for the abilities and talents He has given you, and make every effort to use them to His glory in His kingdom.
Verses
James 1:2-4
My Brothers, when you meet with temptations, whatever they are, think of them as a cause for nothing but rejoicing, remembering that the testing of your faith develops endurance. And let endurance do its work perfectly, so that you may be absolutely perfect and not deficient in any respect.
Matthew 10:1
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Matthew 4:23
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Luke 2:37
and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Philippians 4:19
My God will amply supply your every need, through Christ Jesus, from His riches in glory.
Prayer
Father, forgive us when we seek after temporal solutions to meet the deep yearnings of our heart. Your eternal solution was to send Jesus, Your Son, to give us life – a life that is no longer empty or imprisoned by sin’s chains. Thank You for Jesus who came that we might have abundant life through His substitutionary death on our behalf. Nothing on earth and no person dear to our hearts deserves our allegiance more than our Savior. Thank You for coming; thank You for giving and thank You for saving us from ourselves. Amen.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Be careful who you imitate.
Thought for the day
The following story is reported to be true:
A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn't understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place. Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew with a seat open was the one on the front row.
So as not to make a fool of himself, this recruit decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the missionary tried to follow along. When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man took the cup and bread for the Lord's Supper, he took the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn't understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look just like that man in the front pew.
Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too. Then the preacher said some words that he didn't understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up, too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing, so he sat down.
After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English: "I take it you don't speak Spanish."
The missionary recruit replied: "No I don't. Is it that obvious?"
"Well yes," said the preacher, "I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up."
There is nothing wrong with imitating godly men and women, but we need to be careful who we imitate, and to what extent. Even the apostle Paul was careful to limit those who sought to follow him:
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1)
Follow the example of those you know who are living godly lives, but be sure to keep one eye on Christ as the ultimate standard. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing when you ought to be sitting!
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
but without faith it is impossible to please him; for whoever would approach God must have faith in his existence and in his willingness to reward those who try to find him.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Genesis 8:22
"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
Romans 15:30
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give, then, what he has decided in his heart to give. He should not give if it makes him sad. And he should not give if he thinks he is forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily.
Prayer
Father, may we be people who are quick to notice the ways in which we can be of special blessing to others. It seems quite easy when it comes to those whom we befriend. We often recognize their need before they express it and find genuine fulfillment in being Your hand extended to them. But You challenge us to go even further in making ourselves available to our enemies with whom it is not natural to provide for their needs. In expressing agape love to those around us we love in spite of what we see or have experienced. May all that we do, on behalf of others, be an expression of Your divine touch in the form of Christian service. It is in Your strength and compassion that we can do that which is unnatural to our human nature, but natural to our redeemed spirit. Amen.
The following story is reported to be true:
A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn't understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place. Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew with a seat open was the one on the front row.
So as not to make a fool of himself, this recruit decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the missionary tried to follow along. When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man took the cup and bread for the Lord's Supper, he took the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn't understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look just like that man in the front pew.
Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too. Then the preacher said some words that he didn't understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up, too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing, so he sat down.
After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English: "I take it you don't speak Spanish."
The missionary recruit replied: "No I don't. Is it that obvious?"
"Well yes," said the preacher, "I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up."
There is nothing wrong with imitating godly men and women, but we need to be careful who we imitate, and to what extent. Even the apostle Paul was careful to limit those who sought to follow him:
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1)
Follow the example of those you know who are living godly lives, but be sure to keep one eye on Christ as the ultimate standard. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing when you ought to be sitting!
Verses
Hebrews 11:6
but without faith it is impossible to please him; for whoever would approach God must have faith in his existence and in his willingness to reward those who try to find him.
Matthew 8:7
And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Genesis 8:22
"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
Romans 15:30
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give, then, what he has decided in his heart to give. He should not give if it makes him sad. And he should not give if he thinks he is forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily.
Prayer
Father, may we be people who are quick to notice the ways in which we can be of special blessing to others. It seems quite easy when it comes to those whom we befriend. We often recognize their need before they express it and find genuine fulfillment in being Your hand extended to them. But You challenge us to go even further in making ourselves available to our enemies with whom it is not natural to provide for their needs. In expressing agape love to those around us we love in spite of what we see or have experienced. May all that we do, on behalf of others, be an expression of Your divine touch in the form of Christian service. It is in Your strength and compassion that we can do that which is unnatural to our human nature, but natural to our redeemed spirit. Amen.
Friday, October 08, 2010
We have to change!!!
Thought for the day
The men of Charlie Company had been in the field for two weeks when the Sarge announced, "I've got good news and bad news. First the good news. Today we're going to change our underwear." The troops started cheering at the news. "Now the bad news. Smith, you change with Jones. Andrews, you change with Murphy..."
Change. The very word is frightening to some. We get comfortable doing things a certain way and don't like to do them differently (try convincing someone who uses a certain word processor or web browser they need to change and see what kind of reaction you get!).
And some changes (as the story above illustrates) are completely undesirable.
But some change is necessary if we are to grow. If our children don't change as the years go by, we worry. And if we don't change in our relationship with God, then we better check to see if we're growing because (as scary as it may be) growth has to involve change.
"But we all....beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
May God bless you in your effort today to change....to look more and more like Jesus Christ.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So take up God's armour, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and when you can do no more, still hold your ground.
Deuteronomy 7:15
"And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.
Romans 12:2
Do not model yourselves on the behavior of the world around you, but let your behavior change, modeled by your new mind.
This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say to you, all things whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you shall receive, and they shall come to you.
Philippians 4:19
In return my God will fulfill all your needs, in Christ Jesus, as lavishly as only God can.
Prayer
Father, may holiness and truth continually flow from our lives and the words we speak. Help us to be obedient to Your commands and faithfully proclaim Your truths, making no concession to please the hearts of men rather than the heart of God. Some will turn away while others may carefully listen to the gospel message we proclaim. Above all may we be faithful to the Holy Scriptures and not be deterred by lack of receptivity. For, we seek Your approval far above the approval of others. Amen.
The men of Charlie Company had been in the field for two weeks when the Sarge announced, "I've got good news and bad news. First the good news. Today we're going to change our underwear." The troops started cheering at the news. "Now the bad news. Smith, you change with Jones. Andrews, you change with Murphy..."
Change. The very word is frightening to some. We get comfortable doing things a certain way and don't like to do them differently (try convincing someone who uses a certain word processor or web browser they need to change and see what kind of reaction you get!).
And some changes (as the story above illustrates) are completely undesirable.
But some change is necessary if we are to grow. If our children don't change as the years go by, we worry. And if we don't change in our relationship with God, then we better check to see if we're growing because (as scary as it may be) growth has to involve change.
"But we all....beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
May God bless you in your effort today to change....to look more and more like Jesus Christ.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So take up God's armour, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and when you can do no more, still hold your ground.
Deuteronomy 7:15
"And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.
Romans 12:2
Do not model yourselves on the behavior of the world around you, but let your behavior change, modeled by your new mind.
This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say to you, all things whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you shall receive, and they shall come to you.
Philippians 4:19
In return my God will fulfill all your needs, in Christ Jesus, as lavishly as only God can.
Prayer
Father, may holiness and truth continually flow from our lives and the words we speak. Help us to be obedient to Your commands and faithfully proclaim Your truths, making no concession to please the hearts of men rather than the heart of God. Some will turn away while others may carefully listen to the gospel message we proclaim. Above all may we be faithful to the Holy Scriptures and not be deterred by lack of receptivity. For, we seek Your approval far above the approval of others. Amen.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Fear of questions.
Thought for the day
In a terrible accident at a railroad crossing, a train smashed into a car and pushed it nearly four hundred yards down the track. Though no one was killed, the driver took the train company to court.
At the trial, the engineer insisted that he had given the driver ample warning by waving his lantern back and forth for nearly a minute. He even stood and convincingly demonstrated how he'd done it. The court believed his story, and the suit was dismissed.
"Congratulations," the lawyer said to the engineer when it was over. "You did superbly under cross-examination."
"Thanks," he said, "but he sure had me worried."
"How's that?" the lawyer asked.
"I was afraid he was going to ask if the lantern was lit!"
In a similar way, we often go through our lives afraid that someone will ask us a particular question. "If someone asks me why I believe in God and not evolution, what will I say?" "What if someone asks me how I can possibly believe in the resurrection?" "What do I say if someone asks me why I believe the Bible truly is the Word of God, or why I believe that it teaches this or that?"
Instead of being detrimental as in the case of the engineer above, though, such questions provide us with an opportunity to share our faith.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15)
Don't be afraid for anyone to ask!
Verses
Romans 4:21
in the unshakable conviction that God is able, not only to make promises, but also to make his promises come true.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Revelation 3:21
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Jeremiah 33:3
Let your cry come to me, and I will give you an answer, and let you see great things and secret things of which you had no knowledge.
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
Prayer
Father, I confess that there are times when my spirit becomes stagnant after I veer off course and am pulled into the murky waters. Draw me to the cleansing fountain of Your saving blood which flows from the cross of Calvary. It is there that springs of living water quench my thirst and invigorate my spirit so that I am refreshed in the Holy Spirit and renewed in my resolve to follow You all the days of my life.
In a terrible accident at a railroad crossing, a train smashed into a car and pushed it nearly four hundred yards down the track. Though no one was killed, the driver took the train company to court.
At the trial, the engineer insisted that he had given the driver ample warning by waving his lantern back and forth for nearly a minute. He even stood and convincingly demonstrated how he'd done it. The court believed his story, and the suit was dismissed.
"Congratulations," the lawyer said to the engineer when it was over. "You did superbly under cross-examination."
"Thanks," he said, "but he sure had me worried."
"How's that?" the lawyer asked.
"I was afraid he was going to ask if the lantern was lit!"
In a similar way, we often go through our lives afraid that someone will ask us a particular question. "If someone asks me why I believe in God and not evolution, what will I say?" "What if someone asks me how I can possibly believe in the resurrection?" "What do I say if someone asks me why I believe the Bible truly is the Word of God, or why I believe that it teaches this or that?"
Instead of being detrimental as in the case of the engineer above, though, such questions provide us with an opportunity to share our faith.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15)
Don't be afraid for anyone to ask!
Verses
Romans 4:21
in the unshakable conviction that God is able, not only to make promises, but also to make his promises come true.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Revelation 3:21
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Jeremiah 33:3
Let your cry come to me, and I will give you an answer, and let you see great things and secret things of which you had no knowledge.
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
Prayer
Father, I confess that there are times when my spirit becomes stagnant after I veer off course and am pulled into the murky waters. Draw me to the cleansing fountain of Your saving blood which flows from the cross of Calvary. It is there that springs of living water quench my thirst and invigorate my spirit so that I am refreshed in the Holy Spirit and renewed in my resolve to follow You all the days of my life.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Why are you here?
Thought for the day
One day, a couple by the name of Herman and Mary were riding along in their shiny new car. Mary spoke up and said, "You know, Herman, if it weren't for my money, we probably wouldn't have this wonderful new car." And Herman just sat there and didn't say anything at all.
As they pulled into the driveway, Herman turned off the motor and they quietly admired their new home. Then Mary said, "You know, Herman, if it weren't for my money, we probably wouldn't have this new house." And again, Herman just sat there and didn't say anything.
They got out of the car and walked in just as the delivery man finished setting up their new furniture. "You know, Herman," said Mary once more, "If it were not for my money, we probably wouldn't have this new carpet and all this new furniture." And once more, Herman didn't say a word.
It happened again as they sat down in their new den and propped their feet up and watched the big screen TV in their new entertainment center. "You know, Herman," said Mary, "if it were not for my money, we probably wouldn't have this huge entertainment center."
And with that, poor Herman had had enough. He turned to Mary and said, "I don't want to hurt your feelings, honey, but you know if it weren't for your money, I probably wouldn't be here either!"
I have a question for those of you who are Christians. Why are you "here"? By that, I mean, what is it that keeps you faithful and active as a part of the body of Christ? Is it the money? Not likely (though the future treasure of a heavenly home may be part of the reason). Is it guilt? Perhaps. Is it because it's what's expected of you, or just what you've always done out of habit?
In the letter to the Hebrews, the author deals with this question. He writes to a group of Christians who are considering walking away from Christianity. And his strongest warnings to them come as a reminder that walking away means losing the most important thing in this world -- a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Ultimately, that's why we're here.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." (Hebrews 4:14).
Sometimes, in the midst of our trials and difficulties, we need a reminder that there's one very important thing keeping us "here" -- Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Verses
1 John 5:4
Because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world, and this is the victory that triumphs over the world, the faith that we have.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
John 8:36
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Romans 12:12
Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Prayer
Father, when we face struggles with a confident heart instead of a cringing fear we give testimony to Your active power in our lives. There is nothing that we cannot overcome by Your grace as You work out the details and the timing. A whining spirit only leads to self-pity while a thankful spirit visualizes a hopeful outlook. Our confidence grows as we look beyond the current crisis to You, our Great Deliverer, who has done so many wondrous works that the whole world is not big enough to contain the books that would describe Your miraculous, delivering power. Amen.
One day, a couple by the name of Herman and Mary were riding along in their shiny new car. Mary spoke up and said, "You know, Herman, if it weren't for my money, we probably wouldn't have this wonderful new car." And Herman just sat there and didn't say anything at all.
As they pulled into the driveway, Herman turned off the motor and they quietly admired their new home. Then Mary said, "You know, Herman, if it weren't for my money, we probably wouldn't have this new house." And again, Herman just sat there and didn't say anything.
They got out of the car and walked in just as the delivery man finished setting up their new furniture. "You know, Herman," said Mary once more, "If it were not for my money, we probably wouldn't have this new carpet and all this new furniture." And once more, Herman didn't say a word.
It happened again as they sat down in their new den and propped their feet up and watched the big screen TV in their new entertainment center. "You know, Herman," said Mary, "if it were not for my money, we probably wouldn't have this huge entertainment center."
And with that, poor Herman had had enough. He turned to Mary and said, "I don't want to hurt your feelings, honey, but you know if it weren't for your money, I probably wouldn't be here either!"
I have a question for those of you who are Christians. Why are you "here"? By that, I mean, what is it that keeps you faithful and active as a part of the body of Christ? Is it the money? Not likely (though the future treasure of a heavenly home may be part of the reason). Is it guilt? Perhaps. Is it because it's what's expected of you, or just what you've always done out of habit?
In the letter to the Hebrews, the author deals with this question. He writes to a group of Christians who are considering walking away from Christianity. And his strongest warnings to them come as a reminder that walking away means losing the most important thing in this world -- a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Ultimately, that's why we're here.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." (Hebrews 4:14).
Sometimes, in the midst of our trials and difficulties, we need a reminder that there's one very important thing keeping us "here" -- Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Verses
1 John 5:4
Because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world, and this is the victory that triumphs over the world, the faith that we have.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
John 8:36
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Romans 12:12
Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
Proverbs 13:21
Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Prayer
Father, when we face struggles with a confident heart instead of a cringing fear we give testimony to Your active power in our lives. There is nothing that we cannot overcome by Your grace as You work out the details and the timing. A whining spirit only leads to self-pity while a thankful spirit visualizes a hopeful outlook. Our confidence grows as we look beyond the current crisis to You, our Great Deliverer, who has done so many wondrous works that the whole world is not big enough to contain the books that would describe Your miraculous, delivering power. Amen.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
As old as the Hills
Thought for the day
The census taker knocked on the lady's door. She answered all his
questions except one. She refused to tell him her age.
"But everyone tells their age to the census taker," he said.
"Did Miss Maisy Hill, and Miss Daisy Hill tell you their ages?" she asked.
"Certainly," he replied.
"Well, I'm the same age as they are," she snapped.
The census taker simply wrote on the form, "As old as the Hills."
In 1997, a 122-year-old woman in France died. She was the oldest person on
the earth whose birth record could be verified. A 143-year-old woman in
Kenya and a 135-year-old man in Lebanon don't have the birth records to
verify their ages, but could easily be described with the phrase, "As old
as the hills."
But they are all babies when compared with Methuselah. You recognize his
name. He's known in the Bible for one thing -- being the oldest person
mentioned. 969 years old! That's a lot of years. And I think it's sad.
Not that he was so old, but because that's what he is known for. He's not
known for his great faith, for his moral courage, or for his righteousness.
He's known for being old.
In fact, if you do the math, you come up with an interesting fact --
Methuselah died the year it started flooding. Was it just a coincidence,
or was Methuselah one of the many who perished in that judgment of God? We
don't know.
I just pray that some day I'll be remembered, not for the number of years I
lived upon this earth, but for the way that I lived while I was here.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of
righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)
Verses
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint.
Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it; because it will surely come, it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Ephesians 5:1
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
Luke 18:1
Then he told them a parable illustrating the need to keep on praying and not to give up.
Psalm 35:27
Let them exult and rejoice that delight in my righteousness; and let them say continually, Jehovah be magnified, who delighteth in the prosperity of his servant.
Verses
Father, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to a hopeless death, but we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope-filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from the heart of God. Keep our hearts in oneness with Yours. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
The census taker knocked on the lady's door. She answered all his
questions except one. She refused to tell him her age.
"But everyone tells their age to the census taker," he said.
"Did Miss Maisy Hill, and Miss Daisy Hill tell you their ages?" she asked.
"Certainly," he replied.
"Well, I'm the same age as they are," she snapped.
The census taker simply wrote on the form, "As old as the Hills."
In 1997, a 122-year-old woman in France died. She was the oldest person on
the earth whose birth record could be verified. A 143-year-old woman in
Kenya and a 135-year-old man in Lebanon don't have the birth records to
verify their ages, but could easily be described with the phrase, "As old
as the hills."
But they are all babies when compared with Methuselah. You recognize his
name. He's known in the Bible for one thing -- being the oldest person
mentioned. 969 years old! That's a lot of years. And I think it's sad.
Not that he was so old, but because that's what he is known for. He's not
known for his great faith, for his moral courage, or for his righteousness.
He's known for being old.
In fact, if you do the math, you come up with an interesting fact --
Methuselah died the year it started flooding. Was it just a coincidence,
or was Methuselah one of the many who perished in that judgment of God? We
don't know.
I just pray that some day I'll be remembered, not for the number of years I
lived upon this earth, but for the way that I lived while I was here.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of
righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)
Verses
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint.
Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it; because it will surely come, it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
Matthew 8:17
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."
Ephesians 5:1
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
Luke 18:1
Then he told them a parable illustrating the need to keep on praying and not to give up.
Psalm 35:27
Let them exult and rejoice that delight in my righteousness; and let them say continually, Jehovah be magnified, who delighteth in the prosperity of his servant.
Verses
Father, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to a hopeless death, but we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope-filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from the heart of God. Keep our hearts in oneness with Yours. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Monday, October 04, 2010
A spiders web.
Thought for the day
The following story is reported to be true, but I can't verify that:
Robert the Bruce, a young soldier, found himself in a terrible battle during the Scottish Reformation around 1300. The enemy was soundly defeating this young man's army. He and his comrades found themselves hastily retreating from the battlefield in defeat, running away in fear of their very lives. The enemy gave chase. This young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, and soon found himself cut off from his comrades in arms.
He eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave. Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there. After he crawled in, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him from his enemies.
When he looked up from his despairing plea for help, he saw a spider beginning to weave its web at the entrance to the cave. As he watched the delicate threads being slowly drawn across the mouth of the cave, the young soldier pondered its irony. He thought, "I asked God for protection and deliverance, and he sent me a spider instead. How can a spider save me?"
His heart was hardened, knowing the enemy would soon discover his hiding place and kill him. And soon he did hear the sound of his enemies, who were now scouring the area looking for those in hiding. One soldier with a gun slowly walked up to the cave's entrance. As the young man crouched in the darkness, hoping to surprise the enemy in a last-minute desperate attempt to save his own life, he felt his heart pounding wildly out of control.
As the enemy cautiously moved forward to enter the cave, he came upon the spider's web, which by now was completely strung across the opening. He backed away and called out to a comrade, "There can't be anyone in here. They would have had to break this spider's web to enter the cave. Let's move on."
Years later, this young man wrote about that ordeal. What he observed has stood by me in times of trouble, especially during those times when everything seemed impossible. He wrote: "Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web."
--author unknown
I love that line. Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where
God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web. How true!
"We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners
in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know
that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with
the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in
horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:5-7).
Verses
Romans 8:37
But he who loved us has enabled us, not only to overcome these things, but to emerge triumphant over them.
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,says the Lord, 'Because they called you an outcast saying:
"this is Zion; no one seeks her." '
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John 15:7
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bestow every blessing on you in abundance, so that having in every case all sufficiency at all times, you may have ample means for all good works.
Prayer
Father, we earnestly seek You for wisdom regarding the daily circumstances of our lives. Help us to incline our hearts toward You for understanding all that You have to teach us in the lessons of life. During the quiet sessions when Your voice seems silent help us to trust You knowing that You work all things out for our good, for Your glory, and in Your time reference. Amen.
The following story is reported to be true, but I can't verify that:
Robert the Bruce, a young soldier, found himself in a terrible battle during the Scottish Reformation around 1300. The enemy was soundly defeating this young man's army. He and his comrades found themselves hastily retreating from the battlefield in defeat, running away in fear of their very lives. The enemy gave chase. This young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, and soon found himself cut off from his comrades in arms.
He eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave. Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there. After he crawled in, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him from his enemies.
When he looked up from his despairing plea for help, he saw a spider beginning to weave its web at the entrance to the cave. As he watched the delicate threads being slowly drawn across the mouth of the cave, the young soldier pondered its irony. He thought, "I asked God for protection and deliverance, and he sent me a spider instead. How can a spider save me?"
His heart was hardened, knowing the enemy would soon discover his hiding place and kill him. And soon he did hear the sound of his enemies, who were now scouring the area looking for those in hiding. One soldier with a gun slowly walked up to the cave's entrance. As the young man crouched in the darkness, hoping to surprise the enemy in a last-minute desperate attempt to save his own life, he felt his heart pounding wildly out of control.
As the enemy cautiously moved forward to enter the cave, he came upon the spider's web, which by now was completely strung across the opening. He backed away and called out to a comrade, "There can't be anyone in here. They would have had to break this spider's web to enter the cave. Let's move on."
Years later, this young man wrote about that ordeal. What he observed has stood by me in times of trouble, especially during those times when everything seemed impossible. He wrote: "Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web."
--author unknown
I love that line. Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where
God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web. How true!
"We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners
in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know
that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with
the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in
horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:5-7).
Verses
Romans 8:37
But he who loved us has enabled us, not only to overcome these things, but to emerge triumphant over them.
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,says the Lord, 'Because they called you an outcast saying:
"this is Zion; no one seeks her." '
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John 15:7
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bestow every blessing on you in abundance, so that having in every case all sufficiency at all times, you may have ample means for all good works.
Prayer
Father, we earnestly seek You for wisdom regarding the daily circumstances of our lives. Help us to incline our hearts toward You for understanding all that You have to teach us in the lessons of life. During the quiet sessions when Your voice seems silent help us to trust You knowing that You work all things out for our good, for Your glory, and in Your time reference. Amen.
Friday, October 01, 2010
"I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."
Thought for the day
This comes from the file of "stupid criminals":
Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into the house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. Only as he turned the corner into his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had, in fact, burgled and ignited his own property. His comment: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."
While we may not do anything quite that stupid (at least nothing that makes the national newspapers), there are times when Christians need to stop and reflect, coming to same conclusion Mr. Prendergast did: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."
From family and friends to material comforts (like electricity and running water), from our basic needs (like food) to luxuries other generations never dreamed of (like the computer you're sitting at right now), from the freedoms we enjoy to the jobs we hold, there is much that we have been blessed with that we take for granted.
Even beyond the physical blessings, there is so much that God has given us through Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote,
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
Truly, I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions. "God, forgive me for taking so much of it for granted."
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose,
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
John 15:7
As long as you remain united with me, and my teachings remain your rule of life, you may ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.
Deuteronomy 30:9
The LORD your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the LORD will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.
Prayer
From the rising of the sun until the time that it sets I praise You, Almighty God! Your name is to be praised when the day is yet before me and as the day comes to an end. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens, spreads throughout the earth, and is personally experienced in my life daily. Amen.
This comes from the file of "stupid criminals":
Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into the house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. Only as he turned the corner into his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had, in fact, burgled and ignited his own property. His comment: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."
While we may not do anything quite that stupid (at least nothing that makes the national newspapers), there are times when Christians need to stop and reflect, coming to same conclusion Mr. Prendergast did: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."
From family and friends to material comforts (like electricity and running water), from our basic needs (like food) to luxuries other generations never dreamed of (like the computer you're sitting at right now), from the freedoms we enjoy to the jobs we hold, there is much that we have been blessed with that we take for granted.
Even beyond the physical blessings, there is so much that God has given us through Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote,
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
Truly, I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions. "God, forgive me for taking so much of it for granted."
Verses
Romans 8:28
And we know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose,
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
John 15:7
As long as you remain united with me, and my teachings remain your rule of life, you may ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.
Deuteronomy 30:9
The LORD your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the LORD will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.
Prayer
From the rising of the sun until the time that it sets I praise You, Almighty God! Your name is to be praised when the day is yet before me and as the day comes to an end. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens, spreads throughout the earth, and is personally experienced in my life daily. Amen.
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