Thought for the day
An elderly man lay dying in his bed. In death's agony, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands.
With labored breath, he leaned against the doorframe, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven: There, spread out on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Was it heaven? Or was it merely one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?
Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. His aged and withered hand made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when his wife suddenly smacked it with a spatula.
"Stay out of those," she said. "They're for the funeral."
She's not the only person to save something for a funeral that should have been shared long before. It often seems a shame that flowers are sent at a funeral rather than beforehand when they could truly be enjoyed. Many of the comments made at a funeral reflect the realization that we didn't express our feelings adequately to those we love while they were alive: "What a wonderful friend she was. I never told her how much I appreciated what she meant to me!" "I hope he realizes how much I loved him!"
If someone means something special to you, don't save it for the funeral. Share it with them now!
"Therefore comfort one another and edify one another, just as you are doing." (I Thess. 5:11)
Verses
1 John 5:4
for everyone born of God has overcome the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Ephesians 4:29
Let there be no more foul language, but good words instead -- words suitable for the occasion, which God can use to help other people.
Psalm 145:19
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you an abundance of his every blessing so that your every want may in every respect and at all times be abundantly supplied, and, as a result, you may give abundantly to every worthy cause.
Prayer
Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Be a lion tamer
Thought for the day
A first grade teacher seated her students in a circle. She asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. One by one, each child got up and announced, "I'd like to be a nurse like my mother," or "I want to be a banker like my father," or "I want to be a teacher like you, Miss Smith."
The last child to speak was the most shy and timid little boy in the class. He said, "When I get big, I'm going to be a lion tamer in the circus. I'm going to face those animals with my whip and chair and make them leap through hoops of fire and obey all of my commands." Seeing the disbelieving looks on the faces of his classmates that he could ever act so boldly or bravely, he was quick to reassure them, "Well, of course, I'll have my mother with me."
We are sometimes shy and timid about standing up for Christ in the midst of an immoral society. We keep quiet when we ought to speak up. We cower when we ought to take a stand. Where do we get the inner strength to be bold and brave? Only through the assurance that we have Christ by our side.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)
With that knowledge, take courage today to do something for God that you've been hesitant to do.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Luke 10:9
"And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Luke 21:36
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Romans 8:32
Surely He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, will together with this greatest of gifts grant us every other conceivable good.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your repeated warnings in Scripture that informs, instructs and protects us from the evil one. Help us not to ignore your warnings or procrastinate in our obedience to Your commands. Embolden our spiritual leaders to be fearless watchmen who speak out Your truths, even when they’re not popular or politically expedient. May we be receptive to Your Word and obedient in our response. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
A first grade teacher seated her students in a circle. She asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. One by one, each child got up and announced, "I'd like to be a nurse like my mother," or "I want to be a banker like my father," or "I want to be a teacher like you, Miss Smith."
The last child to speak was the most shy and timid little boy in the class. He said, "When I get big, I'm going to be a lion tamer in the circus. I'm going to face those animals with my whip and chair and make them leap through hoops of fire and obey all of my commands." Seeing the disbelieving looks on the faces of his classmates that he could ever act so boldly or bravely, he was quick to reassure them, "Well, of course, I'll have my mother with me."
We are sometimes shy and timid about standing up for Christ in the midst of an immoral society. We keep quiet when we ought to speak up. We cower when we ought to take a stand. Where do we get the inner strength to be bold and brave? Only through the assurance that we have Christ by our side.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)
With that knowledge, take courage today to do something for God that you've been hesitant to do.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:18
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Luke 10:9
"And heal the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Luke 21:36
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Romans 8:32
Surely He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, will together with this greatest of gifts grant us every other conceivable good.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your repeated warnings in Scripture that informs, instructs and protects us from the evil one. Help us not to ignore your warnings or procrastinate in our obedience to Your commands. Embolden our spiritual leaders to be fearless watchmen who speak out Your truths, even when they’re not popular or politically expedient. May we be receptive to Your Word and obedient in our response. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Monday, November 22, 2010
How do you know when you're getting old?
Thought for the day
How do you know when you're getting old?
* Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
* You feel like it's the "morning after", but you didn't go anywhere
the night before.
* You sit in a rocking chair but can't get it going.
* You bend over to tie your shoes and ask yourself, "Is there
anything else I need to do while I'm down here?"
* You sit down to the breakfast table, and the snap, crackle, pop
you hear isn't your breakfast cereal.
* People call at 9:00 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
* Dialing long distance wears you out.
* Your little black book contains names ending only in "M.D."
* Your daughter takes you out to dinner, and the cashier takes one
look and gives you both Senior discounts.
* You have as students the grandchildren of your former students.
* You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.
* Your favorite part of the newspaper is "25 years ago today."
* You're proud of your lawn mower.
* The little gray-haired lady you help across the street is your wife.
* You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
* The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your glasses.
* You watch a pretty girl go by and your pacemaker makes the garage
door open.
* You finally know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!
(author unknown)
That last line is almost too sad to be funny. I look around at some of the older saints who are filled with wisdom which has come about from a lifetime of experiences. So much they have to share. So much we have to learn. But no one is paying any attention.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)
Allow me to make a suggestion. The next time you're having a hard time making a decision, talk to an older Christian. Ask their advice. You might be surprised to see what you can learn.
Verses
Joshua 1:3
Every place on which you put your foot I have given to you, as I said to Moses.
Romans 4:19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
Ephesians 4:29
Don't use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.
Matthew 21:22
If you believe, then you will receive everything you ask for in prayer."
Romans 5:17
If one man by his sin made death a king, we, on whom God has poured His love and His gift of righteousness, are all the more certain the one Jesus Christ makes us live and be kings.
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.
How do you know when you're getting old?
* Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
* You feel like it's the "morning after", but you didn't go anywhere
the night before.
* You sit in a rocking chair but can't get it going.
* You bend over to tie your shoes and ask yourself, "Is there
anything else I need to do while I'm down here?"
* You sit down to the breakfast table, and the snap, crackle, pop
you hear isn't your breakfast cereal.
* People call at 9:00 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
* Dialing long distance wears you out.
* Your little black book contains names ending only in "M.D."
* Your daughter takes you out to dinner, and the cashier takes one
look and gives you both Senior discounts.
* You have as students the grandchildren of your former students.
* You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.
* Your favorite part of the newspaper is "25 years ago today."
* You're proud of your lawn mower.
* The little gray-haired lady you help across the street is your wife.
* You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
* The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your glasses.
* You watch a pretty girl go by and your pacemaker makes the garage
door open.
* You finally know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!
(author unknown)
That last line is almost too sad to be funny. I look around at some of the older saints who are filled with wisdom which has come about from a lifetime of experiences. So much they have to share. So much we have to learn. But no one is paying any attention.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31)
Allow me to make a suggestion. The next time you're having a hard time making a decision, talk to an older Christian. Ask their advice. You might be surprised to see what you can learn.
Verses
Joshua 1:3
Every place on which you put your foot I have given to you, as I said to Moses.
Romans 4:19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
Ephesians 4:29
Don't use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.
Matthew 21:22
If you believe, then you will receive everything you ask for in prayer."
Romans 5:17
If one man by his sin made death a king, we, on whom God has poured His love and His gift of righteousness, are all the more certain the one Jesus Christ makes us live and be kings.
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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The influence of fathers
Thought for the day
Through the years, we have different ideas of what our father means to us. Someone has composed the following list, showing the way that our view of Father changes through the years:
4 years: My daddy can do anything.
7 years: My dad knows a lot, a whole lot.
8 years: My father doesn't quite know everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father doesn't know everything.
14 years: Father? Hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man is out-of-date. What did you expect?
25 years: He knows a little bit about it but not much.
30 years: Must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: A little patience, let's get Dad''s meaning first.
40 years: What would Dad have thought about it?
50 years: My Dad knew literally everything.
60 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.
Fathers, what an awesome responsibility has been given to us. And even during those years when our children think we are "hopelessly old-fashioned", they are listening to us and learning from us. Much of what our children learn is caught rather than taught they learn from what they observe. That means we can’t afford to cheat on our taxes, lie to our boss, or be rude to a salesperson. Our lifestyle is the greatest lesson we teach.
You are a role model for your children and, like it or not good or bad they will, to one degree or another, model their lives after you. You have inherited some of your father’s characteristics and your children are inheriting some of yours.
So whether you know it or not (and whether you mean to or not), you are influencing the lives of your children, and your children’s children. As I said earlier, what an awesome responsibility has been given to us. And thank God for the godly fathers who influenced us!
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut. 6:5-7)
Verses
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from the willingness to hear, and what is heard is the word which tells of Christ.
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.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Peter 3:7
You husbands must be careful of your wives, being thoughtful of their needs and honoring them as the weaker sex. Remember that you and your wife are partners in receiving God's blessings, and if you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not get ready answers.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.
Prayer
Father, so many of us live in a state of discontent when we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary thrills with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction within ourselves and in our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, developing godly character, giving without receiving in return, and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will never leave us nor forsake us and You will meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Through the years, we have different ideas of what our father means to us. Someone has composed the following list, showing the way that our view of Father changes through the years:
4 years: My daddy can do anything.
7 years: My dad knows a lot, a whole lot.
8 years: My father doesn't quite know everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father doesn't know everything.
14 years: Father? Hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man is out-of-date. What did you expect?
25 years: He knows a little bit about it but not much.
30 years: Must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: A little patience, let's get Dad''s meaning first.
40 years: What would Dad have thought about it?
50 years: My Dad knew literally everything.
60 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.
Fathers, what an awesome responsibility has been given to us. And even during those years when our children think we are "hopelessly old-fashioned", they are listening to us and learning from us. Much of what our children learn is caught rather than taught they learn from what they observe. That means we can’t afford to cheat on our taxes, lie to our boss, or be rude to a salesperson. Our lifestyle is the greatest lesson we teach.
You are a role model for your children and, like it or not good or bad they will, to one degree or another, model their lives after you. You have inherited some of your father’s characteristics and your children are inheriting some of yours.
So whether you know it or not (and whether you mean to or not), you are influencing the lives of your children, and your children’s children. As I said earlier, what an awesome responsibility has been given to us. And thank God for the godly fathers who influenced us!
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut. 6:5-7)
Verses
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from the willingness to hear, and what is heard is the word which tells of Christ.
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.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Peter 3:7
You husbands must be careful of your wives, being thoughtful of their needs and honoring them as the weaker sex. Remember that you and your wife are partners in receiving God's blessings, and if you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not get ready answers.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.
Prayer
Father, so many of us live in a state of discontent when we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary thrills with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction within ourselves and in our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, developing godly character, giving without receiving in return, and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will never leave us nor forsake us and You will meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Do not ask questions
Thought for the day
I heard about an old blacksmith who realized he was soon going to have to quit working so hard. With retirement in mind, he picked out a strong young man to become his apprentice, who, as fate would have it, was not the smartest fellow around. The old blacksmith was crabby, impatient and exacting. He told the young man, "Don't ask me a lot of questions; Just do whatever I tell you to do and you will do fine."
One day the old blacksmith took a white hot iron out of the forge and laid it on the anvil. "Get the hammer over there," he said to the boy, "When I nod my head, hit it real good and hard."
Now the town is looking for a new blacksmith.
"Don't ask me a lot of questions" is not very good advice. The truth is, it is almost always in our best interest to ask questions. Ask questions to learn something you don't know. Ask questions to clarify something you're not sure about. Ask questions to gain a new perspective on a matter.
Think of the men and women in the scriptures who asked questions:
The disciples came to Jesus and "asked him about the parable (of the sower)" (Mark 4:10). They received the best commentary in the world on Jesus' parables -- from Jesus himself! Why? Because they asked.
John the Baptist asked a good question -- "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" (Luke 7:20) Even though this may have appeared to be a "stupid question" coming from John, Jesus sent him a gracious answer.
The Philippian jailer asked perhaps the most important question in the world -- "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) which led him to respond to Christ in an obedient faith.
I have known many people through the years who were hesitant to ask questions -- either in a classroom setting or even in private -- because they didn't want to appear to be stupid. As the saying goes, "There are no stupid questions." Don't be afraid to ask. The more you are willing ask, the more you will have the opportunity to learn!
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us maintain the confession of our hope unshaken, for he who has given us his promise will not fail us.
Exodus 23:25
You shall serve the LORD your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.
Matthew 21:22
You will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith."
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Prayer
Father, we want to trust You at all times – in the good times and in troubled times. Thank You for Your promise that You will not let us drown when we pass through the deep waters. We will not be burned nor will the flames hurt us when we walk through the raging fires that seek to engulf us. We don’t have to be afraid because You have saved us and called us by name. You are truly our Refuge and we pour out our hearts out to You for all that we have need of. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.
I heard about an old blacksmith who realized he was soon going to have to quit working so hard. With retirement in mind, he picked out a strong young man to become his apprentice, who, as fate would have it, was not the smartest fellow around. The old blacksmith was crabby, impatient and exacting. He told the young man, "Don't ask me a lot of questions; Just do whatever I tell you to do and you will do fine."
One day the old blacksmith took a white hot iron out of the forge and laid it on the anvil. "Get the hammer over there," he said to the boy, "When I nod my head, hit it real good and hard."
Now the town is looking for a new blacksmith.
"Don't ask me a lot of questions" is not very good advice. The truth is, it is almost always in our best interest to ask questions. Ask questions to learn something you don't know. Ask questions to clarify something you're not sure about. Ask questions to gain a new perspective on a matter.
Think of the men and women in the scriptures who asked questions:
The disciples came to Jesus and "asked him about the parable (of the sower)" (Mark 4:10). They received the best commentary in the world on Jesus' parables -- from Jesus himself! Why? Because they asked.
John the Baptist asked a good question -- "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" (Luke 7:20) Even though this may have appeared to be a "stupid question" coming from John, Jesus sent him a gracious answer.
The Philippian jailer asked perhaps the most important question in the world -- "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) which led him to respond to Christ in an obedient faith.
I have known many people through the years who were hesitant to ask questions -- either in a classroom setting or even in private -- because they didn't want to appear to be stupid. As the saying goes, "There are no stupid questions." Don't be afraid to ask. The more you are willing ask, the more you will have the opportunity to learn!
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us maintain the confession of our hope unshaken, for he who has given us his promise will not fail us.
Exodus 23:25
You shall serve the LORD your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.
Matthew 21:22
You will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith."
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Prayer
Father, we want to trust You at all times – in the good times and in troubled times. Thank You for Your promise that You will not let us drown when we pass through the deep waters. We will not be burned nor will the flames hurt us when we walk through the raging fires that seek to engulf us. We don’t have to be afraid because You have saved us and called us by name. You are truly our Refuge and we pour out our hearts out to You for all that we have need of. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
It is not easy being a mom
Thought for the day
Judith Viorst once wrote an essay based on interviews she had with children. The subject was "What's a good mother like?"
Viorst reports that the children expected their mother to get angry from time to time. "She has to," said Ted, "or she'll faint from holding it in."
"But it's best to remember," said Randy, "that when your mother starts to act real weird, you have to look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder if you giggle."
"My mommy got so mad," said Megan, "that she yanked the plate off the table and all the mashed potatoes flew into the air."
"And why," Viorst asked, pretending she'd never heard of such shocking behavior, "why would a mother do a thing like that?"
"Well," said Megan, "she told my older brother, Mike, he's 11 years old, to eat the potatoes on his plate and he said 'Later.' And then she told him again to eat the potatoes and Mike said 'Soon.' And then she told him he had better eat those potatoes right now and he said, 'In a minute.' And then she stood up and Mike finally took a bite and told her, 'How can I eat them? They're cold!'"
It truly is not easy being a Mom! But how blessed we were to have our mothers. In this country, we will honor our mothers on Sunday, and I think it’s certainly appropriate. Paul said we as Christians are to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7), and I can’t think of anyone any more deserving of honor than our mothers. I hope that you will honor in a special way those mothers who are like Hannah.
In I Samuel 1, we have recorded the birth of Samuel. Before he was born, Hannah prayed a vow to God. She said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11)
The Lord heard her petition and she was blessed with the birth of Samuel. Hannah didn’t forget her vow to the Lord. She took her son Samuel to be trained at the feet of Eli, the priest of God. From a very young age, Hannah made sure that her son was preparing to serve the Lord.
I heard about a preacher a number of years ago who came home after preaching a gospel meeting, and he was asked how it went. Rather discouraged, he said that he had only baptized one young girl who was about 12 or 13 years old -- all in all, comparatively speaking, not a very successful meeting. But, after that girl grew up, she married and became the mother of five sons who became gospel preachers. What a great impact that young lady ended up having in the world!
I know that mothers -- especially mothers of young children -- sometimes get discouraged because they wonder if they’re really accomplishing anything. Let me assure you that if you are instilling within your children a love for God and His Word, you’re accomplishing something. It may be years down the road before you see the results, but you’re having an impact. You’re making a difference.
Give honor this weekend to your own mother -- and to those mothers around you -- who, like Hannah, have vowed to give their children over to God.
Verses
Romans 8:37
No, in all these circumstances we may live triumphantly through Christ's love.
Isaiah 53:4
But it was our pain he took, and our diseases were put on him: while to us he seemed as one diseased, on whom God's punishment had come.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Colossians 4:2
You must never grow discouraged in prayer, and, when you pray, you must be unwearied in thanksgiving.
1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Judith Viorst once wrote an essay based on interviews she had with children. The subject was "What's a good mother like?"
Viorst reports that the children expected their mother to get angry from time to time. "She has to," said Ted, "or she'll faint from holding it in."
"But it's best to remember," said Randy, "that when your mother starts to act real weird, you have to look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder if you giggle."
"My mommy got so mad," said Megan, "that she yanked the plate off the table and all the mashed potatoes flew into the air."
"And why," Viorst asked, pretending she'd never heard of such shocking behavior, "why would a mother do a thing like that?"
"Well," said Megan, "she told my older brother, Mike, he's 11 years old, to eat the potatoes on his plate and he said 'Later.' And then she told him again to eat the potatoes and Mike said 'Soon.' And then she told him he had better eat those potatoes right now and he said, 'In a minute.' And then she stood up and Mike finally took a bite and told her, 'How can I eat them? They're cold!'"
It truly is not easy being a Mom! But how blessed we were to have our mothers. In this country, we will honor our mothers on Sunday, and I think it’s certainly appropriate. Paul said we as Christians are to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7), and I can’t think of anyone any more deserving of honor than our mothers. I hope that you will honor in a special way those mothers who are like Hannah.
In I Samuel 1, we have recorded the birth of Samuel. Before he was born, Hannah prayed a vow to God. She said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11)
The Lord heard her petition and she was blessed with the birth of Samuel. Hannah didn’t forget her vow to the Lord. She took her son Samuel to be trained at the feet of Eli, the priest of God. From a very young age, Hannah made sure that her son was preparing to serve the Lord.
I heard about a preacher a number of years ago who came home after preaching a gospel meeting, and he was asked how it went. Rather discouraged, he said that he had only baptized one young girl who was about 12 or 13 years old -- all in all, comparatively speaking, not a very successful meeting. But, after that girl grew up, she married and became the mother of five sons who became gospel preachers. What a great impact that young lady ended up having in the world!
I know that mothers -- especially mothers of young children -- sometimes get discouraged because they wonder if they’re really accomplishing anything. Let me assure you that if you are instilling within your children a love for God and His Word, you’re accomplishing something. It may be years down the road before you see the results, but you’re having an impact. You’re making a difference.
Give honor this weekend to your own mother -- and to those mothers around you -- who, like Hannah, have vowed to give their children over to God.
Verses
Romans 8:37
No, in all these circumstances we may live triumphantly through Christ's love.
Isaiah 53:4
But it was our pain he took, and our diseases were put on him: while to us he seemed as one diseased, on whom God's punishment had come.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Colossians 4:2
You must never grow discouraged in prayer, and, when you pray, you must be unwearied in thanksgiving.
1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Make the most of your time
Thought for the day
Zig Ziglar, well-known motivational speaker, tells the story about a thief who was robbed. The incident took place back in 1887 in a small neighborhood grocery store when a middle-aged gentleman, Emanuel Nenger, gave the assistant a $20 note to pay for the turnip greens he was purchasing. When the assistant placed the note in the cash drawer she noticed that some of the ink from the $20 came off on her hands which were wet from wrapping the turnip greens.
She'd known Mr. Nenger for years and was shocked. She pondered, "Is this man giving me a counterfeit $20 note?" She dismissed the thought immediately and gave him his change. But $20 was a lot of money in those days so she notified the police who, after procuring a search warrant, went to Emanuel Nenger's home where they found in his attic the tools he was using to reproduce the counterfeit $20 notes. They found an artist's easel, paint brushes, and paints which Nenger was using to meticulously paint the counterfeit money. He was a master artist.
The police also found three portraits that Nenger had painted - paintings that sold at public auction for a little over $16,000!
The irony was that it took him almost as much time to paint a $20 note as it did to paint those portraits which sold for more than $5,000 each.
We are shocked that someone would waste their time doing something so foolish when he had the opportunity to do something so valuable. But we're all guilty of the same thing, aren't we? Think for a moment about how you spent your time yesterday, or last week. Think of the hours wasted dong things that were unimportant (or maybe even destructive) -- time which could have been spent developing your relationship with God and helping others.
We have each been given a gift by God of 1,440 minutes every day. In terms of time, no one is any richer than anyone else, for we all get exactly the same amount. And, like the manna of the Hebrews in the wilderness, none of those minutes can be stored up and used the next day. They must (and will) be used on the day they were given. But how we use those minutes is our choice. Choose wisely.
"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we profess, for he who has given us his promise may be trusted.
Matthew 8:16
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Proverbs 28:25
Greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity.
Prayer
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
Zig Ziglar, well-known motivational speaker, tells the story about a thief who was robbed. The incident took place back in 1887 in a small neighborhood grocery store when a middle-aged gentleman, Emanuel Nenger, gave the assistant a $20 note to pay for the turnip greens he was purchasing. When the assistant placed the note in the cash drawer she noticed that some of the ink from the $20 came off on her hands which were wet from wrapping the turnip greens.
She'd known Mr. Nenger for years and was shocked. She pondered, "Is this man giving me a counterfeit $20 note?" She dismissed the thought immediately and gave him his change. But $20 was a lot of money in those days so she notified the police who, after procuring a search warrant, went to Emanuel Nenger's home where they found in his attic the tools he was using to reproduce the counterfeit $20 notes. They found an artist's easel, paint brushes, and paints which Nenger was using to meticulously paint the counterfeit money. He was a master artist.
The police also found three portraits that Nenger had painted - paintings that sold at public auction for a little over $16,000!
The irony was that it took him almost as much time to paint a $20 note as it did to paint those portraits which sold for more than $5,000 each.
We are shocked that someone would waste their time doing something so foolish when he had the opportunity to do something so valuable. But we're all guilty of the same thing, aren't we? Think for a moment about how you spent your time yesterday, or last week. Think of the hours wasted dong things that were unimportant (or maybe even destructive) -- time which could have been spent developing your relationship with God and helping others.
We have each been given a gift by God of 1,440 minutes every day. In terms of time, no one is any richer than anyone else, for we all get exactly the same amount. And, like the manna of the Hebrews in the wilderness, none of those minutes can be stored up and used the next day. They must (and will) be used on the day they were given. But how we use those minutes is our choice. Choose wisely.
"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Verses
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we profess, for he who has given us his promise may be trusted.
Matthew 8:16
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Proverbs 28:25
Greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity.
Prayer
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Repainting the lines.
Thought for the day
The following news story came out of Tel Aviv on June 23:
"Tel Aviv - An Israeli woman who was caught by a police officer crossing a straight white line on a road in northern Israel, found a creative way to avoid a fine and plead innocent at a future court hearing, the Yediot Ahronot daily reported on Thursday.
"Two hours after she was caught on Wednesday morning, the 45-year-old woman sent a friend to the spot, who began painting black gaps in the line on the middle of the road.
"Unfortunately for the woman and her friend, the officer was still on undercover duty at the same location and arrested the suspect."
There is the temptation when we are discovered with sin in our lives to try to "re-write" the scriptures so as to be found innocent. That's why some people say that "the Bible doesn't teach that homosexuality is a sin" or "God could never condemn us. He's a God of love and mercy."
I actually knew someone who believed that baptism had nothing to do with salvation because he had taken a pair of scissors and cut out the passages which stated that!
But just as repainting lines doesn't change the offense, turning the dial on a set of scales doesn't change our weight problem, and breaking a mirror doesn't remove any dirt that may be on our faces, so removing (or ignoring) scriptures doesn't change what God thinks on a matter.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)
Verses
Hebrews 10:38
But the righteous one shall live as a result of faith; and if he shall shrink back, my soul takes no pleasure in him.
Colossians 2:10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Romans 12:2
Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God's good, acceptable to him and perfect.
James 1:4
And let endurance do its work perfectly, so that you may be absolutely perfect and not deficient in any respect.
Prayer
Father, as we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?” But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing. Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. Amen.
The following news story came out of Tel Aviv on June 23:
"Tel Aviv - An Israeli woman who was caught by a police officer crossing a straight white line on a road in northern Israel, found a creative way to avoid a fine and plead innocent at a future court hearing, the Yediot Ahronot daily reported on Thursday.
"Two hours after she was caught on Wednesday morning, the 45-year-old woman sent a friend to the spot, who began painting black gaps in the line on the middle of the road.
"Unfortunately for the woman and her friend, the officer was still on undercover duty at the same location and arrested the suspect."
There is the temptation when we are discovered with sin in our lives to try to "re-write" the scriptures so as to be found innocent. That's why some people say that "the Bible doesn't teach that homosexuality is a sin" or "God could never condemn us. He's a God of love and mercy."
I actually knew someone who believed that baptism had nothing to do with salvation because he had taken a pair of scissors and cut out the passages which stated that!
But just as repainting lines doesn't change the offense, turning the dial on a set of scales doesn't change our weight problem, and breaking a mirror doesn't remove any dirt that may be on our faces, so removing (or ignoring) scriptures doesn't change what God thinks on a matter.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)
Verses
Hebrews 10:38
But the righteous one shall live as a result of faith; and if he shall shrink back, my soul takes no pleasure in him.
Colossians 2:10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Romans 12:2
Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God's good, acceptable to him and perfect.
James 1:4
And let endurance do its work perfectly, so that you may be absolutely perfect and not deficient in any respect.
Prayer
Father, as we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?” But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing. Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. Amen.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Missed Opportunities
Thought for the day
The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10).
May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
Verses
Romans 8:28
and we know that for those who love God and have been called in accordance with his purpose, the Spirit makes everything work harmoniously for good.
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
John 14:24
He that does not love me neglects my words. Yet the word you hear is not my own but that of the Father who sent me.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you, And I will tell you wondrous things, Secrets you have not known.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you more than you need of every divine gift, so that in every situation you will always have everything you need, and enough left over for every good work,
Prayer
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our friends and family who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives. Would you bring genuine laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
"Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." (Col. 4:2-3a, NCV)
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10).
May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
Verses
Romans 8:28
and we know that for those who love God and have been called in accordance with his purpose, the Spirit makes everything work harmoniously for good.
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
John 14:24
He that does not love me neglects my words. Yet the word you hear is not my own but that of the Father who sent me.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you, And I will tell you wondrous things, Secrets you have not known.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to give you more than you need of every divine gift, so that in every situation you will always have everything you need, and enough left over for every good work,
Prayer
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our friends and family who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives. Would you bring genuine laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
The power of prayers
Thought for the day
One of Erma Bombeck's favorite Jewish grandmother stories involves a grandmother who took her grandson to the beach. She put a sun hat on him and then dozed off to sleep as the little boy played with his bucket and shovel in the sand. Suddenly, a large wave came in and dragged the child out to sea. The grandmother woke and was devastated. She fell to her knees and prayed, "God, if you'll save my grandson, I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll join whatever club you want me to. I'll volunteer at the hospital, give to the poor and do anything that makes you happy."
Suddenly, another huge wave came in and tossed her grandson on the beach at her feet. She noticed there was color in his cheeks and his eyes were bright. He was alive!
As she stood up, however, she seemed to be upset. She put her hands on her hips, looked skyward, and said sharply, "He had a hat, you know."
Though we may not always get everything we want when we pray, the Bible teaches a great deal about the power of prayer. Prayer truly makes a difference. As James said, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16).
We see it happen time and again in the scriptures. Abraham's servant prayed and Rebekah appeared. Hannah prayed and Samuel was born. Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed, and 185,000 Assyrians were slain. After three years of drought, Elijah prayed again and rain came. The church in Jerusalem prayed and Peter was released from prison. That's just a small sampling of answered prayer in the Bible.
We've seen it happen in our own lives as well. We do not receive everything we ask for (even the apostle Paul didn't), but we have seen God's answers time and again -- for sickness to be healed, for safety through difficult times, for the wisdom to make right decisions, for needs to be provided.
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:14)
Praise be to God -- our Heavenly Father -- who is willing to hear us and cares enough about us to answer our prayers. Most of us have been more than willing over the years to carry our burdens to God and tell Him what we want. May I suggest that you take some time today to give God your thanks for the many times He has heard and answered.
Verses
Psalm 89:34
I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 15:7
If you stay with me, and my sayings stay in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.
Romans 8:32
He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?
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.
One of Erma Bombeck's favorite Jewish grandmother stories involves a grandmother who took her grandson to the beach. She put a sun hat on him and then dozed off to sleep as the little boy played with his bucket and shovel in the sand. Suddenly, a large wave came in and dragged the child out to sea. The grandmother woke and was devastated. She fell to her knees and prayed, "God, if you'll save my grandson, I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll join whatever club you want me to. I'll volunteer at the hospital, give to the poor and do anything that makes you happy."
Suddenly, another huge wave came in and tossed her grandson on the beach at her feet. She noticed there was color in his cheeks and his eyes were bright. He was alive!
As she stood up, however, she seemed to be upset. She put her hands on her hips, looked skyward, and said sharply, "He had a hat, you know."
Though we may not always get everything we want when we pray, the Bible teaches a great deal about the power of prayer. Prayer truly makes a difference. As James said, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16).
We see it happen time and again in the scriptures. Abraham's servant prayed and Rebekah appeared. Hannah prayed and Samuel was born. Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed, and 185,000 Assyrians were slain. After three years of drought, Elijah prayed again and rain came. The church in Jerusalem prayed and Peter was released from prison. That's just a small sampling of answered prayer in the Bible.
We've seen it happen in our own lives as well. We do not receive everything we ask for (even the apostle Paul didn't), but we have seen God's answers time and again -- for sickness to be healed, for safety through difficult times, for the wisdom to make right decisions, for needs to be provided.
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (I John 5:14)
Praise be to God -- our Heavenly Father -- who is willing to hear us and cares enough about us to answer our prayers. Most of us have been more than willing over the years to carry our burdens to God and tell Him what we want. May I suggest that you take some time today to give God your thanks for the many times He has heard and answered.
Verses
Psalm 89:34
I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 15:7
If you stay with me, and my sayings stay in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.
Romans 8:32
He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?
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.
Monday, November 01, 2010
The evil eye.
Thought for the day
English professors love to catch the errors students make in their term papers, and they love nothing better than to catch mixed metaphors. The "friends and survivors" of Calvin College English department collected this list of mixed metaphors and posted them on their web site:
"He swept the rug under the carpet."
"She's burning the midnight oil at both ends."
"It was so cold last night I had to throw another blanket on the fire."
"It's time to step up to the plate and cut the mustard."
"She's robbing Peter to pay the piper."
"He's up a tree without a paddle."
"Beware my friend...you are skating on hot water."
"Keep your ear to the grindstone."
"Sometimes you've gotta stick your neck out on a limb."
"Some people sail through life on a bed of roses like a knife slicing through butter."
There are no mixed metaphors in the Bible...or are there? There are certainly many metaphors (we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world", Jesus is the "good shepherd" and the "bread of life" -- the list could go on and on). But surely there are no mixed metaphors. There's one scripture, though, that I've often struggled with because the metaphor seemed out of place.
In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus is talking about our attitude toward material things -- "treasures on earth", "mammon". Right in the middle of this passage, though, Jesus says,
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:23-24)
Talking about a "good eye" and a bad eye" seems somewhat out of place in this discussion. But I learned something recently. I was doing some research on the word "envy" and checked the dictionary to see what the derivation of our English word is. Envy comes from two Latin words meaning "to look upon". Past usage included the phrase "to cast an evil eye upon".
An "evil eye" is one that looks with envy, A "good eye" is one that does not. Knowing that sheds new light on this passage. The metaphor (as always) is so very fitting, and serves as reminder to me that I need to learn the value of contentment in my own life.
Is your eye good?
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
So my guide is faith, not physical sight.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Romans 12:2
Do not conform outwardly to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God -- what is good, and is pleasing to him, and is perfect.
Colossians 4:2
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
2 Corinthians 9:6
Consider this: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows abundantly will reap abundantly.
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.
English professors love to catch the errors students make in their term papers, and they love nothing better than to catch mixed metaphors. The "friends and survivors" of Calvin College English department collected this list of mixed metaphors and posted them on their web site:
"He swept the rug under the carpet."
"She's burning the midnight oil at both ends."
"It was so cold last night I had to throw another blanket on the fire."
"It's time to step up to the plate and cut the mustard."
"She's robbing Peter to pay the piper."
"He's up a tree without a paddle."
"Beware my friend...you are skating on hot water."
"Keep your ear to the grindstone."
"Sometimes you've gotta stick your neck out on a limb."
"Some people sail through life on a bed of roses like a knife slicing through butter."
There are no mixed metaphors in the Bible...or are there? There are certainly many metaphors (we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world", Jesus is the "good shepherd" and the "bread of life" -- the list could go on and on). But surely there are no mixed metaphors. There's one scripture, though, that I've often struggled with because the metaphor seemed out of place.
In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus is talking about our attitude toward material things -- "treasures on earth", "mammon". Right in the middle of this passage, though, Jesus says,
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:23-24)
Talking about a "good eye" and a bad eye" seems somewhat out of place in this discussion. But I learned something recently. I was doing some research on the word "envy" and checked the dictionary to see what the derivation of our English word is. Envy comes from two Latin words meaning "to look upon". Past usage included the phrase "to cast an evil eye upon".
An "evil eye" is one that looks with envy, A "good eye" is one that does not. Knowing that sheds new light on this passage. The metaphor (as always) is so very fitting, and serves as reminder to me that I need to learn the value of contentment in my own life.
Is your eye good?
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
So my guide is faith, not physical sight.
Exodus 15:26
saying, "If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD, your healer."
Romans 12:2
Do not conform outwardly to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God -- what is good, and is pleasing to him, and is perfect.
Colossians 4:2
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
2 Corinthians 9:6
Consider this: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows abundantly will reap abundantly.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)