Thought for the day
The story is told of a married couple who enjoyed their luxury fishing boat together, but it was the husband who was always behind the wheel operating the boat. He was concerned about what might happen in an emergency. So one day out on the lake he said to his wife, "Please take the wheel, dear. Pretend that I am having a heart attack. You must get the boat safely to shore." So she drove the boat to shore.
Later that evening, the wife walked into the living room where her husband was watching television. She sat down next to him, switched the TV channel, and said to him, "Please go into the kitchen, dear. Pretend I'm having a heart attack. You must set the table, cook the dinner, and wash the dishes."
It's not a very pleasant thing to pretend such a thing, but there are some legitimate concerns we should have. I wouldn't consider it at all out of place for an insurance salesman to ask the question, "If you were to have a heart attack today, would your wife and children be taken care of?"
An even more important question, though, needs to be raised as we consider our spiritual relationship with God. If I were to have a heart attack tonight and die, would I be prepared to stand before the great judgment seat of Christ? It's a legitimate question. When I was a teenager, I thought that I would live forever. As I grow older, I become more and more aware of the fact that each day is a blessing provided by God, and I am not promised even one more.
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:13-14)
I know it requires a degree of seriousness that may make you a bit uncomfortable, but just for a moment, pretend that you are having a heart attack.
Are you prepared for eternity?
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by believing, not by seeing.
Exodus 23:25
"You shall serve the Lord your God only; then I will bless you with food and with water, and I will take away sickness from among you.
1 Corinthians 10:13
You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it.
Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for the sweet glorious message that simple faith may claim; that yesterday, today and forever Jesus is still the same. For still He loves to save the sinful, heal the sick and lame. We rejoice in the fact that He cheers the mourner and stills the tempest. Glory to His name! Yesterday, today and forever Jesus is the same. Everything else changes but Jesus never, glory to His name!
Prayer adapted from the hymn, “Yesterday, Today, Forever” by A.B. Simpson
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (12 11 2009)
Thought for the day
A woman goes into the local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband is properly written (she had always been known for her accuracy to details, second only to her famous sense of thrift). Only his beloved pickup truck remains to remind her of his presence.
The obit editor informs her that the fee for the obituary is 50 cents a word. She pauses, reflects and then says, "Well then, let it read, 'Billy Bob died."
Although amused at the woman's cleverness, the editor says, "Sorry, ma'am, but there is a 7 word minimum on all obituaries."This causes her to become a little flustered, and she thinks things over for a few seconds. "In that case," she says, "let it read, 'Billy Bob died, 1983 Pickup for sale.'
"For reasons that go far beyond finances, we should learn to be a people of few words (and we should make those few words count). Solomon had quite a few things to say on this subject:
"In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." (Prov. 10:19)
"Therefore let your words be few. For....a fool's voice is knownby his many words." (Eccl. 5:2-3)
"He who has knowledge spares his words..... Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." (Prov. 17:27-28)
Let your words be few. I would say more, but.......
Verses
Joshua 1:3
As I promised Moses, I will deliver to you every place where you set foot.
Isaiah 53:4
Surely our sicknesses he hath borne, And our pains--he hath carried them, And we--we have esteemed him plagued, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
Romans 3:24
being declared righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
John 15:7
If you remain united to me and my words remain in your hearts, ask for whatever you please and you shall have it.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each person [should give] just as he has planned in his heart, not with regret, not from compulsion. For God loves a joyful giver.
Prayer
Father, we march as soldiers in the army of the Lord. We thank you for the many spiritual warriors who have taken on added responsibility and assumed difficult duties leading us to victory in this war against sin and strife. Bless our leaders who have poured themselves into our lives and set for us an example to follow; in their conversation, their lifestyle, their faith, their doctrine and in their purity. We honor and bless the previous generation who passed onto us the Living Water and Bread of Life. We now extend the same message to our generation and the next, for with our mouths we will make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Amen.
A woman goes into the local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband is properly written (she had always been known for her accuracy to details, second only to her famous sense of thrift). Only his beloved pickup truck remains to remind her of his presence.
The obit editor informs her that the fee for the obituary is 50 cents a word. She pauses, reflects and then says, "Well then, let it read, 'Billy Bob died."
Although amused at the woman's cleverness, the editor says, "Sorry, ma'am, but there is a 7 word minimum on all obituaries."This causes her to become a little flustered, and she thinks things over for a few seconds. "In that case," she says, "let it read, 'Billy Bob died, 1983 Pickup for sale.'
"For reasons that go far beyond finances, we should learn to be a people of few words (and we should make those few words count). Solomon had quite a few things to say on this subject:
"In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." (Prov. 10:19)
"Therefore let your words be few. For....a fool's voice is knownby his many words." (Eccl. 5:2-3)
"He who has knowledge spares his words..... Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." (Prov. 17:27-28)
Let your words be few. I would say more, but.......
Verses
Joshua 1:3
As I promised Moses, I will deliver to you every place where you set foot.
Isaiah 53:4
Surely our sicknesses he hath borne, And our pains--he hath carried them, And we--we have esteemed him plagued, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
Romans 3:24
being declared righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
John 15:7
If you remain united to me and my words remain in your hearts, ask for whatever you please and you shall have it.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each person [should give] just as he has planned in his heart, not with regret, not from compulsion. For God loves a joyful giver.
Prayer
Father, we march as soldiers in the army of the Lord. We thank you for the many spiritual warriors who have taken on added responsibility and assumed difficult duties leading us to victory in this war against sin and strife. Bless our leaders who have poured themselves into our lives and set for us an example to follow; in their conversation, their lifestyle, their faith, their doctrine and in their purity. We honor and bless the previous generation who passed onto us the Living Water and Bread of Life. We now extend the same message to our generation and the next, for with our mouths we will make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Amen.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (11 11 2009)
Thought for the day
You've no doubt heard of Murphy's Law ("If anything can go wrong, it will.") You may have even heard of some of the corollaries to Murphy's Law ("If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.") But have you heard of the following new laws:
"The Law of Volunteering" -- If you dance with a grizzly bear, you had better let him lead.
"The Law of Avoiding Oversell" -- When putting cheese in a mousetrap, always leave room for the mouse.
"The Law of Reality" -- Never get into fights with ugly people, they have nothing to lose.
"The Law of Self-Sacrifice" -- When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last.
"Weiler's Law" -- Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself.
"Law of Volunteer Labor" -- People are always available for work in the past tense.
"Conway's Law" -- In any organization there is one person who knows what is going on. That person must be fired.
"Osborne's Law" -- Variables won't; constants aren't.
"Main's Law" -- For every action there is an equal and opposite government program.
"The Law of Fools" -- It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.
"Law of Accuracy" -- When working toward the solution of a problem, it always helps if you know the answer.
Corollary: Provided, of course, that you know there is a problem. There are some laws that truly are "laws" in that they always hold true. There are some laws that we wish weren't true. And there are some laws which, fortunately, are eventually removed from the books. The New Testament speaks about the subject of "law" quite a bit. There is a sharp contrast drawn between the "old law" (given by Moses) and the "new law" (given by Jesus Christ). The apostle Paul spent several chapters in Romans discussing "the law" and its shortcomings (though he makes it clear that the law served an important role in his life).
Then in Romans 8, Paul refers to "the law of sin and death." What is that law? Simply this:
Whoever sins, must die (Rom. 6:23). It's a frightening law because we all know (even when we try to deny it) that we are guilty of sin, and so the punishment is inevitable.Fortunately, there is a "corollary" to the law of sin and death: "For the law of the Spirit in life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2).
There's only one thing that can keep the law of sin and death from having its dreaded effect in our lives -- that's is to live a life "in Jesus Christ" according to the Spirit."For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin." (Romans 8:3). The law brings only the result of punishment. Jesus Christ brings a hope of blessing for those who live in Him.
Folks, that's good news!
Verses
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?
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.
John 3:17
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Psalm 86:7
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.
2 Corinthians 9:11
you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
Prayer
Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings. But it is much more difficult to bring loving correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your command. Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of life-giving rebuke. When the messenger is pure in motive and the message is received in the right spirit then correction will take place, just as it did with David and Nathan. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen
You've no doubt heard of Murphy's Law ("If anything can go wrong, it will.") You may have even heard of some of the corollaries to Murphy's Law ("If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.") But have you heard of the following new laws:
"The Law of Volunteering" -- If you dance with a grizzly bear, you had better let him lead.
"The Law of Avoiding Oversell" -- When putting cheese in a mousetrap, always leave room for the mouse.
"The Law of Reality" -- Never get into fights with ugly people, they have nothing to lose.
"The Law of Self-Sacrifice" -- When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last.
"Weiler's Law" -- Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself.
"Law of Volunteer Labor" -- People are always available for work in the past tense.
"Conway's Law" -- In any organization there is one person who knows what is going on. That person must be fired.
"Osborne's Law" -- Variables won't; constants aren't.
"Main's Law" -- For every action there is an equal and opposite government program.
"The Law of Fools" -- It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.
"Law of Accuracy" -- When working toward the solution of a problem, it always helps if you know the answer.
Corollary: Provided, of course, that you know there is a problem. There are some laws that truly are "laws" in that they always hold true. There are some laws that we wish weren't true. And there are some laws which, fortunately, are eventually removed from the books. The New Testament speaks about the subject of "law" quite a bit. There is a sharp contrast drawn between the "old law" (given by Moses) and the "new law" (given by Jesus Christ). The apostle Paul spent several chapters in Romans discussing "the law" and its shortcomings (though he makes it clear that the law served an important role in his life).
Then in Romans 8, Paul refers to "the law of sin and death." What is that law? Simply this:
Whoever sins, must die (Rom. 6:23). It's a frightening law because we all know (even when we try to deny it) that we are guilty of sin, and so the punishment is inevitable.Fortunately, there is a "corollary" to the law of sin and death: "For the law of the Spirit in life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2).
There's only one thing that can keep the law of sin and death from having its dreaded effect in our lives -- that's is to live a life "in Jesus Christ" according to the Spirit."For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin." (Romans 8:3). The law brings only the result of punishment. Jesus Christ brings a hope of blessing for those who live in Him.
Folks, that's good news!
Verses
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?
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.
John 3:17
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Psalm 86:7
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.
2 Corinthians 9:11
you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
Prayer
Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings. But it is much more difficult to bring loving correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your command. Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of life-giving rebuke. When the messenger is pure in motive and the message is received in the right spirit then correction will take place, just as it did with David and Nathan. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen
Monday, November 09, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (10 11 2009)
Thought for the day
I read recently about a congregation that decided to have four worship services each Sunday.
There was one for those new to the faith. Another for those who liked traditional worship. One for those who'd lost their faith and would like to get it back. And another for those who had bad experiences with churches and were complaining about it.
They have names for each of the services: FINDERS, KEEPERS, LOSERS, WEEPERS.
The joke does remind me that we all have a different idea of what worship should be like. There are some who would like to have a more celebratory nature to our worship. There are others who would prefer to take a more reverent approach. There are many who are concerned about what they get out of worship.
The truth is that there is some validity to each of those concerns. Worship should be a time of celebration: “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1). It should also be a time of reverence. “...Serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb. 12:28-29).
And while worship will make an impact on our hearts and lives, ultimately worship is not about what we “get out of it”, but what we “put into in it.” It is a time for us to bow down before the heavenly throne and pour out our praise for who God is and all that He has done for us.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
Now since I have the same spirit of faith as he who said in the Scriptures, "I believed, and so I spoke," I too believe, and so I speak,
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
2 Corinthians 5:15
his purpose in dying for all humanity was that those who live should live not any more for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life.
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about.
Proverbs 13:21
Ill fortune pursues the sinner; good fortune rewards the righteous.
Prayer
Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.
I read recently about a congregation that decided to have four worship services each Sunday.
There was one for those new to the faith. Another for those who liked traditional worship. One for those who'd lost their faith and would like to get it back. And another for those who had bad experiences with churches and were complaining about it.
They have names for each of the services: FINDERS, KEEPERS, LOSERS, WEEPERS.
The joke does remind me that we all have a different idea of what worship should be like. There are some who would like to have a more celebratory nature to our worship. There are others who would prefer to take a more reverent approach. There are many who are concerned about what they get out of worship.
The truth is that there is some validity to each of those concerns. Worship should be a time of celebration: “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1). It should also be a time of reverence. “...Serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb. 12:28-29).
And while worship will make an impact on our hearts and lives, ultimately worship is not about what we “get out of it”, but what we “put into in it.” It is a time for us to bow down before the heavenly throne and pour out our praise for who God is and all that He has done for us.
Verses
2 Corinthians 4:13
Now since I have the same spirit of faith as he who said in the Scriptures, "I believed, and so I spoke," I too believe, and so I speak,
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
2 Corinthians 5:15
his purpose in dying for all humanity was that those who live should live not any more for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life.
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about.
Proverbs 13:21
Ill fortune pursues the sinner; good fortune rewards the righteous.
Prayer
Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (09 11 2009)
Thought for the day
Years ago, on the mighty Mississippi River, two tugboat captains who had been friends for years, would always cry "Aye!" and blow their whistles whenever they passed each other.
A new crewman asked his boat's mate, "What do they do that for?"
The mate looked surprised and replied, "You mean that you've never heard of... an aye for an aye and a toot for a toot?"
I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (Matthew 5:38), but let's be honest -- there is something inside of us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been those that opened with someone being mistreated. We spend the rest of the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact his revenge -- and then we cheer!
It's not much different on a personal level. I suspect that whenever somebody does you wrong, the temptation is there to immediately start thinking of what you can do to get them back. But, if you find yourself tempted to take revenge, may I suggest two things:
(1) Resist the temptation to exchange evil for evil. That temptation will always be strong and we need realize that it will be there. But we also need to remember the emptiness and hollowness of revenge and resentment.
(2) Show your enemy kindness. Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being too nice to his enemy. He was told to be firmer; he must destroy his enemies. He replied, "I do destroy them when they become my friends."
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 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." (Matt. 5:43-44)
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
let all your anxieties fall upon him, for his great interest is in 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.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Philippians 1:19
For I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Philippians 4:19
Now my God will fill every need of yours according to his riches in glory in connection with Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, help us to be moved by the plight of those who are prepared to suffer and even lay down their lives for the sake of Christ. Presently, most all of them are from other lands, which leads to our forgetfulness. But we do want to remember them in our prayers and remember them as warriors of the faith, who for the joy set before them endured the suffering, shame and agony of their tormentors. As they endured the humiliation they also overcame by the blood of the Lamb. So many were presented the crown of life in heaven that is rewarded to those who received the sentence of death on earth by their persecutors. On Coronation Day when we all gather in heaven we look forward to fellowship with these tried and true saints of our faith who did not give up meeting together, no matter the penalty, as they worshiped You. Keep us faithful when tested by fire, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Years ago, on the mighty Mississippi River, two tugboat captains who had been friends for years, would always cry "Aye!" and blow their whistles whenever they passed each other.
A new crewman asked his boat's mate, "What do they do that for?"
The mate looked surprised and replied, "You mean that you've never heard of... an aye for an aye and a toot for a toot?"
I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (Matthew 5:38), but let's be honest -- there is something inside of us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been those that opened with someone being mistreated. We spend the rest of the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact his revenge -- and then we cheer!
It's not much different on a personal level. I suspect that whenever somebody does you wrong, the temptation is there to immediately start thinking of what you can do to get them back. But, if you find yourself tempted to take revenge, may I suggest two things:
(1) Resist the temptation to exchange evil for evil. That temptation will always be strong and we need realize that it will be there. But we also need to remember the emptiness and hollowness of revenge and resentment.
(2) Show your enemy kindness. Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being too nice to his enemy. He was told to be firmer; he must destroy his enemies. He replied, "I do destroy them when they become my friends."
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 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." (Matt. 5:43-44)
Verses
1 Peter 5:7
let all your anxieties fall upon him, for his great interest is in 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.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Philippians 1:19
For I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Philippians 4:19
Now my God will fill every need of yours according to his riches in glory in connection with Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, help us to be moved by the plight of those who are prepared to suffer and even lay down their lives for the sake of Christ. Presently, most all of them are from other lands, which leads to our forgetfulness. But we do want to remember them in our prayers and remember them as warriors of the faith, who for the joy set before them endured the suffering, shame and agony of their tormentors. As they endured the humiliation they also overcame by the blood of the Lamb. So many were presented the crown of life in heaven that is rewarded to those who received the sentence of death on earth by their persecutors. On Coronation Day when we all gather in heaven we look forward to fellowship with these tried and true saints of our faith who did not give up meeting together, no matter the penalty, as they worshiped You. Keep us faithful when tested by fire, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Friday prayer & verses (06 11 2009)
Thought for the day
My grandfather worked in a blacksmith shop when he was a boy, and he used to tell me, when I was a little boy myself, how he had toughened himself up so he could stand the rigors of blacksmithing.
One story was how he had developed his arm and shoulder muscles. He said he would stand outside behind the house and, with a 5-pound potato sack in each hand, extend his arms straight out to his sides and hold them there as long as he could.
After a while he tried 10-pound potato sacks, then 50-pound potato sacks and finally he got to where he could lift a 100-pound potato sack in each hand and hold his arms straight out for more than a full minute!
Next, he started putting potatoes in the sacks.--author unknown
I suspect we're all like that at times. We understand (intellectually, at least) the value of trials. We understand that the testing of our faith produces patience (James 1:3). We understand that the fiery trials serve to purify our faith (I Peter 1:7). And we are quite content to hold the potato sacks -- as long as God doesn't put any potatoes in them!
It's much harder to see the benefit of trials when they are so overwhelming as to seem to be crushing. As Job said, "For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me." (Job 3:25)
But empty potato sacks will never build muscles. And light trials will never develop the kind of qualities that God seeks to develop in our lives. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
May the trials you are going through today serve the strengthen the muscles of your spiritual life.
Verses
Mark 5:34
whereupon he said to her: "Daughter, your faith has cured you. Go home and be at peace. I want you to be cured, once for all, of your complaint."
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.
Luke 12:27
"Look at the lilies! They don't toil and spin, and yet Solomon in all his glory was not robed as well as they are.
John 15:7
'If you dwell in me, and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want, and you shall have it.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should carry out the purpose he has formed in his heart, not with any painful effort; it is the cheerful giver God loves.
Prayer
Father, we pray that You would make us pliable and yielding to Your touch which can happen only as we open our hearts to You. We want to be like clay in the hand of the Potter and receptive to the Spirit’s working. The process can be painful as impurities are removed and reshaping goes against the grain of our sin nature. But the end result makes us a vessel fitting for Your honor and useful for Your kingdom. We desire to glorify You today as our hearts are open, soft and receptive to Your Spirit. Amen.
My grandfather worked in a blacksmith shop when he was a boy, and he used to tell me, when I was a little boy myself, how he had toughened himself up so he could stand the rigors of blacksmithing.
One story was how he had developed his arm and shoulder muscles. He said he would stand outside behind the house and, with a 5-pound potato sack in each hand, extend his arms straight out to his sides and hold them there as long as he could.
After a while he tried 10-pound potato sacks, then 50-pound potato sacks and finally he got to where he could lift a 100-pound potato sack in each hand and hold his arms straight out for more than a full minute!
Next, he started putting potatoes in the sacks.--author unknown
I suspect we're all like that at times. We understand (intellectually, at least) the value of trials. We understand that the testing of our faith produces patience (James 1:3). We understand that the fiery trials serve to purify our faith (I Peter 1:7). And we are quite content to hold the potato sacks -- as long as God doesn't put any potatoes in them!
It's much harder to see the benefit of trials when they are so overwhelming as to seem to be crushing. As Job said, "For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me." (Job 3:25)
But empty potato sacks will never build muscles. And light trials will never develop the kind of qualities that God seeks to develop in our lives. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
May the trials you are going through today serve the strengthen the muscles of your spiritual life.
Verses
Mark 5:34
whereupon he said to her: "Daughter, your faith has cured you. Go home and be at peace. I want you to be cured, once for all, of your complaint."
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.
Luke 12:27
"Look at the lilies! They don't toil and spin, and yet Solomon in all his glory was not robed as well as they are.
John 15:7
'If you dwell in me, and my words dwell in you, ask whatever you want, and you shall have it.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should carry out the purpose he has formed in his heart, not with any painful effort; it is the cheerful giver God loves.
Prayer
Father, we pray that You would make us pliable and yielding to Your touch which can happen only as we open our hearts to You. We want to be like clay in the hand of the Potter and receptive to the Spirit’s working. The process can be painful as impurities are removed and reshaping goes against the grain of our sin nature. But the end result makes us a vessel fitting for Your honor and useful for Your kingdom. We desire to glorify You today as our hearts are open, soft and receptive to Your Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Thursday prayer & verses (05 11 2009)
Thought for the day
At a computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.
It's amazing, isn't it, what we tolerate in some things we use (like Microsoft Windows) that we would never tolerate in other things we use (like our automobiles)? Then again, it shouldn't be too surprising because I find that there are many things which I tolerate in some people that I would never tolerate in others.
For example, if someone I don't particularly like passes me on the street and doesn't wave or say "hi", I get easily offended and assume that he is just being snobby. If a good friend does the same thing, though, I assume that he must have something on his mind and he was merely distracted. If someone I love dearly accidentally trips and kicks me in the shin, I think nothing of it. If someone else does it, though, I quickly assume they're clumsy and inconsiderate. It's true, isn't it?
We tolerate things from people we love that we would never tolerate from people we don't love. Could it be that one of the reasons we have so many conflicts in the church is that love is lacking? When love is missing, we are quick to assume the worst, we tolerate nothing and we are quick to find fault. Patience is non-existent. Forgiveness is difficult. Love, however, truly does "cover a multitude of sins." (I Peter 4:8)
I like the way GOD'S WORD translates this passage from Paul's writings: "As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly." (Colossians 3:12-14)
Are you having trouble "putting up" with folks around you? May your love for others increase so that your level of toleration may increase as well.
Verses
1 Corinthians 15:57
But give thanks to God. He granted us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
1 Corinthians 10:13
The trials that you have had to bear are no more than people normally have. You can trust God not to let you be tried beyond your strength, and with any trial he will give you a way out of it and the strength to bear it.
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, being human respond to the legitimate desires and needs of your children, do you not know that to a greater extent, your Father, the source of all being, will give you the true needs and desires of your life?
Prayer
Father, none of the celebrations we’ve attended compare with the overwhelming joy we’ll feel at the ultimate victory party in heaven. We’ll rejoice with the saints from all generations telling of the marvelous saving and sustaining power of Christ. We look forward to sharing stories about the times we faced trouble, hardship, persecution or danger and the miraculous way that You delivered or sustained us through those difficulties. We’re not there yet, so help us to keep on keeping on, until that glorious day! It is in the matchless name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.
At a computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.
It's amazing, isn't it, what we tolerate in some things we use (like Microsoft Windows) that we would never tolerate in other things we use (like our automobiles)? Then again, it shouldn't be too surprising because I find that there are many things which I tolerate in some people that I would never tolerate in others.
For example, if someone I don't particularly like passes me on the street and doesn't wave or say "hi", I get easily offended and assume that he is just being snobby. If a good friend does the same thing, though, I assume that he must have something on his mind and he was merely distracted. If someone I love dearly accidentally trips and kicks me in the shin, I think nothing of it. If someone else does it, though, I quickly assume they're clumsy and inconsiderate. It's true, isn't it?
We tolerate things from people we love that we would never tolerate from people we don't love. Could it be that one of the reasons we have so many conflicts in the church is that love is lacking? When love is missing, we are quick to assume the worst, we tolerate nothing and we are quick to find fault. Patience is non-existent. Forgiveness is difficult. Love, however, truly does "cover a multitude of sins." (I Peter 4:8)
I like the way GOD'S WORD translates this passage from Paul's writings: "As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly." (Colossians 3:12-14)
Are you having trouble "putting up" with folks around you? May your love for others increase so that your level of toleration may increase as well.
Verses
1 Corinthians 15:57
But give thanks to God. He granted us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
1 Corinthians 10:13
The trials that you have had to bear are no more than people normally have. You can trust God not to let you be tried beyond your strength, and with any trial he will give you a way out of it and the strength to bear it.
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, being human respond to the legitimate desires and needs of your children, do you not know that to a greater extent, your Father, the source of all being, will give you the true needs and desires of your life?
Prayer
Father, none of the celebrations we’ve attended compare with the overwhelming joy we’ll feel at the ultimate victory party in heaven. We’ll rejoice with the saints from all generations telling of the marvelous saving and sustaining power of Christ. We look forward to sharing stories about the times we faced trouble, hardship, persecution or danger and the miraculous way that You delivered or sustained us through those difficulties. We’re not there yet, so help us to keep on keeping on, until that glorious day! It is in the matchless name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Wednesday prayer & verses (04 11 2009)
Thought for the day
Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures, tacked to a bulletin board, of the 10 most wanted men.
One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.
"Yes," said the policeman. "The detectives want him very badly."So little Johnny asked, "Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"
We need to hold onto what we have. That's one of the themes of the book of Hebrews, as a number of Christians were considering giving up their faith in Christ to go back into Judaism. To them, the Hebrew writer says:
"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." (Hebrews 4:14).
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23).
Feel like quitting? Don't! Feel like it's not worth all the trouble? It is! Whatever you do, don't ever let go of something so valuable as your faith in Christ.
Verses
1 John 5:4
because everything that has been born of God is constantly coming off victorious over the world. And this is the victory that has come off victorious over the world, our faith.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Proverbs 18:24
There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray at all times,
Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for the powerful God that You are. Even the winds and waves recognize the Creator and obey Your voice. Your Word is like a lighthouse that directs us safely toward heaven when the furious waves swirl about us and the water rises around us. Keep us firmly anchored in Your ways so that we endure to the very end. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures, tacked to a bulletin board, of the 10 most wanted men.
One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.
"Yes," said the policeman. "The detectives want him very badly."So little Johnny asked, "Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"
We need to hold onto what we have. That's one of the themes of the book of Hebrews, as a number of Christians were considering giving up their faith in Christ to go back into Judaism. To them, the Hebrew writer says:
"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." (Hebrews 4:14).
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23).
Feel like quitting? Don't! Feel like it's not worth all the trouble? It is! Whatever you do, don't ever let go of something so valuable as your faith in Christ.
Verses
1 John 5:4
because everything that has been born of God is constantly coming off victorious over the world. And this is the victory that has come off victorious over the world, our faith.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Proverbs 18:24
There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray at all times,
Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for the powerful God that You are. Even the winds and waves recognize the Creator and obey Your voice. Your Word is like a lighthouse that directs us safely toward heaven when the furious waves swirl about us and the water rises around us. Keep us firmly anchored in Your ways so that we endure to the very end. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Tuesday prayer & verses (03 11 2009)
Thought for the day
Here is a collection of humorous headlines, some of which you may have seen before and some of which may be new to you:
* Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Experts Say
* Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
* Red Tape Holds up New Bridges
* Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years in Checkout Counter
* Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures (duh!)* Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge
* New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group* Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case
* Include Your Children When Baking Cookies
* Two Convicts Evade Noose, Jury Hung * Milk Drinkers are Turning to Powder
* Stiff opposition expected to casket less funeral plan
* Enraged cow injures farmer with ax
* British Left Waffles on Falkland Islands
* Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
* Autos killing 110 a day, let's resolve to do better
* If strike isn't settled quickly it may last a while (duh again!)
* Iraqi Head Seeks Arms* Lingerie Shipment Hijacked - Thief Gives Police The Slip
* Patient At Death's Door - Doctors Pull Him Through
* Killer Sentenced to Die for Second Time in 10 Years
* 20-Year Friendship Ends at Altar
* Deaf mute gets new hearing in killing
That last headline ("Deaf mute gets a new hearing") would certainly have a different meaning in the context of the gospels. "Then they brought to [Jesus] one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him..... Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly." (Mark 7:32,35)
What a beautiful display of power and love. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be deaf. What would I miss the most? The sound of the wind blowing through the trees? The words "I love you" spoken by a dear friend? The chirping of the birds at the break of dawn? Or the songs of praise lifted up to God's throne when Christians gather together?
While I can't imagine not being able to hear any of those beautiful sounds, I can say, with sadness, that I don't always listen to those things that I have the ability to hear. I don't always listen to the cries for help that come from those in need around me. I don't always listen to my children when they are anxious to share the events of the day. And I don't always listen to God as He speaks to me through his word. Sometimes I am distracted. Sometimes there is other "noise" which makes it hard to listen. But sometimes I keep my hands firmly over my ears to avoid hearing.
With a need much like the deaf man in Mark 7, I come begging Jesus to "put his hand" on me, to open my ears that I may truly hear.
Verses
1 John 5:4
because everything that has been born of God is constantly coming off victorious over the world. And this is the victory that has come off victorious over the world, our faith.
Exodus 15:26
He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Matthew 21:22
and everything, whatever it be, that you ask for in your prayers, if you have faith, you shall obtain."
2 Corinthians 8:9
You know how much our Lord Jesus Christ loved you and how much He gave for you. Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor so that you might become rich.
Prayer
Father, Romans 1:21 indicates that those who knew You neither glorified nor gave thanks to You which led to their futile and foolish thinking. It eventually caused the light of Your Word to be veiled and ineffective in their lives as darkness crept in and covered the radiant light of Your truth. They sought honor for themselves and lived for self-glory. Anything good in us is but a reflection of the Spirit of Christ who lives within, so we will glory only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ though it is mocked and ridiculed by the world. We are unashamedly children of God whose depth of wisdom comes not from the understanding from the world but the understanding from Your Word. May its truth always be our source of light in the darkened age in which we live. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Here is a collection of humorous headlines, some of which you may have seen before and some of which may be new to you:
* Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Experts Say
* Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
* Red Tape Holds up New Bridges
* Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years in Checkout Counter
* Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures (duh!)* Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge
* New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group* Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case
* Include Your Children When Baking Cookies
* Two Convicts Evade Noose, Jury Hung * Milk Drinkers are Turning to Powder
* Stiff opposition expected to casket less funeral plan
* Enraged cow injures farmer with ax
* British Left Waffles on Falkland Islands
* Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
* Autos killing 110 a day, let's resolve to do better
* If strike isn't settled quickly it may last a while (duh again!)
* Iraqi Head Seeks Arms* Lingerie Shipment Hijacked - Thief Gives Police The Slip
* Patient At Death's Door - Doctors Pull Him Through
* Killer Sentenced to Die for Second Time in 10 Years
* 20-Year Friendship Ends at Altar
* Deaf mute gets new hearing in killing
That last headline ("Deaf mute gets a new hearing") would certainly have a different meaning in the context of the gospels. "Then they brought to [Jesus] one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him..... Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly." (Mark 7:32,35)
What a beautiful display of power and love. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be deaf. What would I miss the most? The sound of the wind blowing through the trees? The words "I love you" spoken by a dear friend? The chirping of the birds at the break of dawn? Or the songs of praise lifted up to God's throne when Christians gather together?
While I can't imagine not being able to hear any of those beautiful sounds, I can say, with sadness, that I don't always listen to those things that I have the ability to hear. I don't always listen to the cries for help that come from those in need around me. I don't always listen to my children when they are anxious to share the events of the day. And I don't always listen to God as He speaks to me through his word. Sometimes I am distracted. Sometimes there is other "noise" which makes it hard to listen. But sometimes I keep my hands firmly over my ears to avoid hearing.
With a need much like the deaf man in Mark 7, I come begging Jesus to "put his hand" on me, to open my ears that I may truly hear.
Verses
1 John 5:4
because everything that has been born of God is constantly coming off victorious over the world. And this is the victory that has come off victorious over the world, our faith.
Exodus 15:26
He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."
1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Matthew 21:22
and everything, whatever it be, that you ask for in your prayers, if you have faith, you shall obtain."
2 Corinthians 8:9
You know how much our Lord Jesus Christ loved you and how much He gave for you. Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor so that you might become rich.
Prayer
Father, Romans 1:21 indicates that those who knew You neither glorified nor gave thanks to You which led to their futile and foolish thinking. It eventually caused the light of Your Word to be veiled and ineffective in their lives as darkness crept in and covered the radiant light of Your truth. They sought honor for themselves and lived for self-glory. Anything good in us is but a reflection of the Spirit of Christ who lives within, so we will glory only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ though it is mocked and ridiculed by the world. We are unashamedly children of God whose depth of wisdom comes not from the understanding from the world but the understanding from Your Word. May its truth always be our source of light in the darkened age in which we live. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Monday prayer & verses (02 11 2009)
Thought for the day
Shakey went to a psychiatrist. "Doc," he said, "I've got trouble. Every time I get into bed, I think there's somebody under it. I get under the bed, I think there's somebody on top of it. Top, under, top, under ... you gotta help me, I'm going crazy!"
"Just put yourself in my hands for two years," said the doctor. "Come to me three times a week, and I'll cure your fears."
"How much do you charge?"
"A hundred dollars per visit."
"I'll think about it," said Shakey.
Six months later the doctor met Shakey on the street. "Why didn't you ever come to see me again?" asked the psychiatrist.
"For a hundred bucks a visit? A friend cured me for ten dollars."
"Is that so! How?" "He told me to cut the legs off the bed!"
I suppose that's one way to conquer your fears! Most of us, though, have fears which are much more difficult to overcome -- fear of failure, fear of dying, fear of letting others down, fear of living alone, just to name a few.
And, as you read through the Bible, you see that fear is not unique to those of us in the 21st century. One phrase that reappears over and over throughout the Bible is the phrase, "Do not be afraid!" In fact, if you're looking for a good topic for a personal or small group Bible study, take the time to see just how often (and on what occasions) that phrase is spoken.
There is one positive attribute which is strongly contrasted to fear in the scriptures. Jesus often told his apostles and others, "Do not be afraid, only believe." It is evident that growing in faith will cause us to have less fear, and that often fear is the direct result of a struggle with our faith.
If you are living in fear this day, may these words of Jesus spoken to his apostles serve as a comfort to you:"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
May you know that peace he offers.
Verses
Mark 9:23
"That depends upon yourself," said Jesus to him; "if you only believe, all is possible to the believer."
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.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Psalm 141:2
Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 34:9-10
If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.
Prayer
Father, You created us to be people who function and thrive by light. Your placement of the sun by day and the moon by night is the way You provide for our physical needs enabling us to see as we carry out our multitude of duties. As important as light is for the eyes to see, it is even more essential that the eyes of our heart see the magnificent light of Your glory. As we walk in Your light we will be able to discern that which is evil from that which is good. Jesus, we know that goodness cannot partner with wickedness for there is no harmony between You and the devil. We are one with You as we walk in Your truth and dispel the darkness everywhere we go, for greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. Amen.
Shakey went to a psychiatrist. "Doc," he said, "I've got trouble. Every time I get into bed, I think there's somebody under it. I get under the bed, I think there's somebody on top of it. Top, under, top, under ... you gotta help me, I'm going crazy!"
"Just put yourself in my hands for two years," said the doctor. "Come to me three times a week, and I'll cure your fears."
"How much do you charge?"
"A hundred dollars per visit."
"I'll think about it," said Shakey.
Six months later the doctor met Shakey on the street. "Why didn't you ever come to see me again?" asked the psychiatrist.
"For a hundred bucks a visit? A friend cured me for ten dollars."
"Is that so! How?" "He told me to cut the legs off the bed!"
I suppose that's one way to conquer your fears! Most of us, though, have fears which are much more difficult to overcome -- fear of failure, fear of dying, fear of letting others down, fear of living alone, just to name a few.
And, as you read through the Bible, you see that fear is not unique to those of us in the 21st century. One phrase that reappears over and over throughout the Bible is the phrase, "Do not be afraid!" In fact, if you're looking for a good topic for a personal or small group Bible study, take the time to see just how often (and on what occasions) that phrase is spoken.
There is one positive attribute which is strongly contrasted to fear in the scriptures. Jesus often told his apostles and others, "Do not be afraid, only believe." It is evident that growing in faith will cause us to have less fear, and that often fear is the direct result of a struggle with our faith.
If you are living in fear this day, may these words of Jesus spoken to his apostles serve as a comfort to you:"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
May you know that peace he offers.
Verses
Mark 9:23
"That depends upon yourself," said Jesus to him; "if you only believe, all is possible to the believer."
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.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Psalm 141:2
Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 34:9-10
If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.
Prayer
Father, You created us to be people who function and thrive by light. Your placement of the sun by day and the moon by night is the way You provide for our physical needs enabling us to see as we carry out our multitude of duties. As important as light is for the eyes to see, it is even more essential that the eyes of our heart see the magnificent light of Your glory. As we walk in Your light we will be able to discern that which is evil from that which is good. Jesus, we know that goodness cannot partner with wickedness for there is no harmony between You and the devil. We are one with You as we walk in Your truth and dispel the darkness everywhere we go, for greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. Amen.
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