Focus verses: Psalm 44
"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
The hand of the Lord reaches to His people because of His love, not because of anything we have or have not done. There is none pure enough to stand righteous in the face of God on his own merits.
We are a weak and sinful creation. Left to our own devices, we fall into sin and wantonness. We tend to follow the lust of the flesh rather than the love of God. We satisfy our immediate appetites regardless of the consequences. We behave as if there were no consequences.
This psalm should be our prayer for our nation today. Look at all the things we've done.
We've allowed prayer to be stripped from our schools.
We have gagged the word of God and removed symbols of our faith from public lands.
We've misconstrued our own Constitution and the amendments thereto, twisting them to read that not only can government not interfere with religion (which was the original intent), but religion can have no say in government (which was not true even when the constitution was written).
The Declaration of Independence refers to a Supreme Being three times. Look for these three phrases: "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" - "endowed by their Creator" - "the Supreme Judge of the world."
The foundation of our freedoms lies in our understanding of God and His moral laws. Having flouted those laws and turned our backs on the Author of those laws, we are now reaping the consequences of His disfavor.
Father, God,
Remember our beginnings. In Your unfailing love, draw our nation back to Yourself. Restore us to the values of our roots and cleanse us from our iniquities.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Love Is The Key
Focus verses: I Corinthians 13:1-13
Love is the key to the Christian life. But I think, sometimes, we miss the mark on our definition of love. While this chapter is frequently read at weddings, I believe it has less to do with weddings than the everyday relationships between friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.
Jesus said the first commandment was to love the Lord. But what kind of love is this? It certainly isn't the same kind of physical desire and emotion that men and women sometimes feel for one another. It is, in fact, not a "feeling" so much as a decision and commitment. You seek the Lord and His will for your life, so that what you do pleases Him. It is His approval that you are wanting. His "well done, good and faithful servant" is your goal.
We love the Lord by loving what He created. This kind of love is committed to the well-being of the other. We are to work for the benefit of the Lord's creation. Since man was created in the image of God, when we look at another person, we should strive to see the mark of God on him or her. It is that essence of the divine in each person that we respect and admire.
The qualities of love in Paul's list spring from the recognition of God's image in man. We have no clear picture of God except what of God is reflected in man. In eternity, we shall see Him face to face - no veil, no shadow, no dim mirror.
Father, God,
Prepare us to see You face to face. Create in us Your love for all mankind. Help us to hear as You hear, see as You see, and feel as You feel.
Love is the key to the Christian life. But I think, sometimes, we miss the mark on our definition of love. While this chapter is frequently read at weddings, I believe it has less to do with weddings than the everyday relationships between friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.
Jesus said the first commandment was to love the Lord. But what kind of love is this? It certainly isn't the same kind of physical desire and emotion that men and women sometimes feel for one another. It is, in fact, not a "feeling" so much as a decision and commitment. You seek the Lord and His will for your life, so that what you do pleases Him. It is His approval that you are wanting. His "well done, good and faithful servant" is your goal.
We love the Lord by loving what He created. This kind of love is committed to the well-being of the other. We are to work for the benefit of the Lord's creation. Since man was created in the image of God, when we look at another person, we should strive to see the mark of God on him or her. It is that essence of the divine in each person that we respect and admire.
The qualities of love in Paul's list spring from the recognition of God's image in man. We have no clear picture of God except what of God is reflected in man. In eternity, we shall see Him face to face - no veil, no shadow, no dim mirror.
Father, God,
Prepare us to see You face to face. Create in us Your love for all mankind. Help us to hear as You hear, see as You see, and feel as You feel.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Jesus Prayed For You
Focus verses: John 17:1-26
We were studying the John 17 when the realization hit me. God loved me as much as He loved Jesus! Impossible! After all, Jesus was the son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Who was I? Nothing, nobody, just an average jane.
It was 1970-something. Our large Tuesday evening group was studying scriptures. I was sitting on the floor (we had more people than chairs) against the north wall of Marcella's living room when I read and understood that twenty-third verse. It felt like my heart would explode. I could barely breathe. The enormity of that realization fell on me like huge weight that turned to gossamer when it touched my shoulders. In that moment, I was forever changed. All the world was different.
This seventeenth chapter of John begins with Jesus' prayer for Himself. Here He says He was with the Father "before the world began." Jesus, by His own admission, was present at creation.
Then He prays for the disciples and their future in this world, that God would protect them. Obviously that means in the spiritual sense, because the disciples were physically persecuted, tortured, and executed. But they never succumbed to the evil one. That protection was their unity with Christ, just as Christ is unified with the Father.
Then Jesus prayed for you and me - for all who would believe because of the words of the disciples. The outcome of this prayer is to be our unity with Christ and therefore with the Father.
Jesus prayed that we (all Christians) would be unified - one in the Holy Spirit. Now I don't believe that means that all our sectarian differences will fade away - that we must all be one amorphous worshiping mass.
We each come to Him as individuals. How you worship might just set my teeth on edge - and vice versa. The point is our love for one another (whether we agree on all the details or not) should be the guiding force in our relationships with one another.
Father, God,
Make us sensitive to the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit which creates the unity between God and man. Help us to respond appropriately to Your unbounded love for us.
We were studying the John 17 when the realization hit me. God loved me as much as He loved Jesus! Impossible! After all, Jesus was the son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Who was I? Nothing, nobody, just an average jane.
It was 1970-something. Our large Tuesday evening group was studying scriptures. I was sitting on the floor (we had more people than chairs) against the north wall of Marcella's living room when I read and understood that twenty-third verse. It felt like my heart would explode. I could barely breathe. The enormity of that realization fell on me like huge weight that turned to gossamer when it touched my shoulders. In that moment, I was forever changed. All the world was different.
This seventeenth chapter of John begins with Jesus' prayer for Himself. Here He says He was with the Father "before the world began." Jesus, by His own admission, was present at creation.
Then He prays for the disciples and their future in this world, that God would protect them. Obviously that means in the spiritual sense, because the disciples were physically persecuted, tortured, and executed. But they never succumbed to the evil one. That protection was their unity with Christ, just as Christ is unified with the Father.
Then Jesus prayed for you and me - for all who would believe because of the words of the disciples. The outcome of this prayer is to be our unity with Christ and therefore with the Father.
Jesus prayed that we (all Christians) would be unified - one in the Holy Spirit. Now I don't believe that means that all our sectarian differences will fade away - that we must all be one amorphous worshiping mass.
We each come to Him as individuals. How you worship might just set my teeth on edge - and vice versa. The point is our love for one another (whether we agree on all the details or not) should be the guiding force in our relationships with one another.
Father, God,
Make us sensitive to the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit which creates the unity between God and man. Help us to respond appropriately to Your unbounded love for us.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Prepare The Way
Focus verses: Luke 3:7-14
The mission of John sounds much like some of the old "fire and brimstone" preachers I heard about when I was very young. It seemed like they were determined to "scare the devil" out of the people. That style of preaching is not heard so much any more, but it is no less valid.
We have been fed the pap that God is all love. He is. But He is also a righteous God and will not stand for unrighteousness in His presence.
John's "brood of vipers" comment is directed to the crowds in this passage, but in Matthew, it is directed to the Pharisees and Saducees. In our day, these would be the church-goers and those who are elders or deacons or generally active in the works of the church.
Our salvation is not dependent upon our position in the church. It depends on our relationship to Christ. The only way we can stand in the presence of a Holy God is cloaked in the righteousness of His Son, cleansed by His blood, dependent upon Him for every breath.
Our good works - or fruit of repentance as John puts it - is not our salvation. It is evidence of our commitment to Christ. If you belong to Christ, your life will show it. If you spend all your time outdoors, you skin will show the evidence of exposure to sun and wind. If you spend time in God's presence, your life will reflect Him.
Prepare the way. Examine yourself for fault and sin. Ask the Lord to show you your hidden self. We all have corners in our lives that are forgotten and cobwebby. Seek His light in your life and He will show you those hidden corners and help you to clean them up.
We're preparing the way of the Lord - at least in our own lives.
Father, God,
Shine the light of Your love into the dark corners of our hearts. Help us to see what we need to dust off and use again, as well as what we need to get rid of entirely. Grant that we may be prepared in heart and mind for doing Your bidding at all times.
The mission of John sounds much like some of the old "fire and brimstone" preachers I heard about when I was very young. It seemed like they were determined to "scare the devil" out of the people. That style of preaching is not heard so much any more, but it is no less valid.
We have been fed the pap that God is all love. He is. But He is also a righteous God and will not stand for unrighteousness in His presence.
John's "brood of vipers" comment is directed to the crowds in this passage, but in Matthew, it is directed to the Pharisees and Saducees. In our day, these would be the church-goers and those who are elders or deacons or generally active in the works of the church.
Our salvation is not dependent upon our position in the church. It depends on our relationship to Christ. The only way we can stand in the presence of a Holy God is cloaked in the righteousness of His Son, cleansed by His blood, dependent upon Him for every breath.
Our good works - or fruit of repentance as John puts it - is not our salvation. It is evidence of our commitment to Christ. If you belong to Christ, your life will show it. If you spend all your time outdoors, you skin will show the evidence of exposure to sun and wind. If you spend time in God's presence, your life will reflect Him.
Prepare the way. Examine yourself for fault and sin. Ask the Lord to show you your hidden self. We all have corners in our lives that are forgotten and cobwebby. Seek His light in your life and He will show you those hidden corners and help you to clean them up.
We're preparing the way of the Lord - at least in our own lives.
Father, God,
Shine the light of Your love into the dark corners of our hearts. Help us to see what we need to dust off and use again, as well as what we need to get rid of entirely. Grant that we may be prepared in heart and mind for doing Your bidding at all times.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Unfailing Love
Focus verses: Psalm 44
"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
The hand of the Lord reaches to His people because of His love, not because of anything we have or have not done. There is none pure enough to stand righteous in the face of God on his own merits.
We are a weak and sinful creation. Left to our own devices, we fall into sin and wantonness. We tend to follow the lust of the flesh rather than the love of God. We satisfy our immediate appetites regardless of the consequences. We behave as if there were no consequences.
This psalm should be our prayer for our nation today. Look at all the things we've done.
We've allowed prayer to be stripped from our schools.
We have gagged the word of God and removed symbols of our faith from public lands.
We've misconstrued our own Constitution and the amendments thereto, twisting them to read that not only can government not interfere with religion (which was the original intent), but religion can have no say in government (which was not true even when the constitution was written).
The Declaration of Independence refers to a Supreme Being three times. Look for these three phrases: "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" - "endowed by their Creator" - "the Supreme Judge of the world."
The foundation of our freedoms lies in our understanding of God and His moral laws. Having flouted those laws and turned our backs on the Author of those laws, we are now reaping the consequences of His disfavor.
Father, God,
Remember our beginnings. In Your unfailing love, draw our nation back to Yourself. Restore us to the values of our roots and cleanse us from our iniquities.
"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
The hand of the Lord reaches to His people because of His love, not because of anything we have or have not done. There is none pure enough to stand righteous in the face of God on his own merits.
We are a weak and sinful creation. Left to our own devices, we fall into sin and wantonness. We tend to follow the lust of the flesh rather than the love of God. We satisfy our immediate appetites regardless of the consequences. We behave as if there were no consequences.
This psalm should be our prayer for our nation today. Look at all the things we've done.
We've allowed prayer to be stripped from our schools.
We have gagged the word of God and removed symbols of our faith from public lands.
We've misconstrued our own Constitution and the amendments thereto, twisting them to read that not only can government not interfere with religion (which was the original intent), but religion can have no say in government (which was not true even when the constitution was written).
The Declaration of Independence refers to a Supreme Being three times. Look for these three phrases: "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" - "endowed by their Creator" - "the Supreme Judge of the world."
The foundation of our freedoms lies in our understanding of God and His moral laws. Having flouted those laws and turned our backs on the Author of those laws, we are now reaping the consequences of His disfavor.
Father, God,
Remember our beginnings. In Your unfailing love, draw our nation back to Yourself. Restore us to the values of our roots and cleanse us from our iniquities.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friends In Grief
Focus verses: Job 2:11-13
This life is full of grief and grieving. We lose family and friends. We lose jobs. We lose health. We lose possessions. And these losses take a toll on our spirits and our minds.
Grieving is a natural and cathartic process. We go through the grieving to come out on the other side stronger and healthier than before.
And if we ourselves are not the grief-stricken, we probably have a friend who is. Here we have the perfect example of how to console a friend.
Job's three friends joined him in his grief. They sat in silence with him for a full week.
Sometimes just being there is the biggest help you can give. You can be ready to listen and empathize. You can help clarify by reflecting the conversation of the griever back to him. You can refrain from judging by word or deed or attitude. You can stifle the urge to put forth simple answers to deep questions. You can avoid setting forth your own prejudices and hypotheses.
Just be there. Love them. Be ready to serve however you can. And remember, Job's three friends only blew it when they opened their mouths.
Father, God,
Help us to be friends to those who grieve. Let us be Your arms of comfort and Your hands of service. Give us the grace to seek their ease more than our self-importance.
This life is full of grief and grieving. We lose family and friends. We lose jobs. We lose health. We lose possessions. And these losses take a toll on our spirits and our minds.
Grieving is a natural and cathartic process. We go through the grieving to come out on the other side stronger and healthier than before.
And if we ourselves are not the grief-stricken, we probably have a friend who is. Here we have the perfect example of how to console a friend.
Job's three friends joined him in his grief. They sat in silence with him for a full week.
Sometimes just being there is the biggest help you can give. You can be ready to listen and empathize. You can help clarify by reflecting the conversation of the griever back to him. You can refrain from judging by word or deed or attitude. You can stifle the urge to put forth simple answers to deep questions. You can avoid setting forth your own prejudices and hypotheses.
Just be there. Love them. Be ready to serve however you can. And remember, Job's three friends only blew it when they opened their mouths.
Father, God,
Help us to be friends to those who grieve. Let us be Your arms of comfort and Your hands of service. Give us the grace to seek their ease more than our self-importance.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Promise Of Restoration And Prosperity
Focus verses: Jeremiah 33:10-13
After all the gloom and doom and judgment and retribution we've read, it comes back to the fact that God still loves this headstrong people he covenanted with. He has plans to restore them to their former well-being and prosperity.
Even in the midst of the judgment and retribution, he has plans for the children of Israel.
The shepherd would find a sheltered place for the sheep at night - generally a cave or other kind of sheep fold - which was protected on all sides from marauding predators. As they entered, the shepherd would make them pass - one by one - under his hand. He checked the sheep for foreign objects entangled in the fleece. And it gave him the opportunity to verify that the sheep was not lamed in some fashion from the day's travels.
While this passage seems to be talking about the sheep of the shepherds, it can also be an allusion to the people of God. The children of Israel have been faithless, straying hither and thither to whatever new god or idol struck their fancy. Passing under His hand, they are individually tended and checked.
Of course, the sheep have to walk under the hand of the shepherd. And the people need to walk under the Hand of God. They can do this by reading His word, singing His praises, and listening for His Holy Spirit.
Father, God,
Bring us back into the sheepfold when we are led astray. Grant us the wisdom to check with You before undertaking any path, no matter how beautiful it seems at first glance.
After all the gloom and doom and judgment and retribution we've read, it comes back to the fact that God still loves this headstrong people he covenanted with. He has plans to restore them to their former well-being and prosperity.
Even in the midst of the judgment and retribution, he has plans for the children of Israel.
In the towns of the hill country, of the western foothills and of the Negev, in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem and in the towns of Judah, flocks will again pass under the hand of the one who counts them.
The shepherd would find a sheltered place for the sheep at night - generally a cave or other kind of sheep fold - which was protected on all sides from marauding predators. As they entered, the shepherd would make them pass - one by one - under his hand. He checked the sheep for foreign objects entangled in the fleece. And it gave him the opportunity to verify that the sheep was not lamed in some fashion from the day's travels.
While this passage seems to be talking about the sheep of the shepherds, it can also be an allusion to the people of God. The children of Israel have been faithless, straying hither and thither to whatever new god or idol struck their fancy. Passing under His hand, they are individually tended and checked.
Of course, the sheep have to walk under the hand of the shepherd. And the people need to walk under the Hand of God. They can do this by reading His word, singing His praises, and listening for His Holy Spirit.
Father, God,
Bring us back into the sheepfold when we are led astray. Grant us the wisdom to check with You before undertaking any path, no matter how beautiful it seems at first glance.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
God Of Wrath
Focus verses: Isaiah 65:11-16
In today's world we talk about a God of love. And God is that. He surely is love. But He is also a God of wrath.
As you read these verses, you can't help feeling sorry for those who forsake the Lord. And it seems a terribly harsh ending.
Look at it carefully, however. God gave man a free will. Man can choose whether he wants God as a part of his life or not. If he chooses to have God in his life, God will honor that. As man repents his wrongdoings, God is merciful and loving and swift to forgive. Like a doting parent, He spoils us and gives us what we want.
The people to whom God is speaking here are those who decided they wanted no part of God in their lives. And again, like a doting parent, God is letting them have their own way. He will not inflict Himself on them in life. Nor will He presume the keep them in His presence after death.
There are only two places to live in this universe. One is in the presence of God and the other is away from God. One is heaven, the other is hell. We choose. And God honors our choice because he gave man a free will.
If we choose to live in the presence of God, we can have a piece of heaven on earth. If we choose the other, well....
Father, God,
Help us to choose wisely. Keep us ever mindful of Your presence and Your will. Grant that we may be ever obedient to Your promptings and swift to obey. Deliver us from waywardness.
In today's world we talk about a God of love. And God is that. He surely is love. But He is also a God of wrath.
As you read these verses, you can't help feeling sorry for those who forsake the Lord. And it seems a terribly harsh ending.
Look at it carefully, however. God gave man a free will. Man can choose whether he wants God as a part of his life or not. If he chooses to have God in his life, God will honor that. As man repents his wrongdoings, God is merciful and loving and swift to forgive. Like a doting parent, He spoils us and gives us what we want.
The people to whom God is speaking here are those who decided they wanted no part of God in their lives. And again, like a doting parent, God is letting them have their own way. He will not inflict Himself on them in life. Nor will He presume the keep them in His presence after death.
There are only two places to live in this universe. One is in the presence of God and the other is away from God. One is heaven, the other is hell. We choose. And God honors our choice because he gave man a free will.
If we choose to live in the presence of God, we can have a piece of heaven on earth. If we choose the other, well....
Father, God,
Help us to choose wisely. Keep us ever mindful of Your presence and Your will. Grant that we may be ever obedient to Your promptings and swift to obey. Deliver us from waywardness.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Empty Ritual And True Worship
Focus verses Isaiah 58:1-12
My grandmother used to say "Actions speak louder than words." This adage wasn't original to her, but she mentioned it frequently. And she used to quote this poem.
"I love you, Mother," said little Nell.
"I love you more than tongue can tell."
Then she teased and pouted half the day,
Till Mother rejoiced when she went to play.
"I love you, Mother," said little Nan.
"Today I’ll help you all I can."
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and cheerful as child could be.
God is saying something very much like that in these verses. All your rituals and Sunday pomp and circumstance are totally empty if they don't make a change in your Monday through Saturday.
If we fast and put on sackcloth and ashes, it doesn't mean a thing unless the product of our fasting is to help someone else. Abstaining from food is not the end itself. It is a means to provide food to others. Our God has a social conscience. Read verses 6 through 12 again carefully.
These are the social responsibilities of the child of God. Do we measure up?
Father, God,
Keep us from being so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. As long as we are here, show us how and where to help Your hurting world, and help us to be faithful to the true worship of You as expressed in service to others.
My grandmother used to say "Actions speak louder than words." This adage wasn't original to her, but she mentioned it frequently. And she used to quote this poem.
"I love you, Mother," said little Nell.
"I love you more than tongue can tell."
Then she teased and pouted half the day,
Till Mother rejoiced when she went to play.
"I love you, Mother," said little Nan.
"Today I’ll help you all I can."
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and cheerful as child could be.
God is saying something very much like that in these verses. All your rituals and Sunday pomp and circumstance are totally empty if they don't make a change in your Monday through Saturday.
If we fast and put on sackcloth and ashes, it doesn't mean a thing unless the product of our fasting is to help someone else. Abstaining from food is not the end itself. It is a means to provide food to others. Our God has a social conscience. Read verses 6 through 12 again carefully.
These are the social responsibilities of the child of God. Do we measure up?
Father, God,
Keep us from being so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. As long as we are here, show us how and where to help Your hurting world, and help us to be faithful to the true worship of You as expressed in service to others.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
God's Wrath Is Real
Focus verses: Isaiah 34:1-4
Today's readings describe the wrath of God in judgment against the nations.
We sometimes forget that God is not only loving, but He can also be wrathful. We have been sold a gospel of "God is love" without the concomitant teaching that He is also righteous and will not abide unrighteousness.
When we see only one side of God, we have a skewed vision. We think we know God because we know that one facet of His character. We are wrong.
God is infinite. We are finite. There is no way we will ever wrap our finite little minds around the entirety of an Infinite God. But that is no excuse for not learning all we can know of Him.
God is loving. God is righteous. God is wrathful. And He is so much more as well. Our only hope is to continue to study the scriptures to absorb as much about Him as our minds will hold.
Father, God,
Help us to see you as the multidimensional God You are. Grant us the wisdom to seek to learn more and more of You and Your precepts.
Today's readings describe the wrath of God in judgment against the nations.
We sometimes forget that God is not only loving, but He can also be wrathful. We have been sold a gospel of "God is love" without the concomitant teaching that He is also righteous and will not abide unrighteousness.
When we see only one side of God, we have a skewed vision. We think we know God because we know that one facet of His character. We are wrong.
God is infinite. We are finite. There is no way we will ever wrap our finite little minds around the entirety of an Infinite God. But that is no excuse for not learning all we can know of Him.
God is loving. God is righteous. God is wrathful. And He is so much more as well. Our only hope is to continue to study the scriptures to absorb as much about Him as our minds will hold.
Father, God,
Help us to see you as the multidimensional God You are. Grant us the wisdom to seek to learn more and more of You and Your precepts.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Promised Forgiv eness
Focus verses: Hosea 14:1-9
Despite the number of times Israel has strayed from the Lord, He promises forgiveness if Israel will simply return to Him.
That means to seek the Lord, to turn away from the idols they have chased, to truly repent of their unfaithfulness, to observe His commandments -- essentially to love Him above all else.
We have a problem with this. Loving a God whom you cannot see or hear or feel or touch is not as easy as loving something that has physical substance that you can see and feel. God is a spirit. But we live in a physical world. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the things we can see and to forget that the real battle is in the spiritual plane.
The physical world makes demands on us. Things need tending; people require our attention; jobs must be fulfilled. All these things are important, but none so important as our spiritual well-being.
We can serve this portion of our lives only by our fidelity to God and to His edicts. Nothing less will do. Our return to Him will be rewarded by His forgiveness of our infidelities. He has said it.
Father, God,
Thank you for never changing. Thank you that You forgive those who repent and turn to You to heal their spirits. Grant that we may see the wisdom in loving and serving You alone.
Despite the number of times Israel has strayed from the Lord, He promises forgiveness if Israel will simply return to Him.
That means to seek the Lord, to turn away from the idols they have chased, to truly repent of their unfaithfulness, to observe His commandments -- essentially to love Him above all else.
We have a problem with this. Loving a God whom you cannot see or hear or feel or touch is not as easy as loving something that has physical substance that you can see and feel. God is a spirit. But we live in a physical world. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the things we can see and to forget that the real battle is in the spiritual plane.
The physical world makes demands on us. Things need tending; people require our attention; jobs must be fulfilled. All these things are important, but none so important as our spiritual well-being.
We can serve this portion of our lives only by our fidelity to God and to His edicts. Nothing less will do. Our return to Him will be rewarded by His forgiveness of our infidelities. He has said it.
Father, God,
Thank you for never changing. Thank you that You forgive those who repent and turn to You to heal their spirits. Grant that we may see the wisdom in loving and serving You alone.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Grandmothers Assurance
Psalm 103
I love this psalm!
We praise God for who He is, not for what He has done, but this psalm reminds us of all that He has done for us.
Forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, satisfaction,and perpetual youth. And that's just in the first stanza. The most amazing thing is His love for us - His graciousness towards us.
His unfailing love for us can be the foundation of all our beliefs. He mentions it again in John 3:16. Read it, but insert your name for "the world" and "whosoever." This is personal. God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.
Father, God,
Help us to train up our children and our children's children in Your law and Your love. Keep us faithful stewards of Your righteousness.
I love this psalm!
We praise God for who He is, not for what He has done, but this psalm reminds us of all that He has done for us.
Forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, satisfaction,and perpetual youth. And that's just in the first stanza. The most amazing thing is His love for us - His graciousness towards us.
His unfailing love for us can be the foundation of all our beliefs. He mentions it again in John 3:16. Read it, but insert your name for "the world" and "whosoever." This is personal. God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.
The Lord's love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.This is His promise to grandparents. He promises to love my grandchildren. His love is unfailing to all generations.
Father, God,
Help us to train up our children and our children's children in Your law and Your love. Keep us faithful stewards of Your righteousness.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Beloved
Focus verses: Psalm 66
Today's reading includes the injunction "Shout with joy." When we think of the splendor of God, when we realize that His ultimate plan is a relationship with us, there is little else we can do.
To think that the Lord of the universe is interested in us, each and every one of us, as individuals is almost too much to comprehend. He loves each of us as if we were His only child. In fact, the Gospel of John tells us that He loves us as much as He loves Himself in the person of Jesus.
Wrapping one's mind around the thought that God the Father loves me as much as He loves Jesus, the Son, is nearly impossible. The magnitude of God's love for us is overwhelming.
How are we to respond to such a love? What can we do or say that would adequately show Him our appreciation, our gratitude?
The only way is to become a channel of God's love to the rest of the world. Some of His children do not know Him. Some of them have wandered away. If we can help the wandering to come home, if we can introduce someone to God, we have reason to shout for joy.
But if all we do is recognize all the the Lord has done for us, that's reason enough to shout for joy!
Father, God,
Help us to remember the joy of knowing You. Grant that we may never take Your friendship for granted, that we will always be grateful that the Lord of the universe cares about us.
Today's reading includes the injunction "Shout with joy." When we think of the splendor of God, when we realize that His ultimate plan is a relationship with us, there is little else we can do.
To think that the Lord of the universe is interested in us, each and every one of us, as individuals is almost too much to comprehend. He loves each of us as if we were His only child. In fact, the Gospel of John tells us that He loves us as much as He loves Himself in the person of Jesus.
Wrapping one's mind around the thought that God the Father loves me as much as He loves Jesus, the Son, is nearly impossible. The magnitude of God's love for us is overwhelming.
How are we to respond to such a love? What can we do or say that would adequately show Him our appreciation, our gratitude?
The only way is to become a channel of God's love to the rest of the world. Some of His children do not know Him. Some of them have wandered away. If we can help the wandering to come home, if we can introduce someone to God, we have reason to shout for joy.
But if all we do is recognize all the the Lord has done for us, that's reason enough to shout for joy!
Father, God,
Help us to remember the joy of knowing You. Grant that we may never take Your friendship for granted, that we will always be grateful that the Lord of the universe cares about us.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Righteousness
Focus verses: Psalm 112
We've heard the old saw "virtue is it's own reward." This psalm expounds on that theme using the concept of righteousness.
All virtue and righteousness spring from a love and reverence for the Lord, from an appreciation of and adherence to his ordinances. Blessings follow the person who does as the Lord desires.
Obedience to the Lord simplifies our lives.
When we tell the truth, we have no need of an exceptional memory to keep from tripping ourselves up.
When we are generous with others, we hold money lightly enough not to let it become our ruler and make us slaves.
When we are compassionate with others, we reflect the compassion of God for us. Having been made in the image of God, our highest goal should be to reflect the person of God to this hurting world.
Father, God,
Turn our hearts toward You. Grant that we may be generous with all Your hurting world, being suitable ambassadors for Christ.
We've heard the old saw "virtue is it's own reward." This psalm expounds on that theme using the concept of righteousness.
All virtue and righteousness spring from a love and reverence for the Lord, from an appreciation of and adherence to his ordinances. Blessings follow the person who does as the Lord desires.
Obedience to the Lord simplifies our lives.
When we tell the truth, we have no need of an exceptional memory to keep from tripping ourselves up.
When we are generous with others, we hold money lightly enough not to let it become our ruler and make us slaves.
When we are compassionate with others, we reflect the compassion of God for us. Having been made in the image of God, our highest goal should be to reflect the person of God to this hurting world.
Father, God,
Turn our hearts toward You. Grant that we may be generous with all Your hurting world, being suitable ambassadors for Christ.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Undivided Heart
Focus verses: Psalm 86
David was called a man after God's own heart. A prayer like this one will help us to know how he got that way. He asked for it.
God is quite simple. He loves us - each of us - as if there were only one of us, as if you were His only child. If we ask Him to give us this undivided heart, He will honor that prayer. But what does it mean, exactly?
It means that God is first in our hearts. It means that whatever else we love and appreciate, we do so in light of God's love for us and His love for the other person. It means that we love God most.
God loves me. I love God. God loves you so I love you. I love you, as God loves you, because my love is only a small reflection of His love.
That love means that I seek your benefit before I seek my own. There was an old saying I learned in Sunday School. JOY equals Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. It's a simple formula - but it is true.
If we put God first in our lives, think of others in light of His love for them, and rest securely in His love for us, knowing that He will take care of our needs, life will be a lot more pleasant.
Father, God,
Grant us an undivided heart. Help us to respond to Your love for us, by loving all the rest of Your hurting world as you love it.
David was called a man after God's own heart. A prayer like this one will help us to know how he got that way. He asked for it.
God is quite simple. He loves us - each of us - as if there were only one of us, as if you were His only child. If we ask Him to give us this undivided heart, He will honor that prayer. But what does it mean, exactly?
It means that God is first in our hearts. It means that whatever else we love and appreciate, we do so in light of God's love for us and His love for the other person. It means that we love God most.
God loves me. I love God. God loves you so I love you. I love you, as God loves you, because my love is only a small reflection of His love.
That love means that I seek your benefit before I seek my own. There was an old saying I learned in Sunday School. JOY equals Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. It's a simple formula - but it is true.
If we put God first in our lives, think of others in light of His love for them, and rest securely in His love for us, knowing that He will take care of our needs, life will be a lot more pleasant.
Father, God,
Grant us an undivided heart. Help us to respond to Your love for us, by loving all the rest of Your hurting world as you love it.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Transgressions
Focus verses: Numbers 15:30,31
Today's readings talk about offerings for sin. God knows that we are fallible and will fall short of His designs for us. But he prescribes a method for bringing us back in to fellowship with Him. At least these readings detail those methods for the children of Israel.
We have a different mode of reconciliation. Jesus Christ. Because of His atoning death on the cross of Calvary, we can come directly to God with our failings, repent directly to Him, and ask His forgiveness.
And we can receive that forgiveness if we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Our response to that forgiveness should be a turning from those sins and a renewed mind to follow the precepts of the Lord.
That's the way it should work.
But there is a terrible caveat in today's readings as well. The focus verses say that if someone sins defiantly, he blasphemes God and his guilt remains on him.
We seem to live in a society today where people sin deliberately, wantonly, defiantly. And we remain tolerant of their sins in the name of diversity. We fail to speak out when people defy God, and we act oblivious to the fact that when we remain silent, we are complicit with their sins.
Father, God,
Let us not grieve Your Holy Spirit with sins either of omission or commission. So touch us with Your love that our constant response is obedience to You and love for Your people - a love that speaks the truth of Your salvation.
Today's readings talk about offerings for sin. God knows that we are fallible and will fall short of His designs for us. But he prescribes a method for bringing us back in to fellowship with Him. At least these readings detail those methods for the children of Israel.
We have a different mode of reconciliation. Jesus Christ. Because of His atoning death on the cross of Calvary, we can come directly to God with our failings, repent directly to Him, and ask His forgiveness.
And we can receive that forgiveness if we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Our response to that forgiveness should be a turning from those sins and a renewed mind to follow the precepts of the Lord.
That's the way it should work.
But there is a terrible caveat in today's readings as well. The focus verses say that if someone sins defiantly, he blasphemes God and his guilt remains on him.
We seem to live in a society today where people sin deliberately, wantonly, defiantly. And we remain tolerant of their sins in the name of diversity. We fail to speak out when people defy God, and we act oblivious to the fact that when we remain silent, we are complicit with their sins.
Father, God,
Let us not grieve Your Holy Spirit with sins either of omission or commission. So touch us with Your love that our constant response is obedience to You and love for Your people - a love that speaks the truth of Your salvation.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
God's Will
Focus verses: Deuteronomy 10:12, 13
Have you ever noticed that people get bogged down in trying to find God's will for their lives? Good people, who are otherwise pretty much pulled together, wallow in indecision as to whether this course of action or that one is what God would have them do.
The children of Israel were told exactly what God's will was for their lives. They were to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, love Him and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and to observe all His commands.
How different are we from the children of Israel? If that was God's will for their lives, it must also be His will for ours because not only is this command in the Old Testament, but we find it in the words of Jesus in the New Testament as well. We are to love the Lord with all our heart and soul and strength.
If we love the Lord, the rest will follow. You don't deliberately run away from someone you love. You want to please them and will bend over backward to be of service.
Walking with God is a difficult exercise but it was a mark of high esteem when it was said of an Old Testament character that "he walked with God." Walking with God implies that day after day, step after step, we are in sync with God and His plans for our lives.
The old hymn "In The Garden" says "he walks with me and he talks with me. And he tells me I am his own." But we must make time for Him. We must come to the garden alone. This is an intimate, one-on-one time. And this is the time to listen to the specifics of His will for our lives.
Father, God,
Help us to make time alone for You. Give us ears to hear and hearts to love and feet willing to walk in Your footsteps.
Have you ever noticed that people get bogged down in trying to find God's will for their lives? Good people, who are otherwise pretty much pulled together, wallow in indecision as to whether this course of action or that one is what God would have them do.
The children of Israel were told exactly what God's will was for their lives. They were to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, love Him and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and to observe all His commands.
How different are we from the children of Israel? If that was God's will for their lives, it must also be His will for ours because not only is this command in the Old Testament, but we find it in the words of Jesus in the New Testament as well. We are to love the Lord with all our heart and soul and strength.
If we love the Lord, the rest will follow. You don't deliberately run away from someone you love. You want to please them and will bend over backward to be of service.
Walking with God is a difficult exercise but it was a mark of high esteem when it was said of an Old Testament character that "he walked with God." Walking with God implies that day after day, step after step, we are in sync with God and His plans for our lives.
The old hymn "In The Garden" says "he walks with me and he talks with me. And he tells me I am his own." But we must make time for Him. We must come to the garden alone. This is an intimate, one-on-one time. And this is the time to listen to the specifics of His will for our lives.
Father, God,
Help us to make time alone for You. Give us ears to hear and hearts to love and feet willing to walk in Your footsteps.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Bases and Circles
Focus verses: Exodus 38-21-31
God is specific about the building of the Temple - or Tent of Meeting. While this was a nomadic building, it was done with great precision and attention to detail.
And there is a strict accounting of the value of all the materials used. I've always wondered about this strict accounting. Is it because of the money or because of the ransomed men it represents. There are more than half a million of them.
The monies were used to make the bases for the sanctuary and curtain and the hooks for the posts and to overlay the tops of the posts and to make the band. Essentially this is the base and the fastenings that hold things together.
Is there a contemporary comparative? Are the people the base of the church. I'm not talking about our sectarian, denominational churches, but the body of Christ, the church. And are they the fastenings that hold it together? If it isn't, it should be.
So how do we become the base and fastenings of this temple that the Spirit of God can inhabit? What foundation can we bring?
Our first footing is faith, faith that God is faithful and will bring to fruition all that He intends. The second layer of this foundation is our understanding of the Word of God. We build this by constant study and continually reading the scriptures. Anything built on this foundation will be sturdy in the fiercest storm.
But what about the fastenings? That which knits all Christians together is their love of God. If we love him, we are connected to all the others who love him.
We complete the circle by letting our love of God spill over to love others as well. And they will know we are Christians by our love.
Father, God,
Help us to remember the root of love is in You. And help us to get ourselves out of the way so that we can be channels of Your love to others.
God is specific about the building of the Temple - or Tent of Meeting. While this was a nomadic building, it was done with great precision and attention to detail.
And there is a strict accounting of the value of all the materials used. I've always wondered about this strict accounting. Is it because of the money or because of the ransomed men it represents. There are more than half a million of them.
The monies were used to make the bases for the sanctuary and curtain and the hooks for the posts and to overlay the tops of the posts and to make the band. Essentially this is the base and the fastenings that hold things together.
Is there a contemporary comparative? Are the people the base of the church. I'm not talking about our sectarian, denominational churches, but the body of Christ, the church. And are they the fastenings that hold it together? If it isn't, it should be.
So how do we become the base and fastenings of this temple that the Spirit of God can inhabit? What foundation can we bring?
Our first footing is faith, faith that God is faithful and will bring to fruition all that He intends. The second layer of this foundation is our understanding of the Word of God. We build this by constant study and continually reading the scriptures. Anything built on this foundation will be sturdy in the fiercest storm.
But what about the fastenings? That which knits all Christians together is their love of God. If we love him, we are connected to all the others who love him.
We complete the circle by letting our love of God spill over to love others as well. And they will know we are Christians by our love.
Father, God,
Help us to remember the root of love is in You. And help us to get ourselves out of the way so that we can be channels of Your love to others.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Ransomed
Focus verses: Exodus 30:11-16
Today's reading is full of particulars. Specific and detailed instructions for the ordination of the priests, the preparation and consummation of the sacrifices, the recipe for the exclusive anointing oil, and the requirements of the census offering.
The census offering?! Do I hear an echo? Something in the second chapter of Luke about a registration and tax of the Roman world. We don't know what tax Joseph paid in the city of David.
But we do know the tax paid by the Israelites. It was half a shekel each as a ransom for his life. Exactly half a shekel. The poor man could pay no less. The rich man could pay no more. The ransom was the same regardless of the person who paid.
God values each person equal to all the rest. Each one is precious in His sight.
In fact, if you check out the 17th chapter of John, Jesus says God loves each of us just as He oves Jesus. An awesome, humbling, thrilling thought.
Uh-oh! That mean He loves the guy down the street the I don't much care for just as much as He loves me.
In God's eyes each person is equally as precious as the next. Each is ransomed, not by half a shekel, but by the blood of Christ.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that You love everyone equally. And help us to follow Your lead in love.
Today's reading is full of particulars. Specific and detailed instructions for the ordination of the priests, the preparation and consummation of the sacrifices, the recipe for the exclusive anointing oil, and the requirements of the census offering.
The census offering?! Do I hear an echo? Something in the second chapter of Luke about a registration and tax of the Roman world. We don't know what tax Joseph paid in the city of David.
But we do know the tax paid by the Israelites. It was half a shekel each as a ransom for his life. Exactly half a shekel. The poor man could pay no less. The rich man could pay no more. The ransom was the same regardless of the person who paid.
God values each person equal to all the rest. Each one is precious in His sight.
In fact, if you check out the 17th chapter of John, Jesus says God loves each of us just as He oves Jesus. An awesome, humbling, thrilling thought.
Uh-oh! That mean He loves the guy down the street the I don't much care for just as much as He loves me.
In God's eyes each person is equally as precious as the next. Each is ransomed, not by half a shekel, but by the blood of Christ.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that You love everyone equally. And help us to follow Your lead in love.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sibling Rivalry
Focus verses: Genesis 37:3-11
Joseph is a boy - a teenager really. Can't you just imagine his youthful cockiness as he tells his dreams to his brothers?
And the fact that he is his father's favorite just adds fuel to the fire.
At a writers' conference several years ago, I sat at the supper table with a young woman who'd had a great day. She concluded her recitation of God's blessings to her with "I'm His favorite." As we all took turns sharing our triumph for the day, she'd interject to each "how wonderful! You're God's favorite." It became a running by-word for the remainder of the conference. And it was a reminder to us that God cared about each of us in every detail.
In fact, we're each God's favorite. He loves us each as if we were His only child. But this does not give us reason to be cocky and self-assured.
Rather it should make us more sensitive to the feelings of others, more ready to encourage and support their efforts to know God better.
We can best reflect His love by speaking gently and humbly, by loving unconditionally, and by admonishing softly with God's truth.
Father, God,
Wrap us in the security of Your love. Help us reflect it to all we meet who are starving for knowledge of You.
Joseph is a boy - a teenager really. Can't you just imagine his youthful cockiness as he tells his dreams to his brothers?
And the fact that he is his father's favorite just adds fuel to the fire.
At a writers' conference several years ago, I sat at the supper table with a young woman who'd had a great day. She concluded her recitation of God's blessings to her with "I'm His favorite." As we all took turns sharing our triumph for the day, she'd interject to each "how wonderful! You're God's favorite." It became a running by-word for the remainder of the conference. And it was a reminder to us that God cared about each of us in every detail.
In fact, we're each God's favorite. He loves us each as if we were His only child. But this does not give us reason to be cocky and self-assured.
Rather it should make us more sensitive to the feelings of others, more ready to encourage and support their efforts to know God better.
We can best reflect His love by speaking gently and humbly, by loving unconditionally, and by admonishing softly with God's truth.
Father, God,
Wrap us in the security of Your love. Help us reflect it to all we meet who are starving for knowledge of You.
In Jesus most precious name,
Amen.
Amen.
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