Good Morning!! Christanity was meant to be a team sport. Each person on the team matters,...and everyone has a role. I suppose it’s possible to play a team sport alone,...you could throw a popup into the air and stand under it and catch it. Or you could kick a football and then run after it,...but I wouldn't really call that playing the game.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.—Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
There are all kinds of reasons for avoiding community worship,...but there are more and better reasons to worship together, and join our hearts, voices, gifts, and prayers as we encourage one another and share in Christian fellowship. This kind of community worship on earth is a foretaste of how saints will gather before the throne in heaven, and join with others to worship the Lord.
If you're not already a part of an active worshiping Christian community, you're not taking full advantage of your opportunities, to share your gifts and talanets.
Father in Heaven, thank you for opportunities to meet together for worship. Amen. Amen.
"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will,...his personal responsibility."
(Albert Einstein)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
How Do You Solve A Problem
Good Morning!! Our natural tendency is to be more focused on what we can do to solve a problem. But I've learned that taking immediate action might make us feel useful,...but often it'll only makes things worse.
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.—Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
When we go to God first, we find fresh insight and renewed strength. When we take the time to share our hearts with Him, we receive peace and assurance. Allowing God to be in charge assures us of accomplishing what He wants done, in His good time.
So many times, our conditions are the direct results of our disobedience, and unfaithfulness.
Father in Heaven, forgive us for turning to you last,...and we ask that Your Spirit help us to go to you first. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will,...his personal responsibility."
(Albert Einstein)
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.—Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
When we go to God first, we find fresh insight and renewed strength. When we take the time to share our hearts with Him, we receive peace and assurance. Allowing God to be in charge assures us of accomplishing what He wants done, in His good time.
So many times, our conditions are the direct results of our disobedience, and unfaithfulness.
Father in Heaven, forgive us for turning to you last,...and we ask that Your Spirit help us to go to you first. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will,...his personal responsibility."
(Albert Einstein)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Say Thank You
Good Morning!! Did you know; that every year, in the weeks prior to Christmas, the post office gets thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus,...but that in the weeks after Christmas there is not a single letter addressed to Santa. It's like my father always said; "In a race, our petitions always outrun our gratitude."
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?"—Luke 17:17 (NIV)
If we count our many blessings, but fail to recognize their source, then we still don’t get it. God is looking for a faith in us that will recognize the giver behind the gift. For that will be a sign that we have received the best gift of all,...Jesus Himself. "Get up and go on your way," He says to us, "your faith has made you well."
Many say "please",...but few say "thanks."
Father in Heaven, we praise and thank You, for all You have done, and all You continue to do. Please forgive us for allowing the gift to mean more to us than the Giver. And forgive our atituude of ingratitude,...Thank You God! In Jesus' name, Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?"—Luke 17:17 (NIV)
If we count our many blessings, but fail to recognize their source, then we still don’t get it. God is looking for a faith in us that will recognize the giver behind the gift. For that will be a sign that we have received the best gift of all,...Jesus Himself. "Get up and go on your way," He says to us, "your faith has made you well."
Many say "please",...but few say "thanks."
Father in Heaven, we praise and thank You, for all You have done, and all You continue to do. Please forgive us for allowing the gift to mean more to us than the Giver. And forgive our atituude of ingratitude,...Thank You God! In Jesus' name, Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
His Witnesses
Good Morning!! As He prepared to ascend into heaven, Jesus called the disciples to be His witnesses. Acts says that after the disciples witnessed Jesus’ ascension they were found gazing into the sky. The angels asked the obvious question: "Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?"
...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."—Acts 1:8 (NIV)
In light of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission He has called us to fulfill, we can’t afford to stand around sky-gazing. As individuals and churches, we must worship the Lord, build up the body of Christ, and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. These are the basics we must faithfully and diligently put into practice.
When we begin to understand God’s glory and what he has done for us,
...we will respond by worshiping Him.
God of mercy, mold us by your Spirit into followers and churches who upwardly praise your glorious name,...inwardly build up the body of Christ,...and outwardly testify to your saving grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."—Acts 1:8 (NIV)
In light of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission He has called us to fulfill, we can’t afford to stand around sky-gazing. As individuals and churches, we must worship the Lord, build up the body of Christ, and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. These are the basics we must faithfully and diligently put into practice.
When we begin to understand God’s glory and what he has done for us,
...we will respond by worshiping Him.
God of mercy, mold us by your Spirit into followers and churches who upwardly praise your glorious name,...inwardly build up the body of Christ,...and outwardly testify to your saving grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tears
Good Morning!! What triggers your tears? I can tear up, at the drop of at hat, when I'm watching something that has to do with hurt feelings or heart break. It can even be something I'm reading, or I can just be thinking or reminiscing about,...and suddenly a tear streaks down my cheek. I've found that if you can name what it is you’re feeling at that moment, you have some insight into what really matters to you.
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.—Luke 19:41,42 (NIV)
Luke says Jesus wept over Jerusalem. What triggered his tears? The longing for peace, and the sense that it was not to be. One thing that makes for peace is acceptance, a perspective that helps us come to terms with life when things don’t go our way. There is a time to struggle and fight. But there is also a time to say “thy will be done.”
You can cry, because you can feel,...you can love and be loved.
Lord, we thank You for helping us to see, and show what matters most. Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.—Luke 19:41,42 (NIV)
Luke says Jesus wept over Jerusalem. What triggered his tears? The longing for peace, and the sense that it was not to be. One thing that makes for peace is acceptance, a perspective that helps us come to terms with life when things don’t go our way. There is a time to struggle and fight. But there is also a time to say “thy will be done.”
You can cry, because you can feel,...you can love and be loved.
Lord, we thank You for helping us to see, and show what matters most. Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pass It On
Good Morning!! If you are a Christian, it's because someone somewhere planted a seed. It may have been a parent or grandparent, that read you bible stories, taught you to say your prayers before bed. For two thousand years people have been telling other people the good news, until finally somebody told you.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,...'—Luke 4:18 (NIV)
There are millions who still haven’t heard, and many who once heard, but have now forgotten, and need to hear it again. I hope you’re not keeping the good news to yourself. It’s your turn: whom will you tell? Whom have you told?
You heard the Word, and was changed. Don't you want to pass that on?
Lord, help us be the witness, we were called to be. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
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"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,...'—Luke 4:18 (NIV)
There are millions who still haven’t heard, and many who once heard, but have now forgotten, and need to hear it again. I hope you’re not keeping the good news to yourself. It’s your turn: whom will you tell? Whom have you told?
You heard the Word, and was changed. Don't you want to pass that on?
Lord, help us be the witness, we were called to be. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
Reply
Forward
J is not available to chat
Monday, August 23, 2010
Self-Assessments
Good Morning!! Self-assessments, we all do them from time to time. The question is when you perform a self-assessments, are you looking up, or down? The Pharisee considers himself a virtuous man,...but how did he arrive at his self-assessment? By looking down,...he chooses a lowly tax collector as his standard,...and of course the difference between the two men is considerable. It’s easy to look tall when you stand alongside someone short.
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'—Luke 18:13 (NIV)
The tax collector views himself as a sinner,....and how does he arrive at his self-assessment?...by looking up. God’s searing righteousness is the standard by which he measures himself. No wonder he pleads for mercy.
Sometimes we're so busy congratulating ourselves for not being like other people, that it never occurs to us how much we’re not like Jesus, either.
Father, forgive us for thinking more of ourselves than we ought, and using anyone other than Your example as our standard. God, be merciful to us, poor sinners.
Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'—Luke 18:13 (NIV)
The tax collector views himself as a sinner,....and how does he arrive at his self-assessment?...by looking up. God’s searing righteousness is the standard by which he measures himself. No wonder he pleads for mercy.
Sometimes we're so busy congratulating ourselves for not being like other people, that it never occurs to us how much we’re not like Jesus, either.
Father, forgive us for thinking more of ourselves than we ought, and using anyone other than Your example as our standard. God, be merciful to us, poor sinners.
Amen.
"We never stand so tall, as when we kneal before God ."
Friday, August 20, 2010
Are you rich toward God?
Good Morning!! We live our lives on an endless treadmill of acquisition,...frantically amassing more and more stuff. Like the rich farmer who kept gathering and collecting, more and more,...oblivious to the source of all his blessings,...that is until the voice of God came whispering: "You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (v. 20).
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."—Luke 12:21 (NIV)
Give a person money, and take them to a store for the first time, and you won't have to spend much time teaching them what to do. Thousands of hours of advertising has already taught us that our calling in life is to consume,...possess,...and amass. Take that same person to church for the first time, and they will be disoriented, confused. They won't be sure of how to act,...they will be unsure of their role, or place in service. What does this tell us about our priorities?
Get off the treadmill.
It’s okay to possess things,...but it’s not okay for things to possess you.
Accumulation was never meant to be the driving force of our life.
Father, show us our greed, and then forgive us, for placing our desire for stuff above our desire for You. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."—Luke 12:21 (NIV)
Give a person money, and take them to a store for the first time, and you won't have to spend much time teaching them what to do. Thousands of hours of advertising has already taught us that our calling in life is to consume,...possess,...and amass. Take that same person to church for the first time, and they will be disoriented, confused. They won't be sure of how to act,...they will be unsure of their role, or place in service. What does this tell us about our priorities?
Get off the treadmill.
It’s okay to possess things,...but it’s not okay for things to possess you.
Accumulation was never meant to be the driving force of our life.
Father, show us our greed, and then forgive us, for placing our desire for stuff above our desire for You. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Hostility
Good Morning!! Hostility is the settled state of being enemies. Anger, appropriately expressed and properly handled, can be a sign of good mental health. But there is no health in hostility. Hostility ruins our mental health. I once heard of a psychologist whose first question to every new patient was: "Who is wrong with you?"
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
Hostility can be cured. But not if we cover it up,...or pretend it doesn’t exist. Jesus didn’t say, "Pretend you have no enemies." He said, "Love your enemies." And how do we do that? "Do good to those who hate you," He said "Bless those who curse you,". Search for something in your enemies that you can honestly praise,...and then see if you can still feel hostile. "Pray for those who abuse you," said Jesus. Pray,...not once, but persistently. It is not easy to remain hostile toward someone for whom we are praying.
Try doing something good for your enemies each day,
...and see if you can still feel hostile toward them.
Father God help us to Let It Go. Help us to love our enemies. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
Hostility can be cured. But not if we cover it up,...or pretend it doesn’t exist. Jesus didn’t say, "Pretend you have no enemies." He said, "Love your enemies." And how do we do that? "Do good to those who hate you," He said "Bless those who curse you,". Search for something in your enemies that you can honestly praise,...and then see if you can still feel hostile. "Pray for those who abuse you," said Jesus. Pray,...not once, but persistently. It is not easy to remain hostile toward someone for whom we are praying.
Try doing something good for your enemies each day,
...and see if you can still feel hostile toward them.
Father God help us to Let It Go. Help us to love our enemies. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Come To Him
Good Morning!! We need to remember that God is our heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to come to Him and bare our souls. It is in those times of weakness, fear and trembling that we need to learn to talk to Him. We need His strength to get back out there again. I pray for this frequently. Why? Because, like Paul, I have found in my walk with Christ that "when we are weak then He is strong."
...Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.—2 Corinthians 12:9b (NIV)
God's strength is made perfect, or complete, when we acknowledge and accept our weaknesses. In times of helplessness and panic, we can find hope and peace,...but only through giving those burdens to Christ. And after sensing His strength and power flowing through that weakness, fear and trembling,...we know without a doubt that the living God alone has heard our cry. The situation or circumstance may not change right away, but we change,...and when we change, God gets the glory.
When we pray for God to change our situations, He often starts by changing us.
Sweet Spirit of God, I pray that You may increase, and we might decrease (John 3:30). I pray that Your power may be perfected in our weakness, for I know that when we are weak, You are strong. Let us draw from Your strength today. Lord use us for Your glory today. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
...Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.—2 Corinthians 12:9b (NIV)
God's strength is made perfect, or complete, when we acknowledge and accept our weaknesses. In times of helplessness and panic, we can find hope and peace,...but only through giving those burdens to Christ. And after sensing His strength and power flowing through that weakness, fear and trembling,...we know without a doubt that the living God alone has heard our cry. The situation or circumstance may not change right away, but we change,...and when we change, God gets the glory.
When we pray for God to change our situations, He often starts by changing us.
Sweet Spirit of God, I pray that You may increase, and we might decrease (John 3:30). I pray that Your power may be perfected in our weakness, for I know that when we are weak, You are strong. Let us draw from Your strength today. Lord use us for Your glory today. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
I Forgive
Good Morning!! Some hurts and humiliations are just a part of life, and don't require any real effort to forgive. A friend failed to send you a card when you were hospitalized. A co-worker has idiosyncrasies that annoy you. Your neighbor’s dog answers the call of nature in your yard. To make every minor irritation an occasion for forgiveness, just trivializes real issues.
If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him.".—Luke 17:4 (NIV)
But some wounds are deep and painful,.. and are anything but trivial,..now this take both strength and faith to forgive. Think of forgivness as a long, winding road,...and just wanting to forgive, put us on the road, We haven’t yet reached our destination, but we’re on the road. Resentment, and anger may come creeping into your souls from time to time, causing us to wander off it,...but don’t give up,...Just get back on the road.
We may think; it’s hard enough to forgive someone even once,...but seven times? But God has forgiven us so many more times than taht,...just because we asked.
Sweet Spirit of God to help us to pray for our enemy, as we pray for our family and friends. As we confessing our own sins, knowing that God forgives us, allow us to more and more be able to forgive those who have hurt us.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
You can now follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/Food4Spirit
If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him.".—Luke 17:4 (NIV)
But some wounds are deep and painful,.. and are anything but trivial,..now this take both strength and faith to forgive. Think of forgivness as a long, winding road,...and just wanting to forgive, put us on the road, We haven’t yet reached our destination, but we’re on the road. Resentment, and anger may come creeping into your souls from time to time, causing us to wander off it,...but don’t give up,...Just get back on the road.
We may think; it’s hard enough to forgive someone even once,...but seven times? But God has forgiven us so many more times than taht,...just because we asked.
Sweet Spirit of God to help us to pray for our enemy, as we pray for our family and friends. As we confessing our own sins, knowing that God forgives us, allow us to more and more be able to forgive those who have hurt us.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
You can now follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/Food4Spirit
Monday, August 16, 2010
Spiritual Heritage
Good Morning!! Most people would remember Nehemiah for the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. But we also see that he wanted to be remembered for the spiritual heritage he left,...and not just for restoring the security of the city. The end of the biblical record of his leadership documents a list of reforms dealing with marriage, the sanctity of the priestly office, and the Sabbath. These were the things he prayed to be remembered for.
...Remember me with favor, O my God.—Nehemiah 13:31b (NIV)
What legacy are you building today? Keeping in mind that the purpose of a legacy is not for self-enhancement but for kingdom advances,...we ought to think about what we have done and are doing to build godly values in generations to come. Legacies are built one day at a time as we do the work of God in this world.
Trust that if you are faithful to him, he will use you to glorify himself in others.
Remember us with favor, O God, and help us to use each day we have to advance Your kingdom. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
...Remember me with favor, O my God.—Nehemiah 13:31b (NIV)
What legacy are you building today? Keeping in mind that the purpose of a legacy is not for self-enhancement but for kingdom advances,...we ought to think about what we have done and are doing to build godly values in generations to come. Legacies are built one day at a time as we do the work of God in this world.
Trust that if you are faithful to him, he will use you to glorify himself in others.
Remember us with favor, O God, and help us to use each day we have to advance Your kingdom. Amen.
"Our biggest challenge to maintaining commitment,...is keeping focused on God's work ."
Friday, August 13, 2010
Spiritual Warrior
Good Morning!! Being a Christian means being a spiritual warrior. The Bible makes it clear that we are in the middle of a battle between good and evil. We must expect that by doing the things that God wants us to do we will be entering combat with our enemy Satan, the thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.
Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.—Nehemiah 4:4 (NIV)
We can prepare by committing ourselves to regular prayer and even fasting,...as well as keeping ourselves vigilant against all of the devil’s schemes. Nehemiah’s example and our faith assure us that while the battles will rage, the war’s outcome is already decided. We have been told that the battle is not ours, to worry about.
If you didn't know, now you now,...God is always the Winner!
Lord, we depend on You for strength in every battle,...and we pray, for your protection. Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.—Nehemiah 4:4 (NIV)
We can prepare by committing ourselves to regular prayer and even fasting,...as well as keeping ourselves vigilant against all of the devil’s schemes. Nehemiah’s example and our faith assure us that while the battles will rage, the war’s outcome is already decided. We have been told that the battle is not ours, to worry about.
If you didn't know, now you now,...God is always the Winner!
Lord, we depend on You for strength in every battle,...and we pray, for your protection. Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Spiritual Warrior
Good Morning!! Being a Christian means being a spiritual warrior. The Bible makes it clear that we are in the middle of a battle between good and evil. We must expect that by doing the things that God wants us to do we will be entering combat with our enemy Satan, the thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.
Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.—Nehemiah 4:4 (NIV)
We can prepare by committing ourselves to regular prayer and even fasting,...as well as keeping ourselves vigilant against all of the devil’s schemes. Nehemiah’s example and our faith assure us that while the battles will rage, the war’s outcome is already decided. We have been told that the battle is not ours, to worry about.
If you didn't know, now you now,...God is always the Winner!
Lord, we depend on You for strength in every battle,...and we pray, for your protection. Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.—Nehemiah 4:4 (NIV)
We can prepare by committing ourselves to regular prayer and even fasting,...as well as keeping ourselves vigilant against all of the devil’s schemes. Nehemiah’s example and our faith assure us that while the battles will rage, the war’s outcome is already decided. We have been told that the battle is not ours, to worry about.
If you didn't know, now you now,...God is always the Winner!
Lord, we depend on You for strength in every battle,...and we pray, for your protection. Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Christ’s countenance is shining like the sun
Good Morning!! Christ’s countenance is shining like the sun. His clothes are "dazzling white." It’s a moment of holiness and majesty, and Peter doesn’t want it to end. "Let us make three dwellings." Peter wants to stay on the mountaintop. He wants to prolong the experience.
"Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings."—Luke 9:33 (NIV)
The danger in our mountaintop experiences is that we try to freeze them and make them permanent. And so a life which might have been a voyage of discovery and growth instead is chained to the past. A mountaintop is a nice place to visit, but you don’t want to live there.
God's people are aways on the move,...we are either heading into,...moving through,...or coming out of something.
Father God, whenever we expreience those rare moments of holiness and majesty,...like Peter we never want them to end. But we are Your people and You are our God,...and we will follow Your guideinse. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
"Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings."—Luke 9:33 (NIV)
The danger in our mountaintop experiences is that we try to freeze them and make them permanent. And so a life which might have been a voyage of discovery and growth instead is chained to the past. A mountaintop is a nice place to visit, but you don’t want to live there.
God's people are aways on the move,...we are either heading into,...moving through,...or coming out of something.
Father God, whenever we expreience those rare moments of holiness and majesty,...like Peter we never want them to end. But we are Your people and You are our God,...and we will follow Your guideinse. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Prayer
Good Morning, My Friend!! The Lord’s Prayer is one that most of us have learned from a young age. Unfortunately, when something,...even a prayer, is so frequently recited we just stop thinking of its true meaning. It has become so familiar that when we repeat it, we no longer pause to consider what we are acknowledging, requesting, and agreeing to. The opening words "Our Father" can trigger this auto-pilot so that we miss the blessing represented in calling God “Father,”...we're acknowledging that through Christ we have been given a direct and intimate relationship with God.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,—Matthew 6:7, 9 (NIV)
Jesus taught us to begin this way to show that it does not take fancy speech or big words to get God's attention. Rather, God loves us as children and therefore we have the opportunity to call upon God as a child calling upon a parent. We can call upon God in times of joy, sorrow, need, or gratitude. Because of Christ we are not restricted by a small group of religious leaders or laws and regulations; instead, through Jesus we obtain the freedom to relate to God in such a personal and loving way.
When we say the words; "Our Father," let them awaken your heart to joy for this intimate relationship.
Thank you, Lord, that you love us enough to let us call you Father. We acknowledge that this is yet another way in which we are blessed to know You and we want to express our gratitude for it. Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,—Matthew 6:7, 9 (NIV)
Jesus taught us to begin this way to show that it does not take fancy speech or big words to get God's attention. Rather, God loves us as children and therefore we have the opportunity to call upon God as a child calling upon a parent. We can call upon God in times of joy, sorrow, need, or gratitude. Because of Christ we are not restricted by a small group of religious leaders or laws and regulations; instead, through Jesus we obtain the freedom to relate to God in such a personal and loving way.
When we say the words; "Our Father," let them awaken your heart to joy for this intimate relationship.
Thank you, Lord, that you love us enough to let us call you Father. We acknowledge that this is yet another way in which we are blessed to know You and we want to express our gratitude for it. Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The God Who Sees Me
Good Morning!! "The God Who Sees Me."....When we first focus on these words, we have one of two feeling or thoughts; One: Fear. O'Lord what have I done lately?...What shameful, sinful thing do I wish I could hide from. Two: Gratitude. Thank You Father, for keeping and protecting me. When Hagar first uttered them, it was not as one who felt threatened, but rather with a sense of wonder and delight. We don’t know exactly how that verse should be translated, but I certainly like the contemporary English Version. It is about her seeing God, (amazing!) and God seeing her,...which I find even more important,...especially to anyone feeling as mis-used as Hagar was.
Hagar thought, "Have I really seen God and lived to tell about it?" So from then on she called him, "The God Who Sees Me."—Genesis 16:13 (CEV)
From time, to time, we need to remind ourselves of what all those “seeing” words can imply. We think of a mother seeing to her baby and looking after it, of her provision for it and supervision of it. This new name for God, El Roi, was revealed to Hagar rather than to Abraham. It tells us that Abraham’s God has a deep concern for those who, like Hagar, are outsiders who come into contact with His people. He has similar plans for them also (v. 10). They too will be blessed when their eyes, and hearts, are opened to Him.
Those who resect God, has no reason to fear Him.
Father God, so many of our friends don't know You,...and can’t see You as yet,...please open their eyes. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Hagar thought, "Have I really seen God and lived to tell about it?" So from then on she called him, "The God Who Sees Me."—Genesis 16:13 (CEV)
From time, to time, we need to remind ourselves of what all those “seeing” words can imply. We think of a mother seeing to her baby and looking after it, of her provision for it and supervision of it. This new name for God, El Roi, was revealed to Hagar rather than to Abraham. It tells us that Abraham’s God has a deep concern for those who, like Hagar, are outsiders who come into contact with His people. He has similar plans for them also (v. 10). They too will be blessed when their eyes, and hearts, are opened to Him.
Those who resect God, has no reason to fear Him.
Father God, so many of our friends don't know You,...and can’t see You as yet,...please open their eyes. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"God’s presence brings great comfort."
Monday, August 9, 2010
Fear "Phobia"
Good Morning!! The word “phobia” comes from the Greek word for fear, phobos. One could explain a phobia as an irrational fear of something that can potentially be harmful. Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, for example, is an abnormal fear of spiders. Spider bites can be deadly, but most spiders are harmless and if a person gets bit by one, the chances of it being a lethal bite are minimal. Still, a person who suffers from this phobia, can’t be told to “not worry” when they see one of those eight-legged monsters.
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."—Luke 12:32 (NIV)
Everyone has their “issue”,...but what if you have lots? As I researched multi-fears (panphobia), I learned that this is more than the every day worrywart sort of fear. It’s a medical condition that is persistent, often debilitating, and very difficult to treat. It’s related to the paranoia typically found in Schizophrenics. After discovering this, I quickly realized that most of us don't have panphobias,...we're not necessarily afraid of everything, we just worry about every little thing. And in case you’re wondering, the definition for the Greek word for worry (merimnao) has more to do with an anxious concern than a debilitating fear.
So today, I’m going to share some helpful scripture with you. The following verses declare that His truth is greater than any worse-case-scenario,...or even real-life-circumstance we can encounter.
“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22)
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8b)
“Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6b)
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1: 17b, 18)
Isn’t it great that God doesn’t tell us to do something without equipping us to do it first! Through His Word, He encourages and prepares us to face the world, which is after all, can be pretty scary place… especially with all of those blasted spiders!
"God’s presence brings great comfort
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."—Luke 12:32 (NIV)
Everyone has their “issue”,...but what if you have lots? As I researched multi-fears (panphobia), I learned that this is more than the every day worrywart sort of fear. It’s a medical condition that is persistent, often debilitating, and very difficult to treat. It’s related to the paranoia typically found in Schizophrenics. After discovering this, I quickly realized that most of us don't have panphobias,...we're not necessarily afraid of everything, we just worry about every little thing. And in case you’re wondering, the definition for the Greek word for worry (merimnao) has more to do with an anxious concern than a debilitating fear.
So today, I’m going to share some helpful scripture with you. The following verses declare that His truth is greater than any worse-case-scenario,...or even real-life-circumstance we can encounter.
“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22)
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8b)
“Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6b)
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1: 17b, 18)
Isn’t it great that God doesn’t tell us to do something without equipping us to do it first! Through His Word, He encourages and prepares us to face the world, which is after all, can be pretty scary place… especially with all of those blasted spiders!
"God’s presence brings great comfort
Friday, August 6, 2010
Spiritual Seasons
Good Morning!! The weather changes, because God knows that we need cycles of rest, as much as periods of productivity. He factors into our lives spiritual seasons of sunny skies, rainy days, snowed in days and even some hurricanes, tornados and thunderstorms. Why? Because in each of these events, God wants to show Himself faithful and build our faith to trust in Him.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.—Psalm 1:2-3 (KJV)
Make a commitment to understand the ways of the Lord. If every day were perfect, there would be no dependency on God or desire to be with Him in heaven. Factor in time to spend with the Lord before your day starts. He will prepare you for the changes in your spiritual life for the day. The Lord's desire for you is to be stable and consistent, even when the seasons are not.
By considering God in our day, we will find peace and joy regardless of what the weather brings.
We tend to look for quick-fixes to difficult solutions,..but, often God's plan is that we hang in there,...so that we may grow.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.—Psalm 1:2-3 (KJV)
Make a commitment to understand the ways of the Lord. If every day were perfect, there would be no dependency on God or desire to be with Him in heaven. Factor in time to spend with the Lord before your day starts. He will prepare you for the changes in your spiritual life for the day. The Lord's desire for you is to be stable and consistent, even when the seasons are not.
By considering God in our day, we will find peace and joy regardless of what the weather brings.
We tend to look for quick-fixes to difficult solutions,..but, often God's plan is that we hang in there,...so that we may grow.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
Thursday, August 5, 2010
In Need of a Savior
Good Morning!! Today's scripture below, is one most of us would read with confusion. As Christians we know we’re sinners in need of a Savior. So, every Sunday at church, we thank God for His divine intervention through Christ’s death on the cross. Yet the very One sent to die for us seems to be asking us here to be that which we know we can’t,...perfect. Not just really, really good,...but perfect,...in the way God is perfect. 1 Peter 1:15-16, doesn’t use the word “perfect”,...but instead calls believers to “holiness”.
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.—Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
Holiness transcends what someone does (or doesn’t do) and ties directly into who God is. As believers, we aren’t necessarily called to be “perfect” by the world’s standards, but instead to reflect God’s nature to others. His goodness, truth, strength, and love. The only way we can accurately reflect God to others is to strive daily to know Him,...to spend more time in His presence,...to meditate on His Word. Unlike any so called self-help approach, the more we focus on God, the less self-focused we become. And the more available we make ourselves to God's transforming grace in our lives.
"Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self."
(St. Francis of Assisi)
Lord we don't want to waste time trying to fix the things we know we can't,...nor do we need to cover them up. Instead we acknowledge them, and turn them over to You. Our perfection is not gained by any actions of our own, but by Your sacrifice and grace. And we thank You. Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,
...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.—Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
Holiness transcends what someone does (or doesn’t do) and ties directly into who God is. As believers, we aren’t necessarily called to be “perfect” by the world’s standards, but instead to reflect God’s nature to others. His goodness, truth, strength, and love. The only way we can accurately reflect God to others is to strive daily to know Him,...to spend more time in His presence,...to meditate on His Word. Unlike any so called self-help approach, the more we focus on God, the less self-focused we become. And the more available we make ourselves to God's transforming grace in our lives.
"Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self."
(St. Francis of Assisi)
Lord we don't want to waste time trying to fix the things we know we can't,...nor do we need to cover them up. Instead we acknowledge them, and turn them over to You. Our perfection is not gained by any actions of our own, but by Your sacrifice and grace. And we thank You. Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,
...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
We Were Created To Glorify Him
Good Morning!! Our whole reason for being here on earth, is for relationship. First, with our Creator (we were created to glorify Him!). And then with those around us (fellowship with family and friends as members to form the Body). Bearing one's self, is a scary thing to do. Submit our lives to God,...and draw close to Him,...so that he might use us as instruments of righteousness. And it's not easy sharing and giving of ourselves with those around us either. Will they accept us,...or will they reject us when they find out who we really are?
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.—Psalm 139:3 (NIV)
Our desire is to be known and loved anyway,...no matter who we are or what we're doing. The fear of rejection makes it hard to reach out,...though, deep down inside each one of us, the longing to be known and accepted never goes away. We must continue to put aside our sinful natures and seek relationship with God,...as he seeks relationship with us. And to live out this example as we strive to know and be known by others here on earth.
Reach out and touch someone,
...it can bring relief and healing to you both,...as it glorifies God.
Father God, we thank You for meeting us right where we are,...and for loving us, even more than we could love ourselves. Help us to be better, at reflecting Your love, for a lonely, fearful world. Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.—Psalm 139:3 (NIV)
Our desire is to be known and loved anyway,...no matter who we are or what we're doing. The fear of rejection makes it hard to reach out,...though, deep down inside each one of us, the longing to be known and accepted never goes away. We must continue to put aside our sinful natures and seek relationship with God,...as he seeks relationship with us. And to live out this example as we strive to know and be known by others here on earth.
Reach out and touch someone,
...it can bring relief and healing to you both,...as it glorifies God.
Father God, we thank You for meeting us right where we are,...and for loving us, even more than we could love ourselves. Help us to be better, at reflecting Your love, for a lonely, fearful world. Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Beyond God's Reach
Good Morning!! Do you know someone you think may be beyond God's reach? Someone whose life has sunk to such depths, that they've done things you could never have imagined? They are so far from the person you knew, or hoped they'd be. Most of have encountered people like that,...in most cases it's someone we love,...like a family member, being consumed by drugs or alcohol.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.—Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Before you completely lose hope for another's soul,...remember, ours' is the GOD of comebacks, and second chances. The Bible illustrates that some of the greatest Christian Saints, were some of the most broken people. Some are touched early, and some touched much later, in life. As long as they are alive,...there is still hope. We must pray for them, until they learn to pray for themselves. Their story can and will be, a testament to God's transforming power,...if we faint not. Transformations come by; tearful prayers, pleading for a broken life to change,...and God pouring out His graces. While healing may not come overnight, all can eventually experience new life. And hope can be renewed, for to those battling addictions,...and the people who love them.
Gripped by their disease, and making one poor choice after another,
...they need help, just asking for help.
Lord, be merciful to us all,...sinners. Help us to realize that when we depend on You,...we'll have no need to depend on anything else.
Father, we pray grace and mercy on all that struggle with addictions, as well as the friends and family, that love them. We pray that hearts are healed, and lives are changed,...and that You be glorified. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,
...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.—Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Before you completely lose hope for another's soul,...remember, ours' is the GOD of comebacks, and second chances. The Bible illustrates that some of the greatest Christian Saints, were some of the most broken people. Some are touched early, and some touched much later, in life. As long as they are alive,...there is still hope. We must pray for them, until they learn to pray for themselves. Their story can and will be, a testament to God's transforming power,...if we faint not. Transformations come by; tearful prayers, pleading for a broken life to change,...and God pouring out His graces. While healing may not come overnight, all can eventually experience new life. And hope can be renewed, for to those battling addictions,...and the people who love them.
Gripped by their disease, and making one poor choice after another,
...they need help, just asking for help.
Lord, be merciful to us all,...sinners. Help us to realize that when we depend on You,...we'll have no need to depend on anything else.
Father, we pray grace and mercy on all that struggle with addictions, as well as the friends and family, that love them. We pray that hearts are healed, and lives are changed,...and that You be glorified. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,
...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Power of Life and Death...
Good Morning,...A Marvelous Week Lies Ahead!!! We often choose to ignore the importance of the tongue,...we'd often forget it has "the power of life and death." We may even think or believe that our tongue is more like an appendix or a gall bladder,...not all that important,...but that's just not the case. We never forget the painful things that are said to us. Snapping at family when we're tired, nagging, and complaining all release a poison from our tongue. Not to mention, how easily we infect others by verbalizing our negative thoughts and attitudes.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.—Proverbs 18:21(NIV)
In Genesis 1, God spoke into the darkness, and there was light. Those "mere words" created something from nothing, showing the power of speaking out. This verse, has meaning for us too, since we are created in God's image. We are meant to speak out and bring light from the darkness as He did. That's the power of the tongue, used for good. We know it has power, so the question is whether we'll speak light,...or just add to the darkness.
Try as we might, we'll never control, tame or train our tongue,
...not without the help of the Holy Spirit.
Sweet Spirit of God, help us to control our tongues. Teach us to pause before we speak,...and be more aware of the harm our words can cause. Allow us to speak love and healing, as Jesus taught. And if what we have to say, does not help, let us keep it to ourselves. Help us to speak fewer words, with greater understanding. Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,
...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.—Proverbs 18:21(NIV)
In Genesis 1, God spoke into the darkness, and there was light. Those "mere words" created something from nothing, showing the power of speaking out. This verse, has meaning for us too, since we are created in God's image. We are meant to speak out and bring light from the darkness as He did. That's the power of the tongue, used for good. We know it has power, so the question is whether we'll speak light,...or just add to the darkness.
Try as we might, we'll never control, tame or train our tongue,
...not without the help of the Holy Spirit.
Sweet Spirit of God, help us to control our tongues. Teach us to pause before we speak,...and be more aware of the harm our words can cause. Allow us to speak love and healing, as Jesus taught. And if what we have to say, does not help, let us keep it to ourselves. Help us to speak fewer words, with greater understanding. Amen.
"If we’re not on guard against evil ,
...we’ll find ourselves being influenced by evil."
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