Spiritual Food By Chef Prater: April 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

Can You Hear Him?

Good Morning!! Mary Magdalene, saw Jesus on the cross and heard Him say, "It is finished."...and she knew that Jesus was dead. So on the third day, she came to recover a body,...not to witness a miracle. Mary wasn't convinced that Jesus had risen. She comes to believe only when the risen Christ called her name. And after hearing her name,...she turns toward Christ.

Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher).—John 20:16 (NRSV)

The only reason any of us believe, is because we have heard Jesus call our name. Maybe it was in a worship service or while reading the Bible. Or reading a good book, looking at a piece of art, or hiking through the woods. Or maybe in a time of deep trouble or doubt. Or on bright, sunny days when we know that life is good and right, and that He is present,...that the Eternal, is real.

Christ call our name, and we believed.
Because of that, we can tell others He lives.

Lord Jesus,...risen Christ, thank You for calling out to us, and for giving us the grace to hear You. Amen.

"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth."

( THE PURSUIT OF GOD, A.W. Tozer, p. 9)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Show Some Sign

Good Morning!! One sign of maturity, is also a sign of Christian growth,...and that is; knowing that we need to seek help and advice when problems arise. Talking with friends and sharing problems and joys, helps both of you grow.This principle holds true in our spiritual journey, just as surly as, beginning my day with my devotionals has strengthened me spiritually.

Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times."—Romans 12:12 (TEV)

Prayer has become my first response, when thing don't appear to be going well. Not to have problems fixed, but rather to see God's hand in them,...that I may move more easily into His will. I realize anew the importance of not only praying for someone, but letting them know that they are being prayed for. Sometimes that may be what's needed at that moment. A kind word of encouragement is often all it takes to show someone that we care.

Taking time for God each day, develops strength for living.

Father in Heaven, we give You thanks, for each day of our lives and the opportunities and joys that each day brings for doing Your will. Amen.

"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth."

( THE PURSUIT OF GOD, A.W. Tozer, p. 9)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Love Anyway

Good Morning!! In all honesty,...I cannot say that if someone were not nice to me, that my first reaction would be to still behave kindly toward them. That is simply not my nature. Whenever a divisive situation arises, I have to work on not becoming defensive, or not losing my temper. It is not easy to exhibit a loving outlook,..when you feel under attack.

Jesus said, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."—Matthew 5:39 (NIV)

But Jesus instructed us in how to respond, when others treat us poorly.
He told us to love our enemies,...and to pray for those who persecute us. When we are treated badly, Jesus tells us to respond gently,...to love anyway.

Jesus' command to love, is not based on how others treat us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us how to respond when others are discourteous. Help us to be vessels of peace and grace no matter what situations we may encounter. Amen.

"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth."

( THE PURSUIT OF GOD, A.W. Tozer, p. 9)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Read With Purpose

Good Morning!! I start out by asking that my eyes be opened to miracle that is God's Word. Sometimes I have a message, and search for a scripture. Other times I've read a scripture, and then seek a way to share the revelation I received from it. Either way, my Bible reading always has a purpose.

Jesus said, "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."—John 6:63 (NRSV)

Even if I don't use the scripture that same day, it stays in my head and heart,...waiting for just the right time, just the right circumstances. My experience has taught me the importance of expecting a personal message from God each day when I read the Bible. That's reading with a purpose!

God speaks to us through His Word,...reading with purpose is how we hear.

Thank You, Father God, for the personal message You offer to us each day, through Your Word. Help us to be open to hearing what You have to say to us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth."

( THE PURSUIT OF GOD, A.W. Tozer, p. 9)

Monday, April 25, 2011

When It's All God, It's All Good

Good Morning!! Why be a Christian? The best answer that I can give would be; "because as Christians, people live better, and you die better. I really am convinced that people of faith do live and die better,…because they are able to face life's storms with greater peace than those who walk without the faith that God is walking beside them.

For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.—Romans 14:9 (NIV)

Today's scripture, assures us that our Lord walk with us,…through both life and death,…and that Jesus is Lord, both of the dead and the living. If we have the inner peace that comes with God's presence which "surpasses all understanding and will guard our minds and our hearts in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7),…then we can live and die in confidence, and without fear.

As we live and as we die, people of faith have an assurance of God's presence with us.

Lord, we love You, and trust You to walk with us through our living,…and our dying. Thank You. Amen.

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Friday, April 22, 2011

Always There, Calling Your Name

Good Morning!! Daily living is sweeter, and easier when we recognize that God is beside us. As we listen and yield ourselves to God in our daily activities,...doors open, opportunities to serve God appear,...andproblems are solved with less stress. When we move away from God, we often find ourselves feeling alone, troubled, and frustrated by life.

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.—1 Samuel 3:7, 8 (NIV)

God gives us freedom to do as we choose, but God also gives us guidance and courage for every job, both big and small. The Bible's reassurances of God's presence are offered not only tomake us feel safe, but as reminders to draw us closer to Him,...so we may hear, and move under God's direction. Consciously turning our minds to God, makes our way brighter, and our jobs easier.

We've been given an invitation, but it's still up to us to ansewer.

Lord, help us be more aware of Your presence with us moment by moment, day by day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Look around at what you have, whether it's a lot or a little,...and be thankful."

Thursday, April 21, 2011

No Matter Where You Go, There HE Is

Good Morning!! For most of us, learning to turn things over to God,...to trust completely, is not always easy. Many times we attempt to figure it out mall by ourselves. At times we may even feel as though, God has left us to deal with our own mess. Not true!

Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.—Psalm 139:12 (NRSV)

As we learn to trust God's leading and wisdom,...and not our own, we will discover that God is always there,...willing to guide, protect, love, and transform us,...especially when we can't see a thing!

Brothers and Sisters, let us focus not on circumstances,...but on our loving and unchanging God.

Father in Heaven, help us to focus on You today and not on our circumstances. We know You can see us through every darkness. Amen.

" Look around at what you have, whether it’s a lot or a little,
…and be thankful."

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Are You Building Up?

Good Morning!! It takes time to trust,...to be able to risk sharing our deepest selves with another. Only with time and effort are we able to develope the courage to strip off our masks, and be real with another. How much less it cost in terms of time and effort, to tear it down, that which seems to take forever to build.

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up.—Ephesians 4:29 (NRSV)

Harsh words, a couple of lies, some small betrayal of a confidence, one little bit of gossip,...these can begin to destroy a relationship,...even one built over many years. But the words from Ephesians give us a guide to keeping all our relationships strong.

Think before you speak,...carefully chosen words help us build strong relationships.

Dear Lord, keep reminding us to speak only words that build up,...and not easy words that destroy. Amen.

"Look around at what you have, whether it’s a lot or a little,
…and be thankful."

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Bible, An Instruction Manual

Good Morning!! Where do you go when you have questions,...lots of questions? When you want to know more about the Bible, and about our God of healing, compassion, and grace. Do you know where to look for answers to daily questions about our purpose in life?

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.—2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)

The Bible,...it teaches us the ned for,...and how to maintain, a daily prayer time, and to focus on God's message through the gospel. These practices help us find God's purpose for ourselves,...they are blessings from God greater than we could have ever imagined.

When we open the Bible,...we open a door to deeper relationship.

Dear Lord, make us disciples who share Your Word and bless others. Amen.

" Look around at what you have, whether it’s a lot or a little, …and be thankful."

Monday, April 18, 2011

A Gift With Purpose

Good Morning!! Jesus Christ demonstrated the enduring love God has for humanity by dying on the cross and shedding his blood for our sins. He arose on the first day of the week as another demonstration of God's enduring love.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!—2 Corinthians 9:15 (NRSV)

In the third chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus explained to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, that God had a purpose in sending the Son of man. Jesus understood that He would give His own life for us, so that if we put our belief in Him, we would not perish but instead have everlasting life.

Christ now makes intercession for all those who have put their faith in Him.

Father God, as we prepare to celebrate Your son's resurrection, remind us of what our salvation cost You. May we remember that Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead, as the fulfillment of Your love for all of us. Amen.

"Look around at what you have, whether it’s a lot or a little, …and be thankful."

Friday, April 15, 2011

Back In The Fold

Good Morning!! I was reared as a Christian, but for most of my adult life I used my disillusionment with the church as an excuse to do whatever I wanted. It’s funny how I never gave a second thought to exposing myself, almost daily, to the risk of death. I considered life a given,…mine, to be taken for granted, and used as I wished. My behavior, was as far from Christ as it was possible to be. I never denied that there was a God, or challenged Him with words,…but my living showed no sign of any belief in a Here-After. I was uncertain about what I "knew", and felt about God.

Always live as God’s holy people should, because God is the one who chose you, and he is holy.—1 Peter 1:15 (AAJB)

Although I considered myself spiritual, not religious,…I continued behaving unsaved,...that is until God called me. Though I had the material signs of success; career, education, status, house, and cars, something was missing. I discovered a hunger for God, and God’s people. I could not get enough, learn enough, and I understood things I never had before. I now see that God had been longing for me my whole life. I thank God for seeking me and pulling me back into the fold like the lost lamb I was. The peace and joy I feel every day is my own personal miracle.

We are created for relationship with our God,…who relentlessly seeks us.

Good Shepherd, help us to live each day as a gift from You. May everything we do be for Your glory. Amen.

“Make prayer your first response,…rather than the last resort.”

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Solid Rock

Good Morning!! Even the very earth beneath our feet is unsteady. It shakes and rolls, and earthquakes, mudslides, and floods shift the ground on which we stand. Our lives are also unsteady ,…an unsteady shifting of moods, emotions, plans, and activities. Time rolls out of our control, before us, and nothing is ever what it seems. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.—Psalm 18:36 (NLT)

In the face of this uncertainty, we need security. God, our rock,…stable and untiring. With the trust of a child, we can rest on this truth. Otherwise we are rendered helpless and useless. Psalm 31:3 says the Lord is "my rock and my fortress." If we feel unstable, we can cling to that rock.

God, my sure foundation, never moves and is the rock on which I can rest my life.

Heavenly Father, when all under and around us is shaky and weak, keep us steady. When trouble comes, be our fortress. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

“Make prayer your first response,…rather than the last resort.”

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Peace, Even In Troubled Times

Good Morning!! Shalom is a Hebrew word that means “peace”,…and it’s also the name of my church. The Israeli people typically great everyone by saying “Shalom”. Even though the nation of Israel rarely has physical peace, the hope for peace never seems far from their lips and hearts. Which makes me ask; could it be that even in the chaos of our life, we can still hope to feel peaceful? Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.—John 14:27 (NIV)

The answer is yes! We can know God’s peace no matter what surrounds us. We only need recall the promise that Jesus made to His apostles and us, on the night of His arrest,…that He would leave us with peace.

Peace doesn’t depend on what happening around us, …but rather, what is happening inside us.

Sweet Spirit of God, help us to open our hearts to Your peace, so that there is no place for fear and worry, In the name of Jesus, Amen.

“Make prayer your first response,…rather than the last resort.”

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Focus On Things Eternal

Good Morning!! For the most part, we move about in a spiritual sleep. Sure we've been reading the Bible and praying,...but it's become merely routine. Rarely do we feel any excitement, or eagerness for building a closer relationship with God. Our work, family, and hobbies take all our attention. That is until God allows something to happen that revives us.

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."—Luke 10:41-42 (NRSV)

Like Martha, we are so busy, to the point, that we miss the point. Mary took the time to speak, and listen to Jesus. She sat at Jesus' feet,...even though there was work to do. Mary chosen the better part,...as should we all.

Having an intimate relationship with God, is more precious than anything.

Dear God, thank You for Your kindness, Your mercy,...and for caring for us, still loving us, and seeking us out,...even when we've allowed our focus to stray from You. In Jesus name, Amen.

"Make prayer your first response,...rather than a last resort."

Monday, April 11, 2011

Please Help

Good Morning!! We've all seen them, even if we pretender not to,...the people standing at the intersection with signs begging for money. There are many ways to rationalize not giving them any money, but the terrible truth is that most times not only do we not give,...but never even give it a second thought. We react with a jaded indifference, born of years of ignoring the poor. And in doing so,...we ignore God's commands to help the needy.

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'—Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Must we give to every needy person who crosses our path? The wonderful lesson I've started to learn is that God's commands are not meant to be burdens. Instead, each command offers a chance to draw closer to God, through Jesus,...and allows Him to teach us to love more freely.

Reaching out to the needy, is really reaching out to God.

Father God, thank You for the wisdom You grant us even in our failures. Help us to see more clearly the loving response when our neighbors are in need. Amen.

"Make prayer your first response,...rather than a last resort."

Friday, April 8, 2011

Only The Best

Good Morning!! We are nourished by the church, other believers, prayer, and religious books,...but our true, life-giving nourishment comes from the Bible. I wondered how we would behave if our Bibles all disappeared. How long would we look or wait, before feeding our spirit from some other source.

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"—Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

As Christians, we would eventually find another good source of nourishment,...but we cannot find a source of spiritual nourishment as sweet, rich, and complete as God's Word. Our spiritual nourishment, comes form the Bible.

God, help us make time to partake of the nourishment offered in reading and obeying Your Word. Amen.

"There is no greater treasure ,than a right relationship, with God."

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Burdens Or Gifts

Good Morning!! Memories of failures and painful events can become lifelong burdens for us carry around. However, memories of good experiences, and good people are a joy to the soul, that we can treasure forever. Memories treated properly, can be wonderful gifts.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.—Psalm 103:2 (KRSV)

Some people like to believe everything was better before. Sometimes we can become so preoccupied with the past that we can forget to live in the present. We are blessed by a living hope for today, and for the future,...it would be a shame to miss it by looking back.

Never allow the bad memories to overshadow the good ones.

O God of the past, present, and future, teach us to cherish our good memories, put the bad ones behind us,...and look forward to future blessings from You. Amen.

"There is no greater treasure ,than a right relationship ,with God."

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Call On Your Father

Good Morning!! As the Holy Spirit helps us understand, words from the Bible become a healing balm for spiritual wounds we receive in the course of living. Jesus said that we would suffer tribulation in this world but that we can be of good cheer because he has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Let us . . . come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Todays's verse invites us to come before God's throne, to find grace, in times of need. For me God's throne room is on my bike, or in my car. For you it might be found at the foot of your bed, in your backyard, or wherever you can have time to yourself. No matter where we find God's throne,...there we receive the mercy and grace we need, our wounds are healed,...and God gives us encouragement. Could there be a better place to be.

Go talk to your Father,...He's waiting.

God, lead us to Your throne to receive healing, mercy, and whatever else we are in need of. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"There is no greater treasure ,than a right relationship ,with God."

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

We Can't Always See What's Ahead

Good Morning!! I think it's wonderful to have brothers or sisters in Christ, who walk with us, and encourage us, reflecting for us the light of God's Word! This light shines on our life's path, and can protect us against dangers we fail to see. The people in our lives ought to hold us accountable,...and we should welcome it.

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus—Philippians 2:4-5 (NRSV)

It's important not only that we walk in the light ourselves, but also that we look out for each other. In so doing we fulfill the law and love of Christ.

Sometimes we need others to see, what we can not,...or simply will not.

Thank you, Father, for your word. Help us to allow it to illuminate not only our path but also the paths of our brothers and sisters. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

"There is no greater treasure ,than a right relationship ,with God."

Monday, April 4, 2011

Seek Value, Above All

Good Morning!! Our loving God wants to pour Blessings upon us, but the world's "blessings"; material wealth, sexual pleasure, power, and fame can become a spiritual wall, or dam,...that blocks the flow of blessing. When we focus our lives on the pursuit of these things,...we will discover them to be empty, and a source of more unrest.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."—John 14:27 (NIV)

We need right relationship with God, and cleansing from our sin,...to experience true wholeness. The prophet Jeremiah taught this to Judah and Israel (Jer. 33:6-11), and Jesus said that he can give what the world cannot (John 14:27).

By Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, our relationship with God is restored. We find peace of heart and true life in its wake. Only our relationship with God, can give us lasting peace, and fullness of life.

Loving God, cleanse us with Jesus' blood and let Your blessings flow in, and through out, our life. Amen.

"There is no greater treasure ,than a right relationship ,with God."

Friday, April 1, 2011

Choose To Seek The Positive

Good Morning, And Happy Friday!!! Last evening's forecast for today was; partly cloudy, with a chance of rain,...but isn't that the same as partly sunny and little or no rain? Our normal prospective seems to lean toward the negative. If we would just focus on God's ability, greatness, faithfulness, un-ending and un-conditional love, in every situation, we'd see what our days hold through His eyes,...a truly awesome, and magnificent opportunity to be of service.

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day.—Psalm 71:8 (NIV)

Worship is an avenue for us to express our love, adoration, and respect to God. Genuine worship is birthed from within our hearts,...and is expressed throughout our day in all that we do. As we include God in each moment and activity within our day, it will leave little room for negativity, worry or complaining.

From our heart, we worship You today, ...and we are in awe of Your Greatness.

Father in Heaven, You are our God and we are Your children. Let us honor You today with our words,...our actions,...our praise,...and our love. Thank You, for being all that You are to us. Amen.

"When we place our trust in God, we are secure today and forever."