Good Morning!! Tension is a condition of modern life, that few of us can escape. Busy parents and grand-parents, often must feed children, and get them off to school,...shop, cook, clean and hold down jobs. Those striving to succeed at work, often have to leave home early, and return late in the evening weary. How can any family,...even a Christian family, withstand the pressures? How can relationships with children or spouse be nurtured if the family has no time together? We make no time for communication with one another,...and even less for God!
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
We were not created to live this way. Jesus said that we will have troubles in this world, but he also said that he has overcome the world. (See John 16:33.) Even though we can't easily escape the pressures of the world,...I know of no other solution, than to keep our focus on God and His Word.
God is our most supportive friend, the most patient of listeners.
Our Father, thank You for allowing us to come to You. Help us understand when, and how to; let go and let You,...when we're feeling overwhelmed by life's many burdens. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"No matter who our boss is,...we are really working for God."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sanctification
Good Morning, My Friend!! When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, God begins a cleansing process, that's called "sanctification." We come to God with our fears, pain, and sins. God tenderly holds us,...and gently washes us, with the water of His Spirit and His Word.
When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us...through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.—Titus 3:4-6 (NIV)
Our minds are filled with this positive thought,...there is life beyond this world's pain and death. Christ did rise, and the day will come, when we will live with Him in a new eternal home.
We are being cleaned, by the kindness and love of God.
Sweet Spirit of God, come into our life and cleanse us, from all that would keep us from experiencing the full life our Father wants for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"No matter who our boss is,...we are really working for God."
When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us...through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.—Titus 3:4-6 (NIV)
Our minds are filled with this positive thought,...there is life beyond this world's pain and death. Christ did rise, and the day will come, when we will live with Him in a new eternal home.
We are being cleaned, by the kindness and love of God.
Sweet Spirit of God, come into our life and cleanse us, from all that would keep us from experiencing the full life our Father wants for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"No matter who our boss is,...we are really working for God."
Monday, February 7, 2011
Compassion Is The Solution
Good Morning!! These days we often hear of demonstrations, unresolved conflicts, and bitter quarreling among the people of the world. The Bible advises us to reflect God's light,...but instead we often block God's light. I am saddened by this reality, especially when the conflicts and quarreling occur within my own family, church or place of employment.
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?—1 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)
When people speak carelessly, feeling get hurt, and relationships are damaged. We need God's guidance as we move. When we allow God to direct both our words and our actions, our conflicts can be settled, and we discover the peace of God for our lives.
We will find solutions to our problems only when we show genuine humility and compassion for one another.
Father in Heaven, shine Your light upon our lives, and let Your mercy come through as we learn to forgive,...as You have forgiven us, and strengthen us, for joyful obedience to Your Word. Amen.
"No matter who our boss is,...we are really working for God."
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?—1 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)
When people speak carelessly, feeling get hurt, and relationships are damaged. We need God's guidance as we move. When we allow God to direct both our words and our actions, our conflicts can be settled, and we discover the peace of God for our lives.
We will find solutions to our problems only when we show genuine humility and compassion for one another.
Father in Heaven, shine Your light upon our lives, and let Your mercy come through as we learn to forgive,...as You have forgiven us, and strengthen us, for joyful obedience to Your Word. Amen.
"No matter who our boss is,...we are really working for God."
Friday, February 4, 2011
Grace Is Motive Enough
Good Morning, And A Great Friday!! With remarkable compassion and stunning mercy God has chosen not to terminate His people,...with the wrath they have deserved. As Christian believers, we have been delivered from a life of faithlessness, and pointless existence.
"For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them."—Hosea 14:9 (NRSV)
The deliverance we have experienced in God from our sinfulness is not permission to wallow in a half-hearted faith. God’s grace is not intended to leave us apathetic or disinterested in holiness and righteousness, but becomes for us the motive that urges us forward. We have experienced the mercy and grace of God supremely in Jesus Christ,...don’t you think we ought to do something about it?
God’s people are called to walk forward,...and up right.
Gracious God, allow us to change in response to Your grace. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
"For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them."—Hosea 14:9 (NRSV)
The deliverance we have experienced in God from our sinfulness is not permission to wallow in a half-hearted faith. God’s grace is not intended to leave us apathetic or disinterested in holiness and righteousness, but becomes for us the motive that urges us forward. We have experienced the mercy and grace of God supremely in Jesus Christ,...don’t you think we ought to do something about it?
God’s people are called to walk forward,...and up right.
Gracious God, allow us to change in response to Your grace. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Good Morning!! I believe that difficult times can help us to grow in our understanding of God. During hard times, God opens our eyes to see that joy does not come from a life without trials or heartaches. Joy comes from deep, abiding faith that increases as we mature in our relationship with God,...our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning"—Psalm 30:5 (NRSV)
As I grow older and look back on life, I clearly see that everyone has good times, as well as times of grief, discouragement, and hardship. However, there is one constant in all this: When Christ is at the center of our lives, His love and patience see us through any and every trial.
When the strength of the LORD is the source of your joy,
....the joy of the LORD will also be the source of your strength.
Heavenly Father, open us to Your joy,...in good times and in hard times. Help us to cling to the promise that You are always with us. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning"—Psalm 30:5 (NRSV)
As I grow older and look back on life, I clearly see that everyone has good times, as well as times of grief, discouragement, and hardship. However, there is one constant in all this: When Christ is at the center of our lives, His love and patience see us through any and every trial.
When the strength of the LORD is the source of your joy,
....the joy of the LORD will also be the source of your strength.
Heavenly Father, open us to Your joy,...in good times and in hard times. Help us to cling to the promise that You are always with us. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Anger Hurts, Let It Go!
Good Morning!! Anger is an explosive package, that we must learn to handle with care. If we hang on to our anger, it will destroy the hearts of those closest to us, when it blows up. Plus, holding our anger leaves no room for forgiveness,...and can allow bitterness to get a foot-hold in our lives. Try to remember to let go of all anger, as quickly as possible.
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.—Ephesians 4:26 (NRSV)
A good strategy for forgiving is to write down, as much of a description as you can, of the situation that has made you angry. Then identify the people you need to forgive and begin to pray that you might forgive them. God will help us to offer that forgiveness.
Use the Love of God, to defuse your anger.
Holy Spirit, help us not to sin in our anger. Instead, teach us to let go of our anger and forgive others,...as we are forgiven. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.—Ephesians 4:26 (NRSV)
A good strategy for forgiving is to write down, as much of a description as you can, of the situation that has made you angry. Then identify the people you need to forgive and begin to pray that you might forgive them. God will help us to offer that forgiveness.
Use the Love of God, to defuse your anger.
Holy Spirit, help us not to sin in our anger. Instead, teach us to let go of our anger and forgive others,...as we are forgiven. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Foresight or Insight?
Good Morning!! How have you experienced God at work in your life? Most of us are like Samuel,...we don't expect God to call or speak to us. And because we haven't invited Him in to our lives, we don't easily recognize His voice when He calls to us.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to [God's] purpose.—Romans 8:28(NRSV)
All my life I have been a very independent person who rarely asks for help. But when I finally asked for God's help, I began to see how God had been at work in my life,...all the time. Looking back on the events in my life, I realize that God cares for our individual needs,...and without our even asking, provides loving care. I believe that the people and events in our lives work together to help make us aware of God's love for us,...and move us to where He wants us to be.
Even before we are ready to respond, God is reaching out to us.
Dear God, thank You, for helping us to understand the great love You have for us. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to [God's] purpose.—Romans 8:28(NRSV)
All my life I have been a very independent person who rarely asks for help. But when I finally asked for God's help, I began to see how God had been at work in my life,...all the time. Looking back on the events in my life, I realize that God cares for our individual needs,...and without our even asking, provides loving care. I believe that the people and events in our lives work together to help make us aware of God's love for us,...and move us to where He wants us to be.
Even before we are ready to respond, God is reaching out to us.
Dear God, thank You, for helping us to understand the great love You have for us. Amen.
"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."
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