February 26, 2009
We are told to pray with thanksgiving for all of our blessings. (Philippians 4:6) Sometimes as we pray we thank God and then we ask for more blessings. If many of us were truthful we would admit that sometimes we have a Santa Claus experience in our prayers where we ask for more and more. It is not a matter of whether you truly need what you are asking for, it is more a matter of are you truly thankful for what you have received? For the greatest gift any one of us could receive is God himself.
He gave himself to us from the first man, Adam, created in the garden of Eden. He created a beautiful place with "trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." (Genesis 2:9) Again and again, God sent prophets to call us back to Him and to deliver His people. He even came himself in human form. When Jesus walked this earth he taught us how we should walk in the Lord, He healed disease, and conquered death. He took the curse of our sin upon himself so that we can believe on Him and have eternal life. "o death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Maybe it is time to stop praying for blessings and start thanking God for the blessing of himself. What greater gift could we receive but the love and care of our Father in heaven? "If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11)
Romans 5:15-18; James 1:17; Romans 6:23
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
February 19,2009
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4
Have you ever contemplated these verses? As adults we have been schooled to be critical thinkers, not allowing a thought to cross our minds without first sifting it through our logic and life experience. We pride ourselves on our intellect and ability to think through an issue, solve a problem, and navigate deep philosophical waters. So what is Jesus talking about in these verses?
Have you ever spent time with a 5 year old child? If you tell them you saw a purple giraffe in the front yard what would the child do? They would go to the window to look for the purple giraffe of course! Why? One reason is they trust you to tell them the truth. Also to a 5 year old, all things are possible, the world is full of wonder and new revelations every day.
How can we "become as little children"? By believing in the God of all creation just as a 5 year old child does his parents. A 5 year old knows his father loves him, protects him, and teaches him good things to help him grow and learn and become the best that is possible for him. May we all develop the faith and humility (teachability) of a 5 year old child and therefore be proved worthy of a place in His kingdom.
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4
Have you ever contemplated these verses? As adults we have been schooled to be critical thinkers, not allowing a thought to cross our minds without first sifting it through our logic and life experience. We pride ourselves on our intellect and ability to think through an issue, solve a problem, and navigate deep philosophical waters. So what is Jesus talking about in these verses?
Have you ever spent time with a 5 year old child? If you tell them you saw a purple giraffe in the front yard what would the child do? They would go to the window to look for the purple giraffe of course! Why? One reason is they trust you to tell them the truth. Also to a 5 year old, all things are possible, the world is full of wonder and new revelations every day.
How can we "become as little children"? By believing in the God of all creation just as a 5 year old child does his parents. A 5 year old knows his father loves him, protects him, and teaches him good things to help him grow and learn and become the best that is possible for him. May we all develop the faith and humility (teachability) of a 5 year old child and therefore be proved worthy of a place in His kingdom.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
February 10, 2009
I've been reading Luke chapter 10 today about Jesus commissioning 72 of his followers to go out to diverse places and preach the good news so the people can come to repentance. Jesus let loose 72 Billy Grahams and many came to a saving knowledge of the Lord but to those who didn't Jesus said, "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." Whoa-I would not want to think I had just rejected the Creator of the Universe.
It is popular today to try to be neutral in our conversations with others if we don't know their beliefs. The old adage-never discuss politics or religion. We don't want to offend. In our culture religious views are considered a private matter, and indeed it is private, our very souls are on the line. What is more offensive to another-to speak of on a subject they are uncomfortable with or leave them to eternal damnation because we did not speak?
How can we follow Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and not share the good news of Christ with them? In Luke 10:2 Jesus says,"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." May the Lord of the harvest give us boldness to share His great love with them.
I've been reading Luke chapter 10 today about Jesus commissioning 72 of his followers to go out to diverse places and preach the good news so the people can come to repentance. Jesus let loose 72 Billy Grahams and many came to a saving knowledge of the Lord but to those who didn't Jesus said, "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." Whoa-I would not want to think I had just rejected the Creator of the Universe.
It is popular today to try to be neutral in our conversations with others if we don't know their beliefs. The old adage-never discuss politics or religion. We don't want to offend. In our culture religious views are considered a private matter, and indeed it is private, our very souls are on the line. What is more offensive to another-to speak of on a subject they are uncomfortable with or leave them to eternal damnation because we did not speak?
How can we follow Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves and not share the good news of Christ with them? In Luke 10:2 Jesus says,"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." May the Lord of the harvest give us boldness to share His great love with them.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
February 8, 2009
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21.
In our society we scurry and work to build up our financial nest egg. Our 401k and bank account, our home and all the accouterments of a "good life." Is that a "good life"? Are we fulfilled and at peace or are we worried and harried over our finances? Matthew tells us "You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 16:24) Whom do you serve? Where do you spend your time? Is your time spent in meditation on God's word to show yourself approved? (2 Timothy 2:15)
Of course we must spend time doing the work that pays our bills but when our work is done are we spending time with the Lord or the television or computer? Do you spend time every day talking to your heavenly Father and learning the things he desires you to know? Is He your best friend and confidante? I hope and pray that we may all know God as our loving father and best friend who is always there for us. That we would all know of His unsurpassing love for each and every one of us, though we don't deserve it. I pray that we all make every effort to increase our knowledge of Him by spending time each day getting to know our Father in a deeper way.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21.
In our society we scurry and work to build up our financial nest egg. Our 401k and bank account, our home and all the accouterments of a "good life." Is that a "good life"? Are we fulfilled and at peace or are we worried and harried over our finances? Matthew tells us "You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 16:24) Whom do you serve? Where do you spend your time? Is your time spent in meditation on God's word to show yourself approved? (2 Timothy 2:15)
Of course we must spend time doing the work that pays our bills but when our work is done are we spending time with the Lord or the television or computer? Do you spend time every day talking to your heavenly Father and learning the things he desires you to know? Is He your best friend and confidante? I hope and pray that we may all know God as our loving father and best friend who is always there for us. That we would all know of His unsurpassing love for each and every one of us, though we don't deserve it. I pray that we all make every effort to increase our knowledge of Him by spending time each day getting to know our Father in a deeper way.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 7, 2009
Many say God is unjust-either downright vengeful or that He just doesn't care what happens in this world. Look at the troubles we face such as wars, economic collapse, and crime. Many would say these are punishments from an angry God or that God doesn't care about His creation. Have you run into an angry person who spewed their venom on you and you were left standing there thinking what did I do to deserve this? I hear a lot of people blaming God for the injustices of life.
If we look closely at these things though who is truly unjust? Wars are caused by men in a bid for power and domination. Our economic troubles have many and varied causes but they can all be condensed into a severe case of greed. What is the impetus behind almost all crime but a feeling of undeserved entitlement or just an angry heart that wants to hurt others. Who is unjust?
God holds a standard of holiness up to us and promises that if we will turn from sin He will give us a new heart and spirit within. Let us be like David who said, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) If we all did this what a different world we would live in!
Ezekiel 18:21-32; 2 Corinthians 4:6
Many say God is unjust-either downright vengeful or that He just doesn't care what happens in this world. Look at the troubles we face such as wars, economic collapse, and crime. Many would say these are punishments from an angry God or that God doesn't care about His creation. Have you run into an angry person who spewed their venom on you and you were left standing there thinking what did I do to deserve this? I hear a lot of people blaming God for the injustices of life.
If we look closely at these things though who is truly unjust? Wars are caused by men in a bid for power and domination. Our economic troubles have many and varied causes but they can all be condensed into a severe case of greed. What is the impetus behind almost all crime but a feeling of undeserved entitlement or just an angry heart that wants to hurt others. Who is unjust?
God holds a standard of holiness up to us and promises that if we will turn from sin He will give us a new heart and spirit within. Let us be like David who said, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) If we all did this what a different world we would live in!
Ezekiel 18:21-32; 2 Corinthians 4:6
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
February 4, 2009
"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4
"But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Why do we worry and fret over our circumstances? As children of the one true God we should rest in the knowledge that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) For 20 years I was a barren woman and yet now I am the mother of three children. "He maketh the barren woman keep house and to be a joyful mother of children." (Psalm 113:9)
No matter what our circumstances are we have reason to rejoice. God will make a way when there seems no way at all. I've seen Him do this over and over again in my own life. Impossible situations turn into wonderful possibilities and blessings. It is not right that we should walk around with our heads hung low, feeling defeated. We should walk with our heads held high and waiting on the Lord to move in our situation. I know many times His timing is slower than what we would want but our patience will be rewarded in the end. Remember "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4
"But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Why do we worry and fret over our circumstances? As children of the one true God we should rest in the knowledge that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) For 20 years I was a barren woman and yet now I am the mother of three children. "He maketh the barren woman keep house and to be a joyful mother of children." (Psalm 113:9)
No matter what our circumstances are we have reason to rejoice. God will make a way when there seems no way at all. I've seen Him do this over and over again in my own life. Impossible situations turn into wonderful possibilities and blessings. It is not right that we should walk around with our heads hung low, feeling defeated. We should walk with our heads held high and waiting on the Lord to move in our situation. I know many times His timing is slower than what we would want but our patience will be rewarded in the end. Remember "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February 3, 2009
In Psalm 51 David laments his sinful nature and begs God to hide his face from David's sin and blot out all his iniquity. This psalm refers to David's lustful desire for Bathsheba and her husband Uriah's death as directed by David. We read this and say to ourselves, "Whoa! I never did anything like this." Do we consider ourselves better because our sin is not as evil as adultery and plotting the death of an innocent person? Now none of us is befuddled enough to say we do not sin, if we do we are only deceiving ourselves (1 John 1:8) Paul tells us we are no better and all of us are sinful and fall short of the mark (Romans 3:23). So what do we do?
David asks God to create in him a new heart and cleanse him of his sinful nature but David also realizes that the sacrifice God requires of us is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. Without true sorrow and remorse for our sin we dare not ask for forgiveness.
So it all comes down to a matter of the heart. Are we really sorry for our sin? Do we truly see ourselves as deserving God's judgement for our actions? If we do that is the beginning of wisdom. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation..." (2 Corinthians 7:10). And the totally beautiful thing about this is that when we ask, with true repentance, for forgiveness of our sin, God is gracious to forgive.
In Psalm 51 David laments his sinful nature and begs God to hide his face from David's sin and blot out all his iniquity. This psalm refers to David's lustful desire for Bathsheba and her husband Uriah's death as directed by David. We read this and say to ourselves, "Whoa! I never did anything like this." Do we consider ourselves better because our sin is not as evil as adultery and plotting the death of an innocent person? Now none of us is befuddled enough to say we do not sin, if we do we are only deceiving ourselves (1 John 1:8) Paul tells us we are no better and all of us are sinful and fall short of the mark (Romans 3:23). So what do we do?
David asks God to create in him a new heart and cleanse him of his sinful nature but David also realizes that the sacrifice God requires of us is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. Without true sorrow and remorse for our sin we dare not ask for forgiveness.
So it all comes down to a matter of the heart. Are we really sorry for our sin? Do we truly see ourselves as deserving God's judgement for our actions? If we do that is the beginning of wisdom. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation..." (2 Corinthians 7:10). And the totally beautiful thing about this is that when we ask, with true repentance, for forgiveness of our sin, God is gracious to forgive.
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, 2009
Radical thinking. In Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus teaches some radical thoughts to the people living in his time as well as ours. In reading these verses I thought about the crowd there that day, from Moses' time they had lived by an intricate set of laws detailing what was a sin, the proper way to forgiveness and the proper punishment for that sin. Jesus was referring to the law recorded in Exodus and Leviticus that the Jewish nation had lived by for centuries. An eye for an eye in Leviticus chapter 24, in all the law there is the idea that if someone does you wrong the retribution should be equal to what they did to you. And here comes Jesus with another option and a rather radical one.
Is it not human nature to strike back if you are hit? Or respond in kind when you are being insulted? But in these verses Christ is calling us to a higher standard. A life of faith in God to be our protection and Christ to be our example. "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1Peter 2:21)When He was spit upon, beaten, and cursed, he did not return in kind. He prayed for the forgiveness of the ones who persecuted Him. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we are told that from these trials we face our faith will be built and Christ's character will be revealed in us.
When a fight occurs it takes cooperation of both sides to continue the battle. If one does not return the blows or insults the fight does not ever get started. I think this is what Jesus was trying to get the crowd to understand that day-don't take offence and try to get retribution. For in this world are many who walk in darkness, never seeing or understanding the revelation of Christ and His miraculous workings within us to perfect our thinking to become like Him (1Peter1:15-16). Knowing Christ has provided us a peace that passes understanding in this life and a glorious revelation of Himself in the next-can we not afford to be gracious and show Christ to others by our deeds and actions? "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God." (1Peter 2:12) Amen.
Radical thinking. In Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus teaches some radical thoughts to the people living in his time as well as ours. In reading these verses I thought about the crowd there that day, from Moses' time they had lived by an intricate set of laws detailing what was a sin, the proper way to forgiveness and the proper punishment for that sin. Jesus was referring to the law recorded in Exodus and Leviticus that the Jewish nation had lived by for centuries. An eye for an eye in Leviticus chapter 24, in all the law there is the idea that if someone does you wrong the retribution should be equal to what they did to you. And here comes Jesus with another option and a rather radical one.
Is it not human nature to strike back if you are hit? Or respond in kind when you are being insulted? But in these verses Christ is calling us to a higher standard. A life of faith in God to be our protection and Christ to be our example. "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1Peter 2:21)When He was spit upon, beaten, and cursed, he did not return in kind. He prayed for the forgiveness of the ones who persecuted Him. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we are told that from these trials we face our faith will be built and Christ's character will be revealed in us.
When a fight occurs it takes cooperation of both sides to continue the battle. If one does not return the blows or insults the fight does not ever get started. I think this is what Jesus was trying to get the crowd to understand that day-don't take offence and try to get retribution. For in this world are many who walk in darkness, never seeing or understanding the revelation of Christ and His miraculous workings within us to perfect our thinking to become like Him (1Peter1:15-16). Knowing Christ has provided us a peace that passes understanding in this life and a glorious revelation of Himself in the next-can we not afford to be gracious and show Christ to others by our deeds and actions? "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God." (1Peter 2:12) Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)