2 Samuel 22:25
Strength
God said this once and for all; how many times have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes straight from God."
Psalm 62:11
Obedience
The issue isn't what they do to me, but what Jesus does through my obedience. ~ Acts 21:13
paráklētos
We each experience a certain amount of pain in this fallen world. And we each have our preferred sources of comfort during our suffering. Some of these sources are healthy and others are unhealthy. Where do you go for comfort when you find yourself suffering? The Holy Spirit serves many roles, one of which is to be the very real presence of God during a life crisis. The Bible calls Him a Helper, Advocate, and Comforter for Christians. Instead of leaving us alone, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live inside of each Christian to offer us encouragement, assistance, and comfort from the inside out! Do you rely on the Holy Spirit for comfort from life’s pain? ~ Jeff Miller
Trust
Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it." ~ Matthew 19:26
Both Kinds of Days
On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won't take anything for granted.
Ecc. 7:14
Psalm 34:18
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
Luke 22:62
Peter's devastation...his disappointment in himself...he let Jesus down even after he said he wouldn't. We do the same, don't we?
Even Abraham...
...had trouble letting God be in full control (Genesis 12:11-13), and he is held as an example of a man of faith (Hebrews 11:8-12).
Refined
See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity. ~ Isaiah 48:10
Hand in Hand
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Do not fear, I will help you." ~ Isaiah 41:13
So This Is What You Do
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. ~ Romans 12:1
Faith In the Unseen
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. ~ 1 Peter 1 : 8
The Best Revenge
To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. Luke 6:27
The Wise Builder
If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss. Luke 6:48-49
The Word enters through our eyes or ears. How will it flow through us and go back out into the world?
Here's the Plan
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life -- your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life -- and place it before God as an offering.
Romans 12:1
msg
Luke 6:46-49
"Why are you so polite with me, always saying 'Yes, sir,' and 'That's right, sir,' but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss."
Pray
Thanks to Heather for this post.
“To pray, I think, does not mean to think about God in contrast to thinking about other things, or to spend time with God instead of spending time with other people. Rather, it means to think and live in the presence of God. As soon as we begin to divide our thoughts about God and thoughts about people and events, we remove God from our daily life and put him into a pious little niche where we can think pious thoughts and experience pious feelings. … Although it is important and even indispensable for the spiritual life to set apart time for God and God alone, prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all our thoughts —beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful —can be thought in the presence of God. … Thus, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer moves us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue.” - Henri Nouwen
“To pray, I think, does not mean to think about God in contrast to thinking about other things, or to spend time with God instead of spending time with other people. Rather, it means to think and live in the presence of God. As soon as we begin to divide our thoughts about God and thoughts about people and events, we remove God from our daily life and put him into a pious little niche where we can think pious thoughts and experience pious feelings. … Although it is important and even indispensable for the spiritual life to set apart time for God and God alone, prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all our thoughts —beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful —can be thought in the presence of God. … Thus, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer moves us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue.” - Henri Nouwen
Blessings
If we were to count our blessings one by one, to speak them out loud, would the list ever end?
Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret - it leads only to evil.
Easier said than done, right? In fact, it can NOT be done without God's help.
Easier said than done, right? In fact, it can NOT be done without God's help.
Easter
A virgin.
A baby.
Savior.
A boy.
A temple.
Miracles.
Messiah.
A donkey.
A crowd. Waving Palm Branches.
A Triumphal Entry.
Jesus.
The Last Supper. A Cup.
A Garden. A Prayer.
A kiss. A Betrayal.
An Arrest.
Scourged. Beaten. Whipped.
A Cross.
A Hill. A Crowd. A Crown. Thorns. Nails. Hands. Feet.
A Spear.
A Cry.
A Die Cast.
Death.
An Ending.
Darkness.
Sorrow. Weeping.
Wait-
A Rumble.
An Angel.
A Stone. Rolling. A Witness.
A Miracle.
Alive.
Jesus.
Forever.
Sin.
Forgiven.
For Me: A Hope.
For You: A Future.
For Us: A Beginning.
We will see Him again.
Courtesy of http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2009/04/easter.html
A baby.
Savior.
A boy.
A temple.
Miracles.
Messiah.
A donkey.
A crowd. Waving Palm Branches.
A Triumphal Entry.
Jesus.
The Last Supper. A Cup.
A Garden. A Prayer.
A kiss. A Betrayal.
An Arrest.
Scourged. Beaten. Whipped.
A Cross.
A Hill. A Crowd. A Crown. Thorns. Nails. Hands. Feet.
A Spear.
A Cry.
A Die Cast.
Death.
An Ending.
Darkness.
Sorrow. Weeping.
Wait-
A Rumble.
An Angel.
A Stone. Rolling. A Witness.
A Miracle.
Alive.
Jesus.
Forever.
Sin.
Forgiven.
For Me: A Hope.
For You: A Future.
For Us: A Beginning.
We will see Him again.
Courtesy of http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2009/04/easter.html
Colossians 3
...seek the things that are above...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience...above all, clothe yourselves with love...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be thankful...whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Joshua 1:9
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
The Worst That Can Happen
Thanks to Brent for these thoughts:
Another consideration is that when you already have a genuine conviction about Heaven and Eternity, death doesn't have to become "real" all of sudden. Graduating from this life to the next is already an established mindset. Going Home to be with Jesus is already REAL. We've discussed from day one that the "worst" that can happen to Abby is that she will get to wait for us in heaven, and skip the hardships of this life. The "worst"? How's that the "worst"? We will be unbearably sad without her, but we don't consider her being with God "a tragic end". if God calls her home, we will have a bittersweet dawn without her, but then be reunited for an eternal dinner banquet in the blink of an eye. If God's will is that she stays here: we win. If God's will is to grant her a "pass" from this hard life: we win. Either way, we win. That's what is "real" to us.
What a blessing to really KNOW that the worst result of disease is that we go Home.
Another consideration is that when you already have a genuine conviction about Heaven and Eternity, death doesn't have to become "real" all of sudden. Graduating from this life to the next is already an established mindset. Going Home to be with Jesus is already REAL. We've discussed from day one that the "worst" that can happen to Abby is that she will get to wait for us in heaven, and skip the hardships of this life. The "worst"? How's that the "worst"? We will be unbearably sad without her, but we don't consider her being with God "a tragic end". if God calls her home, we will have a bittersweet dawn without her, but then be reunited for an eternal dinner banquet in the blink of an eye. If God's will is that she stays here: we win. If God's will is to grant her a "pass" from this hard life: we win. Either way, we win. That's what is "real" to us.
What a blessing to really KNOW that the worst result of disease is that we go Home.
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
Deuteronomy 32:2
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
Amazing imagery.
Amazing imagery.
Attention to Detail
In reading through the Pentateuch, it's easy to get bogged down in the minute details God sets out for His people. No aspect of their lives is too small for His attention. He prescribes exact procedures for everything. He demands that each person be counted. Everyone is assigned a specific task and purpose. The sheer volume of words used to describe his directives is overwhelming. Until this last read-through, I confess I merely endured most of those details.
Yet.
Doesn't that just hit you with the fact that NOTHING is accomplished without our following his design? Without our following His purpose for us?
Yet.
Doesn't that just hit you with the fact that NOTHING is accomplished without our following his design? Without our following His purpose for us?
Exodus 9:19-21 Sheltered Under God
From the earliest Sunday School lessons, we've known about Moses, Pharoh, and the plagues. As I was rereading part of this story today, the wisdom of Exodus 9:19-21 was revealed.
"Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die." Those officials of Pharoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field.
If we 'fear the word of the Lord' and allow Him to shelter us, we will be protected. If we ignore the word of God and leave our lives to chance, leave everything 'in the field', we will not be under His protection.
"Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die." Those officials of Pharoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field.
If we 'fear the word of the Lord' and allow Him to shelter us, we will be protected. If we ignore the word of God and leave our lives to chance, leave everything 'in the field', we will not be under His protection.
God's Ultimate Will
Now that Leslie Weatherhead's God's Ultimate Will has given me a new perspective, familiar passages of scripture are made new.
This morning's reading was about Joseph and his reunion with his father and brothers. Despite the wrongs he suffered at the hands of his brothers, he understood that he was fulfilling God's ultimate will, the continuation of the family of Jacob/Israel. God's intentional will did not include Joseph's brothers behaving in such an evil manner, but His circumstantial will came into play and Joseph's role in God's ultimate will was ensured.
I find it very reassuring that no matter what we humans do to try to steer ourselves in the ditch (thereby foiling God's intentional will), He will take us where we are (His circumstantial will); we can NOT foil God's ultimate will.
This morning's reading was about Joseph and his reunion with his father and brothers. Despite the wrongs he suffered at the hands of his brothers, he understood that he was fulfilling God's ultimate will, the continuation of the family of Jacob/Israel. God's intentional will did not include Joseph's brothers behaving in such an evil manner, but His circumstantial will came into play and Joseph's role in God's ultimate will was ensured.
I find it very reassuring that no matter what we humans do to try to steer ourselves in the ditch (thereby foiling God's intentional will), He will take us where we are (His circumstantial will); we can NOT foil God's ultimate will.
Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Be an Encourager
Begin with prayer and reading the Bible. Encouragement from God is the best encouragement anyone can receive.
Brainstorm and practice some things to say. The more you encourage, the more it will become a part of you to do so.
Mail or email a card or note.
Pray for someone. Let them know that you have them on your mind and heart and are praying for them.
Does someone need help with a project or situation? Encourage them by joining to help them work through it. Let them know they are not alone.
Never grow tired of doing good. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9)."
Brainstorm and practice some things to say. The more you encourage, the more it will become a part of you to do so.
Mail or email a card or note.
Pray for someone. Let them know that you have them on your mind and heart and are praying for them.
Does someone need help with a project or situation? Encourage them by joining to help them work through it. Let them know they are not alone.
Never grow tired of doing good. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9)."
Psalm 18:30
This God - his way is perfect: the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Colossians 3:12-13
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
I love the image of clothing myself with those qualities...covering myself completely with them. God forgives me (and He knows I need that forgiveness!) and it does seem that, in comparison, my forgiveness of others should be a given.
I love the image of clothing myself with those qualities...covering myself completely with them. God forgives me (and He knows I need that forgiveness!) and it does seem that, in comparison, my forgiveness of others should be a given.
2009
Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. ~ Jeremiah 33:3
Lori has asked us to share how we want God to work in our lives this year. I want to become more aware of the times when God is speaking to me. I plan to reread my chronological Bible this year and recommit myself to a scheduled quiet time with God.
Lori has asked us to share how we want God to work in our lives this year. I want to become more aware of the times when God is speaking to me. I plan to reread my chronological Bible this year and recommit myself to a scheduled quiet time with God.
The Shepherds
The advent scripture this past Sunday was Luke 2:8-10.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good new of great joy for all the people."
The reader asked that we remember the shepherds, workers for the common good, steadfast watchmen isolated and alone, far from the warmth of home, doing the job no one wants. And yet God saw them, God valued them, and God declared the greatest news of all to them alone.
Here is the prayer: Today we give thanks for the shepherds among us, back-breaking laborers on whom our economy stands, those we overlook or rarely see, yet rely on for our very survival, the ones who have much to teach us about watching for God in the darkness.
Quite humbling. Really.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good new of great joy for all the people."
The reader asked that we remember the shepherds, workers for the common good, steadfast watchmen isolated and alone, far from the warmth of home, doing the job no one wants. And yet God saw them, God valued them, and God declared the greatest news of all to them alone.
Here is the prayer: Today we give thanks for the shepherds among us, back-breaking laborers on whom our economy stands, those we overlook or rarely see, yet rely on for our very survival, the ones who have much to teach us about watching for God in the darkness.
Quite humbling. Really.
Thorn in the Flesh
2 Cor. 12:7-10: To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
After reading this passage yet again and studying another viewpoint on it, I finally made the connection that like Paul, I should use my 'thorn in the flesh' to grow closer to God. I am trying to make a conscious effort to use it as a nudge to prayer.
After reading this passage yet again and studying another viewpoint on it, I finally made the connection that like Paul, I should use my 'thorn in the flesh' to grow closer to God. I am trying to make a conscious effort to use it as a nudge to prayer.
Today's Reading
Imagine what lives we might lead if we asked ourselves, often, if what we are doing is something that glorifies God.
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Ever since learning this hymn for a school program in the fourth grade, I have loved it. I think even at nine years old I found comfort in the thought of the harvest being safe. Now that I am older and know that I am the harvest, there's even more comfort.
Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.
Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.
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