Read Isaiah 55:1-5
The Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."
-Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
IN a large department store, I could not figure out where an item was located. I saw the back of what looked like a store employee standing next to a counter. I walked up from behind and said, "Excuse me," only to discover that I was speaking to a mannequin. I felt foolish and hoped that no one noticed. The designer had done a great job of making the mannequin look realistic, but it could never have helped me.
How many of us in the world seek guidance from that which is not real? We may believe that true happiness comes from having certain possessions or from wealth or beauty. We may follow false religious leaders. We may harm our bodies with drugs or alcohol. All along, the real God stands near calling to us and signaling the true way.
We don't have to rely on "dummies" because we have the living God who can supply what we lack. God asks us to read the Bible, to study it, and even to challenge what it says, confident that it will prove itself true in all circumstances.
by Bob La Forge (New Jersey, USA)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sympathetic
Mt 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. A person's cruelty or sympathy is revealed by their attitude towards animals, and particularly towards domestic animals. For they are dependent up us. David was a shepherd, as was Moses. And Jesus likens himself to a shepherd, and even to the "lamb" of God. One aspect of being a good shepherd is to have sympathy towards those who are helpless and harassed.
Mt 15:32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." Sympathy goes hand in hand with thoughtfulness. One who gives little thought to another's circumstances cannot be sympathetic.
Luke 11:46 Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. A person's sympathy is revealed by taking practical steps to help others who are burdened. If you are in a position to do so, beware of imposing regulations unsympathetically. "This is what the LORD Almighty says: `Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'" Zec 7:9,10 and "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law— justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Mt 23:33
Sympathy is also developed through experience. Even of Jesus it is written that, "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin." Heb 4:15 and "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people." Heb 2:17
Christians are to sympathize with fellow Christians who are persecuted for their faith, regardless of the consequences. Heb 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
Mt 15:32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." Sympathy goes hand in hand with thoughtfulness. One who gives little thought to another's circumstances cannot be sympathetic.
Luke 11:46 Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. A person's sympathy is revealed by taking practical steps to help others who are burdened. If you are in a position to do so, beware of imposing regulations unsympathetically. "This is what the LORD Almighty says: `Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'" Zec 7:9,10 and "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law— justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Mt 23:33
Sympathy is also developed through experience. Even of Jesus it is written that, "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin." Heb 4:15 and "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people." Heb 2:17
Christians are to sympathize with fellow Christians who are persecuted for their faith, regardless of the consequences. Heb 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Desiring God's Peace
Read Genesis 50:15-26
When you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
-Matthew 5:2324 (NRSV)
A family member and I were attempting to work out a peaceful solution to a long-standing conflict between us. As we talked, I asked her to forgive me. She refused, saying she wouldn't forgive me, but perhaps we could move on and just not mention it again. Deep in my heart I knew that she was going to continue to let what had happened years earlier eat at her, and it saddened me.
Not sure what to do next, I asked the Lord for guidance. Speaking to me in my heart, God said, "Pray that she will desire my peace."
Those words from God have come to mind many times since then. Everybody has conflicts in this life, but not everybody becomes bitter. I look to many examples in my own life of kind and loving people who like Joseph forgive those who have wronged them. Like Joseph, they have endured many hardships but have not let the circumstances of their lives destroy them. Instead, they can treasure the peace that comes from forgiving others.
by Karen Nadeau (Texas, USA)
When you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
-Matthew 5:2324 (NRSV)
A family member and I were attempting to work out a peaceful solution to a long-standing conflict between us. As we talked, I asked her to forgive me. She refused, saying she wouldn't forgive me, but perhaps we could move on and just not mention it again. Deep in my heart I knew that she was going to continue to let what had happened years earlier eat at her, and it saddened me.
Not sure what to do next, I asked the Lord for guidance. Speaking to me in my heart, God said, "Pray that she will desire my peace."
Those words from God have come to mind many times since then. Everybody has conflicts in this life, but not everybody becomes bitter. I look to many examples in my own life of kind and loving people who like Joseph forgive those who have wronged them. Like Joseph, they have endured many hardships but have not let the circumstances of their lives destroy them. Instead, they can treasure the peace that comes from forgiving others.
by Karen Nadeau (Texas, USA)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Safe Path
Read Psalm 40:1-5
[The Lord] set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
-Psalm 40:2 (NIV)
IT was a cold and windy Sunday morning in Alaska. After a brief warming trend, the temperature had dropped precipitously. The roads were so slick that even my four-wheel-drive vehicle was difficult to control unless I stayed on the gravel strip the road crew had laid down.
On our way to church, we passed two children who were walking toward us on the icy roadway. They were sliding and falling, and the wind made staying on their feet almost impossible. My wife called out, "Walk on the gravel; it's much easier."
They quickly scrambled over to the nearby gravel strip. Grateful for their newfound stability, they shouted, "Thank you."
God always provides a path for us to follow. Unfortunately, we are sometimes distracted; our attention wanders, or we see an attractive diversion. As a result, we find ourselves off God's path, slipping, falling, and stumbling under the buffeting winds of life. Regaining our spiritual footing seems impossible.
How blessed we are to be always under the watchful eye of the Lord! But when we find ourselves skidding, God doesn't just call out directions. God comes to us, takes us by the hand, and leads us to safety.
by Jack Aiken (Alaska, USA)
[The Lord] set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
-Psalm 40:2 (NIV)
IT was a cold and windy Sunday morning in Alaska. After a brief warming trend, the temperature had dropped precipitously. The roads were so slick that even my four-wheel-drive vehicle was difficult to control unless I stayed on the gravel strip the road crew had laid down.
On our way to church, we passed two children who were walking toward us on the icy roadway. They were sliding and falling, and the wind made staying on their feet almost impossible. My wife called out, "Walk on the gravel; it's much easier."
They quickly scrambled over to the nearby gravel strip. Grateful for their newfound stability, they shouted, "Thank you."
God always provides a path for us to follow. Unfortunately, we are sometimes distracted; our attention wanders, or we see an attractive diversion. As a result, we find ourselves off God's path, slipping, falling, and stumbling under the buffeting winds of life. Regaining our spiritual footing seems impossible.
How blessed we are to be always under the watchful eye of the Lord! But when we find ourselves skidding, God doesn't just call out directions. God comes to us, takes us by the hand, and leads us to safety.
by Jack Aiken (Alaska, USA)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Head or Heart?
Read Romans 8:5-11
Paul wrote, "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."
-Romans 7:15 (NRSV)
MY brother's grandson loved to have his grandpa babysit him. But Grandpa, weary of urging the child to prepare for bed, asked, "Don't you want to obey me?"
The youngster, sitting among his toys, replied sadly, "I want to, but my head doesn't want to."
The child's answer reveals a problem familiar also to adults. We allow some self-serving notion to enter our heads when we know in our hearts the better way. The apostle Paul confesses to wrestling with a similar dilemma when he grieves, "I do the very thing I hate." Paul goes on to say that we, as believers, "are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in [us]" (Rom. 8:9, niv).
I have come to realize that this kind of inner conflict may be an invitation to relinquish our headstrong ways and make room for the Holy Spirit to act. When we allow God's love to direct us, we will find our conflict ended. And we can have God's peace within.
by Hazel Keenan Schrum (Ontario, Canada)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Are You Serious?
Read Hebrews 12:4-11
How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
-Job 5:17 (NRSV)
AS a young child, I understood discipline to be a bad word. Changing my perspective has been a challenge.
I was brought up in a Christian home, but I was 30 years old and facing a crisis before I sought to live a Christian life. I began to read about the Christian disciplines of prayer, worship, study, and meditation. Those sounded OK. When I read that fasting, solitude, simplicity, submission, and confession were supposed to bring me joy, I thought, Are you kidding me?
But over time God has patiently taught me that all these practices bring me closer to my Creator and strengthen my spirit. They help me to be attuned to God's voice and to know God's will for me. They help me to drown out the world's noise so I can hear God's "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12, KJV). And, yes, they have brought me joy as I seek to travel along God's path. I have learned that in love God teaches us and strengthens us so that we may do God's work.
Now, when I am tempted to be lazy about practicing the disciplines or when I realize that I have been neglecting God, I ask myself, "Are you serious about knowing God better?" I want to be.
by Susan King (Texas, USA)
How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
-Job 5:17 (NRSV)
AS a young child, I understood discipline to be a bad word. Changing my perspective has been a challenge.
I was brought up in a Christian home, but I was 30 years old and facing a crisis before I sought to live a Christian life. I began to read about the Christian disciplines of prayer, worship, study, and meditation. Those sounded OK. When I read that fasting, solitude, simplicity, submission, and confession were supposed to bring me joy, I thought, Are you kidding me?
But over time God has patiently taught me that all these practices bring me closer to my Creator and strengthen my spirit. They help me to be attuned to God's voice and to know God's will for me. They help me to drown out the world's noise so I can hear God's "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12, KJV). And, yes, they have brought me joy as I seek to travel along God's path. I have learned that in love God teaches us and strengthens us so that we may do God's work.
Now, when I am tempted to be lazy about practicing the disciplines or when I realize that I have been neglecting God, I ask myself, "Are you serious about knowing God better?" I want to be.
by Susan King (Texas, USA)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
God Loves the World
Read Genesis 2:8-15
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
-John 3:16 (TEV)
MANY read this verse and interpret it to mean "God so loved us" - people. However, the Greek word translated here as "world" means "cosmos." In other words, God loved all creation - including this planet and the entire universe - not just people.
There is much about this planet to love. I look forward to taking walks in our local park. Since each season has its own beauty, I walk year round - looking around me and thanking God for what I see, whether the trees are barren or full. Sometimes I wonder if this same beauty will be available for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.
As a person of faith, I am concerned about God's creation and what we are doing to it. We don't have to agree about the issue of global warming to know that we all need and want clean air, clean water, and unpolluted soil in which to grow our food. We want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to experience the same beautiful planet we have enjoyed. Each of us can find ways to love and care for this world that God loves so much.
by Barbara A. Chaplin (Kansas, USA)
Amennn....God put men in the world to TILL and KEEP it....Are we keeping it with good hand??
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
-John 3:16 (TEV)
MANY read this verse and interpret it to mean "God so loved us" - people. However, the Greek word translated here as "world" means "cosmos." In other words, God loved all creation - including this planet and the entire universe - not just people.
There is much about this planet to love. I look forward to taking walks in our local park. Since each season has its own beauty, I walk year round - looking around me and thanking God for what I see, whether the trees are barren or full. Sometimes I wonder if this same beauty will be available for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.
As a person of faith, I am concerned about God's creation and what we are doing to it. We don't have to agree about the issue of global warming to know that we all need and want clean air, clean water, and unpolluted soil in which to grow our food. We want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to experience the same beautiful planet we have enjoyed. Each of us can find ways to love and care for this world that God loves so much.
by Barbara A. Chaplin (Kansas, USA)
Amennn....God put men in the world to TILL and KEEP it....Are we keeping it with good hand??
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Producing Fruit
Read Philippians 2:12-16
It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
WHILE chatting with a friend, I mentioned that I had begun taking art classes and that I was not doing well because I am not naturally creative. My friend surprised me by saying, "Jane, the Creator lives within you! Of course you are creative."
That truth began to change my thinking. Scripture verses to support her assertion came to my mind, such as when Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit" (John 15:5, nrsv). Before long, I was creating - making inspirational cards by using watercolors, pens, and verse. As I worked, I prayed that those who received the cards would see in them the hand of our ever-present Creator who is at work in and through us.
The great Initiator of all good, creative works desires to dwell in us. God lovingly cultivates the soil of our lives to produce fruit through us - sometimes in ways we never dreamed possible.
(by Jane Ebersole (Pennsylvania, USA))
It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
WHILE chatting with a friend, I mentioned that I had begun taking art classes and that I was not doing well because I am not naturally creative. My friend surprised me by saying, "Jane, the Creator lives within you! Of course you are creative."
That truth began to change my thinking. Scripture verses to support her assertion came to my mind, such as when Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit" (John 15:5, nrsv). Before long, I was creating - making inspirational cards by using watercolors, pens, and verse. As I worked, I prayed that those who received the cards would see in them the hand of our ever-present Creator who is at work in and through us.
The great Initiator of all good, creative works desires to dwell in us. God lovingly cultivates the soil of our lives to produce fruit through us - sometimes in ways we never dreamed possible.
(by Jane Ebersole (Pennsylvania, USA))
Monday, April 20, 2009
Whatever He instructs you to do, do it...
Yesterday's sermon was on obeying the words of Jesus. It's not only about obeying but doing them in faith. By obeying and doing what's been instructed by Jesus, miracles will take place.....
Many times in the Bibles miracles happened when people obeyed Jesus' instruction. The most obvious instance was the story of the weeding at Cana. At that time Jesus was unknown. Even He himself said "My time is not yet come". But when Mary, Jesus' mother told the servants to do whatever Jesus instructed them to do, they just did it. The servants didn't have any idea when Jesus instructed them to fill the jars with water. If I were the servants, I might have been confused because the host was running out of wine not water. But Jesus asked them to take water! Yet the did as told..they obeyed Him. Even when Jesus instructed them to serve the water, they did just that. What do you think in the mind of the servants when they serve the water? The master of the house was expecting wine not water yet the servants knew they were serving water. What happened after that was a total miracle. That miracle would not happen if the servants did not fill the jars with water, if they did not serve the water...it happened because they obeyed Jesus' instruction.
When Jesus asked Peter and Andreas to cast their net to the particular side of their boat, and they obeyed, they caught plenty of fish...when Jesus asked His disciples to tell the multitude of 5000 men to sit down and feed them with only five loaves and two fishes, they did it. They knew that all they have were five loaves and two fishes and the knew that it will not suffice for the huge multitude but they obeyed Jesus and did what have been instructed. Things that followed were miracles...
When the angel told Mary and Mary Magdelene to go to Galilee and they will meet Jesus there, they went and not long before they saw Jesus.
Obey Jesus and do what he are instructed in faith and miracles will happen in our life.
Many times in the Bibles miracles happened when people obeyed Jesus' instruction. The most obvious instance was the story of the weeding at Cana. At that time Jesus was unknown. Even He himself said "My time is not yet come". But when Mary, Jesus' mother told the servants to do whatever Jesus instructed them to do, they just did it. The servants didn't have any idea when Jesus instructed them to fill the jars with water. If I were the servants, I might have been confused because the host was running out of wine not water. But Jesus asked them to take water! Yet the did as told..they obeyed Him. Even when Jesus instructed them to serve the water, they did just that. What do you think in the mind of the servants when they serve the water? The master of the house was expecting wine not water yet the servants knew they were serving water. What happened after that was a total miracle. That miracle would not happen if the servants did not fill the jars with water, if they did not serve the water...it happened because they obeyed Jesus' instruction.
When Jesus asked Peter and Andreas to cast their net to the particular side of their boat, and they obeyed, they caught plenty of fish...when Jesus asked His disciples to tell the multitude of 5000 men to sit down and feed them with only five loaves and two fishes, they did it. They knew that all they have were five loaves and two fishes and the knew that it will not suffice for the huge multitude but they obeyed Jesus and did what have been instructed. Things that followed were miracles...
When the angel told Mary and Mary Magdelene to go to Galilee and they will meet Jesus there, they went and not long before they saw Jesus.
Obey Jesus and do what he are instructed in faith and miracles will happen in our life.
Complete Overhaul
Read 2 Peter 1:1-12
The psalmist wrote, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and ... see if there be any wicked way in me."
-Psalm 139:2324 (KJV)
THE lawnmower engine coughed, spluttered, stopped. Outwardly there was no sign of a problem. It had petrol, oil, a new spark plug. Still, no amount of cord pulling could get it going. The problem? Pebbles in the fuel tank! My young grandchildren had been at work.
Sometimes my spiritual life reflects "pebbles" in my "fuel tank." Outwardly I seem okay. But inwardly, the joy of being with the Lord is blocked, and I sputter to a stop. However this happens, I cannot blame others for the presence of pebbles within. It's my responsibility to address the problem.
First I have to identify it. The pebbles of greed, jealousy, self-righteousness, unforgiveness, lust, laziness, hurt feelings, and so on clog the fuel line of the spirit. The Bible gives us directions for fixing the problem, but I still have to read and obey them. I may have to work at making spiritual and relational "repairs." When I call on God in prayer, grace is instantly available. God does a complete overhaul, renewing me and preparing me for the tasks ahead. Praise the name of the Lord!
by Raymond N. Hawkins (Tasmania, Australia)
The psalmist wrote, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and ... see if there be any wicked way in me."
-Psalm 139:2324 (KJV)
THE lawnmower engine coughed, spluttered, stopped. Outwardly there was no sign of a problem. It had petrol, oil, a new spark plug. Still, no amount of cord pulling could get it going. The problem? Pebbles in the fuel tank! My young grandchildren had been at work.
Sometimes my spiritual life reflects "pebbles" in my "fuel tank." Outwardly I seem okay. But inwardly, the joy of being with the Lord is blocked, and I sputter to a stop. However this happens, I cannot blame others for the presence of pebbles within. It's my responsibility to address the problem.
First I have to identify it. The pebbles of greed, jealousy, self-righteousness, unforgiveness, lust, laziness, hurt feelings, and so on clog the fuel line of the spirit. The Bible gives us directions for fixing the problem, but I still have to read and obey them. I may have to work at making spiritual and relational "repairs." When I call on God in prayer, grace is instantly available. God does a complete overhaul, renewing me and preparing me for the tasks ahead. Praise the name of the Lord!
by Raymond N. Hawkins (Tasmania, Australia)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Who's Watching?
Read Colossians 3:15-17
Jesus said, "You are like light for the whole world."
-Matthew 5:14 (TEV)
SOME years ago while studying abroad, I was sad and homesick. My studies were proving more challenging than I had expected. One morning I was especially downhearted, feeling sorry for myself, when I heard a sound, "Tap! Tap!" Looking out my window, I saw a young, blind woman. The tapping sound was produced by the stick she was using to make her way.
Despite her handicap, she determinedly made her way along. As I reflected on what I saw in this young woman, I was encouraged to continue with my studies and, in due course, completed them.
Christ calls us to put forth our best effort in any task. We never know who may be watching us - someone suffering from a debilitating disease, a colleague at work facing financial challenges, a young person discouraged because he can't find a job, a young couple trying to cope with a rocky marriage, a member of our own family in distress. All these as well as others may be looking for encouragement and inspiration that could come from our example. This is precisely why Jesus reminds us, "You are like light for the whole world."
by J. Emmette Weir (The Bahamas)
Someone may say "I want to be like you". Why? Because the person sees something interesting in our life be it our deeds, character or achievements. But at the same time also, people may say "Do not be like him" because they see something not so encouraging in our life.
We live our lives in the eyes of the world. Someone is watching us whether we want it or not. We ought to live encouraging others maybe not by talking to them but showing it to them in our deeds.
Someone will be encouraged or discouraged by the way we live today....
Jesus said, "You are like light for the whole world."
-Matthew 5:14 (TEV)
SOME years ago while studying abroad, I was sad and homesick. My studies were proving more challenging than I had expected. One morning I was especially downhearted, feeling sorry for myself, when I heard a sound, "Tap! Tap!" Looking out my window, I saw a young, blind woman. The tapping sound was produced by the stick she was using to make her way.
Despite her handicap, she determinedly made her way along. As I reflected on what I saw in this young woman, I was encouraged to continue with my studies and, in due course, completed them.
Christ calls us to put forth our best effort in any task. We never know who may be watching us - someone suffering from a debilitating disease, a colleague at work facing financial challenges, a young person discouraged because he can't find a job, a young couple trying to cope with a rocky marriage, a member of our own family in distress. All these as well as others may be looking for encouragement and inspiration that could come from our example. This is precisely why Jesus reminds us, "You are like light for the whole world."
by J. Emmette Weir (The Bahamas)
Someone may say "I want to be like you". Why? Because the person sees something interesting in our life be it our deeds, character or achievements. But at the same time also, people may say "Do not be like him" because they see something not so encouraging in our life.
We live our lives in the eyes of the world. Someone is watching us whether we want it or not. We ought to live encouraging others maybe not by talking to them but showing it to them in our deeds.
Someone will be encouraged or discouraged by the way we live today....
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Halfhearted
Jer 3:10b "Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense" Are you just pretending to live the Christian life? 2Ch 25:2 "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly." So you did what was right. But did you do wholeheartedly or reluctantly, or for some ulterior motive? Often the fear of people can interfere with wholehearted obedience. For "many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue." John 12:42 Or when one considers the implications of one's faith when trials come up it's like, "The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." Mt 13:20,21
Just attending church on Sunday is not enough. There's a zeal that drives the Christian to do more. 2Kings 13:18,19 "Take the arrows," and the king took them. Elisha told him, "Strike the ground." He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."
Just attending church on Sunday is not enough. There's a zeal that drives the Christian to do more. 2Kings 13:18,19 "Take the arrows," and the king took them. Elisha told him, "Strike the ground." He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."
A Pillow for My Head
Read Mark 4:35-41
[Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.
-Mark 4:38 (NRSV)
WHEN my husband and I got married, we hoped to have children right away. Soon our dream came true. Two children were born to us, and we adopted another; within five years we had three children under the age of four! I was filled with love and with gratitude for these blessings.
I also felt completely overwhelmed by an unending list of chores to accomplish. I asked myself, How can I nurture my children, take care of our household, and work full time? Every night I fell into bed, exhausted and not sure how I would get up in the morning to start all over again.
A wise grandmother took me aside. "Do you remember that Jesus rested?" she calmly asked. She reminded me that in between preaching and teaching, Jesus slept as he and his disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:38). Even as a windy storm rocked their small boat, Jesus gave his body the rest that it needed. Jesus wasn't absent from his responsibilities - responding as soon as his disciples cried out in fear - but he took time to rest, trusting that God was with him.
Now I try to find a few peaceful moments of renewal every day. During these times I rest, whisper a prayer, read, even put my head on a cushion. In these brief times of quiet, I am reminded that I can face the tasks ahead because God is with me.
by Susan J. Foster (Connecticut, USA)
If today we feel exhausted and tired, take a rest. Take a moment of quiet, a deep sleep maybe. A moment of our own. Do not listen nor care about the raging storm around us. Take a moment to rest, pray, listen to God's voice and enjoy the time in God's presence. And as soon as we wake up, we will be more focus and energetic even to calm the windy storm down...
[Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.
-Mark 4:38 (NRSV)
WHEN my husband and I got married, we hoped to have children right away. Soon our dream came true. Two children were born to us, and we adopted another; within five years we had three children under the age of four! I was filled with love and with gratitude for these blessings.
I also felt completely overwhelmed by an unending list of chores to accomplish. I asked myself, How can I nurture my children, take care of our household, and work full time? Every night I fell into bed, exhausted and not sure how I would get up in the morning to start all over again.
A wise grandmother took me aside. "Do you remember that Jesus rested?" she calmly asked. She reminded me that in between preaching and teaching, Jesus slept as he and his disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:38). Even as a windy storm rocked their small boat, Jesus gave his body the rest that it needed. Jesus wasn't absent from his responsibilities - responding as soon as his disciples cried out in fear - but he took time to rest, trusting that God was with him.
Now I try to find a few peaceful moments of renewal every day. During these times I rest, whisper a prayer, read, even put my head on a cushion. In these brief times of quiet, I am reminded that I can face the tasks ahead because God is with me.
by Susan J. Foster (Connecticut, USA)
If today we feel exhausted and tired, take a rest. Take a moment of quiet, a deep sleep maybe. A moment of our own. Do not listen nor care about the raging storm around us. Take a moment to rest, pray, listen to God's voice and enjoy the time in God's presence. And as soon as we wake up, we will be more focus and energetic even to calm the windy storm down...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Forgive Us As We Forgive
Read Romans 2:1-16
If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
-Matthew 6:15 (NRSV)
I had been wronged by a colleague at work. Because of the lies she had told my boss about me, I was overlooked for a promotion I had been looking forward to and had worked very hard to gain.
I became resentful at being passed over. I took out my anger on other colleagues and eventually gained a reputation for being difficult. My attitude was destroying me. Then one day a Christian colleague took me aside. He pointed out to me how much God had forgiven me and suggested that I forgive her. Why should I forgive? I asked myself. I am the one who was hurt. As I considered his advice, the words of the Lord's Prayer rang true for me in a new way. "Forgive us ... as we forgive our debtors."
Slowly and painfully, I started trying to forgive. It took many months. I never did get a promotion and I worked in a job below my capabilities, but I was finally able to have compassion on the wrongdoer. And I was a better example to my co-workers.
by Carol Purves (Cumbria, England)
If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
-Matthew 6:15 (NRSV)
I had been wronged by a colleague at work. Because of the lies she had told my boss about me, I was overlooked for a promotion I had been looking forward to and had worked very hard to gain.
I became resentful at being passed over. I took out my anger on other colleagues and eventually gained a reputation for being difficult. My attitude was destroying me. Then one day a Christian colleague took me aside. He pointed out to me how much God had forgiven me and suggested that I forgive her. Why should I forgive? I asked myself. I am the one who was hurt. As I considered his advice, the words of the Lord's Prayer rang true for me in a new way. "Forgive us ... as we forgive our debtors."
Slowly and painfully, I started trying to forgive. It took many months. I never did get a promotion and I worked in a job below my capabilities, but I was finally able to have compassion on the wrongdoer. And I was a better example to my co-workers.
by Carol Purves (Cumbria, England)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Do You Hear?
Read John 20:1-18
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher).
-John 20:16 (NRSV)
JOHN tells the story of the resurrection through the experience of Mary Magdalene, who loved Jesus. She had seen him on the cross and heard him say, "It is finished." She knew that Jesus was dead. So on the third day, she came to recover a corpse, not to witness a miracle.
According to John, Mary was not convinced that Jesus had risen. She comes to believe only when the risen Christ calls her name. And when she hears her name, she turns toward Christ.
That's the reason most of us believe: because we have heard Christ 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 Christ is present, that the Eternal is real.
Mary heard Christ call her name, and she believed. That personal response is the only thing we've got to go on. No outward evidence can convince anyone. We hold on to the truth that Christ reached out to us and we knew it. Because of that, we believe and can tell others he lives.
Joe E. Pennel Jr. (Tennessee, USA)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Listens
Proverbs says, "Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you." Pr 22:17-19 And it says, "A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke." Pr 13:1 Parents can relate to that.
Both people's eternal destiny and Christian's maturity are largely dependent upon listening. Where does faith come from? "Faith comes from hearing the message" Rom 10:17b Listening to the message of the gospel and believing it is God's chosen method of salvation. Paul speaks of the opposition he faced. He says of his opposition, "They displease God and are hostile to all men in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved." 1Th 2:15b-16 For "it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." 1Cor 1:21
Children of God are to be characteristically "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" Jas 1:19 That is, to be quick to receive instruction, but slow and thoughtful to react. "Quick to listen" doesn't mean gullible. But rather to listen careful and then consider thoughtfully. For example it says, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge." 1Cor 14:29 When something is said, scrutinize, evaluate, interpret - considering the sense of what was said, consider the implications, develop applications, and then respond. It is a blessed state to be able to hear and see.
"Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." Mt 13:16
Both people's eternal destiny and Christian's maturity are largely dependent upon listening. Where does faith come from? "Faith comes from hearing the message" Rom 10:17b Listening to the message of the gospel and believing it is God's chosen method of salvation. Paul speaks of the opposition he faced. He says of his opposition, "They displease God and are hostile to all men in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved." 1Th 2:15b-16 For "it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." 1Cor 1:21
Children of God are to be characteristically "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" Jas 1:19 That is, to be quick to receive instruction, but slow and thoughtful to react. "Quick to listen" doesn't mean gullible. But rather to listen careful and then consider thoughtfully. For example it says, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge." 1Cor 14:29 When something is said, scrutinize, evaluate, interpret - considering the sense of what was said, consider the implications, develop applications, and then respond. It is a blessed state to be able to hear and see.
"Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." Mt 13:16
Stay with Me
Read Matthew 26:36-46
[Jesus] said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
-Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
I tuck my three young daughters into bed. With a peck on my cheek and a hug, two of the girls are quickly off to sleep. But Carly, my six-year-old, has trouble relaxing.
"Please stay with me," she asks.
I sit by her bed. In the dark, I feel her little fingers lock tightly around mine. She is secure in our silent companionship. Neither of us feels the need to talk. My daughter is content to know that I am there. Within minutes her hand relaxes, and Carly is asleep.
This experience with my daughter changes the way I respond to the story of Jesus in Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Stay here and keep watch with me." I see Jesus overwhelmed by the path set before him: abandonment by God and rejection by people, crucifixion for the sins of the world. Jesus needed companionship that night.
My first reaction to the scripture is to pray, "Lord, I would have stayed awake. I would have sat up with you." But then I remember how often I fail. I realize that I am too weak to do what Jesus asks.
But Jesus did not come to save the strong. He came for people like you and me who in weakness hold out our hands for help. And Jesus stays with us.
by Tom Smith (Ontario, Canada)
[Jesus] said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
-Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
I tuck my three young daughters into bed. With a peck on my cheek and a hug, two of the girls are quickly off to sleep. But Carly, my six-year-old, has trouble relaxing.
"Please stay with me," she asks.
I sit by her bed. In the dark, I feel her little fingers lock tightly around mine. She is secure in our silent companionship. Neither of us feels the need to talk. My daughter is content to know that I am there. Within minutes her hand relaxes, and Carly is asleep.
This experience with my daughter changes the way I respond to the story of Jesus in Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Stay here and keep watch with me." I see Jesus overwhelmed by the path set before him: abandonment by God and rejection by people, crucifixion for the sins of the world. Jesus needed companionship that night.
My first reaction to the scripture is to pray, "Lord, I would have stayed awake. I would have sat up with you." But then I remember how often I fail. I realize that I am too weak to do what Jesus asks.
But Jesus did not come to save the strong. He came for people like you and me who in weakness hold out our hands for help. And Jesus stays with us.
by Tom Smith (Ontario, Canada)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
To be rich in good deeds
Command [those who are rich in this present world] to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
-1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)
I love fireworks. I wait in the dark. BANG! A splatter of gold sparks fills the sky. They take my breath away. My face hurts from smiling. My ears ring from the noise. When the show is over, I picture in my mind the flashes of brilliance, and a twinkle of joy lingers.
When we do a good deed, it flashes a spark of pleasure in someone's day. We shine God's love into the lives of others. Good deeds are fleeting, though their memory lingers in the mind.
The flash of fireworks affects all those who see it. Love sparkles in the same way: we all feel the joy. Some "fireworks" are small and personal; opening the door for another and being courteous are like handheld sparklers. Some fireworks, such as publicly giving big donations to charity, get a lot of attention. The volunteer showing up every week to help is like fireworks that go on, explosion after explosion. When the annual fireworks show is over, planning begins for the next year.
We can each plan and be part of an explosion of good deeds. Today and every day, God can use us to shine the brilliance of love into the world.
by Lisa Bogart (California, USA)
-1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)
I love fireworks. I wait in the dark. BANG! A splatter of gold sparks fills the sky. They take my breath away. My face hurts from smiling. My ears ring from the noise. When the show is over, I picture in my mind the flashes of brilliance, and a twinkle of joy lingers.
When we do a good deed, it flashes a spark of pleasure in someone's day. We shine God's love into the lives of others. Good deeds are fleeting, though their memory lingers in the mind.
The flash of fireworks affects all those who see it. Love sparkles in the same way: we all feel the joy. Some "fireworks" are small and personal; opening the door for another and being courteous are like handheld sparklers. Some fireworks, such as publicly giving big donations to charity, get a lot of attention. The volunteer showing up every week to help is like fireworks that go on, explosion after explosion. When the annual fireworks show is over, planning begins for the next year.
We can each plan and be part of an explosion of good deeds. Today and every day, God can use us to shine the brilliance of love into the world.
by Lisa Bogart (California, USA)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Close to the Lord
After throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.
-Luke 19:35 (NRSV)
THE text describes an intimate moment, one almost hidden in the comings and goings before Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem. As a young colt stamps the dust, cloaks are quickly thrown onto its back. And then the strong arms of the disciples lift Jesus. He does not climb up alone; he depends on his friends as he faces the road ahead.
Giving this help requires getting close to the Teacher, to grasp an arm or brace a shoulder. It means the disciples are close enough to feel Jesus' breath on their skin, to smell the sweat on his cloak. Jesus could have found something to stand on without leaning on his friends, but he does not.
For Jesus, once he enters the city, other intimate moments will follow: bread-breaking, wine-sharing, foot-washing, truth-telling. And at what would appear to be the end of the road, once again a few will put their hands under his arms and lower him from the cross. Intimate moments, all.
The Christian's journey to Jerusalem and beyond calls for such intimacy. Discipleship requires vulnerability, closeness, and a willingness to lean on others. Let us give thanks to God for those who stand near, ready to love us, ready to help.
by Pamela Hawkins (Tennessee, USA)
-Luke 19:35 (NRSV)
THE text describes an intimate moment, one almost hidden in the comings and goings before Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem. As a young colt stamps the dust, cloaks are quickly thrown onto its back. And then the strong arms of the disciples lift Jesus. He does not climb up alone; he depends on his friends as he faces the road ahead.
Giving this help requires getting close to the Teacher, to grasp an arm or brace a shoulder. It means the disciples are close enough to feel Jesus' breath on their skin, to smell the sweat on his cloak. Jesus could have found something to stand on without leaning on his friends, but he does not.
For Jesus, once he enters the city, other intimate moments will follow: bread-breaking, wine-sharing, foot-washing, truth-telling. And at what would appear to be the end of the road, once again a few will put their hands under his arms and lower him from the cross. Intimate moments, all.
The Christian's journey to Jerusalem and beyond calls for such intimacy. Discipleship requires vulnerability, closeness, and a willingness to lean on others. Let us give thanks to God for those who stand near, ready to love us, ready to help.
by Pamela Hawkins (Tennessee, USA)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Live by His Grace
Paul wrote, "[The Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
-2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
We may never aware or experience the grace of God in our life in any special way. We may have a smooth sailing of our life with few tame waves along the way. We may live with good education, secure a good job, get married and have children. We may think we will live the rest of our lives happily.
We would not aware the grace of God until turbulence were thrown into our way. We need to be reminded through special way on the grace of God in our life.
But the fact is God had been providing grace for us throughout our life, even when we was unaware of it. He had always been there for us but we never aware of His presence for we took everything for granted. We thought we could handle all things and all things went on our way as we wanted them to be.
The grace of God is sufficient for us...even the smallest thing was there by the grace of God...we live by His grace so we should live for His grace....Thank you God for your grace...
-2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
We may never aware or experience the grace of God in our life in any special way. We may have a smooth sailing of our life with few tame waves along the way. We may live with good education, secure a good job, get married and have children. We may think we will live the rest of our lives happily.
We would not aware the grace of God until turbulence were thrown into our way. We need to be reminded through special way on the grace of God in our life.
But the fact is God had been providing grace for us throughout our life, even when we was unaware of it. He had always been there for us but we never aware of His presence for we took everything for granted. We thought we could handle all things and all things went on our way as we wanted them to be.
The grace of God is sufficient for us...even the smallest thing was there by the grace of God...we live by His grace so we should live for His grace....Thank you God for your grace...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Day made by the Lord
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
In the Bible we are told repeatedly to rejoice in our salvation and to praise God for the goodness of life. Not just once a month but every day, God takes pleasure in seeing us enjoying the world and the blessings in our lives. Even seemingly frivolous activities can become spiritual if we do them with gratitude in our hearts toward God.
Psalm 118:24 tells us to rejoice and be glad of the day that Lord has made. We are reminded that 'This is the day the Lord has made'. But how many times have we ever told our self about this?. I think for me, when I wake up every morning, I will pray to the Lord for the peaceful sleep and good rest that I have had for the night. I will pray for the Lord to take care of my live for the day. But I admit that I rarely rejoice for the day that Lord has made.
This verse of Psalm wants us to tell our self that 'this day' has made by the Lord. The day that made by the Lord will surely be a day full of blessings. He will definitely guard us throughout the day that He has made. That is why we should rejoice and be glad for the day because this is the day that made by the Lord. He made the day for us to enjoy.
So whenever we wake up in the morning, we must remember that 'this is the day the Lord has made....' so I will rejoice and be glad throughout the day because everything that I am going to experience today is because of what the Lord has made...and He has made this day a beautiful day.....
-Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
In the Bible we are told repeatedly to rejoice in our salvation and to praise God for the goodness of life. Not just once a month but every day, God takes pleasure in seeing us enjoying the world and the blessings in our lives. Even seemingly frivolous activities can become spiritual if we do them with gratitude in our hearts toward God.
Psalm 118:24 tells us to rejoice and be glad of the day that Lord has made. We are reminded that 'This is the day the Lord has made'. But how many times have we ever told our self about this?. I think for me, when I wake up every morning, I will pray to the Lord for the peaceful sleep and good rest that I have had for the night. I will pray for the Lord to take care of my live for the day. But I admit that I rarely rejoice for the day that Lord has made.
This verse of Psalm wants us to tell our self that 'this day' has made by the Lord. The day that made by the Lord will surely be a day full of blessings. He will definitely guard us throughout the day that He has made. That is why we should rejoice and be glad for the day because this is the day that made by the Lord. He made the day for us to enjoy.
So whenever we wake up in the morning, we must remember that 'this is the day the Lord has made....' so I will rejoice and be glad throughout the day because everything that I am going to experience today is because of what the Lord has made...and He has made this day a beautiful day.....
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
When people shrink.
People will make Jesus smaller than He is sometimes. Well meaning people that love you will downsize Him and what He's capable of in your life. They don't mean to, they're not being malicious, it just happens. And it happened in Mark 5.
Jesus was on the way to attend to the daughter of Jairus. She was sick and Jairus had pleaded with Jesus to come see her. On his way, Jesus got stopped by someone in the crowd and was delayed. Here is what happens in verse 35:
While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"
Do you see how they shrunk Jesus? In that moment, men that had presumably been watching over Jairus’ daughter while he was out recruiting the help of Jesus, came with a message. It was too late. Your daughter is dead. Why keep bothering this teacher.
They shrunk Jesus. They believed the situation had passed His abilities. They believed that the situation had grown larger than He could handle. It was over. How did Christ respond? Here's verse 36:
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Then He went to Jairus house and healed his daughter.
He refused to stay small. He refused to be limited by other people's expectations of what He was capable of and everyday, He asks us to do the same thing.
I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but Jesus is big enough for it. It is not too late. It is never passed His power.
So when someone tries to shrink Jesus, remember to just believe.
(by Prodigal Jon)
Jesus was on the way to attend to the daughter of Jairus. She was sick and Jairus had pleaded with Jesus to come see her. On his way, Jesus got stopped by someone in the crowd and was delayed. Here is what happens in verse 35:
While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"
Do you see how they shrunk Jesus? In that moment, men that had presumably been watching over Jairus’ daughter while he was out recruiting the help of Jesus, came with a message. It was too late. Your daughter is dead. Why keep bothering this teacher.
They shrunk Jesus. They believed the situation had passed His abilities. They believed that the situation had grown larger than He could handle. It was over. How did Christ respond? Here's verse 36:
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Then He went to Jairus house and healed his daughter.
He refused to stay small. He refused to be limited by other people's expectations of what He was capable of and everyday, He asks us to do the same thing.
I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but Jesus is big enough for it. It is not too late. It is never passed His power.
So when someone tries to shrink Jesus, remember to just believe.
(by Prodigal Jon)
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