Monday, July 30, 2012

A Person I'd Like to Meet

"The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them: he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God, he and his whole family."
Acts 16:34

Sometimes I ponder some of the people I shall meet in heaven.  I'd love to converse with this jailer. As he'd put the shackles on the feet of Paul, he had no way of knowing it was Apostle Paul, future author of many new testament books. But, after an earthquake loosed the chains and threw open the prison doors, the jailer fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas saying, "What must I do to be saved?"  Sometimes, it takes a catastrophic event to magnify our own mortality. The power of God brought this man to his knees. Following his conversion to Christianity, his tender ways were evident as he washed their wounds and set a meal before them in his house.
Lord, what a marvelous way of life you've provided : being filled with joy! Now, the jailer is freely worshiping Christ in heaven. I look forward to meeting you someday, sir.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

With God as my Witness

"God...is my witness how I constantly remember you in my prayers at all times."
Romans 1:9

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, but what he has written here holds true for all believers who pray.  God is my witness! He sees and hears who I pray about, what I praise him for, how my heart is invested in it, where I am when in prayer and why I am praying for certain people.  The very God who made all the universe witnesses what I have to say. He has promised not only to listen, but to be my proactive intercessor. In this same vein, I shamefully know he's my witness to my failure in prayer - all the times I do not thank him, praise him or just talk to him about my day. 
Lord, may I be as proactive as you are when it comes to communicating with you.  Why would I hold back when I love you so?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

My Houseguest

"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."
John 14: 23

If someone was going to move in with me, it would have to be someone special - not a stranger. Amends would have to be made: move some furniture, make room, set an extra place. It would be a sacrifice, but what a wonderful houseguest to have, the Creator of the Universe! So, when something goes wrong with the plumbing, He knows just what to do. He is the Master Builder.
Oh, Father, all kidding aside, I relish your company in my home. I will keep the place clean and tidy so just put your feet up and relax. Thank you for loving me, just as I am.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Marvelous Creation

"For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
Romans 1:20

How can a person still reject God after a careful examination of the precision of creation? Consider the rising and setting of the sun, the passing of the seasons, the water's boundaries, the gravitational pull, the moon and stars, the intricate design of a maple leaf or butterfly wing, the compound eye of a housefly, the heady aroma of a hyacinth, the deciduous nature of some trees, the violence of a tornado or the soft mew of a kitten. No, it is far more sensible for me to believe in my Creator than to think this all begat with a big bang.
Father, thank you for the beautiful world around me.

Monday, July 23, 2012

How Do I Look?

"When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, 'Here is a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false.'"
John 1:47

Jesus searched Nathanael's heart prior to meeting him and was impressed by his sincerity. If Jesus saw me approaching, what would he declare? To consider this, I must ask how do I see myself? I know my thoughts, opinions and beliefs better than any other person. Do I like what's there? Is it impressive to the King of all kings? Honestly, I would not impress the dullest person on my best day.
Jesus, I pray that others would see you when they see me, your kindness and loving mercy.  Create in me something of refinement.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

God Sings

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

Imagine the Lord rejoicing in song over me! Shouldn't it be the other way around? Like the dry ground, I absorb the tenderness in his voice when I read "he will quiet you with his love." In such a chaotic world of loud commercials, ringing phones, the clatter of vehicles or the din of the radio, I yearn for the quiet promised here. Why would the Lord take great delight in me? Because I am robed in the righteousness of Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, for being a Mighty Savior. Even in your weakness on the cross, you are stronger than anything on earth. May my lifesong sing to you.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Don't Open That Door!

"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Genesis 4:7

God is explaining to Cain how to stay out of trouble.  There is always a decision to be made somewhere along the way and, heaven help me if I open that door where sin is crouching.  It will be like a demon springing out at me shouting, "Gotcha!" But, there is a willful reach of my hand for the knob, isn't there? "You must master it", says God.  Why does Satan desire to have me if all he'll do is torment me until I weep and gnash my teeth? God, on the other hand, desires a relationship with me, just as my parents do. He truly loves me.
Jesus, when my hand is reaching for the knob, speak to me down deep in my soul. Protect me, by the power of your Holy Spirit, from this very real enemy.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

She Loved Much

"Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved me much...Jesus said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace'"
Luke 7: 36-50

While Jesus was having lunch at someone's home, a woman of the streets heard he was there and brought a flask of expensive perfume. "Going in, she knelt beside him at his feet, weeping, with her tears falling down upon his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair and kissed them and poured perfume on them." (verse 38) Although this woman is guilty of much, Jesus sees past that; he sees her contrite heart full of love. Though her sins will burden him on the cross, crushing his Spirit, he forgives her. Her faith has made her whole and healed her with peace.
Oh, Jesus, this sinful world brings many sorrows. Some pain lingers, some scars never diminish, but remind me that separation from you is the blackest mire ever. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding and the forgiveness that blankets a broken and contrite heart.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Warning Signs

"Dear Children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. Amen."
1 John 5:21

John's admonition to "keep away" reminds me of various warning signs: "Keep Out", "Beware of Dog", "No Trespassing". Unfortunately, not all pitfalls are so clearly marked, so how do I recognize the dangers? The Holy Spirit guides me, informs and protects me and, like a child, I must learn to listen.  My sinful nature struggles against this, which is so frustrating! I know I love God and want him to dwell richly in my heart for I have experienced disaster when I've gone my own way. So, why the struggle?
When I get to heaven, I will plop down and sigh with relief to see the end of discord and division of self. Help me to read the signs and listen to you, dearest Jesus.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Golden Rule

"For others will treat you as you treat them."
"Do for others what you want them to do for you."
Matthew 7: 2 and 12

I have noticed this: our moods rub off on each other. If someone is negative, grouchy and frowning, it's as if they are spraying pesticide in the air around them.  But if a person tells a joke, flashes a quick smile or pays a compliment, they are spraying air freshener.  This should cause me to examine myself. What am I spraying? What would I rather be remembered for if I died today? Maybe I should quiz a few of my acquaintances who will honestly assess my personality, then make adjustments accordingly.
Jesus, remind me to spray joy by using my smile more often and sprinkling humor wherever I go.
I love you, Lord.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Wrath of God

"You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?"
Psalm 76:7

What examples does the Bible give of God's righteous anger? The plagues of Egypt, the Great Flood, disobedient people being struck down by the Angel of the Lord...I am indubitably glad the acts of love and mercy far outweigh these.  I must be sure to have a high regard, fear, honor and respect for God, never seeing only his loving side, or I may become complacent.  I don't think I could stand before God if he were even remotely scowling; my knees would buckle and my heart would race like a rabbit's.
Lord, remember your covenant when I stand before you, robed in Christ's clothes. Smile and embrace me as your child.  Nothing have I earned but on Christ alone I stand, my solid rock.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Satisfaction for the Soul

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water...My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods...Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  My soul clings to you."
Psalm 63

You are MY God. This is a personal claim of ownership; we belong to each other but it's a difficult relationship. I am a visual person, tangible, whereas you are spiritual, unseen. How do we breech these differences?
You satisfy my soul, not with wan crackers and weary brussel sprouts but with mocha cake and mashed potatos with gravy, all the foods I adore. You create glorious butterfly wings using brilliant hues and precise symmetry. Some may scoff and say, "What a waste, using such artistry on a briefly living thing," but you are not one to go halfway.  You could have made all the leaves of autumn mud-brown, but you chose to splash the hillsides with firey oranges, golden yellows and blushing reds so my soul would be sated by the richest of fare.  If I were the only human on earth, these colors you would yet create. There is humor in the funny white dog with the marbly eyes and yappy bark. There is majesty in the silky fur and languid eyes of the posing cat.  There is mystery is the heavenly bodies of the clear, ebony sky.  There is rest for my clinging soul in the absolutes of your world.
You are all I need. I love you.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Shadowy Valley

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me."
Psalm 23: 4

I have never seen a shepherd in action, but I imagine the rod and staff are used to beat off enemies or pull back wayward sheep from a hazard.  I picture the valley of the shadow of death as a dark, creepy place filled with frightening unknowns.  Maybe I would hear screams or smell rotting flesh; anything that would make my heart melt like wax, and I have to walk through there!  How can I bear it? Every fiber of my being resists going there and yet I must someday. But, see, by the time I get to that portal, I have already been led along far less dangerous terrains by my Shepherd.  He is a tried, true, trusted friend who is stronger and wiser than me.  He not only knows the way, he IS the way.  He has led me to restful green pastures before, so I know he cares for me: he's not going to leave me in the shadows.  When I get through it, to the other side, he has prepared a safe place for me in full view of all my enemies.  Then, he anoints my head with oil, as if I am royalty. My cup will overflow and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen. Let it be no other way.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Jesus Calms the Storm

Jesus' humanity and divinity are woven together in these verses:

"As they sailed, he fell asleep." - Luke 8:23

So peacefully he slept, the disciples had to wake him when a squall put them in such imminent danger, they were fearful of drowning.  We humans don't know how to live so fearlessly, but Jesus is God who created these elements that threatened them so. He's the Top of the Line, the Big Cheese, the King Pin; what does he have to fear?

"He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided and all was calm." - Luke 8:24

I would love to have witnessed that!  Imagine such forceful wind and crashing waves that seasoned fishermen are terrified, yet Jesus speaks and all is calm.

Jesus, speak for me. Speak during the storms of my life, for your word says I will not be given more than I can bear.  May I ever be yoked with you, my fearless defender, redeemer and omnipotent God, my closest friend.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Little is Much in His Hands

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."
Luke 9: 16&17

Imagine more than five thousand expectant people show up in your front yard for dinner and all you have are two fish and five loaves of bread! Yet, when this happened to Jesus, he lifted what he did have toward heaven and gave thanks for it; he is not worried about what he does NOT have. Miraculously, everyone was well sated with leftovers - one basket for each disciple - as a visual reminder that God provides in abundant ways.
Lord, whatever meager things I possess, remind me to lift them to you so that little will become much.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Employed by God

"Work hard so God can say to you, "Well done." Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work.  Know what his word says and means."
2 Timothy 2:15

Someday, God will examine my work. Will it be up to par? Like any employee, I must know how to do the job if I am to do it well.  Part of that is familiarizing myself with the handbook, knowing how to use the tools of the trade, getting along with my co-workers and becoming a positive representative of the company.  I must keep working even when The Boss is not looking!
By believing in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for me, I'm hired into The Company and there is much work to be done until The Boss returns. He has equipped me with the right tools (prayer, the Bible, love for others), now I just have to get busy!