"Christ was alive when the world began, yet I myself have seen him with my own eyes and listened to him speak. I have touched him with my own hands. He is God's message of life. The one who is life from God has been shown to us and we guarantee that we have seen him: I am speaking of Christ, who is eternal life."
1 John 1: 1&2
Have you ever met a celebrity and, if so, were you permitted to touch him with your own hands?
Imagine what an awesome, life-changing, original experience it was for the apostle John, to see, hear and touch God, who existed before all else. I was awestruck when President George Bush came to Kirtland, and I only got to see him from a distance if I squinted. Nonetheless, it was a dazzling, memorable experience for me. But this! Interacting with the Messiah on a daily basis?
As unbelievable as this is, a close relationship is available to all who believe on His name. I can say I have been touched by the Ultimate Celebrity!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
In God's House
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me...I will sing and make music to the Lord."
Psalm 27: 4-6
Initially, when I think of God's house, I think of being in church and the security I have always experienced there, next to my father's warm side. Nothing from the outside world could reach me there as the pure loveliness surrounded me: sunshine streamed through stained glass, flowers bedecked the altar, strains of music swayed from pensive to glorious tones, believers shook hands, all of one accord.
As I mature in life, I see that this safe dwelling is in my very soul, for that is where God lives! He protects me from spiritual enemies as his voice guides me internally. I don't have to go anywhere or wait until Sunday to see Him. I just have to breathe, be still and know God.
Thank you, blessed Jesus. Praises adorn you, my dearest King.
Psalm 27: 4-6
Initially, when I think of God's house, I think of being in church and the security I have always experienced there, next to my father's warm side. Nothing from the outside world could reach me there as the pure loveliness surrounded me: sunshine streamed through stained glass, flowers bedecked the altar, strains of music swayed from pensive to glorious tones, believers shook hands, all of one accord.
As I mature in life, I see that this safe dwelling is in my very soul, for that is where God lives! He protects me from spiritual enemies as his voice guides me internally. I don't have to go anywhere or wait until Sunday to see Him. I just have to breathe, be still and know God.
Thank you, blessed Jesus. Praises adorn you, my dearest King.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Yes, Jesus Loves Me
"Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us."
2 Timothy 2:13
This is a blessed promise on which to rest my tired soul. At times, I have been very weak, totally depleted and sapped of even being able to pray. Yes, I have believed Satan's lies and given up on God, but this verse proves that he never disowned me, but considers me part of himself. Like a broken arm that is still attached and will regain its use someday, I am still a part of the body of Christ, just a bit damaged.
This is a reminder for me to be yoked with Jesus who will shoulder the burden with me and always keep his promises.
2 Timothy 2:13
This is a blessed promise on which to rest my tired soul. At times, I have been very weak, totally depleted and sapped of even being able to pray. Yes, I have believed Satan's lies and given up on God, but this verse proves that he never disowned me, but considers me part of himself. Like a broken arm that is still attached and will regain its use someday, I am still a part of the body of Christ, just a bit damaged.
This is a reminder for me to be yoked with Jesus who will shoulder the burden with me and always keep his promises.
Friday, June 22, 2012
When Satan Attacks
"Be careful - watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings, too."
1 Peter 5: 8&9
Imagine standing firm when a hungry, roaring lion attacks! How scary! Yet, that is the kind of stalwart trust God deserves and requires because we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength. This verse doesn't say IF our enemy attacks, it says WHEN. It is a comfort to know Christians around the globe are met with these same challenges. We must stand firm, together, until the day we will receive the crown of life. Amen.
1 Peter 5: 8&9
Imagine standing firm when a hungry, roaring lion attacks! How scary! Yet, that is the kind of stalwart trust God deserves and requires because we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength. This verse doesn't say IF our enemy attacks, it says WHEN. It is a comfort to know Christians around the globe are met with these same challenges. We must stand firm, together, until the day we will receive the crown of life. Amen.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I'm In Good Hands
"Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."
1 Peter 5:7
What blessed assurance this is! An advertisement I saw would have me believe I am in good hands with Allstate, but as soon as my roof would get blown off, there would be a stipulation in fine print that would leave me in a lurch. There are so many things that concern me, that seem too large for my incapable hands. How awesome to know the Creator of all is "always thinking about me and watching everything that concerns me." I'm in good hands with God; what better insurance is there?
1 Peter 5:7
What blessed assurance this is! An advertisement I saw would have me believe I am in good hands with Allstate, but as soon as my roof would get blown off, there would be a stipulation in fine print that would leave me in a lurch. There are so many things that concern me, that seem too large for my incapable hands. How awesome to know the Creator of all is "always thinking about me and watching everything that concerns me." I'm in good hands with God; what better insurance is there?
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
This Jesus Peter Knew
"And now Christ is in heaven, sitting in the place of honor next to God the Father, with all the angels and powers of heaven bowing before him and obeying him."
1 Peter 3:22
Imagine what Peter felt as he penned this verse! The same Jesus who washed his feet, the very Jesus whom Peter denied three times, is enthroned with all the powers of heaven bowing at his pierced feet. How awesome for Peter to have known Jesus when he was a person, a man who walked, slept, ate, loved and laughed among them; then he also witnessed the horrors of the crucifixtion.
To love Jesus, one must also be ready to suffer with him, as Peter did. God, thank you for showing us the foibles of your apostle so I know there's hope for someone like me. May I love you thoroughly and feed your sheep.
1 Peter 3:22
Imagine what Peter felt as he penned this verse! The same Jesus who washed his feet, the very Jesus whom Peter denied three times, is enthroned with all the powers of heaven bowing at his pierced feet. How awesome for Peter to have known Jesus when he was a person, a man who walked, slept, ate, loved and laughed among them; then he also witnessed the horrors of the crucifixtion.
To love Jesus, one must also be ready to suffer with him, as Peter did. God, thank you for showing us the foibles of your apostle so I know there's hope for someone like me. May I love you thoroughly and feed your sheep.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Home Sweet Home
"You have been chosen by God himself, you are priests of the king, you are holy and pure, you are God's very own...You are only visitors here since your real home is in heaven. I beg you to keep away from the evil pleasures of this world; they are not for you, for they fight against your very souls."
1 Peter 2:9-14
If I am not a resident here, only passing through, and my real home does not boast of the "evil pleasures of this world", then it only makes sense to keep away from those things. They should feel as foreign to me as worshiping Buddha or eating Russian fare. This is why they fight against my very soul because they don't belong! It is akin to eating grass or wearing an astronaut's garb to the grocery store. They are not for me. I am a priest of the King. I am God's very own.
Lord, with the help of your Spirit who dwells within me, lead me home.
1 Peter 2:9-14
If I am not a resident here, only passing through, and my real home does not boast of the "evil pleasures of this world", then it only makes sense to keep away from those things. They should feel as foreign to me as worshiping Buddha or eating Russian fare. This is why they fight against my very soul because they don't belong! It is akin to eating grass or wearing an astronaut's garb to the grocery store. They are not for me. I am a priest of the King. I am God's very own.
Lord, with the help of your Spirit who dwells within me, lead me home.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Eternal Fame
"Yes, our natural lives will fade as grass does when it becomes all brown and dry. All our greatness is like a flower that droops and falls, but the word of the Lord lasts forever."
1 Peter 1: 24 & 25
"All our greatness" makes me think of great minds like Einstein or Edison, or great beauties such as Grace Kelly and Princess Diana, or even selfless philantropists like Mother Teresa. They undoubtedly left a larger mark on this world that I ever will, but their memories fade all the same. The lovely visage of the beauty nows rots in the grave. The wheels of Einstein's brain no longer spin. Each day's obituaries remind me of my own mortality.
What makes a person immortal? Fame, power or wealth? To the world, I am nobody special, but to God, I am holy and dearly loved, chosen to be immortal because I am clothed in the righteous robes of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a gift I gladly accept; let my life be a thank-you note to God.
1 Peter 1: 24 & 25
"All our greatness" makes me think of great minds like Einstein or Edison, or great beauties such as Grace Kelly and Princess Diana, or even selfless philantropists like Mother Teresa. They undoubtedly left a larger mark on this world that I ever will, but their memories fade all the same. The lovely visage of the beauty nows rots in the grave. The wheels of Einstein's brain no longer spin. Each day's obituaries remind me of my own mortality.
What makes a person immortal? Fame, power or wealth? To the world, I am nobody special, but to God, I am holy and dearly loved, chosen to be immortal because I am clothed in the righteous robes of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a gift I gladly accept; let my life be a thank-you note to God.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Loving Without Seeing
"You love him even though you've never seen him."
1 Peter 1: 8
I wonder how I can love someone I have never seen? Usually, people fall in love because the other is physically attractive, at least initially. But the love I have for Christ is possible because he first loved me, even when I was dead in my sins. He died for me and took all my punishment upon his innocent self; for by his stripes I am healed. What greater love is there?
Oh, Jesus, I don't have to see you to know you, to adore you. You are as close as my very thoughts and I declare you to be the lover of my soul. I implicitly trust you until we meet face to face.
1 Peter 1: 8
I wonder how I can love someone I have never seen? Usually, people fall in love because the other is physically attractive, at least initially. But the love I have for Christ is possible because he first loved me, even when I was dead in my sins. He died for me and took all my punishment upon his innocent self; for by his stripes I am healed. What greater love is there?
Oh, Jesus, I don't have to see you to know you, to adore you. You are as close as my very thoughts and I declare you to be the lover of my soul. I implicitly trust you until we meet face to face.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Like Waiting for Christmas
"And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it's kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay...it will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here."
1 Peter 1: 4-6
This, spoken by Peter, who ends up being crucified upside down, to early Christians who were driven out of their homes. These words of hope assure God's children that the story continues, getting better and better at the end.
The gift, kept out of reach of change and decay, reminds me of a special edition Barbie doll in the original box that's kept on the top shelf in a child's room. It is beautiful, but to have it now would decrease its value and mar its attractive state. God, in his wisdom, knows best. Verse five says God, in his mighty power, will make sure we get there safely to receive it. He knows we're trusting in him and he won't let us down!
1 Peter 1: 4-6
This, spoken by Peter, who ends up being crucified upside down, to early Christians who were driven out of their homes. These words of hope assure God's children that the story continues, getting better and better at the end.
The gift, kept out of reach of change and decay, reminds me of a special edition Barbie doll in the original box that's kept on the top shelf in a child's room. It is beautiful, but to have it now would decrease its value and mar its attractive state. God, in his wisdom, knows best. Verse five says God, in his mighty power, will make sure we get there safely to receive it. He knows we're trusting in him and he won't let us down!
Life is Fragile; Handle With Prayer
"How do you know what's going to happen tomorrow? For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog; now you see it, soon it's gone."
James 4:14
"Don't draw up a plan and then ask for God's signature. Find out what his plan is, then put your name on the list." - Corrie Ten Boom
These two quotations put into perspective God's pecking order, for who am I to think I can control or orchestrate anything? I cannot change one strand of hair to another color: I cannot speak and therefore create. When I die, few will remember me, and when those few are gone, no one will have known me. I don't even know if I'll live to the close of this day!
"If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."
Lord, I submit to your will. Where is your list that I may add my name to the bottom? Thank you for this reminder that it's not all about me, ever! May I live each day to the fullest until you take me home.
James 4:14
"Don't draw up a plan and then ask for God's signature. Find out what his plan is, then put your name on the list." - Corrie Ten Boom
These two quotations put into perspective God's pecking order, for who am I to think I can control or orchestrate anything? I cannot change one strand of hair to another color: I cannot speak and therefore create. When I die, few will remember me, and when those few are gone, no one will have known me. I don't even know if I'll live to the close of this day!
"If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."
Lord, I submit to your will. Where is your list that I may add my name to the bottom? Thank you for this reminder that it's not all about me, ever! May I live each day to the fullest until you take me home.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Take Action!
"If your aim is to enjoy the evil pleasures of the unsaved world, you cannot also be a friend of God...but he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings...so give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you."
James 4: 4, 6 & 7
God, it says here that you will give me more and more strength. That means that as the temptations increase, so will your provisions to resist them. You also promise to draw near to me when I draw near to you. Now, that's something I can control! I can choose to be near you through prayer and the reading of your love letters.
I praise you for the gift of your Spirit, which is as close as my own breath and thoughts.
James 4: 4, 6 & 7
God, it says here that you will give me more and more strength. That means that as the temptations increase, so will your provisions to resist them. You also promise to draw near to me when I draw near to you. Now, that's something I can control! I can choose to be near you through prayer and the reading of your love letters.
I praise you for the gift of your Spirit, which is as close as my own breath and thoughts.
Got Faith?
"Fool! When will you ever learn that believing is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith."
James 2:20
When reading this, I thought about folks who'll say they believe in God, yet they don't seem to produce any evidence. I fall woefully short in doing what God wants me to, but it's not enough just to confess this. I must desire to truly change from the inside out, to be generous, helpful, kind and merciful. For, even the demons believe there is a God; it's their deeds that negate their faith.
James 2:20
When reading this, I thought about folks who'll say they believe in God, yet they don't seem to produce any evidence. I fall woefully short in doing what God wants me to, but it's not enough just to confess this. I must desire to truly change from the inside out, to be generous, helpful, kind and merciful. For, even the demons believe there is a God; it's their deeds that negate their faith.
True Wealth is Not Measured by Dollars and Cents
"How can you claim that you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ if you show favoritism to rich people and look down on poor people? Judging a man by his wealth shows that you are guided by wrong motives...God has chosen poor people to be rich in faith and the kingdom of heaven is theirs."
James 2:1-9
Lord, I struggle with judging people. I want to honestly look upon their heart, but the tentacles of society often encroach upon my conscience, causing me to cast judgments based on sight. The truly wealthy haven't two dimes to rub together, but lay up for themselves heavenly treasures that don't lose interest or get repossessed.
Lord, teach me to examine my own heart and to peer into the souls of others with your sight before I jump to judgments and conclusions. Forgive my humaness.
I love and trust you, Lord Jesus.
James 2:1-9
Lord, I struggle with judging people. I want to honestly look upon their heart, but the tentacles of society often encroach upon my conscience, causing me to cast judgments based on sight. The truly wealthy haven't two dimes to rub together, but lay up for themselves heavenly treasures that don't lose interest or get repossessed.
Lord, teach me to examine my own heart and to peer into the souls of others with your sight before I jump to judgments and conclusions. Forgive my humaness.
I love and trust you, Lord Jesus.
The Key to Happiness
"Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterward, he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him."
James 1:12
It's important to keep my perspective when faced with a temptation: What is more valuable? This dangling carrot or the Crown of Life? What may entangle my choices is the fact that rewards or punishments are deferred, they aren't received right away so it seems as if nothing happens, it doesn't matter. The world would have me think, "It's okay, no one is getting hurt. Do what you want." But, it's not okay. This verse assures me the key to happiness is doing it God's way.
With the help of his Spirit, deep in my heart, this is my desire. Help me, Lord, to be great in your sight.
James 1:12
It's important to keep my perspective when faced with a temptation: What is more valuable? This dangling carrot or the Crown of Life? What may entangle my choices is the fact that rewards or punishments are deferred, they aren't received right away so it seems as if nothing happens, it doesn't matter. The world would have me think, "It's okay, no one is getting hurt. Do what you want." But, it's not okay. This verse assures me the key to happiness is doing it God's way.
With the help of his Spirit, deep in my heart, this is my desire. Help me, Lord, to be great in your sight.
"Patience is a Virtue" (or so my mother used to say)
"Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So, let it grow and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."
James 1:2-4
James hit the nail directly with his opening question. Since I would answer yes to this, I must then be patient and face my problems. How long will it take for my patience to reach "full bloom" status? And, what do I do in the meantime? Just keep taking everything on the chin?
I will lean on my comforter, the Holy Spirit, for direction. He is the one building strong character in me, thereby making me strong and complete. Lord, remind me that my enemy is not flesh and blood, rather it is the principalities of this dark world, so gird me for battle with the full armor of Christ, for I am a Christian Soldier.
James 1:2-4
James hit the nail directly with his opening question. Since I would answer yes to this, I must then be patient and face my problems. How long will it take for my patience to reach "full bloom" status? And, what do I do in the meantime? Just keep taking everything on the chin?
I will lean on my comforter, the Holy Spirit, for direction. He is the one building strong character in me, thereby making me strong and complete. Lord, remind me that my enemy is not flesh and blood, rather it is the principalities of this dark world, so gird me for battle with the full armor of Christ, for I am a Christian Soldier.
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