"The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under
me. '"
Matthew 8:8
Although this man wants something of Jesus (to heal his servant), he gives Him due respect, humbling himself before his creator. He recognizes the authority that Jesus has and compares it to his smallness. "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof..."
How many times have I rattled off requests without bothering to humble myself and exalt God first? The One to whom I pray is the Great I Am, the Ancient of Days, the Glorified One who sits upon heaven's throne amid saints and angels! All authority under heaven and earth emanate from Him! When I approach his mercy seat, I should "fall at his feet as though dead", like John did in Revelation 1:17.
Lord, forgive me, for you alone are the Almighty God. I do not deserve to have you.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Sweet Compassion
"You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."
Micah 7:19
When I flip back into the seedy pages of my personal history, I don't like to read the parts where I hurt someone, lied about something, said savage things or made a loved one cry. I'd rather dwell on the one paragraph where I helped at a soup kitchen or donated money to a charity. So, when I read the verse above, my heart is jubilant and I smile broadly knowing that all the ugliness is tied into a haversack and thrown away for good: sunken, forgotten, hurled into the fathomless depths!
As a Christian, I am called to be Christ-like. Do I extend this same measure of compassion to those who've hurt me? Until I forgive others, I am not forgiven. If I so love this erasure of my sins, why would I withhold it from my fellow humans?
"With the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:2
Micah 7:19
When I flip back into the seedy pages of my personal history, I don't like to read the parts where I hurt someone, lied about something, said savage things or made a loved one cry. I'd rather dwell on the one paragraph where I helped at a soup kitchen or donated money to a charity. So, when I read the verse above, my heart is jubilant and I smile broadly knowing that all the ugliness is tied into a haversack and thrown away for good: sunken, forgotten, hurled into the fathomless depths!
As a Christian, I am called to be Christ-like. Do I extend this same measure of compassion to those who've hurt me? Until I forgive others, I am not forgiven. If I so love this erasure of my sins, why would I withhold it from my fellow humans?
"With the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:2
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The Secret of Thankfulness
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!... I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4: 4, 12 & 13
This holiday seems to revolve around food and football instead of giving thanks to God. The early settlers had many losses after arriving on the Mayflower, yet they gathered together with thankful hearts. One of my ancestors, Richard Warren, was among those who was on that ship; I'd like to think he was bowing his head on that first Thanksgiving many years ago. We are to rejoice in the Lord always, whether we have feast or famine, simply because He is God.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (verse 19)
Dear God,
Every day should be Thanksgiving Day when hearts and hands are raised to you in appreciation. Forgive our greediness and selfish desires, forgive the Black Friday society in which we live where the Christmas ads begin after Halloween. The whole concept of buying more and more, shuffling along looking for deals, is such stupidity when, a year from now, most folks will not remember what they received. The peace of God they are searching for comes not from mountains of stuff but from prayer, faith and giving You due praise and thanks. You will guard our hearts and minds against all evil influence, including greed and gluttony. (See Philippians 4: 8 & 9)
The secret to being truly thankful in every situation is this: Think about whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Put all these thoughts into action and the God of peace will be with you. Hallelujah! Amen!
Philippians 4: 4, 12 & 13
This holiday seems to revolve around food and football instead of giving thanks to God. The early settlers had many losses after arriving on the Mayflower, yet they gathered together with thankful hearts. One of my ancestors, Richard Warren, was among those who was on that ship; I'd like to think he was bowing his head on that first Thanksgiving many years ago. We are to rejoice in the Lord always, whether we have feast or famine, simply because He is God.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (verse 19)
Dear God,
Every day should be Thanksgiving Day when hearts and hands are raised to you in appreciation. Forgive our greediness and selfish desires, forgive the Black Friday society in which we live where the Christmas ads begin after Halloween. The whole concept of buying more and more, shuffling along looking for deals, is such stupidity when, a year from now, most folks will not remember what they received. The peace of God they are searching for comes not from mountains of stuff but from prayer, faith and giving You due praise and thanks. You will guard our hearts and minds against all evil influence, including greed and gluttony. (See Philippians 4: 8 & 9)
The secret to being truly thankful in every situation is this: Think about whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Put all these thoughts into action and the God of peace will be with you. Hallelujah! Amen!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
One Day At A Time
"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34
It does my soul good for Jesus to recognize what it's like to live in this fallen world. It's not easy to live one day at a time, yet that is all I truly have. Yesterday's spent; tomorrow is not guaranteed. Strive as I may, I cannot add one hour to my life. Planning for the future is wise, but worrying about it is foolish!
Recently, I was most troubled by news of a co-worker who received a dim prognosis. His cancer is inoperable; my heart bleeds for him. But, he does have today. That is all any of us have, for we are all dying eventually. Today is a gift to be opened with a sense of wonder. What is inside?
Matthew 6:34
It does my soul good for Jesus to recognize what it's like to live in this fallen world. It's not easy to live one day at a time, yet that is all I truly have. Yesterday's spent; tomorrow is not guaranteed. Strive as I may, I cannot add one hour to my life. Planning for the future is wise, but worrying about it is foolish!
Recently, I was most troubled by news of a co-worker who received a dim prognosis. His cancer is inoperable; my heart bleeds for him. But, he does have today. That is all any of us have, for we are all dying eventually. Today is a gift to be opened with a sense of wonder. What is inside?
One of a Kind
"There is no one like you, O Lord, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears."
1 Chronicles 17:20
There are scores of people, but only one God. There are legions of angels, but not one of the spirit world is like God. Satan wishes he were like God, and he has deceived many, but he is not like God at all.
Only one. In this day of supply and demand, variety and choice, it's hard to imagine only one of anything. I may think I am unique but there are many right-handed, tall, brunette female Americans who love writing, reading and walking in the leaves. I'm so glad there's only one God who supplies all my needs and fulfills all my desires. There is no need for any other!
1 Chronicles 17:20
There are scores of people, but only one God. There are legions of angels, but not one of the spirit world is like God. Satan wishes he were like God, and he has deceived many, but he is not like God at all.
Only one. In this day of supply and demand, variety and choice, it's hard to imagine only one of anything. I may think I am unique but there are many right-handed, tall, brunette female Americans who love writing, reading and walking in the leaves. I'm so glad there's only one God who supplies all my needs and fulfills all my desires. There is no need for any other!
How Will I Answer?
"What will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?"
Job 31:13-15
What will I do when God confronts me about the people I have mistreated? What answer shall I give? With the same loving hands he used to create me, he also made the certain people who get under my skin. Lord, teach me how to view people through your eyes of love. The same promises of peace, joy and forgiveness are extended to them as well; they should be able to see you when they see me. They are your children and I am clearly in the wrong when I am rude and self-serving. I am sorry, Lord. Forgive me.
Job 31:13-15
What will I do when God confronts me about the people I have mistreated? What answer shall I give? With the same loving hands he used to create me, he also made the certain people who get under my skin. Lord, teach me how to view people through your eyes of love. The same promises of peace, joy and forgiveness are extended to them as well; they should be able to see you when they see me. They are your children and I am clearly in the wrong when I am rude and self-serving. I am sorry, Lord. Forgive me.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
The Gate in the Garden of Life
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Matthew 7: 13, 14
It's not always fun to go the other, unpopular way, especially when it seems like those on the broad road are having a gas. Carefree, high on life, they're all going the easy way. But Jesus says this way leads to destruction.
I imagine the narrow gate, off the beaten path, ensconced by vines in a shady arbor. Hard to find but so worth the effort, for when I swing the squeeky gate, I've entered the portal of life everlasting.
Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7) If you look for Him, you will find him when you seek with all your heart.
Matthew 7: 13, 14
It's not always fun to go the other, unpopular way, especially when it seems like those on the broad road are having a gas. Carefree, high on life, they're all going the easy way. But Jesus says this way leads to destruction.
I imagine the narrow gate, off the beaten path, ensconced by vines in a shady arbor. Hard to find but so worth the effort, for when I swing the squeeky gate, I've entered the portal of life everlasting.
Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7) If you look for Him, you will find him when you seek with all your heart.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Equal Opportunity Employer
"He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Matthew 5:45
God is an equal opportunity employer. His word says he "so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son" (John 3:16); it does not specify race or social status. Sometimes when I watch the birds, their impartiality amazes me. Their streamlined bodies grace the branches of the gnarly, dead tree as well as the boughs of beautiful blossoms. Squirrels ferret about in unkempt yards with the same zeal they use for trimmed ones. A cat may purr with content in the lap of a homeless beggar as well as those from fine society. They, like God, look upon the heart. So should I.
Matthew 5:45
God is an equal opportunity employer. His word says he "so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son" (John 3:16); it does not specify race or social status. Sometimes when I watch the birds, their impartiality amazes me. Their streamlined bodies grace the branches of the gnarly, dead tree as well as the boughs of beautiful blossoms. Squirrels ferret about in unkempt yards with the same zeal they use for trimmed ones. A cat may purr with content in the lap of a homeless beggar as well as those from fine society. They, like God, look upon the heart. So should I.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
High Expectations
"Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?'
'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except for a little oil.'
Elisha said, 'Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few...'"
2 Kings 4: 1-7
An impoverished widow came to the prophet, Elisha, for help. Her sons will be sold into slavery to pay her debts. Assessing her situation, he needed to know if she had anything to work with; she has a little oil. Not knowing what he had in mind, she took that leap of faith and began asking for jars. Empty jars! Lots of them. Maybe her neighbors thought she was nuts. She herself may have wondered what it was all about, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Elisha told her to pour her little bit of oil into those jars - and pour she did - until they were all full. She then sold the oil for a profit.
What if she had blown off Elisha's advice? What if she, being embarrassed, only asked for a few jars?
Lord, may this teach me to expect much when I use what I have been given. Also, may I be a generous neighbor to those in need
'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except for a little oil.'
Elisha said, 'Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few...'"
2 Kings 4: 1-7
An impoverished widow came to the prophet, Elisha, for help. Her sons will be sold into slavery to pay her debts. Assessing her situation, he needed to know if she had anything to work with; she has a little oil. Not knowing what he had in mind, she took that leap of faith and began asking for jars. Empty jars! Lots of them. Maybe her neighbors thought she was nuts. She herself may have wondered what it was all about, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Elisha told her to pour her little bit of oil into those jars - and pour she did - until they were all full. She then sold the oil for a profit.
What if she had blown off Elisha's advice? What if she, being embarrassed, only asked for a few jars?
Lord, may this teach me to expect much when I use what I have been given. Also, may I be a generous neighbor to those in need
Victory In Jesus
"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth."
Isaiah 25: 7, 8
The mountain was Calvary. The shroud silenced the voice of the Messiah. The sheet wrapped his wounded body as he lay in the dark tomb. As dawn rose on Resurrection Day, so did our Victor over death. He dried the tears of Mary in the garden and he turned the consternation of his disciples into cries of joy. The shame and disgrace of a criminal's crucifixtion was transfigured as the King of Kings swallowed up death forever!
Hallelujah, Lord Jesus! Amen!
Isaiah 25: 7, 8
The mountain was Calvary. The shroud silenced the voice of the Messiah. The sheet wrapped his wounded body as he lay in the dark tomb. As dawn rose on Resurrection Day, so did our Victor over death. He dried the tears of Mary in the garden and he turned the consternation of his disciples into cries of joy. The shame and disgrace of a criminal's crucifixtion was transfigured as the King of Kings swallowed up death forever!
Hallelujah, Lord Jesus! Amen!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Do You Have a Heart Condition?
"Rend your heart, and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."
Joel 2:13
Long ago, to demonstrate grief, people would tear their clothes. I love the visual metaphor of rending my heart, grieviously tearing it assunder for God to cleanse and repair. The heart is the source of good and evil. It's the womb for thought seeds. If my heart belongs to God, plants of worth and beauty will flourish there. But if Satan creeps under the gate like a persistant weed, slowly the goodness and loveliness are choked out by selfish thorns.
Lord, praises from my lips rise to you for you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love! May your spirit freely produce fruit in my heart's garden so that I may be just like you.
Joel 2:13
Long ago, to demonstrate grief, people would tear their clothes. I love the visual metaphor of rending my heart, grieviously tearing it assunder for God to cleanse and repair. The heart is the source of good and evil. It's the womb for thought seeds. If my heart belongs to God, plants of worth and beauty will flourish there. But if Satan creeps under the gate like a persistant weed, slowly the goodness and loveliness are choked out by selfish thorns.
Lord, praises from my lips rise to you for you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love! May your spirit freely produce fruit in my heart's garden so that I may be just like you.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
How Much Does This Cost?
"Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan, standing at the right side to accuse him...Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes.' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.'"
Zechariah 3: 1,3,4
Satan! Always standing around waiting to accuse me! I can imagine him smirking at me as I stand before the Lord, head bowed, in my dirty garments of sin, all the mucky stuff he coerced me to do. But, wait! The accusations are correct! I did do that awful thing! I did say that about someone! It's all true. How can I get out of these offensive clothes? Wait...what's this I see? The angel is bringing out a richly ornamented robe and, just as Cinderella trades her sooty housedress for the glittering ballgown of blue, so I am dressed in this magnificent garb! How can this be? I've no money. How much does this cost?
John 19:23 says: "When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom." Jesus gave up his garments for me. Naked, he hung on a rough hewn cross, bleeding and dying, forgiving me with each ragged breath, so I may be robed in HIS righteousness. The King of Creation became sin for me so that I may become "the righteousness of God."(2 Corinthians 5:21) When I wear my cross necklace, I remember what his nakedness represents for me.
Zechariah 3: 1,3,4
Satan! Always standing around waiting to accuse me! I can imagine him smirking at me as I stand before the Lord, head bowed, in my dirty garments of sin, all the mucky stuff he coerced me to do. But, wait! The accusations are correct! I did do that awful thing! I did say that about someone! It's all true. How can I get out of these offensive clothes? Wait...what's this I see? The angel is bringing out a richly ornamented robe and, just as Cinderella trades her sooty housedress for the glittering ballgown of blue, so I am dressed in this magnificent garb! How can this be? I've no money. How much does this cost?
John 19:23 says: "When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom." Jesus gave up his garments for me. Naked, he hung on a rough hewn cross, bleeding and dying, forgiving me with each ragged breath, so I may be robed in HIS righteousness. The King of Creation became sin for me so that I may become "the righteousness of God."(2 Corinthians 5:21) When I wear my cross necklace, I remember what his nakedness represents for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)