"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.
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