A preacher from another generation, Samuel Shoemaker, is quoted, “Almost everyone has a problem, is a problem, or lives with a problem.” This explains why there is a big market in problem-solving books. Do you have a problem? Is it big? Little? The Bible
says, “Cast all your problems on the Lord because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Are you a problem? Are you what is making someone else’s day difficult? You should pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139: 23-24)
Do you live with a problem? Start memorizing right now 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Why do I keep quoting the Bible? Because it is the best book for solving problems. It covers every area. It can show you how to take lemons and make lemonade. You can learn that a new spelling for “crisis” is “opportunity”.
We discover that God is the great problem solver. On every page He unties impossible knots. Often, He will show you that when you look from His perspective that what you thought was a problem was not problem at all but simply a wrong perspective.
David said, “I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:4)
Realistically, this world is full of problems. You can’t avoid them. But you can conquer them in the strength of Christ.
“O God, on every hand there are things that confuse and befuddle us.
Give us the wisdom now to seek out Your truth. Amen”
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
May 31: YOUR WORD? GOD'S WORD?
If you don’t think God has a confrontational style, don’t read the following words from Jeremiah 44:28 (NIV) “those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand: mine or theirs?” There is a classic confrontation between God and man. What will you do about the Word of God? Where is your foundation, on your word or on God’s Word?
The Israelites of Prophet Jeremiah’s time made a terrible mistake and it cost them dearly. They listened to their own words. Their own words were more pleasing to their hearing. They only listened to their own opinions. They should have known God’s word was true and unchanging.
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) has God speaking “so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Children should listen to what their parents say unless the parents are speaking contrary to the Word of God. Youth should listen to what their teachers are saying unless the teachers are speaking contrary to the Word of God. People should listen to their advisers unless their advisers are speaking contrary to the Word of God.
Many people are on a path of self-destruction by quoting as their source of truth someone who is not the source. Jesus said “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 23:35 NIV)
Jesus’ words have stood the test of time. When you need advice, guidance, or direction, go to the Bible. If you don’t know where to look, ask a friend to show you a pertinent passage. Read it for yourself. Ask God to make it clear to you. His Word will stand every test.
“Father, there is so much reading material and so many books being
published; they all can’t be truth. I ask for discernment from You. Amen”
The Israelites of Prophet Jeremiah’s time made a terrible mistake and it cost them dearly. They listened to their own words. Their own words were more pleasing to their hearing. They only listened to their own opinions. They should have known God’s word was true and unchanging.
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) has God speaking “so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Children should listen to what their parents say unless the parents are speaking contrary to the Word of God. Youth should listen to what their teachers are saying unless the teachers are speaking contrary to the Word of God. People should listen to their advisers unless their advisers are speaking contrary to the Word of God.
Many people are on a path of self-destruction by quoting as their source of truth someone who is not the source. Jesus said “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 23:35 NIV)
Jesus’ words have stood the test of time. When you need advice, guidance, or direction, go to the Bible. If you don’t know where to look, ask a friend to show you a pertinent passage. Read it for yourself. Ask God to make it clear to you. His Word will stand every test.
“Father, there is so much reading material and so many books being
published; they all can’t be truth. I ask for discernment from You. Amen”
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
May 30: OUR SOURCE OF NOURISHMENT
If you have read the Bible much, you know that God often refers to His people as sheep. In Jeremiah 50 (NIV) the Prophet is lamenting the way that people have gone away from God. They have strayed like sheep but someday, he prophesies, tearfully they will seek the Lord. They are guilty of many sins and forms of rebellion, one in particular is described in verse 7, “they sinned against the Lord, their true pasture.” What a descriptive thought! Our true pasture! Our true source of refreshment and strength!
The one and only source of nourishment for God’s sheep is his word. But people will read books about the Bible and not the Bible. Some will listen to radio and television preachers of whom they know nothing rather than a local Pastor whose credentials can be checked. This can lead to confusion or spiritual darkness.
Our Lord and His word alone are our true pastures. 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV) urges “like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” I do not believe in worshipping the Bible (called Bibliolatry) but I do believe in feeding on it for spiritual vitality. This proliferation of cults and sects is the result of people missing their “true pasture”.
Hear again Jeremiah 2:14 (NIV) “my people have committed two sins, they have forsaken me the spring of living water and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
Be careful. Even churches can ignore true pastures. “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine; instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3 NIV)
How is your pasture? Who is your pasture?
“O Father, through Your Spirit, create within us a genuine hunger for
Your word so we can grow in spiritual strength. Thank You! Amen”
The one and only source of nourishment for God’s sheep is his word. But people will read books about the Bible and not the Bible. Some will listen to radio and television preachers of whom they know nothing rather than a local Pastor whose credentials can be checked. This can lead to confusion or spiritual darkness.
Our Lord and His word alone are our true pastures. 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV) urges “like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” I do not believe in worshipping the Bible (called Bibliolatry) but I do believe in feeding on it for spiritual vitality. This proliferation of cults and sects is the result of people missing their “true pasture”.
Hear again Jeremiah 2:14 (NIV) “my people have committed two sins, they have forsaken me the spring of living water and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
Be careful. Even churches can ignore true pastures. “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine; instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3 NIV)
How is your pasture? Who is your pasture?
“O Father, through Your Spirit, create within us a genuine hunger for
Your word so we can grow in spiritual strength. Thank You! Amen”
Monday, May 28, 2007
May 29: TRUTH MATTERS
While channel surfing I came across the final episode of a popular “reality’ show. One million dollars was the prize for the winner. It seems that by lying, conniving and scheming, one contestant was eliminated each week. As the program unfolded one of the finalist broke a vow that had been made publicly.
When others expressed shock and disappointment at his action, his defense was “It’s just a game.” Yes, it was just a game but one worth $1 million. He said that if this was “real life” he would have kept his word and set a good example for his son. “Situational ethics’ has borne sad fruit! Seemingly, the price tag on moral values is $1 million. Honor sold to the highest bidder! “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
House builders cover up shoddy workmanship with extra paint. Politicians say what paying supporters want to hear to get elected. Loans are made to favored customers with a wink and an envelope of kickback. “It’s just a game,” they all say. Everybody does it! We all play! That’s what makes “reality shows” popular. Art imitates life!
I object! The moral standard is not for sale. It is not a game. God’s standard does not change. “The truth will make you free”, Jesus said in John 8:32.
Children and adults are brainwashed to think that cutting corners, compromising facts and shaving points is profitable and they want to try it because “it is just a game.”
There are some non-negotiables; this is one: “do not lie” (Leviticus 19:11) or ‘do not lie to each other.” (Colossians 3:9)
God’s children don’t have the luxury of a “pick and choose” morality. It’s all or nothing. Speak the truth in love, all the time, and keep your word. Truth and trust are not “for sale” at any time.
“Thank You, God, for always keeping your promises to us. Help us to learn
from You and be like You. Amen”
When others expressed shock and disappointment at his action, his defense was “It’s just a game.” Yes, it was just a game but one worth $1 million. He said that if this was “real life” he would have kept his word and set a good example for his son. “Situational ethics’ has borne sad fruit! Seemingly, the price tag on moral values is $1 million. Honor sold to the highest bidder! “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
House builders cover up shoddy workmanship with extra paint. Politicians say what paying supporters want to hear to get elected. Loans are made to favored customers with a wink and an envelope of kickback. “It’s just a game,” they all say. Everybody does it! We all play! That’s what makes “reality shows” popular. Art imitates life!
I object! The moral standard is not for sale. It is not a game. God’s standard does not change. “The truth will make you free”, Jesus said in John 8:32.
Children and adults are brainwashed to think that cutting corners, compromising facts and shaving points is profitable and they want to try it because “it is just a game.”
There are some non-negotiables; this is one: “do not lie” (Leviticus 19:11) or ‘do not lie to each other.” (Colossians 3:9)
God’s children don’t have the luxury of a “pick and choose” morality. It’s all or nothing. Speak the truth in love, all the time, and keep your word. Truth and trust are not “for sale” at any time.
“Thank You, God, for always keeping your promises to us. Help us to learn
from You and be like You. Amen”
Sunday, May 27, 2007
May 28: WEEDING OUR GREED GARDEN
Today is a good day to check your personal garden to see if you have greed growing there. If so, you had better pull it out by the roots now. It grows so fast, it can soon consume your life and even some of your best friends and admirers will be amazed at what has happened to you.
Just recently, it was announced that a very famous and very, very rich basketball star had bought $9,000 worth of tickets in the Lottery. He explained that it would surely win the “big pot” for him. Such is the face of greed. It is always hungry. It never has enough, nor can it be satisfied. Jesus warned us in Luke 12:15 (NIV) “Watch out! Be on your guard against greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Stories appear from time to time of corporate executives who retire with “golden parachutes” worth millions harassing the government if their Social Security checks don’t arrive on time. The wisdom of Proverbs 15:27 (NIV) warns “a greedy man brings trouble to his family.” His greed, that keeps him edgy and irritable, has a trickle down effect on his family. Some say this is the current understanding of the “American Dream”.
Accumulating as much material wealth as you can was only a small part originally of the “American dream”, it had to do with political and religious freedom. The struggle between the spiritual and the material will always exist until we can find contentment within ourselves through peace with God.
The temptation to materialism you cannot avoid, it is a part of our culture. We are raised to “get ahead”, which means, have more “stuff” than your parents. Yielding to this kind of reasoning is sin.
Like I suggested, check your garden. “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 39:23 NIV)
“Why is it, O God, that the more we get in this world the more we want
stuff that this world has to offer? Sensitize us that stuff can’t bless us. Amen”
Just recently, it was announced that a very famous and very, very rich basketball star had bought $9,000 worth of tickets in the Lottery. He explained that it would surely win the “big pot” for him. Such is the face of greed. It is always hungry. It never has enough, nor can it be satisfied. Jesus warned us in Luke 12:15 (NIV) “Watch out! Be on your guard against greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Stories appear from time to time of corporate executives who retire with “golden parachutes” worth millions harassing the government if their Social Security checks don’t arrive on time. The wisdom of Proverbs 15:27 (NIV) warns “a greedy man brings trouble to his family.” His greed, that keeps him edgy and irritable, has a trickle down effect on his family. Some say this is the current understanding of the “American Dream”.
Accumulating as much material wealth as you can was only a small part originally of the “American dream”, it had to do with political and religious freedom. The struggle between the spiritual and the material will always exist until we can find contentment within ourselves through peace with God.
The temptation to materialism you cannot avoid, it is a part of our culture. We are raised to “get ahead”, which means, have more “stuff” than your parents. Yielding to this kind of reasoning is sin.
Like I suggested, check your garden. “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 39:23 NIV)
“Why is it, O God, that the more we get in this world the more we want
stuff that this world has to offer? Sensitize us that stuff can’t bless us. Amen”
Saturday, May 26, 2007
May 27: GIVE IT TO THE LORD
It was such a simple transaction. No fuss, bother, arguing, debating, or bargaining. But it’s always that simple when you are dealing with men or women of faith and their devotion to their Lord. I am pondering the time when Jesus needed to borrow a donkey to make His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He sent two of His friends to the city to get a donkey and the only explanation necessary to get the animal from the owner was the explanation: “The Lord needs it!” So, they got the donkey. Sure enough, the owner asks “why?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” (Luke 19:34) No problem.
If you have faith in the Lord and you trust the Lord to always treat you right, you can easily put anything at His disposal. So many people are miserly hoarding their time, money, love, strength, knowledge from the Lord and the needy. Churches would always have sufficient money, teachers, facilities if people were not so miserly. We have all been blessed.
The Lord has never abused or hurt or stolen from anyone, (Religious organizations sometimes do.) He can be trusted. If He needs in another use what He is presently letting you use, give it up for His “need”. Remember the challenge of Jesus in Luke 6:38 (NIV) “Give, and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” You can’t outgive God in any area.
The principle “the Lord needs it” could give us a new insight into property ownership and management. It could free us from selfishness and stop us from grasping. We are to love people and use things but some have reversed this pattern. A sense of stewardship with God could help us. Viewing ourselves as caretakers would allow us to say “yes” when the Lord needs something.
“Obviously, Lord, we need to learn to trust You better so we can share our
stuff with You so You can spread the blessings of Your Kingdom. Amen”
If you have faith in the Lord and you trust the Lord to always treat you right, you can easily put anything at His disposal. So many people are miserly hoarding their time, money, love, strength, knowledge from the Lord and the needy. Churches would always have sufficient money, teachers, facilities if people were not so miserly. We have all been blessed.
The Lord has never abused or hurt or stolen from anyone, (Religious organizations sometimes do.) He can be trusted. If He needs in another use what He is presently letting you use, give it up for His “need”. Remember the challenge of Jesus in Luke 6:38 (NIV) “Give, and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” You can’t outgive God in any area.
The principle “the Lord needs it” could give us a new insight into property ownership and management. It could free us from selfishness and stop us from grasping. We are to love people and use things but some have reversed this pattern. A sense of stewardship with God could help us. Viewing ourselves as caretakers would allow us to say “yes” when the Lord needs something.
“Obviously, Lord, we need to learn to trust You better so we can share our
stuff with You so You can spread the blessings of Your Kingdom. Amen”
Friday, May 25, 2007
May 26: HOPE FOR THE HELPLESS
What a terrible thought! Man is helpless. Men and women of this generation are so arrogant. Strutting about on the stage of life, bragging about accomplishments, giving each other prizes and awards for great acts. Pretending to be gods, only exposing their vulnerability. The Bible says something about men “thinking themselves to be wise” (Romans 12:2 KJV) while making fools of themselves.
The world is in a dither because of El Nino and La Nina. The extremities of weather cannot be controlled. Floods and earthquakes devastate, tornados destroy all in their path. Fires run uncontrolled and people pray for rain to stop them.
I smile when I read about “earthquake proof” buildings or bridges. When these natural calamities occur, the evening news is cluttered with opinions by “experts”, who don’t have a clue as to how man can protect himself from the elements.
If the calamity lasts long enough, people who don’t usually frequent a church house will show up with the regulars to plead for Divine help. When the problem is resolved, they return to their foolishness. (I remember one such “atheist” who came to my church to pray for her son fighting in the desert only to stop when he got home safely.)
The human race hates to admit helplessness. We think we can fix our lives the way we fix a broken lawn mower, but we are helpless. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) says “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement.” Man is helpless to avoid that judgement.
Fortunately, God saw that helpless situation and did something for us. For those ‘without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12 NIV) and far away from God an answer was provided for hopelessness. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Be wise. Admit your helplessness. Accept the only help that really works.
“Help of the helpless, abide with me in my desperate situation until
I run into your arms of love and freedom. Amen”
The world is in a dither because of El Nino and La Nina. The extremities of weather cannot be controlled. Floods and earthquakes devastate, tornados destroy all in their path. Fires run uncontrolled and people pray for rain to stop them.
I smile when I read about “earthquake proof” buildings or bridges. When these natural calamities occur, the evening news is cluttered with opinions by “experts”, who don’t have a clue as to how man can protect himself from the elements.
If the calamity lasts long enough, people who don’t usually frequent a church house will show up with the regulars to plead for Divine help. When the problem is resolved, they return to their foolishness. (I remember one such “atheist” who came to my church to pray for her son fighting in the desert only to stop when he got home safely.)
The human race hates to admit helplessness. We think we can fix our lives the way we fix a broken lawn mower, but we are helpless. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) says “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement.” Man is helpless to avoid that judgement.
Fortunately, God saw that helpless situation and did something for us. For those ‘without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12 NIV) and far away from God an answer was provided for hopelessness. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Be wise. Admit your helplessness. Accept the only help that really works.
“Help of the helpless, abide with me in my desperate situation until
I run into your arms of love and freedom. Amen”
Thursday, May 24, 2007
May 25: THE LORD OUR JOY
What’s the reading on your “joy meter” today? Is this a terrible day for you? Is everything going wrong? Is there anyway to escape days when everything goes wrong and you feel you have lost your joy? Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) gives this instruction, “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
So, if you don’t like the day you are having, exchange it. This day is special to the Lord. Why? Because He has purposed to do special things for His children today. Sacred means set aside for divine use. If grief is overtaking you, ask God what He wants to show you. When you see that, you can experience His joy today.
God is a God of joy. He wants you to have His joy. The temporary happiness or merriment of the world is too short-lived for God, that’s why He wants you to experience His lasting, never-fading joy.
Joy is that calm sense of assurance and security that comes when you know that your God is sufficient for every situation and you have trusted Him with all of your life. Note again that it is the joy of the Lord that is your strength. Understanding heavenly joy and receiving it from God can strengthen your weary bones.
Note Heavenly joy in Luke 15:7 (NIV) “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” The joy of the Lord has to do with perspective; what is really important.
Years ago someone told me, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, and I have tried to follow that advice. Life is filled with minor irritations and major tragedies enough to rob us of all our joy. Don’t let it happen to you. Don’t let anyone or anything ever steal your joy.
“Thank You, God, that You are more interested in our having lasting
joy than temporary happiness. Eternal Joy is our hope. Amen”
So, if you don’t like the day you are having, exchange it. This day is special to the Lord. Why? Because He has purposed to do special things for His children today. Sacred means set aside for divine use. If grief is overtaking you, ask God what He wants to show you. When you see that, you can experience His joy today.
God is a God of joy. He wants you to have His joy. The temporary happiness or merriment of the world is too short-lived for God, that’s why He wants you to experience His lasting, never-fading joy.
Joy is that calm sense of assurance and security that comes when you know that your God is sufficient for every situation and you have trusted Him with all of your life. Note again that it is the joy of the Lord that is your strength. Understanding heavenly joy and receiving it from God can strengthen your weary bones.
Note Heavenly joy in Luke 15:7 (NIV) “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” The joy of the Lord has to do with perspective; what is really important.
Years ago someone told me, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, and I have tried to follow that advice. Life is filled with minor irritations and major tragedies enough to rob us of all our joy. Don’t let it happen to you. Don’t let anyone or anything ever steal your joy.
“Thank You, God, that You are more interested in our having lasting
joy than temporary happiness. Eternal Joy is our hope. Amen”
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
May 24: UNDERSTANDING THE TERROR OF WAR
Only a few Americans understand the horrors of war. Those among us who are veterans of the different combats know but they can’t really explain it. This country has been so blessed that all we know of war is a “second-hand” adrenaline rush from movies about World War II or Vietnam or the Evening News with live shots from Baghdad.
Most of us can’t imagine what it would be like to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of bombs exploding. The sound of missiles, rockets, screams and crying are the sounds of war. Most of us have been spared that first-hand horror.
Now our friends and family members are being sent to fight a terrible war. We must pray for the leaders of the warring countries to work hard for a peaceful resolution. We must pray for the President of our country to be especially sensitive to the voice of God. We must pray for families that are being divided by war. We must pray for children who fear for their parents in war. We must recognize that this is ultimately a spiritual battle between God and the Evil One being fought out on the earth and that only right spiritual truth can ultimately triumph.
As Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
The idea of racial or ethnic “cleansing” (one group totally destroying another group) are ideas straight out of Hell and must be defeated again and again. The idea of any group claiming that God is only on their side is a terrible lie. Every time man begins to boast of his great accomplishments and how great “humanity” is without the restraints of God and the Bible, a war like this breaks out to show that the heart of man is “desperately wicked” and until man surrenders to the Prince of Peace, we will continue to fight wars.
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, has never directed any of His followers to attack another human being.
“O Prince of Peace, move upon Your children in this generation to rise
to be peace-makers and not war-makers. Only You can do this. Amen”
Most of us can’t imagine what it would be like to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of bombs exploding. The sound of missiles, rockets, screams and crying are the sounds of war. Most of us have been spared that first-hand horror.
Now our friends and family members are being sent to fight a terrible war. We must pray for the leaders of the warring countries to work hard for a peaceful resolution. We must pray for the President of our country to be especially sensitive to the voice of God. We must pray for families that are being divided by war. We must pray for children who fear for their parents in war. We must recognize that this is ultimately a spiritual battle between God and the Evil One being fought out on the earth and that only right spiritual truth can ultimately triumph.
As Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
The idea of racial or ethnic “cleansing” (one group totally destroying another group) are ideas straight out of Hell and must be defeated again and again. The idea of any group claiming that God is only on their side is a terrible lie. Every time man begins to boast of his great accomplishments and how great “humanity” is without the restraints of God and the Bible, a war like this breaks out to show that the heart of man is “desperately wicked” and until man surrenders to the Prince of Peace, we will continue to fight wars.
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, has never directed any of His followers to attack another human being.
“O Prince of Peace, move upon Your children in this generation to rise
to be peace-makers and not war-makers. Only You can do this. Amen”
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
May 23: STRENGTH SUFFICIENT
I feel like saying to you “hurry and read this, you are going to need this,” some of you in the next few hours, some in the next few days. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Thanks for reading so far! Now I know that you know the basic spiritual answer for every bad time coming to you. Imagine being a parent in the high school shooting tragedy. Imagine being the spouse of a Prisoner of War. Imagine the worst possible case scenario. Hear yourself saying, “I am glad nothing like that has ever happened to me. I couldn’t stand it.” Typical response! But, for the person of faith, you are not enslaved to give the typical answer.
In the context of the Bible verse Paul is talking about being tormented by a strong personal problem. He doesn’t think he can stand it. He is at the end of his rope. He has no place to turn. In his moment of greatest desperation, Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you. You will get through this. You are not defeated. In spite of everything, you will endure this.” This is the message of Jesus to His children.
I read the paper daily. There is page after page of personal tragedy, family brokenness, and community pressures. I try to imagine the number of people affected and how deeply by these events. Then I wonder how many of the hurting people know that God’s grace is available. How many will stumble on alone? How many will turn to drugs, prescription or street corner type to numb their pain?
God’s power is perfect for your weakness. Test His grace!
“Lord, I know I am weak. I know that I can’t make it on my own. I
don’t want a crutch. I want your power. Please! Amen”
Thanks for reading so far! Now I know that you know the basic spiritual answer for every bad time coming to you. Imagine being a parent in the high school shooting tragedy. Imagine being the spouse of a Prisoner of War. Imagine the worst possible case scenario. Hear yourself saying, “I am glad nothing like that has ever happened to me. I couldn’t stand it.” Typical response! But, for the person of faith, you are not enslaved to give the typical answer.
In the context of the Bible verse Paul is talking about being tormented by a strong personal problem. He doesn’t think he can stand it. He is at the end of his rope. He has no place to turn. In his moment of greatest desperation, Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you. You will get through this. You are not defeated. In spite of everything, you will endure this.” This is the message of Jesus to His children.
I read the paper daily. There is page after page of personal tragedy, family brokenness, and community pressures. I try to imagine the number of people affected and how deeply by these events. Then I wonder how many of the hurting people know that God’s grace is available. How many will stumble on alone? How many will turn to drugs, prescription or street corner type to numb their pain?
God’s power is perfect for your weakness. Test His grace!
“Lord, I know I am weak. I know that I can’t make it on my own. I
don’t want a crutch. I want your power. Please! Amen”
Monday, May 21, 2007
May 22: ACTIVE PARENTING
I heard this phrase on the radio while listening to a broadcast about family life: “active parenting”. I pictured this as parents who actively got involved with their children in their development. For example, passive parenting would be sending the child to the television to be entertained rather than spending time constructively in learning. The older generation said “children should be seen and not heard.” Both of the aforementioned groups sought non-involvement.
The problem with this approach is that when the parent wants to get involved, it will require a lot of yelling. Active parenting can expect “first time obedience”, that is, the child obeys the first time the direction is given and the parent doesn’t end up shouting “I have told you a dozen times”.
First time obedience will be enthusiastic obedience because of the bond that exists between the child and the parents that are actively involved in his life. Absentee parents give up a lot when they are not active with the children. Active parenting is good in teaching the child discipline by disciplining the child. It is good to know that the “rod of discipline” of Proverbs 13:24 is the very same rod of Psalms 23:4 that comforts and protects from evil.
Active parenting may be the tool in God’s hand that He uses to “train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). This will demand active parenting. Some parents seem to resent the infringement on their time that child rearing demands but that is part of the task.
It is sad to see the results of children passively raised by videos and video games and overcrowded day care centers. So many unwanted children would have been healthier had they been adopted at birth by active parents. Parenting is a special thing. We can never stress this too much.
“Thank You, God, for the privilege of raising children for you; what a
wonderful trust that we must not fail. Bless our children. Amen”
The problem with this approach is that when the parent wants to get involved, it will require a lot of yelling. Active parenting can expect “first time obedience”, that is, the child obeys the first time the direction is given and the parent doesn’t end up shouting “I have told you a dozen times”.
First time obedience will be enthusiastic obedience because of the bond that exists between the child and the parents that are actively involved in his life. Absentee parents give up a lot when they are not active with the children. Active parenting is good in teaching the child discipline by disciplining the child. It is good to know that the “rod of discipline” of Proverbs 13:24 is the very same rod of Psalms 23:4 that comforts and protects from evil.
Active parenting may be the tool in God’s hand that He uses to “train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). This will demand active parenting. Some parents seem to resent the infringement on their time that child rearing demands but that is part of the task.
It is sad to see the results of children passively raised by videos and video games and overcrowded day care centers. So many unwanted children would have been healthier had they been adopted at birth by active parents. Parenting is a special thing. We can never stress this too much.
“Thank You, God, for the privilege of raising children for you; what a
wonderful trust that we must not fail. Bless our children. Amen”
Sunday, May 20, 2007
May 21: THE GOD WHO SUBTRACTS
So many of our prayers are “prayers of petition”, that is they sound like a “shopping list”. We seem to never get enough “things”. It dawned on me that I am very glad for the things that God has subtracted from my life. I agree with the Prophet Isaiah in his recounting of what God has subtracted or taken away from His children.
“Surely He took our infirmities and carried our sorrows. The Lord has laid on Him the iniquities of us all. For He bore the sins of many.” (Isaiah 53:4-6,12) He paid the price I could not pay for my guilt, He took my penalty. Wow!
This view of God as one who subtracts begins in Genesis 4:13 when Cain is dealing with the guilt and rejection he feels after he murders Abel. He prays: “Lord, my punishment is more than I can bear.” God forgives him and subtracts the guilt.
Remember how Job observed “the Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21) We hear Jesus praying in Gethsemane: “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup from me.” (Matthew 26:39) David was happy to report in Psalm 103:12: “as far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Paul rejoices in God’s covenant with us “when He takes away our sin.” (Romans 11:27)
This Subtracting God’s work is described in Hebrews 9:28 as “taking away the sins of many people” through the work of Jesus. Here is an offer: Any physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain you have God wants to take away from you because He loves you.
In a final projection for believers, the Revelation 7:17 says “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Hebrews 4:15-16 says God is “touchable” and that we should approach Him with confidence. God adds to our joy by subtracting our sins.
“God, You challenge us to place our every burden on You for You want
to give us relief. Help us today to accept the challenge. Amen”
“Surely He took our infirmities and carried our sorrows. The Lord has laid on Him the iniquities of us all. For He bore the sins of many.” (Isaiah 53:4-6,12) He paid the price I could not pay for my guilt, He took my penalty. Wow!
This view of God as one who subtracts begins in Genesis 4:13 when Cain is dealing with the guilt and rejection he feels after he murders Abel. He prays: “Lord, my punishment is more than I can bear.” God forgives him and subtracts the guilt.
Remember how Job observed “the Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21) We hear Jesus praying in Gethsemane: “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup from me.” (Matthew 26:39) David was happy to report in Psalm 103:12: “as far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Paul rejoices in God’s covenant with us “when He takes away our sin.” (Romans 11:27)
This Subtracting God’s work is described in Hebrews 9:28 as “taking away the sins of many people” through the work of Jesus. Here is an offer: Any physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain you have God wants to take away from you because He loves you.
In a final projection for believers, the Revelation 7:17 says “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Hebrews 4:15-16 says God is “touchable” and that we should approach Him with confidence. God adds to our joy by subtracting our sins.
“God, You challenge us to place our every burden on You for You want
to give us relief. Help us today to accept the challenge. Amen”
Saturday, May 19, 2007
May 20: GOD'S UMBRELLA
In one of Jesus’ last sayings from the cross, He uttered, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 NIV) What agony! Many Christians read that and say “I know just how Jesus felt, I feel the same way. I can identify with His suffering on the cross.”
Christian: No one can identify with that. Don’t have a pity party in hard times and try to equate it with Jesus dying alone on the cross. There was one other dying on Calvary’s hill that day that understood. The thief who rejected Jesus felt the same way. No Christian can ever feel that way. We must realize that and thank God for the truth. Jesus has already said to His adopted children, “I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)
God has gone on record to tell you, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) God is true to His word and will never forsake his children. Period! Exclamation Point!
Don’t insult your Savior, Lost people can’t help feeling forsaken. The Prophet Isaiah declared “Your iniquities (intentional rebellion) have separated you from God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2 NIV)
I’m not saying you can’t suffer from physically caused depression, if that is your situation. I am saying that you cannot charge your God with giving up on you. Are you suffering from a guilty conscience? If so, confess the sin and go on living for God. The Bible says our hearts are resting in God and we must remember that whenever our hearts or guilty conscience attacks us: “For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.”. (1 John 3:20 NIV)
Your emotions may change with the weather but God’s umbrella over His children is always up.
“Sometimes, Father, we don’t live up to what we know from the
Bible. Thank You for the permanence of your love and mercy. Amen”
Christian: No one can identify with that. Don’t have a pity party in hard times and try to equate it with Jesus dying alone on the cross. There was one other dying on Calvary’s hill that day that understood. The thief who rejected Jesus felt the same way. No Christian can ever feel that way. We must realize that and thank God for the truth. Jesus has already said to His adopted children, “I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)
God has gone on record to tell you, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) God is true to His word and will never forsake his children. Period! Exclamation Point!
Don’t insult your Savior, Lost people can’t help feeling forsaken. The Prophet Isaiah declared “Your iniquities (intentional rebellion) have separated you from God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2 NIV)
I’m not saying you can’t suffer from physically caused depression, if that is your situation. I am saying that you cannot charge your God with giving up on you. Are you suffering from a guilty conscience? If so, confess the sin and go on living for God. The Bible says our hearts are resting in God and we must remember that whenever our hearts or guilty conscience attacks us: “For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.”. (1 John 3:20 NIV)
Your emotions may change with the weather but God’s umbrella over His children is always up.
“Sometimes, Father, we don’t live up to what we know from the
Bible. Thank You for the permanence of your love and mercy. Amen”
Friday, May 18, 2007
May 19: A REMINDER
I saw a homeless man carrying his possessions on his back in town today. It’s easy to forget the homeless this time of year, they are less visible. We need reminders for some facts. If your skin is white you don’t have to think about what it means to be white, you just accept the advantage. If you are economically secure, you don’t have to think about what it means to be poor, you just accept the advantage. If you have a roof over your head, you don’t have to think about what it means to be homeless, you just accept the advantage. We have to remind ourselves to force ourselves to think about the plight of the homeless.
James 2:15-17 (NIV) is a direct jab to the forgetful: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food.If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and be well fed; but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?’ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.”
None of us likes to dwell on the unpleasant but how else will we be activated to do something positive? There are many governmental agencies trying to prevent homelessness but many people slip through the cracks. Some are sensitive enough to say “there, but for the grace of God, go I”, but most of us focus our energy on seeing that our shelter remains in best repair.
Consider the fact that Jesus was a homeless person. He was literally homeless. People didn’t look down on Him or question his work ethic because He was homeless; their anger toward Jesus was directed at His spirituality.
Would you have invited Jesus to your house for a meal? Would you have given the homeless Jesus your spare room to call “home”? Or would you have been threatened by his gang (the disciples)? There is still work for you. And for your church.
“Father, is there such a thing as a ‘holy reminder’ about the things we need to
do if we are going to honor You with our unselfishness? If so, I need one. Amen”
James 2:15-17 (NIV) is a direct jab to the forgetful: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food.If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and be well fed; but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?’ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.”
None of us likes to dwell on the unpleasant but how else will we be activated to do something positive? There are many governmental agencies trying to prevent homelessness but many people slip through the cracks. Some are sensitive enough to say “there, but for the grace of God, go I”, but most of us focus our energy on seeing that our shelter remains in best repair.
Consider the fact that Jesus was a homeless person. He was literally homeless. People didn’t look down on Him or question his work ethic because He was homeless; their anger toward Jesus was directed at His spirituality.
Would you have invited Jesus to your house for a meal? Would you have given the homeless Jesus your spare room to call “home”? Or would you have been threatened by his gang (the disciples)? There is still work for you. And for your church.
“Father, is there such a thing as a ‘holy reminder’ about the things we need to
do if we are going to honor You with our unselfishness? If so, I need one. Amen”
Thursday, May 17, 2007
May 18: DEALING WITH THE DEVIL
It is a bothersome weed that grows wild on the East coast. People say that the name is “Devil Weed”. I don’t know why it has such a name. It has thorns. It’s hard to get rid of it. It grows fast. It’s really irksome and bothersome, characteristics of the devil.
Actually, in our culture, we use the devil to describe a lot of things. The weather is described as “hot as the devil”. People are described as “worrisome as the devil”. People get angry and exclaim that they are “as mad as the devil”.
My biggest concern with all this is whether we take the devil seriously or not. Is he real? Is he a figment of the imagination? Or is he just the collector of colorful expressions, therefore, not to be taken seriously. I’m afraid the devil has been joked about so much that his deadliest work is not taken seriously. When people are caught in something bad, they sometimes excuse it with “the devil made me do it”.
Problem is: You can’t trivialize the work of your worst enemy. If the devil was nothing more than a Halloween costume of a pointed tail and pitchfork, we could laugh it off. But there are too many terrorist bombings, kidnappings, rapes, and murders for us to make a joke of the problem of evil. The evil we read about in the news is always too intentional to just happen.
There is a power in our own experience of sin that we feel other than ourselves. To explain the existence of evil in the world is to explain the existence of the devil. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve had a confrontation with a personal devil and lost. In Matthew 4, Jesus had a personal confrontation with the devil and won. If you are wise, you will answer the devil with the answers that Jesus gave. They are tested and proven effective.
Dealing with the devil is serious business. Don’t take it lightly.
“God of Truth, help us not to be deceived by the Evil One; we are
susceptible to his trickery. Give us Your light. Amen”
Actually, in our culture, we use the devil to describe a lot of things. The weather is described as “hot as the devil”. People are described as “worrisome as the devil”. People get angry and exclaim that they are “as mad as the devil”.
My biggest concern with all this is whether we take the devil seriously or not. Is he real? Is he a figment of the imagination? Or is he just the collector of colorful expressions, therefore, not to be taken seriously. I’m afraid the devil has been joked about so much that his deadliest work is not taken seriously. When people are caught in something bad, they sometimes excuse it with “the devil made me do it”.
Problem is: You can’t trivialize the work of your worst enemy. If the devil was nothing more than a Halloween costume of a pointed tail and pitchfork, we could laugh it off. But there are too many terrorist bombings, kidnappings, rapes, and murders for us to make a joke of the problem of evil. The evil we read about in the news is always too intentional to just happen.
There is a power in our own experience of sin that we feel other than ourselves. To explain the existence of evil in the world is to explain the existence of the devil. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve had a confrontation with a personal devil and lost. In Matthew 4, Jesus had a personal confrontation with the devil and won. If you are wise, you will answer the devil with the answers that Jesus gave. They are tested and proven effective.
Dealing with the devil is serious business. Don’t take it lightly.
“God of Truth, help us not to be deceived by the Evil One; we are
susceptible to his trickery. Give us Your light. Amen”
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
May 17: FINDING HOPE TODAY
Hope is not a product in great abundance today. Many are disappointed in our government. Others are disappointed in the lack of world peace. Numbers have run out of hope for their marriage to succeed, their children to turn out right, or their career to be meaningful. Is this short supply of hope to continue for long?
The Apostle Paul had a strong rebuttal for those who had no hope. Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) challenges: “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”
Yes, in the world, hope is in short supply. The usual “optimistic wells” about the essential goodness of man and man’s evolving state of perfection have run dry. To find hope, try an old well that is not dry.
When God pours out His love in your heart and lives in that outpouring, there is nothing that can drown your hope. It will be revived again and again as the Holy Spirit whispers to you truths about God’s love and care.
Jesus is the guarantee that every death-dealing experience in life must give way before resurrection power. Nothing attacks our hope like physical or emotional suffering but even those negatives are defeated by positive hope in Christ. Try to see the big picture. As you hope in life after death, seeing Jesus, spending eternity in Heaven; allow some of the future hope to reflect back to now.
“To You, O Blessed Hope, we look for our daily inspiration knowing that
You never fail to inspire us and give us another reason for living. Amen”
The Apostle Paul had a strong rebuttal for those who had no hope. Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) challenges: “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”
Yes, in the world, hope is in short supply. The usual “optimistic wells” about the essential goodness of man and man’s evolving state of perfection have run dry. To find hope, try an old well that is not dry.
When God pours out His love in your heart and lives in that outpouring, there is nothing that can drown your hope. It will be revived again and again as the Holy Spirit whispers to you truths about God’s love and care.
Jesus is the guarantee that every death-dealing experience in life must give way before resurrection power. Nothing attacks our hope like physical or emotional suffering but even those negatives are defeated by positive hope in Christ. Try to see the big picture. As you hope in life after death, seeing Jesus, spending eternity in Heaven; allow some of the future hope to reflect back to now.
“To You, O Blessed Hope, we look for our daily inspiration knowing that
You never fail to inspire us and give us another reason for living. Amen”
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
May 16: JESUS THE FRIEND OF SINNERS
Christians talk a lot about Jesus being their “best friend”. Songs and choruses are sung to celebrate the friendship of Jesus, prayer as a conversation “friend to friend” is a very descriptive phrase. We could all exclaim, “What a friend we have in Jesus!” and it would give us a warm feeling.
But I wonder if we forget something. What of the other side of the coin? What kind of friend does He have in us? If we are friends of Jesus, doesn’t that mean something from our side? Friendship is not one-sided. Friendship means that two people are taking responsibility for a relationship. There is reciprocity. There is interrelatedness. There is accountability. I like the idea of Jesus being my friend and I clearly know that I have a responsible part to play in having Him as my friend.
Friends are faithful and loyal to one another, speak well of one another, defend one another’s good name, and keep appointments with one another. What kind of friend are you to Jesus? And old saying is, “With friends like that, you don’t need enemies.” Are you that kind of indifferent, disloyal, ignoring the growth of the relationship kind of friend? Do you go to your friend’s house on a regular basis? Will you read His love letter to you today?
It is wrong to assume upon a friendship. Are you guilty? Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.’ (John 15:13-14 NIV) And then He goes on to say, “I have called you friends.”
Imagine, the day you invited Jesus into your heart and were born again. Jesus began to see you and relate to you as a friend. What kind of friend are you in return? If you need to apologize to your friend Jesus, do it right now. Then adjust your actions.
“What a privilege to carry everything to our Friend Jesus in prayer. Thank
You God for this wonderful, wonderful privilege. Amen”
But I wonder if we forget something. What of the other side of the coin? What kind of friend does He have in us? If we are friends of Jesus, doesn’t that mean something from our side? Friendship is not one-sided. Friendship means that two people are taking responsibility for a relationship. There is reciprocity. There is interrelatedness. There is accountability. I like the idea of Jesus being my friend and I clearly know that I have a responsible part to play in having Him as my friend.
Friends are faithful and loyal to one another, speak well of one another, defend one another’s good name, and keep appointments with one another. What kind of friend are you to Jesus? And old saying is, “With friends like that, you don’t need enemies.” Are you that kind of indifferent, disloyal, ignoring the growth of the relationship kind of friend? Do you go to your friend’s house on a regular basis? Will you read His love letter to you today?
It is wrong to assume upon a friendship. Are you guilty? Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.’ (John 15:13-14 NIV) And then He goes on to say, “I have called you friends.”
Imagine, the day you invited Jesus into your heart and were born again. Jesus began to see you and relate to you as a friend. What kind of friend are you in return? If you need to apologize to your friend Jesus, do it right now. Then adjust your actions.
“What a privilege to carry everything to our Friend Jesus in prayer. Thank
You God for this wonderful, wonderful privilege. Amen”
Monday, May 14, 2007
May 15: A RELATIONSHIP? OR A CONNECTION?
May 15
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united (“joined”=KJV) to his wife and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24 NIV) It seemed that the age gap widened considerably when I read that teenagers no longer talk about “sexual relations” but “sexual connections”. “Relations” sounds permanent and lasting (I agree) but this generation will be about multiple “connections” with a multitude of people (not partners). Since it is just a connection neither person can expect too much and thereby be disappointed. If a conception happens to occur, that is a bad break for the baby, but no one is to be held accountable.
Unless parents and churches get involved in a huge program of Christian sexual education, many families will be drowned by this wave. Make no mistake about it, your sexuality is part of God’s gift to you and therefore is not to be used lightly.
“Casual sex”, another current description, ignores the damage to any human being who uses God’s gifts casually. A mindset of “connecting” and “casualness” will never take marriage seriously because marriage is about finality, permanence, and death-do-us-part security.
Social workers and health professionals worry about the spread of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). I worry about the scars on the human spirit from being used and tossed aside. Hear 1 Corinthians 6:15-18 (NIV) “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? (non-virgin) Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘the two will become one flesh’. But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality.”
You can obey this and then teach your children and grandchildren the way.
“Father, our relationship with You should purify our other relationships
in the world.. Help us to desire purity of relationship with others. Amen”
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united (“joined”=KJV) to his wife and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24 NIV) It seemed that the age gap widened considerably when I read that teenagers no longer talk about “sexual relations” but “sexual connections”. “Relations” sounds permanent and lasting (I agree) but this generation will be about multiple “connections” with a multitude of people (not partners). Since it is just a connection neither person can expect too much and thereby be disappointed. If a conception happens to occur, that is a bad break for the baby, but no one is to be held accountable.
Unless parents and churches get involved in a huge program of Christian sexual education, many families will be drowned by this wave. Make no mistake about it, your sexuality is part of God’s gift to you and therefore is not to be used lightly.
“Casual sex”, another current description, ignores the damage to any human being who uses God’s gifts casually. A mindset of “connecting” and “casualness” will never take marriage seriously because marriage is about finality, permanence, and death-do-us-part security.
Social workers and health professionals worry about the spread of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). I worry about the scars on the human spirit from being used and tossed aside. Hear 1 Corinthians 6:15-18 (NIV) “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? (non-virgin) Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘the two will become one flesh’. But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality.”
You can obey this and then teach your children and grandchildren the way.
“Father, our relationship with You should purify our other relationships
in the world.. Help us to desire purity of relationship with others. Amen”
Sunday, May 13, 2007
May 14: REFLECTING ON YESTERDAY
From all reports today, the Mother’s Day weekend was a financial bonanza, especially for the restaurants. All you need is a little hype and nostalgia mixed with the right amount of guilt and them consumerism takes over. Reports today seem to affirm that the views of motherhood continue to change. Working inside and outside the home doesn’t seem to be an issue at all for American families.
Motherhood and parenthood ought to be intentional. Much motherhood now is accidental as the multitude of teen pregnancies will verify. Making babies is not a sacrament or even an act of worship in the Bible. It is humans joining in partnership with God to create new life.
When I read Genesis 1:27-28, I am struck by the seriousness of this opportunity: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of god, He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘ Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’” Many parents never teach their children about the gift of creating life and so babies come without any previous thought.
In God’s plan for babies they are to be entrusted to a responsible husband and wife, the child comes to those who are expecting to care for its needs. The child is loved for nine months before it arrives. This is planned parenthood or planned parenthood at its best. Is this idealistic? Perhaps, but not unobtainable if mothers and fathers would begin at an early age to teach the responsibility of parenthood. God’s plan for parenting is still the best option.
The command of Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother that it may go well with you on the earth” is not going to be obeyed automatically. Children must be taught to respect their parents and the parents must live lives worthy of respect. “Listen to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8) is still good instruction for children.
We believers need to take these days of special focus as a springboard for more lasting commitment to the things of God.
“Father, we have a lot of work to do before we make the Heavenly dream
an earthly reality. Clarify Your dream for those who are parents. Amen”
Motherhood and parenthood ought to be intentional. Much motherhood now is accidental as the multitude of teen pregnancies will verify. Making babies is not a sacrament or even an act of worship in the Bible. It is humans joining in partnership with God to create new life.
When I read Genesis 1:27-28, I am struck by the seriousness of this opportunity: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of god, He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘ Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’” Many parents never teach their children about the gift of creating life and so babies come without any previous thought.
In God’s plan for babies they are to be entrusted to a responsible husband and wife, the child comes to those who are expecting to care for its needs. The child is loved for nine months before it arrives. This is planned parenthood or planned parenthood at its best. Is this idealistic? Perhaps, but not unobtainable if mothers and fathers would begin at an early age to teach the responsibility of parenthood. God’s plan for parenting is still the best option.
The command of Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother that it may go well with you on the earth” is not going to be obeyed automatically. Children must be taught to respect their parents and the parents must live lives worthy of respect. “Listen to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8) is still good instruction for children.
We believers need to take these days of special focus as a springboard for more lasting commitment to the things of God.
“Father, we have a lot of work to do before we make the Heavenly dream
an earthly reality. Clarify Your dream for those who are parents. Amen”
Saturday, May 12, 2007
May 13: SOME THOUGHTS ON MOTHERHOOD
I asked a mother who had successfully raised four children to adulthood “What is the most important quality a mother must have to raise her children?” The answer: unconditional love will be the key to success. After all, beginning in infancy, it is the Mother who usually is up for the 2 or 3 a.m. feeding because “Daddy needs his sleep”. As if Mothers didn’t! It is the mothers who carry the load of the sick child, for instance, staying for days in the intensive care unit if needed. It is the mother who is available to take care of bumps and bruises and love all of the preschooler’s art work and faithfully display it on the refrigerator.
It is the mother who lends the sympathetic ear to all of the stories of “breaking-up”. It is the mothers who are the “enforcers” of the disciplinary rules laid down by the absentee fathers. Dozens of other examples could be brought forward to verify the role of “unconditional love”.
Of course, single girls getting pregnant don’t know that this is a necessary ingredient. That’s why Grandmothers (who do know) often end up raising the children. It is so easy to become a mother but so hard to be a mother. That makes abortion a favorite “out” for many who don’t want the hard work of motherhood. Motherhood is getting harder now, no doubt about it. “Honor your Mother” is an oft-repeated command. (Exodus 30:12, Luke 18:20, Ephesians 6:2)
You have been blessed by God if you have received unconditional love from a mother because it includes discipline. It is not to be confused with “spoiling”, which is selfish love, centered on the parent’s feelings not the child’s feelings. Unconditional love was modeled by Jesus, it loves you until death. It will keep on teaching you as long as you live.
Thank you, Mothers!
“How beautiful to see a loving Mother at work, Heavenly Father, it is a
breath of fresh air in a money-driven world. Praise Your Name! Amen”
It is the mother who lends the sympathetic ear to all of the stories of “breaking-up”. It is the mothers who are the “enforcers” of the disciplinary rules laid down by the absentee fathers. Dozens of other examples could be brought forward to verify the role of “unconditional love”.
Of course, single girls getting pregnant don’t know that this is a necessary ingredient. That’s why Grandmothers (who do know) often end up raising the children. It is so easy to become a mother but so hard to be a mother. That makes abortion a favorite “out” for many who don’t want the hard work of motherhood. Motherhood is getting harder now, no doubt about it. “Honor your Mother” is an oft-repeated command. (Exodus 30:12, Luke 18:20, Ephesians 6:2)
You have been blessed by God if you have received unconditional love from a mother because it includes discipline. It is not to be confused with “spoiling”, which is selfish love, centered on the parent’s feelings not the child’s feelings. Unconditional love was modeled by Jesus, it loves you until death. It will keep on teaching you as long as you live.
Thank you, Mothers!
“How beautiful to see a loving Mother at work, Heavenly Father, it is a
breath of fresh air in a money-driven world. Praise Your Name! Amen”
Friday, May 11, 2007
May 12: ACTIVELY DYING
The phrase “actively dying” caught my attention. I had considered death as a “passive” experience. The patient simply waited for death. Whatever the sickness, it set the pace for the death whether sooner or later. The patient, as an “active” participant in the dying process, was expressed in this case by the patient refusing food and water, hence “actively dying”.
The insight from the Hospice nurse was indeed helpful to me. Then I thought of the many years I have spent trying to help people who were “actively dying”. There are too many pictures in the New Testament of Jesus holding open hands of loving invitation to people to come to Him but the conclusion of the picture is “they would not come”.
Actively dying! The Water of Life (Jesus) is bubbling up like a spring around the world and many are turning from death to life but many more are choosing to die spiritually. Why would people choose death? It is the eternal mystery. Jesus invites, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full..” (John 10:10 NIV)
In the face of current conditions, one would think there would be a storming of people running after Jesus as in the first century. Instead, millions are actively dying by choosing to go the dying way of the world. “For this world in it’s present form is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31 NIV)
Are you actively dying? Are you rejecting the water of life and the bread of life? Don’t stubbornly reject this appeal from Jesus. Surely there is a spiritual clinic (church) in your neighborhood where loving people are awaiting those who want to live and will give free nourishment to you. If you lived in a land where there was no option to choose spiritual life, that would be horrible. Here, today, at this time, you don’t have to die. Chose life!
“We who are about to die, salute You, Jesus; that in this crisis moment
of our lives You should confront us with such an invitation. Amen”
The insight from the Hospice nurse was indeed helpful to me. Then I thought of the many years I have spent trying to help people who were “actively dying”. There are too many pictures in the New Testament of Jesus holding open hands of loving invitation to people to come to Him but the conclusion of the picture is “they would not come”.
Actively dying! The Water of Life (Jesus) is bubbling up like a spring around the world and many are turning from death to life but many more are choosing to die spiritually. Why would people choose death? It is the eternal mystery. Jesus invites, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full..” (John 10:10 NIV)
In the face of current conditions, one would think there would be a storming of people running after Jesus as in the first century. Instead, millions are actively dying by choosing to go the dying way of the world. “For this world in it’s present form is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31 NIV)
Are you actively dying? Are you rejecting the water of life and the bread of life? Don’t stubbornly reject this appeal from Jesus. Surely there is a spiritual clinic (church) in your neighborhood where loving people are awaiting those who want to live and will give free nourishment to you. If you lived in a land where there was no option to choose spiritual life, that would be horrible. Here, today, at this time, you don’t have to die. Chose life!
“We who are about to die, salute You, Jesus; that in this crisis moment
of our lives You should confront us with such an invitation. Amen”
Thursday, May 10, 2007
May 11: YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND HEALING
We live in an unprecedented time of mental illness. Many mental health specialist and mental health facilities are listed in the Yellow pages. Many of the most heinous crimes we read about are committed by people who are “mentally ill.” Support groups abound to help people deal with mental illness. Why so much mental instability? Can something be done? Or do we just fold our hands and pray that it never come to us or someone in our family?
How is your mental health? The woman who said on approaching Jesus, “If I just touch His clothes, I can be made whole” (Mark 5:28) was certainly hoping for mental, physical, and spiritual healing. All desire “wellness” in every part of life. We seem to have more problems dealing with mental illness than other types. One truth we all must learn about mental health: “You are as sick as your secret!” Mental illness is a sickness.
Mental illnesses are fixations of the mind, the refusal to stop thinking about something. There is healing for all sorts of mental illness and the healing process can begin when we are willing to give up our secret burden. It may be a secret sin, secret fear, secret fixation, secret passion or such. As we hide our secret, we give it permission to chain our lives. When we release the secret to God and loving friends and professional counseling, the process of healing is allowed to begin.
David prayed in Psalm 19:12, “cleanse my secret faults.” “You are as sick as your secret!” may sound strange but compare to a physical wound: until the wound is cleansed of foreign matter, healing can never begin. 1 John 1:9 offers wonderful medicine: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.
“Thank You, Great Physician, that You are able to heal and deliver us from
any mental or emotional illness. We surrender our brokenness to You. Amen”
How is your mental health? The woman who said on approaching Jesus, “If I just touch His clothes, I can be made whole” (Mark 5:28) was certainly hoping for mental, physical, and spiritual healing. All desire “wellness” in every part of life. We seem to have more problems dealing with mental illness than other types. One truth we all must learn about mental health: “You are as sick as your secret!” Mental illness is a sickness.
Mental illnesses are fixations of the mind, the refusal to stop thinking about something. There is healing for all sorts of mental illness and the healing process can begin when we are willing to give up our secret burden. It may be a secret sin, secret fear, secret fixation, secret passion or such. As we hide our secret, we give it permission to chain our lives. When we release the secret to God and loving friends and professional counseling, the process of healing is allowed to begin.
David prayed in Psalm 19:12, “cleanse my secret faults.” “You are as sick as your secret!” may sound strange but compare to a physical wound: until the wound is cleansed of foreign matter, healing can never begin. 1 John 1:9 offers wonderful medicine: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.
“Thank You, Great Physician, that You are able to heal and deliver us from
any mental or emotional illness. We surrender our brokenness to You. Amen”
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
May 10: ARE YOU IMPORTANT?
Our importance is not determined by what we can or cannot do, but by the unconditional and free gift of God’s love. Our self-image will improve when we learn this truth. Our pressuring ourselves to prove our worth to God and man can cease. The world keeps telling us that our value is determined by what we accomplish, by what we achieve, or by what we can accumulate.
Looking around, comparing our pile of “toys” with other people, we observe that they have bigger piles. And then our self-worth diminishes in our own eyes. God did not intend that mindset. The church must be clarifying God’s value system. The church is having little impact on this secular society because the church is becoming like the society.
Churches and denominations are constantly playing a numbers and building game to establish their importance in the community. The big church will have no more importance in Heaven than the little church! There will be no “prestige section” in Heaven for members of prestigious churches..
God doesn’t operate by the standards of a secular society. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NIV) is a Biblical injunction for individuals and congregations. I have visited many congregations and individuals who were wringing their hands while sighing “woe is me”.
We are valuable and important because God has invested His only son in us. (John 3:16) We are valuable and important as Christians because our bodies are now the Temple of God. (1 Corinthians 3:16) That is not qualified by our looks, money, or worldly accomplishments. If you are a child of God, lift up your head. Recognizing your true value before God will save you from acting proud, arrogant, or egotistical. You will have a quiet assurance that can easily be explained when asked an explanation. Be ready to explain your status.
“We praise You, O God, for freeing us from the artificial standards of the
world and introducing us to Eternal truths of human value in You. Amen”
Looking around, comparing our pile of “toys” with other people, we observe that they have bigger piles. And then our self-worth diminishes in our own eyes. God did not intend that mindset. The church must be clarifying God’s value system. The church is having little impact on this secular society because the church is becoming like the society.
Churches and denominations are constantly playing a numbers and building game to establish their importance in the community. The big church will have no more importance in Heaven than the little church! There will be no “prestige section” in Heaven for members of prestigious churches..
God doesn’t operate by the standards of a secular society. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NIV) is a Biblical injunction for individuals and congregations. I have visited many congregations and individuals who were wringing their hands while sighing “woe is me”.
We are valuable and important because God has invested His only son in us. (John 3:16) We are valuable and important as Christians because our bodies are now the Temple of God. (1 Corinthians 3:16) That is not qualified by our looks, money, or worldly accomplishments. If you are a child of God, lift up your head. Recognizing your true value before God will save you from acting proud, arrogant, or egotistical. You will have a quiet assurance that can easily be explained when asked an explanation. Be ready to explain your status.
“We praise You, O God, for freeing us from the artificial standards of the
world and introducing us to Eternal truths of human value in You. Amen”
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
May 9: TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
How good are you at expressing terms of endearment in your spiritual life? We are probably enabled or handicapped by our natural expression to other humans. Was your natural father aloof or approachable? Was your natural father quick to express terms of endearment to you or did he merely receive yours?
Some people have an easy time expressing their most tender thoughts to God while others view God as so high and majestic that He must be spoken to in terms of awe and high respect. I am sure it was a surprise when Jesus spoke of God as “abba” (our equivalent is “da-da”) No one had ever spoken that endearingly of the Heavenly Father.
I am looking for a comfortable but reverential expression of worship for God that lies between the trite familiarity of “the man upstairs” and the “Unmoved Mover”. Somewhere between the view that God takes our breath away and leaves us prostrate on our faces and the overly folksy Hollywood starlet saying that God is a “teddy bear”, people stand in an intimate relationship with God.
When Jesus was transfigured (changed in form) on the mountain in the sight of the disciples they were all struck dumb but not so much that Peter couldn’t suggest “let’s build three tents and all stay here together for a while.” (Matthew 17:4)
If we could picture ourselves (as the Bible describes) like first century children climbing on the knees of Jesus, terms of endearment might flow more easily. Sometimes Christians sing about wanting “just a closer walk with Jesus” that really sounds like being on more intimate terms with the Almighty God.
The Biblical picture in Genesis 3:8 of God walking in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day projects a sweet fellowship between God and Adam and Eve. Sad to say, sin takes away the endearing relationship and replaces it with fear. What a loss!
“Give us a freedom, Dear Father, to be totally transparent with You in
expressing both our awe and our love. We long for intimacy! Amen”
Some people have an easy time expressing their most tender thoughts to God while others view God as so high and majestic that He must be spoken to in terms of awe and high respect. I am sure it was a surprise when Jesus spoke of God as “abba” (our equivalent is “da-da”) No one had ever spoken that endearingly of the Heavenly Father.
I am looking for a comfortable but reverential expression of worship for God that lies between the trite familiarity of “the man upstairs” and the “Unmoved Mover”. Somewhere between the view that God takes our breath away and leaves us prostrate on our faces and the overly folksy Hollywood starlet saying that God is a “teddy bear”, people stand in an intimate relationship with God.
When Jesus was transfigured (changed in form) on the mountain in the sight of the disciples they were all struck dumb but not so much that Peter couldn’t suggest “let’s build three tents and all stay here together for a while.” (Matthew 17:4)
If we could picture ourselves (as the Bible describes) like first century children climbing on the knees of Jesus, terms of endearment might flow more easily. Sometimes Christians sing about wanting “just a closer walk with Jesus” that really sounds like being on more intimate terms with the Almighty God.
The Biblical picture in Genesis 3:8 of God walking in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day projects a sweet fellowship between God and Adam and Eve. Sad to say, sin takes away the endearing relationship and replaces it with fear. What a loss!
“Give us a freedom, Dear Father, to be totally transparent with You in
expressing both our awe and our love. We long for intimacy! Amen”
Monday, May 7, 2007
May 8: LIVING WITHOUT REGRET
One of the most harassing experiences in life is living with regret. The inability to enjoy life, get a good night’s sleep, appreciate God’s goodness, and such feelings are rooted in regret. The “fly in the ointment of life” or “the little foxes that destroy the grapes” are for many people the regrets over mistakes made and sins committed. “What might have been” if I had not been so stupid, careless, rebellious or insert the word that you use to chastise yourself.
Everybody has a past. Everybody has done things that turned out to be hurtful, even destructive. A human mind can be a terrible taskmaster. Why live on misery’s “memory lane”? Judas regretted his sin against Jesus so much that he committed suicide. Peter regretted his so much he threw himself down and confessed his sin and repented his past and went on to a fruitful future.
Give up your regrets. This is not cheap forgiveness. Jesus paid the price on the cross so you would not have to live with regrets. Freedom from regret is a costly gift. You can never afford it.
The positive side is this: you can live without regret. Follow this life formula: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) In all your ways! Sweet freedom! A positive outlook on life!
If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit living in you will always point out temptation and sin. Just obey the Holy Spirit’s direction. If you are not yet a Christian, even a twisted conscience can point out a straight path. Have the courage to do the right thing until you are converted. 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) says “train yourself to be godly” and you will never look over your shoulder in regret again.
“Thank You God that by faith in the Lord Jesus we can live our lives
looking forward and not looking over our shoulders at what follows. Amen”
Everybody has a past. Everybody has done things that turned out to be hurtful, even destructive. A human mind can be a terrible taskmaster. Why live on misery’s “memory lane”? Judas regretted his sin against Jesus so much that he committed suicide. Peter regretted his so much he threw himself down and confessed his sin and repented his past and went on to a fruitful future.
Give up your regrets. This is not cheap forgiveness. Jesus paid the price on the cross so you would not have to live with regrets. Freedom from regret is a costly gift. You can never afford it.
The positive side is this: you can live without regret. Follow this life formula: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) In all your ways! Sweet freedom! A positive outlook on life!
If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit living in you will always point out temptation and sin. Just obey the Holy Spirit’s direction. If you are not yet a Christian, even a twisted conscience can point out a straight path. Have the courage to do the right thing until you are converted. 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) says “train yourself to be godly” and you will never look over your shoulder in regret again.
“Thank You God that by faith in the Lord Jesus we can live our lives
looking forward and not looking over our shoulders at what follows. Amen”
Sunday, May 6, 2007
May 7: WHEN SINGING RETURNS
As a Pastor I have been called to minister in many situations of desperate heartbreak and grief. I have quoted to people many times the words of Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Notice, the Bible did not say “Time heals everything” or “Just wait and you will feel better,” because these statements are not true.
Many people grieve for many years and openly confess “I can’t get over it.” Human beings don’t heal automatically. David could say Psalm 30:5 from his personal experience at the death of his son because he brought his broken heart to God for healing. Jesus, the Son of God, can take our burden and give us a song of joy to replace it.
There is a beautiful passage in Song of Songs 2:11-12 when Solomon proclaims: “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.” Here is a vibrant picture of a believer waking up with a renewed sense of life. The coldness of his soul has thawed, and it is time to sing again. You simply can’t sing with a lump in your throat! But God has been working for a while to lift the face of the sorrowing to see the Sun of Righteousness.
I remember a chorus from my youth: “Yes, Jesus took my burden, I could no longer bear; Yes, Jesus took my burden in answer to a prayer. My anxious fears subsided, my spirit was made strong when Jesus took my burden and left me with a song.” Some questions are so deep that only God can solve them, such as “survivor’s guilt” after a battle, or a massacre, or a hurricane. God’s love is demanded to break that wintry hold on the spirit.
“Lord, bring back the springtime to our hearts, take away the cold of
death. Just warm our hearts, we pray. Amen”
Many people grieve for many years and openly confess “I can’t get over it.” Human beings don’t heal automatically. David could say Psalm 30:5 from his personal experience at the death of his son because he brought his broken heart to God for healing. Jesus, the Son of God, can take our burden and give us a song of joy to replace it.
There is a beautiful passage in Song of Songs 2:11-12 when Solomon proclaims: “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.” Here is a vibrant picture of a believer waking up with a renewed sense of life. The coldness of his soul has thawed, and it is time to sing again. You simply can’t sing with a lump in your throat! But God has been working for a while to lift the face of the sorrowing to see the Sun of Righteousness.
I remember a chorus from my youth: “Yes, Jesus took my burden, I could no longer bear; Yes, Jesus took my burden in answer to a prayer. My anxious fears subsided, my spirit was made strong when Jesus took my burden and left me with a song.” Some questions are so deep that only God can solve them, such as “survivor’s guilt” after a battle, or a massacre, or a hurricane. God’s love is demanded to break that wintry hold on the spirit.
“Lord, bring back the springtime to our hearts, take away the cold of
death. Just warm our hearts, we pray. Amen”
Saturday, May 5, 2007
May 6: OUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Many have spoken this profound truth, but I don’t know who said it first. When anyone’s religious liberty is denied, everyone’s religion is endangered. This is such a powerful truth to be guarded. Each religious person thinks his religion is best, that’s why he chose it. That’s fine! That’s how it should be. But to try to force your religion on another person is wrong. In America we have “freedom of religion” or “freedom from religion” if we so choose. But there are always groups that want to steal this freedom.
Political groups are always being pressurized by religious groups to make their particular religion the official religion of the land. But God did not tell the Congress to preach the Gospel to every person. He gave that responsibility to the Church.
Now is a good time to be grateful again for our religious liberty. Coerced prayer is not real prayer. Coerced religious activity is not religion. Biblical religion is about unhindered access to God, unfettered and unfiltered faith, spontaneous prayer or conversation with Deity, and the competence of every believer before God.
When you read of religious persecution in the world you are reading about these great truths being trampled or ignored. What shocks us about other countries could easily filter into America! Eternal diligence is required of us.
I demand that no one try to infringe on my soul freedom. At the same time I am ready to die that you be shown the same respect. Let us enjoy our religious freedom! Let us speak out to defend it! Jesus said “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV) Religion in America is a vital part of our society.
Church attendance is up, church financial contributions are up, church ministry to help the needy and downtrodden is high. Why? Because it is all voluntary. Religion must remain a free choice.
“Thank You, God, for the privilege of coming to worship You
voluntarily. Give me strength to serve you vigorously. Amen”
Political groups are always being pressurized by religious groups to make their particular religion the official religion of the land. But God did not tell the Congress to preach the Gospel to every person. He gave that responsibility to the Church.
Now is a good time to be grateful again for our religious liberty. Coerced prayer is not real prayer. Coerced religious activity is not religion. Biblical religion is about unhindered access to God, unfettered and unfiltered faith, spontaneous prayer or conversation with Deity, and the competence of every believer before God.
When you read of religious persecution in the world you are reading about these great truths being trampled or ignored. What shocks us about other countries could easily filter into America! Eternal diligence is required of us.
I demand that no one try to infringe on my soul freedom. At the same time I am ready to die that you be shown the same respect. Let us enjoy our religious freedom! Let us speak out to defend it! Jesus said “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV) Religion in America is a vital part of our society.
Church attendance is up, church financial contributions are up, church ministry to help the needy and downtrodden is high. Why? Because it is all voluntary. Religion must remain a free choice.
“Thank You, God, for the privilege of coming to worship You
voluntarily. Give me strength to serve you vigorously. Amen”
Friday, May 4, 2007
May 5: DISCIPLINE IS VITAL TO GROWTH
A familiar verse. often quoted to parents is Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Accepting the truth and the authority of the Bible you now have an immediate explanation for our society’s ills and the prophecy that the next generation is going to get worse.
Things on a downward spiral increase their own momentum. Lawlessness and rebelliousness and a loss of sense of morality is rooted in a lack of discipline. The lack of moral discipline in our contemporary society is the fruit of this generation’s lack of knowledge of Biblical truth of right and wrong.
The so-called “Vietnam Era” lost the Bible and their children have not found it. Undirected energy goes nowhere. I compare it to a “barnyard clematis’ plant we had in our backyard some years ago. For several years it had been a non-productive plant. Then I placed a trellis beside it to see what might happen. It grew to be over six feet tall and was covered with blossoms.. You see, it just never had direction before and never fulfilled its potential for giving out great beauty.
Many adults are like that, adult bodies housing an undisciplined child’s stunted development. A child without discipline is miserable and makes others miserable. Likewise, adults! An unwed, pregnant teenager said to me once, “I wish my parents would give me some rules.”
At any age the Bible is a guidebook for life. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” is David’s way to put you on God’s trellis for growth. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) affirms “whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying ‘this is the way; walk in it’ “ You can do something about moral lawlessness. Live your Biblical morality. Teach Biblical morality to your children and grandchildren.
“O God, being self-disciplined and giving discipline to our children is not
easy. Give us a strong and loving spirit to follow Your Word. Amen”
Things on a downward spiral increase their own momentum. Lawlessness and rebelliousness and a loss of sense of morality is rooted in a lack of discipline. The lack of moral discipline in our contemporary society is the fruit of this generation’s lack of knowledge of Biblical truth of right and wrong.
The so-called “Vietnam Era” lost the Bible and their children have not found it. Undirected energy goes nowhere. I compare it to a “barnyard clematis’ plant we had in our backyard some years ago. For several years it had been a non-productive plant. Then I placed a trellis beside it to see what might happen. It grew to be over six feet tall and was covered with blossoms.. You see, it just never had direction before and never fulfilled its potential for giving out great beauty.
Many adults are like that, adult bodies housing an undisciplined child’s stunted development. A child without discipline is miserable and makes others miserable. Likewise, adults! An unwed, pregnant teenager said to me once, “I wish my parents would give me some rules.”
At any age the Bible is a guidebook for life. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” is David’s way to put you on God’s trellis for growth. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) affirms “whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying ‘this is the way; walk in it’ “ You can do something about moral lawlessness. Live your Biblical morality. Teach Biblical morality to your children and grandchildren.
“O God, being self-disciplined and giving discipline to our children is not
easy. Give us a strong and loving spirit to follow Your Word. Amen”
Thursday, May 3, 2007
May 4: LIVING EXPECTANTLY
Many of our friends could be described today by one word; that is, “expectation”. After all, it’s spring! The winter is gone. Spring is official because we see new life daily and new flowers blooming. New hopes will spring from many hearts because of nature’s ongoing promise of new life. Expectation is borne on the wings of the first rose-breasted grosbeak who visited us yesterday for their annual stop on the way north to Canada. It is just exciting to see new things like that daily during this season.
However, though spring may be exciting for some people, it will be the opposite for many. There will be people who will be more depressed than ever because they have no expectation of change for the better. Despair will deepen for those who know their dull routine is not going to end. You will hear about more suicides. The obituary column won’t report it, but word will get around.
Some who dabbed in alcohol for a daily “pick-me-up” in the dull of winter will now discover that they have become addicted and need that crutch just to get going.
What makes the difference? Is there a key ingredient to life being lived with expectation? I believe the answer is “yes”. It is not anything magical or a secret medication. It is the basic of the Christian truth.
Listen to Paul’s explanation in Philippians 1:20-22 (NIV) “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”. A great hope!
That faith perspective gives real security to life. It builds a barrier that despair can’t penetrate. When you live with the truth that your life is in God’s total providence, life or death, either one, breathes expectation. Even when the Evening News is screaming out the totals of people being killed and maimed in a war.
“Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ” (Romans 8:39) simply means I know that I am on the winning side and expect God to recognize it. A real expectation for Spring or any other season.
“A blessed hope, Lord, is what I need; not an imagined or artificial
one. Bless me with an expectant spirit today. Amen”
However, though spring may be exciting for some people, it will be the opposite for many. There will be people who will be more depressed than ever because they have no expectation of change for the better. Despair will deepen for those who know their dull routine is not going to end. You will hear about more suicides. The obituary column won’t report it, but word will get around.
Some who dabbed in alcohol for a daily “pick-me-up” in the dull of winter will now discover that they have become addicted and need that crutch just to get going.
What makes the difference? Is there a key ingredient to life being lived with expectation? I believe the answer is “yes”. It is not anything magical or a secret medication. It is the basic of the Christian truth.
Listen to Paul’s explanation in Philippians 1:20-22 (NIV) “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”. A great hope!
That faith perspective gives real security to life. It builds a barrier that despair can’t penetrate. When you live with the truth that your life is in God’s total providence, life or death, either one, breathes expectation. Even when the Evening News is screaming out the totals of people being killed and maimed in a war.
“Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ” (Romans 8:39) simply means I know that I am on the winning side and expect God to recognize it. A real expectation for Spring or any other season.
“A blessed hope, Lord, is what I need; not an imagined or artificial
one. Bless me with an expectant spirit today. Amen”
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
May 3: RELIEF FROM SORROW
In a time of trouble and turmoil resulting in great sadness for the people, the Prophet Isaiah raised a haunting question: “Watchman, what is left of the night?” (Isaiah 20:11) Is there any end in sight to our sadness? How long will this dark cloud of grief hover over our situation?
People of faith reply with Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Some breathe a sigh and say, “How? I can’t see how God or anyone can change this tragedy.”
It is good to hear the Apostle Paul say in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” God’s essential nature of granting undeserved favor is explicit in comforting affliction.
God’s intervention is specifically for the purpose of giving relief from sorrow. The phrase “He comforts us” is repeated. It is not just soothing sympathy but courage. We receive the courage to step forward to comfort or give strength to others. Paul uses his own personal experience of grief and sadness, not to solicit pity, but to help others. God wants to make us comforters, not just comfortable.
We must reach across the manmade divisions of red, blue, and green and come together with a genuine fellow-feeling. Focusing our attention on the comfort God can give, we can claim together one of the great assurances in the Bible from Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
“O God, who created the sun and the moon, shine your healing light
upon us. Amen
People of faith reply with Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Some breathe a sigh and say, “How? I can’t see how God or anyone can change this tragedy.”
It is good to hear the Apostle Paul say in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” God’s essential nature of granting undeserved favor is explicit in comforting affliction.
God’s intervention is specifically for the purpose of giving relief from sorrow. The phrase “He comforts us” is repeated. It is not just soothing sympathy but courage. We receive the courage to step forward to comfort or give strength to others. Paul uses his own personal experience of grief and sadness, not to solicit pity, but to help others. God wants to make us comforters, not just comfortable.
We must reach across the manmade divisions of red, blue, and green and come together with a genuine fellow-feeling. Focusing our attention on the comfort God can give, we can claim together one of the great assurances in the Bible from Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
“O God, who created the sun and the moon, shine your healing light
upon us. Amen
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
May 2: A FRANTIC OR FULL LIFE?
Some people are living a frantic life and have been deceived into thinking that it is a full life. Going here and there at a frantic pace, day-planner in hand, totally occupied with activity, never having time to enjoy life! Some are so intent on filling their calendars that they never learn to fill their lives.
The 2000’s have put a premium on activity. Parents inflict the lifestyle on their children. Children are often exhausted and irritable because they are kept so busy. When they grow up with that mind-set they make terrible mates in marriage because they have never learned to be quiet.
Do you know how to relax? Do you feel guilty when you are not doing something? Do you just ever meditate on the important truths of life? A rat race of frantic activity is a turnoff to your friends, also. They are not interested in your breathless tales of busyness. They know that busyness can be a cover for meaningless living.
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) A full and meaningful life is lived in relationship with God. It is lived with spiritual values dominant. This is not an other-worldy, escape system, but living by Biblical based moral and spiritual values. This is helping people and making the world a better place.
Frantically chasing success to afford to “keep busy” when you retire is futile. Too many die before reaching retirement.
A Biblical picture of a frantic life is Peter saying “I’m going fishing” when he had no immediate answer as to explaining the death of Jesus. A full-life scenario is Mary seated at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach even though she had a house full of hungry guests. Living life full will require the ability to sort out what is lasting and most important.
“Father, I would like to take Your dare and live a full and meaningful
life. Through your Holy Spirit put the brakes on my heart. Amen"
The 2000’s have put a premium on activity. Parents inflict the lifestyle on their children. Children are often exhausted and irritable because they are kept so busy. When they grow up with that mind-set they make terrible mates in marriage because they have never learned to be quiet.
Do you know how to relax? Do you feel guilty when you are not doing something? Do you just ever meditate on the important truths of life? A rat race of frantic activity is a turnoff to your friends, also. They are not interested in your breathless tales of busyness. They know that busyness can be a cover for meaningless living.
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) A full and meaningful life is lived in relationship with God. It is lived with spiritual values dominant. This is not an other-worldy, escape system, but living by Biblical based moral and spiritual values. This is helping people and making the world a better place.
Frantically chasing success to afford to “keep busy” when you retire is futile. Too many die before reaching retirement.
A Biblical picture of a frantic life is Peter saying “I’m going fishing” when he had no immediate answer as to explaining the death of Jesus. A full-life scenario is Mary seated at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach even though she had a house full of hungry guests. Living life full will require the ability to sort out what is lasting and most important.
“Father, I would like to take Your dare and live a full and meaningful
life. Through your Holy Spirit put the brakes on my heart. Amen"
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