KJV
KJV
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The neighborly thing. Doing something good for others often makes us feel like we have done something great. We don't mind sharing things that make us sound like a better person (or Christian), right? Paul says in Romans 15:1, "We who are strong ought to bear with failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." He goes on to explain, "Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." and in verse 3, "For even Christ did not please himself. " When you read it in context, it is clear that we are not to help others for selfish reasons, or just to make ourselves feel better. Our actions are not intended to humor our neighbor in a sinful way, but to build them up, encourage them when they are down in a way that glorifies God. Think of it like this. You have gone to a lot of work preparing for something in particular. It took many hours and a lot of your energy, but the project is finally complete, and then someone takes over and claims your work as their own. They get the recognition and you get nothing in return. God has been working in the lives of our neighbors much longer and more in depth than your feeble attempts. To claim part of the credit is like stealing the glory away from God. Lord, help me to remember that my actions are not meant to glorify anything that I have accomplished, but what you have done.
Romans 15:2
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Exit strategy. As we were walking along the waterfront recently, we noticed a boat named "Exit Strategy". I thought the name implied it was the owners way to escape the hum drum work week and enjoy the weekends. Jeff thought it referred to the owners choice of how to retire - on a boat. There are usually more than one exit strategies from which we can choose in any given situation. David had some choices to make as well as he went into hiding from King Saul. Their relationship went from love and admiration to jealousy and hatred and ended up with David fleeing for his life into the wilderness until after the king died and it was safe for him to return. This was certainly not the path he would have chosen for himself. He mourned the death of Jonathan and his father Saul, but he also knew this was the only way he could return. Life does not always present us with nicely wrapped packages of events, nor does it always end as we expected. The only thing we can rely on is God's faithfulness, and if we ask, He will bring us out of our distress. Lord, things don't always play out like I think they should, but one thing is for sure - by trusting in You, my exit strategy will be right on track.
For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Useless words. A woman claims her reason for wanting a divorce is years of mental abuse from the husband she kicked out of the house a couple weeks ago. Before you get too upset with this man, think about what could be interpreted as abusive. Some translations use the word corrupt in place of foul or abusive. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible says, "Useless, particularly that which has been rendered so by old age and corruption." If we think about the many things we have said that were useless, or used only for our own self gain, our words could also be considered abusive. Are we saying things to build others up or to reprimand and punish others? A police dash-cam followed an erratic driver through busy streets as they attempted to pull the vehicle over. The car chase ended when the 7-year old boy pulled into his driveway and ran to the house. He had stolen his parents' car because he didn't want to go to church. A case of mental abuse on the part of the parents? Perhaps we try too hard to manipulate others, or make them feel guilt when our words should be good and helpful, and our actions an encouragement. Lord, as I begin my day, let my words be useful and not harmful to others.
Ephesians 4:29
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A house or a shack? I've watched enough home improvement shows to know that if the builder (or one who remodels) is not qualified, the poor quality is likely to show up in the construction. Even the best built houses, however, can be destroyed by forces of nature. Whether you take "builds a house" to mean build a temple of the Lord, build a place of dwelling or to have numerous offspring, we can apply the same spiritual significance. I remember as a child a scriptural reference to Joshua 24:15 on my Grandma's front door window that said, "As for me an my house, we will serve the Lord." Now while anyone can hang this sign on their house and claim it as true, this one absolutely represented the heart of the home and those who dwelled inside. The house still stands, but those who live in it are strangers; they may or may not hold true to the scripture, the house will not stand forever. The house holds fond memories, but the family structure is strong so long as we allow the Lord to guide the way. Whenever we allow selfish desires to overshadow the Lord's intent, we begin to destroy what He built. The Message says, "If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap." Lord, help me to have a house that is strong and can withstand anything that Satan attempts to bring down.
Psalm 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sow in peace. At the end of each Sunday service, our pastor closes with the phrase, "Go in peace." As I read James 3:17-18, I realized that it is not just enough to "go" out of the doors and into the street in peace, but we must also "do". Those who sow do not just scatter seeds, but deliberately plant them and tend to their needs to ensure they will grow and produce a bountiful harvest. You probably know someone who likes to stir the pot, as they say. These are the people who intentionally attempt to stir up trouble. They have no desire for peace, except for a sense of satisfaction in their own minds that they have somehow justified. When we encounter those types of people, how do we get involved without being sucked into their plan? First of all, we must seek wisdom from above. It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit. Those who sow for their own selfish desires will receive deceit and contention. Those who sow peace will certainly harvest a crop of righteousness. Lord, in all my endeavors, help me to sow in peace.
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Friday, May 18, 2012
God knows. There are times when things happen that make us feel as if God does not recognize our hard work. An interview you felt certain would land you the job went to someone else, or you expected to hear from friends or family, but the days and weeks go by without any contact. These kinds of situations weigh heavily on our hearts, we can feel inadequate or abandoned (not to mention that Satan magnifies the significance). We can rest assured that even if those around us do not fully appreciate our efforts, God recognizes everything we do for him. We do not have to stand at a pulpit every Sunday morning to share Jesus with others. You can't teach a class? No problem, God will use your skills to reach out to others. A kind word, a helping hand, an ear to listen, a card or letter, or providing a taxi service can be an important work for Him. Those things may be overlooked, even by ourselves, but God will not forget. Lord, sometimes I feel defeated when my plans don't work out like I wanted, help me to remember that you know my heart and you will never forget or overlook the important work I do for you.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Over our heads. You may have experienced a comment or joke that went completely over someone's head (meaning they completely missed it). I have been in a conversation where they talk about things that are beyond my level of comprehension. This is evident very quickly if the subject is not something in which I am interested. There are things which we would like to understand, but cannot grasp the concept. When we think of God and how much he has done for us, we may think we have an idea, but we really do not understand at all. Even the wisest on earth cannot comprehend the mysteries of God's ways. We can appreciate in the sense that we respect, but we will never fully understand his decisions and how he can work things out with such perfect timing. The Message translation says, "Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out." Figuring it out doesn't really matter, trusting completely in God and allowing Him to guide our lives is what counts. Lord, there are many things I don't understand, like why good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people, and why I must suffer through certain trials, but I continue to trust that you know best and will lead me through.
Romans 11:33
Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
God's delight. There is nothing more delightful than watching a child play, especially when they have no idea you are watching. Perhaps it is their innocence and uninhibited joy that brings a smile, or a reminder of a time when things seemed more simple. Have you ever asked the question of God, "Do you delight in me? Do my actions make you smile? Are you pleased with how I've turned out?" I have never really put much thought in that aspect. For me it tends a little more like, "I hope you aren't too upset with me for that thought or comment." And of course I try to justify my actions. Sometimes we even begin to take credit for things we think we have done well, like a kindergartener at show and tell. We should not worry so much about what God does and does not see. He sees everything. Period. He knows our reasons regardless of how much we try to justify our less than Christian-like actions. He also knows our hearts and that often our good intentions are just that. He is not there to criticize, He loves us and wants to delight us. Lord, I want you to take delight in me... so how am I doing?
Zephaniah 3:17
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
God's mysteries. Try as we may, we just do not completely understand nature. The weather forecasting has gotten better, but is by no means an exact science. The best they can do is warn us when they think bad weather is headed in our direction. I noticed the other day that my efforts are almost useless when compared to the things I have seen God do in my life. I think sometimes He just "throws me a bone" every once in a while to keep me from being discouraged with my own accomplishments. Perhaps it is more than He wants me to be humble and rely completely on Him. We can only see our side of the picture, or at minimum we try to keep an open mind and see two sides. God understands completely how many aspects are connected, even if we think they are completely unrelated. Like the path of a tremendous storm - we do not fully understand why it goes there and not through here. Lord, even though some things seem like a mystery, I trust that you have things completely under control.
Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Everything we need. A good company typically provides their employees with the right tools needed to do a job. Some may need a cell phone, a company vehicle, a computer, a kitchen, a cash register, training, training on machinery, etc. This does not mean that the rookie will understand how to use all these things right away, but they should learn after a while. God has also supplied us with everything we need while on our Christian walk. Just like we need different tools depending on our jobs, so do we need things like faith, goodness, knowledge, godliness, mutual affect and love. Paul writes in 2 Peter 1:8, "For if you posses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Just as our jobs change and can require additional training, so does our Christian walk mature and take different paths (always leading to the same ultimate place). If there are areas where we are weak, we can rest assured that God will provide those resources. Lord, for those times when I feel inadequate, help me to remember that you do not call the qualified, but qualify those who are called.
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Beautiful ladies. There is nothing more eye opening to fleeting beauty than to stand in front of a mirror without clothing. Oh sure, you can lose a few pounds here and there, cover up and lift those areas that aren't particularly appealing, but let's face it, our bodies do not stay young, firm and attractive (at least without help). I ran a couple errands yesterday evening and every card section was full of people looking for a special card for the mothers in their lives. I'm guessing that most of them did were thinking more of how beautiful she is on the inside - not how attractive she looks on the outside. Our mothers have done a lot for us from the very first moment we entered the picture, whether it was at the moment of conception, the moment we met, or the time we married. If you are, or have a mother that truly loves and respects God, you are truly blessed. Lord, life gets so hectic; let me never forget to show others how much I care.
Proverbs 31:30
Charm
is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who
fears the Lord is to be praised.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Trustworthy. As I walked through many stores, I noticed the style of clothing has... well, let's just say kids are a little more exposed these days. I watched a couple of girls walk into a store and thought to myself, "I certainly would not allow my daughter to go out looking like that." Then I looked ahead to see the mother who was dressed very similar. This saddened me, and although I don't know them or their spiritual position, my instinct was to pray for that family. We raise our children the best we know how, but at some point some decided that it was more important to dress more alike and become more of a friend, rather than a parent. Clarke's Commentary describes the Proverbs 31:10 wife as "a woman of power and strength... full of mental energy". This has little to do with busy savvy and book knowledge, but describes someone who loves God and doesn't give up easily. These days you can get degrees, doctorates and earn a lot of money at a job, but if you walk out of that job tomorrow, they will get someone to replace you. Think of how much your family trusts in you - you are worth far more to them than any amount of money. They count on you for a lot, even if you do not realize it. Being a spouse or a parent is not easy, but well worth the effort. Lord, help me to make sure my priorities are in line so that others, especially those in my family, can trust in me.
Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Approach boldly. You can tell a great deal about people in the way people walk. Body language is a form of mental and physical ability of human non-verbal communication, which consists of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. Humans send and interpret such signals almost entirely subconsciously (source Wikipedia). As I exit my car and head for the store, most people can probably tell if I am on a mission to get in and get out quickly, or if I am just going to look around at my leisure. It's likely that others can also see if I am in a bad mood or a good mood. If they begin to clear a path, I may be sending the wrong signals! We do, however, need to take a certain approach when going to God with our requests. He probably doesn't pay much attention to our body language, but He can sense if we are insincere with our requests. Paul tells us we should, "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). This boldness is not arrogance coming from within, but confidence that He will hear and respond to our requests. Lord, help me to be bold as I approach and as The Message says, "walk right up... and get what [you are] so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Drifting away. After hearing some of the results from Tuesday's election a friend of mine said, "I don't know what Bible they're reading, but it's not the same as mine!" It is sad to see so many drift away from what the Bible teaches. Today's society would rather be politically correct rather than to offend someone with the truth. We think somehow we can justify our wrongdoings if we give it a label and accept that it is a normal part of life. Like my friend said, I'm not sure what Bible they read, but in mine it talks about how God destroyed those families and cities for disregarding His Word. Reading the Word and living by it should not just be something we do in our spare time. It should be a part of our daily routine. We need it as much as we need food and water! If we neglect this part of our spiritual life, we may drift away from it. Lord, it becomes obvious to me when others are drifting away from your truths, help me to pay heed to what you have to say lest I begin drifting away as well.
Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Slow to anger. There are a few things that make me angry, but not as many the older I get. I realize that getting angry doesn't do anything except upset me. An adult throwing a tantrum is not nearly as cute as a toddler for that matter. Our human nature makes us like a teakettle, we heat up a little, then a bit more until we must finally let off some steam. Comparing that to God, his level of patience with us is more like a slow cooker that can take all day. Then at the end of the day, He doesn't explode into a rage, He just presents the situation as it is. I'm pretty sure that there are things we do that make Him sad. My friend was telling me that her mom was adding electronic books to her iPod and when she suggested adding the Bible, her mom said if she added that one, it would take up too much room. My friend was shocked as she could picture Jesus with a tear in his eye from that comment. Her mom reasoned that she already had a real Bible that she carries. My friend loaded the Bible on her mom's iPod anyway. Now was God terribly upset with this situation? Probably not. He may have even gotten a chuckle out of it, since my friend has quite the comedic delivery. It would behoove us to take a few lessons from how much (or how little) it takes to anger God. Lord, thank you for your compassion and mercy, help me to learn how to become slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.
Psalm 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Seasoned with salt. If you have ever been put on a low sodium diet, you realize very quickly how much salt makes meat savory and agreeable to the palate. If we use this same principle, grace, prudence, and holiness, helps to make our conversation savory, pleasant, and acceptable. I like that Barnes Notes on the Bible says, "This does not mean that our conversation is to be always, strictly speaking, religious - wherever we may be - any more than our food should be mere salt; but it means that, whatever be the topic, the spirit of piety should be diffused through it - as the salt in our food should properly season it all - whatever the article of food may be." When the cap falls off the spice shaker and way too much gets into your food, you may end up throwing it out. Oh, you'll show a bit of interest in it at first, but too much of a good thing can ruin the entire dish. Spiritually speaking we must be conscious of how much seasoning we use in our conversations. Are we preaching so that others begin to avoid us? Do we come across with holier than thou attitude? We are to make the most of every opportunity and if others have no interest, our actions should do the talking for us. Lord, help my conversations to be always full of grace and seasoned with salt.
Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Strangers to whom? We sat at the frozen yogurt shop next to the window, talking and watching the people outside. A group of young girls was sitting at one of the outside tables talking and eating when all of a sudden they stopped and waved to a vehicle passing by. I thought nothing of it until they waved at the next car driving by from the other direction. It must have been a coincidence that these young girls had good friends that had just passed by at the same time. Then I realized, they began waving frantically, as if they hadn't seen the person for a long time, at most of the drivers and passengers. hey even waved at us sitting by the windows. Jeff and I just smiled and chuckled about how childish these girls were behaving. Although these girls might have had ulterior motives, we can still learn a great deal from the inhibitions of children. They wave or speak to people without hesitation. Most times, those who have been the object of such attention will at minimum respond with a smile. As adults, we have seen and experienced too much bad that we begin shutting others out - especially those we do not know. Gill's Exposition of the Bible defines those strangers as, "who are strangers to God and Christ." When put into that context, we can begin to understand what it means to become Jesus to someone else. Lord, I encounter many people on a daily basis whom I do not know and who probably don't know me; more than anything, I want them to know you - help me to show them who you are.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Avoiding faith tests. I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one who dislikes being tested. If I feel like I'm prepared, I do okay, but the very thought of someone testing or challenging me can send me into panic mode if I'm not careful. I guess that's why we don't get a notification telling us that we will be having a test. Most of us would try to study as much as possible to make sure we are ready. Our faith tests don't work like that - we either have faith, or we do not. Our level of faith is certainly being measured; it's nothing to worry about, but an opportunity to grow. Many times we are tempted to give up when it seems like nothing is being accomplished. This is the time when we need to be rooted even deeper into spiritual soil, reaching for nutrition that will sustain us. The bottom line is - don't give up. When your faith is being tested, feel blessed and keep going! Lord, there are many times when I would have preferred for my faith test to be over and done with, but knowing that this is an opportunity to grow, give me the strength to persevere.
James 1:2-4
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (MSG)
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The proud. Years ago I purchased a push lawn mower while my husband was going to be out of the country. He gave me some basic instructions and told me to go buy one. I brought it home and began putting it together as there was "some assembly required". I did not have to mess with the engine or anything, but the handles and the wheels had to be installed. I got it all together and filled it with gas and oil as the instructions said. I was pretty proud of myself as I began mowing... until one of the wheels came off. You see, even though I followed the instructions, I did not realize the importance of doublechecking all the bolts. I was in a hurry to finish, so I could say that I did it myself. Have you ever been patiently waiting for God to answer your prayers, but decided to take on the project, or the rest of the project yourself? We may think, "I can take it from here, God - thanks for the help!" We must be careful, for though God gave us the smarts and skills to do many things, we should never take on anything that we have turned over to God. When we take it over, perhaps it is because we want at least part of the credit. We still use that mower, but it is a reminder of just how foolish we can look when we try to be proud. Lord, my hope is in you, not in the things that I am able to accomplish.
Psalm 31:23-24
Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Proof of delivery. The US Post Office is struggling financially and on the verge of bankruptcy, which means our postal rates will keep increasing. They have provided more services, however, to compete with the quick package delivery guys and they usually ask if you want the package insured or proof of delivery (these services cost extra). Most times I decline and figure that I can make a phone call to make sure the package got there, or that the recipient will contact me. In a sense, I have faith that the post office will deliver my package as requested. When we send prayers up to God, how many times do we continue praying the same prayers without any type of sign that He hears us? We can get stuck in a rut and just repeat words, not really expecting to get an answer. Worse yet, the answer comes, but because it is not the response we expected, we do not recognize it. When Jesus cursed the fig tree and the next day Peter saw that it was withered from the roots, he was surprised. Jesus used this as a teaching moment about what we should expect from our faith. Lord, thank you for the many answers to prayers and let my faith be strong enough not to need a proof of delivery, but to believe the response is on its way.
Mark 11:22-25
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Persistence. Ben Franklin once said, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." With worldly things we squeak until someone gives us what we want (this sounds somewhat like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum). We learn how to be persistent about things we want at home, at work and about the things we buy. Perhaps from squeaking, we have graduated to a more mature way to stand our ground - especially for those things we really believe are worth the effort. How faithful or persistent are we in our prayer life? Are the things we ask really worth the effort? Lest we get too smug, think back to the time when Jesus really needed his disciples to pray in the garden, but they fell asleep. It's likely we would have been right there beside them with our eyes closed. As much as we believe in something and are persistent to let others know, we should persevere especially in a time of tribulation and distress with our prayers. Lord, help me to show others my persistence in the way of always being faithful to pray.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Overcoming temptation. I had always considered temptations to be things we must resist doing bad or something inappropriate. As a parent, I realize there is another type of temptation. When our children are in trouble or need help, we may be tempted to bail them out. This is nether bad or inappropriate, especially when they are young and under our care. The line becomes a little less clear, however, when they reach adulthood and must make their own decisions. I tend to want to fix things for them, but God gently reminds me that I should not. As Mother's Day approaches a week from this Sunday, many moms will be recognized for their unconditional love and strength during difficult times. In the last couple of months I have become more aware of those moms who raise special needs children. The strength and patience that God has given to them radiates from their faces. God is faithful and will not allow our temptations to be more than we can stand. Lord, help me to overcome the temptation to step in and take over when I need to leave it in your hands.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Do you see it? Normally I scan through the church bulletin for any special announcements, use it to follow the order of service and write down points of the sermon before folding it up to take it home. Several restaurants also give discounts on Monday if you bring in a church bulletin. I usually don't remember to do this, but of course yesterday we went out to eat and I had already taken my bulletin out of my purse. It was good only for free fries (which I did not need), but it was the principle - I missed an opportunity. We don't always see the good things that God has done for us. The printed unison prayer for this past Sunday was a reminder, "Unlock within us the barriers that keep us from recognizing and appreciating all the evidence of your love that surrounds us." We don't have to preach and quote scripture to others to win them over to Christ, but we are influencing them with our actions. Can God really work through us without a Bible constantly in our hands? He can if we allow His love in our hearts. Watch and be amazed at just what God can and will do! Lord, unlock those barriers that keep me from recognizing and appreciating everything that is from you.
Habakkuk 1:5
The Lord replied, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.