Psalm 23
It's not the conversation, it's the company.
I like that phrase, it is full of deeper meaning. Some times all we need to do, is be there and be quiet.
It always seems that when we get together with the ones we love, all we do is yap.
Did you ever think about how much time we spend talking?
In what we like to call our “quiet time” with God, we usually fill in any silence with our prayers. But do we ever practice just being “still”?
Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
This is what the Bible tells us to do with God. Be still, not be in active conversation.
There are times when all we have to do is bask in His presence, to feel the Holy Spirit cover us, and just be with God. It is amazing the encouragement, comfort, and peace we can feel when we do this.
( I have to admit that there are times when I am practicing this kind of worship, I have fallen asleep. )
Now, God has given us a vision of what it's like to just be still with Him.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He restores my soul.
Mmmm! How sweet the sound.
I long to have my soul restored every day. I want to lie down by those still waters in that green pasture.
If we were to do that, find a quiet piece of grass near a slow flowing river, when we laid down, how many of would would begin talking away?
I am hopeful that the answer would be not one of us would just begin talking, and that we would just enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the moments we spend with each other, and enjoy the moments we have in the presence of the Lord.
The Bible tells us to be still. Jesus calls us to His presence to be still.
It's not the conversation, it's the company.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Malachi 2: 10 – 16
This is going to be tough for the few of us who have been married before.
10 Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?
13 Another thing you do: You flood the LORD’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.
14 You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
15 Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
Nobody wants to see a couple get divorced. Especially those people that in the family of the divorcing couple. It clearly says in this scripture that God hates divorce. He was the one who came up with idea of marriage to begin with (Gen. 2: 24 ).
I don't know about you, but I have a few questions on that subject. My first marriage was built on the use and abuse of drugs. I had no relationship with God at the time, and was basically living as the world dictated.
I know that this is no excuse for my divorce, but wasn't I forgiven for all my sins when I invited Jesus into my heart?
In thinking this way, or believing what I do, am I placing myself above what God has written? Or is the marriage that has been based on the word from the very beginning, the marriage that matters?
I love God.
I love his church.
And, I love my wife.
Even though she may not be the “wife of my youth”, she certainly means more to me than the first woman I married. As I said we have a Biblically based marriage, not one based on chemical addiction.
The family unit is sacred, and the family that we all enjoy right now, whether it is your only marriage, or your 40'th., is the one I believe that He recognizes. It may not have come about with both parties being believers, but we have come into relationship now. And I believe that this is the marriage that He holds as sacred.
I've written a lot of stuff today, and maybe I'm just venting, but the topic today strikes close to my heart, because this is in fact my second marriage, and my wife and I , are in leadership roles in our church.
So, if I am wrong in my belief, I pray that God will forgive my foolishness and pride for doubting His word, and I will praise Him.
If I am right, I thank my Lord and Savior, for his gentle hand blessing and guiding my life, and I will give Him praise.
I will praise Him at all times.
Ah well I have to stop rambling, and I hope that I have made sense. I've been up all night and am feeling a bit fuzzy in the head right now. If I got it right ( which I hope to be true ) then I pray that it is use for you. If you feel that I got it wrong, well then i'm sorry and will put more effort into getting it right tomorrow.
This is going to be tough for the few of us who have been married before.
10 Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?
13 Another thing you do: You flood the LORD’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.
14 You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
15 Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
Nobody wants to see a couple get divorced. Especially those people that in the family of the divorcing couple. It clearly says in this scripture that God hates divorce. He was the one who came up with idea of marriage to begin with (Gen. 2: 24 ).
I don't know about you, but I have a few questions on that subject. My first marriage was built on the use and abuse of drugs. I had no relationship with God at the time, and was basically living as the world dictated.
I know that this is no excuse for my divorce, but wasn't I forgiven for all my sins when I invited Jesus into my heart?
In thinking this way, or believing what I do, am I placing myself above what God has written? Or is the marriage that has been based on the word from the very beginning, the marriage that matters?
I love God.
I love his church.
And, I love my wife.
Even though she may not be the “wife of my youth”, she certainly means more to me than the first woman I married. As I said we have a Biblically based marriage, not one based on chemical addiction.
The family unit is sacred, and the family that we all enjoy right now, whether it is your only marriage, or your 40'th., is the one I believe that He recognizes. It may not have come about with both parties being believers, but we have come into relationship now. And I believe that this is the marriage that He holds as sacred.
I've written a lot of stuff today, and maybe I'm just venting, but the topic today strikes close to my heart, because this is in fact my second marriage, and my wife and I , are in leadership roles in our church.
So, if I am wrong in my belief, I pray that God will forgive my foolishness and pride for doubting His word, and I will praise Him.
If I am right, I thank my Lord and Savior, for his gentle hand blessing and guiding my life, and I will give Him praise.
I will praise Him at all times.
Ah well I have to stop rambling, and I hope that I have made sense. I've been up all night and am feeling a bit fuzzy in the head right now. If I got it right ( which I hope to be true ) then I pray that it is use for you. If you feel that I got it wrong, well then i'm sorry and will put more effort into getting it right tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER
Luke 5: 12 – 16
There are thousands of stories of self sacrifice for the benefit of others. From such little things as visiting an elderly neighbor who needs the company, when you can be doing something more productive, too a soldier falling on a grenade, giving up his life to save the lives of his buddies.
All it takes to do such things, is a willingness to do so. When people ask for help, we should be able to offer ourselves to help them to the best of our abilities.
But where do we get the strength to be able to do such things as this? Well, Jesus used prayer to gain and keep his strength, and if we pray earnestly, we will be amazed by the power that prayer has.
12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed
we don't have to look far for opportunities to help others. Heck, it can come from in our own families, or neighborhoods. It doesn't matter how or where we find these needs, all that matters is if we find them, how will react to them, and what are we willing to do.
Jesus didn't hesitate to help, so lets follow his example.
There are thousands of stories of self sacrifice for the benefit of others. From such little things as visiting an elderly neighbor who needs the company, when you can be doing something more productive, too a soldier falling on a grenade, giving up his life to save the lives of his buddies.
All it takes to do such things, is a willingness to do so. When people ask for help, we should be able to offer ourselves to help them to the best of our abilities.
But where do we get the strength to be able to do such things as this? Well, Jesus used prayer to gain and keep his strength, and if we pray earnestly, we will be amazed by the power that prayer has.
12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed
we don't have to look far for opportunities to help others. Heck, it can come from in our own families, or neighborhoods. It doesn't matter how or where we find these needs, all that matters is if we find them, how will react to them, and what are we willing to do.
Jesus didn't hesitate to help, so lets follow his example.
Monday, February 23, 2009
CONVERSION
Mark 4: 26 – 29
I have a question for you. How many of you had a kind of Paul on the road to Damascus conversion? What I mean is, when you came to know the Lord, was it quickly, or did a friend or co-worker, or even both, talk to you about their faith and relationship with God before you became interested enough to start to ask questions on your own?
Most people will tell you that even though they made their decision to follow Jesus at one event or church service, it was at the end of a long road of others working with them along the way. I know for myself, I came to be a Christian in a flash, but the build up was long in coming. I had a friend and who helped me through a period of time when I needed it, as I said that I was experimenting with my Christianity. Then one day it hit me in the head that God was alive and well, and that he had relevance in my life today.
Jesus was teaching us about this in the book of Mark. He knew how we behave, and He knew that we usually don't make decisions quickly. So he wrote the parable of the harvest.
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.
28 All by itself the soil produces corn—first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
As a people. We act the same yesterday and today. Jesus knew this and that is why he taught us this about coming to know the Father and entering His kingdom. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over again, and it takes time for us to realize this, it is rare that we learn our lessons quickly.
Because people may need time and multiple exposures to the gospel before they are ready to make a decision, we need to be sensitive to where they are in their faith-journey. In the meantime, we can cultivate spiritual interest, pray for them, and wait for the harvest!
I have a question for you. How many of you had a kind of Paul on the road to Damascus conversion? What I mean is, when you came to know the Lord, was it quickly, or did a friend or co-worker, or even both, talk to you about their faith and relationship with God before you became interested enough to start to ask questions on your own?
Most people will tell you that even though they made their decision to follow Jesus at one event or church service, it was at the end of a long road of others working with them along the way. I know for myself, I came to be a Christian in a flash, but the build up was long in coming. I had a friend and who helped me through a period of time when I needed it, as I said that I was experimenting with my Christianity. Then one day it hit me in the head that God was alive and well, and that he had relevance in my life today.
Jesus was teaching us about this in the book of Mark. He knew how we behave, and He knew that we usually don't make decisions quickly. So he wrote the parable of the harvest.
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.
28 All by itself the soil produces corn—first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
As a people. We act the same yesterday and today. Jesus knew this and that is why he taught us this about coming to know the Father and entering His kingdom. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over again, and it takes time for us to realize this, it is rare that we learn our lessons quickly.
Because people may need time and multiple exposures to the gospel before they are ready to make a decision, we need to be sensitive to where they are in their faith-journey. In the meantime, we can cultivate spiritual interest, pray for them, and wait for the harvest!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
DO UNTO OTHERS
Luke 6: 26 – 37
Vengeance is a dish best served cold. At one time I loved that old Klingon saying. I still think it's cool in the context of a Star Trek movie. The problem is that we can see it in action every day. There is also an old human saying; “We do the oldest of sins in the newest of ways. When we compare the two sayings, they kinda go hand in hand. Jesus tells us that we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you.
31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.
33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.
Sorta takes the fun out of vengeance thing. So what this says is that if we do act in these ways, we are no different than others. We are supposed to be set apart, and to act that way to be a light for others.
As I've written in the past, I find it hard to do when the Bible stretches me out of my comfort zone. This is one of those times. I used to love to retaliate for perceived wrongs, be cause sometime I would make up and insult so that I could get even. But, in doing so, I do not separate myself as a Christian no matter what I call my self. There's another old saying “ Just because you live in a garage, it doesn't mean you're a Cadillac”.
Vengeance is a dish best served cold. At one time I loved that old Klingon saying. I still think it's cool in the context of a Star Trek movie. The problem is that we can see it in action every day. There is also an old human saying; “We do the oldest of sins in the newest of ways. When we compare the two sayings, they kinda go hand in hand. Jesus tells us that we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you.
31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.
33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.
Sorta takes the fun out of vengeance thing. So what this says is that if we do act in these ways, we are no different than others. We are supposed to be set apart, and to act that way to be a light for others.
As I've written in the past, I find it hard to do when the Bible stretches me out of my comfort zone. This is one of those times. I used to love to retaliate for perceived wrongs, be cause sometime I would make up and insult so that I could get even. But, in doing so, I do not separate myself as a Christian no matter what I call my self. There's another old saying “ Just because you live in a garage, it doesn't mean you're a Cadillac”.
Friday, February 20, 2009
SLAVES
Deuteronomy 24: 14 – 22
We were all once slaves. It doesn't matter what held us in bondage, whether it was addiction to drugs, booze, or porn, or even a dangerous relationship, and more, we all had to overcome and break the chains that bound us. And because of this, we have compassion of those that are still sick and suffering, and enslaved.
Some of us go to extremes to help while other do so in a more quiet manner, unseen, but none the less a helpful outreach.
Moses was reminding the people of Israel that they were also once in bondage, and that they should have compassion on those in need.
14 Do not take advantage of a hired man who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother Israelite or an alien living in one of your towns.
17 Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.
18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.
19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.
This can be a way to bring people to salvation. Remember that folks are watching us and will react to the way we live our lives. There is also an old saying that goes, “If you give, you get” and that rings true here too.
Be aware of those around us. See those who's needs are not met, and do what you can. Moses set the guidelines on how to do it. He told the people to leave a little bit of the crops for those in need to gather, in other words, do not brag or boast of your helping the poor and needy. Do so quietly and God will be the one who sees, not the crowd.
We were all once slaves. It doesn't matter what held us in bondage, whether it was addiction to drugs, booze, or porn, or even a dangerous relationship, and more, we all had to overcome and break the chains that bound us. And because of this, we have compassion of those that are still sick and suffering, and enslaved.
Some of us go to extremes to help while other do so in a more quiet manner, unseen, but none the less a helpful outreach.
Moses was reminding the people of Israel that they were also once in bondage, and that they should have compassion on those in need.
14 Do not take advantage of a hired man who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother Israelite or an alien living in one of your towns.
17 Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.
18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.
19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.
This can be a way to bring people to salvation. Remember that folks are watching us and will react to the way we live our lives. There is also an old saying that goes, “If you give, you get” and that rings true here too.
Be aware of those around us. See those who's needs are not met, and do what you can. Moses set the guidelines on how to do it. He told the people to leave a little bit of the crops for those in need to gather, in other words, do not brag or boast of your helping the poor and needy. Do so quietly and God will be the one who sees, not the crowd.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
RAIN DROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD
Psalm 42
I once hears said that if it were truly raining cats and dogs, there would be kettles full of kittens and puddles full of poodles. That said it is pouring out this morning. So much so that the TV is out and it is going to makes some peoples commute to work a lot longer than usual. These things tend to aggravate us, and take our minds off of things and focus on the trouble that we are having at the moment, like being stuck in traffic, or getting our clothes soaked waiting for a bus or train. At some point during a day like this, we are going to feel miserable.
Days like this make us feel as if winter is never going to end, but, if we think about it, at least we have God with us to bring us comfort.
I think of Mr. Tumnus, from the Chronicles of Narnia, when he said; “ It's always winter, but there is never any Christmas”.
To me that's a scary thought. To be in misery and have no hope. To be lost and have no compass. To be in darkness and have no candle.
Well, David wrote about things like this in the Psalms, and 42 is a good example of this.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and
6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
So as we suffer days like today and while others mock us for our faith, we just have to turn to God for our comfort and salvation.
I once hears said that if it were truly raining cats and dogs, there would be kettles full of kittens and puddles full of poodles. That said it is pouring out this morning. So much so that the TV is out and it is going to makes some peoples commute to work a lot longer than usual. These things tend to aggravate us, and take our minds off of things and focus on the trouble that we are having at the moment, like being stuck in traffic, or getting our clothes soaked waiting for a bus or train. At some point during a day like this, we are going to feel miserable.
Days like this make us feel as if winter is never going to end, but, if we think about it, at least we have God with us to bring us comfort.
I think of Mr. Tumnus, from the Chronicles of Narnia, when he said; “ It's always winter, but there is never any Christmas”.
To me that's a scary thought. To be in misery and have no hope. To be lost and have no compass. To be in darkness and have no candle.
Well, David wrote about things like this in the Psalms, and 42 is a good example of this.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and
6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
So as we suffer days like today and while others mock us for our faith, we just have to turn to God for our comfort and salvation.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
FEELING DOWN?
Psalm 126
When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side. when times get rough
And friends just cant be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Feeling down? Feeling beset with trouble? Paul Simon wrote the above, God wrote the below. Enjoy.
1 A song of ascents. When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side. when times get rough
And friends just cant be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Feeling down? Feeling beset with trouble? Paul Simon wrote the above, God wrote the below. Enjoy.
1 A song of ascents. When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
TOMORROW AT NOON
Mathew 24: 36 – 46
The one thing that can be said about us human beings is that if we are given a date to prepare for something, we can usually pull it together in time for that day. But, if we are told that someday we will do this, the day will come and go and most of us will whine about not having time to get ready, even though we knew the day was coming.
Jesus told us we have to be ready for that day in the future, and He didn't give us the date or the time. I can't help but wonder how many of us will be whining when that day comes and goes. And if I tell the truth, that thought saddens me.
36 "No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
It would be so much easier if Jesus had said; Tomorrow at noon, I will return. Boy howdy! We'd all be ready and waiting because that's easy. I guess that means that every day we have to wake up and think; This is the day. My Lord is coming today.
38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Be ready today. Wake up tomorrow and be ready then. If we live every day as if this is the day, then when that day comes, we won't be whining and crying.
The one thing that can be said about us human beings is that if we are given a date to prepare for something, we can usually pull it together in time for that day. But, if we are told that someday we will do this, the day will come and go and most of us will whine about not having time to get ready, even though we knew the day was coming.
Jesus told us we have to be ready for that day in the future, and He didn't give us the date or the time. I can't help but wonder how many of us will be whining when that day comes and goes. And if I tell the truth, that thought saddens me.
36 "No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
It would be so much easier if Jesus had said; Tomorrow at noon, I will return. Boy howdy! We'd all be ready and waiting because that's easy. I guess that means that every day we have to wake up and think; This is the day. My Lord is coming today.
38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Be ready today. Wake up tomorrow and be ready then. If we live every day as if this is the day, then when that day comes, we won't be whining and crying.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
1 John 3: 1 – 3
Today is Valentines Day. What does that mean? Today it means a day dedicated to romantic love, but in years gone by, it is a feast day dedicated to a martyred saint. (There are some 14 of them and no one knows which one or two this feast is for) Those conspiracy theorists among us believe that it a false holiday created by Hallmark cards so they can make more money, just like they did with mother’s day.
But, what does all this have to do with our reading today? To be honest, not much, it’s just recognition of the day we call a holiday.
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
John 3:16.
For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whoever
Believes In Him
Should Not perish,
But have EverlaSting life.
God loves us like no one else ever could. He showed that love when He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. He’s also the best companion we’ll ever have
Let’s get to know more about love and this guy named Jesus. Let’s read his word.
Let’s learn about real love.
Today is Valentines Day. What does that mean? Today it means a day dedicated to romantic love, but in years gone by, it is a feast day dedicated to a martyred saint. (There are some 14 of them and no one knows which one or two this feast is for) Those conspiracy theorists among us believe that it a false holiday created by Hallmark cards so they can make more money, just like they did with mother’s day.
But, what does all this have to do with our reading today? To be honest, not much, it’s just recognition of the day we call a holiday.
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
John 3:16.
For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whoever
Believes In Him
Should Not perish,
But have EverlaSting life.
God loves us like no one else ever could. He showed that love when He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. He’s also the best companion we’ll ever have
Let’s get to know more about love and this guy named Jesus. Let’s read his word.
Let’s learn about real love.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Love
1 Corinthians 13: 1 - 8
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
'NUFF SAID!
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
'NUFF SAID!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
WHO DO YOU TRUST
Proverbs 3: 1 – 8
Trust is one of the hardest things we can develop. Just look at your own life. How long did it take you to trust, and how many people do you trust? Do you trust in God?
There are many multi million dollar companies that exist to teach people to trust during corporate weekend retreats. They use techniques such as climbing pole to dizzying heights while a partner keeps your lifeline tight and you safe. They use many more always giving a message of trust of your fellow workers, or friends, or lovers.
Never is God mentioned with the word trust.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Seems pretty simple to me. But how do we reach that point. That point where we finally fully put our trust in the lord.
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
There are so many benefits to trusting the Lord that I cannot possible write them here. There just ain't enough room.
So trust in God, and win favor in the sight of God and man,
Trust is one of the hardest things we can develop. Just look at your own life. How long did it take you to trust, and how many people do you trust? Do you trust in God?
There are many multi million dollar companies that exist to teach people to trust during corporate weekend retreats. They use techniques such as climbing pole to dizzying heights while a partner keeps your lifeline tight and you safe. They use many more always giving a message of trust of your fellow workers, or friends, or lovers.
Never is God mentioned with the word trust.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Seems pretty simple to me. But how do we reach that point. That point where we finally fully put our trust in the lord.
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
There are so many benefits to trusting the Lord that I cannot possible write them here. There just ain't enough room.
So trust in God, and win favor in the sight of God and man,
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
HUMILITY
Psalm 131
The path to humility is twofold. It involves knowing who we are, that is, having a proper self-esteem rather than thinking too highly of self. But most important, it requires knowing who God is, holding Him in highest esteem and trusting Him for His best in His time.
David was being accused of treason, and bragging that he was better than Saul the King. But, in this Psalm he is stating the opposite.
1 A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and for evermore.
We know that David wasn't boasting about his humility, but is saying that he is like a weaned child, vulnerable and dependent on God for everything he needs.
We all need to be so dependent.
We need to all learn to count on God for everything.
The path to humility is twofold. It involves knowing who we are, that is, having a proper self-esteem rather than thinking too highly of self. But most important, it requires knowing who God is, holding Him in highest esteem and trusting Him for His best in His time.
David was being accused of treason, and bragging that he was better than Saul the King. But, in this Psalm he is stating the opposite.
1 A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and for evermore.
We know that David wasn't boasting about his humility, but is saying that he is like a weaned child, vulnerable and dependent on God for everything he needs.
We all need to be so dependent.
We need to all learn to count on God for everything.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
LEFTOVERS
Genesis 22: 1 – 12
How do you think your friends would feel if you invited them over for a dinner party, and you served them leftovers reheated in the micro wave?
First of all, I don't think anyone of us would do something like this. We would always sacrifice our time to produce our best dishes to present to our company. Why? Because we wouldn't treat our friends to something that wasn't our best.
Assuming this to be true, why don't we do the same thing for God? Offering our best as it were.
Oh God said to Abraham kill me a son
Abe said man you must be puttin me on
God said no, Abe said what
God say you can do what you wanna but
The next time you see me comin you better run
Well Abe said where dyou want this killin done
God said out on highway 61
Now there's a dilemma. How many of us would sacrifice their first born and only son? Abraham was faced with this decision. God wanted to know Abe's level of commitment.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.
Isaac was giving his best as well by giving his life apparently willingly. God noting their willingness to obey, stopped Abraham, and provided a ram for the sacrifice.
So far, we have never, and hopefully will never, be asked to make such a sacrifice, but God still wants us to give the best we have.
We would do it for our friends, so let's do the same for God.
How do you think your friends would feel if you invited them over for a dinner party, and you served them leftovers reheated in the micro wave?
First of all, I don't think anyone of us would do something like this. We would always sacrifice our time to produce our best dishes to present to our company. Why? Because we wouldn't treat our friends to something that wasn't our best.
Assuming this to be true, why don't we do the same thing for God? Offering our best as it were.
Oh God said to Abraham kill me a son
Abe said man you must be puttin me on
God said no, Abe said what
God say you can do what you wanna but
The next time you see me comin you better run
Well Abe said where dyou want this killin done
God said out on highway 61
Now there's a dilemma. How many of us would sacrifice their first born and only son? Abraham was faced with this decision. God wanted to know Abe's level of commitment.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.
Isaac was giving his best as well by giving his life apparently willingly. God noting their willingness to obey, stopped Abraham, and provided a ram for the sacrifice.
So far, we have never, and hopefully will never, be asked to make such a sacrifice, but God still wants us to give the best we have.
We would do it for our friends, so let's do the same for God.
Monday, February 9, 2009
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
1 Peter 2: 9 – 17
We've all heard the story of the Franciscan initiate who was excited by the fact that even though he was new to the brotherhood, was granted the privilege to go to town and hear St. Francis bring the word of God to the populace. Through out the day Francis went from farm, to farm, to the blacksmith and even the drunks. All he said was small talk and all he did was assist the people in their labors.
Disappointed that he had not heard Francis preach, the initiate sulked all the way home. When Francis questioned the initiate and learned of his disappointment, Francis said that he had preached God's word all day long with his actions and the comfort he brought in his small talk understanding th plight of those he cam in contact with. He was living the life that God wants us to live, outlined in 2 Peter.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Are you able to say that you are living up to the example of God's word?
Remember, you may be the only Bible that other people read.
We've all heard the story of the Franciscan initiate who was excited by the fact that even though he was new to the brotherhood, was granted the privilege to go to town and hear St. Francis bring the word of God to the populace. Through out the day Francis went from farm, to farm, to the blacksmith and even the drunks. All he said was small talk and all he did was assist the people in their labors.
Disappointed that he had not heard Francis preach, the initiate sulked all the way home. When Francis questioned the initiate and learned of his disappointment, Francis said that he had preached God's word all day long with his actions and the comfort he brought in his small talk understanding th plight of those he cam in contact with. He was living the life that God wants us to live, outlined in 2 Peter.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Are you able to say that you are living up to the example of God's word?
Remember, you may be the only Bible that other people read.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
GROUND HOG DAY
2 Peter 1: 16 – 21
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog that comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, each February 2 to predict the weather. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of cold weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will come early.
I've seen this ritual, men in top hats and long coats hold this poor scared gopher high in the air in front of a large crowd of drunks. The gopher usually pees on the man holding him, which I see as rather fitting thing to do on such an august occasion. This is of course all humbug, as the “ground hog” is very unreliable and is wrong more than he is right.
We are always looking for someone or something to rely on. As the song says; “We all need somebody to lean on”. Living in this way, we are susceptible to all kinds of hucksters and tricksters, and Satan likes it just that way, because when we do, he wins.
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.
21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is never wrong and will never lead us astray, His word is prophetic and never wrong.
So forget about the poor frightened gopher, leave him alone to live in his heated well kept den, he can't tell us anything anyway.
Instead, look to Jesus for the truth.
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog that comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, each February 2 to predict the weather. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of cold weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will come early.
I've seen this ritual, men in top hats and long coats hold this poor scared gopher high in the air in front of a large crowd of drunks. The gopher usually pees on the man holding him, which I see as rather fitting thing to do on such an august occasion. This is of course all humbug, as the “ground hog” is very unreliable and is wrong more than he is right.
We are always looking for someone or something to rely on. As the song says; “We all need somebody to lean on”. Living in this way, we are susceptible to all kinds of hucksters and tricksters, and Satan likes it just that way, because when we do, he wins.
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.
21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is never wrong and will never lead us astray, His word is prophetic and never wrong.
So forget about the poor frightened gopher, leave him alone to live in his heated well kept den, he can't tell us anything anyway.
Instead, look to Jesus for the truth.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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