A Heart For Prayer
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Posted:Sep 16, 2014 7:16 am
Last Updated:Sep 16, 2014 7:19 am 18679 Views
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Read: Psalm 27.7-14
When You said,Seek My face, my heart said to You, Your face, Lord, I will seek.Psalm 27:8
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9
While traveling on an airplane with her 4- and 2-year-old daughters, a young mom worked at keeping them busy so they wouldn't disturb others. When the pilot's voice came over the intercom for an announcement, Catherine, the younger girl, paused from her activities and put her head down. When the pilot finished, she whispered, Amen. Perhaps because there had been a recent natural disaster, she thought the pilot was praying.
Like that little girl, I want a heart that turns my thoughts toward prayer quickly. I think it would be fair to say that the psalmist David had that kind of heart. We get hints of that in Psalm 27 as he speaks of facing difficult foes (v.2). He said, Your face, Lord, I will seek v.8. Some say that David was remembering the time he was fleeing from Saul
(1 Sam. 21:10) or from his Absalom (2 Sam. 15:13-14) when he wrote this psalm. Prayer and dependence on God were in the forefront of David's thinking, and he found Him to be his sanctuary (Ps. 27:4-5).
We need a sanctuary as well. Perhaps reading or praying this psalm and others could help us to develop that closeness to our Father-God. As God becomes our sanctuary, weâll more readily turn our hearts toward Him in prayer.
Teach me, Father, what it means to run to
and have You as my sanctuary. Help me not to
worry about the words I say, but just to express my
heart to You and to nestle down close to You.
In prayer, God can still our hearts and quiet our minds.
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The Blame Game
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Posted:Sep 15, 2014 2:15 am
Last Updated:Sep 18, 2014 12:25 pm 18755 Views
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Read: Genesis 16:1-6; 21:8-13
My wrong be upon you! . . . The Lord judge between you and me. Genesis 16:5
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8
When Jenny's husband left her for another woman, she vowed that she would never meet his new wife. But when she realized that her bitterness was damaging her 's relationship with their father, she asked for God's help to take the first steps toward overcoming bitterness in a situation she couldn't change.
In Genesis 16, we read the story of a couple to whom God promised a baby. When Sarai suggested that her husband Abram have a with their servant Hagar, she wasnât fully trusting God for the He had promised. When the baby was born, Hagar despised Sarai
(Gen. 16:3-4), and Sarai became bitter (vv.5-6).
Hagar had been the slave with no rights and suddenly she was special. How did Sarai react? By blaming others, including Abram (v.5). God's promise was realized in the birth of Isaac 14 years later. Even his weaning celebration was spoiled by Saraiâs attitude (21:8-10).
It may never have been easy for Sarai to have lived with the consequences of their decision to go ahead of God. It may have taken a miracle of grace to change her attitude but that could have transformed everything. Sarai couldnât reverse the decision, but through God's strength, she could have lived with it differently, and given God the glory.
Thank You, Lord, that though our situations
may not change, Your grace is strong enough
to change us in our situations. Help us as we
struggle sometimes to live in this sinful world.
By God's grace, we can reflect His light in the dark times.
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The Small Giant
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Posted:Sep 12, 2014 4:26 am
Last Updated:Sep 13, 2014 9:35 am 18790 Views
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Read: 1 Samuel 17:32-37
The Lord . . . will deliver me. â1 Samuel 17:37
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5
The towering enemy strides into the Valley of Elah. He stands 9 feet tall, and his coat of armor, made of many small bronze plates, glimmers in the sunlight. The shaft of his spear is wrapped with cords so it can spin through the air and be thrown with greater distance and accuracy. Goliath looks invincible.
But David knows better. While Goliath may look like a giant and act like a giant, in contrast to the living God he is small. David has a right view of God and therefore a right view of the circumstances. He sees Goliath as one who is defying the armies of the living God (1 Sam. 17:26). He confidently appears before Goliath in his shepherd's clothes, armed with only his staff, five stones, and a sling. His confidence is not in what he has but in who is with him (v.45).
What Goliath are you facing right now? It may be an impossible situation at work, a financial difficulty, or a broken relationship. With God all things are small in comparison. Nothing is too big for Him. The words of the hymnwriter Charles Wesley remind us: Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and cries it shall be done. God is able to deliver you if that's His desire, and He may do so in ways you don't expect.
Not to the strong is the battle,
Not to the swift is the race;
Yet to the true and the faithful
Victory is promised through grace.
Don't tell God how big your giants are. Tell your giants how big your God is.
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Born To Rescue
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Posted:Sep 11, 2014 8:36 am
Last Updated:Sep 18, 2014 12:27 pm 18756 Views
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Read: Mark 10:35-45
For even the of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4
After the terrorist attack and the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001, Cynthia Otto took care of the search-and-rescue dogs. Years later she established a Working Center where young pups are put through specialized training to prepare them to help victims of disaster.
Otto made this comment about these rescue animals: There are so many jobs now that dogs are being used for . . . and they can save lives. Otto said that these puppies will one day give vital aid to people in life-threatening circumstances. They are born to rescue others.
The Bible tells us of the Messiah who was born to rescue humanity from the penalty of sin. What He did rises above all earthly comparison. Two thousand years ago, God Himself became human in order to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. When Jesus became a man, He understood and proclaimed that He was born to rescue
(John 12:27. For even the of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Let us praise our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ who was born to save all who will accept His offer of salvation.
Use us, Lord, and make us humble,
Rescue us from foolish pride;
And when we begin to stumble,
Turn our thoughts to Christ who died.
Christ came to seek and to save the lost.
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One Amazing Letter
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Posted:Sep 10, 2014 7:41 am
Last Updated:Apr 27, 2024 6:2 pm 18941 Views
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Read: Psalm 119:9-16
I will not forget Your word. âPsalm 119:16
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 8-9; 2 Corinthians 3
Once in a while I open the mail to find a letter with no words on it. When we take the âletterâ out of the envelope, we see a piece of paper with nothing more on it than a colorful mark made with a felt pen. Those âlettersâ warm my heart because theyâre from my preschool granddaughter Katie, who lives in another state. Even without words, these letters tell us that she loves us and is thinking about me.
We all cherish letters from those we love and those who love us. Thatâs why there is so much encouragement in the fact that our heavenly Father has given us a letter called the Bible. The value of Scripture goes beyond its words of power, challenge, and wisdom. Amid all of the stories, teaching, and guidance this Book provides, the overriding idea is that God loves us and has planned our rescue. It tells us of His love in overseeing our existence (Ps. 139), meeting our needs (Matt. 6:31-34), comforting us (2 Cor. 1:3-4), and saving us through the sacrifice of His , Jesus (Rom. 1:16-17).
You are loved beyond imagination. God says so in His inspired and inspiring message to you. No wonder the psalmist wrote, âI will not forget Your wordâ (Ps. 119:16). It is one amazing letter!
Lord, help me to examine the Bibleâs pages,
understand its truths, and apply its teachings to my
life. May I be as excited about Your letter to me as I
am about a letter, email, or Facebook posting by a friend.
The love of God for us is revealed in His letter to usâthe Bible.
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A Possum's Pose
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Posted:Sep 9, 2014 5:59 am
Last Updated:Sep 10, 2014 7:42 am 18710 Views
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Read: 1 Samuel 28:5-6, 15-20
[The Lord] neither faints nor is weary. —Isaiah 40:28
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2
Possums are known for their ability to play dead. When this happens, the possum’s body wilts, its tongue flops out, and its heart rate declines. After about 15 minutes, the animal revives. Interestingly, animal experts do not believe that possums purposefully play dead to evade predators. They faint involuntarily when they become overwhelmed and anxious!
King Saul had a similar response to danger at the end of his reign. Saul “fell full length on the ground, and was dreadfully afraid . . . . And there was no strength in him” (1 Sam. 28:20). He responded this way when the prophet Samuel told him that the Philistines would attack Israel on the next day, and that the Lord was not going to help him. Because Saul’s life had been characterized by disobedience, rashness, and jealousy, God was no longer guiding him (v.16), and his efforts to defend himself and the Israelites would be futile (v.19).
We may be in a place of weakness and despair because of our rebellion or because of the difficulties of life. Although anxiety can steal our strength, God can renew it as we lean on Him (Isa. 40:31). He “neither faints nor is weary” v.28, and He is willing to reach down and revive us when we can’t take another step.
Jesus, You mean the world to me. You
are my life and my all. I’m thankful for
the strength that You give from day to day.
I know that without You I am nothing.
The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.
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Sow What?
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Posted:Sep 8, 2014 6:02 am
Last Updated:Sep 8, 2014 6:03 am 18952 Views
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Read: Mark 4:1-20
He who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1
On the clock tower of my alma mater is an Art Deco bas-relief sculpture titled The Sower. The inscription beneath it is from Galatians 6.7, Whatsoever a man soweth. Michigan State University remains a leader in agricultural research, but despite many improvements in farming techniques and crop production, this fact remains: Seeds of corn will not produce a crop of beans.
Jesus used many farming metaphors to explain the kingdom of God. In the parable of the sower (Mark 4), He compared the Word of God to seeds sown in different types of soil. As the parable indicates, the sower sows indiscriminately, knowing that some seed will fall in places where it will not grow.
Like Jesus, we are to sow good seed in all places at all times. God is responsible for where it lands and how it grows. The important thing is that we sow. God does not want us to reap destruction, so He wants us to sow what is good and right Prov. 11:18. The apostle Paul elaborated on the metaphor when he warned believers not to sow seeds of corruption. Instead, we are to sow seeds that will reap eternal life
Gal. 6.8.
The answer to the question, âSow what?â is âSow what you want to reap.â To reap a good harvest in your life, start sowing seeds of goodness.
Sow a thought, reap an act;
Sow an act, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
A buried seed brings fruit; a selfless life reaps an eternal harvest.
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With Him Forever!
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Posted:Sep 5, 2014 5:00 am
Last Updated:Sep 5, 2014 5:03 am 18655 Views
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Read: James 4:11-17
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
James 4:14
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
In 1859, during the turbulent years prior to America's Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had the opportunity to speak to the Agricultural Society in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As he spoke, he shared with them the story of an ancient monarch's search for a sentence that was true and appropriate in all times and situations. His wise men, faced with this heady challenge, gave him the sentence, And this, too, shall pass away.
This is certainly true of our present world it is constantly in the process of deterioration. And it's not happening just to the world; we also face the reality in our own lives that our days are numbered. James wrote, For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14).
Although our current life is temporary and will pass away, the God we worship and serve is eternal. He has shared that eternity with us through the gift of His , Jesus Christ. He promises us a life that will never pass away: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten , that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
When Christ returns, He will take us home to be with Him forever!
Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.
For hope today, remember the end of the story eternity with God.
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The Barking Lion
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Posted:Sep 4, 2014 10:00 am
Last Updated:Sep 4, 2014 10:02 am 18871 Views
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Read: Proverbs 22:1-5
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Proverbs 22:1
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Visitors to a zoo were outraged when the African lion started barking instead of roaring. Zoo staff said they had disguised a Tibetan mastiff a very large dog as a lion because they could not afford the real thing. Needless to say, the zoos reputation was sullied and people will think twice before visiting it.
Reputation is fragile; once it's damaged, it's hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit. This too could be our story. Scripture encourages us: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches (Prov. 22:1). God is telling us that true value must be placed not in what we have but in who we are.
Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said, The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. As followers of Jesus, we bear His name. Because of His love for us, we strive to walk worthy of Him, reflecting His likeness in our words and deeds.
When we fail, He picks us up again by His love. By our example, others around us will be led to praise the God who has redeemed and transformed us (Matt. 5:16) for the name of the Lord is worthy of glory, honor, and all praise.
Lord, I do want to walk worthy of Your name
because You have made me Your own. I know
I canât live perfectly, but I want to reflect to others
a little of who You are. Please show Yourself through me.
The purest treasure mortal times afford is a spotless reputation.
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The Barking Lion
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Posted:Sep 4, 2014 9:52 am
Last Updated:Sep 4, 2014 9:54 am 18937 Views
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Read: Proverbs 22:1-5
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Proverbs 22:1
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Visitors to a zoo were outraged when the African lion started barking instead of roaring. Zoo staff said they had disguised a Tibetan mastiff a very large dogs a lion because they could not afford the real thing. Needless to say, the zoos reputation was sullied and people will think twice before visiting it.
Reputation is fragile; once it's damaged, it's hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit. This too could be our story. Scripture encourages us: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches (Prov. 22:1). God is telling us that true value must be placed not in what we have but in who we are.
Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said, The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. As followers of Jesus, we bear His name. Because of His love for us, we strive to walk worthy of Him, reflecting His likeness in our words and deeds.
When we fail, He picks us up again by His love. By our example, others around us will be led to praise the God who has redeemed and transformed us (Matt. 5:16) for the name of the Lord is worthy of glory, honor, and all praise.
Lord, I do want to walk worthy of Your name
because You have made me Your own. I know
I can't live perfectly, but I want to reflect to others
a little of who You are. Please show Yourself through me.
The purest treasure mortal times afford is a spotless reputation. COLOR]
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