(Luke 8:18 NLT) "So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."
How often do we hear without listening? I know from my own experiences pressures of life can cause a numbing effect; you know what is right but fail to act upon it. Soon even the things you thought you knew will fall away and you’re left looking for direction. Fortunately, God is faithful in that He consistently gives us new opportunities to listen to what we are hearing and if we are hearing His voice He will lead us out of the quick sand we were headed for. Read your Bible today, pray, and listen – (Psalms 46:1 NLT) “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
Luke chapter 7
I love this story about Jesus when Simon, a Pharisee, invites Jesus to his house for dinner and a woman, whom the Bible called “immoral” begins to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair. Simon because he saw himself as righteous must have seen Jesus as in interesting character to be studied and influential, something he hoped to be but this woman saw him as Savior, Lord, and the Deliverer of her past! Simon looked on her as someone to avoid but Jesus welcomed her with open arms because he was not blind as Simon supposed but rather he knew her life in intimate detail and even more importantly he knew her heart and who she wanted to be. You see people look at the book’s cover but God not only opens the cover to look inside but he knows how our story ends, he knows our desires even the ones we are afraid to dream and our purpose, the very reason we were created! Because of this God is able to look beyond all the things we can’t and if we humble ourselves before His feet and open our hearts to Him He is faithful to forgive us and give us a new start, a brand new life.
I love this story about Jesus when Simon, a Pharisee, invites Jesus to his house for dinner and a woman, whom the Bible called “immoral” begins to wash Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair. Simon because he saw himself as righteous must have seen Jesus as in interesting character to be studied and influential, something he hoped to be but this woman saw him as Savior, Lord, and the Deliverer of her past! Simon looked on her as someone to avoid but Jesus welcomed her with open arms because he was not blind as Simon supposed but rather he knew her life in intimate detail and even more importantly he knew her heart and who she wanted to be. You see people look at the book’s cover but God not only opens the cover to look inside but he knows how our story ends, he knows our desires even the ones we are afraid to dream and our purpose, the very reason we were created! Because of this God is able to look beyond all the things we can’t and if we humble ourselves before His feet and open our hearts to Him He is faithful to forgive us and give us a new start, a brand new life.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Vision
(1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT) Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Lord, You have given us enough vision to see forms and shapes but we lack clarity. The sounds we hear are muffled but still what little sight and hearing we do possess causes us to venture out and some even seem to be good at it but I am not satisfied with these alone. The only thing I do see clearly, the only thing I can hear ring true are You and your words as you gently, tenderly, lovingly guide me. This gift is not exclusive for you promise them to all who humble themselves in order to seek you, who have hearts filled with love for you, for righteousness! You reveal yourself to those who take time to put You first.
Though apart from you I can see like the man whom you laid hands on and asked what he could see he said, “I see men as trees walking around” (Mark 8:24) only forms and shapes, apart from you I think I hear my name being called to come here or come there (for the enemy works hard to deceive) my vision depends on seeing You each morning, my ability to walk and not stumble depends on hearing your voice. No I don’t need to see tomorrow when I can hear you call my name and I need not hear things in the distance when I can see your face clearly. For You are my vision and You are my light, my path is clear and my feet will not stumble when my eyes are upon You.
Lord, You have given us enough vision to see forms and shapes but we lack clarity. The sounds we hear are muffled but still what little sight and hearing we do possess causes us to venture out and some even seem to be good at it but I am not satisfied with these alone. The only thing I do see clearly, the only thing I can hear ring true are You and your words as you gently, tenderly, lovingly guide me. This gift is not exclusive for you promise them to all who humble themselves in order to seek you, who have hearts filled with love for you, for righteousness! You reveal yourself to those who take time to put You first.
Though apart from you I can see like the man whom you laid hands on and asked what he could see he said, “I see men as trees walking around” (Mark 8:24) only forms and shapes, apart from you I think I hear my name being called to come here or come there (for the enemy works hard to deceive) my vision depends on seeing You each morning, my ability to walk and not stumble depends on hearing your voice. No I don’t need to see tomorrow when I can hear you call my name and I need not hear things in the distance when I can see your face clearly. For You are my vision and You are my light, my path is clear and my feet will not stumble when my eyes are upon You.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
To Be Falsely Accused
(Mark 15) To be falsely accused is one of the most difficult things I have ever faced. Everything that is within wants to make known the truth so that each one who sits in judgment will know that I am justified. Many times frustration and anger follow closely behind because there is no reasoning with my accusers but here we see Jesus being accused likewise and his response… (verse 5) “But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise.” What gives people the right to judge, is it because they think they know the reasons why, they hear one side and think they can see the whole picture, how foolish! We see the crowds pushed and prodded by their own evil desires and by the priests and religious teachers. For Jesus’ earthly judge, Pilate knew the truth (verse 10) “For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.” and because of that he was confounded by the people’s persistence but was powerless to do anything about it.
The priests could not cause Jesus to conform to their way of thinking. They knew Jesus was right but instead of considering His words and actions and how they might apply it to their lives they plotted to bring him down to their level and when they couldn’t do that they intended to destroy and kill Him. Something about Jesus got under their skin, they could neither walk away nor ignore Him; no they were obsessed with beating Him. This type of person is driven to think of only one thing but ultimately it was not Jesus that they condemned but themselves! The real lesson here is in what Jesus said or rather didn’t say.
Jesus unlike us is perfect and righteous in all that He does and says. We make many mistakes each day and there are those all too ready to catch you making those mistakes and broadcast it loudly to all who will listen and when you try arguing your case and it only makes it worse because the foolish have not befriended reason but instead daily run as far as they can from it. No, when we try to argue our case we unwillingly leave behind the Rock on which we stand. God is our Protector and Provider and if our honor needs defending He will defend it, not only that but if our person is in danger from the foolish He will protect us but even if the foolish seem to win we would do well to remember this – only you can cause your feet to move from the Solid Rock on which you stand! We too have a judge who knows the truth but this time our judge has real authority and is not of this earth and those who wisely follow Him will be blessed to walk in wisdom all the days of their lives.
Father God thank You for loving truth, for You are Truth! Thank You for taking time to see all things to their finite end, for only You are worthy to judge the heart of man. You examining each thought, desire, and reason why of all who are involved and you are a righteous judge! Still I long for the truth to be made known to all but my justification is in You alone therefore, help me not move my feet from the Solid Rock on which You have called me to stand and help me not to place too high a value on other’s opinions for you called me not to please man but You oh Lord! Father, forgive me for not keeping my eyes upon you in my time of need and forgive me for trying to work things out for myself. Change me from the inside out and give me strength to continue in the ways of righteousness and let not my feet wonder from this place. In Jesus name, amen.
The priests could not cause Jesus to conform to their way of thinking. They knew Jesus was right but instead of considering His words and actions and how they might apply it to their lives they plotted to bring him down to their level and when they couldn’t do that they intended to destroy and kill Him. Something about Jesus got under their skin, they could neither walk away nor ignore Him; no they were obsessed with beating Him. This type of person is driven to think of only one thing but ultimately it was not Jesus that they condemned but themselves! The real lesson here is in what Jesus said or rather didn’t say.
Jesus unlike us is perfect and righteous in all that He does and says. We make many mistakes each day and there are those all too ready to catch you making those mistakes and broadcast it loudly to all who will listen and when you try arguing your case and it only makes it worse because the foolish have not befriended reason but instead daily run as far as they can from it. No, when we try to argue our case we unwillingly leave behind the Rock on which we stand. God is our Protector and Provider and if our honor needs defending He will defend it, not only that but if our person is in danger from the foolish He will protect us but even if the foolish seem to win we would do well to remember this – only you can cause your feet to move from the Solid Rock on which you stand! We too have a judge who knows the truth but this time our judge has real authority and is not of this earth and those who wisely follow Him will be blessed to walk in wisdom all the days of their lives.
Father God thank You for loving truth, for You are Truth! Thank You for taking time to see all things to their finite end, for only You are worthy to judge the heart of man. You examining each thought, desire, and reason why of all who are involved and you are a righteous judge! Still I long for the truth to be made known to all but my justification is in You alone therefore, help me not move my feet from the Solid Rock on which You have called me to stand and help me not to place too high a value on other’s opinions for you called me not to please man but You oh Lord! Father, forgive me for not keeping my eyes upon you in my time of need and forgive me for trying to work things out for myself. Change me from the inside out and give me strength to continue in the ways of righteousness and let not my feet wonder from this place. In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Righteousness
Why am I surprised when I meet opposition on the road to righteousness? Choosing right over wrong is never easy still for some reason I think doing right should come easy or natural. As I read God’s Word and study more I find doing right isn’t easier but I am more aware of what righteousness looks like. God’s ways are higher than mine and He allows me to face resistance so that my faith might be tested. He is not interested in making my life easy and carefree, although there is much freedom in His love for me. I find each new freedom brings a new responsibility, things I took for granted before, for a moment become a choice. With each new choice God says I change the shape of things to come. So when I meet this opposition is it really God giving me random obstacles to overcome or is it because of choices I made before?
God, help me to make good decisions so that you may be glorified in all that I do, not only today but all the days of my life. Help me to keep things simple, to choose right over wrong, to head towards light instead of dark, to stand instead of run. Though I know not your purpose I do trust you and realize you are my only hope. Jesus, be the center of my life, be my hope, be my song, Jesus.
God, help me to make good decisions so that you may be glorified in all that I do, not only today but all the days of my life. Help me to keep things simple, to choose right over wrong, to head towards light instead of dark, to stand instead of run. Though I know not your purpose I do trust you and realize you are my only hope. Jesus, be the center of my life, be my hope, be my song, Jesus.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Religion does not equal Salvation
(Mark 7) The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day watched Him closely trying to trip Him, for many rules and traditions were piled on top of what was law given to Moses, for the people, by God but now was so far from what God intended it no longer served the many but the few and God was taken out of the equation. What was meant to point people’s hearts towards God so they may be reminded of a Creator who loved them now pointed their wallets towards religious teachers and leaders who horded riches for themselves while telling the people they could never be as good as they were, all along hiding their own failures so that they might continue in this destruction of man’s soul. Paul said this…
(2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT) “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul never revealed to the people what this “thorn in the flesh” was, some say it could not have been sin because of the importance of Paul’s roll in the Christian faith and I am not here to tell you it was but sickness or disease just doesn’t seem to cut it. For it makes Paul out to be more than what God says about the human race and our great need of a Savior. Listen I don’t think we should go around showing off our scars. Sometimes we need the help of a close friend who will keep the confidence you share and not everyone is to know these things but all should know of your need for Jesus and that is exactly what religion kept people from doing. The Pharisees tried with all their might to be someone they were not and completely failed therefore, they kept hidden the desires of their own hearts because it betrayed them. That’s why Jesus went on to say in the same chapter, “It’s not what goes into your body the defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
God, help me first to be honest with myself knowing all too well of my own need of the Savior You provided in Your Son Jesus Christ. Secondly, to be honest with others about my weakness and what Jesus has done in this broken life I call mine. Lord, may You be glorified and worshipped for who you really are! No other One is like You! Break through the clouds of my heart so that I may see you, so that I may see the Son. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive all glory and honor!
(2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT) “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul never revealed to the people what this “thorn in the flesh” was, some say it could not have been sin because of the importance of Paul’s roll in the Christian faith and I am not here to tell you it was but sickness or disease just doesn’t seem to cut it. For it makes Paul out to be more than what God says about the human race and our great need of a Savior. Listen I don’t think we should go around showing off our scars. Sometimes we need the help of a close friend who will keep the confidence you share and not everyone is to know these things but all should know of your need for Jesus and that is exactly what religion kept people from doing. The Pharisees tried with all their might to be someone they were not and completely failed therefore, they kept hidden the desires of their own hearts because it betrayed them. That’s why Jesus went on to say in the same chapter, “It’s not what goes into your body the defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
God, help me first to be honest with myself knowing all too well of my own need of the Savior You provided in Your Son Jesus Christ. Secondly, to be honest with others about my weakness and what Jesus has done in this broken life I call mine. Lord, may You be glorified and worshipped for who you really are! No other One is like You! Break through the clouds of my heart so that I may see you, so that I may see the Son. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive all glory and honor!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
God of Hope
No matter what the situation it is good to remember that God is in control and though we might choose a different path it is also good to remember that the One we follow sees and knows far beyond what we are capable of. Therefore we must trust He is who He says He is and we are as valuable to Him as His Word says we are. Charlie Hall sings a song called “God of Hope” and the words keep going over and over in my mind… “Though You slay me I will hope. Hope inspires my endurance. Your hope is my anchor. God of hope fill me.”
Lord, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Teach me to trust You more, for You are the only thing that matters. Though often pain and struggles surround me You inspire me to be like Your Son, Jesus. Through good and bad I pray that You will teach me to live with open hands so that I may offer my life a living sacrifice instead of holding tightly to things that do not belong to me. God of hope, fill me!
Lord, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Teach me to trust You more, for You are the only thing that matters. Though often pain and struggles surround me You inspire me to be like Your Son, Jesus. Through good and bad I pray that You will teach me to live with open hands so that I may offer my life a living sacrifice instead of holding tightly to things that do not belong to me. God of hope, fill me!
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