How many of us honestly see life as vanity, as meaningless, or a chasing of the wind. Many of us fail to find meaning and purpose in the things of this world. Many try comfort and support in women, wine, money and possessions and none of these bring them joy or happiness. In fact, they all bring them more worry and regret than anything.
One simple verse "Banish anxiety from your heart, and cast off the troubles of your body" and you will find how much more peaceful and joyful our lives would be.
As Christians, we have God's gracious gift of being able to cast our cares and anxieties upon Him, so that we need not bear them ourselves. For us, this lesson is one that we are still learning, but the more we practice it, the easier and more peaceful our lives become. May it be an encouragement to know that we can cast our cares upon Jesus and banish the anxiety from our heart. Our heavenly Father will handle it for us.
Ecclesiastes 11:10
So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigour are meaningless.
(0722 01X2008)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Commit yourself 0721 30IX2008
What is commitment ?
It is something that we all struggle with or we have a reputation for avoiding. It is something that we are called to, and something that we must all do at some point in our lives.
When we are committed, we are put into charge or trust or obligate. Most of us like to be in charge and trusted, but few like to be obligated to. To be obligated to means to sacrifice. Most of us want all of the benefits that come along with commitment, without incurring extra work
So often, we fail so miserably in our commitments to God, to our churches, to our families, and to our jobs.
Since we are the one to make the commitment, so we are responsible for keeping them, no matter how difficult it may be at times. If we fail to keep a commitment, it would have been better had we never made the commitment in the first place.
Jesus tells us in the Scriptures that, of those who are given much, much will be expected in return. We cannot be committed to anything without giving of ourselves on a regular basis.
If we commit ourselves to do something, we should make sure that we can carry out that commitment. Perhaps that may require us to sacrifice something else that we would have liked to have done.
Commitment takes sacrifice, but the results are well worth the effort. As Christians, we should follow the example of Christ, who made the supreme sacrifice to fulfill His commitment to God and to us.
Luke 12:48b
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
(0721 30IX2008)
It is something that we all struggle with or we have a reputation for avoiding. It is something that we are called to, and something that we must all do at some point in our lives.
When we are committed, we are put into charge or trust or obligate. Most of us like to be in charge and trusted, but few like to be obligated to. To be obligated to means to sacrifice. Most of us want all of the benefits that come along with commitment, without incurring extra work
So often, we fail so miserably in our commitments to God, to our churches, to our families, and to our jobs.
Since we are the one to make the commitment, so we are responsible for keeping them, no matter how difficult it may be at times. If we fail to keep a commitment, it would have been better had we never made the commitment in the first place.
Jesus tells us in the Scriptures that, of those who are given much, much will be expected in return. We cannot be committed to anything without giving of ourselves on a regular basis.
If we commit ourselves to do something, we should make sure that we can carry out that commitment. Perhaps that may require us to sacrifice something else that we would have liked to have done.
Commitment takes sacrifice, but the results are well worth the effort. As Christians, we should follow the example of Christ, who made the supreme sacrifice to fulfill His commitment to God and to us.
Luke 12:48b
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
(0721 30IX2008)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The object of our faith 0720 29IX2008
Our faith in God is in direct proportion to our knowledge and understanding of who God is and all that He has promised to do in and through us.
As we come to a fuller understanding of how great God is and what awesome plans He has for us, our faith in His ability to provide and care for us increases.
Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Luke 17:6
He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."
(0720 29IX2008)
As we come to a fuller understanding of how great God is and what awesome plans He has for us, our faith in His ability to provide and care for us increases.
Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Luke 17:6
He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."
(0720 29IX2008)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
HE is different 0719 28IX2008
As we journey through life, we face many adversity and trials. Many of these could freeze our hearts, yet some still move through life with love. They could do so because of God. He is a ray of sunshine, who warms us to the very centre of our being. His love can free us from the most chilling of life’s circumstances, melting even the coldest of hearts. He makes the difference.
Ephesians 3:17-19
I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. Yes, may you come to know his love -- although it can never be fully known -- and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.
(0719 28IX2008)
Ephesians 3:17-19
I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. Yes, may you come to know his love -- although it can never be fully known -- and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.
(0719 28IX2008)
Friday, September 26, 2008
But why ? 0718 27IX2008
There are so many things in life that we just can't explain. Often these are the things that are completely beyond our control.
- Maybe someone we love was taken from us because of a thoughtless accident, or as a result of a disease.
- Maybe we are dealing with the loss of our own health or someone else's.
- Maybe we have lost a job unexpectedly.
- Maybe a dream will not be realized.
- Maybe a relationship has died, and we are grieving that loss.
- And the list goes on.
Today's verse admonishes us not to lean on our own understanding, but this is exactly what we do. When things do not go the way we think they should, we try to pull them apart, to dissect them, to bring about some kind of understanding.
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6) When we bring our focus back to God, from ourselves and from our loss, then we discover that it is God who understands our hurt, and it is God who is able to make our paths straight again. It is God who can heal us of all our hurts.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight
(0718 27IX2008)
- Maybe someone we love was taken from us because of a thoughtless accident, or as a result of a disease.
- Maybe we are dealing with the loss of our own health or someone else's.
- Maybe we have lost a job unexpectedly.
- Maybe a dream will not be realized.
- Maybe a relationship has died, and we are grieving that loss.
- And the list goes on.
Today's verse admonishes us not to lean on our own understanding, but this is exactly what we do. When things do not go the way we think they should, we try to pull them apart, to dissect them, to bring about some kind of understanding.
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6) When we bring our focus back to God, from ourselves and from our loss, then we discover that it is God who understands our hurt, and it is God who is able to make our paths straight again. It is God who can heal us of all our hurts.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight
(0718 27IX2008)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Glorious ending 0717 26IX2008
We all make mistakes as we go through life and we all learn from those mistakes.
Every time we try something new we run the risk of making yet another mistake, and yet, if we are to be successful, we must run that risk constantly, every day. Every risk we take and every mistake we make builds our knowledge and increases our chances of making the ending glorious.
We know that life was not meant to be easy but God is there to help us. Often our lives appear to be clouded by problems and difficulties, but He is beside us. We lose faith in ourselves, and feel insecure and inadequate, but God has faith in us. It is difficult sometimes to look on the bright side of things, but if we have faith in God then we can see that side. Like Paul, we have thorns in our flesh, and we ask that God gives us the strength to bear and conquer those thorns so that we may come to a glorious ending.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
His answer was, "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(0717 26IX2008)
Every time we try something new we run the risk of making yet another mistake, and yet, if we are to be successful, we must run that risk constantly, every day. Every risk we take and every mistake we make builds our knowledge and increases our chances of making the ending glorious.
We know that life was not meant to be easy but God is there to help us. Often our lives appear to be clouded by problems and difficulties, but He is beside us. We lose faith in ourselves, and feel insecure and inadequate, but God has faith in us. It is difficult sometimes to look on the bright side of things, but if we have faith in God then we can see that side. Like Paul, we have thorns in our flesh, and we ask that God gives us the strength to bear and conquer those thorns so that we may come to a glorious ending.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
His answer was, "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(0717 26IX2008)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Do you fight alone ? 0716 25IX2008
You may have some things in life that have really been quite frustrating. Things which you cannot control and over which you have no authority. You become irritated when things hold you back or hold you down and you cannot move or control those things.
Read Paul’s words in verses 12 and 13 in which he says that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness. You must honestly believe that Satan pays particular attention to us when we are striving to do the right thing and get closer to God. Satan realizes that he cannot snatch us out of God's hands, but through his powers in this world he can bring problems into our lives in order to push us back away from God. Satan knows that if he can get us away from God then that might potentially keep someone else from ever coming to know God. These "things" we cannot control that come into our lives may be more than just earthly problems and barricades.
How do we control and handle those things over which we have no control?
The first thing we need to do is to learn to recognize when these things may be part of a greater attack by Satan and his demons. Once we identify where the true problem lies, then we can better equip ourselves to handle it. If we are to do battle against these evil powers, then we will need to call upon a higher power to go into battle with us. By putting on the whole armour of God, we can take with us into battle His words and His strength. Only through the power of God will we ever stand a chance against "the wiles of the devil". Once we realize that we are in the midst of a battle that we cannot fight alone, then we have the victory in sight. By calling on God and standing strong in Him, we can always overcome the battles we face, whether they be of this world or of the rulers of darkness.
Ephesians 6:10-14
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
(0716 25IX2008)
Read Paul’s words in verses 12 and 13 in which he says that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness. You must honestly believe that Satan pays particular attention to us when we are striving to do the right thing and get closer to God. Satan realizes that he cannot snatch us out of God's hands, but through his powers in this world he can bring problems into our lives in order to push us back away from God. Satan knows that if he can get us away from God then that might potentially keep someone else from ever coming to know God. These "things" we cannot control that come into our lives may be more than just earthly problems and barricades.
How do we control and handle those things over which we have no control?
The first thing we need to do is to learn to recognize when these things may be part of a greater attack by Satan and his demons. Once we identify where the true problem lies, then we can better equip ourselves to handle it. If we are to do battle against these evil powers, then we will need to call upon a higher power to go into battle with us. By putting on the whole armour of God, we can take with us into battle His words and His strength. Only through the power of God will we ever stand a chance against "the wiles of the devil". Once we realize that we are in the midst of a battle that we cannot fight alone, then we have the victory in sight. By calling on God and standing strong in Him, we can always overcome the battles we face, whether they be of this world or of the rulers of darkness.
Ephesians 6:10-14
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
(0716 25IX2008)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Blind spot 0715 24IX2008
A blind spot is a place where we cannot see.
In our journey of life, we have a responsibility to keep alert at all times. When God gives us direction, we must not lose our focus on Him, or be led astray by Satan, who attempts to sneak up into our blind spot.
A collision with Him could mean a total change in our direction, with devastating consequences.
Let us ask God
- to give us an attitude of complete awareness of His presence always. Let us ask God to
- to keep us attuned to the course He has laid out for us.
- to help us to be alert and aware of the blind spots in our lives, where Satan waits for us to make a mistake.
- to make straight our pathways, never wavering in our awareness and our love for Him
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies -- make straight your way before me.
(0715 24IX2008)
In our journey of life, we have a responsibility to keep alert at all times. When God gives us direction, we must not lose our focus on Him, or be led astray by Satan, who attempts to sneak up into our blind spot.
A collision with Him could mean a total change in our direction, with devastating consequences.
Let us ask God
- to give us an attitude of complete awareness of His presence always. Let us ask God to
- to keep us attuned to the course He has laid out for us.
- to help us to be alert and aware of the blind spots in our lives, where Satan waits for us to make a mistake.
- to make straight our pathways, never wavering in our awareness and our love for Him
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies -- make straight your way before me.
(0715 24IX2008)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pray at all times 0714 23IX2008
In your neighbourhood or place of work, you may be surrounded mostly with people many of whom are not Christians. We must do our best to encourage, and be encouraged.
When God spoke through the prophet to the children of Israel in Babylon, He instructed them to go on with their lives and to pray for the nation where they lived, even though Babylon was unbelieving and enslaved them. Life cannot grind to a halt during troubled times and in troubled places. When things are unpleasant or distressing, we must pray, adjust, try to help as best as we can, and follow the Lord's movement. We may find it hard to pray for the place and time we live in, and especially for those we think are responsible for the prevailing conditions. Yet it is in such places, at such times, and for such people, that prayers are most needed. As the apostle Paul writes:
When God puts us in places that are free of outward trouble, we should also give thanks for that outward peace. And we should pray that, while living in peaceful places, we and others do not succumb to complacency, nominalism, and the type of contentment that makes people forget and turn away from God.
Jeremiah 29 : 7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
1 Timothy 2 :1 - 3
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour.
(0714 23IX2008)
When God spoke through the prophet to the children of Israel in Babylon, He instructed them to go on with their lives and to pray for the nation where they lived, even though Babylon was unbelieving and enslaved them. Life cannot grind to a halt during troubled times and in troubled places. When things are unpleasant or distressing, we must pray, adjust, try to help as best as we can, and follow the Lord's movement. We may find it hard to pray for the place and time we live in, and especially for those we think are responsible for the prevailing conditions. Yet it is in such places, at such times, and for such people, that prayers are most needed. As the apostle Paul writes:
When God puts us in places that are free of outward trouble, we should also give thanks for that outward peace. And we should pray that, while living in peaceful places, we and others do not succumb to complacency, nominalism, and the type of contentment that makes people forget and turn away from God.
Jeremiah 29 : 7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
1 Timothy 2 :1 - 3
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour.
(0714 23IX2008)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Place and pace 0713 22IX2008
In our spiritual lives, we must learn to keep place and pace in our walk with God. Within our world, God calls us to act justly and to love mercy but in reality, it is often easy to become side-tracked, to get off on a tangent and lose our place or focus. Before we know it we have all but forgotten God's original purpose for us, His children.
Other times we forget to keep pace as we walk with Him. We seek to lunge ahead of His timing, or lag behind due to lack of faith or will-full pride which often results in undue frustration, fatigue, even pain as we may experience the humiliation of falling to failure.
The only way that place and pace can be maintained is through trust and obedience to His commands, which calls for submission upon our part to His leadership. We can only do so through humility, loving submission to our wonderful and wise, all-knowing, heavenly Father whose place (focus) and pace is always geared for our well-being, refreshment, joy and pleasant communion.
Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
(0713 22IX2008)
Other times we forget to keep pace as we walk with Him. We seek to lunge ahead of His timing, or lag behind due to lack of faith or will-full pride which often results in undue frustration, fatigue, even pain as we may experience the humiliation of falling to failure.
The only way that place and pace can be maintained is through trust and obedience to His commands, which calls for submission upon our part to His leadership. We can only do so through humility, loving submission to our wonderful and wise, all-knowing, heavenly Father whose place (focus) and pace is always geared for our well-being, refreshment, joy and pleasant communion.
Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
(0713 22IX2008)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
God time or my time ? 0712 21IX2008
Today we measure success by activity and by how much one accomplishes. It is sad to say that finding time with God for steady spiritual growth is a lost priority. We find it extremely hard to look at time in terms other that projects, performance and accomplishments. Some may view time spent with God as a virtual impossibility. Such
forces at work in our world pull us into a whirlwind of activity or busyness. Inevitably we become impatient.
But King David knew his daily need of time alone with God and, though faced with trials and pressures that were pulling him other directions, he vowed in strong determination that nothing would keep him from meeting with God daily and at the beginning of his day. He vowed:
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.
The rewards of time alone with God are often not immediately evident, and in our impatience we run to something more visibly practical. But there is a self-deception at work here as well. The negative effects of ignoring daily time alone with God are also not immediately visible.
Unless we make time alone with God a priority, the other hours devoted to our busy schedule will be poorly used. We are prone to ignore times of retreat because our work, our ministry, our families, all seem so much more important. Doing seems so much more practical than praying or meditating on the Word. But the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation on the Word do not constitute idleness. They are rigorous disciplines that are vital to the spiritual life.
(0712 21IX2008)
forces at work in our world pull us into a whirlwind of activity or busyness. Inevitably we become impatient.
But King David knew his daily need of time alone with God and, though faced with trials and pressures that were pulling him other directions, he vowed in strong determination that nothing would keep him from meeting with God daily and at the beginning of his day. He vowed:
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.
The rewards of time alone with God are often not immediately evident, and in our impatience we run to something more visibly practical. But there is a self-deception at work here as well. The negative effects of ignoring daily time alone with God are also not immediately visible.
Unless we make time alone with God a priority, the other hours devoted to our busy schedule will be poorly used. We are prone to ignore times of retreat because our work, our ministry, our families, all seem so much more important. Doing seems so much more practical than praying or meditating on the Word. But the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation on the Word do not constitute idleness. They are rigorous disciplines that are vital to the spiritual life.
(0712 21IX2008)
Friday, September 19, 2008
If I only had more ..... ? 0711 20IX2008
Many have complained that 24 hours a day is not enough. We want more !!
Time is "invisible". So often we make the excuse that we cannot serve God because we do not have the time. We often even fail to pray just because we do not have the time -- when, in reality, that is when we most need to pray. For Colossians 1:16 does not just tell us that all things (including time) were created by Him, but that all things (including time) were created for Him. When we feel so rushed and pushed to be somewhere, we need take just a moment to offer up our daily schedule to God in prayer. If we are faithful to serve him, as the gentleman showed, He will be faithful to provide us the time.
There are always going to be things in our lives that consume our time, and we are never going to be able to give enough time to all of those things. But we should never borrow from our time with God in order to give time to other things in our life. Many of us have little problem with tithing of our income, but how many of us can say we tithe of our time? Is God not worth a mere ten percent of our time? Not counting time spent sleeping, there are approximately 15-16 hours in a day. Do we devote ten percent or one and one-half hours to God?
Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
(0711 20IX2008)
Time is "invisible". So often we make the excuse that we cannot serve God because we do not have the time. We often even fail to pray just because we do not have the time -- when, in reality, that is when we most need to pray. For Colossians 1:16 does not just tell us that all things (including time) were created by Him, but that all things (including time) were created for Him. When we feel so rushed and pushed to be somewhere, we need take just a moment to offer up our daily schedule to God in prayer. If we are faithful to serve him, as the gentleman showed, He will be faithful to provide us the time.
There are always going to be things in our lives that consume our time, and we are never going to be able to give enough time to all of those things. But we should never borrow from our time with God in order to give time to other things in our life. Many of us have little problem with tithing of our income, but how many of us can say we tithe of our time? Is God not worth a mere ten percent of our time? Not counting time spent sleeping, there are approximately 15-16 hours in a day. Do we devote ten percent or one and one-half hours to God?
Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
(0711 20IX2008)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The only way 0710 19IX2008
Sin is sometimes hidden deep within us. It needs to be sought out and dealt with before it causes trouble. It can destroy us from within. Sin can tear us apart, if we let it. Taking it to the Lord through the blood of Christ is the only way for us to live.
Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
(0710 19IX2008)
Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
(0710 19IX2008)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Our legacy 0709 18IX2008
As we grow older, we attend more funerals. Our dear ones, our closed friends leave us one by one. Soon we find ourselves alone. As we recall these people, wonderful they may be, leave behind legacies for us to think about. Some of these legacies may live indelibly written in our hearts and mind.
As we grow older, we wonder more and more about the legacy we will leave behind. Will we be remembered or forgotten soon after we are gone ?
I guess the legacy that I leave behind is strictly up to me. What about your legacy?
Psalm 149:1-2
Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
(0709 18IX2008)
As we grow older, we wonder more and more about the legacy we will leave behind. Will we be remembered or forgotten soon after we are gone ?
I guess the legacy that I leave behind is strictly up to me. What about your legacy?
Psalm 149:1-2
Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
(0709 18IX2008)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The straight path 0708 17IX2008
In our daily lives, we have minor distractions, like everyday housework, that sometimes keep us from reading our Bibles and praying. We have our own priorities, but sometimes they are not what God wants them to be.
We too have many opportunities.
It might be a new relationship with someone. Can we trust ourselves to know whether it will work out? Perhaps we think we have found our dream home. But what if it turns out to have all kinds of problems -- can we trust our instincts, our impulses? It helps to converse with God on a regular basis in order for us to stay on the right path.
Life is full of surprises, good and bad, and God is the only one who can help us to make the right decisions. But we have to pray and ask Him for guidance.
Let us remind ourselves to start each day with prayers.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
(0708 17IX2008)
We too have many opportunities.
It might be a new relationship with someone. Can we trust ourselves to know whether it will work out? Perhaps we think we have found our dream home. But what if it turns out to have all kinds of problems -- can we trust our instincts, our impulses? It helps to converse with God on a regular basis in order for us to stay on the right path.
Life is full of surprises, good and bad, and God is the only one who can help us to make the right decisions. But we have to pray and ask Him for guidance.
Let us remind ourselves to start each day with prayers.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
(0708 17IX2008)
Monday, September 15, 2008
On eagle's wings 0707 16IX2008
God is ever-present in our lives, if only we open our ears, our hearts, and our eyes. He sends messages over and over, in so many ways and forms, in whatever way He perceives we will best receive it.
Let us ask God to help us to appreciate and give thanks for all that we are so freely given.
Let us ask Him to enable us to see the magnitude of His presence in our daily lives.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(0707 16IX2008)
Let us ask God to help us to appreciate and give thanks for all that we are so freely given.
Let us ask Him to enable us to see the magnitude of His presence in our daily lives.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(0707 16IX2008)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
It is not coincidental 0706 15IX2008
Often, when we are in distress, a situation seemingly beyond our comprehension will occur that settles our souls, soothes whatever it is that is causing our distress, and sets our minds and hearts at ease. Is this not proof that God is in control, that He provides whatever is necessary to ease our unrest? It is said, "With God, there are no coincidences"
Psalm 4:1,8
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me; and hear my prayer. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
(0706 15IX2008)
Psalm 4:1,8
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me; and hear my prayer. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
(0706 15IX2008)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Positive attitude 0705 14IX2008
It is in the learning through life's experiences, in the contrasts of good and bad, happy and sad, up and down, beauty and ugliness, birth and death, that we grow. It is through these things that we gain understanding and compassion. We build strength where once we were weak, and courage where we were fearful.
Let us ask God
to help us to learn to trust that He will be with us always.
to help us to see that while experiencing life, He will be with us throughout, as our strength when we are weak and our courage when we are afraid.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
(0705 14IX2008)
Let us ask God
to help us to learn to trust that He will be with us always.
to help us to see that while experiencing life, He will be with us throughout, as our strength when we are weak and our courage when we are afraid.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
(0705 14IX2008)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Are you a help or a hindrance 0704 13IX2008
We experience many types of chains in our lives: physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological -- each of which may be used in a beneficial or detrimental manner. May we always make sure the advice, guidance and help that we offer someone are helpful and of the best intentions.
Let us ask God to lead us to freedom from all our burdensome chains. Let us ask Him not to make people feel burdened by anything we say to them, do to them, or ask of them.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Psalm 2:3
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(0704 13IX2008)
Let us ask God to lead us to freedom from all our burdensome chains. Let us ask Him not to make people feel burdened by anything we say to them, do to them, or ask of them.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Psalm 2:3
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(0704 13IX2008)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sign language 0703 12IX2008
Signs describe aptly in a minimum of words a great deal about the people who put them up. It may speak of hospitality and love or hostility and fear. It may invite or dismiss. It may embrace or reject. It may praise or grumble.
Signs are not the only things that reveal to others how we may feel about them and our world. Body language can talk just as loudly and clearly as written or spoken words. A smile engages. A frown can discourage. A look may invite or dismiss. A raised eyebrow can be used to convey negative judgement or positive opportunity to ask a question. Arms may embrace warmly, or display anger or hostility, depending upon their position. Even posture and the way we walk can tell the world much about our inner perspective and attitude of the moment.
1 Peter 4:7-9
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
(0703 12IX2008)
Signs are not the only things that reveal to others how we may feel about them and our world. Body language can talk just as loudly and clearly as written or spoken words. A smile engages. A frown can discourage. A look may invite or dismiss. A raised eyebrow can be used to convey negative judgement or positive opportunity to ask a question. Arms may embrace warmly, or display anger or hostility, depending upon their position. Even posture and the way we walk can tell the world much about our inner perspective and attitude of the moment.
1 Peter 4:7-9
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
(0703 12IX2008)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ordinary people - extraordinary call 0702 11IX2008
Have you ever give serious thoughts to the people who were called by God to do extraordinary tasks in the Bible.
- Peter, James and John, fishermen, not well educated or sophisticated yet became a friend of the King
- Moses, loved and chosen by God to lead His people out of their bondage in Egypt
- David, a shepherd boy called by God to win the battle against the giant Goliath, using a stone and a mere slingshot
- Esther, God used her to preserve her people from total destruction at the hands of wicked Haman
- a little boy’s lunch used to feed five thousand hungry people - just five loaves and two small fish
What about you ? Will you be like that unnamed boy who gave all that he had, and God took that boy’s lunch and changed the ordinary into the extraordinary.
If we surrender ourselves to God, He will take us, ordinary people, and He will use us to accomplish extraordinary tasks.Each of us has gifts and abilities yet often we short-change ourselves and never tap into our gifts because we fear others will criticize our performance. Let us be encouraged to get involved, and not to wait until we're perfect, but allow Christ to use the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary.
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
(0702 11IX2008)
- Peter, James and John, fishermen, not well educated or sophisticated yet became a friend of the King
- Moses, loved and chosen by God to lead His people out of their bondage in Egypt
- David, a shepherd boy called by God to win the battle against the giant Goliath, using a stone and a mere slingshot
- Esther, God used her to preserve her people from total destruction at the hands of wicked Haman
- a little boy’s lunch used to feed five thousand hungry people - just five loaves and two small fish
What about you ? Will you be like that unnamed boy who gave all that he had, and God took that boy’s lunch and changed the ordinary into the extraordinary.
If we surrender ourselves to God, He will take us, ordinary people, and He will use us to accomplish extraordinary tasks.Each of us has gifts and abilities yet often we short-change ourselves and never tap into our gifts because we fear others will criticize our performance. Let us be encouraged to get involved, and not to wait until we're perfect, but allow Christ to use the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary.
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
(0702 11IX2008)
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Seeing clearly 0701 10IX2008
Most of us have difficulty focusing in our Christian walk. When we are focused on Jesus Christ we see clearly, but when we become distracted by the busyness of our everyday lives or the things of the world, everything becomes blurred.
Are we seeing clearly or is our vision blurred? Some ways to keep our focus on Jesus Christ are through
Hebrews 12:2a
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.
(0701 10IX2008)
Are we seeing clearly or is our vision blurred? Some ways to keep our focus on Jesus Christ are through
reading the Bible
praying
fellowship with other Christians
reading Christian books, and
listening to Christian music.
Hebrews 12:2a
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.
(0701 10IX2008)
Monday, September 08, 2008
Impatience and patient assurance 0700 09IX2008
Most of us have experienced this, calling for service only to receive instructions in the now automatic number pressing. If you would like this person, press this number; however, if you would like another person, press another number. If, however, no one is available, stay on the line and listen to the lovely music until such time as someone is available to speak with you. Only no-one ever seems to be able to.
This irritates you and you are tempted to a change of service provider. You thought that if they could not answer their phones, they sure need not have your business !!
Stop, think for a second.
Who in the world do you think you are, that anyone would be waiting for your business? Who would want it from someone with so little patience and understanding?
Stop, think again
What if God were impatient when trying to reach us? What if, having tried to get through to us and failed, He just cut us right off and moved to the next person? What if He had no patience or understanding when we choose not to hear Him calling?
Aren't we blessed to be assured of His patience?
Numbers 21:4b
And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
(0700 09IX2008)
This irritates you and you are tempted to a change of service provider. You thought that if they could not answer their phones, they sure need not have your business !!
Stop, think for a second.
Who in the world do you think you are, that anyone would be waiting for your business? Who would want it from someone with so little patience and understanding?
Stop, think again
What if God were impatient when trying to reach us? What if, having tried to get through to us and failed, He just cut us right off and moved to the next person? What if He had no patience or understanding when we choose not to hear Him calling?
Aren't we blessed to be assured of His patience?
Numbers 21:4b
And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
(0700 09IX2008)
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Looking back 0699 08IX2008
In life we do not see things clearly. Within our limited earthly view, we often struggle to understand or "see into" our earthly experiences, only to be disappointed with our scant understanding. At such times we must especially walk by faith. We must continue to do our part using not our strength, but HIS. For if we do not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good, if we do not give up, or quit, at the right time we will harvest a good crop.
Life is not always clear or fair. But God is always faithful. He will see us through the picked-over, picked-out moments of our lives!
1 Corinthians 13:12
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
Galatians 6:9
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.
Philippians 4:12-13
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
(0699 08IX2008)
Life is not always clear or fair. But God is always faithful. He will see us through the picked-over, picked-out moments of our lives!
1 Corinthians 13:12
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
Galatians 6:9
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.
Philippians 4:12-13
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
(0699 08IX2008)
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Guidelines for daily living 0698 07IX2008
We all need guidelines for daily living.
It would be wonderful if we would begin each day by reading a piece of scripture, dwell on the things we must do for this day and how we will do them according to scripture, and then ponder how we will show others by our daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ that we are Christians.
Those around us will recognize that we are different, and question us, if we let Christ shine through us.
We all have the opportunity to encourage one another in Christian living.
May God inspire us to do so.
Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.
(0698 07IX2008)
It would be wonderful if we would begin each day by reading a piece of scripture, dwell on the things we must do for this day and how we will do them according to scripture, and then ponder how we will show others by our daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ that we are Christians.
Those around us will recognize that we are different, and question us, if we let Christ shine through us.
We all have the opportunity to encourage one another in Christian living.
May God inspire us to do so.
Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.
(0698 07IX2008)
Friday, September 05, 2008
Waiting patiently 0697 06IX2008
We do not have patience for God. We try to push ahead of HIS plan for our lives. We get impatient and try to do things in our own strength, instead of waiting for His perfect timing. God knows everything about us. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Are we waiting on God or pushing ahead?
Psalm 37:7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
(0697 06IX2008)
Psalm 37:7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
(0697 06IX2008)
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Why pause ? 0696 05IX2008
It would be wise if all of us paused to ask for God’s help each time we are faced with a decision or encountered a problem. He could keep us from running headlong into trouble or tell us to change course, or stop us long before a problem existed. As we pause for a moment, God will show us the way, His way.
Psalm 46:1
God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
(0696 05IX2008)
Psalm 46:1
God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
(0696 05IX2008)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Our growth 0695 04IX2008
If you have a large tray of tomatoes of different colours. There is only one bright red tomato and the rest were varied shades of green. What is your thought ?
My thought was of our growth as Christians. I saw the red one representing the mature Christian, and the rest all marking different stages of growth in Christianity. We walk in faith growing and ripening like a tomato. The tomato changes colour, from green, to almost as white as milk, before turning pink, and then red.
Walking in the light of Christ and in the word of God, we begin to deepen in knowledge, just as the tomato deepens in colour to a deep bright red. This is the time the tomato is ready to be picked. It has reached full maturity. Inside is a wealth of sweetness, the meat of the fruit is juicy and ready for consumption.
So it is with the mature Christian. There is a wealth of knowledge put there by God to encourage others to grow in their Christian walk. We come to the place in life when we are totally consumed in the blood of Christ, ready to go forward to do our part, as God wills us to do.
James 2:24
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Hebrews 5:13-14
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
(0695 04IX2008)
My thought was of our growth as Christians. I saw the red one representing the mature Christian, and the rest all marking different stages of growth in Christianity. We walk in faith growing and ripening like a tomato. The tomato changes colour, from green, to almost as white as milk, before turning pink, and then red.
Walking in the light of Christ and in the word of God, we begin to deepen in knowledge, just as the tomato deepens in colour to a deep bright red. This is the time the tomato is ready to be picked. It has reached full maturity. Inside is a wealth of sweetness, the meat of the fruit is juicy and ready for consumption.
So it is with the mature Christian. There is a wealth of knowledge put there by God to encourage others to grow in their Christian walk. We come to the place in life when we are totally consumed in the blood of Christ, ready to go forward to do our part, as God wills us to do.
James 2:24
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Hebrews 5:13-14
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
(0695 04IX2008)
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Pure trust 0694 03IX2008
Faith is an issue of pure trust. There was no looking at data and then coming up with a guess. It was just childlike trust.
We sometimes feel that if one does not know the Bible they cannot have faith, or if one does not know doctrines and theology one cannot have faith. We must remember that it is faith like a child that allows people to approach God. We just need to trust and believe in what God has said. We need to take the plunge because we know that God will be there for us.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
(0694 03IX2008)
We sometimes feel that if one does not know the Bible they cannot have faith, or if one does not know doctrines and theology one cannot have faith. We must remember that it is faith like a child that allows people to approach God. We just need to trust and believe in what God has said. We need to take the plunge because we know that God will be there for us.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
(0694 03IX2008)
Monday, September 01, 2008
Is Jesus in your boat ? 0693 02IX2008
In Mark 4 : 37-40 the disciples find themselves quite literally on a ship that they feared was sinking. A tremendous storm had arisen, and water was flooding into the ship. Through the midst of all of this, Jesus was sleeping. They felt that their lives were in great danger. You may not be wrong to imagine that these disciples were somewhat angry and upset that Jesus would allow all of this to happen while He just lay there and slept.
Upon being awakened, Jesus first calmed the storm with three simple words, and then He rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. He questions, "How is it that you have no faith?" as if to say, "If I (Jesus) am in your boat, how could it possibly sink?" Here the disciples were on a boat with the very one who had created the waters and the seas, and yet they had so little faith that they feared for their lives.
It is easy for us as Christians to look at the disciples and question their faith, yet we are guilty of the same lack of faith in our daily lives. We have Jesus living inside of us; He is always on board when our boats set out to sea. Yet we let the stresses and problems of life overtake us to the point that we think our boat is about to sink.
Regardless of the source of our stress, whether it is from overload at work, boredom at work, new job assignment, tension with family members, or struggles at our social circles, the simple fact of the matter is this: if Jesus is in our boat, it can never sink! All we as Christians have to do is show a little faith when times get difficult. It is easy for us to call ourselves faithful when things are going well and our boat is sailing smoothly along, but the true test of faith is when the storms and tides start to come in.
If Jesus is in our boat, we will never sink. If Jesus is not in our boat, perhaps we need to find Him as our new Captain.
Mark 4:37-40
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And [Jesus] was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
(0693 02IX2008)
Upon being awakened, Jesus first calmed the storm with three simple words, and then He rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith. He questions, "How is it that you have no faith?" as if to say, "If I (Jesus) am in your boat, how could it possibly sink?" Here the disciples were on a boat with the very one who had created the waters and the seas, and yet they had so little faith that they feared for their lives.
It is easy for us as Christians to look at the disciples and question their faith, yet we are guilty of the same lack of faith in our daily lives. We have Jesus living inside of us; He is always on board when our boats set out to sea. Yet we let the stresses and problems of life overtake us to the point that we think our boat is about to sink.
Regardless of the source of our stress, whether it is from overload at work, boredom at work, new job assignment, tension with family members, or struggles at our social circles, the simple fact of the matter is this: if Jesus is in our boat, it can never sink! All we as Christians have to do is show a little faith when times get difficult. It is easy for us to call ourselves faithful when things are going well and our boat is sailing smoothly along, but the true test of faith is when the storms and tides start to come in.
If Jesus is in our boat, we will never sink. If Jesus is not in our boat, perhaps we need to find Him as our new Captain.
Mark 4:37-40
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And [Jesus] was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
(0693 02IX2008)
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