Read Acts 11:19-26
Context: Peter went up onto a roof after lunch to pray. While there he saw a vision from God and he was told that he should eat foods that were previously considered unclean. At that time some men came to him asking that he go to Cornelius' home (a Roman centurion) to share the message of Christ with the Gentiles. Peter realized that God wanted the Gentiles to share in the salvation of Christ.
Text:
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he was able to see the evidence of the grace of God. I wonder what he witnessed. How was their grace so visible to others? I imagine that he sat down and talked with the people and heard their stories of how God had changed their lives, but did he witness this grace before he really met them?
The word used here in the Greek is 'charis' (khar'-ece), which means good will and loving kindness, specifically 'of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues' (from Strong's)
If someone comes into our church, are they able to easily perceive the grace of God? I hope they see us under the influence of God, being strengthened in our faith and demonstrating the virtues of Christ!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
June 28 - Jonah's Prayer
Read Jonah 2 (don't worry...it's short)
Context: Most of us know this story...Jonah has run away from God, been in a huge storm at sea, and has been thrown overboard. A great fish has swallowed him up and he's been inside for three days and nights.
Text:
1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said:
"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave [a] I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
5 The engulfing waters threatened me, [b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.
7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Jonah 2:2 Hebrew Sheol
Jonah 2:5 Or waters were at my throat
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Has God ever had to 'throw you off the deep end' to get your attention? I'm glad he hasn't done this to me literally, but sometimes it seems like he has to knock me out just to get me to sit still and listen to him. Like Jonah, sometimes I need to have the 'seaweed wrapped around my head' to remember to turn to God. Why in the world do we think that we know better than he?
Verse 8 could be a portrait of life in the 21st century...we cling to worthless idols that take our time and attention away from God (money, fame, busy-ness, sports, television, etc.), giving away the grace that could be ours. Let's "embrace the grace"!
Context: Most of us know this story...Jonah has run away from God, been in a huge storm at sea, and has been thrown overboard. A great fish has swallowed him up and he's been inside for three days and nights.
Text:
1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said:
"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave [a] I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
5 The engulfing waters threatened me, [b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.
7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Jonah 2:2 Hebrew Sheol
Jonah 2:5 Or waters were at my throat
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Has God ever had to 'throw you off the deep end' to get your attention? I'm glad he hasn't done this to me literally, but sometimes it seems like he has to knock me out just to get me to sit still and listen to him. Like Jonah, sometimes I need to have the 'seaweed wrapped around my head' to remember to turn to God. Why in the world do we think that we know better than he?
Verse 8 could be a portrait of life in the 21st century...we cling to worthless idols that take our time and attention away from God (money, fame, busy-ness, sports, television, etc.), giving away the grace that could be ours. Let's "embrace the grace"!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Endless Patience
Read Exodus 34:1-7
Context: God engraved his commands on two stone tablets, but Moses threw them on the ground when he returned to find the Israelites involved in idolatry. Moses has pleaded with God to stay with them and not destroy them. God has shown Moses his glorious presence at Moses' request.
Text:
1-3 God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."
4-7 So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation." (The Message)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage makes me really admire Moses. Not only did he hear directly from God, he was able to find the right kind of stone in the desert, cut out stone tablets, carve instructions from God on them, walk all the way up a mountain carrying heavy tablets, and meet personally with God! Whew...even if those tablets were only the size of a notebook, they had to be heavy.
This is also one of the few passages where God talks about his character. Most other passages have man telling of his traits. He tells us that he is merciful, full of grace, endlessly patient, and so full of love...too bad we can't stop with this sentence. But in reality, if he did, would he really love us?
Think about your children (if you don't have any, pretend with me for a moment). How many times have you had to tell them 'no' to something that you know would be wrong for them in the long run (like a cookie before dinner, soda for breakfast, or watching a movie that has adult content)? How many times have you punished them for their errors in order to teach them the right way to live (for lying, stealing, rudeness, destruction of their sibling's property)? If they don't learn about consequences early, their lives will be full of nasty surprises. I'd have to question a 'love' that doesn't involve teaching right from wrong.
God does the same for us. In his love he has to teach us right from wrong, and often through unpleasant consequences. I'm REALLY glad he told us about his 'endless patience...I'm sure I try it every day.
Context: God engraved his commands on two stone tablets, but Moses threw them on the ground when he returned to find the Israelites involved in idolatry. Moses has pleaded with God to stay with them and not destroy them. God has shown Moses his glorious presence at Moses' request.
Text:
1-3 God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."
4-7 So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation." (The Message)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage makes me really admire Moses. Not only did he hear directly from God, he was able to find the right kind of stone in the desert, cut out stone tablets, carve instructions from God on them, walk all the way up a mountain carrying heavy tablets, and meet personally with God! Whew...even if those tablets were only the size of a notebook, they had to be heavy.
This is also one of the few passages where God talks about his character. Most other passages have man telling of his traits. He tells us that he is merciful, full of grace, endlessly patient, and so full of love...too bad we can't stop with this sentence. But in reality, if he did, would he really love us?
Think about your children (if you don't have any, pretend with me for a moment). How many times have you had to tell them 'no' to something that you know would be wrong for them in the long run (like a cookie before dinner, soda for breakfast, or watching a movie that has adult content)? How many times have you punished them for their errors in order to teach them the right way to live (for lying, stealing, rudeness, destruction of their sibling's property)? If they don't learn about consequences early, their lives will be full of nasty surprises. I'd have to question a 'love' that doesn't involve teaching right from wrong.
God does the same for us. In his love he has to teach us right from wrong, and often through unpleasant consequences. I'm REALLY glad he told us about his 'endless patience...I'm sure I try it every day.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
June 26 - God's Kind Grace
Read Isaiah 26:1-12
Context: This is part of a song of praise for God's deliverance.
Text:
1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
5 He humbles those who dwell on high,
he lays the lofty city low;
he levels it to the ground
and casts it down to the dust.
6 Feet trample it down—
the feet of the oppressed,
the footsteps of the poor.
7 The path of the righteous is level;
O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, [a]
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
10 Though grace is shown to the wicked,
they do not learn righteousness;
even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
but they do not see it.
Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;
let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.
12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.(NIV)
Footnotes:
Isaiah 26:8 Or judgments
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Verse 10 seems to sum up the history of the Hebrew people...God shows them grace but the lesson of righteous living doesn't seem to sink in. There are several words in Hebrew that are translated as 'grace'. This one is the word 'chanan' (chaw-nan'). It means 'to be gracious, to show favor or pity.'
God shows grace to us on a daily basis, and this is a type of grace that we can show to others, too. When family members or friends are hurting and require compassion, we can respond with 'chanan'. Sometimes that requires a quick kiss and a bandaid, other times it takes an extended period of time listening and empathizing with one who is suffering through a crisis.
This is also the type of grace that we can show those we come across outside of our circle of friends. Random acts of kindness fall into this category - especially when someone is in need in some way.
In our moments of stress, pain, or crisis, God seeks us out to offer his grace and compassion. Often it is in the form of a phone call from a friend at just the right moment, a hug from a child, or the caring touch of a nurse. He never has to look for us -- he knows right where we are.
Your challenge today is to show someone God's grace through an act of kindness!
Context: This is part of a song of praise for God's deliverance.
Text:
1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
5 He humbles those who dwell on high,
he lays the lofty city low;
he levels it to the ground
and casts it down to the dust.
6 Feet trample it down—
the feet of the oppressed,
the footsteps of the poor.
7 The path of the righteous is level;
O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, [a]
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
10 Though grace is shown to the wicked,
they do not learn righteousness;
even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
but they do not see it.
Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;
let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.
12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.(NIV)
Footnotes:
Isaiah 26:8 Or judgments
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Verse 10 seems to sum up the history of the Hebrew people...God shows them grace but the lesson of righteous living doesn't seem to sink in. There are several words in Hebrew that are translated as 'grace'. This one is the word 'chanan' (chaw-nan'). It means 'to be gracious, to show favor or pity.'
God shows grace to us on a daily basis, and this is a type of grace that we can show to others, too. When family members or friends are hurting and require compassion, we can respond with 'chanan'. Sometimes that requires a quick kiss and a bandaid, other times it takes an extended period of time listening and empathizing with one who is suffering through a crisis.
This is also the type of grace that we can show those we come across outside of our circle of friends. Random acts of kindness fall into this category - especially when someone is in need in some way.
In our moments of stress, pain, or crisis, God seeks us out to offer his grace and compassion. Often it is in the form of a phone call from a friend at just the right moment, a hug from a child, or the caring touch of a nurse. He never has to look for us -- he knows right where we are.
Your challenge today is to show someone God's grace through an act of kindness!
Monday, June 25, 2007
June 25 - The Library of Your Life
Read Hebrews 4:12-16
Context: In his letter to Jewish converts, Paul has been explaining how the old laws have been superseded by Christ. He has reminded them that Christ is greater than Moses, their hero, and how they must have faith and must not live a life of sin or they will not enter into God's rest.
Text:
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing 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. 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 4:14 Or gone into heaven
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I can't really comprehend the thought of everything I've done, every thought I've had, being uncovered and laid before God so I can account for it. Almost all of the mistakes and sins were caused by my selfishness, greed, and lack of self control. And many of the good things I've done were spontaneous, with much less intent than I would have liked to say I had.
I read a devotion once that compared the documentation of our lives to a library card catalog (remember those...the long skinny drawers full of little cards?). The devotion painted a picture of judgment day -- we walk into a huge room full of these cabinets. Each drawer has a date and when you open one you see each thought and action, good or bad, has its own card. After flipping through just a few of the cards, you realize that there is no way you can justify your behavior to the God of the Universe. You collapse in fear and shame.
There is a huge fanfare, and God walks in with Jesus at his right side. You tremble, knowing what will come next. Jesus smiles down on you and he reaches over to touch the cabinets. He tells God, "Start with this one." You look at the dates and you realize it was the lowest point of your life...you pray that he starts with any drawer but that one.
God pulls out the drawer and looks through the cards. He says 'hmmm' and 'aha' a few times, then he goes on and looks at a couple more drawers. You wait for the floor to fall away so you will fall through the abyss to the place where you really belong.
All of a sudden God smiles and says 'welcome.' You look up in shock and Jesus reaches out his hand to show you the drawers. They are full of cards, but each one is blank, clean and white as snow.
Where would we be without Christ's mercy and grace?
(sorry, I don't know the reference for the devotion)
Context: In his letter to Jewish converts, Paul has been explaining how the old laws have been superseded by Christ. He has reminded them that Christ is greater than Moses, their hero, and how they must have faith and must not live a life of sin or they will not enter into God's rest.
Text:
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing 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. 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 4:14 Or gone into heaven
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I can't really comprehend the thought of everything I've done, every thought I've had, being uncovered and laid before God so I can account for it. Almost all of the mistakes and sins were caused by my selfishness, greed, and lack of self control. And many of the good things I've done were spontaneous, with much less intent than I would have liked to say I had.
I read a devotion once that compared the documentation of our lives to a library card catalog (remember those...the long skinny drawers full of little cards?). The devotion painted a picture of judgment day -- we walk into a huge room full of these cabinets. Each drawer has a date and when you open one you see each thought and action, good or bad, has its own card. After flipping through just a few of the cards, you realize that there is no way you can justify your behavior to the God of the Universe. You collapse in fear and shame.
There is a huge fanfare, and God walks in with Jesus at his right side. You tremble, knowing what will come next. Jesus smiles down on you and he reaches over to touch the cabinets. He tells God, "Start with this one." You look at the dates and you realize it was the lowest point of your life...you pray that he starts with any drawer but that one.
God pulls out the drawer and looks through the cards. He says 'hmmm' and 'aha' a few times, then he goes on and looks at a couple more drawers. You wait for the floor to fall away so you will fall through the abyss to the place where you really belong.
All of a sudden God smiles and says 'welcome.' You look up in shock and Jesus reaches out his hand to show you the drawers. They are full of cards, but each one is blank, clean and white as snow.
Where would we be without Christ's mercy and grace?
(sorry, I don't know the reference for the devotion)
Friday, June 22, 2007
June 22 - Be Strong and Courageous
Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Context: Moses knows he is near death, and the Israelites are on the banks of the Jordan river, preparing to cross soon into the promised land. He calls together all the Israelites and he reminds them of the covenant and commandments God has given them. This portion of the text is well into his speech.
Text:
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The phrase 'be strong and courageous' shows up in the Bible eleven times...all in the Old Testament. Six of these times the statement is directed toward Joshua -- five times by God himself.
As the newly named leader of the entire Israelite population, Joshua was doubting his abilities and was second guessing himself. He didn't know for sure what was facing them on the other side of the river, and based on their history he wasn't sure he could keep the Israelites in line. But God had put him in this place and God was capable of ensuring success.
Many of us struggle with fear as we face massive new situations. A new job, a move to a new community, or any opportunity to step into the unknown can cause fear and insecurity.
If you are comforting someone in this situation, these verses can be really helpful. If God is calling them to something new, he promises to be right there along side. Help the person remember his or her strengths and capabilities that will transfer to the new situation, and remind him/her to be strong and courageous. Pray for that strength and courage, and continue to be there as the journey unfolds.
Context: Moses knows he is near death, and the Israelites are on the banks of the Jordan river, preparing to cross soon into the promised land. He calls together all the Israelites and he reminds them of the covenant and commandments God has given them. This portion of the text is well into his speech.
Text:
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The phrase 'be strong and courageous' shows up in the Bible eleven times...all in the Old Testament. Six of these times the statement is directed toward Joshua -- five times by God himself.
As the newly named leader of the entire Israelite population, Joshua was doubting his abilities and was second guessing himself. He didn't know for sure what was facing them on the other side of the river, and based on their history he wasn't sure he could keep the Israelites in line. But God had put him in this place and God was capable of ensuring success.
Many of us struggle with fear as we face massive new situations. A new job, a move to a new community, or any opportunity to step into the unknown can cause fear and insecurity.
If you are comforting someone in this situation, these verses can be really helpful. If God is calling them to something new, he promises to be right there along side. Help the person remember his or her strengths and capabilities that will transfer to the new situation, and remind him/her to be strong and courageous. Pray for that strength and courage, and continue to be there as the journey unfolds.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
June 21 - Break the Cycle of Worry
Read Philippians 4:4-8
Context: This is near the end of the book. Paul has told the Philippians to place their confidence in God, not in the flesh, and to press on toward the goal Jesus has created for us.
Text:
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When you are caring for someone who is very close to you, a relative or a friend, it is easy to get caught up in worry. Your brain starts on a 'what if' cycle that escalates until you can only see a future full of chaos and grief for yourself and the person you are comforting. What if she dies? What if they lose the house? What if he's permanently disabled?
These are all important things to consider and plan for as possible outcomes, but try to take things one day at a time...and help the person you are caring for do this too. If you can focus on the positive actions you can take now to avoid such a future, that is great. You must replace worry with positive thoughts, or it will continue to be an obsession. Look for ways you can make a difference in someones life today, with a meal or a hug, and if needed help them plan for the future in a positive way. When you see your friend or relative jumping into the whirlpool of worry, find a distraction that will either help him/her forget or will focus on the actions and events he or she can control. And above all else, pray and pass those worries on to Jesus!
Context: This is near the end of the book. Paul has told the Philippians to place their confidence in God, not in the flesh, and to press on toward the goal Jesus has created for us.
Text:
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When you are caring for someone who is very close to you, a relative or a friend, it is easy to get caught up in worry. Your brain starts on a 'what if' cycle that escalates until you can only see a future full of chaos and grief for yourself and the person you are comforting. What if she dies? What if they lose the house? What if he's permanently disabled?
These are all important things to consider and plan for as possible outcomes, but try to take things one day at a time...and help the person you are caring for do this too. If you can focus on the positive actions you can take now to avoid such a future, that is great. You must replace worry with positive thoughts, or it will continue to be an obsession. Look for ways you can make a difference in someones life today, with a meal or a hug, and if needed help them plan for the future in a positive way. When you see your friend or relative jumping into the whirlpool of worry, find a distraction that will either help him/her forget or will focus on the actions and events he or she can control. And above all else, pray and pass those worries on to Jesus!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
June 20 - Keep Your Faith
Read Psalm 146
Context: This is the first of a group of five Psalms that close out the book. Each of them is 'framed' with the words "Hallelujah" which has been translated in the NIV as 'Praise the Lord'.
Text:
1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:
Psalm 146:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah ; also in verse 10
If you look back at verse 5, the writer tells us that those who hope in the Lord are blessed. I looked up 'blessed' in the Hebrew dictionary, and it says: "how happy!, i.e., a heightened state of happiness and joy, implying very favorable circumstance and enjoyment" (ref 1).
Sometimes it's hard to remember God blesses our hope in him by giving us joy, especially when we are dealing with friends who need our comfort. They are usually pretty miserable...in pain, in fear, or having a devastated spirit due to their circumstances, so much that they are unable to see many of their blessings for a time. It's also tough as a caretaker to enjoy your own blessings because you feel guilty that you have it so good when others are suffering.
While it is important to empathize with others so you can understand their feelings, it is also important that you don't lose your sense of hope. You have been placed along side of them to help them remember to turn to God, and the strength you gain from your hope in God will be plain to see even if you don't say a word. It's easy to be disappointed or even angry with God when we see the difficulties of this world, but your belief that God is faithful and that he is in control despite the circumstances may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Ref 1: Swanson, James: Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament). electronic ed. Oak Harbor : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997, S. DBLH 897
Context: This is the first of a group of five Psalms that close out the book. Each of them is 'framed' with the words "Hallelujah" which has been translated in the NIV as 'Praise the Lord'.
Text:
1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
Footnotes:
Psalm 146:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah ; also in verse 10
If you look back at verse 5, the writer tells us that those who hope in the Lord are blessed. I looked up 'blessed' in the Hebrew dictionary, and it says: "how happy!, i.e., a heightened state of happiness and joy, implying very favorable circumstance and enjoyment" (ref 1).
Sometimes it's hard to remember God blesses our hope in him by giving us joy, especially when we are dealing with friends who need our comfort. They are usually pretty miserable...in pain, in fear, or having a devastated spirit due to their circumstances, so much that they are unable to see many of their blessings for a time. It's also tough as a caretaker to enjoy your own blessings because you feel guilty that you have it so good when others are suffering.
While it is important to empathize with others so you can understand their feelings, it is also important that you don't lose your sense of hope. You have been placed along side of them to help them remember to turn to God, and the strength you gain from your hope in God will be plain to see even if you don't say a word. It's easy to be disappointed or even angry with God when we see the difficulties of this world, but your belief that God is faithful and that he is in control despite the circumstances may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Ref 1: Swanson, James: Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament). electronic ed. Oak Harbor : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997, S. DBLH 897
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
June 19 - He Asks Us To Pray
Read James 5:13-20
Context: James, presumed to be the brother of Jesus not the disciple, offers practical and sometimes blunt advice about Christianity. This text is the close of the book, which up to this point has discussed the trials and temptations of life and our need to submit to God. He asks the readers to be patient in their inevitable suffering and wait upon the Lord.
Text:
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Prayer is an interesting thing. As children we learn mealtime and bedtime prayers. As Christians we offer prayers to God for thanksgiving, growth, healing, and help in trouble. Sometimes it seems that I offer up similar prayers at particular times and they start to feel repetitive and rote. Other times it almost feels selfish to pray...there are so many things I am asking God to do: heal a friend, help a family member in trouble, prayers for others who have made a request, prayers for my family and myself. Other times there is the feeling that He knows what I need before I ask, so why voice it and 'bother' God with additional words?
Yet over and over we see the power of prayer in the Bible. Jesus, God himself, prayed regularly and fervently. God doesn't always answer prayers in the way we want, but He always answers. Often, by the time we receive the answer, He has prepared us to accept it.
I wonder if prayers are more for our benefit than God's? Through the process of humbling ourselves to ask for help or putting the needs of others before our own as we pray for them, life's real difficulties become more focused. Also, over the course of time, I realize that I am more open to God's will that I was when I first started praying for a particular cause. Maybe He doesn't need to hear our prayers as much as we do...
Context: James, presumed to be the brother of Jesus not the disciple, offers practical and sometimes blunt advice about Christianity. This text is the close of the book, which up to this point has discussed the trials and temptations of life and our need to submit to God. He asks the readers to be patient in their inevitable suffering and wait upon the Lord.
Text:
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Prayer is an interesting thing. As children we learn mealtime and bedtime prayers. As Christians we offer prayers to God for thanksgiving, growth, healing, and help in trouble. Sometimes it seems that I offer up similar prayers at particular times and they start to feel repetitive and rote. Other times it almost feels selfish to pray...there are so many things I am asking God to do: heal a friend, help a family member in trouble, prayers for others who have made a request, prayers for my family and myself. Other times there is the feeling that He knows what I need before I ask, so why voice it and 'bother' God with additional words?
Yet over and over we see the power of prayer in the Bible. Jesus, God himself, prayed regularly and fervently. God doesn't always answer prayers in the way we want, but He always answers. Often, by the time we receive the answer, He has prepared us to accept it.
I wonder if prayers are more for our benefit than God's? Through the process of humbling ourselves to ask for help or putting the needs of others before our own as we pray for them, life's real difficulties become more focused. Also, over the course of time, I realize that I am more open to God's will that I was when I first started praying for a particular cause. Maybe He doesn't need to hear our prayers as much as we do...
Monday, June 18, 2007
June 18 - The World's Hardest Job
Read Romans 15:1-15
Context: Paul has been telling the Romans how Christians act in different situations, including submitting to authority, loving one another, and accepting those whose faith is weak without passing judgment.
Text:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[b]on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:
"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing hymns to your name."[c] 10Again, it says,
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."[d] 11And again,
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and sing praises to him, all you peoples."[e] 12And again, Isaiah says,
"The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
the Gentiles will hope in him."[f]
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
Romans 15:8 Greek circumcision
Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49
Romans 15:10 Deut. 32:43
Romans 15:11 Psalm 117:1
Romans 15:12 Isaiah 11:10
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Being a caretaker is a rough job, whether it is full-time or part-time, permanent or temporary. It is also a thankless job, and sometimes that makes it all the more difficult. Sometimes those who are aged or ill are not always thinking straight and they don't focus on the burden of care-taking, only on their immediate needs that aren't being met fast enough or in the 'right' way. Words can be uttered in frustration that leave the caretaker feeling hurt, incompetent, and unappreciated; similar words leave the person being cared for feeling like a burden and an imposition.
Jesus says that he takes on all of these hurtful insults (too bad they have to brush across our psyche's first!). You can almost imagine a comic strip where someone speaks, then Jesus just picks up the speech bubble and wads it up in his hands. We are human, and we will say things we regret as well as hear things we wish we could forget. God wants us to accept one another as we are...and that includes ourselves! If we can see past the pain and suffering of one who needs care and past our own exhaustion and frustration, we will see two people who are cherished by God...and who might need a break from each other.
If you are a caretaker, please find ways to take a break. You cannot comfort and care for another person effectively when you are exhausted. Of course no one else will be able to do the work as well as you can since you have worked out many problems, but they could sit with the person for a few hours (or even overnight) so you can take a well deserved break.
My prayer for you today is the same as Paul's:
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Context: Paul has been telling the Romans how Christians act in different situations, including submitting to authority, loving one another, and accepting those whose faith is weak without passing judgment.
Text:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[b]on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:
"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing hymns to your name."[c] 10Again, it says,
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."[d] 11And again,
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and sing praises to him, all you peoples."[e] 12And again, Isaiah says,
"The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
the Gentiles will hope in him."[f]
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
Romans 15:8 Greek circumcision
Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49
Romans 15:10 Deut. 32:43
Romans 15:11 Psalm 117:1
Romans 15:12 Isaiah 11:10
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Being a caretaker is a rough job, whether it is full-time or part-time, permanent or temporary. It is also a thankless job, and sometimes that makes it all the more difficult. Sometimes those who are aged or ill are not always thinking straight and they don't focus on the burden of care-taking, only on their immediate needs that aren't being met fast enough or in the 'right' way. Words can be uttered in frustration that leave the caretaker feeling hurt, incompetent, and unappreciated; similar words leave the person being cared for feeling like a burden and an imposition.
Jesus says that he takes on all of these hurtful insults (too bad they have to brush across our psyche's first!). You can almost imagine a comic strip where someone speaks, then Jesus just picks up the speech bubble and wads it up in his hands. We are human, and we will say things we regret as well as hear things we wish we could forget. God wants us to accept one another as we are...and that includes ourselves! If we can see past the pain and suffering of one who needs care and past our own exhaustion and frustration, we will see two people who are cherished by God...and who might need a break from each other.
If you are a caretaker, please find ways to take a break. You cannot comfort and care for another person effectively when you are exhausted. Of course no one else will be able to do the work as well as you can since you have worked out many problems, but they could sit with the person for a few hours (or even overnight) so you can take a well deserved break.
My prayer for you today is the same as Paul's:
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 15 - The Comforter Seeks Comfort
Read: Mark 14:32-42
Context: Jesus and his disciples have just finished eating his final Passover dinner. Jesus has forewarned them of his imminent death, and Peter claimed that he would never fall away, even if he has to die.
Text:
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba,[a] Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" (NIV)
Footnotes:
Mark 14:36 Aramaic for Father
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Jesus has set the perfect example of how to help others in times of crisis. But what did he need most when he was in his own crisis? At this point in his earthly life, he has been hailed as the redeemer and was almost stoned as a blasphemer. He has wandered throughout Israel for three years, sharing the truth with many who refused to believe. Swarms of people pushed at him from all sides hoping to be healed by touching his garment whenever he visited a town. Even in the early morning when he would try to find quiet time with God, his followers would find him. Now he knows the end is near, and he is exhausted and distressed.
So what did he do? He went to a quiet, familiar place with his closest friends. He went off a little way by himself and he prayed to God. He asked for what he wanted, and he acknowledged that God knew best, so he prayed for what God wanted. He returned to his friends, disappointed that they were not praying, too. It's interesting that he asked them to pray for themselves and their strength, not his. He wanted to gain comfort by knowing that they were nearby watching and praying.
One lesson we can learn from this is to truly 'be there' for someone who is in crisis. As they go through their personal struggle, they don't necessarily want you to fight for them or to offer plans, but they need you close by, watchful, and available. They need you to pray for them, but they also need you to pray for yourself...that you will be there in the best spiritual position you can attain to help support them.
Context: Jesus and his disciples have just finished eating his final Passover dinner. Jesus has forewarned them of his imminent death, and Peter claimed that he would never fall away, even if he has to die.
Text:
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba,[a] Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" (NIV)
Footnotes:
Mark 14:36 Aramaic for Father
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Jesus has set the perfect example of how to help others in times of crisis. But what did he need most when he was in his own crisis? At this point in his earthly life, he has been hailed as the redeemer and was almost stoned as a blasphemer. He has wandered throughout Israel for three years, sharing the truth with many who refused to believe. Swarms of people pushed at him from all sides hoping to be healed by touching his garment whenever he visited a town. Even in the early morning when he would try to find quiet time with God, his followers would find him. Now he knows the end is near, and he is exhausted and distressed.
So what did he do? He went to a quiet, familiar place with his closest friends. He went off a little way by himself and he prayed to God. He asked for what he wanted, and he acknowledged that God knew best, so he prayed for what God wanted. He returned to his friends, disappointed that they were not praying, too. It's interesting that he asked them to pray for themselves and their strength, not his. He wanted to gain comfort by knowing that they were nearby watching and praying.
One lesson we can learn from this is to truly 'be there' for someone who is in crisis. As they go through their personal struggle, they don't necessarily want you to fight for them or to offer plans, but they need you close by, watchful, and available. They need you to pray for them, but they also need you to pray for yourself...that you will be there in the best spiritual position you can attain to help support them.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
June 14 - Did You Hear What She Did?
Read John 8:1-11
Context: The following story doesn't appear in some of the earliest manuscripts found, but it has remained in the Bible nonetheless. It is near harvest time, and Jesus has been teaching in the temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. The Pharisees are getting agitated at him and they tried to arrest him, but the temple guards were so impressed with his teaching that they let him go.
Text:
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Many of the crises in our lives are the result of our own behavior. Unfortunately, our own condemnation isn't all we have to face...everyone around us jumps in with loud opinions and judgment.
As a Christian in a position to comfort someone going through a crisis like this, it is really easy to join up with the crowd. Even on Sunday morning I know there is gossip and whispering about others who are in crisis of one kind or another...we all seem to wait anxiously for others to fall. But God has again provided us with an example in this type of situation.
Jesus hears the condemnation of others, but he doesn't feed it or even argue with them. He refuses to join in. He went one step further and he stopped them in their tracks. How many hurts could be avoided if we all remembered our own sins before we threw stones?
It is important to note that Jesus did not condone the woman's behavior, either. He spoke the truth about her sin, and he had compassion for her as a person. He didn't remind her of all the other times she's failed and he didn't seem to doubt her ability to change.
How can we shut down gossip of others? It's easy to ignore it and not get involved, but that doesn't stop the injury to the person being discussed. Sometimes the best way to comfort someone is to make the environment surrounding them less hostile.
Context: The following story doesn't appear in some of the earliest manuscripts found, but it has remained in the Bible nonetheless. It is near harvest time, and Jesus has been teaching in the temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. The Pharisees are getting agitated at him and they tried to arrest him, but the temple guards were so impressed with his teaching that they let him go.
Text:
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Many of the crises in our lives are the result of our own behavior. Unfortunately, our own condemnation isn't all we have to face...everyone around us jumps in with loud opinions and judgment.
As a Christian in a position to comfort someone going through a crisis like this, it is really easy to join up with the crowd. Even on Sunday morning I know there is gossip and whispering about others who are in crisis of one kind or another...we all seem to wait anxiously for others to fall. But God has again provided us with an example in this type of situation.
Jesus hears the condemnation of others, but he doesn't feed it or even argue with them. He refuses to join in. He went one step further and he stopped them in their tracks. How many hurts could be avoided if we all remembered our own sins before we threw stones?
It is important to note that Jesus did not condone the woman's behavior, either. He spoke the truth about her sin, and he had compassion for her as a person. He didn't remind her of all the other times she's failed and he didn't seem to doubt her ability to change.
How can we shut down gossip of others? It's easy to ignore it and not get involved, but that doesn't stop the injury to the person being discussed. Sometimes the best way to comfort someone is to make the environment surrounding them less hostile.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
June 13 - Shut up and listen!
Read: Proverbs 18 -- select verses
Context: More wisdom, presumably from Solomon. I've pulled out the verses that relate to listening or being there for your friends (I also just HAD to include verse 22...)
Text;
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.
6 A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.
13 He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.
14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens the way for the giver
and ushers him into the presence of the great.
17 The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Why is it so hard to listen to someone else? Instead, we always want others to listen to us...and we get frustrated when it doesn't happen. Hmmm...bet the feel the same way!
It seems like it is hardest to listen to someone we think we know well. We've been around our spouses, children, siblings, and parents most of our lives and often we 'know' what they are going to say because we've heard it several times before. But have we really heard? I bet that if the other person believed that you fully understood his/her position and had demonstrated this in some way, he or she wouldn't have to repeat it to you so many times!
Maybe we know the words, and even the emotions, behind someones feelings, but until we can demonstrate that we understand the impact of these things to a person's life, we really haven't listened. Pretty soon, the person who is telling you about their concerns begins to feel that you don't care.
I bet each of us has a person that we dread talking to because all they do is complain. When you get a call from this person, what do you do? I hesitate to admit that the first thing I do when I get this call is pull up a crossword puzzle off the internet and proceed to solve it, adding in an occasional 'supportive comment' in the conversation when it seems warranted. It's hard to listen because I feel like I've heard it all before....MANY times.
In reality I'm cheating myself and I'm cheating the person who called. I'm passing up an opportunity to become much closer to another one of God's creations, and I'm not paying enough attention to even be able to pray for the other person's true concerns. I think I know all the answers to the problem, and I 'know' that if they would just take certain actions everything would be ok.
Our challenge today is to really listen to someone around us. Don't make suggestions, don't admonish, don't create a grocery list in your head. Listen as if you are going to have a pop quiz on the other persons words when the conversation is over. Seek to really understand what they are saying and feeling. Learn something new about them...and don't tell them anything about your story unless they ask!
Context: More wisdom, presumably from Solomon. I've pulled out the verses that relate to listening or being there for your friends (I also just HAD to include verse 22...)
Text;
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.
6 A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.
13 He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.
14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens the way for the giver
and ushers him into the presence of the great.
17 The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Why is it so hard to listen to someone else? Instead, we always want others to listen to us...and we get frustrated when it doesn't happen. Hmmm...bet the feel the same way!
It seems like it is hardest to listen to someone we think we know well. We've been around our spouses, children, siblings, and parents most of our lives and often we 'know' what they are going to say because we've heard it several times before. But have we really heard? I bet that if the other person believed that you fully understood his/her position and had demonstrated this in some way, he or she wouldn't have to repeat it to you so many times!
Maybe we know the words, and even the emotions, behind someones feelings, but until we can demonstrate that we understand the impact of these things to a person's life, we really haven't listened. Pretty soon, the person who is telling you about their concerns begins to feel that you don't care.
I bet each of us has a person that we dread talking to because all they do is complain. When you get a call from this person, what do you do? I hesitate to admit that the first thing I do when I get this call is pull up a crossword puzzle off the internet and proceed to solve it, adding in an occasional 'supportive comment' in the conversation when it seems warranted. It's hard to listen because I feel like I've heard it all before....MANY times.
In reality I'm cheating myself and I'm cheating the person who called. I'm passing up an opportunity to become much closer to another one of God's creations, and I'm not paying enough attention to even be able to pray for the other person's true concerns. I think I know all the answers to the problem, and I 'know' that if they would just take certain actions everything would be ok.
Our challenge today is to really listen to someone around us. Don't make suggestions, don't admonish, don't create a grocery list in your head. Listen as if you are going to have a pop quiz on the other persons words when the conversation is over. Seek to really understand what they are saying and feeling. Learn something new about them...and don't tell them anything about your story unless they ask!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
June 12 - His Way, Not Mine
Read Proverbs 3:1-8
Context: Proverbs 2 discusses the moral benefits of wisdom, which is continued through chapter 3 (well, to be honest, it's continued through the whole book of Proverbs!).
Text:
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
taken from www.biblegateway.com
A friend of mine challenged several women to choose a 'theme verse' for this year, and I selected Proverbs 3:5-6. I'm beginning to think that it will take the rest of my life to fully understand the reality of these verses.
It sounds so easy to say 'Trust with all your heart,' and why wouldn't I want to do that? But as soon as I think I'm on the right track something happens that proves yet again that God's ways are not my ways. I want to fall right back on what I think I know about a situation or a person, trying to reason and problem-solve based on my limited experiences and perspective on the world.
In the midst of crisis (either in my life or the lives of others I want to support), it is easy to second guess God and wonder how He could ever allow this suffering. I don't want to pretend to have a clue about why bad things happen to good people, but I want to be able to skip over those doubts and fears and just trust Him to know and do what is best. I'm really pleased that I eventually get to that point, but it definitely isn't my first response to bad news.
So if anyone has gotten good at quieting that human voice in your head so that you can better hear God's spirit, please teach me!!!
Context: Proverbs 2 discusses the moral benefits of wisdom, which is continued through chapter 3 (well, to be honest, it's continued through the whole book of Proverbs!).
Text:
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
taken from www.biblegateway.com
A friend of mine challenged several women to choose a 'theme verse' for this year, and I selected Proverbs 3:5-6. I'm beginning to think that it will take the rest of my life to fully understand the reality of these verses.
It sounds so easy to say 'Trust with all your heart,' and why wouldn't I want to do that? But as soon as I think I'm on the right track something happens that proves yet again that God's ways are not my ways. I want to fall right back on what I think I know about a situation or a person, trying to reason and problem-solve based on my limited experiences and perspective on the world.
In the midst of crisis (either in my life or the lives of others I want to support), it is easy to second guess God and wonder how He could ever allow this suffering. I don't want to pretend to have a clue about why bad things happen to good people, but I want to be able to skip over those doubts and fears and just trust Him to know and do what is best. I'm really pleased that I eventually get to that point, but it definitely isn't my first response to bad news.
So if anyone has gotten good at quieting that human voice in your head so that you can better hear God's spirit, please teach me!!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
June 11 - Just STOP
Read Psalm 46
Context: According to my NIV Study Bible, this song was a celebration of Jerusalem's security as the city of God. It was most likely written before the exile to Babylon, but it remained a song of hope and celebration for the Israelites. This is the song that inspired Martin Luther's hymn, 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God'.
Text:
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields [b] with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah (NIV)
Footnotes:
Psalm 46:1 Title: Probably a musical term
Psalm 46:9 Or chariots
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The beginning of this Psalm is one of those marvelous passages that almost make your heart swell...no matter how your world falls apart, God is there and he is ever present to help us. Most crises feel like the world is falling out from under us, and this gives a great word picture of God holding us in his arms like children, sweeping us up at the last possible moment as the world falls away.
At the end of the Psalm we see the very familiar, "Be still, and know that I am God." According to the Hebrew words that were originally used, this statement probably means "Enough" in the sense that we should stop what we are doing and know His power.
With two seven year old boys, this has been a familar statement in our house. They egg each other on and never seem to quit, voices and pushing escalating until one of us has to shout "Enough" or "Stop" to keep them from hurting each other (or making us crazy).
I think God does this to us, too...we worry about our crises in our minds so much that our thoughts get out of control. God has to step in and tell us, "Enough." In the busyness of our minds we lose our handle on reality and He has to remind us that He is in control and He WILL be exalted by all the Earth, regardless of what craziness we are in. I wish I would remember this before He has to shout at me to get my attention!
Context: According to my NIV Study Bible, this song was a celebration of Jerusalem's security as the city of God. It was most likely written before the exile to Babylon, but it remained a song of hope and celebration for the Israelites. This is the song that inspired Martin Luther's hymn, 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God'.
Text:
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields [b] with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah (NIV)
Footnotes:
Psalm 46:1 Title: Probably a musical term
Psalm 46:9 Or chariots
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The beginning of this Psalm is one of those marvelous passages that almost make your heart swell...no matter how your world falls apart, God is there and he is ever present to help us. Most crises feel like the world is falling out from under us, and this gives a great word picture of God holding us in his arms like children, sweeping us up at the last possible moment as the world falls away.
At the end of the Psalm we see the very familiar, "Be still, and know that I am God." According to the Hebrew words that were originally used, this statement probably means "Enough" in the sense that we should stop what we are doing and know His power.
With two seven year old boys, this has been a familar statement in our house. They egg each other on and never seem to quit, voices and pushing escalating until one of us has to shout "Enough" or "Stop" to keep them from hurting each other (or making us crazy).
I think God does this to us, too...we worry about our crises in our minds so much that our thoughts get out of control. God has to step in and tell us, "Enough." In the busyness of our minds we lose our handle on reality and He has to remind us that He is in control and He WILL be exalted by all the Earth, regardless of what craziness we are in. I wish I would remember this before He has to shout at me to get my attention!
Friday, June 8, 2007
June 8 - Feel Free to Cry
Read John 11:17-35
Context: Jesus had been told that his friend Lazarus was very ill, and he planned to visit so that Lazarus could be healed. However, for the sake of God's glory, he waited two more days before making the day long trip to Bethany.
Text:
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
35Jesus wept. (NIV)
www.biblegateway.com
Even thought he knew that the outcome of this situation would be miraculous, Jesus was still moved to tears by the pain of his friends. He could have chided them for their disbelief or he could have told them gently not to cry because everything would be ok. He could have even gotten defensive when they tried to place the blame on him, since 'if (he) had been (there) my brother would not have died." He could easily have retorted that everyone expected him to fix everything.
Instead he pushed his knowledge and selfish and defensive feelings aside (well, he might not have had those selfish or defensive feelings, but I know I would have!). Instead he looked at others and allowed himself to be vulnerable to their pain and loss.
Often times we try to be stoic in the face of others difficulties. Sometimes the best comfort for others is to see that you, too, hurt because of the situation.
Context: Jesus had been told that his friend Lazarus was very ill, and he planned to visit so that Lazarus could be healed. However, for the sake of God's glory, he waited two more days before making the day long trip to Bethany.
Text:
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
35Jesus wept. (NIV)
www.biblegateway.com
Even thought he knew that the outcome of this situation would be miraculous, Jesus was still moved to tears by the pain of his friends. He could have chided them for their disbelief or he could have told them gently not to cry because everything would be ok. He could have even gotten defensive when they tried to place the blame on him, since 'if (he) had been (there) my brother would not have died." He could easily have retorted that everyone expected him to fix everything.
Instead he pushed his knowledge and selfish and defensive feelings aside (well, he might not have had those selfish or defensive feelings, but I know I would have!). Instead he looked at others and allowed himself to be vulnerable to their pain and loss.
Often times we try to be stoic in the face of others difficulties. Sometimes the best comfort for others is to see that you, too, hurt because of the situation.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
June 7 - Initiative In Time of Need
Read Luke 7:11-16
Context: Jesus has just been in Capernaum and a centurion soldier had asked him to heal the soldiers' servant. The faith of this Roman centurion was so great that he knew Jesus could perform this miracle verbally, without even going to the house to touch the servant. Jesus had been amazed at his faith.
Text:
11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Many of the miracles in the Bible involve a specific request for help or healing by either those who are afflicted or their friends/relatives. In this instance, Jesus was 'just' walking by and his heart was filled with compassion. Interesting that this 'coincidence' is the only time the tiny town of Nain is mentioned in the Bible...
Our modern day funerals are quite a bit different than those of Jesus' day, but we still carry our dead respectfully to their resting place. Think of the last funeral you have attended...my last one was for Maddie Bayer, a seven year old girl who died of cancer. Could you imagine if a relative stranger walked up to the parents, stopped the procession, and reached out to touch the child? Some might get indignant at his audacity, others would be struck silent by the turn of events from the norm...remember, it was against Jewish law to touch the dead.
But Jesus wasn't concerned with what others thought, or even the law. He knew that a widow in those days relied solely on the kindness of her sons for sustenance as she aged, and without her only child she was destined to a life of need. Without having to ask what he could do to help, he jumped right in and took care of her needs.
While we can't bring others back to life, or even heal them, we can look at a situation and determine what others need. Many people in time of crisis have trouble thinking of specific ways people could help when asked, and they don't like to impose. Yet we can jump right in, just like Jesus, and bring them meals, cut their grass, offer to watch their children, provide gas or food gift cards, and many other things.
Look around you today...whom can you help?
Context: Jesus has just been in Capernaum and a centurion soldier had asked him to heal the soldiers' servant. The faith of this Roman centurion was so great that he knew Jesus could perform this miracle verbally, without even going to the house to touch the servant. Jesus had been amazed at his faith.
Text:
11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Many of the miracles in the Bible involve a specific request for help or healing by either those who are afflicted or their friends/relatives. In this instance, Jesus was 'just' walking by and his heart was filled with compassion. Interesting that this 'coincidence' is the only time the tiny town of Nain is mentioned in the Bible...
Our modern day funerals are quite a bit different than those of Jesus' day, but we still carry our dead respectfully to their resting place. Think of the last funeral you have attended...my last one was for Maddie Bayer, a seven year old girl who died of cancer. Could you imagine if a relative stranger walked up to the parents, stopped the procession, and reached out to touch the child? Some might get indignant at his audacity, others would be struck silent by the turn of events from the norm...remember, it was against Jewish law to touch the dead.
But Jesus wasn't concerned with what others thought, or even the law. He knew that a widow in those days relied solely on the kindness of her sons for sustenance as she aged, and without her only child she was destined to a life of need. Without having to ask what he could do to help, he jumped right in and took care of her needs.
While we can't bring others back to life, or even heal them, we can look at a situation and determine what others need. Many people in time of crisis have trouble thinking of specific ways people could help when asked, and they don't like to impose. Yet we can jump right in, just like Jesus, and bring them meals, cut their grass, offer to watch their children, provide gas or food gift cards, and many other things.
Look around you today...whom can you help?
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
June 6 - God's Plan for the Future
Read Jeremiah 29:10 - 14
Context: After many years of unfaithfulness and evil-doing, God has allowed the Babylonians to conquer the cities of Israel and to kill or capture the people. Jeremiah is writing this letter to the survivors who were exiled to Babylon. He tells them to settle down, have children, and to pray that the city prospers so they, too, can prosper.
Text:
10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Jeremiah 29:14 Or will restore your fortunes
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I often wish that God would send me a letter outlining the actions I should take whenever there is a decision to be made. However, I'm not really sure if this is the type of letter I'd want...can you imagine waiting for anything for seventy years?
Yet the letter did bring good news. It allowed the people to settle in and start living their lives anew without wondering if they should escape or fight for release. Many of them knew they would not see their homeland again, but they could share their stories and their heritage with children who would one day return.
Would it help you if God let you know how long your troubles would last? Some days it would be nice to know that they will end, yet most likely his truth is that the trouble will last much longer than you think you can bear. In most cases I think I'd rather take it day to day.
As we seek to comfort others who are going through difficult times, it is tempting to say that things will get better. Yet we don't know the exact circumstances and we aren't able to prophesy God's plan. All we can do is provide God's message of hope...that he loves us and that he has our best interest, his plans to give us hope and a future, in mind.
Verse 11 is terrific to cling to in times of trouble. There are many ways that you can share it with those who need comfort. You can find it printed on coffee cups, desk sets, and book marks that will help keep it in front of someone who might not be quite ready to hear it yet. It is also a key verse in many Christian novels that provide comfort. Be creative in how you share this verse so it will be available at the time the hurting person needs it most.
Context: After many years of unfaithfulness and evil-doing, God has allowed the Babylonians to conquer the cities of Israel and to kill or capture the people. Jeremiah is writing this letter to the survivors who were exiled to Babylon. He tells them to settle down, have children, and to pray that the city prospers so they, too, can prosper.
Text:
10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Jeremiah 29:14 Or will restore your fortunes
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I often wish that God would send me a letter outlining the actions I should take whenever there is a decision to be made. However, I'm not really sure if this is the type of letter I'd want...can you imagine waiting for anything for seventy years?
Yet the letter did bring good news. It allowed the people to settle in and start living their lives anew without wondering if they should escape or fight for release. Many of them knew they would not see their homeland again, but they could share their stories and their heritage with children who would one day return.
Would it help you if God let you know how long your troubles would last? Some days it would be nice to know that they will end, yet most likely his truth is that the trouble will last much longer than you think you can bear. In most cases I think I'd rather take it day to day.
As we seek to comfort others who are going through difficult times, it is tempting to say that things will get better. Yet we don't know the exact circumstances and we aren't able to prophesy God's plan. All we can do is provide God's message of hope...that he loves us and that he has our best interest, his plans to give us hope and a future, in mind.
Verse 11 is terrific to cling to in times of trouble. There are many ways that you can share it with those who need comfort. You can find it printed on coffee cups, desk sets, and book marks that will help keep it in front of someone who might not be quite ready to hear it yet. It is also a key verse in many Christian novels that provide comfort. Be creative in how you share this verse so it will be available at the time the hurting person needs it most.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
June 5 - Do You Believe God?
Read Romans 8:28-39
Context: Paul has been talking about how the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness by knowing what we need and interceding for us when we are unable to express our own needs.
Text:
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[c]
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[d] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 8:28 Some manuscripts And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God
Romans 8:28 Or works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who
Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22
Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers
taken from www.biblegateway.com
After a passage like this I just want to jump up and say 'Go God!' He is so awesome and amazing and yet most days, even most of each day, I merrily go on my own way and forget to acknowledge that fact.
I know you have heard this passage before, probably many times, but do you actually believe God is working for the good of those who love him? We read it to ourselves and quote it to others in times of trouble, but unless we truly believe that God is at work in every instance of our lives we are just being 'clanging cymbals' whenever we recite it.
Because we live in a fallen world, I imagine that you can look at yourself and those around you and find at least one person in the midst of a crisis. Even if you can't see him, God is at work in that situation. Your confidence in that fact is one of the best things you can give to others during their times of trial. Saying these words may not be a comfort at the time, but your strength and attitude toward the situation will speak at a level that matches your conviction. Paul was convinced that NOTHING could separate us from God, and that brought him and others through incredible tribulations.
So the challenge today is to look inside and examine your heart. Do you really believe God does what he promises? Or are you desperately hoping that it is true...there is a difference that will show up when you try to comfort others.
Context: Paul has been talking about how the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness by knowing what we need and interceding for us when we are unable to express our own needs.
Text:
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[c]
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[d] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Romans 8:28 Some manuscripts And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God
Romans 8:28 Or works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who
Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22
Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers
taken from www.biblegateway.com
After a passage like this I just want to jump up and say 'Go God!' He is so awesome and amazing and yet most days, even most of each day, I merrily go on my own way and forget to acknowledge that fact.
I know you have heard this passage before, probably many times, but do you actually believe God is working for the good of those who love him? We read it to ourselves and quote it to others in times of trouble, but unless we truly believe that God is at work in every instance of our lives we are just being 'clanging cymbals' whenever we recite it.
Because we live in a fallen world, I imagine that you can look at yourself and those around you and find at least one person in the midst of a crisis. Even if you can't see him, God is at work in that situation. Your confidence in that fact is one of the best things you can give to others during their times of trial. Saying these words may not be a comfort at the time, but your strength and attitude toward the situation will speak at a level that matches your conviction. Paul was convinced that NOTHING could separate us from God, and that brought him and others through incredible tribulations.
So the challenge today is to look inside and examine your heart. Do you really believe God does what he promises? Or are you desperately hoping that it is true...there is a difference that will show up when you try to comfort others.
Monday, June 4, 2007
June 4 - Bless Others Through Your Crisis
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Context: Beginning of Paul's letter to the Corinthians who had been infiltrated by false teachers who challenged both Paul's personal integrity and his authority as an apostle (NIV Study Bible)
Text:
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Whenever I read this verse I find it hopeful. Maybe whatever thing I'm going through at the time has a purpose -- so I can be helpful to someone else in the future. That doesn't always kick me out of a pity party, but at least it allows me to find some reason for a difficult situation in a world that doesn't make much sense. But yesterday as we read this verse out loud, I noticed verse 6, "if we are distressed it is for your comfort and salvation, if we are comforted it is for your comfort."
Do you see that any trial Paul went through and any comfort he received were BOTH for the comfort of others? In any difficulty we face we have the opportunity to comfort others - in the moment, not years down the road.
How can you comfort others when you are in crisis? Think back to a time when you were able to do something tangible for another person who was having trouble. You may have taken food to a family with a newborn or who had undergone surgery. Or perhaps you helped someone move or deal with a financial crisis. Maybe you gave a hug and an encouraging word at just the right time. Most likely, while you were helping out you also received a blessing. Not from a perspective of 'gee, aren't I great for helping out', but from knowing that you were able to make a difference for someone else at a difficult time.
Most of us want to be strong through crisis and handle everything ourselves, but God wants to provide comfort to us and to those who want to help us. So don't only help others when they are in crisis, but accept help yourself when you are in crisis. By saying 'yes' to an offer of help instead of saying 'thanks, but we're fine', you may be allowing God to comfort you and the person who offers you help!
Context: Beginning of Paul's letter to the Corinthians who had been infiltrated by false teachers who challenged both Paul's personal integrity and his authority as an apostle (NIV Study Bible)
Text:
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Whenever I read this verse I find it hopeful. Maybe whatever thing I'm going through at the time has a purpose -- so I can be helpful to someone else in the future. That doesn't always kick me out of a pity party, but at least it allows me to find some reason for a difficult situation in a world that doesn't make much sense. But yesterday as we read this verse out loud, I noticed verse 6, "if we are distressed it is for your comfort and salvation, if we are comforted it is for your comfort."
Do you see that any trial Paul went through and any comfort he received were BOTH for the comfort of others? In any difficulty we face we have the opportunity to comfort others - in the moment, not years down the road.
How can you comfort others when you are in crisis? Think back to a time when you were able to do something tangible for another person who was having trouble. You may have taken food to a family with a newborn or who had undergone surgery. Or perhaps you helped someone move or deal with a financial crisis. Maybe you gave a hug and an encouraging word at just the right time. Most likely, while you were helping out you also received a blessing. Not from a perspective of 'gee, aren't I great for helping out', but from knowing that you were able to make a difference for someone else at a difficult time.
Most of us want to be strong through crisis and handle everything ourselves, but God wants to provide comfort to us and to those who want to help us. So don't only help others when they are in crisis, but accept help yourself when you are in crisis. By saying 'yes' to an offer of help instead of saying 'thanks, but we're fine', you may be allowing God to comfort you and the person who offers you help!
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