James 5:10-11
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
O Great and Powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are Your purposes and mighty are Your deeds. Nothing is beyond Your control including Satan who ruthlessly and relentlessly torments me. You are fully aware of my distress and difficulties. My troubles do not surprise You. You are with me always, full of compassion and mercy.
Thank You for Your ancient words, long preserved for my walk in this world. All I have to do is look at Job as an example of patience in the face of pain. Rather than cursing and abandoning You, he depended and drew strength from You in his anguish. Please use my adversity to strengthen my faith. During difficult days I want to dig my roots deeper into You in order to withstand the storms.
I will not hide my overwhelming despair. My emotions will show that I am human. Mourning my loss, I will continue to worship You, Sovereign God, who has authority over everything. Like Job, I want to pass the test and prove that people can love You for who You are and not for what You give. Help me to find happiness and fulfillment in the One reality no one can take from me - Your great love for me.
Please dear Lord, make me a person of patience, faith, and endurance like Job. I long to pray continually and give thanks to You in all my circumstances, recognizing that difficulties are Your will for me in Christ Jesus through whom I live and pray. Amen.
If you are facing a strong adversary, I encourage you to read Job, chapters 1 and 2. Let him be an example of faith and endurance through the storms. Then, read Chapter 42, with hope.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
No Condemnation
Romans 8: 31-34
If God is for us, who can be against us? He 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? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who 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.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty!
You are so good to me! You graciously give me all things! Your promises are precious! They sustain me through suffering and seclusion, reminding me that You have not forsaken me.
Gazing on Your majesty, I see Jesus, the Son of Man who experienced indescribable suffering, unimaginable seclusion, and unbearable shame. He is beside You, dressed like a High Priest in a robe reaching down to His feet. He understands my pain and problems, and is pleading to You on my behalf.
The golden sash around His chest tells me He is a King who has full authority over everything that takes place in my life. His soft white hair reveals His wisdom and purity. He knows exactly what to allow into my life to make me holy, pure and blameless. Through my troubles, He is transforming me into His likeness.
With angry eyes blazing like fire, He is serious and will avenge anyone who tries to hurt me. His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace, ready to trample in judgment anyone who condemns me. Justification and condemnation belong to Him and Him alone! He will not tolerate anyone else doing His job.
When He speaks, His thunderous voice roars like the sound of water rushing over Niagara Falls. It drowns out all other sounds. With my attention focused on the Living Word of God, I can't hear those who criticize and convict me. I only hear His piercing voice pardoning me.
He holds me in His strong right hand like the seven stars. Nothing can snatch me from His mighty grip of grace. He holds on to me tightly even when I let go of Him.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Lords Army is in charge of me. He gives me the weapon I need to combat the enemy, the Sword of His Word. Swiftly taking it, I confidently march forward inflicting anyone who insults me.
Gazing on the radiant face of the Son of Man, I know that in my desolation and isolation He is overruling me. No one else can accuse or defend me. He alone is the Holy, Almighty Judge and NOTHING can separate me from His love.
Thank You Lord for Your priceless promise in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Revelation 1: 13-16
Among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man,"dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."
Who is accusing you, God or man? Whose authority are you under, God or man? Who is pleading your case, God or man? In whom will you place your trust, God or man?
Choose to believe God and you will be blessed!
If God is for us, who can be against us? He 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? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who 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.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty!
You are so good to me! You graciously give me all things! Your promises are precious! They sustain me through suffering and seclusion, reminding me that You have not forsaken me.
Gazing on Your majesty, I see Jesus, the Son of Man who experienced indescribable suffering, unimaginable seclusion, and unbearable shame. He is beside You, dressed like a High Priest in a robe reaching down to His feet. He understands my pain and problems, and is pleading to You on my behalf.
The golden sash around His chest tells me He is a King who has full authority over everything that takes place in my life. His soft white hair reveals His wisdom and purity. He knows exactly what to allow into my life to make me holy, pure and blameless. Through my troubles, He is transforming me into His likeness.
With angry eyes blazing like fire, He is serious and will avenge anyone who tries to hurt me. His feet are like bronze glowing in a furnace, ready to trample in judgment anyone who condemns me. Justification and condemnation belong to Him and Him alone! He will not tolerate anyone else doing His job.
When He speaks, His thunderous voice roars like the sound of water rushing over Niagara Falls. It drowns out all other sounds. With my attention focused on the Living Word of God, I can't hear those who criticize and convict me. I only hear His piercing voice pardoning me.
He holds me in His strong right hand like the seven stars. Nothing can snatch me from His mighty grip of grace. He holds on to me tightly even when I let go of Him.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Lords Army is in charge of me. He gives me the weapon I need to combat the enemy, the Sword of His Word. Swiftly taking it, I confidently march forward inflicting anyone who insults me.
Gazing on the radiant face of the Son of Man, I know that in my desolation and isolation He is overruling me. No one else can accuse or defend me. He alone is the Holy, Almighty Judge and NOTHING can separate me from His love.
Thank You Lord for Your priceless promise in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Revelation 1: 13-16
Among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man,"dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."
Who is accusing you, God or man? Whose authority are you under, God or man? Who is pleading your case, God or man? In whom will you place your trust, God or man?
Choose to believe God and you will be blessed!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Blessed Suffering
1 Peter 3:13-15
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. NLT
Great God in Heaven,
I rejoice that Jesus is sitting right beside You at this very moment alive and well, talking to You on my behalf. He has the last word on everything and everyone. All the angels, authorities and powers submit to Him. Blessed assurance! So, if I know that He is in control of all things and all people, why do I worry and fret about what people will do to me?
With my eyes fixed on You, I'll be richly blessed by:
Being affectionately sensitive and caring to all kinds of people
Living harmoniously with everyone
Encouraging others and rejoicing in their accomplishments
Sympathizing with the needs of the brokenhearted
Seeing and loving people as if they were my own brothers and sisters
People will see You in me when I refrain from retaliating against those who say unkind things about me. Rather than lashing out with malicious words of blame, my lips will glorify You by blessing those who seek to damage my reputation.
With my eyes staring straight at You, I'll see the cross and the suffering You endured even though You were completely blameless. Remembering the great price You paid to restore my friendship with You will behoove me to react and respond mercifully to those who want to destroy my life. As long as I do what's right, the shells being fired at me may sting, but they'll be empty and harmless, embarrassing the enemy trying to annihilate me.
O Jesus, please set me apart as holy, ready to do what's right in all situations and circumstances. With my heart at attention, in adoration and awe of Your extreme authority and power, my words and actions will honor You as Lord of my life and King of my heart, bringing glory to Your sacred name. Amen.
Who is trying to damage your reputation and destroy your life? Do you retaliate and seek revenge? It's our human nature to want to fight back. However, your attitudes and actions show who you fear.
Rather, than fighting back with vicious words, go to God in prayer. Talk to him about your avenger. Relinquish control of the situation to Him. As you spend time in His Training Camp, Your Bible, He will begin to rule your thoughts and emotions, giving you the right strategy to fend off the stinging attacks. Surround yourself with an army of believers who can support you in the battle.
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. NLT
Great God in Heaven,
I rejoice that Jesus is sitting right beside You at this very moment alive and well, talking to You on my behalf. He has the last word on everything and everyone. All the angels, authorities and powers submit to Him. Blessed assurance! So, if I know that He is in control of all things and all people, why do I worry and fret about what people will do to me?
With my eyes fixed on You, I'll be richly blessed by:
Being affectionately sensitive and caring to all kinds of people
Living harmoniously with everyone
Encouraging others and rejoicing in their accomplishments
Sympathizing with the needs of the brokenhearted
Seeing and loving people as if they were my own brothers and sisters
People will see You in me when I refrain from retaliating against those who say unkind things about me. Rather than lashing out with malicious words of blame, my lips will glorify You by blessing those who seek to damage my reputation.
With my eyes staring straight at You, I'll see the cross and the suffering You endured even though You were completely blameless. Remembering the great price You paid to restore my friendship with You will behoove me to react and respond mercifully to those who want to destroy my life. As long as I do what's right, the shells being fired at me may sting, but they'll be empty and harmless, embarrassing the enemy trying to annihilate me.
O Jesus, please set me apart as holy, ready to do what's right in all situations and circumstances. With my heart at attention, in adoration and awe of Your extreme authority and power, my words and actions will honor You as Lord of my life and King of my heart, bringing glory to Your sacred name. Amen.
Who is trying to damage your reputation and destroy your life? Do you retaliate and seek revenge? It's our human nature to want to fight back. However, your attitudes and actions show who you fear.
Rather, than fighting back with vicious words, go to God in prayer. Talk to him about your avenger. Relinquish control of the situation to Him. As you spend time in His Training Camp, Your Bible, He will begin to rule your thoughts and emotions, giving you the right strategy to fend off the stinging attacks. Surround yourself with an army of believers who can support you in the battle.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Healed by His Stripes
1 Peter 2: 21-24
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Thank You for revealing the truth of my sin and my despicable, depraved condition that led You to the cross. Because You suffered for me, I'm called to suffer for You. It's the debt of love. Clothed in Your love and filled with Your power when others:
Strip and offend me, exposing my shame, I won't retaliate
Twist the truth and prick my mind with thorns, I won't be deceived
Mock and make fun of me for my faith, I'll stand firm and steadfast
Spew filth from their mouth that insults me, I won't spit back
Beat and hurt me, I won't seek revenge
Instead, I'll follow Your example and trust You, the One and Only Fair Judge who rules over all authority in heaven and earth. Like You, I want to love my neighbor and pray for those who hate me.
Thank You for personally carrying the wounds of my sins and the filth of my spit on Your body to the cross so that I could die to sin and live for what is right. For that reason, I humbly bow at the foot of the cross today, allowing the Living Water from the wound in Your side to purify the sewer deep within me, and the blood from Your wounds to drip down and cover every mistake I've ever made and ever will make. By Your wounds I am healed and by Your grace, I'm able to follow Your example, exercising self-control on my own journey to the cross for the glory of Your name. Amen.
The death was for us. He can heal us - even the most broken of us. He can meticulously pick up all the shattered pieces of our lives and put them back together. He can change us - even the worst of us. He can open the gates of heaven and give us a glimpse of eternity so that, by faith, we'll walk steadfastly toward whatever lies ahead. And, He will. He will if we humble ourselves at the foot of the cross. Have you? Have you turned to the One who can heal and restore you?
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Thank You for revealing the truth of my sin and my despicable, depraved condition that led You to the cross. Because You suffered for me, I'm called to suffer for You. It's the debt of love. Clothed in Your love and filled with Your power when others:
Strip and offend me, exposing my shame, I won't retaliate
Twist the truth and prick my mind with thorns, I won't be deceived
Mock and make fun of me for my faith, I'll stand firm and steadfast
Spew filth from their mouth that insults me, I won't spit back
Beat and hurt me, I won't seek revenge
Instead, I'll follow Your example and trust You, the One and Only Fair Judge who rules over all authority in heaven and earth. Like You, I want to love my neighbor and pray for those who hate me.
Thank You for personally carrying the wounds of my sins and the filth of my spit on Your body to the cross so that I could die to sin and live for what is right. For that reason, I humbly bow at the foot of the cross today, allowing the Living Water from the wound in Your side to purify the sewer deep within me, and the blood from Your wounds to drip down and cover every mistake I've ever made and ever will make. By Your wounds I am healed and by Your grace, I'm able to follow Your example, exercising self-control on my own journey to the cross for the glory of Your name. Amen.
The death was for us. He can heal us - even the most broken of us. He can meticulously pick up all the shattered pieces of our lives and put them back together. He can change us - even the worst of us. He can open the gates of heaven and give us a glimpse of eternity so that, by faith, we'll walk steadfastly toward whatever lies ahead. And, He will. He will if we humble ourselves at the foot of the cross. Have you? Have you turned to the One who can heal and restore you?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Simon of Cyrene
Matthew 27:32-35
As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and they forced him to carry Jesus' cross. Then they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Hill). The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. After they had nailed him to the cross.
Jesus, Son of God,
Thank You for the wonderful mystical image You've given me through Simon of Cyrene. An unimportant, ordinary man, he happened to stop at a dramatic scene, and was pressed into service by the tap of the Roman's soldier's sword. Little did he know when he stopped to watch the drama unfold, that he'd be forced to participate in an unwanted, unplanned, and unglamorous assignment that would radically reshape the remainder of his life. Undoubtedly, he had no idea that the command he'd been given to carry Your cross would be one of the greatest honors ever bestowed on a human being. Certainly, he didn't expect a divine encounter when he left home that morning. Pressed into service, he had no choice but to lay aside his plans and obey.
Lord, if you tap me on the shoulder with the Sword of Your Word and compel me to carry a burden for You, I want to be like Simon of Cyrene. He wasn't chosen because he was pious, strong or faithful. He was chosen simply because he was in the right place at the right time. He may have grudging obliged. However, seeing his blessing I'll willingly pick up any burden You hand me and carry it no matter the cost. A job that looks insignificant and inconsequential could turn out to be an incredibly important, life altering incident, and a divine encounter with You.
All around me are broken, traumatized, exhausted people who have stumbled and can't get up. The weight of their cross is more than they can bear. Helping a scorned person carry his or her humiliation will likely disrupt my plans and dreams. It will certainly require sacrifice. Undoubtedly, it may be degrading and out of my comfort zone. At the same time, it may be the most honorable, significant assignment I ever receive. Please dear Lord, press me into service today. I will obey to honor and glorify Your name. Amen.
Whose cross can you carry today? Open the eyes of your heart and look around. There are hurting people every where. Stop whatever you're doing. Pick up their cross and walk in the name of Jesus. Just as Christ walked with Simon, He'll walk with you. That irritating interruption may be one of the greatest honors you'll ever receive.
As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and they forced him to carry Jesus' cross. Then they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Hill). The soldiers gave him wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. After they had nailed him to the cross.
Jesus, Son of God,
Thank You for the wonderful mystical image You've given me through Simon of Cyrene. An unimportant, ordinary man, he happened to stop at a dramatic scene, and was pressed into service by the tap of the Roman's soldier's sword. Little did he know when he stopped to watch the drama unfold, that he'd be forced to participate in an unwanted, unplanned, and unglamorous assignment that would radically reshape the remainder of his life. Undoubtedly, he had no idea that the command he'd been given to carry Your cross would be one of the greatest honors ever bestowed on a human being. Certainly, he didn't expect a divine encounter when he left home that morning. Pressed into service, he had no choice but to lay aside his plans and obey.
Lord, if you tap me on the shoulder with the Sword of Your Word and compel me to carry a burden for You, I want to be like Simon of Cyrene. He wasn't chosen because he was pious, strong or faithful. He was chosen simply because he was in the right place at the right time. He may have grudging obliged. However, seeing his blessing I'll willingly pick up any burden You hand me and carry it no matter the cost. A job that looks insignificant and inconsequential could turn out to be an incredibly important, life altering incident, and a divine encounter with You.
All around me are broken, traumatized, exhausted people who have stumbled and can't get up. The weight of their cross is more than they can bear. Helping a scorned person carry his or her humiliation will likely disrupt my plans and dreams. It will certainly require sacrifice. Undoubtedly, it may be degrading and out of my comfort zone. At the same time, it may be the most honorable, significant assignment I ever receive. Please dear Lord, press me into service today. I will obey to honor and glorify Your name. Amen.
Whose cross can you carry today? Open the eyes of your heart and look around. There are hurting people every where. Stop whatever you're doing. Pick up their cross and walk in the name of Jesus. Just as Christ walked with Simon, He'll walk with you. That irritating interruption may be one of the greatest honors you'll ever receive.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Depravity of Man
Matthew 27:27-31
Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Dear Jesus,
These verses send chills down my spine and bring tears to my eyes. How could they do this to You, the tender, gentle and innocent Lamb of God? You've never done anything wrong! Sadly, the atrocious behavior I see in the Roman soldiers is true of me too. Running deep within my soul is a cesspool seeping with foulness, ugliness and self-righteousness.
I strip You by committing sins that embarrass people, exposing their shame. Judging, gossiping, and insulting others strips both You and them of dignity. Full of pride, I can't see my own flaws and failures. Lying and blaming someone else is disgraceful. Cynicism and sarcasm is humiliating.
Sins that prick my mind are the thorns the pierced Your sacred brow. Worry, unbelief, and anxiety stab You. Movies, music, television and magazines used for my entertainment jab You. Greed, envy, and bitterness poke You. The truth can be so easily twisted into a crown of prickly thorns.
I mock You when I'm hypocritical and deceitful. Failing to spend time with You praying and reading my Bible is a form of scoffing. Taking Your name in vain is a means of jeering. All the pleasures and treasures I worship more than You are a type of sneering.
Spit is the filth that spews from my heart out of my mouth. The hateful, profane words I speak to others, I spit on You. You are splattered with the disgusting saliva of my arrogance, complaining and ungratefulness.
Sin that hurts others beats You. Lifting my hand in anger, I've not only slapped the offender, but also You. Lusting or flirting with someone other my spouse is not only a blow to him/her but also a blow to You. You're beaten by my critical spirit and unforgiving heart. You're battered by my emotional, physical and spiritual adultery.
Lamb of God, I'm deeply sorry for standing with the Roman soldiers who scorned You, derided You, and ridiculed You. I can't believe I was there subjecting You to the cruelest degradation. There is a beast within me capable of the meanest, roughest words and actions. Thank You for personally carrying the wounds of my sins and the filth of my spit on Your sacred body all the way to the cross.
I can't bear to think of the pain I've caused You and still do every minute of every day. Please forgive me and tame the beast within me by Your almighty power. Amen.
All of us are capable of the cruelest, meanest acts. Jesus said,"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
Reflect on your depravity, and admit that you're a sinner in need of God's grace.
Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Dear Jesus,
These verses send chills down my spine and bring tears to my eyes. How could they do this to You, the tender, gentle and innocent Lamb of God? You've never done anything wrong! Sadly, the atrocious behavior I see in the Roman soldiers is true of me too. Running deep within my soul is a cesspool seeping with foulness, ugliness and self-righteousness.
I strip You by committing sins that embarrass people, exposing their shame. Judging, gossiping, and insulting others strips both You and them of dignity. Full of pride, I can't see my own flaws and failures. Lying and blaming someone else is disgraceful. Cynicism and sarcasm is humiliating.
Sins that prick my mind are the thorns the pierced Your sacred brow. Worry, unbelief, and anxiety stab You. Movies, music, television and magazines used for my entertainment jab You. Greed, envy, and bitterness poke You. The truth can be so easily twisted into a crown of prickly thorns.
I mock You when I'm hypocritical and deceitful. Failing to spend time with You praying and reading my Bible is a form of scoffing. Taking Your name in vain is a means of jeering. All the pleasures and treasures I worship more than You are a type of sneering.
Spit is the filth that spews from my heart out of my mouth. The hateful, profane words I speak to others, I spit on You. You are splattered with the disgusting saliva of my arrogance, complaining and ungratefulness.
Sin that hurts others beats You. Lifting my hand in anger, I've not only slapped the offender, but also You. Lusting or flirting with someone other my spouse is not only a blow to him/her but also a blow to You. You're beaten by my critical spirit and unforgiving heart. You're battered by my emotional, physical and spiritual adultery.
Lamb of God, I'm deeply sorry for standing with the Roman soldiers who scorned You, derided You, and ridiculed You. I can't believe I was there subjecting You to the cruelest degradation. There is a beast within me capable of the meanest, roughest words and actions. Thank You for personally carrying the wounds of my sins and the filth of my spit on Your sacred body all the way to the cross.
I can't bear to think of the pain I've caused You and still do every minute of every day. Please forgive me and tame the beast within me by Your almighty power. Amen.
All of us are capable of the cruelest, meanest acts. Jesus said,"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
Reflect on your depravity, and admit that you're a sinner in need of God's grace.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Choice is Yours
Matthew 27: 16-20
At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
Matthew 27:11-26
Dear Jesus,
You are King of heaven and earth, as well as, King of my heart. You absolutely rule over everything and everyone. Your proclaimed Word is sharper than the sharpest double-edged sword. It painfully cuts through my heart and mind revealing my most secret thoughts and desires. What it exposes is utterly disgraceful.
As I ponder this story I see my own ruthlessness in more ways than one. First, as an indecisive, insecure individual who asks, "What should I do with Jesus?" Though I consciously know right from wrong, I still seek public opinion in order to maintain my popularity and position in a corrupt society. Ignoring the advice of faithful friends who warn me of impending danger, I choose political-correctness over spiritual-truth. Then, vainly I wash my hands of the decision, blaming the outcome on others. Shame on me for being so spineless!
Second, I see myself as an insurgent in the crowd. On Sunday, I go to church with my comfortable Christian friends where You're well-liked and accepted. I perform all the right religious rituals and routines, but when I walk out the doors and into the wicked world where You're despised, I become an envious, indignant instigator robbing You of glory, honor and praise. In the face of an uprising, instead of speaking up for You, I speak out against You. Faced with a deadly decision, sadly, I too vote for the people's choice, Barabbas. Lord, have mercy on me for being so unfaithful.
Remind me the next time I think I'm better than anyone that I can wash my hands all I want and claim my innocence, but in Your eyes I'm equally guilty. I vote you in or out of my life and must accept full responsibility for my choice. On Judgment Day there will be no excuse. I will have to give an account for what I did with You.
Holy Spirit, fill me with more of Your almighty power to stand up for what's right in the face of adversity so that my life will praise and glorify Jesus, the One and Only True King. Amen.
You have to vote for someone. Under pressure will you choose Jesus or Barabbas?
Admit how much you're like both Pilate and the crowd. Determine to turn around, look Jesus in the face, and speak up for Him the next time you're confronted with a tough choice.
At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
Matthew 27:11-26
Dear Jesus,
You are King of heaven and earth, as well as, King of my heart. You absolutely rule over everything and everyone. Your proclaimed Word is sharper than the sharpest double-edged sword. It painfully cuts through my heart and mind revealing my most secret thoughts and desires. What it exposes is utterly disgraceful.
As I ponder this story I see my own ruthlessness in more ways than one. First, as an indecisive, insecure individual who asks, "What should I do with Jesus?" Though I consciously know right from wrong, I still seek public opinion in order to maintain my popularity and position in a corrupt society. Ignoring the advice of faithful friends who warn me of impending danger, I choose political-correctness over spiritual-truth. Then, vainly I wash my hands of the decision, blaming the outcome on others. Shame on me for being so spineless!
Second, I see myself as an insurgent in the crowd. On Sunday, I go to church with my comfortable Christian friends where You're well-liked and accepted. I perform all the right religious rituals and routines, but when I walk out the doors and into the wicked world where You're despised, I become an envious, indignant instigator robbing You of glory, honor and praise. In the face of an uprising, instead of speaking up for You, I speak out against You. Faced with a deadly decision, sadly, I too vote for the people's choice, Barabbas. Lord, have mercy on me for being so unfaithful.
Remind me the next time I think I'm better than anyone that I can wash my hands all I want and claim my innocence, but in Your eyes I'm equally guilty. I vote you in or out of my life and must accept full responsibility for my choice. On Judgment Day there will be no excuse. I will have to give an account for what I did with You.
Holy Spirit, fill me with more of Your almighty power to stand up for what's right in the face of adversity so that my life will praise and glorify Jesus, the One and Only True King. Amen.
You have to vote for someone. Under pressure will you choose Jesus or Barabbas?
Admit how much you're like both Pilate and the crowd. Determine to turn around, look Jesus in the face, and speak up for Him the next time you're confronted with a tough choice.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Forsaken
Matthew 26:45-46
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
God of Enduring Love,
Thank You that Jesus, Your dearly loved Son, willingly left the sacred sanctuary in the sky where He was enthroned in the praises of the saints to come down to this dark despicable place on earth to show us how to wholly love.
Knowing that He'd have to give up His life to save us from eternal anguish, He voluntarily endured the terrible atrocity of the cross. While the whole land was wrapped in an unearthly midday midnight, no human eye could gaze on His last agonizing hours as He descended into Hell for us. Suffering unbearable darkness, intolerable pain, and indescribable loneliness His plaintive cry was answered with impenetrable, imponderable silence. For three seemingly endless hours, Your innocent Son tasted the ultimate horror of a lost soul separated from Your love and goodness as Your full wrath violently thundered down on Him.
There on the cross, as He bore the divine punishment for every last sin that was ever committed or ever will be committed, You demonstrated Your amazing unconditional love. In the midst of unspeakable torture, You had us on Your mind and were showing us Your great big beautiful heart.
Oh my God! My God! Why have I forsaken You? Ashamedly, I admit I've turned my love away from You. I've dared to slap Your holiness in the face and abandoned You to glorify myself. I've stabbed You in the back by putting other things first in my life and in my heart. Rejecting You once, is horrific and worthy of eternal damnation, but I'm so boldly arrogant that I do it continually. Yet in this heart wrenching cry from the cross is the heart of my salvation. Because You were forsaken, I am forgiven in the blessed name of Jesus who endured it all for me. Amen.
Look at the Cross. Consider Jesus hanging there in unbearable darkness, intolerable pain and indescribable loneliness, completely separated from the goodness and love of God, His Father. Consider the crown of thorns pressed down on His brow. Consider the stakes driven through His hands and feet. Consider the beating He had already endured, ripping flesh from bone, so much so that He was virtually unrecognizable. Consider that He went to Hell for you. He did it all to prove His enduring love for you.
Admit all the ways you've rejected Him. Then, listen to His cry from the cross and thank Him that you are forever forgiven. Praise the Lord!
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
God of Enduring Love,
Thank You that Jesus, Your dearly loved Son, willingly left the sacred sanctuary in the sky where He was enthroned in the praises of the saints to come down to this dark despicable place on earth to show us how to wholly love.
Knowing that He'd have to give up His life to save us from eternal anguish, He voluntarily endured the terrible atrocity of the cross. While the whole land was wrapped in an unearthly midday midnight, no human eye could gaze on His last agonizing hours as He descended into Hell for us. Suffering unbearable darkness, intolerable pain, and indescribable loneliness His plaintive cry was answered with impenetrable, imponderable silence. For three seemingly endless hours, Your innocent Son tasted the ultimate horror of a lost soul separated from Your love and goodness as Your full wrath violently thundered down on Him.
There on the cross, as He bore the divine punishment for every last sin that was ever committed or ever will be committed, You demonstrated Your amazing unconditional love. In the midst of unspeakable torture, You had us on Your mind and were showing us Your great big beautiful heart.
Oh my God! My God! Why have I forsaken You? Ashamedly, I admit I've turned my love away from You. I've dared to slap Your holiness in the face and abandoned You to glorify myself. I've stabbed You in the back by putting other things first in my life and in my heart. Rejecting You once, is horrific and worthy of eternal damnation, but I'm so boldly arrogant that I do it continually. Yet in this heart wrenching cry from the cross is the heart of my salvation. Because You were forsaken, I am forgiven in the blessed name of Jesus who endured it all for me. Amen.
Look at the Cross. Consider Jesus hanging there in unbearable darkness, intolerable pain and indescribable loneliness, completely separated from the goodness and love of God, His Father. Consider the crown of thorns pressed down on His brow. Consider the stakes driven through His hands and feet. Consider the beating He had already endured, ripping flesh from bone, so much so that He was virtually unrecognizable. Consider that He went to Hell for you. He did it all to prove His enduring love for you.
Admit all the ways you've rejected Him. Then, listen to His cry from the cross and thank Him that you are forever forgiven. Praise the Lord!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tempted to Sleep
Matthew 26:38, 40-41, 43-45
Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near."
Precious Jesus,
I am so sorry! You've invited me to join You in agonizing prayer, and I have failed you miserably! Surrounded by the sorrow of sin, overwhelmed by the misery of severe suffering, and swallowed up in the sheer terror of impending death, You've asked me to keep vigil, but like Peter, I'm drowsy and prone to dozing off. Forgive me, O Lord!
You know the brutal battle that lies ahead for me. Clearly, You warn me to pay attention and pray. Deep agonizing grief from the consequences of poor choices will besiege me. The intense suffering from sickness will be unbearable. The cruel killing of souls and maiming of minds will torment me to the point of overwhelming despair. With all my heart, I want to obey, but the nighttime of the soul seems eternally long and I'm worn out and restless.
I beg You to teach me to pray powerful prayers that will crush the adversary. The hour is near when You'll come back, and I don't want You to find me sleeping again. I want You to be pleasantly surprised when You find me in the garden wrestling over the burdens of Your heart for the glory of Your name. Amen.
O. Chambers writes in My Utmost for His Highest, October 16: "The key to the missionary's difficult task is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer, not work ... the key is in following the Master's orders - the key is prayer.
Jesus has invited us to watch and pray with Him. His intense agonizing prayer in the garden gave Him the strength to face the journey to the cross. If you don't pay attention and wrestle with Him in prayer, you'll snap when the stress and strain do come - and it will come. Ask Jesus to teach you to pray powerful prayers that will crush the enemy.
Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near."
Precious Jesus,
I am so sorry! You've invited me to join You in agonizing prayer, and I have failed you miserably! Surrounded by the sorrow of sin, overwhelmed by the misery of severe suffering, and swallowed up in the sheer terror of impending death, You've asked me to keep vigil, but like Peter, I'm drowsy and prone to dozing off. Forgive me, O Lord!
You know the brutal battle that lies ahead for me. Clearly, You warn me to pay attention and pray. Deep agonizing grief from the consequences of poor choices will besiege me. The intense suffering from sickness will be unbearable. The cruel killing of souls and maiming of minds will torment me to the point of overwhelming despair. With all my heart, I want to obey, but the nighttime of the soul seems eternally long and I'm worn out and restless.
I beg You to teach me to pray powerful prayers that will crush the adversary. The hour is near when You'll come back, and I don't want You to find me sleeping again. I want You to be pleasantly surprised when You find me in the garden wrestling over the burdens of Your heart for the glory of Your name. Amen.
O. Chambers writes in My Utmost for His Highest, October 16: "The key to the missionary's difficult task is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer, not work ... the key is in following the Master's orders - the key is prayer.
Jesus has invited us to watch and pray with Him. His intense agonizing prayer in the garden gave Him the strength to face the journey to the cross. If you don't pay attention and wrestle with Him in prayer, you'll snap when the stress and strain do come - and it will come. Ask Jesus to teach you to pray powerful prayers that will crush the enemy.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Pray Like Jesus
Matthew 26: 37-39, 42,
He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death" ... He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying,"O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."
So He went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. NKJV
O Lord Jesus,
Thank You for teaching me how to pray! Forgive me for my casual, careless prayers. My happy-go-lucky heart would rather be singing praises and dancing than falling on my face in deep sorrowful prayer. I've failed to follow Your example. My prayers have been hasty, shallow and sloppy. I wonder why they go unanswered.
Please lay Your heart over my heart and teach me to pray. O that my soul would be exceedingly anguished even to the point of death for the things that trouble You. Rather than praying as I drive down the road asking You to bless this person and that person, give me this and give them that, I want to go to the garden alone, far away from the hustle and bustle, where I can experience prayer with You.
In Your presence, I'll fall on my face. Crying out to You in deep distress, You'll tell me exactly what's on Your heart. As I sit still, quietly listening to Your voice, my prayer life will change. I'll be overcome with grief for the things that grieve You. The intense pain will be unbearable. It'll be tempting to walk away from the severe problems and pressures you reveal to me, but Lord, with all my heart I want to follow You, even to death. I want to pray like You, Jesus, not my will but Yours be done. Amen.
Have you ever had this heart of God? Have you ever prayed like Jesus? Would you be willing to allow God to take You to a different kind of praying? Turn around and follow Jesus. He'll teach you how to pray powerful prayers that will make a kingdom difference.
He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death" ... He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying,"O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."
So He went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. NKJV
O Lord Jesus,
Thank You for teaching me how to pray! Forgive me for my casual, careless prayers. My happy-go-lucky heart would rather be singing praises and dancing than falling on my face in deep sorrowful prayer. I've failed to follow Your example. My prayers have been hasty, shallow and sloppy. I wonder why they go unanswered.
Please lay Your heart over my heart and teach me to pray. O that my soul would be exceedingly anguished even to the point of death for the things that trouble You. Rather than praying as I drive down the road asking You to bless this person and that person, give me this and give them that, I want to go to the garden alone, far away from the hustle and bustle, where I can experience prayer with You.
In Your presence, I'll fall on my face. Crying out to You in deep distress, You'll tell me exactly what's on Your heart. As I sit still, quietly listening to Your voice, my prayer life will change. I'll be overcome with grief for the things that grieve You. The intense pain will be unbearable. It'll be tempting to walk away from the severe problems and pressures you reveal to me, but Lord, with all my heart I want to follow You, even to death. I want to pray like You, Jesus, not my will but Yours be done. Amen.
Have you ever had this heart of God? Have you ever prayed like Jesus? Would you be willing to allow God to take You to a different kind of praying? Turn around and follow Jesus. He'll teach you how to pray powerful prayers that will make a kingdom difference.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Denial
Matthew 26: 31, 33, 35
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
Then, Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
Hours later the self-confident Peter disowns Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-75)
Dear Jesus,
I'm dreadfully like Peter! I too have spent many intimate moments with You. Over the years, I've sat, sipped and supped with You, enjoying the rich blessing of Your friendship. In the classroom of my heart, You taught me to be wise and tune my spirit to Your will. You gave me a thorough understanding of the ways in which You work. Deeply devoted to You, I couldn't imagine life without You. You mean the world to me! How could I ever renounce You?
Yet, when faced with the challenge of ridicule and rejection, I'm prone to stand around and watch while politically-correct people insult, mock, and abuse You. Worried about my reputation, I'm unable to think clearly. If I stay at a distance, perhaps no one will notice my relationship with You. Pride tantalizes me, paralyzing my heart. What will the world think of me or do to me if I admit that I belong to You? Like Your flock of beloved disciples, I too run away, deserting You to save my name.
Confronted by angry, arrogant hate mongers, from the overflow of my anxious heart, my mouth speaks, and I vehemently deny knowing You. Lord, have mercy on me! I am deeply sorry for failing You as a disciple and friend.
Please give me the courage to stand up for You during threatening situations. Break down the stronghold pride has on my mind. Take my wandering thoughts captive and bring them back to You. With my mind under Your control, my heart will be protected. Instead of impulsively reacting to peer pressure, I'll humbly think of You. Conscientiously, I'll stand up proud to defend You, bringing glory and honor and praise to You, my lifelong teacher and friend. Amen.
<
Might we be guilty, like Peter, of trying to follow Christ, but with cowardice? Are you ashamed to be seen carrying a Bible? Ashamed to be seen giving thanks? Ashamed to be seen with other Christians? Have you denied Your Lord for fear of ridicule or rejection? If so, admit it with deep heartfelt sorrow, repent and determine to learn from your mistakes.
Christ can use those who recognize their failures. From this humiliating experience Peter learned much that would later help him when he assumed leadership of the church.
Reflect on the lyrics and listen to Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus.
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
Then, Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
Hours later the self-confident Peter disowns Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-75)
Dear Jesus,
I'm dreadfully like Peter! I too have spent many intimate moments with You. Over the years, I've sat, sipped and supped with You, enjoying the rich blessing of Your friendship. In the classroom of my heart, You taught me to be wise and tune my spirit to Your will. You gave me a thorough understanding of the ways in which You work. Deeply devoted to You, I couldn't imagine life without You. You mean the world to me! How could I ever renounce You?
Yet, when faced with the challenge of ridicule and rejection, I'm prone to stand around and watch while politically-correct people insult, mock, and abuse You. Worried about my reputation, I'm unable to think clearly. If I stay at a distance, perhaps no one will notice my relationship with You. Pride tantalizes me, paralyzing my heart. What will the world think of me or do to me if I admit that I belong to You? Like Your flock of beloved disciples, I too run away, deserting You to save my name.
Confronted by angry, arrogant hate mongers, from the overflow of my anxious heart, my mouth speaks, and I vehemently deny knowing You. Lord, have mercy on me! I am deeply sorry for failing You as a disciple and friend.
Please give me the courage to stand up for You during threatening situations. Break down the stronghold pride has on my mind. Take my wandering thoughts captive and bring them back to You. With my mind under Your control, my heart will be protected. Instead of impulsively reacting to peer pressure, I'll humbly think of You. Conscientiously, I'll stand up proud to defend You, bringing glory and honor and praise to You, my lifelong teacher and friend. Amen.
<
Might we be guilty, like Peter, of trying to follow Christ, but with cowardice? Are you ashamed to be seen carrying a Bible? Ashamed to be seen giving thanks? Ashamed to be seen with other Christians? Have you denied Your Lord for fear of ridicule or rejection? If so, admit it with deep heartfelt sorrow, repent and determine to learn from your mistakes.
Christ can use those who recognize their failures. From this humiliating experience Peter learned much that would later help him when he assumed leadership of the church.
Reflect on the lyrics and listen to Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Journey to the Cross
Luke 9: 51
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Jesus,
Name above all names, beautiful Savior, glorious Lord. I am awe of You and Your journey to greatness. I am deeply humbled and terribly convicted. You knew what was waiting for you in Jerusalem: betrayal, rejection, suffering and ultimately death on the cross; yet you set your face resolutely on the challenge and conquered it. Despite the anticipation and expectation of excruciating pain and suffering you quietly moved forward like an innocent little Lamb going to the slaughter, determined to become obedient to death to bring many children to glory.
Forgive me for avoiding the difficult journey. Forgive me for all the detours I take in order to avoid betrayal, rejection, suffering and even death to self. Help me dear Lord, to choose the highway of humility. The voyage is excruciatingly painful but the destination is sweet. The journey is long - life long. I grow tired and weary from exerting my own energy. By Your grace and power, I will deny myself daily and take up my cross and follow you with steadfast determination to reach the goal for which you have called me. Let this mind be in me that was also in Christ Jesus ... that mind which focused on the glorious final destination in the New Jerusalem. Amen.
What detour have you taken to avoid the difficult journey to the Cross? Admit you've been looking for Easy Street. Then, turn around and determine to follow Him, no matter how painful.
Jesus said,"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."Luke 9:23
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Jesus,
Name above all names, beautiful Savior, glorious Lord. I am awe of You and Your journey to greatness. I am deeply humbled and terribly convicted. You knew what was waiting for you in Jerusalem: betrayal, rejection, suffering and ultimately death on the cross; yet you set your face resolutely on the challenge and conquered it. Despite the anticipation and expectation of excruciating pain and suffering you quietly moved forward like an innocent little Lamb going to the slaughter, determined to become obedient to death to bring many children to glory.
Forgive me for avoiding the difficult journey. Forgive me for all the detours I take in order to avoid betrayal, rejection, suffering and even death to self. Help me dear Lord, to choose the highway of humility. The voyage is excruciatingly painful but the destination is sweet. The journey is long - life long. I grow tired and weary from exerting my own energy. By Your grace and power, I will deny myself daily and take up my cross and follow you with steadfast determination to reach the goal for which you have called me. Let this mind be in me that was also in Christ Jesus ... that mind which focused on the glorious final destination in the New Jerusalem. Amen.
What detour have you taken to avoid the difficult journey to the Cross? Admit you've been looking for Easy Street. Then, turn around and determine to follow Him, no matter how painful.
Jesus said,"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."Luke 9:23
Friday, March 13, 2009
Set Free
Psalm 116:3-6
The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD :
"O LORD, save me!"
The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Lord of Life,
I praise and worship You with heartfelt devotion! Your works are wonderful! I will sing of Your love forever.
The cords of death entangled me. Intertwined in a web of confusion, trouble trapped me and sorrow seized me. Unable to escape Satan's snare, choked by his charm and strangled by his shams, I was caught in his lies and left to die.
In fearful desperation, I cried out to You, "O Lord, Save me!" In Your loving kindness, You came to my rescue and saved my life. I didn't deserve to be released, but because You are gracious You set me free. Unwrapped from the cords that entangled me, I'm free to stand up right and tell others the wonders of Your love.
Lord, I will extol You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength because You have done great things for me! Joyfully, I'll offer You a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving because You cared enough to save me from Satan's snare, brought me safely into Your home, and washed away all my fears with the crimson blood of Your Dear Son through whom I live and work and have my being. To Him who is seated on the throne of heaven, and to the Lamb, be glory and honor and praise forever and ever! Amen.
Will you worship God with all your heart this weekend for His wonderful work of salvation?
The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD :
"O LORD, save me!"
The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Lord of Life,
I praise and worship You with heartfelt devotion! Your works are wonderful! I will sing of Your love forever.
The cords of death entangled me. Intertwined in a web of confusion, trouble trapped me and sorrow seized me. Unable to escape Satan's snare, choked by his charm and strangled by his shams, I was caught in his lies and left to die.
In fearful desperation, I cried out to You, "O Lord, Save me!" In Your loving kindness, You came to my rescue and saved my life. I didn't deserve to be released, but because You are gracious You set me free. Unwrapped from the cords that entangled me, I'm free to stand up right and tell others the wonders of Your love.
Lord, I will extol You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength because You have done great things for me! Joyfully, I'll offer You a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving because You cared enough to save me from Satan's snare, brought me safely into Your home, and washed away all my fears with the crimson blood of Your Dear Son through whom I live and work and have my being. To Him who is seated on the throne of heaven, and to the Lamb, be glory and honor and praise forever and ever! Amen.
Will you worship God with all your heart this weekend for His wonderful work of salvation?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Lost Sheep
Zechariah 10:2
The idols speak deceit,
diviners see visions that lie;
they tell dreams that are false,
they give comfort in vain.
Therefore the people wander like sheep
oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Glorious, Ever-living, Creator,
You are highly exalted! No other gods can give us greater gifts. The gifts You give cost more than we could ever pay. You are able to do just as You please. You give us puffy clouds and warm sunshine; pouring rain and howling winds; blue skies and majestic mountains; rolling seas and roaring thunder; fruitful plains and dry deserts; fragrant flowers and gentle breezes.
Instead of graciously accepting these pricey gifts, we foolishly toss them aside without unwrapping them, like spoiled, unappreciative children. Instead of longing for more of You, we wish for store-bought baubles made of silver and gold. Rather than seeking Your perfectly wise counsel, we seek the fabricated advice of fortune-tellers who offer us false dreams and little consolation. We are wandering like lost sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable to deadly attacks.
Forgive us, O Lord, for senselessly trading Your eternal treasures for temporary trash. God of Angels, step in and take care of Your flock! Remove the idols that we've allowed to clutter the temple of our hearts. Replace the barefaced lies with Absolute Truth. It's time for a good housecleaning. Purify our hearts, sanctify our souls, and breathe new life into us.
Open our eyes to see and appreciate the exquisite beauty of creation. Open our ears to accurately hear the reality of Your rich promises. Open our hearts to always believe You. Focused on You, we'll be a firm foundation for Your beautiful church by worshipping You above all the deceptive and unpredictable pleasures this world has to offer.
You are worthy O Lord to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being. Amen.
What have you exalted above the Creator in your life? Are you willing to give it up for Him? The consequences of clinging to your idols are severe. I encourage you to read Romans 1:18-32, and take time to do an internal housecleaning.
The idols speak deceit,
diviners see visions that lie;
they tell dreams that are false,
they give comfort in vain.
Therefore the people wander like sheep
oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Glorious, Ever-living, Creator,
You are highly exalted! No other gods can give us greater gifts. The gifts You give cost more than we could ever pay. You are able to do just as You please. You give us puffy clouds and warm sunshine; pouring rain and howling winds; blue skies and majestic mountains; rolling seas and roaring thunder; fruitful plains and dry deserts; fragrant flowers and gentle breezes.
Instead of graciously accepting these pricey gifts, we foolishly toss them aside without unwrapping them, like spoiled, unappreciative children. Instead of longing for more of You, we wish for store-bought baubles made of silver and gold. Rather than seeking Your perfectly wise counsel, we seek the fabricated advice of fortune-tellers who offer us false dreams and little consolation. We are wandering like lost sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable to deadly attacks.
Forgive us, O Lord, for senselessly trading Your eternal treasures for temporary trash. God of Angels, step in and take care of Your flock! Remove the idols that we've allowed to clutter the temple of our hearts. Replace the barefaced lies with Absolute Truth. It's time for a good housecleaning. Purify our hearts, sanctify our souls, and breathe new life into us.
Open our eyes to see and appreciate the exquisite beauty of creation. Open our ears to accurately hear the reality of Your rich promises. Open our hearts to always believe You. Focused on You, we'll be a firm foundation for Your beautiful church by worshipping You above all the deceptive and unpredictable pleasures this world has to offer.
You are worthy O Lord to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being. Amen.
What have you exalted above the Creator in your life? Are you willing to give it up for Him? The consequences of clinging to your idols are severe. I encourage you to read Romans 1:18-32, and take time to do an internal housecleaning.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wayward Sheep
Isaiah 53:6
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Darling Lamb of God,
You've carefully led us through Heaven's Gate to the flourishing meadow of rich, luscious life where the Son always shines warmly. Your gated community is a safe, secure haven where we can chew heartily on Your Word in the lush pasture of love and drink from the pure stream of Living Water. Living within Your limits, You faithfully take care of all our needs. There is no place on earth as calm and quiet.
Yet, we all, like sheep, have gone astray at one time or another. Disgruntled with our lot in life, we've deliberately chosen to wander off in search of greener pastures. Beyond our safe boundaries, we live dangerously, making unwise and ungodly choices that damage Your sacred reputation. We take many wrong turns and end up in precarious situations. Lost and lonely, we're easy prey for wicked people hungry to devour our sweet hearts. Craving attention, we naively eat their poisonous lies and die.
Rather than letting us perish in the grave, You lovingly look for us buried beneath the rubble of our wrecked lives. Voluntarily, You give Your life to save us. Though we've blatantly chosen to go our own way and do our own thing, You painstakingly, carry the deep gashes from our treacherous decisions on Your ripped, torn and crushed body fully accepting the blame for every wrong move we've ever made.
How can we ever thank You for giving Your life to safely bring us back into the sheepfold where we can heal and once again enjoy the peace and protection of Your prosperous presence because of Jesus, the Darling Lamb of God who was slain. Hallelujah! Amen.
Consider how far you have strayed from the sheepfold of God and the awful trouble you've gotten yourself into. Then consider the wonder of the Darling Lamb of God who came to save you by taking on all of your iniquities. What does this mean to you? How will you respond?
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Darling Lamb of God,
You've carefully led us through Heaven's Gate to the flourishing meadow of rich, luscious life where the Son always shines warmly. Your gated community is a safe, secure haven where we can chew heartily on Your Word in the lush pasture of love and drink from the pure stream of Living Water. Living within Your limits, You faithfully take care of all our needs. There is no place on earth as calm and quiet.
Yet, we all, like sheep, have gone astray at one time or another. Disgruntled with our lot in life, we've deliberately chosen to wander off in search of greener pastures. Beyond our safe boundaries, we live dangerously, making unwise and ungodly choices that damage Your sacred reputation. We take many wrong turns and end up in precarious situations. Lost and lonely, we're easy prey for wicked people hungry to devour our sweet hearts. Craving attention, we naively eat their poisonous lies and die.
Rather than letting us perish in the grave, You lovingly look for us buried beneath the rubble of our wrecked lives. Voluntarily, You give Your life to save us. Though we've blatantly chosen to go our own way and do our own thing, You painstakingly, carry the deep gashes from our treacherous decisions on Your ripped, torn and crushed body fully accepting the blame for every wrong move we've ever made.
How can we ever thank You for giving Your life to safely bring us back into the sheepfold where we can heal and once again enjoy the peace and protection of Your prosperous presence because of Jesus, the Darling Lamb of God who was slain. Hallelujah! Amen.
Consider how far you have strayed from the sheepfold of God and the awful trouble you've gotten yourself into. Then consider the wonder of the Darling Lamb of God who came to save you by taking on all of your iniquities. What does this mean to you? How will you respond?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Heavenly Gate
John 10:9
Jesus said, "I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures."
Jesus, Lamb of God,
You are the Heavenly Gate! I exalt You and thank You for swinging wide the door of righteousness so that everyone who believes in You can come to the Father. Thank You for laying down Your life to make an opening for me to access my home in heaven. You are good and Your love endures forever! I sing for joy because You have done great things for me. You have led me from the broad road leading to ruin through the narrow Gate of Life.
Within the walls of Your gated community, there is safety, security, and shelter. Thank You, Father for saving me and sending me to Your kingdom where there is fullness of life. In the presence of Your majesty, I can graze on Your glorious grace day and night. Living within Your limits, my life overflows with mercy and love. There is no place in heaven or earth as peaceful.
Thank You for leading me through the Heavenly Gate to a prosperous place full of rich, luscious life where the Son always shines brightly. I celebrate glad tidings of great joy because I have found You, the One Way to everlasting happiness. Today, I'll eagerly exclaim, "Look, here's the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" so that those on the broad road to ruin around me will hear and be led through the Gate of Righteousness to the lush green pasture of Your eternal love. Amen.
Thank God that the Gate of Heaven has been open to you! Share the joy of your discovery with someone traveling the road to ruin.
Jesus said, "I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures."
Jesus, Lamb of God,
You are the Heavenly Gate! I exalt You and thank You for swinging wide the door of righteousness so that everyone who believes in You can come to the Father. Thank You for laying down Your life to make an opening for me to access my home in heaven. You are good and Your love endures forever! I sing for joy because You have done great things for me. You have led me from the broad road leading to ruin through the narrow Gate of Life.
Within the walls of Your gated community, there is safety, security, and shelter. Thank You, Father for saving me and sending me to Your kingdom where there is fullness of life. In the presence of Your majesty, I can graze on Your glorious grace day and night. Living within Your limits, my life overflows with mercy and love. There is no place in heaven or earth as peaceful.
Thank You for leading me through the Heavenly Gate to a prosperous place full of rich, luscious life where the Son always shines brightly. I celebrate glad tidings of great joy because I have found You, the One Way to everlasting happiness. Today, I'll eagerly exclaim, "Look, here's the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" so that those on the broad road to ruin around me will hear and be led through the Gate of Righteousness to the lush green pasture of Your eternal love. Amen.
Thank God that the Gate of Heaven has been open to you! Share the joy of your discovery with someone traveling the road to ruin.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Lamb of God
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Jesus, Lamb of God worthy is Your Name! All power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise belong to You, the precious Lamb who was slain!
Your limitless love is too much for my meager mind to grasp! Globally, it has no boundaries. It extends beyond the barriers of my selfish little sphere to the entire world. Broader than my partialities and preferences, it's inevitably predestined for ALL people. No one - no, not one - is worthy of Your Holy Love. From the purist to the vilest, we stand equally condemned in Your most high and holy supreme court, utterly insufficient and speechless.
Shamefully destitute, our only recourse is to come to the foot of the cross where You, the unblemished Lamb of God, took on the imperfections and blame of the entire world, dying for the benefit of all mankind. Falling on our absolutely wretched faces, all we can do is cry out, thanking You for Your boundless mercy and unending grace freely offered to all who voluntarily come. Admitting our deficiencies, we reach out to You in sheer desolation, allowing Your precious blood to wash away our misery, guilt and disgrace making us at-one with You.
At-one with You, our consciences will be thoroughly clean and our hearts will be miraculously healed. Free from death and despair, we'll able to live a radical life of love serving others for You. We will be Your instruments of peace. Enthusiastically and unashamedly, we'll see You and shout, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" People all around us will stop, look and fall on their faces, crying "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb of God who was slain."
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
What can we say to such magnanimous love? We are acceptable to God not because of our obedience, but because of the death of Christ. He came for no other reason than to take away the sins of the world. How will you respond to Him?
Take it to heart by reflecting on the lyrics and listening to Just As I Am.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Jesus, Lamb of God worthy is Your Name! All power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise belong to You, the precious Lamb who was slain!
Your limitless love is too much for my meager mind to grasp! Globally, it has no boundaries. It extends beyond the barriers of my selfish little sphere to the entire world. Broader than my partialities and preferences, it's inevitably predestined for ALL people. No one - no, not one - is worthy of Your Holy Love. From the purist to the vilest, we stand equally condemned in Your most high and holy supreme court, utterly insufficient and speechless.
Shamefully destitute, our only recourse is to come to the foot of the cross where You, the unblemished Lamb of God, took on the imperfections and blame of the entire world, dying for the benefit of all mankind. Falling on our absolutely wretched faces, all we can do is cry out, thanking You for Your boundless mercy and unending grace freely offered to all who voluntarily come. Admitting our deficiencies, we reach out to You in sheer desolation, allowing Your precious blood to wash away our misery, guilt and disgrace making us at-one with You.
At-one with You, our consciences will be thoroughly clean and our hearts will be miraculously healed. Free from death and despair, we'll able to live a radical life of love serving others for You. We will be Your instruments of peace. Enthusiastically and unashamedly, we'll see You and shout, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" People all around us will stop, look and fall on their faces, crying "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb of God who was slain."
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
What can we say to such magnanimous love? We are acceptable to God not because of our obedience, but because of the death of Christ. He came for no other reason than to take away the sins of the world. How will you respond to Him?
Take it to heart by reflecting on the lyrics and listening to Just As I Am.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Godly Instruction
Titus 2:12-13
For the grace of God teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God of Grace,
You are the most excellent Teacher. If only I'd stop, sit still and listen, You'd lead me by Your truth and teach me for You are the God who saved me! School me in Your ways so that I'll turn my back on godless, indulgent living. Take my hand and show me how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life while I wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearance of the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible, Almighty King.
Surely You desire for me to be grounded in the truth of the Bible. Help me to carefully study, prayerfully consider, and aptly apply great wisdom so that I won't be swayed by the smooth rhetoric of false teachers. Expand my knowledge so that I won't be deceived by devastating circumstances. Show me how to think clearly when emotions are tugging on the strings of my heart.
In this pagan and hostile world, instruct me to do Your will. By Your good Spirit, lead me on level ground. Following You, I'll exercise good judgment and carefully control my desires, tongue, and passions. Under Your divine discipline I'll willingly do whatever is good and right in all situations, no matter how difficult. You'll train me to be peaceable, considerate and humble toward everyone. My lips overflow with praise because You are the One who teaches me to be excellent and productive.
God of Grace, You have been so kind and loving toward me. By Your matchless mercy, You generously gave me a rich new life along with a hefty inheritance. Because You are faithful and true, I eagerly expect that some day soon, You will appear in all Your glory, sweep me off my feet, and carry me away to live with You forever and ever because of Jesus. Amen
Are you struggling with saying "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions? If so, ask the God of grace to teach you. He desires nothing more than for you to be grounded in the truth. Then, open your Bible and carefully study it. Prayerfully consider the Scriptures you've read, and aptly apply them.
Practice godly living while you wait for the glorious appearance of the King. "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22.
For the grace of God teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God of Grace,
You are the most excellent Teacher. If only I'd stop, sit still and listen, You'd lead me by Your truth and teach me for You are the God who saved me! School me in Your ways so that I'll turn my back on godless, indulgent living. Take my hand and show me how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life while I wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearance of the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible, Almighty King.
Surely You desire for me to be grounded in the truth of the Bible. Help me to carefully study, prayerfully consider, and aptly apply great wisdom so that I won't be swayed by the smooth rhetoric of false teachers. Expand my knowledge so that I won't be deceived by devastating circumstances. Show me how to think clearly when emotions are tugging on the strings of my heart.
In this pagan and hostile world, instruct me to do Your will. By Your good Spirit, lead me on level ground. Following You, I'll exercise good judgment and carefully control my desires, tongue, and passions. Under Your divine discipline I'll willingly do whatever is good and right in all situations, no matter how difficult. You'll train me to be peaceable, considerate and humble toward everyone. My lips overflow with praise because You are the One who teaches me to be excellent and productive.
God of Grace, You have been so kind and loving toward me. By Your matchless mercy, You generously gave me a rich new life along with a hefty inheritance. Because You are faithful and true, I eagerly expect that some day soon, You will appear in all Your glory, sweep me off my feet, and carry me away to live with You forever and ever because of Jesus. Amen
Are you struggling with saying "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions? If so, ask the God of grace to teach you. He desires nothing more than for you to be grounded in the truth. Then, open your Bible and carefully study it. Prayerfully consider the Scriptures you've read, and aptly apply them.
Practice godly living while you wait for the glorious appearance of the King. "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Gettin' Ready
2 Peter 3: 10-12
The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.
Most High and Holy Judge,
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before You as attendants while You patiently wait for people to admit their mistakes and change their ways so that no one will be permanently destroyed.
But You will not be silent forever. Someday, and possibly quite soon, a raging fire will consume everything in Your way until the whole earth is exposed. From where the sun rises to where it sets You will summon all humanity for judgment. Please help me to:
Be holy by spending time with You each day in intimate friendship, reading Your Word, praying and making friends with other believers. I want to know and recognize You.
Be godly by demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I want You to know me and recognize me by my Christ-like characteristics.
Be watching by remaining alert and paying attention so that I won't be surprised or alarmed when You show up.
Make every effort to be spotless, pure and at peace with everyone.
Be on guard so that I won't be misled by false teachers with a feel good message that twists the truth and justifies inappropriate activities.
Keep growing deeper in my understanding of You and Your amazing kindness.
Since everything here today will be gone tomorrow, it is essential that I live my life for You. I joyfully anticipate my new home in heaven where I'll live happily ever after with You, my Lord and King. Thank You for warning me of what's to come and telling me precisely how to prepare! I praise You for Your wonderful Words! Amen.
God clearly tells us that He will come at an unexpected time. Do You believe Him? Are you ready if He comes tonight? How will you prepare to meet Him? Will you recognize Him? Will He recognize You?
2 Peter 3: 10-18
The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.
Most High and Holy Judge,
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before You as attendants while You patiently wait for people to admit their mistakes and change their ways so that no one will be permanently destroyed.
But You will not be silent forever. Someday, and possibly quite soon, a raging fire will consume everything in Your way until the whole earth is exposed. From where the sun rises to where it sets You will summon all humanity for judgment. Please help me to:
Be holy by spending time with You each day in intimate friendship, reading Your Word, praying and making friends with other believers. I want to know and recognize You.
Be godly by demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I want You to know me and recognize me by my Christ-like characteristics.
Be watching by remaining alert and paying attention so that I won't be surprised or alarmed when You show up.
Make every effort to be spotless, pure and at peace with everyone.
Be on guard so that I won't be misled by false teachers with a feel good message that twists the truth and justifies inappropriate activities.
Keep growing deeper in my understanding of You and Your amazing kindness.
Since everything here today will be gone tomorrow, it is essential that I live my life for You. I joyfully anticipate my new home in heaven where I'll live happily ever after with You, my Lord and King. Thank You for warning me of what's to come and telling me precisely how to prepare! I praise You for Your wonderful Words! Amen.
God clearly tells us that He will come at an unexpected time. Do You believe Him? Are you ready if He comes tonight? How will you prepare to meet Him? Will you recognize Him? Will He recognize You?
2 Peter 3: 10-18
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Clean Heart Living
Psalm 119:9-11
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed Writer of the Word,
O how I cherish the wisdom recorded in Your Holy Scriptures. It teaches me about Your holy character and divine nature. An amazing documentary on love, it tells the dramatic story of my rescue from death and destruction. It reveals that You chose and adopted into Your holy family. I must; therefore, learn to love You and live like a divine child.
It is essential that I open the Book of Life, my Bible, and read it fervently. It will teach me precisely how to live with integrity in a relativistic society that doesn't take You seriously. The more time I spend studying and applying Your rules for righteous living, the more I'll become like You. Gradually, my heart will become more sincere and my mind unadulterated.
Out of deep heartfelt devotion, I'll passionately pursue You. Spending meaningful time alone with You, my heart will synchronize with Yours. Pleasing You will be my only ambition. Rather than tirelessly trying to make people happy, I'll spend my energy respecting and praising You in everything I say and do.
Daily digging into the sacred Treasure Chest of Your Word, I'll uncover Your costly commands and precious promises. Gingerly picking each one up, I'll methodically study them. Memorizing their fine details, I'll recognize their great worth during conflict and crisis. Tucked securely in the pocket of my heart, they'll prevent me from offending You.
O blessed Writer of the Word, thank You for imparting me with wisdom to do Your will, Your way for the glory and honor of Your holy name. Amen.
How can you practice clean-heart living? The Bible says it's easy as 1-2-3:
1) Live according to God's Word.
2) Seek Him with all your heart and obey His commands.
3) Hide His Word in Your heart so that you won't offend Him.
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed Writer of the Word,
O how I cherish the wisdom recorded in Your Holy Scriptures. It teaches me about Your holy character and divine nature. An amazing documentary on love, it tells the dramatic story of my rescue from death and destruction. It reveals that You chose and adopted into Your holy family. I must; therefore, learn to love You and live like a divine child.
It is essential that I open the Book of Life, my Bible, and read it fervently. It will teach me precisely how to live with integrity in a relativistic society that doesn't take You seriously. The more time I spend studying and applying Your rules for righteous living, the more I'll become like You. Gradually, my heart will become more sincere and my mind unadulterated.
Out of deep heartfelt devotion, I'll passionately pursue You. Spending meaningful time alone with You, my heart will synchronize with Yours. Pleasing You will be my only ambition. Rather than tirelessly trying to make people happy, I'll spend my energy respecting and praising You in everything I say and do.
Daily digging into the sacred Treasure Chest of Your Word, I'll uncover Your costly commands and precious promises. Gingerly picking each one up, I'll methodically study them. Memorizing their fine details, I'll recognize their great worth during conflict and crisis. Tucked securely in the pocket of my heart, they'll prevent me from offending You.
O blessed Writer of the Word, thank You for imparting me with wisdom to do Your will, Your way for the glory and honor of Your holy name. Amen.
How can you practice clean-heart living? The Bible says it's easy as 1-2-3:
1) Live according to God's Word.
2) Seek Him with all your heart and obey His commands.
3) Hide His Word in Your heart so that you won't offend Him.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Draw Near To God
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Most High God! You are the exalted One who lives forever. Perfect, pure and pristine, Your home is a high and lofty place. Even the most ornate palaces on earth pale in comparison. No one, including the most prominent and powerful people, has enough credentials to enter through Your gates, come into Your courts, or approach Your throne.
Your Word makes it clear that the only way to come close to You is with a sincere heart. You already know the truth. You see our earthly mansions for what they are: temporary dwellings full of worthless idols. We can't hide the blood on our hands from the spirits we've wounded as we've prayerlessly pursued positions for personal gain. No amount of sweetness can conceal the stench of our addictions, attractions, and afflictions.
Yet, You invite us to come into Your Most Holy Place through the curtain that is the body of Christ. When we humbly admit that we are filthy from the places we've been and the things we've done, we can absolutely expect You to sprinkle our hearts and cleanse our guilty consciences with the beautiful blood from Your broken body. The pure water from Your wounded side will surely gush over us, making us whiter than snow. What a relief it is to come near to You with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.
Fully forgiven and free, we'll have the strength to walk away from our obsession with prosperity and power. Led by Your Spirit, we'll desire nothing more than to enter into the Most Holy Place of the Invincible, Immortal, Incorruptible Almighty King. Hallelujah! Amen.
To draw near means to come close. Come close to the Cross honestly, openly, and truthfully. God already knows everything. There's no hiding anything from Him.
At the foot of the Cross we can trust that He will do what He says He will do - make us presentable to enter His gates, come into His courts, and approach the throne of the Most High King. Only with a clean heart and a clear conscience we can stand in the presence of the Almighty.
How will you respond?
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Most High God! You are the exalted One who lives forever. Perfect, pure and pristine, Your home is a high and lofty place. Even the most ornate palaces on earth pale in comparison. No one, including the most prominent and powerful people, has enough credentials to enter through Your gates, come into Your courts, or approach Your throne.
Your Word makes it clear that the only way to come close to You is with a sincere heart. You already know the truth. You see our earthly mansions for what they are: temporary dwellings full of worthless idols. We can't hide the blood on our hands from the spirits we've wounded as we've prayerlessly pursued positions for personal gain. No amount of sweetness can conceal the stench of our addictions, attractions, and afflictions.
Yet, You invite us to come into Your Most Holy Place through the curtain that is the body of Christ. When we humbly admit that we are filthy from the places we've been and the things we've done, we can absolutely expect You to sprinkle our hearts and cleanse our guilty consciences with the beautiful blood from Your broken body. The pure water from Your wounded side will surely gush over us, making us whiter than snow. What a relief it is to come near to You with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.
Fully forgiven and free, we'll have the strength to walk away from our obsession with prosperity and power. Led by Your Spirit, we'll desire nothing more than to enter into the Most Holy Place of the Invincible, Immortal, Incorruptible Almighty King. Hallelujah! Amen.
To draw near means to come close. Come close to the Cross honestly, openly, and truthfully. God already knows everything. There's no hiding anything from Him.
At the foot of the Cross we can trust that He will do what He says He will do - make us presentable to enter His gates, come into His courts, and approach the throne of the Most High King. Only with a clean heart and a clear conscience we can stand in the presence of the Almighty.
How will you respond?
Monday, March 02, 2009
Unshakable Kingdom
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Holy and Awesome God-
Your beauty and majesty are astonishing! You are seated on a radiant throne high above the earth. Your glory twinkles brilliantly like the bright Morning Star. I am in awe of You!
The city of the Living God is my heavenly home and highest hope. Arriving at this promised destination, I anticipate the jubilant celebration as thousands and thousands of adoring angels surround You in wonderful worship. Overwhelming joy will fill my heart as my name is read from the Lamb's Book of Life. With holy fear, I'll approach the throne of grace hand-in-hand with my Best Friend, Jesus who will present me to You as pure and innocent. Compassionately, You'll welcome me with arms wide open because of my relationship with Your Son. The keys to heaven will be given to me! It's a gift too great to grasp!
Thank You for the privilege and honor of knowing You deeply, intimately, and personally. Your unshakable kingdom is accessible to me. When the world around me is shaken by increased wars and violence, financial castrophes and natural disasters, widespread starvation and deadly diseases, I will stand firm in Your mighty power. Believing the Truth, tragedy will not terrorize me. Instead, with my gaze on Glory Land, I'll have unbelievable confidence to confess with my mouth the wonders of Your love, giving thanks to You - the Living God whose kingdom is mine forever and ever because of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, the unshakable kingdom of the Living God is yours. The Bible clearly warns that as we get closer to His Kingdom and Christ's return, there will be an increase in tragedy and trouble in the world. However, because we are receiving a glorious everlasting kingdom that can never be shaken, we should be thankful, and not terrorized. Instead we should look forward with hope. Keeping a positive attitude in the face of danger and disaster will be an awesome act of worship acceptable to the King.
As I recently read Luke 21:5-19 I found myself wondering how many in the church are ready for the calamities and catastrophic events that are about to happen? They are coming, and I believe they are coming fast. Are we ready to defend our faith and give thanks to God in the midst of adversity as a reverent act of worship? He is not the director of the horror show, Satan is. Will I stand firm when my faith is tested by frightening events? Will you?
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Holy and Awesome God-
Your beauty and majesty are astonishing! You are seated on a radiant throne high above the earth. Your glory twinkles brilliantly like the bright Morning Star. I am in awe of You!
The city of the Living God is my heavenly home and highest hope. Arriving at this promised destination, I anticipate the jubilant celebration as thousands and thousands of adoring angels surround You in wonderful worship. Overwhelming joy will fill my heart as my name is read from the Lamb's Book of Life. With holy fear, I'll approach the throne of grace hand-in-hand with my Best Friend, Jesus who will present me to You as pure and innocent. Compassionately, You'll welcome me with arms wide open because of my relationship with Your Son. The keys to heaven will be given to me! It's a gift too great to grasp!
Thank You for the privilege and honor of knowing You deeply, intimately, and personally. Your unshakable kingdom is accessible to me. When the world around me is shaken by increased wars and violence, financial castrophes and natural disasters, widespread starvation and deadly diseases, I will stand firm in Your mighty power. Believing the Truth, tragedy will not terrorize me. Instead, with my gaze on Glory Land, I'll have unbelievable confidence to confess with my mouth the wonders of Your love, giving thanks to You - the Living God whose kingdom is mine forever and ever because of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, the unshakable kingdom of the Living God is yours. The Bible clearly warns that as we get closer to His Kingdom and Christ's return, there will be an increase in tragedy and trouble in the world. However, because we are receiving a glorious everlasting kingdom that can never be shaken, we should be thankful, and not terrorized. Instead we should look forward with hope. Keeping a positive attitude in the face of danger and disaster will be an awesome act of worship acceptable to the King.
As I recently read Luke 21:5-19 I found myself wondering how many in the church are ready for the calamities and catastrophic events that are about to happen? They are coming, and I believe they are coming fast. Are we ready to defend our faith and give thanks to God in the midst of adversity as a reverent act of worship? He is not the director of the horror show, Satan is. Will I stand firm when my faith is tested by frightening events? Will you?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Blessings from the King
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things.
Our Loving King~We bow before Your heavenly throne in awe of Your Majesty. You are Lord Most High. Your name is Holy! Thank You for all the gifts You generously give to Your beloved children.
You forgive ALL our mistakes - past, present and future; BIG, Middle-sized, and small. The next time we choose to wallow in a sea of self-pity remind us that You don't harbor a grudge. In love, all our errors were erased at the Cross with the precious blood of Your Only Son. Thank You, Jesus!
You are the Great Physician who touches and heals our heart disease. Gently, You mend the deep gashes, scrape away the calluses, and bandage our injured souls by Your stripes. Compassionately, the capillaries preventing Your love from steadily flowing through us are unclogged. Thank You for providing unending heavenly healing.
Reaching Your long fingers into the messy muck and mire of our lives, You pull us out of the polluted pit and redeem us. With the sludge of sin washed away by the blood of the Lamb, we sparkle and shine like never before. We are free to live above shame and reproach.
Thank You for changing us.
Because you are a doting and loving Father, You crown us with love and kindness. We don't deserve to be forgiven, healed, or redeemed, but it delights You to give us these treasures. You are pleased to embrace us and teach us to walk Your way. Thank You, Father, that Your hands are wide enough to hold the whole world.
In Your presence the desires of our hearts are satisfied. You give us a never-ending supply of Bread from Heaven, Your Holy Word. Our thirsty souls are continuously quenched with fresh water from the River of Life. There is nothing more rewarding or tranquil than communing with You. Thank You for Your plentiful provision. Recognizing the incredibly good gifts You've given us in the name of Jesus, we stand up and sing to You, our Father and King! Make us a blessing today! Amen.
If You are a child of God, You are a child of the King and the heir of these incredibly good and generous gifts. Have you claimed the benefits of His royal family? They are yours and they are free! Please take them and be satisfied.
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things.
Our Loving King~We bow before Your heavenly throne in awe of Your Majesty. You are Lord Most High. Your name is Holy! Thank You for all the gifts You generously give to Your beloved children.
You forgive ALL our mistakes - past, present and future; BIG, Middle-sized, and small. The next time we choose to wallow in a sea of self-pity remind us that You don't harbor a grudge. In love, all our errors were erased at the Cross with the precious blood of Your Only Son. Thank You, Jesus!
You are the Great Physician who touches and heals our heart disease. Gently, You mend the deep gashes, scrape away the calluses, and bandage our injured souls by Your stripes. Compassionately, the capillaries preventing Your love from steadily flowing through us are unclogged. Thank You for providing unending heavenly healing.
Reaching Your long fingers into the messy muck and mire of our lives, You pull us out of the polluted pit and redeem us. With the sludge of sin washed away by the blood of the Lamb, we sparkle and shine like never before. We are free to live above shame and reproach.
Thank You for changing us.
Because you are a doting and loving Father, You crown us with love and kindness. We don't deserve to be forgiven, healed, or redeemed, but it delights You to give us these treasures. You are pleased to embrace us and teach us to walk Your way. Thank You, Father, that Your hands are wide enough to hold the whole world.
In Your presence the desires of our hearts are satisfied. You give us a never-ending supply of Bread from Heaven, Your Holy Word. Our thirsty souls are continuously quenched with fresh water from the River of Life. There is nothing more rewarding or tranquil than communing with You. Thank You for Your plentiful provision. Recognizing the incredibly good gifts You've given us in the name of Jesus, we stand up and sing to You, our Father and King! Make us a blessing today! Amen.
If You are a child of God, You are a child of the King and the heir of these incredibly good and generous gifts. Have you claimed the benefits of His royal family? They are yours and they are free! Please take them and be satisfied.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Intimately Known
Psalm 139:1-6
O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in-behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Omniscient, Omnipresent, Almighty God,
You know me and are with me all the time, no matter where I go. You promise to never leave or abandon me. You are my constant companion. You don't live with me, You live in me. That's intimacy!
You know when I wake up in the morning miserable. You know when I go to bed at night mad. You know when I leave the house with attitude and return home with gratitude. You are familiar with all my ways.
I can play hide and seek with my friends, but not with You. There's no place I can hide from You. My friends will believe my made up stories with make believe characters, but not You. You are the Author of my story and the illustrator of the characters. You know the whole story because it's Yours.
I can pack my bags and run away from home to escape hurt, humiliation and hatred, but I can't run away from You. You know where I am every second. I can't get getaway from Your strong grip of grace. You promise to bless, protect and keep me.
These thoughts are too overwhelming for me to understand. Please just give me faith to know You more and believe! In response I will worship You, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Almighty God. Amen.
Are you trying to play hide & seek with God? Do you make up stories and pretend to be someone you're not? Do you want to run away? God knows what's on your heart and mind. Ask Him to point you to the Truth and to give you courage to follow Him.
O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in-behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Omniscient, Omnipresent, Almighty God,
You know me and are with me all the time, no matter where I go. You promise to never leave or abandon me. You are my constant companion. You don't live with me, You live in me. That's intimacy!
You know when I wake up in the morning miserable. You know when I go to bed at night mad. You know when I leave the house with attitude and return home with gratitude. You are familiar with all my ways.
I can play hide and seek with my friends, but not with You. There's no place I can hide from You. My friends will believe my made up stories with make believe characters, but not You. You are the Author of my story and the illustrator of the characters. You know the whole story because it's Yours.
I can pack my bags and run away from home to escape hurt, humiliation and hatred, but I can't run away from You. You know where I am every second. I can't get getaway from Your strong grip of grace. You promise to bless, protect and keep me.
These thoughts are too overwhelming for me to understand. Please just give me faith to know You more and believe! In response I will worship You, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Almighty God. Amen.
Are you trying to play hide & seek with God? Do you make up stories and pretend to be someone you're not? Do you want to run away? God knows what's on your heart and mind. Ask Him to point you to the Truth and to give you courage to follow Him.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
For Goodness & Glory
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Good and Glorious God,
Thank You for ideally forming me in Your image, and personally calling and equipping me to live a godly life. As I spend time getting to know You, teach me Your rich and wonderful truths. By Your divine power, I will follow them to escape the decadent evil desires of the world and live humbly and honestly before You and mankind.
It is not enough to believe IN You. I must KNOW You intimately and BELIEVE You. I need to urgently begin applying Your principles to my heart and mind so that I'll be morally excellent. The more familiar I am with You, the easier it will be to stay alert and self-controlled in strenuous situations. I'll be pleasantly surprised by the persistent patience You give me to persevere through painful problems. Your radical love, will inspire me to be genuinely warm and welcoming to both desirable and despicable people. Exhibiting these fine qualities in my life, I'll be more productive and useful in Your royal service.
I promise to work hard to learn everything I can about You. Please continue to tenderly teach me until I unmistakably understand. I want my lifestyle to prove to the watching world that I am the child You called and equipped in glory, goodness and grace.
With great anticipation and heavenly hope, I look forward to the rich reception I'll receive when I walk through the pearly gates of Your everlasting Kingdom to live happily ever after with You because of Jesus. Amen.
Do you have a burning desire to know God? How much time will you spend with Him today? You can't imitate His glory and goodness, if you don't know Him intimately.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Good and Glorious God,
Thank You for ideally forming me in Your image, and personally calling and equipping me to live a godly life. As I spend time getting to know You, teach me Your rich and wonderful truths. By Your divine power, I will follow them to escape the decadent evil desires of the world and live humbly and honestly before You and mankind.
It is not enough to believe IN You. I must KNOW You intimately and BELIEVE You. I need to urgently begin applying Your principles to my heart and mind so that I'll be morally excellent. The more familiar I am with You, the easier it will be to stay alert and self-controlled in strenuous situations. I'll be pleasantly surprised by the persistent patience You give me to persevere through painful problems. Your radical love, will inspire me to be genuinely warm and welcoming to both desirable and despicable people. Exhibiting these fine qualities in my life, I'll be more productive and useful in Your royal service.
I promise to work hard to learn everything I can about You. Please continue to tenderly teach me until I unmistakably understand. I want my lifestyle to prove to the watching world that I am the child You called and equipped in glory, goodness and grace.
With great anticipation and heavenly hope, I look forward to the rich reception I'll receive when I walk through the pearly gates of Your everlasting Kingdom to live happily ever after with You because of Jesus. Amen.
Do you have a burning desire to know God? How much time will you spend with Him today? You can't imitate His glory and goodness, if you don't know Him intimately.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My Creator King,
Absolutely everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible has been deliberately created by You for Your delight.
Thank You for distinctively designing and developing me in the safe and solitary confines of my mother's womb. The pattern for my life is held in Your huge holy hands. You know me intimately and intricately; inside out and backwards. The characteristics that I see as flaws were intentionally built into me. You are inerrant and love me just the way I am. I am precious in Your sight. Created for Your personal pleasure, You think about me constantly. Such knowledge is too complex and beyond my comprehension. I adore You for mysteriously and miraculously making me.
O Searcher of Souls look deep within my heart and see for Yourself how I've interfered and interrupted the grand scheme You had for my life. Correct me and conform me according to Your divine dream. When people peer at me may they only see Your immense love, infinite mercy, and immeasurable goodness.
Marvelous Maker, help me to know You more. With Your assistance, I'll learn to appreciate and celebrate the unique individual You've made me to be for Your splendor and satisfaction both now and forever more. Amen.
God made you just the way you are for His splendor and satisfaction! Celebrate your uniqueness, including the flaws, and He will be glorified.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My Creator King,
Absolutely everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible has been deliberately created by You for Your delight.
Thank You for distinctively designing and developing me in the safe and solitary confines of my mother's womb. The pattern for my life is held in Your huge holy hands. You know me intimately and intricately; inside out and backwards. The characteristics that I see as flaws were intentionally built into me. You are inerrant and love me just the way I am. I am precious in Your sight. Created for Your personal pleasure, You think about me constantly. Such knowledge is too complex and beyond my comprehension. I adore You for mysteriously and miraculously making me.
O Searcher of Souls look deep within my heart and see for Yourself how I've interfered and interrupted the grand scheme You had for my life. Correct me and conform me according to Your divine dream. When people peer at me may they only see Your immense love, infinite mercy, and immeasurable goodness.
Marvelous Maker, help me to know You more. With Your assistance, I'll learn to appreciate and celebrate the unique individual You've made me to be for Your splendor and satisfaction both now and forever more. Amen.
God made you just the way you are for His splendor and satisfaction! Celebrate your uniqueness, including the flaws, and He will be glorified.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Knowing Jesus
Philippians 3:8
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Dear Jesus,
You are the deepest desire of my heart. The power and possessions I once persistently pursued are worthless. The accolades and accomplishments I aggressively accumulated are insignificant. The pleasures and treasures of the world can't come close to knowing You, Jesus. Please show me all the clutter in my life that needs discarded to make room for more of You.
I want to know You more and more each day. My greatest aspiration is to be more like You in every way. I'm utterly inferior and terribly inadequate. My trinkets and trophies can't save me. They're meaningless to You. All You want is all of me. Knowing You personally and passionately is the only thing that matters. My relationship with You is the most important thing in my life.
Clear the clutter from the home of my heart to make room for Your all-consuming power. Using that mighty power, I'll overcome evil and temptation. In Your strength, I'll die to my past addictions and attractions. Sharing in Your suffering, I'll lay down my former lifestyle to follow You, Jesus.
Thank You for preserving History so that I can have heavenly hope. After the excruciating pain of death, joy comes in the "mourning" - beautiful life that never ends.
There is absolutely no greater thing than knowing You, Jesus. You mean the world to me. The most valuable treasure of all time is found in You - sweet salvation. With a spring in my step, a song in my heart, and a smile on my face I'll praise You for Your magnificent greatness in Jesus name. Amen.
If you were standing before the throne of God and He asked you, "Do you love me with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?" could you honestly answer, "Yes, Lord, You are my most important relationship." How will you prove it?
What are you willing to give up to know Christ better? Time each day for bible study and prayer? Approval from friends and family? Your personal plans, ambitions, and dreams? Knowing Christ is worth the sacrifice.
Today I will give up ___________________________________ in order to know you more, Jesus.
Go and obey. Jesus said,
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." John 14:23
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Dear Jesus,
You are the deepest desire of my heart. The power and possessions I once persistently pursued are worthless. The accolades and accomplishments I aggressively accumulated are insignificant. The pleasures and treasures of the world can't come close to knowing You, Jesus. Please show me all the clutter in my life that needs discarded to make room for more of You.
I want to know You more and more each day. My greatest aspiration is to be more like You in every way. I'm utterly inferior and terribly inadequate. My trinkets and trophies can't save me. They're meaningless to You. All You want is all of me. Knowing You personally and passionately is the only thing that matters. My relationship with You is the most important thing in my life.
Clear the clutter from the home of my heart to make room for Your all-consuming power. Using that mighty power, I'll overcome evil and temptation. In Your strength, I'll die to my past addictions and attractions. Sharing in Your suffering, I'll lay down my former lifestyle to follow You, Jesus.
Thank You for preserving History so that I can have heavenly hope. After the excruciating pain of death, joy comes in the "mourning" - beautiful life that never ends.
There is absolutely no greater thing than knowing You, Jesus. You mean the world to me. The most valuable treasure of all time is found in You - sweet salvation. With a spring in my step, a song in my heart, and a smile on my face I'll praise You for Your magnificent greatness in Jesus name. Amen.
If you were standing before the throne of God and He asked you, "Do you love me with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?" could you honestly answer, "Yes, Lord, You are my most important relationship." How will you prove it?
What are you willing to give up to know Christ better? Time each day for bible study and prayer? Approval from friends and family? Your personal plans, ambitions, and dreams? Knowing Christ is worth the sacrifice.
Today I will give up ___________________________________ in order to know you more, Jesus.
Go and obey. Jesus said,
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." John 14:23
Friday, February 20, 2009
Acceptable Gifts for a King
Psalm 40: 6-8
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."
Holy Love,
Thank You for piercing my ears with the bold truth. Finally, I'm beginning to understand how to live a life of love. Offering You my time without heartfelt devotion is inadequate. Presenting You my talent without wholehearted dedication is insufficient. Halfheartedly giving You my treasure out of obligation is inappropriate. You don't want religious ceremonies and showy performances. All that You desire is my wholehearted devotion.
It will please You when, by faith, I humbly come to the foot of the cross admitting my faults and failures allowing the bond of Your blood to fix and fortify me. Realizing the high price you paid to correct my defects will give me a deeper desire to walk and work with You. I'll willingly give up family, friends and freedom in order to spend time getting to know You. The more I know You, the more readily I'll give up my possessions and plans in order to experience Your almighty power. Forfeiting my comfortable lifestyle and important position to endure pain and hardship will perfect my faith, make me shine purer and brighter, and draw others to You.
Please dear Lord, write Your commands on my heart so that I'll remember to obey them. I desire nothing more than to walk and work with You so that my gifts will be adequate, sufficient, and appropriate for the King of my heart. Amen.
God doesn't want your rituals and routines. He wants your whole heart devoted to Him. What are you willing to give up in order to please Him? Will you give up hobbies, television or work in order to spend time with Him? Will you give up shopping and sports in order give more of your money to Him? Would you be willing to give up your home and career in order to go where He sends You?
Dig deeper by reading Matthew 19:16-24
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."
Holy Love,
Thank You for piercing my ears with the bold truth. Finally, I'm beginning to understand how to live a life of love. Offering You my time without heartfelt devotion is inadequate. Presenting You my talent without wholehearted dedication is insufficient. Halfheartedly giving You my treasure out of obligation is inappropriate. You don't want religious ceremonies and showy performances. All that You desire is my wholehearted devotion.
It will please You when, by faith, I humbly come to the foot of the cross admitting my faults and failures allowing the bond of Your blood to fix and fortify me. Realizing the high price you paid to correct my defects will give me a deeper desire to walk and work with You. I'll willingly give up family, friends and freedom in order to spend time getting to know You. The more I know You, the more readily I'll give up my possessions and plans in order to experience Your almighty power. Forfeiting my comfortable lifestyle and important position to endure pain and hardship will perfect my faith, make me shine purer and brighter, and draw others to You.
Please dear Lord, write Your commands on my heart so that I'll remember to obey them. I desire nothing more than to walk and work with You so that my gifts will be adequate, sufficient, and appropriate for the King of my heart. Amen.
God doesn't want your rituals and routines. He wants your whole heart devoted to Him. What are you willing to give up in order to please Him? Will you give up hobbies, television or work in order to spend time with Him? Will you give up shopping and sports in order give more of your money to Him? Would you be willing to give up your home and career in order to go where He sends You?
Dig deeper by reading Matthew 19:16-24
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Set Your Heart on Him
Job 11:13-19
Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.
You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
and many will court your favor.
O Loving and Kind Father,
Have mercy on me! I know I've messed up, made wrong choices, and blatantly disobeyed You. You've seen it all and are fully aware of my unruly conduct. There's no hiding from Your omnipotent holy eyes, and no one to blame but myself. You know the truth. I cannot lie. Like a mischievous child caught in action, I'm humiliated and dreading discipline. I'd rather hide the evidence and pretend like nothing happened, but that will get me in bigger trouble. Instead, I need to reach out my hands and run into Your open arms, honestly admitting my mistakes with a broken heart. Then, You'll pity me and be generous in love.
Tenderly, You'll scrub away my guilt so that I'll have a snow-white heart filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Because of Your openhanded kindness, I'll be motivated to behave like the beloved child of the King.
With my eyes adoringly set on You, I'll face the world unashamed. Clean and confident, I'll stand up straight and tall, unafraid of ridicule or rejection. Only then will I forget my misery, leaving the past behind me. The brightness of Your Son will light up my life, chasing away any clouds of fear and doubt. In Your peaceful presence, I'll rest and relax because there is hope. Without a care in the world, I'll supernaturally live a life of love. My exuberant joy and inexplicable calmness will cause others to come to me for help in their time of need.
Please dear Father, search my heart and show me anything I'm doing wrong. Give me judgment day honesty to agree with You, and humility to obey. More than anything in the world, I want to be wholeheartedly devoted to You because of Jesus who died for me. Amen.
Study the above Scripture. What is God promising you if you devote your heart to Him, stretch out your hands and get rid of your sins?
For additional reading open your Bible to Psalm 139 and make it your heartfelt prayer. Issue God a search warrant to examine your heart, and agree with Him on any and all evidence He finds against you, no matter how hard. Reach out your hands like a contemptible child crying for pity. (Psalm 51:17) Today could be judgment day and on that day you will give an account to Him for everything (Matthew 12:36). Ask Him to give you judgment day honesty to admit your mistakes, so that you can begin enjoying His promises in Job 11.
Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.
You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
and many will court your favor.
O Loving and Kind Father,
Have mercy on me! I know I've messed up, made wrong choices, and blatantly disobeyed You. You've seen it all and are fully aware of my unruly conduct. There's no hiding from Your omnipotent holy eyes, and no one to blame but myself. You know the truth. I cannot lie. Like a mischievous child caught in action, I'm humiliated and dreading discipline. I'd rather hide the evidence and pretend like nothing happened, but that will get me in bigger trouble. Instead, I need to reach out my hands and run into Your open arms, honestly admitting my mistakes with a broken heart. Then, You'll pity me and be generous in love.
Tenderly, You'll scrub away my guilt so that I'll have a snow-white heart filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Because of Your openhanded kindness, I'll be motivated to behave like the beloved child of the King.
With my eyes adoringly set on You, I'll face the world unashamed. Clean and confident, I'll stand up straight and tall, unafraid of ridicule or rejection. Only then will I forget my misery, leaving the past behind me. The brightness of Your Son will light up my life, chasing away any clouds of fear and doubt. In Your peaceful presence, I'll rest and relax because there is hope. Without a care in the world, I'll supernaturally live a life of love. My exuberant joy and inexplicable calmness will cause others to come to me for help in their time of need.
Please dear Father, search my heart and show me anything I'm doing wrong. Give me judgment day honesty to agree with You, and humility to obey. More than anything in the world, I want to be wholeheartedly devoted to You because of Jesus who died for me. Amen.
Study the above Scripture. What is God promising you if you devote your heart to Him, stretch out your hands and get rid of your sins?
For additional reading open your Bible to Psalm 139 and make it your heartfelt prayer. Issue God a search warrant to examine your heart, and agree with Him on any and all evidence He finds against you, no matter how hard. Reach out your hands like a contemptible child crying for pity. (Psalm 51:17) Today could be judgment day and on that day you will give an account to Him for everything (Matthew 12:36). Ask Him to give you judgment day honesty to admit your mistakes, so that you can begin enjoying His promises in Job 11.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
His Heart is Set on You
Job 7:17
What is man, that You should exalt him,
That You should set Your heart on him. NKJV
My Sweet Heart,
Your Word is too wonderful for me. I could and should live in complete condemnation but You did the unthinkable when You set Your tender heart on mine determined to show me the depth of Your compassion. Miraculously, You gave me a new life full of love and power, making me a witness to Your abundant grace. My ugliness is forever gone and I'm altogether lovely to You. Who am I to deserve such royal treatment?
It's sheer joy to freely rise up each morning and move on despite life's challenges. Because of Your great love, I can fearlessly face afflictions realizing that You, the High and Lofty One whose name is Holy, agonized every minute of Your ministry and died suffering. Why should I, the lowly tainted one whose name is sinner, deserve better than You? Difficulties prove that Your caring heart is set on mine. Full of Your tender loving kindness I'll live a life of love even when problems and pressures plague me. My lips will exalt You, while my soul experiences absolute peace and rest because You've graciously chosen to lay Your heart on mine in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
How are you handling your troubles? Do you think you deserve better than Jesus? Consider Him. He was holy, perfect, and pure. He willingly left His home in heaven to come to earth where He was immensely tormented and died an excruciating death for you. He did it all without complaining in order to exalt you to a privileged position in His royal family. He intentionally set His heart on you! His eyes adore you! Praise Him and thank Him for your difficulties because they prove that He cares for you enormously.
What is man, that You should exalt him,
That You should set Your heart on him. NKJV
My Sweet Heart,
Your Word is too wonderful for me. I could and should live in complete condemnation but You did the unthinkable when You set Your tender heart on mine determined to show me the depth of Your compassion. Miraculously, You gave me a new life full of love and power, making me a witness to Your abundant grace. My ugliness is forever gone and I'm altogether lovely to You. Who am I to deserve such royal treatment?
It's sheer joy to freely rise up each morning and move on despite life's challenges. Because of Your great love, I can fearlessly face afflictions realizing that You, the High and Lofty One whose name is Holy, agonized every minute of Your ministry and died suffering. Why should I, the lowly tainted one whose name is sinner, deserve better than You? Difficulties prove that Your caring heart is set on mine. Full of Your tender loving kindness I'll live a life of love even when problems and pressures plague me. My lips will exalt You, while my soul experiences absolute peace and rest because You've graciously chosen to lay Your heart on mine in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
How are you handling your troubles? Do you think you deserve better than Jesus? Consider Him. He was holy, perfect, and pure. He willingly left His home in heaven to come to earth where He was immensely tormented and died an excruciating death for you. He did it all without complaining in order to exalt you to a privileged position in His royal family. He intentionally set His heart on you! His eyes adore you! Praise Him and thank Him for your difficulties because they prove that He cares for you enormously.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Devoted Heart
1 Chronicles 22:19
Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness. Because You love me beyond the limits of my imagination, I'm compelled to live a life of love, personally and passionately devoted to You.
Please help me develop a vibrant, intimate relationship with You through continual Bible study and persistent prayer. Inspire me to build a sacred place in my heart to hide Your valuable commands and priceless promises. In this sanctuary, store the treasures of Your heart so that I'll instinctively know what's most important to You.
Full of Your riches, I'll worship You with adoring faith by pouring out my life completely for You. With one heart, we'll dance together harmoniously. Motivated by overpowering love, I'll follow Your lead, deliberately laying down my life for others. The closer I get to You, the easier it will be to identify the people and purposes that matter to You. Living in pure, uninterrupted devotion to You, my spontaneous actions and positive attitudes will be a pleasant love offering attracting others to Your divine goodness.
Please search the temple of my heart and show me anything that I love more than You. By Your power and grace, I'll deliberately remove those obstacles from my life in order to be entirely dedicated to You. More than anything else in the world, I desire to worship You ceaselessly in the temple of my heart where Your precious treasure abounds because of my unwavering commitment to Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
A lofty life-long goal is to devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord. As you do, He will hide His treasure in your heart, and you'll naturally live a life of love, attracting others to His divine goodness.
Because of His inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness are you willing to pour out your life for Him? Identify those things in your life that prevent you from just being with Him. Then, determine to give Him the first fruit of Your time each day for Bible study and prayer.
What does Jesus value? Read Matthew 25:34-40 Click here to read it on-line
Dig deeper with Oswald Chambers, "It is the Lord" from My Utmost for His Highest. Click here to read it on-line
Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness. Because You love me beyond the limits of my imagination, I'm compelled to live a life of love, personally and passionately devoted to You.
Please help me develop a vibrant, intimate relationship with You through continual Bible study and persistent prayer. Inspire me to build a sacred place in my heart to hide Your valuable commands and priceless promises. In this sanctuary, store the treasures of Your heart so that I'll instinctively know what's most important to You.
Full of Your riches, I'll worship You with adoring faith by pouring out my life completely for You. With one heart, we'll dance together harmoniously. Motivated by overpowering love, I'll follow Your lead, deliberately laying down my life for others. The closer I get to You, the easier it will be to identify the people and purposes that matter to You. Living in pure, uninterrupted devotion to You, my spontaneous actions and positive attitudes will be a pleasant love offering attracting others to Your divine goodness.
Please search the temple of my heart and show me anything that I love more than You. By Your power and grace, I'll deliberately remove those obstacles from my life in order to be entirely dedicated to You. More than anything else in the world, I desire to worship You ceaselessly in the temple of my heart where Your precious treasure abounds because of my unwavering commitment to Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
A lofty life-long goal is to devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord. As you do, He will hide His treasure in your heart, and you'll naturally live a life of love, attracting others to His divine goodness.
Because of His inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness are you willing to pour out your life for Him? Identify those things in your life that prevent you from just being with Him. Then, determine to give Him the first fruit of Your time each day for Bible study and prayer.
What does Jesus value? Read Matthew 25:34-40 Click here to read it on-line
Dig deeper with Oswald Chambers, "It is the Lord" from My Utmost for His Highest. Click here to read it on-line
Monday, February 16, 2009
Taste and See
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8
Psalm 34:8
Sweet Jesus,
O how I love the sweetness of Your Words. They are sweeter to my taste than the finest chocolate. Your delicious concoction of promises and commands is irresistible. They satisfy my most intense craving, evoking pleasure in the deepest part of my soul.
Hidden in my Bible are surprising nuggets of truth. As I taste each one, I discover Your mouthwatering goodness that melts my heart. Your opulent promises are my source of hope. Sinking my teeth into Your sumptuous loving kindness comforts my troubled spirit. Indulging, in Your luxurious mercies, refreshes my distressed mind. Treating myself to Your bittersweet commands makes my salvation thick, rich and smooth.
Your Words, O Lord, are an attractive treat! They are my heart's delight and joy! I have tasted and experienced Your goodness. With all my heart I want to savor the magnificent flavor every day of my life, and share the sweetness with others to glorify and bless Your sweet name. Amen.
Your Bible is a delectable box of chocolates waiting to be devoured. Open it, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine from God
I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 3:31
My Dearly Beloved Child,
You are precious and honored in My sight.
I created you for My glory and I love you.
Your heart belongs to me.
In love, I chose and adopted you.
My loving kindness never ends.
I don't easily get angry and
I won't nag or scold you.
My arms are wide open; come to me.
In love, I'll accept and redeem you.
I will love your forever.
I will not ever abandon you.
No matter what you've done in the past,
I've completely forgotten about it.
In love, I've forgive you.
I will strengthen you and increase your power.
You will soar like an eagle through the storms.
You will run and not grow weary.
You will walk and not be faint.
In love, I'll lead and guide you.
I will be with you forever.
There's no need to be afraid or distraught.
I will always help you.
I will hold on to you tightly.
In love, I'll bless you and make you happy again.
My beloved, you are my eternal valentine!
Love, Your Father in Heaven
You are special and you are loved. Do you believe God? He wants you to be His valentine, not just today, but always and forever.
Jeremiah 3:31
My Dearly Beloved Child,
You are precious and honored in My sight.
I created you for My glory and I love you.
Your heart belongs to me.
In love, I chose and adopted you.
My loving kindness never ends.
I don't easily get angry and
I won't nag or scold you.
My arms are wide open; come to me.
In love, I'll accept and redeem you.
I will love your forever.
I will not ever abandon you.
No matter what you've done in the past,
I've completely forgotten about it.
In love, I've forgive you.
I will strengthen you and increase your power.
You will soar like an eagle through the storms.
You will run and not grow weary.
You will walk and not be faint.
In love, I'll lead and guide you.
I will be with you forever.
There's no need to be afraid or distraught.
I will always help you.
I will hold on to you tightly.
In love, I'll bless you and make you happy again.
My beloved, you are my eternal valentine!
Love, Your Father in Heaven
You are special and you are loved. Do you believe God? He wants you to be His valentine, not just today, but always and forever.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Chosen to Know and Believe
Isaiah 43:10
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me,
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me."
Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible Almighty King,
Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor. Everything in heaven and earth belongs to You. You are exalted as head over all. You answer to no one. When You rise from Your throne, Your enemies scatter. The keys to Heaven and Hell are in Your holy hands. There never was or ever will be anyone like You. You are perfect, pure and pristine.
Yet, in love, You chose to reveal Yourself to a rebel like me. And, in love, You decided to rescue, revive, and restore me. No one can ever reverse the renovation You've done to my heart, mind and soul. I am Your witness. You are God and there is no other! Apart from You there is no Savior. Because of what I have seen with my own two eyes, I am required to tell others Who You are.
Out of all the billions of people on the face of the earth, it is an honor to be close to You. The more intimately I know You, the more assuredly I believe and understand You. Your praise is always on my lips.
O Lord, how can I ever thank You for selecting me to be Your witness in the world? I long to know You more dearly, believe You wholeheartedly, and understand how to live a life of love that glorifies Your name. Amen.
You are God's witness in the world. A witness is one who has a story to tell. As His servant it is your duty to tell others about God's revolutionizing love. He has uniquely chosen You in love to know, believe, and understand Him. What are you doing to foster your relationship with Him? You can only tell what you know.
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me,
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me."
Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible Almighty King,
Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor. Everything in heaven and earth belongs to You. You are exalted as head over all. You answer to no one. When You rise from Your throne, Your enemies scatter. The keys to Heaven and Hell are in Your holy hands. There never was or ever will be anyone like You. You are perfect, pure and pristine.
Yet, in love, You chose to reveal Yourself to a rebel like me. And, in love, You decided to rescue, revive, and restore me. No one can ever reverse the renovation You've done to my heart, mind and soul. I am Your witness. You are God and there is no other! Apart from You there is no Savior. Because of what I have seen with my own two eyes, I am required to tell others Who You are.
Out of all the billions of people on the face of the earth, it is an honor to be close to You. The more intimately I know You, the more assuredly I believe and understand You. Your praise is always on my lips.
O Lord, how can I ever thank You for selecting me to be Your witness in the world? I long to know You more dearly, believe You wholeheartedly, and understand how to live a life of love that glorifies Your name. Amen.
You are God's witness in the world. A witness is one who has a story to tell. As His servant it is your duty to tell others about God's revolutionizing love. He has uniquely chosen You in love to know, believe, and understand Him. What are you doing to foster your relationship with Him? You can only tell what you know.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Heart Shaped for Love
Romans 5:5
For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
My Dear Father,
You make my heart throb with inexpressible joy! Because Your Son, Jesus, unashamedly brought me to You, I am full of the sweet essence of Your Spirit. Absorbed in Your irresistible affection, I can live peacefully in Your presence free from criticism, judgment and condemnation.
In Your grip of grace, I'll courageously accept problems and difficulties believing they're for my good. Engrossed in Your softness, I'll expect You to gently polish me with patience to tolerate unfriendly people and unexpected circumstances. Because You care so deeply for me, I know You'll painstakingly work on me until I shine with Your glory. The process will likely be agonizing, but it will be worth it as I become more and more like You every day.
My heart's one desire is to be so personally close to You, that Your sweetness instinctively pours out of me like a fragrant perfume. Consumed with Your overwhelming love, no matter how busy, exhausted or frustrated I am I'll keep smiling and spontaneously respond with patience and kindness. No matter how sick, lousy or hurt I feel, immersed in You, I'll have a heart shaped for love that continually praises Your glorious name. Amen.
How will you develop a heart shaped for love?
For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
My Dear Father,
You make my heart throb with inexpressible joy! Because Your Son, Jesus, unashamedly brought me to You, I am full of the sweet essence of Your Spirit. Absorbed in Your irresistible affection, I can live peacefully in Your presence free from criticism, judgment and condemnation.
In Your grip of grace, I'll courageously accept problems and difficulties believing they're for my good. Engrossed in Your softness, I'll expect You to gently polish me with patience to tolerate unfriendly people and unexpected circumstances. Because You care so deeply for me, I know You'll painstakingly work on me until I shine with Your glory. The process will likely be agonizing, but it will be worth it as I become more and more like You every day.
My heart's one desire is to be so personally close to You, that Your sweetness instinctively pours out of me like a fragrant perfume. Consumed with Your overwhelming love, no matter how busy, exhausted or frustrated I am I'll keep smiling and spontaneously respond with patience and kindness. No matter how sick, lousy or hurt I feel, immersed in You, I'll have a heart shaped for love that continually praises Your glorious name. Amen.
How will you develop a heart shaped for love?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Forgiven in Love
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.
Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.
Blessed Redeemer,
You are not only the Lover of My Soul. You are the Most High and Holy Judge. Your Words sweep me off my feet! Thank You for accepting my pitiful plea and declaring me "not guilty." I'm blessed beyond words! My only response is to fall on my knees in humble adoration.
Overwhelming joy pours from my heart because in love You served my death sentence. Mercifully, You've forgiven and forgotten my rebellious, deliberate, stubborn misdeeds. I'm eternally thankful that my daily unintentional, accidental mistakes will never be counted against me. Blessed assurance! Your rich, abundant grace has brought me into an everlasting intimate relationship with You! Your love enthralls me!
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit. Subdue my stubborn will. Tame my temptations. Control my conduct. Heal my hurts. Right my wrongs. And, teach me to live a life of love so that I will forgive others as You've forgiven me. Put a smile on my face today that reflects the joy in my heart because my defiant disobedience has been redeemed by One incredible deal for the praise of Your glorious name. Amen.
If you have nothing else to smile about today, be happy that in Love your sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. That's worth celebrating! Who do you need to forgive because of Love?
Jesus, said, "I cancelled that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?"
Read the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. Matthew 18:21-35
Read it on-line
In him we have the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.
Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.
Blessed Redeemer,
You are not only the Lover of My Soul. You are the Most High and Holy Judge. Your Words sweep me off my feet! Thank You for accepting my pitiful plea and declaring me "not guilty." I'm blessed beyond words! My only response is to fall on my knees in humble adoration.
Overwhelming joy pours from my heart because in love You served my death sentence. Mercifully, You've forgiven and forgotten my rebellious, deliberate, stubborn misdeeds. I'm eternally thankful that my daily unintentional, accidental mistakes will never be counted against me. Blessed assurance! Your rich, abundant grace has brought me into an everlasting intimate relationship with You! Your love enthralls me!
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit. Subdue my stubborn will. Tame my temptations. Control my conduct. Heal my hurts. Right my wrongs. And, teach me to live a life of love so that I will forgive others as You've forgiven me. Put a smile on my face today that reflects the joy in my heart because my defiant disobedience has been redeemed by One incredible deal for the praise of Your glorious name. Amen.
If you have nothing else to smile about today, be happy that in Love your sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. That's worth celebrating! Who do you need to forgive because of Love?
Jesus, said, "I cancelled that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?"
Read the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. Matthew 18:21-35
Read it on-line
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Redeemed in Love
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood.
Jesus, My Redeemer,
Your love is absolutely amazing! That You would leave your majestic home in heaven to come to this wretched place on earth to save hateful people is unfathomable. I might die for someone really special, like my child, but I'd never die for someone who despises me. Yet, that's exactly what You did for me. While I was Your vilest offender, You intentionally died for me.
Laying down Your life, You bridged the grand canyon that separated us. Your broken body made the Way for me to safely cross over into Your glorious everlasting kingdom. I no longer have to fear falling to my death and eternal punishment because You took my hand, called me "friend" and graciously brought me into Your Father's presence. How can I ever thank You?!
I can't begin to comprehend why You'd choose to rescue a person like me. Your thoughts are greater than my thoughts and Your ways are wider than my ways. It's a mystery I'll never understand, but like a naïve child, I'll believe that You blessed, chose, adopted, accepted and redeemed me in Love.
Out of deep, heartfelt gratitude, I'll rejoice in this wonderful relationship I have with You. Because You've redeemed me in Love, I'll live a life of love by building bridges for others to come into Your presence. I'll trust You to be my best, most devoted, and loyal Friend to the very end. All glory to You for saving me from the eternal hole of hell and sending me to Your magnificent, majestic, most high kingdom where I will live happily ever after because of Jesus. Amen.
Thank God for His redeeming love! 1 Peter 1:22 says, "Love one another deeply and from the heart." How will you love others with the redeeming love of God - even those who hate you?
Dig deeper by reading Romans 5:6-11 Read it on-line
In him we have redemption through his blood.
Jesus, My Redeemer,
Your love is absolutely amazing! That You would leave your majestic home in heaven to come to this wretched place on earth to save hateful people is unfathomable. I might die for someone really special, like my child, but I'd never die for someone who despises me. Yet, that's exactly what You did for me. While I was Your vilest offender, You intentionally died for me.
Laying down Your life, You bridged the grand canyon that separated us. Your broken body made the Way for me to safely cross over into Your glorious everlasting kingdom. I no longer have to fear falling to my death and eternal punishment because You took my hand, called me "friend" and graciously brought me into Your Father's presence. How can I ever thank You?!
I can't begin to comprehend why You'd choose to rescue a person like me. Your thoughts are greater than my thoughts and Your ways are wider than my ways. It's a mystery I'll never understand, but like a naïve child, I'll believe that You blessed, chose, adopted, accepted and redeemed me in Love.
Out of deep, heartfelt gratitude, I'll rejoice in this wonderful relationship I have with You. Because You've redeemed me in Love, I'll live a life of love by building bridges for others to come into Your presence. I'll trust You to be my best, most devoted, and loyal Friend to the very end. All glory to You for saving me from the eternal hole of hell and sending me to Your magnificent, majestic, most high kingdom where I will live happily ever after because of Jesus. Amen.
Thank God for His redeeming love! 1 Peter 1:22 says, "Love one another deeply and from the heart." How will you love others with the redeeming love of God - even those who hate you?
Dig deeper by reading Romans 5:6-11 Read it on-line
Monday, February 09, 2009
Accepted in Love
Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV
O Gracious Father!
Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You - Holy and Perfect Father - choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?
Because I can't grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I'll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.
Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can't conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I'd only humble myself and admit what I've done wrong, You'd lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.
As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, and disappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You'll reject me. In reality, You're eagerly waiting for me to come back.
Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I'll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I'll realize that I'm totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I'll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.
Are you trying to earn God's acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You've done? Are you afraid He'll reject you, if you go back to Him?
Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you're already approved by Him.
If you've done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He's faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
If you've wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He's waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
His Word says, "Nothing can separate you from His love." (Romans 8:35-39)
For another look at the Father's glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV
O Gracious Father!
Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You - Holy and Perfect Father - choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?
Because I can't grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I'll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.
Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can't conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I'd only humble myself and admit what I've done wrong, You'd lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.
As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, and disappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You'll reject me. In reality, You're eagerly waiting for me to come back.
Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I'll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I'll realize that I'm totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I'll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.
Are you trying to earn God's acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You've done? Are you afraid He'll reject you, if you go back to Him?
Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you're already approved by Him.
If you've done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He's faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
If you've wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He's waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
His Word says, "Nothing can separate you from His love." (Romans 8:35-39)
For another look at the Father's glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.
Accepted in Love
Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV
O Gracious Father!
Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You - Holy and Perfect Father - choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?
Because I can't grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I'll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.
Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can't conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I'd only humble myself and admit what I've done wrong, You'd lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.
As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, and disappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You'll reject me. In reality, You're eagerly waiting for me to come back.
Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I'll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I'll realize that I'm totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I'll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.
Are you trying to earn God's acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You've done? Are you afraid He'll reject you, if you go back to Him?
Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you're already approved by Him.
If you've done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He's faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
If you've wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He's waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
His Word says, "Nothing can separate you from His love." (Romans 8:35-39)
For another look at the Father's glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV
O Gracious Father!
Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You - Holy and Perfect Father - choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?
Because I can't grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I'll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.
Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can't conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I'd only humble myself and admit what I've done wrong, You'd lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.
As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, and disappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You'll reject me. In reality, You're eagerly waiting for me to come back.
Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I'll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I'll realize that I'm totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I'll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.
Are you trying to earn God's acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You've done? Are you afraid He'll reject you, if you go back to Him?
Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you're already approved by Him.
If you've done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He's faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
If you've wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He's waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
His Word says, "Nothing can separate you from His love." (Romans 8:35-39)
For another look at the Father's glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Adopted in Love
Ephesians 1:5-6
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. NLT
Romans 8:17
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. NLT
Abba, Father,
I'm thankful and joyful that You decided to adopt me into Your royal family, reserving a room for me in Your mansion in the sky. You will be my Father and I will be Your dearly loved child forever because of my relationship with Your Son. O how I love to tell of the marvelous grace You've poured out on me. Your loving kindness makes me feel like dancing.
Upon arriving in the hallowed halls of Your heaven, You'll wipe every tear from my eye. You'll crown me with compassion and clothe me with fine linen, white and clean purchased with the blood of Jesus. I'll be made new. My heart leaps for joy at the very thought of the rich inheritance for those whom You adopted in love.
Until I get there, I'll be seized by shame, suffering and sorrow. In the midst of misery, I'll live a life of love by rejoicing and giving thanks to You for bringing me into Your family. Singing sweet songs in my sadness, and powerfully pleading for patience during pain, I'll smile when I feel like crying. When others around me hear my heavenly hope they'll join in the celebration when they choose to believe the blessed and beautiful words from my lips.
Thank You, Father for my identity and inheritance. They are my joy, delight and strength. No one can ever take this treasured heritage from me. Please put a smile on my face today that reflects the love and joy in my heart because of who I am in Jesus! Amen.
Knowing that God adopted you in love, what should your response be in the midst of suffering? How will you live a life of love in order to share in Christ's glory?
Read how Paul & Silas lived out their love in prison in Acts 16:16-40. What do can you learn from their example?
Read Acts 16:16-40 On-line
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. NLT
Romans 8:17
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. NLT
Abba, Father,
I'm thankful and joyful that You decided to adopt me into Your royal family, reserving a room for me in Your mansion in the sky. You will be my Father and I will be Your dearly loved child forever because of my relationship with Your Son. O how I love to tell of the marvelous grace You've poured out on me. Your loving kindness makes me feel like dancing.
Upon arriving in the hallowed halls of Your heaven, You'll wipe every tear from my eye. You'll crown me with compassion and clothe me with fine linen, white and clean purchased with the blood of Jesus. I'll be made new. My heart leaps for joy at the very thought of the rich inheritance for those whom You adopted in love.
Until I get there, I'll be seized by shame, suffering and sorrow. In the midst of misery, I'll live a life of love by rejoicing and giving thanks to You for bringing me into Your family. Singing sweet songs in my sadness, and powerfully pleading for patience during pain, I'll smile when I feel like crying. When others around me hear my heavenly hope they'll join in the celebration when they choose to believe the blessed and beautiful words from my lips.
Thank You, Father for my identity and inheritance. They are my joy, delight and strength. No one can ever take this treasured heritage from me. Please put a smile on my face today that reflects the love and joy in my heart because of who I am in Jesus! Amen.
Knowing that God adopted you in love, what should your response be in the midst of suffering? How will you live a life of love in order to share in Christ's glory?
Read how Paul & Silas lived out their love in prison in Acts 16:16-40. What do can you learn from their example?
Read Acts 16:16-40 On-line
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Chosen in Love
Deuteronomy 7:6
You are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
My Knight in Shining Armor,
Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to think that, in love; You chose me out of all the people on the face of the earth to be royal, holy, and redeemed. Who am I to deserve this kind of love?
Even though I was hiding in the dark behind a thick wall of shame, You found me, and gave Your life to rescue me. Bringing me into the wonderful light of Your love, You traded my ripped rags for a royal robe of righteousness. Miraculously Your Words changed my rough callused heart to a soft, holy one. I'm utterly ecstatic that an unbecoming person like me is no longer abandoned, but belongs to You, the High King of Heaven! Not only that, I'm Your treasured possession! Valuable! Priceless! Precious! O how thankful I am that You rescued me from the dark dungeon, brought me into the wonderful light, and called me to be Yours!
I can't keep quiet about my miracle makeover! As a member of Your royal family, I'm obligated to live a life of love by publicly telling others the difference You've made in my life. Now to You who chose me, out of all the people on the face of the earth, to be Your treasured possession be the glory, honor and praise forever and ever. Amen.
God chose you in love to be His treasured possession, not because you deserve it, but because of His loving kindness. You are valuable, priceless, and precious to Him.
In the light of His love, will you fully surrender your life to be the royal priest He's called you to be? A royal priest devoted to his life to serving God and speaking out for Him.
You are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
My Knight in Shining Armor,
Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to think that, in love; You chose me out of all the people on the face of the earth to be royal, holy, and redeemed. Who am I to deserve this kind of love?
Even though I was hiding in the dark behind a thick wall of shame, You found me, and gave Your life to rescue me. Bringing me into the wonderful light of Your love, You traded my ripped rags for a royal robe of righteousness. Miraculously Your Words changed my rough callused heart to a soft, holy one. I'm utterly ecstatic that an unbecoming person like me is no longer abandoned, but belongs to You, the High King of Heaven! Not only that, I'm Your treasured possession! Valuable! Priceless! Precious! O how thankful I am that You rescued me from the dark dungeon, brought me into the wonderful light, and called me to be Yours!
I can't keep quiet about my miracle makeover! As a member of Your royal family, I'm obligated to live a life of love by publicly telling others the difference You've made in my life. Now to You who chose me, out of all the people on the face of the earth, to be Your treasured possession be the glory, honor and praise forever and ever. Amen.
God chose you in love to be His treasured possession, not because you deserve it, but because of His loving kindness. You are valuable, priceless, and precious to Him.
In the light of His love, will you fully surrender your life to be the royal priest He's called you to be? A royal priest devoted to his life to serving God and speaking out for Him.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Blessed in Love
Deuteronomy 7:13
He will love you and bless you.
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
O God My Father,
What a blessing You are! Because of my friendship with Your dear Son, You've lovingly lavished me with all the riches of heaven. Pouring out Your glorious grace on me, You exchanged the ashes of my broken heart for a crown of beauty turning my sad days to glad days. My heart leaps for joy because of Your great love!
Pitying me, You looked beyond my imperfections. It delighted You to trade my tattered clothes of despair for a garment of praise. Handing me the Book of Love, a Holy Bible, You gave me wisdom and knowledge to understand the mysteries of Your Word. In the blessing of Your love, humiliation turned to honor enabling me to proudly display Your majestic splendor.
A changed person, full of glory and grace, I'll begin rebuilding ruined relationships. From the wreckage and rubble, I'll build lasting friendships that bridge others to Your heavenly kingdom. Because You've doubly blessed me with a beautiful new beginning, I'll live a life of love. Blessing others, I'll celebrate the everlasting legacy available to me because my relationship with Your own dear Son. Amen.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Make a list of all the spiritual blessings God gives you because of your friendship with His Son.
Read Ephesians 1:3-14 On-line
Dig deeper by reading Isaiah 61. Read Isaiah 61 On-line
He will love you and bless you.
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
O God My Father,
What a blessing You are! Because of my friendship with Your dear Son, You've lovingly lavished me with all the riches of heaven. Pouring out Your glorious grace on me, You exchanged the ashes of my broken heart for a crown of beauty turning my sad days to glad days. My heart leaps for joy because of Your great love!
Pitying me, You looked beyond my imperfections. It delighted You to trade my tattered clothes of despair for a garment of praise. Handing me the Book of Love, a Holy Bible, You gave me wisdom and knowledge to understand the mysteries of Your Word. In the blessing of Your love, humiliation turned to honor enabling me to proudly display Your majestic splendor.
A changed person, full of glory and grace, I'll begin rebuilding ruined relationships. From the wreckage and rubble, I'll build lasting friendships that bridge others to Your heavenly kingdom. Because You've doubly blessed me with a beautiful new beginning, I'll live a life of love. Blessing others, I'll celebrate the everlasting legacy available to me because my relationship with Your own dear Son. Amen.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Make a list of all the spiritual blessings God gives you because of your friendship with His Son.
Read Ephesians 1:3-14 On-line
Dig deeper by reading Isaiah 61. Read Isaiah 61 On-line
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