Thursday, December 31, 2015

Thursday, December 31

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

Malachi 3:1–4:6

Revelation 22:1–21

Psalm 150:1–6

Proverbs 31:25–31

 

 

As 2015 draws to a close, we both reflect backward on all that has transpired this year and look ahead to the adventures awaiting us in 2016.  We have each individually experienced highs and lows for 2015.  Yet, if we have enjoyed God’s presence this year, we have received a great blessing.  Perhaps you struggled through some setbacks, or maybe you rejoiced in seeing great breakthroughs.  Whatever the case, we each rested on the promise of God’s presence:  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

 

As our 2015 reading similarly draws to a close, we find Revelation 22, which brings all of history to a close.  The new heavens and new earth offer fullness of life and freedom.  We read about a “a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”  Along the river, God placed “a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month.  The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.” (1–3)  Healing and life will be free to all those in God’s presence.

 

The saints will worship God freely.  “No longer will there be a curse upon anything….  And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.”  The Father will call us His own!  And His light will overwhelm all other forces:  “And there will be no night there – no need for lamps or son – for the Lord God will shine on them.  And they will reign forever and ever.”  We may rejoice in the permanence and security of His salvation.

 

In v. 17, we read a fitting invitation to conclude this year:  “The Spirt and the bride say, ‘Come!’  And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’  Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

 

Have you partaken of this free gift?  The Lord Jesus Christ has given each of us the ability to approach the throne of grace with confidence, having shed His blood on our behalf.  We understand that our sin deservedly causes a separation between us and God, one that we cannot cross on our own merit, sterling as it may be.  As Romans 6:23 summarizes, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

As we head into 2016, I encourage you to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ and all His fullness with passion and persistence.  A great way of continuing in this journey is to read through the One-Year Bible for the first time or another time with us.  It will be a great opportunity for meeting daily with God, hearing His voice, and applying His truth to the 2016’s adventures.

 

May God bless you richly as you seek Him in 2016!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your wonderful invitation.  We are richly blessed to know You and to receive this water of life.  We trust that Your provision for 2016 will carry us.  Help us to honor You with pure, passionate, and persevering lives in this new year.  Strengthen us to turn away from those attitudes that kept us trapped.  Bring us freedom and joy so that we demonstrate Your light and love to a hurting world.  Pour out Your Spirit so that we may care for others beyond our own strength.  We love You and give You our lives so that we may be Your servants, now and always.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

December 30

Proverbs 31

If anyone had asked me when I was younger what I wanted to be when I grew up, not knowing the full details behind the job description, my first response was always "a wife and a mommy".  In today's reading we get a glimpse of what this Proverbs 31 super woman is like.  Not only is she a wife and a mom, she's a seamstress, an importer, an realtor, a manager, she's up at the crack of dawn, and the list goes on and on. Really?  The day isn't long enough to achieve all that.   In the scope of life as we know it, these achievements, in and of themselves, are about as realistic as any one of us (male or female) ending up on the front page of a leading fashion magazine. We live in a world where appearance and status is easily mistaken and confused for a persons character.  I think the key to unlock all the doors of success in anything begins and rests in our reverence for God.  I can think of a few people who's character exemplifies the person described in our reading and each one of them puts God first in their lives.   "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."  (v.30)  As we all start the New Year with resolutions, goals and commitment to change, I pray we seek first His Kingdom, everything else will be given to us as well.  (Matthew 6:33)



Randi

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Saturday, December 26, 2015

[Keesha Sullivan]


Many people have said to me over the last few weeks, "It just doesn't feel like Christmas." These people have also been pretty open about sharing their woes and pain. They have felt like they were in a dark hole with no light to be seen at the end of the tunnel. I have to admit that some of the situations were so bleak that I couldn't help, but joining them in their misery. I became a commiserator instead of an encourager. I became a worrier instead of a warrior.

From the reading today, it is abundantly clear that there is always LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. There is no situation that it is too dire for Jesus. There is nothing that is impossible for Jesus to turn around and triumph over.

As men and women of God, we know how the story ends. It says, "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers" (Revelation 17:14). Jesus destroys the enemy in the end, and He can do it now. Jesus rose from the grave and made a mockery of the enemy. Jesus has given us all the power that we need to overcome all the schemes of the enemy. We do not need to live defeated lives. There is hope, light, and power in Jesus Christ our Lord.

God help us to remember that Jesus is triumphant, and that He always wins! Help us to become encouragers! Help us to become warriors! Help us to remember that we are truly overcomers and that there is nothing too hard for You! You've got us in the palm of Your hands. Help us to tear down the lies of the enemy and remember that You are a promise keeper. "No weapon formed against [us] shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against [us] in judgment You shall condemn" (Isaiah 54:17). We love You, Lord! Thank You for being our God! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen! Amen! And Amen! :-)


Friday, December 25, 2015

December 25 Merry Christmas

Psalm 144

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Christmas is about salvation. David knew that it was the Lord who saved him and delivered him in every difficult situation. As we celebrate the great rescue plan of God on this Christmas Day it reminded me of a story we use to read our children. I trust this story will warm your heart like it did for our family. It is called "The Missing Jesus."

About a week before Christmas the family bought a new nativity scene. When they unpacked it they found 2 figures of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must have packed this wrong," the mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have 2."
    "You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7126. "Put on your warm coats, it's freezing cold out there."
    The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you're missing Baby Jesus, call 7126."
    All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang mother would say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus," but it never was. Father tried to explain there are thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be missing from a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time. He suggested just put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it. "Put Baby Jesus back in the box! What a terrible thing to do said the children." "Surely someone will call," mother said. "We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until someone calls."
    When no call had come by 5:00 on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father "just run down to the store" to see if there were any sets left. "You can see them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If they are all gone, I'll know someone is bound to call tonight." "Run down to the store?" father thundered. "It's 15 below zero out there!"
    "Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered.
    Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store window. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold."
    "Hooray," Tommy said "The mystery will now be solved tonight!" Father heard the news still a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home. When they got back into the house they noticed that mother was gone and so was the extra Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine," my father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I wrap mother's present."
    Then the phone rang. Father yelled "answer the phone and tell'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk.
    "Now what has she gotten us into?" my father groaned as we bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. The wind is picking up. Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this."
    When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment we set foot on the porch steps, my mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, Oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies."
    "Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" my father asked. "We have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the way." "Never mind all that now," my mother interrupted. "There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy.
    My mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The children's mother explained to my father that her husband had run off, taking bedding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all right until the furnace broke down.
    "I been doing washing and ironing for people and cleaning the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there, on those boxes on the counter. "When the furnace went out, that number kept going through my mind, 7162 7162, that is what it said on the box." If a person is missing Jesus, they should call 7162 7162. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willing to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So stopped at the grocery store tonight and I called your miss's. I'm not missing Jesus, mister, because I sure love the Lord. But I am missing heat. I have no
money to fix that furnace.
    "Okay, Okay!" said father. "You've come to the right place. Now lets see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs."
    Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother set before them.
    Father finally got the oil burner working but said you need more oil. I'll make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes, sir, you came to the right place, father grinned.
    On the way home father did not complain about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone.
    Ed, hey, how are ya, Ed?" "Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here I know you've got that pickup truck. Do you still have some oil in that barrel on your truck? You do?
    By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and gifts. Even though it was 30 below, father let them ride along in the back of the truck.
    No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but as I grow older I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all. Jesus saves, that's what HE DOES.

Author Unknown


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Thursday, December 24

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

Zechariah 6:1–7:14

Revelation 15:1–8

Psalm 143:1–12

Proverbs 30:24–28

 

 

In today’s reading from Zechariah, we find an inquiry from the people of Bethel to the priests, wondering whether they should continue the ritual of mourning and fasting that had continued over many years.  From the verses that follow, we may gather that these practices had lost their spiritual grounding and had instead devolved into pure ritual.  In short, the people had taken on an attitude of outward obedience, with no inward change.  Their mourning and fasting had become a self-justifying behavior rather than one that sought and honored God’s presence.

 

As a test of their inward nature, Zechariah commanded the people to review their interactions with others:  “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.  Do not plot evil against each other.’”  Their lack of justice, mercy, and compassion; their oppression of the vulnerable; and their mistreatment of others highlighted the very real shortcomings of their relationships with God.

 

From this passage, we may gather that their attitude towards these human relationships had become reflective of their inward posture towards God.  This very topic came up recently in a conversation with a friend.  We were discussing whether relationships reflect more on us or others, and I received a strong impression that our relationships – and our approach to them – most significantly reflect on our relationship to God.  When we trust in God and seek to honor Him, we will naturally look to serve and honor His people, created in His image.

 

As we reflect on Zechariah’s words, may we take a careful inventory of our attitude towards others.  How may we better honor the God image in them?  How may we demonstrate the love of Christ?  What steps could you take during your holiday visits with family and friends?  How could you communicate the amazing love of God through sharing about His goodness to you?

 

In the rush of Christmas preparations, there are many opportunities for our focus to wander.  May we take precious moments to recall the silence and humility of that first Christmas:  that a Child would be born to us, whose very nature was “full of grace and truth.”  As we grow older, we recognize the depth of His humility, His unselfish willingness to accept the very human pains of betrayal, hunger, mourning, loneliness, and weakness.  Yet, despite these human challenges, His heart never wavered from holiness, and His punishment has brought us peace with God and with one another.  We worship this Child as King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

 

Lord Jesus, we worship You as King and Lord of our lives.  Give us wisdom to discern how we may slow down to reflect on Your love this Christmastime.  Send us Your Spirit so that we may witness to the lovingkindness that You have shown in our lives by loving others deeply, and from the heart.  Diminish our pride so that we may love intentionally and freely.  We praise You, for You are worthy of all glory, honor, and majesty forever!  In Your Name, amen.

 

 

“O Holy Night” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU)

 


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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

December 23

Zechariah

In today's reading we learn that Zechariah was given a prophetic vision and delivered Gods message to the remaining Jews who returned to rebuild the temple.  As I was reading, what impressed me was the Zechariah was engaged in conversation with an angel.  We've read about God appearing through visions and speaking to people all throughout our readings.  It brings me to the conclusion that God wants to converse with us and seeks our devotion so that we can be apart of His Kingdom and accomplish His plans.  I  believe these relationships we've been reading about are examples for us and not limited to the people we've been reading about in the Bible.  God seeks us as we are His sons and daughters.  Just as the Jews who found themselves doubting as they were rebuilding the temple, we find ourselves in similar situations throughout our journey where we question what's going on and how we are going to accomplish the tasks at hand.  I think the answer is found in verse 6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord".  As confusion grows around us, we can't for a moment fall into the trap of thinking we can stand alone and do anything in our own strength.  It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that anything of lasting value can be accomplished.  Consistent with everything we've read, it's only through our relationship with God that we have access to the Holy Spirit.  As we walk in Gods presence, we are privileged to live in His power and be a part of His Kingdom mission.  On our own we have neither the ability or the power to accomplish anything.  " The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God"  (Psalm 14:2).  I pray for all of us that as God looks down on us today He finds us all looking up, and by the power of His Spirit we are strengthened and engaged in conversation with His angels.


Randi

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Saturday, December 20, 2015

Saturday, December 20, 2015

[Kenny]


"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.  The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me." (Psalm 138:7, 8a)


    If you read the newspapers on a daily basis you realize that Job had figured out life many many years ago.  In the writings that bear Job's name it is written, "Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1 ESV).  Trouble is all around us!  Terrorism, profiling, racism, fear, fatherlessness, hatred, murder, political shenanigans, deception...and the list goes on and on and on.  Have a conversation with someone about this world's state of affairs, or that of their personal life, and you will find that many want to see life change, but few have little hope that their life will change in any significant way.  What do you tell them?  There is power in the testimony and Psalm 138 offers us a powerful one.

    "As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength."  The psalmist realizes that Hope is a person.  He refers to Him as Yahweh (the Lord), but His human name is Jesus.  Bending the heart in prayer requires faith, "the substance of things HOPEd for; the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).  What I love about prayer is that even with a faith the size of a mustard seed (1mm - 2mm in diameter; slightly larger than the tip of a pencil) one can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).  The power is not in the prayer or the pray-er, but rather in the One Who Answers.  Our job isn't to answer our prayers; our job is to pray in faith.


"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you [Lord] preserve my life...The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me" (Ps. 138:7, 8a).  


    You may hear the reply, "But, I've prayed and nothing is happening."  Having enough breath to say "nothing is happening" is proof that something IS happening:  God is keeping you and fulfilling His purposes for you.  Jesus assured His disciples that there would be trouble in their lives, but to rest in knowing that He had overcome the world (John 16:33).  God may be using the trouble that the enemy meant for evil to fulfill some good in/through our lives (cf. Genesis 50:20).  

    Jesus once told a parable to make the point that we ought to always pray and not ever give up (cf. Luke 18:1).  Our faithful and good God always hears our prayers.  Our world is sinful and broken, but not Hopeless.  Hope is God IN us, preserving our lives and working through us to fulfill His purposes.  

       


Friday, December 18, 2015

Dec 18

 December 18, 2015

 

 Habakkuk

 

In the Movie "The Count of Monte Cristo," the hero, Edmond (Jim Caviezel), is unjustly imprisoned in the sinister Chateau d'If (pronounced deef). As he enters his cell escorted by the malevolent warden Dorleac, he sees an inscription gouged into the otherwise barren wall: "God will give me justice."   "People are always trying to motivate themselves," Dorleac sneers. "Or they keep calendars. But soon they lose interest, they die, and all I am left with is a rather unsightly wall, I'm afraid. So I have conceived another way to help our prisoners keep track of time. Every year on the anniversary of their imprisonment, we hurt them. Usually just a simple beating, really. Although on their first day here—in your case, today—I like to do something rather special." Dorleac keeps speaking as his assistants chain Edmond and hoist him off the floor by the wrists. "And if you are thinking just now," Dorleac continues as he prepares his whip, "'Why me, oh God?' the answer is, God has nothing to do with it. In fact, God is never seen in France this time of year." Though obviously terrified, Edmond answers, "God has everything to do with it. He is everywhere; he sees everything." Dorleac's response is chilling. "All right, let's make a bargain, shall we? You ask God for help, and I'll stop the moment he shows up." And with that he begins to whip the defenseless and innocent Edmond.

 

So what is our answer to Edmond after the beating? It is the same answer we speak to people who ask God for intervention today but only hear the knocking of their knuckles on the door to heaven. The ultimate answer is to continue to believe in the goodness and power of God even in His silence. And to believe to such an extent that we discover great joy in the midst of the calamity. This is our answer.  

 

Though the fig tree does not bud

  and there are no grapes on the vines,

Though the olive crop fails

  and the fields produce no food,

Though there are no sheep in the pen

  and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

  I will be joyful in God my Savior.

 

Keep believing and keep your joy levels high no matter how great the darkness surrounding you. 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Thursday, December 17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Nahum 1:1–3:19

Revelation 8:1–13

Psalm 136:1–26

Proverbs 30:7–9

 

 

In today’s reading, we came across an instructive meditation from Proverbs:

 

“Two things I ask of you, Lord;

    do not refuse me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;

    give me neither poverty nor riches,

    but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you

    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’

Or I may become poor and steal,

    and so dishonor the name of my God.”

 

 

These remarks are meditations on this passage, in light of recent events.

 

Indeed, living in luxury tends to inflate our sense of self-importance, while poverty tends to degrade our humanity.  As believers, we rely fully on the Lord but remember that He has made us fearfully and wonderfully, meaning that each person has dignity and honor because of the God-stamp in them.  We have the special calling of loving and serving the (spiritually, emotionally, and financially) poor, so that God may be greatly glorified in their lives.

 

For most of my life, I worried terribly about achieving greatness, primarily for my own benefit.  This concern has distracted me from experiencing joy and has caused me to base my worth on “success” rather than God’s loving affirmation.  This year, I faced some setbacks that helped me to refocus on serving in a godly way, just for its own sake.  This lesson of turning away from performance orientation has been among the hardest that I have ever faced.  I thank God that He has taken me through this year’s struggles in order to reveal more of His good purposes and lovingkindness in the midst of all that has transpired.

 

Yesterday, a recent UConn graduate told me the exciting news that he had received a job offer in Norwalk -- all from his first interview!  He recounted the amazing circumstances surrounding the opportunity, and it is clearly by God’s hand and plan.  What a tremendous opportunity to see trusting in God and seeing His provision.

 

During this Christmas season, please look for opportunities to give the gift of your presence and to share about the Presence of Christ in your life.  These gift of forgiveness, while free, has come at a great price.  Please remember the great sacrifices that Jesus made, not only in His death but also in the humility of His life, which started from a lowly feeding trough.

 

 

Lord Jesus, we give you praise for Your presence and thank You that we may know You.  We need You desperately.  Help us to remember our reliance on You in all circumstances.  Give us wisdom to see when our hearts are slipping into self-sufficiency.  Bring us joy, as we remember Your love and Presence.  In Your holy Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

December 16

Micah 6:8
 
He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
 
 
As we read through this passage, God is giving Micah an incredible message.  He is warning God's people that judgement is coming and the only requirement needed to receive pardon is to repent.  It is as simple as that.  As we read through the Gospels, God revealed to us what is good.  Jesus - The Father's perfection revealed to us in the flesh. God never asked for our perfection, He only asks that we trust His.  Hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, God promised a plan which would restore people to Him - repentance through The Messiah.  The message delivered through Micah hasn't changed and is as simple now as it was when it was written.  Jesus loves us.  I'm sure we can think of one person who needs to hear that message today.  His love is so easy to receive - but yet can be so hard if we aren't willing to become living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2)  Lord I pray by the power of your Holy Spirit,  You continue to transform our minds, renew our hearts, and mold us into warriors for You, the way You created us to be.  I pray we trust in Your Perfection alone, living our lives to spread Your message and advance Your Kingdom.

Randi

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Saturday, December 12, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]


"When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, 'Sovereign Lord, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!" So the Lord relented" (Amos 7:2-3). Amos cried out and the Lord abandoned His idea of destruction.

How many times have you been in a precarious situation that you've placed yourself in? I've lost count when it comes to myself. Israel deserved the punishment that was coming their way. Israel had done some despicable acts that showed how unfaithful they were to God. The Israelites had betrayed Him, yet when Amos cried out to our Father in Heaven, He relented.

There have been so many times that I placed myself in a situation that deserved punishment. Sometimes the situation even deserved death due to my ignorance, but when I cried out to the Lord for help, He came to my rescue. In Psalm 116: 11 it says, "I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy."

No matter the circumstance whether we put ourselves in it or it happens due to another person, God is there to help us when we cry out to Him. He loves us with an unconditional, merciful love. He wants us to be dependent on Him.

Lord help us to cry out to You more. Help us to be completely dependent on You. We need You God! We thank you for hearing our voice and always coming to our rescue. We love you so much Father. In Jesus Name. Amen


Friday, December 11, 2015

December 11

Amos 5 

 

Did you notice the repeated phrase in Amos today?

Seek me and live.

Seek the Lord and live.

Seek good, not evil.

Proper seeking is the secret to the abundant life. What we seek reveals where our heart is and what it desires. So what is our culture seeking today?

 

Here are Yahoo's top searches of 2015

  1. Bobbi Kristina Brown
  2. iPhone
  3. Caitlyn Jenner
  4. Kendall Jenner
  5. Minecraft
  6. Jennifer Aniston
  7. Kim Kardashian
  8. Katy Perry
  9. Ronda Rouse

10.   Farrah Abraham

 

There you have it, the most objective way to see the heart of our culture. What a sad commentary on where we are.

 

During Advent we are reminded of what was on the search list of the Wise men 2000 years ago. It was a short list with only one item on it. That one item was "search for the King." Their list should be our list too. The number one item of each day is to seek to spend time with King Jesus. It is not a complicated search. It takes time to quiet our hearts but once they are quiet we read His Word and then we speak to Him through prayer. We also sit in solitude and allow his Spirit to whisper in our thoughts. We all know that this is what we should do. The key is actually doing it. When these holy habits actually become the practice of our daily lives, then we will experience God's richest blessings in life.

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Thursday, December 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Amos 1:1–3:15

Revelation 2:1–17

Psalm 129:1–8

Proverbs 29:19,20

 

 

Do you get excited when you make a new discovery?  How about when you uncover a shortcut to work or a new favorite recipe?  Discoveries bring great joy to life and remind us to look beyond the day-to-day humdrum.

 

Today, when looking over Jesus’s words to the seven churches in Revelation 2, I found myself excited in considering a new discovery:  His promises to each church about the benefit accruing to those who overcome.  These benefits refer to the wonderful gift of heaven for those who have trusted in the risen Christ, “the Resurrection and the Life.” (John 11:25,26)

 

A favorite song of mine, “Overcome” by Jeremy Camp, boldly sings:  “We will overcome/ by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”  Here, we find the Scriptural parallel for this promise.  These promises accrue not because of our righteousness, but rather because of Christ’s righteousness.  We simply declare our allegiance to our risen King and trust Him for the empowering Spirit, Who gives us the grace to honor God in our earthly life.

 

Also, I noted that Jesus applauds the churches for achieving -- or chides them due to falling short of -- two main goals:  perseverance, passion, and purity.  These qualities only come through a vital connection with God; both are rooted in His character of faithfulness, love, and holiness.  They emerge in the believer through Christ in us, the hope of glory.  We will do well to embrace these characteristics and seek to build them into our lives in increasing measure.

 

As we consider heaven, it is worthwhile to question how much we desire to be in God’s presence.  Without a hunger to experience His presence in this life, we may not appreciate the constancy and clarity of His presence in heaven.  When we desire His presence now, however, we will find “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for overcoming sin and death through Your humble self-sacrifice.  Thank You for opening the pathway for forgiveness and the opportunity to experience God’s presence in our lives now and fully in heaven.  Send Your Spirit to empower us to live  with perseverance, passion, and purity.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory, on earth and in heaven, from everlasting to everlasting!  In Your precious Name, we pray.  Amen.

 

 

“Overcome” by Jeremy Camp:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8AB0vUU038

 


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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

December 9

Revelations 1

The book of Revelation is a book of hope and victory.  Our great hope is that one day all of Christs' promises will come true.  The word Revelation itself means uncover, or unveil.  We know that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2Tim. 3:16)  so as we read this passage, we see The Holy Spirit revealing to John the glorified Christ.  His full identity is revealed to John along with God's plan for Jesus' second coming and plan to establish His Kingdom along with His ultimate victory over evil.  While many people try to figure out an exact time table of events, perhaps there's a bigger picture to be focused on.  We all know the "time is near" (v.3).  God The Father knew when He would send His Son to enter the world, wrapped in cloth, to be born and take His first nap in a bed of straw.  Only He knows the day of His return.  A glimpse into the bigger plan is found in Joel 2:13 "Rend your heart, return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and compassionate".  God's message from today's reading filled me with hope that by opening our hearts to God, we are putting ourselves in a position to receive His grace and mercy on the day He returns.  Jesus, The Christ, is coming back, and will be leading the armies of heaven, destroying those who oppose Him and those who haven't put their life under His Lordship.  As we prepare our hearts for the birth of The Messiah, I pray we spread the message of the hope He brings.  O Come let us adore Him - Christ The Lord.



Randi

Monday, December 7, 2015

Of Confucius - jobs, love, and a future...and our children

3 Jn 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth."

I am not certain, but I think it might have been Confucius who supposedly once said "three things a man needs to be happy: a job to do, a someone to love and a tomorrow". I'd always thought of those as three separate things - even when I was married. It wasn't until I had children that I realized they could all be pointing in the same direction.

My eldest child (my favorite daughter, as I have always liked to remind her - to which her unfailing response is an exasperated "your only daughter") turned 18 yesterday. She is now an adult and, having gone off to college four months ago, is now not only no longer under my physical care, but legally emancipated as well. No matter - my parents' lessons continue to become clear, and in this instance I now understand why I will always be their son - because I know she will always be my daughter.

When she was born, it became apparent I had a job to do - to raise her, and raise her well; and I had someone to love - that was obvious. What was not as clear was what she would mean in the context of my tomorrow. It was explained to me that, when Confucius, or whoever may have written that little scribe, spoke of a "tomorrow", he (or she) was referring to hope, in a tomorrow better than today, in a future of fulfillment following a present of struggle and aspiration.

The verse from today's NT reading pretty much summarizes the hope I have for my children, the job I have to do for the someone I love in order to achieve the hope I aspire to for my tomorrow. After all, what greater joy could there be than for our children to be walking in the truth?

That isn't very easy these days - the world teaches so much that simply isn't true, certainly not to those who seek the Lord. How frightening the prospect they turn into Ephraim, as described in the OT reading...deceived and, having been deceived, having strayed and rebelled, having turned to other gods who can neither provide nor save, has won for itself God's rejection and condemnation.

3 Jn 1:11 "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."

How then to teach our children so they walk in truth? V 11 uses the word "imitate", and it is true - our children learn by our example. If they see us give God, and relationship with Him, the importance it deserves, putting it first and foremost in our minds and hearts, then that example is more likely to lead to their own relationship with Him, than if we treat God as an afterthought, or as just one separate but equal part of our our lives. They have to see God - in us or, if not in us, hopefully in someone else. The lack of an example makes them vulnerable to the world's deception, and keeps both us and them from the joy that Confucius so wisely described.

Father, thank you for the privilege of the opportunity to guide someone to the truth, be it our child, or someone else you may have sent into our lives. May we always be cognizant of the stakes involved - there are no higher - and may we always be an example for them to follow, constantly seeking to know You and Your Truth better. In Jesus's name we pray.


Sent from my iPad

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday, December 5, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

 

            Over 50% of marriages in the U.S.A end in divorce due to a variety of reasons. That means out of every two weddings we see at least one couple will get a divorce. The one unpardonable sin in a marriage for most women and men is adultery. It causes the bond of trust to be severed. It creates a feeling of insecurity and deep-seated pain. The adulterer or adulteress has committed the ultimate betrayal.

            The Lord understands all too well how adultery feels. He can sympathize with people that have endured this horrific act of infidelity. In the reading from today we see the Lord ask Hosea to "take to [himself] an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness" due to Israel turning her back on God (Hosea 1:2). Israel had bowed down to the god Baal and looked to other people for her help and protection instead of our Heavenly Father.

            Although this was a problem the Israelites dealt with in their time. It is still an issue today for us. How many times have we bowed to the god of money, comfort, pleasure, self, etc. and rejected God. One would easily think that since we see adultery as the unpardonable sin that this would definitely be the inexcusable sin for God.

            God did not see it as the unforgivable sin though. In fact due to His mercy and grace, He forgave Israel. It says in Hosea 2:16, "'In that day,' declares the Lord, 'you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master.'" He goes on to woo Israel to Himself by saying "I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord" (Hosea 2:19-20). In these verses above, God sounds like a husband deeply in love with a beautiful, faithful bride. God made these statements after Israel became an adulteress nation. He forgave Israel and declared His undying love for her, and He will do the same for us.

            Lord thank You so much for forgiving us for turning our backs on You and placing other god's before You. Thank You for Your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. Please help us to become children that stay faithful and keep You as our first love. You are amazing God. Thank You for showing us the true meaning of never giving up in a relationship. Thank You for showing us how to love unconditionally. We stand in awe of You and Your mercies that are new each and every day! Hallelujah! Amen! 





Friday, December 4, 2015

December 4

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

Have you ever had a hard time obeying this verse? Some people are just hard to love. People can be mean; they can use their words or actions to hurt you. Some are just insensitive or self centered and they don't even realize how difficult it is to love them. So what we do as Christ followers when we encounter people like this in our lives? According to 1 John our love for them is not based on their love for us. It is solely based on God's love for us.

This reminds me of this story I once heard from Chuck Swindoll about a little courageous, love-filled, boy who moved into a new neighborhood. His name was Chad.

One day, Chad came home from school and said to his mom, "Valentine's Day is coming up and I would like to make Valentines for everyone in my class. I want all of them to know that I love them." His mother's heart sank as she thought; I wish he wouldn't do that, because every afternoon she would watch the kids coming home from school, they'd be laughing and hanging on to each other, books under their arms. All, except Chad, he was always following behind them; no one seemed to pay any attention to him.
However, she decided to go along with Chad. So glue and paper and crayons were purchased and for three weeks, Chad painstakingly made 35 Valentines. When the day came to deliver the Valentines, he was so excited, this was his day. He stacked those Valentines under his arm and ran out the door.
His mother thought this was going to be a disappointing day for Chad, "I think I will make some cookies and have some milk ready for him when he gets home, maybe that will ease the pain, because he won't be getting any Valentines." That afternoon she put out the warm cookies and milk on the table. She scraped the frost off the living room widow and looked out, sure enough; here came the big gang of kids walking home from school. Valentines under their arms, they were laughing, they had really done well. And then there was her Chad; head down and walking faster than usual. She thought, bless his heart, he's ready to burst into tears, his arms are empty, and he doesn't have one Valentine.
Chad came into the house and she said, "Darling, Mom has some warm cookies and milk for you. Let's sit down and talk about it." But his face was all a glow. Chad marched right by her and said, "Not a one, not a single one, I didn't forget anyone. They all know I love them."

And so it was with Jesus on the cross, "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son in to the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (I John 4:9-10). Like Chad, only with much greater sacrifice, by taking my place on the cross and paying for my sin debt, it was if Jesus was saying to you and me, "Not a single one, not a single one, I didn't forget anyone. They all know I love them."


"Dear friends, since God soooooo… loved us, we also ought to love one another"

 

May we, and especially in these days of fear and terror be a people, like Chad, who are marked by courageous, bold and sacrificial love for our families, friends, EGRs (extra grace required people) and even our enemies.




--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Thursday, December 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015

Daniel 11:2–35

1 John 3:7–24

Psalm 122:1–9

Proverbs 29:1

 

 

“This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16–18)

 

 

In today’s reading, John exhorts us to follow Christ’s example of humble self-sacrifice in laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If we have effectively received the love of God, its presence will compel us to demonstrate love for others “with actions and in truth.”  As the moon reflects the sun’s bright light, we will reflect the light of Christ through living for Him.

 

The lesson here has simple meaning but profound implications.  What does it mean to go beyond ourselves and our very present needs and desires?  How may we allocate scarce resources away from our own upkeep, especially when finances are tight?

 

Just as the Christ-follower has trusted the Lord Jesus for salvation, he or she must also entrust time, talent, and energy for His service.  Sometimes, our service will prove rewarding and even invigorating, for it represents the purpose for which we were created.  Other times, however, we will face rejection and strong opposition from the prowling Evil One.  We will be tempted to abandon a servant’s attitude because the rewards seem distant, and the benefits of inward focus much clearer.

 

In Galatians 6:7–10, Paul provides this wisdom on staying the course of others-mindedness:  “Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  It reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, where we read that, “for the joy set before him, [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame… ”

 

Over the past several weeks, I have been reflecting on the idea of godliness as its own reward.  Even though others may not care or may even scoff, we may rest content in committing ourselves fully to God’s purposes.  There is never shame for the righteous person, but rather God’s rich welcome.

 

This godliness does not mean perfection, however.  Rather, it means a commitment and prioritization of His Kingdom over our kingdom, the eternal over the temporal.  For each of us, the implementation will look different, but the start lies in putting God first, others next, and ourselves third.  We love our neighbors as we would like them to love us:  with a godly heart.

 

It has been really encouraging to see Grace Church’s collective heart for others in 2015.  Praise God for His faithfulness to us and the opportunity to join Him in blessing others.  May He strengthen us through the Holy Spirit so that we may continue faithfully into 2016!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us a great example of self-sacrificing love.  We will never understand the depth of Your humility and Your unwavering devotion to the Father’s will.  Send Your Spirit so that we may exemplify the same commitment.  Create in us an undivided heart and a pure spirit.  Give us courage to press on when it becomes difficult to keep loving.  Refill our reserves so that we may be a blessing during this Advent season.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever!  Amen.

 


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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

December 2

Psalm 121
 
If we were to go into a book store and look on the "Self Help" shelf we would find a plethora of books.  Sadly, I've never seen the Bible as one of them.  In today's Psalm we read that our help comes from the Lord, Maker of Heaven and Earth.  We can't help ourselves without seeking Him first. (Mark 6:33)    In reflecting over the past year, one of the areas that God has been chiseling away at in me is my realizing that while on this journey, our eyes need to be lifted and focused on Jesus.  His truths and examples from Scripture reveal His sovereignty and divine nature.  We also read in 1 John 2:26-27 that there might be those who try to lead us astray but that our anointing is real and The Holy Spirit will teach us about all things.  I'm sure we each are crying out to God for something.  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer (1Peter 3:12) and as soon as you began to pray, an answer was given (Daniel (9:23). There is no other book out there that can help us.  As we end this year's reading I pray we all finish strong, knowing where our help truly comes from and remembering Whose birthday we are celebrating.   I pray for all of us that we lift our eyes and our hearts to our Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.




Randi

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

December 1

December 1

Daniel 8:1-27
1 John 2:1-17
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 28:25-26

On Not Loving the World

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

This passage just makes me reflect on Kenny/Keesha's post from Saturday.  Grateful???  Who should I be grateful to when I have worked so hard to get where I am and what I have today. 

I can sit back and visualize moments in my life that I wish had never happened, but they did.  I have said and done things that I wish I never had, but I did.

Through it all God never left my side or turned His back on me.  I think back about those moments and can only be GRATEFUL for where I am today, for who is in my life today, and for what I have today.  Oh yeah, gratitude......I know to whom mine belongs.  Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing me this far in this life.  Thank you for blessing me with such a loving and caring church family and friends.  Even though I cannot physically touch You....You send your angels to give me a hug when needed and an ear to listen to me.  I am also grateful that my needs are few, but I am grateful to you Lord for meeting them all abundantly!  Thank you!