Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Psalm 119:151-152

151
Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true.
152
Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.

Two very basic principles. The Lord is always near and His statutes were established to last forever.

I find a great deal of comfort in these short verses. Through all the trials and tribulations of life, the Lord is always near to us. In all the good times and bad time, He is right beside us, lifting us, carrying us, holding us, laughing with us and always loving us.

His statutes were established to last forever. Did you notice that??? His statues were established to last forever. Though the world may change and evil runs rampant, the Lord's statutes remain. So, no matter what may change in our world, our lives, our universe, the basics remain the same. There is nothing else that lasts forever except God's Kingdom!

Monday, May 30, 2016

May 30: Of sacrifice and remembrance

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23
John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 119:113-128
Proverbs 16:10-11

Here in the US, it is the close of Memorial Day, when we remember all those in the armed services who have fallen in service of the country, be it here at home, or elsewhere around the world.  I found it interesting how so many memes, on Facebook and elsewhere, so many essays written, seem to begin with the premise that people have forgotten what the holiday was about.  There was even a video where some pundit interviewed the youth, and their understanding of, let alone their appreciation for, the significance of the holiday was appallingly limited to a holiday at the start of the summer, a day made for cold drinks around a barbecue.  They'd forgotten the reason for the day, and the sacrifices of those we are meant remember, sacrifices made in service of their country and her citizens.  

I have no right to get sanctimonious, though.  In today's NT reading, Jesus is still alive...but His death is imminent.  He's been denied by His disciple, He's been flogged, crowned with thorns, made to carry His cross, and crucified.  His sacrifice He makes in service and love of His people - indeed, of all people, myself included.  And yet...and yet...how easily do I forget?  How often do I say I "have no king but Caesar?  How often do I find it easier to set Him aside so I can continue to gratify myself?  

Father, as we remember those who have fallen in service of the nation and the life we are able to leave because of their sacrifice, may we always remember the sacrifice of Your Son and aspire to the life He offers us with Him, each day into forever.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Saturday, May 28, 2016

"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided." (Proverbs 16:6)

As a teenager I always felt like I could get over on my mother.  She was a widow - a single mom trying to make it the best that she could - and raising two boys.  In my mind I often thought, "How hard can this be?"  She was so preoccupied with all of the difficulties of paying stacks of bills and trying to keep her sanity that I figured I would slip under her radar.  However, I didn't realize that she had a secret weapon.  One evening, after showering, getting dressed and dousing myself with cologne for the night, I was rushing down the stairs of our house when I noticed something shocking.  Mom was in her bedroom on her knees praying and crying.  In between the sniffles I heard her call out my name to God and ask Him to watch over me.  Even though I was doing my best to get in all of the trouble that I thought I was old enough to get into this scene shook me.  I knew who Jesus was.  I believed in Him and there were times that I prayed.  But seeing my mother put all of her trust in Him put a reverence and a respect in my heart for God that had never been there before.  

Though I still went out with my friends and "did my dirt" there were lines that I just would not cross, places I refused to go, and certain people that I would never entertain.  I accumulated stories where I left clubs before the guns started blazing; left house parties before the police came.  Many dangers were avoided because of the fear of the Lord that my mother exhibited in prayer - a reverent fear that also impacted the choices I made.  

After I graduated from college I looked back over my life and recounted the times when the Lord had delivered me.  A different reverence came over me.  Instead of just living off of "the fear of the Lord" that my mom had demonstrated through her relentless prayers for me I hungered for a personal revelation of the fear of the Lord.  I wanted to know Him and love Him like she did.

Having an attitude-changing respect (or fear) for the Lord helps us to personally avoid dangers in this life.  However, we need to be reminded that (like my mom's life) our lives are a witness to others.  The fear of the Lord that people see demonstrated in our lives has power to impact them, bring them into relationship with Jesus, and cause them to avoid the great "evil" of an eternity apart from the loving presence God.  I am a living witness.

Friday, May 27, 2016

May 27

May 27, 2016

John 16

How much joy do you have this Memorial weekend? Many Christians struggle with living life with the type of joy Jesus described in John 16. It seems that the circumstances and worries of life steal the joy that Jesus promised. There are many reasons for this joy drain but mine originates from my signature sin of "performance."  

Christian psychiatrist Frank Lake and theologian Emil Brunner identified my problem with something called "The Cycle of Grace." Jesus spoke of this cycle of grace in John 16. The cycle of grace is a way that keeps our "joy tank" full even when we are put out of the synagogue, filled with grief, or scattered from our homes. It is a way to live that keeps us grounded in Christ and lets his joy and grace flow out of us to others.

Notice verse 22, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

Here are the four steps in the Grace cycle:

Step 1: Acceptance: Accepting our identity in Christ at a heart level.

Step 2: Sustenance: Engaging practices that keep us connected to God.

Step 3: Significance: Allowing God's grace to flow through us to others.

Step 4: Achievement: Taking action and doing things as an outflow of God's grace in us.

This cycle starts in the heart by truly accepting who we are in Christ—that our value and worth are not dependent on what we do (or don't do). Instead, it's based on the fact that God made us and loves us. When we know who we are, we can endure the worse life can throw at us. We can even be joyful in the middle of these trials because we are connected with the source of joy and grace, Jesus.

The order is important though … acceptance, sustenance, significance, and then achievement. This is why Jesus never had a "joy tank" on empty.

Mess up the order and it will automatically drain your "joy tank." What I have done is to reverse the order…achievement, significance, sustenance and then acceptance. This slight rearrangement really messes up the equation.

When achievement comes first and that achievement is not A+ the joy starts to leak. Several days of having this reverse order will result in a drained "joy tank." Please don't repeat my error. In the end joy can never be taken from someone who knows they are deeply loved and valued by our immensely good and compassionate God. 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 26, 2016

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016
Today's reading includes the wonderful truth that Jesus serves as the True Vine. From this image, we recognize that God cares deeply about human flourishing, nurturing us through our connection to the Living Christ. He nourishes us, strengthens us, and equips us to bear real fruit. Our connection to Him leads us to fulfill God's purposes, not our individual brilliance, strength, or will. This Vine gives life to us – and, through us, to others.
Crucially, we have a calling as Christ-followers to bear fruit. How should we understand what this fruit represents? First, it represents the fruit of life transformation, borne out through our connection with Christ. Galatians 2:20 explains that "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live. The life I live, I live through the power of the Son of God." (paraphrase) Life transformation comes both at once – as we receive Christ and become His branch – and over time – through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. This fruit emerges naturally from persevering in our connection with the Vine and trusting Him above other "gods" calling for our attention. Have you ever prayed that God would transform you more into the image of His Son? If not, I encourage you to search out what the Scriptures say about transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18) and ask Him for the fruit of transformation in your life.
Second, this fruit involves the produce of commitment to God's Kingdom work. In short, His Kingdom work includes inviting others to experience the Vine, transforming our communities through bringing His presence, and building others up to become what God has created them to be. This Kingdom work requires time and sacrifice, but the results last far longer than other types of work. Have you ever prayed that God would use you for His Kingdom purposes? If not, why not today?
Third, this fruit involves an outpouring of love. Recognizing that we are fully loved through our connection to the Vine, we may love others compassionately and purely. In Christ, our love and joy become complete because He substitutes His all-sufficiency for our weakness. We are solely responsible for staying connected to the Vine rather than "producing" love from ourselves. Channeling the all-sufficient love in the Vine, we have every ounce of love that we will need to touch and bless a world full of broken people. We will grow weary at times, but He will give us the resources as we rest in Him. Have you ever prayed that God would make you into a greater lover of people? Whose model could you follow in this prayer?
Praise God for His provision of the True Vine! May we remain connected and fruitful today.
Lord Jesus, may You be rightly praised today. We rejoice in our connection to the True Vine. Energize us through our connection with You to bear fruit that will last. Help us to serve well in pointing others to You. Please use us to expand Your Kingdom in Stamford, Fairfield County, and beyond. We love You and worship You with all our hearts, minds, and souls. In Jesus's Name, amen.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

May 25

Psalm 119:33-48

The Psalmist talks about obedience to God's law being the way to happiness.  If we all sat down at a Bible study we would unanimously agree that obedience is key.  We would all agree that knowing God's Word is our lifeline.  I think though we would all also agree that knowing the Word isn't enough, after all, the Pharisees knew the Word.  In fact they had it memorized since childhood.  We need to know Jesus.  "If you love Me, you will obey what I command".  John 14:15.  Our obedience comes from our relationship.  As disciples of Christ we have more than the Word, we also have the Holy Spirit.  "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."  John 14:26.  We find comfort and happiness in the Word because the Holy Spirit gives us understanding.  We can "turn our eyes away from worthless things" (v. 37) because we know that eternity awaits us.  We love and obey the Word because we love Jesus.  We obey because we love, and we love because He loved us first.


Randi


Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Proverbs 15:31-32 New International Version (NIV)

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

I am finding more and more knowledge in the Proverbs of how I should have lived my life. I guess it all has to do with the cycle of life. As a youngster, and a young adult, many of us have struggled with self-esteem and perhaps this is why we disregard discipline. Even though we are/were young, we certainly knew it all! Only through these instructions from the manual of life, can we take correction openly and grow in the knowledge of ourselves as we should be when walking with the Lord. It is never too late to be wise. The Proverbs also are easier to understand now that I am more open to God's Word and His teachings. This has long been an excuse used by me and many other people that I know. The excuse for not reading the Bible because we just don't understand it. Well, given a little time and some quiet reading, along with a good Bible study group, this too is possible. With understanding comes knowledge! Thank You Lord for the Book of Life.

Monday, May 23, 2016

May 23: Of Judases then and now


2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
John 13:1-30
Psalm 119:1-16
Proverbs 15:29-30

"What you are about to do, do quickly."

Have you ever wondered why Judas did it?  Why he betrayed the man whose life he'd shared, the rabbi he'd followed for all of three years, the man whom so many Jews thought was to be the political savior of Israel, the one who would free them from Roman bondage?  

Was it the money?  The thirty pieces of silver?  Perhaps...because we already know Judas had been stealing from their funds.  Did he need to justify his betrayal to himself - that he was doing it for the good of Israel and, after all, he was doing it with the blessing of the religious authorities - surely they knew from right and wrong?

Did he do it because he was afraid he was going to get caught...that Jesus already knew he'd been stealing, and would turn him out, and so he was saving his own skin by turning Jesus in first?

What reason could he have had to have betrayed a Man whom he'd seen feed the multitudes, heal the sick and raise the dead?  

What reason do we?  What reason do I?  The other day, my wife and I prayed for God's intervention in a dispute, and He answered our prayers.  Against all odds, things were resolved favorably.  You want to know how big a miracle it was?  It happened not because I spoke, but because God kept my mouth shut.  And those of you who know me know that is SO not me.  

That was Saturday.  Here it is Monday night, and I find myself remembering so many ways in the past 48 hours that I've betrayed Him, I've let Him down, I've sinned.  And thinking back on what He did for me Saturday, what He's done for me all my life, I don't understand why I do it either.

The psalmist prays it today too - "Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!  Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands."

Thankfully, we have a prescription - an aspirational one, because we know that for as long as we live on this earth, we will sin.  The psalmist says "How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart...I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Thank You, God, that we are able to walk the road to purity not by our strength, but by Your Word.  

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Psalm 118:28-29

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
You are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His love endures forever.

Yes. The Lord is my God. How grateful I am that he opened my eyes and my heart so that I can see him and know him and am welcomed into his throne room where I can worship at his feet. His Word tells me that I can KNOW that I have eternal life. I don't have to spend time wondering or worrying or trying to be good. His promise is real and true and he is faithful.

I was having lunch with some friends during the week and the conversation turned to world conditions and the awful things that have been happening recently. I commented that we live in a fallen world are seeing things we never thought we would see. One of the ladies kind of blurted out that she doesn't believe in evil and she doesn't believe in God and she didn't want anyone to try to change her mind. Our lunchtime was just about over so the conversation pretty much ended there. But I can't describe the feeling that came over me. I was stunned. Surprised. Saddened. But most of all relieved and grateful that I AM a believer. I've had lunch with these people most days for several years and we have talked about God before but this is the first time my friend said this. I just felt so sad for her. To close the door in God's face. To turn away from the most true and pure love of our Father. So sad.

This conversation came on the heels of me losing a dear friend last weekend. She was my age and died very suddenly, leaving 4 adult children who will miss her like crazy. Nothing is guaranteed in this life except for the love of God if we will only accept it. I will of course be praying for my unbelieving friend and asking the Holy Spirit for opportunities to speak to her about Jesus.

Dear Lord, I ask that you open the eyes of those who are blinded by the enemy. Let them see the beauty of your creation and know that it didn't happen by chance. Show them that they cannot ever be 'good enough' on their own to get into Heaven but only through accepting the death of your Son on the cross. Lord, fill them with the knowledge of you and the excitement of being known as your child. These things I ask in the precious name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.



Sent from my iPad

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Saturday, May 21, 2016

[Keesha Sullivan]

What do you do when you feel all alone in a struggle? Who or what do you turn to? I've turned to friends, food, TV/entertainment and even work.  Although these avenues took my mind off of the problem for a little while, ultimately neither the problem nor the loneliness completed subsided. I needed more. There was still a gaping hole that needed filling. In fact, many times these fillers became idols. I would look to them often, which gave the enemy an open door to help me over eat, procrastinate, complain/vent, etc.

        In our scripture from today, David did not turn to any of these worldly idols. He knew the One that could solve the problem and fill the loneliness. It says in 1 Samuel 30: 6. "But David found strength in the Lord his God." David turned to the only One that could turn his situation completely around.

        The Amalekites kidnapped the wives, children, mothers, fathers and friends of David and his men. David and his men were in complete despair. They were bitter in spirit and they could not turn to one another. In fact these men were ready to kill David. David not only made God his refuge in his time of need, but he also asked the Lord for advice.  David inquired, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" (1 Samuel 30: 8). The Lord answered him and said, "Pursue them. You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue" (1 Samuel 30: 8).

        God provided solace and comfort to David. He quieted David's spirit with His peace in the midst of the storm. He provided a strong tower and love that would overflow any gaping hole that was created from this horrendous tragedy. God then blessed him with the opportunity to retrieve all of the family members and friends that had been taken. God basically told David to go after the Amalekites because He would fight the battle. David and his men would experience success because the Lord their God would fight for them. He would make them victorious!

        Over time I have stopped turning to false idols and suffering through trials because of the mercy of God. I have begun turning to God and overcoming trials because of the supernatural strength that God gives me. He has and will always make us victorious! The trials will come, but the Lord has said in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

        Lord, please help us to turn to You when we go through struggles and trials. Help us to find our comfort and refuge in Your arms. Please help us to trust and believe that You will see us through. Help us to be overcomers! We need You Lord and we thank You that You are always with us and that You never leave us nor forsake us. We love You! In Jesus's name. Amen


Friday, May 20, 2016

May 20


1 Samuel 28

Two years ago I had a conversation with a Christian father who was convinced that his son was dealing with demonic activity in his life. He believed that his son's constant use of drugs and immoral behavior had opened the door to Satan's influence in his life. This should come as no surprise to us because Satan can get a foothold in our lives simply through unresolved anger. This father was perplexed as to what to do.

Of all the conversations I have each year in the west there will be less than five of this nature. Yet when I travel to Africa I will have 5 conversations each day concerning spiritual warfare. Why the difference? In the west we are convinced that Satan doesn't exist. In the east they believe that everyday we are locked in a spiritual battle with Satan.   

Saul was fooling around with the supernatural and it cost him dearly. Desperate people turn to the occult to get answers and all they get are disasters. Don't open the door to Satan. If you want to be liberated from the kingdom of darkness and move into the kingdom of light.... the liberator has made a way. James 4:7 gives us the way, "Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hand you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded." 

Sin is like garbage, it attracts flies. So get rid of the flies! No, get rid of the garbage. If you get rid of the garbage, the flies will have no reason or right to be there. When we renounce sin, turn from it, and run to God, that is when we experience liberation. 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Thursday, May 19

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

 

“’My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’” (John 10:27–30)

 

In today’s reading, Jesus continues His discourse on identifying Himself as the Good Shepherd.  Implicit in this metaphor lies the role of His sheep, those who will “listen to my voice” and “follow me.”  Clearly, Jesus’s call to us propels a response, which wells up in faith and communion with the living God.

 

Encouragingly, the passage promises that, once we have responded to Jesus’s call, our faith will remain permanent and effective – that is, that God Himself will never leave us nor forsake us.  This promise may carry us through the ups and downs of daily life because we may rest assured that “on Christ the solid Rock I stand.”  Having responded in faith, we need not fear about abandonment.  The permanence of this connection may bring us peace in the storms of life.

 

Jesus’s comments here flowed after an inquiry from the Jews on His identity, where they asked Him about His claim to be the Messiah.  From what we may gather contextually, it seems that these questioners sought a factual answer out of fearful curiosity and stood ready to judge His statements.  Their interest in “knowing” did not emerge from a true hunger to know the Truth (the Person of Christ) but rather to question His proclamation of truth.  Please note that this incident shows us that we may know by faith or know only facts.

 

For us, we response to Jesus’s call in faith, resting on the facts of His life, death, and Resurrection.  We have deep reassurance of these truths through the testimony of the Scriptures, the willingness of early and recent Christ-followers to suffer and die for Christ, and the reality of God’s faithfulness in our own lives.  We know from this passage that He will protect and honor His sheep, yet, deeper still, we know Him and therefore love and honor Him.

 

Please consider watching this video, as the song touches upon the right response to the call of our Good Shepherd. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2h9Hm9JZho)

 

 

Lord Jesus, may You be rightly praised today.  You are indeed the Good Shepherd, and Your goodness to us stirs us to faith and restores our hope.  Thank You for calling us to Yourself.  Help us to serve well in pointing others to You.  Please use us to expand Your Kingdom in Stamford, Fairfield County, and beyond.  We love You and worship You with all our hearts, minds, and souls.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 


________________________________________
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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

May 18

John 10

Let's take ourselves back 2000 years and envision a sheep pen.  They were caves, sheds, or areas surrounded by walls with stones or branches.  The sheep were gathered at night to sleep and their shepherd would sleep across the doorway to protect them.  The shepherd lovingly protected the sheep and watched over them.  The sheep could only go in and out of the pen through the doorway, guarded by the shepherd.  Sometimes a "hired hand" would watch over the sheep, but he tended the sheep for money, not out of love as the shepherd did. Let's now mirror that image to the Kingdom of God, as Jesus intended us to look at it. The pen of course being the Kingdom, and Jesus is The Good Shepherd as prophesied in the O.T. Scriptures such as Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34.  The only way to enter into God's Kingdom is through Him.  Political leaders and false prophets might try to steal us and take our life from our shepherd BUT because Jesus loves us and we know His voice, we won't be led astray.  As Christ followers we know that Jesus' life, death and resurrection were all part of God's divine plan.  His parables, for us, are ways to relate our life to the Kingdom that awaits.  The Pharisees thought he was crazy because as a man His claim to Divinity was incomprehensible.  Let's not forget, He chose to live with the limitations of a man.  The miracles He performed, however, were real making His claim as God undeniable. Throughout His life and ministry He was proving that He is The Good Shepherd and the prophesied Messiah.  So today, as His sheep,  "if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Heb. 4:7). 




Randi

Monday, May 16, 2016

May 16: Of clenched fists and open palms

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
John 8:31-59
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 15:12-14

There are many lessons my parents have tried to teach me that I thought I'd already learned, only to be confronted with situations that confirm how far I have yet to go.  One of those lessons is "if you don't unclench your fist around what you hold dear, God cannot put anything in your hand".  If you are like me, this isn't easy.  Living in the world, we are taught and trained - incessantly, I might add - to develop attractions, then addictions to worldly things.  I struggle with the sin of finding my security in savings, in employment, in hard work and in education.  These are the things I often find that, soon after I thought I'd let them go, I see my fists clenched around them again.  

In today's readings, it is comforting to see it isn't just me.  Saul had his fists clenched around being "the chosen one", the anointed of God, even though Samuel had told him previously his disobedience would lead to God placing the crown upon another.  And in his efforts to keep his fists clenched around his position, he sought to kill David, whom he was increasingly coming to realize was the new chosen of God.  Kill him - not just once in today's reading, but twice.  Despite the fact it was increasingly apparent God was blessing Israel through David.  

The Pharisees in the NT reading seem to have been cut from the same cloth.  They so firmly clenched their fists around the interpretation of scripture that served to keep them in their positions of authority they refused to consider the possibility salvation they professed to aspire to was standing before them in our Lord.  And we know they lengths to which they were prepared to go to keep their fists closed - they were prepared to go as far as Saul was, only they were successful.  

The psalms today are pretty clear on this topic as well.  They talk of the blessedness of those "who are generous and lend freely", who "have freely scattered their gifts to the poor".  These are the ones whose "hearts are secure", who "will have no fear", and who, "in the end,...will look in triumph on their foes".  

Of all the promises in the psalms today, the one that I desire the most is to have a secure heart, to live without fear - which I take to mean without worry.  Father, unclench our fists around the trinkets we wrongfully treasure over your gifts, that our palms might be empty to receive Your unbridled, unlimited goodness.

Friday, May 13, 2016

May 13

1 Samuel 13


Every day we are on a journey to increase our faith. The development of faith has to be one of our top priorities. So Jonathan's attitude in our reading today becomes a great encouragement for us. Here is the story. Jonathan and his armor-bearer cross over into enemy territory. They sneak up on an outpost of 20 Philistines. So the odds are 20 vs. 2. But Jonathan says, "If they invite us into a battle, we will take that as a sign from God, he is going to give us the victory." That is a great illustration of radical faith.

Here are a few ways I can see this working today:

"Lord, if I go into Donut Delight and I see a person sitting alone, I will take that as a sign you want me to sit down and begin a conversation with them."

"Lord, if I am working in the garden today and the guys come up and shoot basketball, I will take that as a sign that you want me to play the game with them and inquire about their lives."

"Lord, if I am at coffee hour on Sunday and I see someone standing alone, I will take it as a sign you want me to go start a conversation."

This type of radical faith opens a lot more doors than our old way of safe and comfortable faith development. So how do you think God is calling you to step out in radical faith today?  


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Thursday, May 12

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

 

1 SAMUEL 12:1–13:23

JOHN 7:1–30

PSALM 108:1–13

PROVERBS 15:4

 

 

The Israelites begged for a king, longing to follow the example of the peoples around them.  In so doing, the Israelites rejected God's authority over them in order to seek a worldly, tangible authority.  Shortly thereafter, the nation will begin its historical pattern of rising and falling on its leadership's commitment to honoring God and His law.  With some notable exceptions, this leadership would not follow the model and would drive disappointment and strife.

 

In contrast, the early Christian church sought to provide bottom-up leadership, based on self-sacrifice and pouring out the love of Christ to a hurting world.  Clement, an early church father, explained that the Christian ought to build up his or her brothers and sisters:  “He impoverishes himself out of love, so that he is certain he may never overlook a brother in need, especially if he knows he can bear poverty better than his brother.  He likewise considers the pain of another as his own pain. And if he suffers any hardship because of having given out of his own poverty, he does not complain.”

 

While we are called to love one another in the church, the early Christians exemplified an others-mindedness that extended beyond their own circles.  Diogenetes described this love of Christ displayed in the world:  “They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners.  As citizens, they share in all things with others and yet endure all things as if foreigners.  Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers.  They marry, as do all others; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring.  They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh.  They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven.  They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men and are persecuted by all.  They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death and restored to life.  They are poor yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things and yet abound in all; they are dishonored and yet in their very dishonor are glorified.  They are evil spoken of and yet are justified; they are reviled and bless; they are insulted and repay the insult with honor; they do good yet are punished as evildoers.  When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.  To sum it all up in one word -- what the soul is to the body, that are Christians in the world.”

 

In a world challenged in many ways, we must re-dedicate our hearts to living as the salt of the earth and placing the Gospel life on display.  How may we give of ourselves so that others may become rich?  How may we demonstrate the life transformation that Christ has triggered in order to bring hope to hurting people?

 

 

Lord Jesus, we seek to display Your lovingkindness in a hurting and broken world.  Give us tangible means by which we may bless and serve those around us.  We sense that the world desperately needs Your presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Help us to bring Your truth and hope and to pierce the darkness with the light of the Gospel.  In Your Name, amen.

 

 


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Wednesday, May 11, 2016

May 11

1 Samuel 10:6

The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person

In Ezekiel 37:14 God says "I will put my Spirit within you and you will come to life".  Without God's Spirit, we are lifeless.  We just read through the book of Judges, and each time God raised up a Judge, His Spirit came upon them.  When Jesus was baptized, God's Spirit descended from Heaven to rest upon Him.  In each Biblical instance, the Spirit of God changed a person equipping them to carry out the mission God had for them.  As Christ followers, the Spirit of God changes us the moment receive Him as Lord.  His Spirit comes upon us. His Spirit equips us for the assignment He has given us.  The Spirit we receive does not make us timid, but gives us power (2 Tim.1:7). The Spirit we received brought about our adoption to sonship (Romans 8:14). A transformation takes place in us that enables us to cry out to Abba, God our Father, with the hope of an answer through faith in Jesus.  2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that we are new creations in Christ.  When we put all this together we can't help but look upon the situations in our life with a different perspective-- as children of God Whose Spirit rests upon us and lives within us.  I pray as we go about day, we carry this truth with us and just as Moses' face reflected the Glory of God, we reflect the Spirit of the Lord which gives us life.




Randi

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Saturday, May 7, 2016

​​
Saturday, May 7, 2016

[by Kenny and Keesha Sullivan]


    Keep asking! Keep seeking! Keep pushing! God's help is on the way! As one songwriter wrote, "He [God] may not come when we want Him, but He'll be there right on time!" (Dottie Peoples - He's An On Time God).  Our God is a God that hears and sees us. He has heard the prayers that you have petitioned. He has seen the tears that you have shed and His help is on the way!


    Hannah learned this truth through her brokenness.  "In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:10). Hannah had been barren for years. Her rival Peninnah, who had bore children without fail, provoked Hannah in order to irritate her. Peninnah made Hannah feel worthless, as if God would never come to the rescue. However, Hannah kept asking. She kept seeking His face. She kept pushing for her miracle to come!


    "And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile [her first son] Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord" (1 Samuel 2:21). WOW!!!  Hannah prayed for one baby, but God blessed her with six!  I am left in awe and wonder as I not only saw the Lord come to Hannah's rescue with what she asked, but He gave her six times what she asked for.


    As Christians we face a lot of persecution from the enemy. He works through people, media and even our own thoughts. He is our Peninnah. He makes us feel worthless and as though our God will never come to the rescue. It's a lie! The enemy speaks louder and more clearly when he knows that our blessing is right around the corner. He knows that the victory is ours and that God is on His way. He knows that if we persevere and that if we don't give up that the Just Judge will answer our prayers.  God may not come when we want Him, but He'll be there right on time.


    "Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).  What we're talking about here is faith and perseverance in prayer.  In Hebrews 11 (the faith Hall of Fame chapter) we read of men and women of God that persevered in faith.  They never received all of the promises for which they pressed into God, but we are those beneficiaries today.  We stand on their faithful shoulders, their prayers, and God's faithfulness to them. We have a responsibility to continue pressing into God for the legacy of victory for which the blood of Christ has paid!  Jesus has assured us, "In this world you will have trouble.  But, take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). We too are overcomers!  "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).


    Lord, we need you! Please give us the strength to keep crying out for our miracle. Please help us to believe that You can. Please help us to persevere in prayer. We know that in Your word it says to pray without ceasing! Help us to never stop turning to You for our victory! We love You Lord, and we thank You in advance for the victory that has already been won! In Jesus's name. Amen!



Thursday, May 5, 2016

Thursday, May 5

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2016

 

JUDGES 21:1–25

RUTH 1:1–22

JOHN 4:44–24:12

PSALM 105:1–15

PROVERBS 14:25

 

 

In today's readings, we see two clarion examples of God's heart for all people.  In the reading from Ruth, we find Ruth's surprising affirmation of following Naomi and her God, even forsaking her own people of Moab and the ongoing famine there.  In John 4, Jesus demonstrates a pioneering spirit of outreach to a heavily disliked people, the Samaritans, even crossing the male-female divide.

 

Ruth elected to choose Naomi and demonstrated great faithfulness throughout her life.  The story of redemption and restoration throughout this story points to the lovingkindness of God and His deep concern for the poor and broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18).  Ruth's redemption would come through Naomi's family line, a kinsman-redeemer named Boaz.  Boaz's blessing of his extended family -- more on that later in our reading -- provides a testimony of how we as Christ-followers may shower blessings on others from the blessings that we have ourselves received.

 

Meanwhile, Jesus crosses several significant cultural boundaries to bring the Gospel message to the Samaritans.  In our minds, we might have imagined a far different course:  Jesus, knowing the hearts of all people, might have selected someone close to God in Samaria and used this individual to reform this errant group.  Putting on our consultant hats for a moment, it seems that the path would have been much cleaner with a more "acceptable" first recipient of the Gospel there.

 

Nonetheless, Jesus's compassionate love and outreach sought out a woman far from God, whose life had been full of disappointment (and, reading between the lines, regret).  When Jesus identified the truth about her multiple relationships -- but only after offering her better "water."  He reached her at her point of physical need but leveraged that conversation to address her deeper spiritual need.  Through His compassion, He recognized through the Spirit that she would respond to His offer to quench her spiritual thirst.  We may grow in this aspect of ministry, I believe, through observing people around us and seeking to see beneath the surface.

 

Please take note at the Gospel's awesome penetration through this unlikely evangelist.  Knowing this woman's background, the surrounding community understood that change had indeed transpired in her life and became quite curious.  For this reason, we often hear that the power of a transformed life will speak much louder than our words.

 

How have you experienced spiritual transformation in your life?  How did Jesus speak to you most clearly? How may you communicate this great news to other people who may be thirsty too?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for demonstrating such a heart of compassion for lost people.  Guide us in following Your example.  Bring about greater evidence of transformation in our lives so that we may share Your great news with others.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

May 4

Psalm 104:33  I will sing to the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to my God as long as I live


As I read this verse in Psalm 104 I couldn't help recall "A Journey to the Potter's House".  Along with everyone else in the sanctuary, my family sat in awe at the realization of how God molds us and shapes us.  We came to the same conclusion - that no matter how difficult a situation or circumstance is, God is awesome.  He is always in control and His praise should always be on our lips, as the Psalmist tells us.  I pray today Lord that our meditation be on You and that our work is a reflection of You.  I pray You rejoice in us as we go about our day.  Bless us Lord as we sing Praise to You, giving all of our issues to you, and watching You orchestrate Your work in our lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9AarM9w5lU




Randi

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

John 3:19-21
19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."

My post today will be rather brief as I read over the verses I have selected. My journey in life has gone from the darkness, into the light and back into the darkness on several occasions. I choose to think now that I have returned to the light. I know of people in my life who are not believers because they still feel strongly that God would never forgive their sins. This saddens me greatly because they do not even make the attempt to come to know the Lord. I keep trying to express my beliefs in ways so as not to offend or drive them further away from salvation. I leave them at the throne of God for Him to pick the opportunity He has chosen to make Himself known to them. I continue to pray. I do not like the darkness (except when I sleep), and I thank God each day for the freedom and joy that comes from living in the Light, Jesus!!

Monday, May 2, 2016

May 2: Of Samson's stupidity...and mine...and God's forgiveness

Judges 15:1-16:31
John 2:1-25
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 14:17-19

Samson - so physically strong, so mentally weak.  He seems to have been the person described in today's proverb - the one who inherits folly, not the one crowned with knowledge. If his story weren't so tragic, he would remind me of Moose in the Archie comics.  I mean, seriously - what idiot goes back to a woman when he finds himself in the conditions meant to sap his strength not 12 hours after he described said conditions to her?  Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...fool me thrice - well, I lose my strength, have my eyes gouged out and get taken to prison.  You'd think that after he'd woken up once, twice even, bound in ways he'd described to Delilah would take away his strength, he'd have learned his lesson - stay away from her!  She's bad news!  But no...

I am Samson.  And, I suspect, so are many of you, reading this.  We suffer from persistent sinfulness, putting ourselves at risk, because we persist not so much in the sin, but in putting ourselves back into situations that will tempt us to the sin.  The sin is almost just an aftereffect of our actions, of the times we delude ourselves into thinking "it's ok.  This time I won't succumb to the temptation; this time I won't commit the sin."  In that way, I am a fool - because the truth is, it doesn't matter what my intentions for them are, when I put match close to dry paper, the paper will ignite.  Every.  Single.  Time.  And the only way to keep the paper from catching fire is to not approach the flame in the first place.

Our Lord understood that.  From today's NT reading, one might be excused for thinking he hated the vendors and money changers defiling the temple.  I prefer to think He loved them so much that their sin distressed Him, and chasing them out of the temple, away from the desperate supplicants they sold their wares and services to, away from the sinfulness of the transactions, was His way of keeping their paper, the paper He loved, from burning up in flames.

How to respond, then to our persistent sinfulness?  Despair is tempting, hopelessness seems the only logical response.  But we are not Spock.  We are children of the Almighty, Whose love for us, manifest in the suffering, death and resurrection of His Only Son, is far more powerful, far more persistent than any and all of our sins.  And so we are able to pray with the psalmist today - "Praise the Lord, 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..."

Thank You again, God.  But could you please please please teach me to keep away from the flame?


Sunday, May 1, 2016

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Saturday, April 30, 2016
By Keesha Sullivan

How does God see us? What are we worth to Him? God sees us as beautiful for we were made in His heavenly image. We are his treasured possession, the apple of His eye, His sons and daughters. We have a heavenly Father that sees us for our true worth because He is our Creator and He is perfect. God doesn't make mistakes.

I think the very first sentence of scripture that we read for today's reading spoke to how God viewed Jephthah. The verse said, "Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior" (Judges 11:1). The second sentence of scripture revealed how the world saw Jephthah."His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute" (Judges 11:1). As I read through the scripture for today, I felt sad for Jephthah. Much of his identity as well as our own identity unfortunately comes from the world and how others perceive us. Very little of it often times comes from the way our heavenly Father views us.

Because Jephthah's mother was a prostitute, his brothers and his earthly father saw Jephthah as worthless and rejected him. They told him, in so many words, "You are not part of us and you won't get a dime of our father's inheritance because you are just the son of a prostitute." Jephthah's father and brothers did not realize that they were talking about God's son whom he had knit together in his mother's womb. They didn't know that God had always had a plan for Jephthah, even before he was born, to prosper him and not to harm him. They didn't know that God loved him and that is why He made him. All they saw was what they could with their earthly lenses. They saw a "nobody."

The truth is "nobody is a nobody." God doesn't make mistakes. In fact, God used Jephthah, the son of a prostitute, to free the Israelites from the Ammonites. It says in the scripture from today, "Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah...Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into his hands" (Judges 11:29, 32).

God doesn't see us the way that the world sees us. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways. God saw Jephthah's true identity, and He sees us. We are worth far more to our heavenly Father than we could ever begin to fathom. It is time for us as sons and daughters to throw away the lenses that the world has used to identify us and to see ourselves through God's eyes.

Lord, thank You for making us. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for desiring to see great things for us, O God. Please help us today and every day to see ourselves through Your eyes. Help us to remember our worth and that You want to do great and mighty things with us. We love You so much, and we are so incredibly grateful to have You in our lives. Please bless us this day with new perspective and new lenses for ourselves as well as our fellow brothers and sisters around us. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen!