August 30

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

The Spirit of Faith

There are many times I find myself wrestling -- I know what God's Words says, I know what I am supposed to believe, and yet the picture of the circumstance just isn't matching up to the Word. I think that's why I found Paul's words to be so encouraging.  Think about Paul and what he was going through. Think about the many Biblical examples of men and women with incredible faith. Personally, I want my faith to be as strong as theirs. Honestly, I do miss the mark.  In Matthew 12:24 Jesus said "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh"  Speaking with a firm and settled conviction that scripture is God breathed (2 Tim. 3:16) and believing the truth of the Gospel is what I believe Paul is emphasizing in this passage. Like David in Psalm 116, Paul uses the language of faith as he was "entangled by the chords of death" (v3), but he still cried out to God, trusted, and waited for His answer. I believe Paul is trying to encourage us to use the same language and strengthen our spirit. This is how faith grows. God promises us when we are hard pressed on every side, we are not abandoned, crushed or destroyed (4:18).  We have a treasure in jars of clay (v7).  Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think Paul was trying to remind us that the Holy Spirit Who lives inside of us is God's strength which will lead us through. Believing the truths of the Gospel, believing Jesus wins, believing in all that was done on the Cross, and reminding ourselves to keep our eyes fixed on what we can't see, is what gets us through our trials. Eternity awaits us.  Knowing this, we speak God's truth over our lives, our family, our nation, our church, and our schools. I pray this morning that as we go into the day we carry the Spirit of Faith like Paul did, knowing that greater is the One who is inside of me, than he who is living in the world.


Randi

August 29: The oppression of the world / Our children in His hands

Job 31:1-33:33

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Psalm 43:1-5

Proverbs 22:8-9

"Vindicate me, my God

   and plead my cause 

   against an unfaithful nation."

Do you have children, and are you as worried for them and their future as I am for mine?  Because as silly as my Frank Sinatra/Cole Porter-listening-parents seemed to think my world was when I was my kids' age (see: Madness / Our House and anything Madonna was wearing at any point in her career) all that seems to pale in comparison with the ludicrousness the world demands we and our children accept as truth today, so much of it diametrically opposed to what we'd come to know and to believe.  

And, to make matters worse, the world today seems less and less willing to accommodate views that differ from the commonly held and widely trumpeted.  It used to be we could disagree, and agree to disagree - today, the world increasingly demands we embrace what we disagree with, that which we oppose (see: Christian bakers and wedding cakes, Little Sisters of the Poor, "settled science" climate change and gender fluid bathrooms).  Who wouldn't be disheartened for our children's future by the sight of a journalism professor refusing the press access to a public protest, or by university officials who charge $65,000 a year for an education, acquiescing to the misguided demands of group of students who, by their assertions, reject the very idea of learning they are in college to achieve? 

So little of it makes sense, so much of it madness we are being ordered not only to accept, but to live by, and live with.  I guess this gives me some idea of what Job must have been thinking.  He didn't understand why God was putting him through such suffering; what he knew was that he'd been faithful to God, and was going to remain so - regardless of what his friends insisted.  

"Why, my soul, are you downcast?

     Why so disturbed within me?

 Put your hope in God,

     for I will yet praise Him,

     my Savior and my God."

The good news is that, as we knew Job eventually found out, there was a purpose to it all - God's purpose, far above ours, and whatever the worry, the fear, the anguish and the despair he might have felt, that we (that I!) might feel for our children and the world they will grow up in, GOD HAS THIS COVERED.  I pray then not that my children be under His care - they already are, He loves them far more than their mother and I could, combined; but that I might live by the psalmist's words, reject the worry and the fear, and put my hope in Him.  

Thursday, August 25, 2016

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

"I know that my Redeemer lives

   and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

And after my skin has been destroyed,

   yet in my flesh I will see God.

I myself will see him

   with my own eyes -- I, and not another.

How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:25-27)

Even amid his despair, Job still holds to his faith in his Redeemer, understanding that his only hope lies in God.  This triumphant declaration may carry us, almost 4,000 years later, in our trials and challenges.

Earlier in the reading, Job refers to his Redeemer as his "witness," "advocate," "intercessor," and "friend."  He recognizes that, while his "friends" may have abandoned him, God has not.  He looks to the Lord as a "strong tower." (Psalm 46:1)

Job feels justified frustration in hearing his friends' desire to pin blame on Job for his fate, due to some supposed unrighteousness.  Their outlook has a backward focus and loses sight of the present.

With hindsight, we have read about God's heart regarding Job's situation.  Yet, not considering the outcome for a moment, what might we learn from Job and his friends that we could apply in our own friendships?  As I reflected on this question, two ideas came to mind:  (1) loving listening and (2) focus on the present, the future, and God's unchanging character.

When we speak with a loved one about a difficult situation, we may often turn to our problem-solving skills, suggesting remedies even before we have heard the whole story.  Observers have noted that men tend to take this tack more readily than women.  Nonetheless, we often become armchair quarterbacks when folks most often are looking for a sounding board first.  Responsive listening, where you repeat the key elements of what your loved one has just said, helps to solidify our connection and focus our listening during these moments.  As Josh McDowell sagely explained, "people need to know how much you care before they care how much you know."  We may love most effectively by listening in tough spots.

Secondly, we will do well to focus on the present, the future, and God's unchanging character during challenging times.  Job's friends rehashed the past over and over.  Their faulty reasoning and conclusions must just have inflicted more insult on the injured Job.  Instead, taking a forward-looking orientation helps us to see progress out of anguish.  If you do bring up the past, you may help your loved one to recall God's faithfulness during similar moments in recent weeks, months, or years.  Bringing forward Scriptures that discuss God's great love and compassion (Matthew 9:36-10:2; Psalm 103:7-18; Psalm 34:18) may be helpful.  Inviting your friend to trust God through these moments -- and committing to that -- may represent our greatest love.

Whether we find ourselves in Job's position or that of his friends today, we all may rest in the security of our hope in Christ.  We know that our Redeemer lives; He has risen from the grave!  May the Resurrection carry us forward in trusting and honoring our great God and King!

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us security of hope through Your Resurrection.  We seek to honor You today, as Job did.  Give us wisdom when we face challenging situations or seek to encourage others in that position.  Strengthen our faith in and vision of Your awesome faithfulness and compassion.  We love You and worship You today.  In Your Name, amen.

"Because He Lives" (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4M-zwE33zHA)

August 26

2 Corinthians 1 

The crucible of Christian Suffering

The combination of Job and 2 Corinthians 1 puts the target squarely on the issue of suffering today. Have you ever wondered why God allows us to go through trials and problems in life?

In chapter 1, we have one of the reasons why God allows this. Verses 3-7 tell us that God comforts us so we can comfort others. Suffering is an opportunity to know God and to know his comfort. This does not mean that God causes cancer, death, illness and unemployment, but it does mean that in those adversities God takes the opportunity to speak to us in a way we are not open to hearing when everything is going well. And, once we have experienced this comfort from God, then we have the responsibility to share that comfort with others.

Our adversity is his opportunity, the greater the suffering, the greater the comfort. No matter how great the suffering, God matches it with comfort. The comfort is never outweighed by the suffering. It is not given ahead of time but available in the trial. I don't envy those who have never known any pain, physical or spiritual, because I strongly suspect that the capacity for pain and comfort are equal. Only those who have suffered great pain are able to know great comfort. The Lord gets his best counselors out of the highlands of adversity.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

August 24

Psalm 39:4 - Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.  You have made my days a mere handbreadth, the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath


As servant's of the Lord, we are called to live our lives looking through heaven's eyes.  Jesus spoke about it in Luke 12:20 "You fool!  This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?  This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God".  Eternity lasts a whole lot longer than our years on earth. David put it all into a heavenly perspective and even as king of Israel realized that gathering wealth and accomplishing worldly tasks makes no difference in eternity.  As the summer comes to a close and I get ready to go back to work in a new school, I am taking time to rededicate myself to the Lord's service. Even in a public school, I am His hands and feet and I am called to serve Him and do all I can with my mind and body.  I pray for all of us as we go about our day that we allow ourselves to be a channel through which His love and compassion can touch the lives of everyone around us.  Give us grace Lord to serve wholeheartedly in Your Name.  Let us keep in mind the words we long to hear,  "Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness!"  (Matthew 25:21)


Randi

August 22: Of children, gifts and misguided competition

Job 4:1-7:21
1 Corinthians 14:18-40
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 21:27

We have two sons, 2 years apart; often, when they get home, one or the other will announce to us that our favorite son (or child) has arrived. The other one, hearing the first brother's words, will then sometimes demand to know which of them was their favorite. Sometimes they argue, leading to conflict and division. Sometimes the issue isn't even that one believes they are superior to the others, but rather that one winds up feeling less important, less loved than the others.

They miss the point, seeking primacy where they are all wonderful children, each with their own unique personas. The big sister is creative and musical; she gives joy with her compositions. The middle child is generously diligent and hard working, ever ready to lend a hand. The youngest one is so full of laughter he is incapable of holding a frown even when he is angry. A choice is impossible; they are all such wonderful gifts, and they each have such wonderful gifts. So we gently try to teach them that, rather than aspiring to primacy over their siblings, they should aspire to use their gifts the best they can.

In the NT reading, Paul continues to address a similar problem in the Corinthian church. The church is embroiled in internal strife, with people insisting that their gifts are more valuable than others'. He makes clear that the different gifts of the Spirit are valuable in different ways, and all are to be embraced and shared.

We each have our own gifts, gifts we can put in God's service, to help build His kingdom. There are none more valuable than the others; perhaps, as is the case with our children, the more pertinent question is whether or not we use them the best we can for Him.

Father, thank You for how You have created and blessed us uniquely. Allow us to recognize, appreciate and use the gifts and the abilities You've given us for Your greater glory.




Sent from my iPad

Saturday, August 20, 2016

August 20, 2016_Blog

By Keesha Sullivan

"Do you know why I have these talks with you guys?" I said slightly saddened by my students' poor behavior that day. One of the students immediately raised her hand, "Yes! Because you love us," she replied quite enthusiastically. The students in her class nodded in agreement. I tried  to regain my composure from the comment. She had caught me off guard. I didn't realize they knew how much I cared about them. Twenty-five eager faces seemed to be awaiting my reply to the little girl's comment. I looked at them, and my heart melted. All the frustration I had felt only moments before seemed to dissipate. My prayers for every student in this class and my prayers for God's love to fill me as I taught were being answered.  Surprised by the overflow of my Father's love, I smiled and stated, "I really do love you guys, and I sincerely want the best for you." They received my affirmation, and that class was more on task that day then I had ever seen before. In fact, they continued to strive to do better for the last three months that we had together.

This memory seemed to pop into my mind as I read the scripture for today. Paul talks about not only seeking the gifts of God, but he explains how we should serve others with these gifts. He says in 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1, "But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." The greatest way to serve others with the gifts that God bestows on us is through His love.

God's love changes hearts, minds, and even actions. His love softens and heals wounds; it makes people feel worthy and special. His love opens up people's hearts and earns you a right to be heard. Without love nothing changes. With love all things are possible, even getting twenty-five students to get back on task and work hard.

Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would send Jesus, Your Only Son, to die that we would have the honor of being in relationship with You.  Thank You for loving us even while we were sinners and enemies to You.  We cry out for You to fill our hearts with Your love.  May Your love flow from our very hearts like streams of living water and quench the thirsty hearts of those who have never encountered You before.  All for Your glory and in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

August 19

Esther 4-7

There are no supernatural miracles in Esther's story. There are just fortuitous coincidences. Taken by themselves they prove nothing, but woven together there is a miraculous chain of events orchestrated by God. Even in times of disobedience and spiritual blindness, God is on the move. There is never a moment in our life when God is not at work.   Contrast these two worldviews with the letters…. N O W H E R E.  Haman says, God is NO WHERE. Esther says, God is NOW HERE. Faith gives us the courage to see God working in both the good and bad circumstances of life.  

 

1. He was working in the death of Esther's parent.

2. He was working when she was brought to Susa.

3. He was working in her adoption.

4. He was working in her hidden resume.

5. He was working in the drunken party where Queen Vashti was called out to pole dance.

6. He was working in the Queen saying no to the bachelor party request.

7. He was working in the selection of Esther.

8. He was working when Mordicai over heard a plot to kill the king.

9. He was working when the King couldn't sleep and read the story of Mordicai.

 

These are not just coincidences. This small stuff all adds up and you can see God's fingerprints all over the evidence. They all point to God. This is a major problem in the church today. We have people who claim to be Christians but they cannot tell you about any "God Sightings" in their lives.  Why don't we see them today? Secularism has over taken us. Secularism means that the supernatural can be removed from life as irrelevant. When secularism has characterized a people for a long period of time, it creates a great blindness to the acts of God. If there was ever a time to renew this ability to see God acting in our world, it is today.

 

So our homework today is to go on a God hunt. Ask God to help you perceive his hand in your life. Then write it down in your daily journal. You will need this list someday when your faith is low and you believe God is NO WHERE. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, August 18

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

 

 

Today’s reading presents the first part of the Book of Esther, a fantastic account of using a position of influence to benefit God’s people.  The book does not give strong outward prescriptions and does not even include mention of God Himself.  Its narrative is much more focused on “show” than “tell.”  While some commentators wondered of its Scripture-worthiness due to these characteristics, its inclusion in the Word highlights God’s multifaceted communication to us.  In addition, Esther’s centrality emphasizes how He uses both women and men to accomplish His purposes.  In addition, we have the blessing of reading a perfectly crafted account in which the author wastes no details at all.

 

In Esther, we find a woman who is sharp, cunning, and careful to absorb advice from trusted parties.  As she prepares for her first visit to the king, she “asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested.  And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.....  But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.”  Her care to listen to well-informed voices points to Proverbs 15:22:  “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

 

Haman becomes “enraged” when Mordecai would not kneel to him in order to pay him honor.  His anger quickly extends to the entire Jewish people:  “Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai.  Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.”  Haman then receives a death warrant for the Jewish people, sealed with the signet ring of Xerxes.  Haman would soon become blinded with this combination of hatred and ambition.

 

After mourning deeply at the coming fate, Mordecai seeks out Esther and implores her to consider taking a stand, saying:  “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.  For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this?”  Mordecai shows a trust in God’s ultimate deliverance for the Jews but conveys a sense of urgency, too.  This account demonstrates the close interaction between God’s ultimate sovereignty and human responsibility to take action where necessary.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for strengthening Mordecai and Esther to serve you so faithfully and present to us a beautiful example of following You under challenging circumstances.  We wish to honor You as they did.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we might perceive truth and put Your eternal interests above our short-term worries.  We love You and dedicate this day to You.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

August 17

Psalm 35

I doubt there is anyone reading this blog or watching the latest news that can't relate to David's cry for God to defeat their enemy and bring justice to every injust circumstance that's going on today.  I think there is a something to be said for taking a stand against sin and evil, however I believe we need to renew our minds to the word of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:19 "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."  Cruelty, injustice and life just not being "fair" is a daily occurrence for many. Frustration when circumstances don't seem to change comes as a result of seeing this evil spread.  It certainly isn't a new theme in life, as David gives us a glimpse into how sometimes, even when we cry out to God, it seems as if our prayers aren't going passed the ceiling as we wait for God to answer.  Perhaps David wrote this while he was running for his life and hiding from Saul in a cave.  We can take this Psalm and relate to it in every injust situation that awaits deliverance.  So what do we do while we wait?  Although our flesh might want to react by "taking matters into our own hands",  David shows us another way. He sets his mind on things above (Col. 3:2) and he prays. He cries out to God for the victory. Psalm 116:2 tells us "  Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live".  God hears every prayer.  His answer comes according to His wisdom.  That's what makes Him Sovereign.  That's what gives us hope.

Randi
  

August 15: Of fears, children's futures, and Daniel

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39

1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13

Psalm 34:1-10

Proverbs 21:13

Psalm 34:4 

I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  

This verse led me to reflect on what I fear.  Heights, under certain conditions.  Failure, definitely . Physical pain?  We were just at Pearl Harbor, and it was cause for me to talk about what happened in the Philippines during World War 2, so yes, physical pain.  But what really worries me, what keeps me up at night, what seems to tie in so many of my other fears, is the fear for my children's future - particularly when one looks at the way the world is going, the values it espouses with such growing certainty.  

Prov 22:6 

Start children off on the way they should go

     And even when they are old they will not turn from it

I am going to cheat a bit here, and reference readings other than today's when reflecting about the verse above.  We are away on holiday, and were privileged to hear a sermon preached about Daniel.  That sermon opened my eyes, not just to Daniel, but to his parents.  We all know that Daniel and his friends were taken away by the Babylonians when they conquered Jerusalem.  And perhaps we like to think that they had it pretty easy, having been adopted into the king's household and given the finest food and drink.  How tough must it be to live in the king's palace, after all?

See, here's what had never occurred to me.  When Daniel was taken, he was a teenager.  Consider his likely circumstances: the rest of his family was likely murdered - quite possibly in his presence; he was likely castrated, which is what was done to servants - foreigners especially - who entered the king's household.  And he was dragged away captive to an unknown fate, fearful for the worst.  What a recipe for someone to turn out angry and bitter, particularly at everything he'd put his security in - God, for example.

It gets worse.  When he gets to Babylon, the attempts to wean him away from his old life, habits and beliefs, begins.  He is taught a new language.  He is enticed with food and drink, likely prepared in violation of his beliefs.  He's put in the luxury and comfort of the king's household.  And he's given a new name - his old one is replaced with one more representative of his new environment; the new name perhaps the final nail in the coffin of his old life under God?  

We know how the story develops, though.  Daniel refuses the king's food and drink, and asks for food he knows will not violate God's commands.  We know that even when the king passed a decree that no man should pray to anyone other than the king on pain of death that Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day.  Daniel separated himself to God...to the God whom many a bitter teenager has rejected for far far less than Daniel had to endure.  

What Daniel did, the choices he made, the decision to separate himself to and for God, is nothing short of amazing.  But, as father to three children myself, what I want to know is, what the heck did his parents do to raise him to be that way?  As much as I hope for good things for my children, I fervently, even desperately desire, however difficult the circumstances they find themselves in may turn out, that they cleave to God the way Daniel did.  

Father, I seem you as we pray for our children.  We thank You for the privilege of being their parents.  And we come to You in our imperfection, delegating their upbringing upward to You, that they might grow to be as faithful to You as Daniel was, whatever circumstances You might choose for them to face in their lives.  Take away our fear for their future, in the knowledge today that they are in Your care.  In Jesus's name we pray.

PS - As the world is caught up in the spectacle of physical achievement that is the Olympics, I cannot help but bring up the amazing story of Simone Biles.  So much of the focus has been on how she is the first African American to win the all around gymnastics gold.  It is amazing to read about the circumstances of her life, and how God has been such a huge part of it.  

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Saturday, August 13, 2016

By Keesha Sullivan 

Have you ever analyzed Satan's strategy? Have you ever thought about the most deadly weapon that he uses against humankind? Many times I believe he uses one, single tool to hamper or impede people from attaining God's perfect plan for their lives. This mechanism has been used since the beginning of time. In fact, it was used in the scriptures that we read today:  "They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.' But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands.'" (Nehemiah 6:9). Nehemiah clearly saw Satan's strategy. Satan tried to use "fear" against him and the Israelites to stop them from completing the task that God had for them. Satan knew that if he could get Nehemiah and the Israelites to quit the project that God had given them, of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, that they would be in a state of disobedience and they would not fulfill God's perfect plan for their lives.

Nehemiah not only identified Satan's tool, but he knew how to combat it as well. It says in Nehemiah 6:9, "But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands.'" Nehemiah took his fear and intimidation to the Lord in prayer. He knew that he could not face the evil one on his own, but that He needed his Heavenly Father. When he called on the Lord, the Lord came to the rescue. He gave Nehemiah and the Israelites boldness in place of fear and hope in place of despair. The Lord helped them complete the wall. 

In fact it says in the scripture, "When all our enemies heard about this [the wall being completed], all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God" (Nehemiah 6:15-16). If Nehemiah and the Israelites had allowed "fear", Satan's favorite tool against humanity, to stop the work, they would've been the ones that stayed in a constant state of fear. 

When we feel fear trying to thwart us from completing God-ordained plans for our lives, we too need to rise up in prayer and cry out to God for strength. We, too, need to remember that our Heavenly Father has the power to overcome all the schemes of the enemy. There is nothing too difficult for Him. 

Lord, please help us to go to you when we are feeling timid. Help us to remember that timidity comes from Satan. "For [You] have not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). We pray that You would give us renewed minds that immediately cry out to you when we feel fear. Help us to fulfill the God-given purposes and plans for our lives. Forgive us for the many times we've let fear get the best of us. From this day forward, it is our desire to complete all You have for us. We love You. In Jesus's name. Amen 

August 12

Nehemiah 3

The walls of Jerusalem have been knocked down for 142 years. No one in almost a century and a half could come up with a strategy to rebuild them. In the ancient world a city without a wall is a city without a future.  

Onto this scene comes Nehemiah with two key strategies for rebuilding and fortifying the kingdom. These strategies can be applied to Grace church as we seek to build God's kingdom. 

Nehemiah 3:23 Beyond them, Benjamin and Nasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them….

Nehemiah was on to something in this verse. He had the families work together in a united effort and he had them work in front of their own homes. Both of these are brilliant.

We can accomplish much more when we work together than when we work alone. Someone has pointed out the difference between "UNITED" and "UNTIED" is where you place the "I". When a group of Christians work together incredible things can be accomplished. But when individuals advance their own agenda and only look out for themselves failure is not far away.

The second strategy was working at their own homes first. Each family was asked to defend their own property. The best place to start working on making the community strong is in your own home. If we could train parents to make their own families strong and stable that would impact the neighborhood, the city and the nation.

As Grace church prepares for ministry headed into fall of 2016 here is your chance to change the world. Here are three questions we need to ask ourselves.

1. What gift will you use to build the kingdom at Grace this fall?

2. Where will you use that gift?

3. What is your strategy to build and protect your family spiritually?

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, August 11

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

 

 

“How abundant are the good things

    that you have stored up for those who fear you,

that you bestow in the sight of all,

    on those who take refuge in you.

In the shelter of your presence you hide them

    from all human intrigues;

you keep them safe in your dwelling

    from accusing tongues….

 

“Love the Lord, all his faithful people!

    The Lord preserves those who are true to him,

    but the proud he pays back in full.

Be strong and take heart,

    all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:19,20,23,24)

 

 

God’s awesome protection and concern for His children should make us quite courageous, as we know that He will “preserve those who are true to him.”  In this sense, Christ-followers should be among the boldest of all people.  As Chuck Goulart indicated last Sunday, this boldness should well up into sharing truth with people in need of hope through the Gospel.

 

David urges us to “be strong and take heart.”  In several other passages, God motivates us to take courage (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6–9; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Matthew 14:27; Acts 4; 1 Corinthians 16:13; and Philippians 1:20).  This courage emerges from a persevering and trusting faith.

 

When faced with threatening words and actions from the Jewish authorities in Acts 4, the early disciples gathered together to pray:  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  God immediately responded:  “After they prayed, the pace where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:28–31)

 

From this passage, it seems that we need the empowerment of the Spirit to live boldly and share God’s Word.  Would you consider seeking that equipping for today?  How could you trust God for greater boldness?  How has He shown His faithfulness to you, even this week?

 

 

Lord God, thank You for empowering us through Your Holy Spirit to speak Your Word with great boldness.  Send Your Spirit into our hearts that we might love and serve others and might know You better.  Bring us courage to live completely for You.  We honor You and worship You today.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

August 10

Ezra 10:11

Now make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers, and do his will.  Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives


Ezra was a priest, a scribe, and a great leader whose name means "help".  His life was dedicated to serving God and the people of Israel.  The book of Ezra continues the history of the Jews recording their return to the land after their captivity.  The purpose of recounting the story is to show God's faithfulness and the way He kept His promise to restore the people of Israel. He set the standard of repentance by his own behavior (v.1) and this brought others to repent as well.  I think for us as believers and followers of Christ we have a lot to learn from his example.  It was his actions that brought others to follow him.  If we go one step further, our actions should lead others to Jesus or at least raise some questions about the life we live in Christ.  Although separating husbands and wives might have been an extreme step, it was necessary to preserve Israel as a nation committed to God.  As followers of Jesus we are not asked to separate ourselves from the world.  As a matter of fact Jesus told us to "go" and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). He gave us a command to repent, take action and go do His will.  Our challenge is as we "go" not to get mixed into the crowd.  We are supposed to stand apart, maintain our identity as children of God, bring the light of God into the world and through our actions bring people to know Christ Jesus. If the people of Israel intermarried they would once again begin to worship false gods and lose their identity.  The moment we take our eyes off Jesus, we lose ours.  Lord, I pray today for boldness like Ezra.  I pray Lord that by our actions the world will see we are Christians with strong faith, and our identity is rooted and grounded in You.  I pray Lord that as we "go" into the busy day we stand apart for You and in You. Like Ezra, we humbly commit ourselves to being obedient and serving You.


Randi

August 8: Of Paul, his frustration, sarcasm and example

"Already you have all you want!  Already you have become rich!  You have become kings - and that without us!  How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings like you!"

- 1 Cor 4:8

I find Paul to be such an inspiration.  Not only might he be considered one of the greatest of sinners - he not only sanctioned the murder of Stephen, he was going with full purpose to do the same to the Christians in Damascus.  I identify with such sinfulness, and am encouraged by the fact God not only forgave him, God found tremendous use for him in His kingdom.  

The other thing I liked about Paul was his evident humanity - see, Paul was not above sarcasm or frustration. In Galatians 5:12, when railing against those who insisted that a number of ceremonial practices, circumcision among them, were still binding on the church, it seems he goes so far as to say he wished they would go all the way and cut their own genitals off.  And in the verse above, taken from today's NT reading, Paul's emotion is on full display once again, with a people who had received the Word and yet, perhaps because of the prosperity they enjoyed, had permitted immorality and spiritual laxness to remain, even to flourish.  

I am no better than Paul.  Whether in situations where I am heavily invested (as a father, for example), or situations where I have far less standing (say, for example, in the pathetic verbiage that passes for political discourse this year), I find myself frustrated, even angry at the utter disregard for truth and fact.  And my tongue has, shamefully, been quick and harsh on many occasion.  Sadly, this has been particularly true when the stakes have been highest, when raising my children.  

"I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children."

"Therefor I urge you to imitate me.  For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord.

1 Cor 14,16-17

The thing Paul does well (and I could do so much better) is to bring it back, from frustration to love, and from words to examples.  I need to remember the love that is the reason for the concern and the frustration, and I need to remember that my children will learn far better seeing my example (and the example of others) than they will by hearing my (harsh) words.  And I would do well to remember that I have been cause for frustration on our Father's part, and that "His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime".

Father, help us to learn from the example of Paul's zeal for Your Word, to take encouragement from the humanity of his frustration, and to remember the root of our frustration and anger when dealing with our children is our love for them.  Teach us to be the examples to them Paul hoped to be to the Corinthians.  

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Saturday_August 6, 2016
By Keesha Sullivan

This year has been full of so many changes for me and so many of my loved ones. Whether we have been moving, having babies, buying houses, dealing with sickness, loss of a loved one etc., we all have one common thread that has tied us together. We all have had to trust in the Lord our God during this season of change.

The reason 99% of the human population hates change is because it brings in the aspect of the UNKNOWN. You have no idea how things are going to play out exactly. You can't necessarily see into the future, which means you are taking a huge leap of faith.

In our scripture reading today, it says, "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." (Psalm 28:6-8) King David went through incredible life changes. He was almost killed; he became king; he built his palace; he lost a son to death weeks after that son was born; he had another son betray him and then try to kill him. Those were just a few of the changes that David would encounter.

In the midst of it all, David said, "my heart trusts in [God]." As I read that scripture I literally felt the peace of God settle my own spirit. David knew that no matter what circumstances life would bring that He could trust in the Lord. The Lord would help him go through each transition. Once David released his fears, worry, and anxiety to our Heavenly Father, his heart leapt for joy and he was able to sing songs of gratitude.

When we have heavy hearts that are filled with fear, worry, and anxiety, we too can release our burden to God. We can trust Him and know that we will be helped. We also then can follow in David's footsteps and have a joyful heart filled with gratefulness.

Lord, God thank You for seasons of change. Thank You Lord that many times these seasons cause us to look to You, from where our help comes. We need You God. We cannot hold the burden and anxiety of change by ourselves. We need You to come to our rescue and be our strength and our shield. Shield us from the enemy's lies and blows. Help us to place our complete trust in You. For Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Give us joyful, peaceful hearts as we encounter change. We love You so much, Father. Thank You for always being with us. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, August 4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016

 

 

“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.   God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:7–9)

 

“Are we there yet?”  Do you ever become antsy on a long trip?  Or powering through a never-ending meeting?  We have all faced the challenge of waiting, sometimes in anticipation of something ending or another beginning.  As Tom Petty sagely observed, “the waiting is the hardest part.”

 

We wait in hope and expectation:  hope in God's secure promises and expectation of complete redemption and renewal.  God does not abandon us in this worldly journey, giving us every spiritual gift so that we may best honor Him.  He has prepared us for perseverance and will carry us through with His faithfulness.  We wait with eager anticipation for a greater revelation of His glory.

 

In what ways do you find yourself waiting today?  How may you submit these areas to God’s loving control?  How have you seen Him provide faithfully as you have waited in the past?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us a purpose larger than ourselves.  Thank You for showing us Your awesome example of living a fully committed Kingdom life.  Send Your Spirit into our hearts so that we may embrace Your larger purposes for us, and give us the courage to forsake lesser purposes in order to live first for You.  To You be all glory, praise, and honor in our lives and forever!  In Your Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

August 3

2 Chronicles 34

I've spent the past week cleaning and painting the boys room.  We've come across many old books that we would read together when they were younger which brought back a flood of wonderful times and memories. There was a very strong pull on this Mama's heart each time I heard "Oh wow!! I remember this!! Do you remember this one Mom?" One story in particular was written by Joseph when he was about 7 years old and it was dedicated to his Dad.  It was a wonderful reminder of an original plan as it was told from a child's view of how his Dad was his hero.   As I was reading this mornings passage, I couldn't help but think of what the expression on Hilkiah the priests face must have been when he "found the Book". I just started to think how we go through life and much like the books, our original design gets dusty, or gets put on the back shelf for many different reasons and we drift from the original plan.  It's so easy to lose sight of who and how God made us. (Gen. 1:26) and how we are supposed to live our lives (Deut. 6:4-7).  Imagine after all the years of disobedience and turning their backs on God, the Book of the Law was found.  A reminder of that we were meant to follow the Lord and keep His commands, regulations and decrees with all our hearts and souls. The original Covenant, and promise was read out loud and everyone in Jerusalem rededicated and pledged themselves to it. Like the people of Israel, I guess sometimes we need to be reminded of where we came and what was done on the Cross (Romans 5:8) so we can refocus and realign ourselves with God.  The Good News is that because of His great love we are not consumed for His compassion never fails. (Lamentations 3:22-23)  His mercy is new every day!!

Randi

August 1: Maria, Assunta and Forgiveness

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."

- Rom 15:1

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."

- Rom 15:7

"Remember, Lord, Your great mercy and love,

   for they are from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth

   and my rebellious ways."

- Ps 25:7

I struggle with Paul's admonitions.  Those who know me know I have been known to carry a self-righteousness fueled grudge over a long time and over long distances.  I have struggled to understand differing points of view, much less accept them - especially those that do not seem grounded in fact and logic.  The funny thing about this is, the unforgiveness with which I approach others, I find I apply to myself.  The sins of my youth, during my rebellious ways?  I cannot tell you how often I find myself thinking back, regretting what I did, wishing I could change things.  My inability to forgive others is a heavy enough burden; the consequent inability to forgive myself seems like poignant justice in its weight.  

Yet, we are called to forgive, in the same way we cry out to God for His forgiveness, and I wonder - is it really possible?  I mean, ok - Stephen asked God not hold his murder against those who stoned him, but maybe he was an exception who benefited from having experienced Jesus first hand?  Then I remember the story of Santa Maria Goretti, and of her mother.  Maria Goretti was born in 1890, to a poor family in Italy.  She died just 12 years later when, while caring for her infant sibling, Alessandro, the son in a family with whom her family shared a house tried to rape her and, when she resisted, stabbed her repeatedly.  She died, after surviving long enough to say what happened.  Her attacker was caught and jailed for 27 years.  And it is here that that Assunta, her mother, comes into play.  While in prison, Alessandro repented.  And after his release, he sought Assunta, Maria's mother, and begged her forgiveness.

PAUSE: I have a daughter.  Were someone were to hurt her, or any of her brothers, it would be very difficult for me not to want to seek vengeance.  Forgiveness and mercy?  Well, you already know, those haven't always been my strong points.  They would probably be very difficult.  One would have to have the superhuman, forgiving heart of God, wouldn't they?  

It turns out, it isn't beyond man's ability to forgive, even a sin so grievous as murder following an attempted rape.  Because Assunta forgave Alessandro.  But, it turns out, that isn't all.  The story has it that Maria survived 24 hours after she was stabbed, during which time SHE expressed forgiveness for Alessandro.  She even stated, as she lay dying, that she wanted him in heaven with her.  

I believe they chose to forgive, and God honored their choices, and gave them the ability to do so.  I pray that I remember their example each and every time I find myself faced with the opportunity to offer forgiveness as well.