God’s Everlasting Love

July 13, 2008 in Religion | Leave a comment

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God’s Everlasting Love

Volume 1 Issue12

Scripture

1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)

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. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Sunday

Pray: Lord, as I meditate on Your Word today, help me see You in a way I never have before. Help me see this portion of Your Word in a new light. Drive it deep into my soul so it becomes an integral part of my life.

Spend several minutes meditating on 1 Corinthians 13. Read it in context of the surrounding chapters to get a feel for the rest of the “scene.”

Who is talking?
To whom?
When and under what circumstances?
Where?
What was the purpose (to teach, rebuke, entertain, emote)?
Consider the chapter phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Monday

Corinth was (and is) a Greek city situated on the Mediterranean Sea. Because of it’s unique location, it boasted two seaports: one to the east, used to trade with Asia, and one to the west for ships bound for Italy. As a result, Corinth was a wealthy city, with all the pride and vices associated with irresponsible wealth. And, as with most Greek cities, knowledge and philosophy were held in high esteem (see 1 Corinthians 1:17-31).

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to correct and instruct the Christians of the city, urging them toward proper conduct. Chapters 12 and 14 are instructions toward the proper view and use of spiritual gifts. But in 1 Corinthians 13 he comes to his primary theme of the letter: love as a demonstration of true spiritual maturity. As 12:31 states: “And now I will show you the most excellent way.”

His point of these three chapters is: God has given us spiritual gifts to serve one another. Since they are gifts from God, we cannot be proud and must not compare our gifts with those of another.

What gifts has God given you? How are you using those gifts to love and serve the body of Christ?

Pray: Thank you, Jesus for the gifts You have given me. May I use my talents to serve You and Your body with humility.

Tuesday

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
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. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

“What you do speaks so loudly, I cannot here what you say.”

Have you ever heard that expression? If not, surely you have seen it in action. Mom and Dad tell Junior, “You need to exercise.” But both of them spend their extra time in front of the T.V. Guess what. It is highly unlikely Junior will learn to exercise.

In the same way, I can say I love my family, but if I am impatient, unkind, selfish or given to anger, my words are worthless. It doesn’t matter how many hours I volunteer at the soup kitchen, or how wonderful my writing is. If I do it selfishly, it may minister to some, but when I stand before God, it will be counted a rubbish.

How do you do at loving your family? Those to whom you minister? Do your actions reflect God’s love? Or are you more of a resounding gong?

Pray: Lord Jesus, I cannot love others of my own will. Give me grace each day, each moment, to live Your love.

Wednesday

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

The Greeks had several words for love. Two that are used in the Bible are philos (familial love, the love between family) and agape. Agape is the word used here. Often referred to as “unconditional love,” it’s a love of choice or will, not based on feeling or the actions of the one being loved. Agape is the Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 13 and in 1 John 4.

When you squeeze and orange, you get orange juice, because that is what is in the orange. When you squeeze a lemon, you get lemon juice, because that is what fills the lemon.

In the same way, someone filled with the love of God (agape) will display His love no matter what the circumstances, what time of the month, or how the boss or children behaved. Because God is love.

What comes out when you are squeezed? What pressings (situations) trigger ungodly responses from you?

Pray: Jesus, thank You for Your example of agape – that You died on the cross for me while I was still Your enemy. Help me spend time, daily with You, being filled with Your love, so that is what comes out when I am squeezed. Those times when I fail to show your love, help me to repent and ask forgiveness. And guide me to a closer walk with You so I more fully reflect Your love, grace, and glory.

Thursday

Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Paul contrasts the temporal spiritual gifts with agape – God’s everlasting love. The Corinthians prided themselves in their gifts, and seemed to have a hierarchy of gift importance. He tells them here: It doesn’t matter what gift you have. It is imperfect, because it is being used in an imperfect vessel. And when The Perfection comes, it will pass away. But love endures forever.

In chapter 14, Paul tells the Corinthians to follow the way of love (v. 1), then returns to his instructions about spiritual gifts – and their importance for ministry. He works hard on removing the self-centered focus of spiritual gifts and reminding them the purpose for which they have been given. They must be knit together in love that endures so the fruit that is borne will also endure.

How are you exercising your spiritual gifts in love?

Pray: Thank You Jesus, for the gifts You have given me. Help me to remain focused on You as I minister in the areas You have set before me. May every action be bathed in love and intent on directing others to You.

Friday

Review your journaling for this past week. What themes run throughout your thoughts?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for showering me with Your love and demonstrating true love to me. Show me where I need to grow in reflecting You.

Record His answer in your journal.

Saturday

Spend some time in focused prayer today, reflecting on Christ’s love displayed in your life.

Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus for loving me before the creation of the world. Thank you for showering me with Your mercy. Cause Your love to overflow into these areas of my life:

1 Corinthians 13

July 12, 2008 in Religion | 2 comments

I have this week’s devotional finished, but it’s late and it usually takes me a good 45 minutes to convert it to HTML for the blog post. Lord willing, I’ll get to that tomorrow. In the mean time, you can start by meditating on 1 Corinthians 13.

Pray: Lord, as I meditate on Your Word today, help me see You in a way I never have before. Help me see this portion of Your Word in a new light. Drive it deep into my soul so it becomes an integral part of my life.

Spend several minutes meditating on 1 Corinthians 13. Read it in context of the surrounding chapters to get a feel for the rest of the “scene.”

Who is talking?
To whom?
When and under what circumstances?
Where?
What was the purpose (to teach, rebuke, entertain, emote)?
Consider the passage phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Love as Obedience

July 6, 2008 in Religion | 1 comment

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Love as Obedience

Volume 1 Issue 11

Scripture

John 15:9-17 (NIV)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.

Sunday

Spend several minutes meditating on John 15:9-17. Read it in context of the rest of the chapter and the rest of the “scene.”

Who is talking?

To whom?

When and under what circumstances?

Where?

What was the purpose (to teach, rebuke, entertain, emote)?

Consider the passage phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Monday

Jesus is about ready to die. He knows it and has told his disciples. But they are so used to hearing him talk in parables, they don’t recognize plain speech when they hear it. In John 15, Jesus is giving his disciples their last instructions before he is crucified. Within hours he will be arrested. By the following evening, he will be buried.

So, what does he have to say in his last words? John 15:9-17 (in the NIV) consists of 173 words. “Love” is mentioned nine times. Twice, he gives them an outright command to love each other (v. 12 and 17).

All occurrences of “love” in this section are from the Greek word agape. Agape is love based on the value given by the one loving – not earned or merited by the recipient. Agape is the word Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 13. It is often referred to as “divine love” or unconditional love.

Since God placed His image in each person He created, He placed His value in us. As God-image bearers, God values us. Each person we see bears the image of God, so we need to show them His agape.

How are you at obeying Jesus’ command to unconditionally love one another? What obstacles stand in your way? When do you find it easiest to display agape love? When is it most challenging?
Pray: Lord, help me to show Your love to those around me, especially those closest to me. Let me love them selflessly, as You love me. When I begin to become selfish, convict me of my sin and strengthen me to truly love at all times.

Tuesday

John 15:13-14
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

Luke 9:23-24
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
Jesus was standing in the shadow of the cross. He was trying to prepare his disciples for an experience none of them could possibly imagine. He knew they could not understand that day or that weekend, but, in time, the Holy Spirit would remind them of His words, and they would see what was His plan all along.

And he showed them. He gave them a picture of love. He practiced what He preached. Then said, “Do likewise.”

You may not be asked to physically die for a family member, co-worker, or friend. But we are commanded to daily deny ourselves, and obey.

What “cross” must you take up daily – where is it difficult for you to love selflessly, as Jesus loved?

Pray: Jesus, help me to remember the great sacrifice you made when you died, showing your great love for me. Then, strengthen me to love my family and others around me in the same manner.

Wednesday

John 15:10

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Jesus obeyed the Father in all things. He heard and obeyed. And He remained in the Father’s love. We, then, will remain in the love of Christ when we obey His commands.

Obedience is not always easy. Often we have something we would rather do, or a way we think would work better. That’s what Adam and Eve thought, too. But God requires obedience.

When I need to remind my children to obey, I use a prompt I learned from a homeschooling friend. I hold up my hand, fingers extended, and tell them, “I need to hear it.”

The copy me, grasp their thumb and say, “Yes, Mommy, I’ll obey,” (index finger) “Every day,” (middle finger) “In every way,” (ring finger) “Right away,” (pinkie) “The happy way.”

And we need to obey Jesus the same way.

How do you do with the five finger obedience?

Pray: Jesus, teach me to know your voice and to obey every day, in every way, right away, the happy way.

Thursday

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives us a picture of what love looks like. Reading through his list, I find several points that I lack. I don’t want to love certain people that way. But the first of the chapter warns that if I don’t, I’m a worthless noisemaker.

But, when I choose to obey and love I find God’s love being returned to me. It may not be by the people I am loving, but always am blessed.

Meditate on 1 Corinthians 13, in light of John 15: 9-17.
Pray: Jesus, help me to love as you love and obey as you obey. Help me keep my eye focused on the goal, and to see Your image in each person I encounter.

Friday

Review your journaling for this past week. What themes run throughout your thoughts?
Pray: Lord Jesus, thank ybbou for showing me Your perfect love and obedience. Show me how You want me to follow You.

Record His answer here:

Saturday

Spend some time in focused prayer today, reflecting on Christ’s faithful, eternal mercy and love.

Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus for loving me before the creation of the world. Thank you for showering me with Your mercy. Cause Your love to overflow into these areas of my life:

On vacation

May 5, 2008 in Religion | Leave a comment

I’m admitting my humanity. **gasp**

Now that you’re all over your shock, I will continue with 1 Peter next week. See you then.

1 Peter 1:3-9

May 3, 2008 in Religion | Leave a comment

Sorry, I’m having trouble getting the words on paper for this week. Pray for me that my brain focuses on what it needs to so I can have this finished to post by tomorrow. In the mean time, you can start with the scripture for the week:

1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Who is talking?
To whom?
When and under what circumstances?
Where?
What was the purpose (to teach, rebuke, entertain, emote)?

Spend several minutes meditating on 1 Peter 1:3-9 Consider it phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Blessings to you all!

Dreading Mother’s Day

May 3, 2008 in Jesus Christ, marriage, Parenting, Religion | Tags: death, family, miscarriage, surviving Mother's Day | Leave a comment

This is not a part of the devotional, but it’s been eating at my heart lately because, well, Mother’s Day is coming and I can’t help but wonder what if. . . . I had to get it on paper and, since I wrote it, I figured I may as well share it. I pray it touches someone.

Dreading Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, 1997. I am lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. I hear my husband in the shower. I know I should get up, but can’t move.

“God, I’m not going to church today. They’re going to try to give me some hokey gift. And there’s going to be those stupid contests: Who has the most children? Who has the oldest children? Who’s children traveled farthest to be with her today?

“What about: Who’s the worst mother in the world because she can’t keep a baby alive for more than ten weeks? Where’s the prize for the most miscarriages? Now there’s one I could win.

“I’m not going. Someone else can teach Children’s Church or they can sit with their precious mothers. I’m staying home.”

God, in his loving, smack-me-into-obedience voice said, “You will go because you have a responsibility and you will keep your word. And I have given you the 30 children in that church. You are their spiritual mother. Go take care of them.”

I dragged myself out of bed and spent five minutes staring at my closet trying to decide what to wear. By the time I got myself together we were too late for me to sneak in past the gift givers.

Pastor’s wife caught me as I walked in the door. She thrust a pot of violets into my hands. “Happy Mother’s Day.”

“I’m not a mother.”

“But you represent motherhood.”

Right, sister. I’m not going to stand here and argue with you. I took the pot, muttered thanks, took off down the hall, and deposited the gift on the first table I passed. Someone else can have two.

I was setting up chairs in my room when Rueben came running up to me waving a piece of paper. “Here, Miss Debbie, this is for you.”

It was a picture of him and me with some flowers. Printed across the top in his very best 5-year-old writing, it said, “Happy Mother’s Day.” That picture holds a permanent place in my keepsakes.

*********

The following Mother’s Day, I was pregnant – again. The next month, I miscarried – for the third time. My husband was on a business trip when it happened so I was home alone. Oh, so alone. I knew it was coming because, just as before, I went in for the first appointment and there was no heartbeat. Two weeks later, again, no heartbeat. The ultrasound revealed the whole truth. This child, too, had quit developing. But I couldn’t help but hoping that somehow, the doctor was wrong. Until he was proved right. “God! How can you keep doing this to me! If you don’t want me to have children, don’t let me get pregnant!”

Gently, he spoke again to my heart, “The next one, you will hold.”

I knew the voice, and knew I should trust, but the pain was too great. “Okay, but don’t let me find out until the heart is beating.”

Three month after that last miscarriage, my cycles still hadn’t regulated, so I hauled myself back to the doctor. Michelle, the PA, said she could put me on the pill to help my body normalize, but first she wanted to do an ultrasound. Off to the skimpy paper gown for me, then the ultra sound. And a heartbeat. A strong heartbeat.

They monitored that baby closely for the first three months. She developed normally, and was born June 6, 1999. She was followed by her sisters in 2001, 2002, and 2005. All just alike as four peas in a pod.

My oldest knows her story, and often asks me to tell it. She is our child of promise, our reminder of hope, that no matter how hard things get, God is not finished.

Why did we miscarry the first three? I don’t know. Maybe so I would have a place in my heart for infertile couples, so I can know how to grieve with them.

As the years progressed and I busied myself with the others, the pain lessened. But every year, Mother’s Day has an empty moment, where I remember my three who no longer are: my Donna Marie, Rueben Daniel, and Doxa Christi.

Mamma love you, my dears.
Reference:
Jennifer Saake has written a wonderful book, Hannah’s Hope, for couples dealing with the pain child loss due to infertility, miscarriage, adoption loss, or death in early infancy. You can find her book at http://hannahshopebook.com and an online support community at http://www.hannah.org

Living Sacrifices, Part II

April 27, 2008 in Religion | 2 comments

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If you would like to download this week’s devotional to work offline or print and share, click here. Otherwise, read on!

A Living Sacrifice

Volume 1 Issue 8

Scripture
Romans 12:1-8

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. ‍Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. ‍Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ‍so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ‍We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. ‍If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ‍if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Sunday

Spend several minutes meditating on the first part of Romans 12. I know you looked at it last week, but we’ve learned a lot since then. Take another peek. Consider it phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Who is talking?
To whom?
When and under what circumstances?
Where?
What was the purpose? (to teach, rebuke, entertain, emote)

Monday

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

It’s a sad thing when a servant of the Lord falls, especially when it’s someone who is notable in leadership. But why does it happen, and how can I avoid stumbling into that trap?

Here’s what I’ve seen in my own life. Whether or not it’s universal is hard to say. When I am struggling with something, I often am hesitant to ask for help because of my position in our local church. I’m afraid of what others might think. And what if Pastor finds out? What it boils down to is pride.

Does it matter what others think of me? They are not my judge. Jesus Christ is my judge – and my defense. And if Pastor finds out, it will only confirm what he’s known all along – that I’m human, and have room for growth.

So, when I need help, I need to ask for it. If I am struggling, I need to seek others who can uphold me in prayer, so I do not fall.

Are there areas in your life you try to hide because you don’t want people to know you struggle?

Pray: Jesus, keep me humble so I don’t become to big to ask for help.

Tuesday

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ‍so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ‍But eagerly desire the greater gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (Click to read from v. 12)

Several years ago, I was babysitting for a lady in her home. She had just escaped from an abusive relationship and was starting over. Her house was bare. It was lunch time and the only thing I could find to feed the girls was a can of soup – but I couldn’t find a can opener. After searching for 15 minutes, I found one of those all-purpose knives that have the can opener for one of the blades.

I promise you, if I didn’t treasure my can opener before that day, I do now.

But how often do we do that in the body of Christ? She only sets up the chairs. Why doesn’t she do some real ministry? All he does is push the buttons for PowerPoint – anyone can do that.

But just like the can opener, even the apparently useless members of the body are treasured by our Creator and have a special purpose for Him. We are not to judge them for what they do or do not do. And the same applies to you. If “all” you have to do is one seemingly simple task, do it with your whole heart, as a service to God.

What are your feelings toward people who do less than you in your church? What about those who seem to have their name on every committee?

Pray: Father, thank You for the gifts and callings You have placed in my life and the opportunity to serve You- whether high profile or behind the scenes. Help me to use them for your glory.

Wednesday

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

I’m so great! You know how I know I’m great. It’s my birthday and I just got a huge gift. And that makes me great. Doesn’t it?

Okay, it’s not my birthday, an I haven’t been given any gift that makes me any better than you.

But how often do people act like that? God gives them a gift for serving. They can see when someone needs help and have the heart and energy to jump in and serve. Or they have a way of helping people understand difficult concepts and have patience to walk them through the process in baby steps so they can learn. Then, they think they are great because they can do such things – of course, these people are unsaved. No one in the Body of Christ would dare to be so brash, would they?

What gifts has God given you? How are you using them? What do you expect from the benefactor of your gifting?

Pray: Lord Jesus, I don’t ever want to be so proud of the things You have given me that I think I am better than others for the way in which You allow me to serve You. Keep me humble, Lord.

Thursday

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”‍ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Romans 9:20-21

God saved Michael from a destructive lifestyle and blessed him with wonderful talents.

One day, God gave him an incredible story, depicting the crucifixion in a way that is meaningful to today’s unchurched masses. He directed a stage-presentation at his local church and a copy got in the hands of a film producer in Hollywood, who was interested in making it into a film.

Then, Michael’s girlfriend left him. He lost his job. His sister’s children were removed from her home.

And Michael told God, “After all I did for You, how do You dare treat me this way?” and returned to his life of drugs.

I cannot judge Michael because I do not know his heart. I pray for his restoration.

If we are servants of God, we are to obey Him. Then, regardless of the results, at the end of the day, we say, “I only did what was required of me. I deserve no applause.”

When you perform some act of service in God’s name and it is well-received, how do you respond? What if it gets no response? How does your reaction reflect on your heart-attitude?

Pray: Jesus, when I do something for You, help me to keep my focus on my Audience of One – whether anyone else is blessed by it or not, I want to bless You and obey You before all else.

Friday

Review your journaling for this past week. What themes run throughout your thoughts?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me (fill in the blank). . . . . Show me how You want me to grow.

Record His answer in your journal.

Saturday
Spend some time in focused prayer today, reflecting on the call of a Living Sacrifice.

Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus for loving me before the creation of the world. Thank you for calling me to serve You. Help me to be more faithful in these areas:

A Living Sacrifice

April 19, 2008 in Jesus Christ, Love, Power of Christ, Religion | Tags: God's will, living sacrifice, mind of Christ, obedience | Leave a comment

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A Living Sacrifice

Volume 1 Issue 8

Scripture
Romans 12:1-8

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. ‍Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. ‍Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ‍so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ‍We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. ‍If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ‍if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Sunday

Spend several minutes meditating on Romans 12.

Who is talking?
To whom?
When and under what circumstances?
Where?
What was the purpose (teach, rebuke, entertain, emote)?

Now, consider the passage phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Monday

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

What is sacrifice?

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines it as “an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially : the killing of a victim on an altar.”

When Christ gave his life for us on the cross, He provided the ultimate sacrifice. The cross became His altar as He offered Himself. The Father accepted His sacrifice that should have been ours. In exchange, He requires our lives.

Here is what we get:

The power of Jesus Christ’s indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16) for our pain and sickness. (Isaiah 53:5)
His glory for our shame. (Isaiah 61:7)
His richness for our poverty (physical and spiritual). (2 Corinthians 8:9)
His forgiveness for our sin. (Isaiah 53:12)

For this, we must present ourselves as living sacrifices – lives totally dedicated to His work, living each day, in faith, expecting His direction and provision because He loved us first and presented the first, perfect sacrifice.

How are you at “laying it all down”? Are their areas you are not, yet, willing to sacrifice for Him?

Pray: Jesus, thank you for becoming a sacrifice for me. Help me to, in turn, give myself totally to you.

Tuesday

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary says worship is “reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also : an act of expressing such reverence.”

According to Romans 12, then, when we offer our bodies as living sacrifices – when we give Jesus total obedience in every area of our lives – we are giving reverence to Jesus Christ. Every act, whether it be brushing your teeth, raising children, or punching the time clock, becomes an act of worship. How much greater worship are the “spiritual disciplines” such as Bible study and tithing?

Worship brings us directly into the presence of God. So, when we give our lives in obedience to Christ, we dwell in the presence of the Almighty. And there, sin has no power over us.

Are you walking in total, immediate obedience to Jesus Christ? If yes, what benefits do you see? If no, what areas do you need to present to Him as a sacrifice?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice. Help me to walk, daily, in the victory You purchased for me.

Wednesday

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

‍But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! ‍Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. Romans 5:15-16

Romans 12:1, when taken by itself, can lead to a legalistic lifestyle. “I have to obey God to prove I love Him.” Anytime you find yourself saying “have to” about any aspect of your relationship with God, it’s time for a spiritual health check-up.

Jesus left us with two rules: Love God and love people (Luke 10:27). Love is delightful. It is never a burden and never a “have to.” Love can’t wait to give. Love is eager to serve. Love is anxious to believe. (1 Corinthians 13)

Romans 12:2 sheds further light on the first verse of the chapter. “Don’t be conformed, . . . but be transformed.”

Notice, it does not say, “transform your mind,” but “be transformed.” I can no more renew my mind than I can change into a horse. I am sinful. You are sinful. By nature, thanks to Adam’s sin. But Jesus Christ brings us the transformation, He started it and has finished it. (Hebrews 12:2) He will do the renewing and transforming so we can know the will of God and walk in obedience.

In what areas does your mind need to be transformed so your thoughts and actions can line up with the Word of God?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for transforming my mind so I can see Your will. Remind me to walk in the new life You already purchased for me.

Thursday

But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. . . . The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:10, 15-16

What is God’s will in this situation? If I had a dime for every time I’ve asked that question, I’d be rich. I have spent untold hours begging God to show me what He wanted me to do. But, now I’m learning, I was asking for the wrong thing.

When I am begging God to reveal His way to me, I am not trusting Him to guide me. I am demonstrating my need to be in charge of my life. I am showing my untransformed spirit and unrenewed mind.

When Christ has transformed my mind, I can have peace that, in God’s time, he will lead me in the way I should go. If my mind is renewed, I will know God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. He may not reveal it to me in my timetable, but, again, when I am walking in new life, I understand that God operates outside of the box we call time. So, if I am following Him, it is never too late.

Reflect on the times you struggle/have struggled with knowing the will of God.

Pray: Jesus, thank you that, through You, I can know all things. Help me to remember to walk in Your renewed life, peace, and strength.

Friday
Review your journaling for this past week. What themes run throughout your thoughts?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me (fill in the blank):

Show me how You want me to grow.

Record His answer in your journal.

Saturday

Spend some time in focused prayer today, reflecting on Christ’s faithful, eternal mercy and love.

Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus for giving Yourself so I can, in turn, give myself in obedience to you with a renewed mind and a transformed my Spirit. I am no longer who I was, but a new creation in You. Cause Your peace and love to overflow into these areas of my life:

We will look at the remaining verses in this passage next week.

A Good and Faithful Servant

April 13, 2008 in Jesus Christ, Love, Parenting, Religion | Tags: Aslan, Jesus Christ, leadership, Love, Prince Caspian, servant, service | 2 comments

We pray you are abundantly blessed as you learn from God’s Word this week. Block out a portion of each day to meditate on His Word and allow it to take root in your life. If you take time to write out your answers, you will enjoy deeper insight and create a journal of your spiritual journey.

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This week’s passage focuses on A Good and Faithful Servant. What does God require of His servants and what does that look like?

Scripture

Luke 17:7-10

“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ “

Sunday

Spend several minutes meditating on Luke 17:7-10. Consider it phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Monday

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. . . .

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:3-5, 12-17

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

No one said the Christian life would be easy. Jesus, Himself, promised troubles. But we can rest knowing that whatever problems we face, they are for our growth.

Often, Christ requires difficult things of us – impossible things, outside of His power. But, when we learn to trust Him and follow Him, we grow and learn and better reflect His glory.

What does Jesus require of His servants? How faithful are you in that service?

Pray: Lord, help me to serve as you served. Give me power to love as you love.

Tuesday

As a family, in anticipation of the theater release of Prince Caspian, we are reading the book by the same title. At one point, Aslan sends Peter and Edmund into the How where they overhear a disturbing conversation that ends in a battle.

When the dust has settled, High King Peter greets each of the survivors, thanking them for their faithfulness. His last greeting is to Trufflehunter, the badger. I’ll quote from the book:

“Best of badgers,” [Peter] said. “You never doubted us all through.”

“No credit to me, Majesty,” said Trufflehunter. “I am a beast and we don’t change. I’m a badger, what’s more, and we hold on.”(1)

Trufflehunter had never doubted help would come and seemed to know that it would be in the help of the Kings and Queens from the past. Even when all seemed hopeless and everyone mocked her for her faithfulness, the badger never quit believing. But when thanked, she had one response: I only did what I needed to do.

That is how we should be. We serve because we are commanded to and because we love our Master. When it is time to be in His presence, we first serve Him through our worship, then we may, ourselves be fed.

If we are faithful, in the end, He will say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21,23

Our response will be, “I only did what You required of me. Thank You for allowing me to serve.”

What does the Lord require of you today? How faithful are you in responding with thankful obedience?

Pray: Lord, soften my heart to Your ways. Cause me always to respond, always with “Yes, Lord,” and immediate obedience.

Wednesday

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

I admit it: I am a 21st century American capitalist. I like having the ability to choose my own job, establish my own business, and run it how I want (within legal and ethical bounds, of course). I also like keeping (most of) the money I make.

The thought of working all day, then turning around and waiting on someone else while I’m tired and hungry, flies in the face of the me-first generation I grew up in. But then I became a Mom.

Babies don’t care if you’ve just worked all day. When they’re hungry, they want fed. They don’t care if you’ve already washed four loads of laundry. If they are wet, they want changed – and into dry clothes, thank-you-very-much. If you are tired and they are not, guess who wins the sleep-depravation battle. But we do it, lovingly, because we love the child.

The master in Luke 17 probably had done some work during the day – but more than likely, not nearly the level of physical labor required of the servant. Yet, when the servant arrived at the house in the evening, he had to prepare supper and serve the master before he, himself, could eat.

It would be good for us to learn to love and serve each other in the same way. What if, when you got home, you saw the floor needed vacuuming – and pulled out the vacuum instead of waiting for your spouse to do so. What would happen if, when the local body of believers needed someone to help in the nursery (or youth), there were several volunteers eager to serve their Lord? What would happen if we put the needs of our family and the Kingdom of Christ above our own feelings and desires? What would our world look like?

In what areas is God stretching you for better service?

Pray: Lord, give me an overwhelming love for those around me, so it is a pleasure to serve them. Help me see my service to them as a reflection of my love for You.

Thursday

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

It’s not always easy to show love. But God requires it.

Some days, when I’m feeling selfish, I don’t want to serve. I don’t want to forgive. I don’t want to trust or believe. I want to give up. But God requires it.

In another section of Prince Caspian, Aslan has just shown himself to Lucy and told her to follow him. She, also, must tell the others to follow her. Since they cannot see her, and she is the youngest, they were rather rude and reluctant to follow. But she must do as the Lion has commanded.

“Lucy went first, biting her lip and trying not to say all the thins she thought of saying to Susan. But she forgot them when she fixed her eyes on Aslan. He turned and walked a slow pace about thirty yards ahead of them. . . .

He led them to the right of the dancing trees – whether they were dancing nobody knew, for Lucy had her eyes on the lion and the rest had their eyes on Lucy.” (1)

Aslan required her to follow. She did, and as she focused on Him, the pains and distractions fell away. And, in the end, it worked out best.

Where is your focus? What things do you need to forget as you fix your eyes on the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?

Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to stay focused on You and the task you have required. Not for fame, fortune, or reward, but for the joy of serving You and doing what You require.

Friday

Review your journaling for this past week. What themes run throughout your thoughts?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me _________________________________________ (You fill in the blank.) Show me how You want me to grow.

Record His answer in your journal.

Saturday
Spend some time in focused prayer today, reflecting on the requirements of a Servant of Christ.

Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus for choosing me before the creation of the world and calling me to be your servant. Keep me faithful, not out of duty or guilt, but out of love for you.

See the Glory of God

April 5, 2008 in Jesus Christ, Love, marriage, Parenting, Power of Christ, Religion | Tags: Glory of God, Lazarus, patience, Power of Jesus Christ, resurection, sacrifice, trust | 1 comment

We pray you are abundantly blessed as you learn from God’s Word this week. Block out a portion of your day, each day, to meditate on His Word and allow it to take root in your life. If you take time to write out your answers, you will enjoy deeper insight and create a journal of your spiritual journey.

If you would like to download this post to journal and save or to share with a friend, click here: See the Glory of God

If you prefer to read on-line, read on.

Did you know you can receive new posts via email? Just click the link on the left. And we promise we will never share your info with anyone.

This week’s passage focuses on Seeing the Glory of God. God puts us in difficult places sometimes, because, in the dark, His Love shines brightest.

Volume 1 Issue 6

Scripture

John 11:38-44

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ‍The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Sunday

Spend several minutes meditating on John 11:38-44. Consider it phrase-by-phrase. Write down key words or phrases that seem to “jump out” at you and any insights you receive from God.

Monday

Read John 11:1-44

Jesus was near the Jordan River, two days’ journey from Bethany, though the journey probably took longer for Jesus, given that he had to push through crowds to go anywhere.

After he received the message that Lazarus was sick, he waited two days before leaving. When he arrived, Lazarus had been buried four days.

What must Mary and Martha have thought when Lazarus died then their messenger returned without Jesus? I’m sure they had doubts: Did Jesus really love them? Did He love Lazarus? Is He really the Son of God? Why didn’t He know to come even without the messenger?

Both sisters sum up their feelings in their shared greeting, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.”

Verses 4 and 40 tell us Jesus’ motive for delaying: “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

God is an “on time” God. He does not work in our timetable, but always answers at just the right time to increase our faith and show His Glory.

For what miracle are you waiting? Or have you been waiting and just received?

Pray: Jesus, help me to trust You when my life doesn’t go the way I think it should and when You don’t respond in my timetable. Even when all hope seems gone, cause me to continue to trust in You.

Tuesday

John 11:38-39

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Mary knew Jesus could heal Lazarus. She even knew Jesus could raise him from the dead. But she was stuck in the visible. She desperately needed to see the Glory, but her faith could not break through the fog of grief and confusion.

What is blocking you from seeing the glory of God in your life?

Pray: Lord, I want to see your Glory, but all I can see right now are my circumstances. I know you can heal and deliver, but my heart is weary. Help me in my unbelief.

Wednesday

Martha knew God the Father would give Jesus whatever He asked (John 11:22) She knew He would bring Lazarus back to life.

She also knew he wouldn’t smell so good. (v. 39)

Jesus reminded her she was focusing on the wrong thing.

When we focus on the “smell of the dead,” we miss the point.

Do you want to see the glory of God? Can you put up with a little inconvenience to see His glory? Or are we going to let a bad smell keep us from it?

What things in your life have a “bad odor”? Are you focusing on them, or allowing your praises to rise like a fragrant offering to our Lord?

Pray:

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my will, and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

By: Frances R. Havergal, Take My Life and Let It Be

Thursday

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Luke 2:9

We often talk about the glory of God? But what does that mean?

As in Luke 2, God’s glory is often signified by a great light. But is that His glory?

Not to the full extent. You might say dynamite is a big noise. And, to some degree, you would be speaking the truth. But there’s more to it than that. Just as there’s more to God’s glory than appears when He shows up.

The NASB Topical Index says, “The terms for glory in both the OT and NT (Heb. kabod and Gr. doxa) are used of the honor and praise due a person of worthy reputation because of position, power, and riches. Such glory ultimately belongs only to God since He alone is worthy.” (1)

So, if I’m reading that right, God’s glory is a display of his power, position, and riches. He certainly displayed that at Lazarus’ tomb. Where might He display it in your life?

Pray: Jesus Christ, display Your unconquerable power, position as King of All, and unending riches in my life. Let me be a reflection of Your glory.

(1)

The NASB Topical Index. 1998 (electronic ed.). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Friday

Review your journaling for this past week. What themes run throughout your thoughts?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me Your glory. Show me how I can be a better reflection of You.

Record His answer here:

Saturday

Spend some time in focused prayer today, reflecting on Christ’s faithful, eternal mercy and love.

Pray: Thank you, Lord Jesus for loving me before the creation of the world. Thank you for showering me with Your mercy. Cause Your love to overflow into these areas of my life:

To Every Generation