Scripture:
When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Matthew 26:40-41 (Msg.)
Observation:
As Jesus faces his betrayal, trial, and death, He is understandably anguished. Being God and man, simultaneously, He is loathe to walk the path He must yet willing to do what is asked of Him. During these dark hours, He turns to His disciples, His closest friends, and asks them to pray with him. Whether it was the darkness in the garden, the lateness of the hour, or influence of the evil of the time, the disciples cannot stay awake! Jesus repeatedly finds them not praying but sleeping.
Jesus offers Peter words of understanding not condemnation. He challenges him to discover and embrace the part of him that longs to follow after God and to rid himself of the part that wants to take the easy way.
Application:
I'm so very much like Peter: part of me is ready to take on whatever challenge God places before me, willing to follow wherever He leads; but the other part is, in Jesus' words, like a lazy dog, willing to spend my life resting by the fire. I want the following part to take over. I want to resist the laziness and comfort of my surroundings and embrace the path that God has mapped out for me. I know it will not always be the easiest, I know it will not always be what is expected by my culture, but I know I will find peace and contentment and fulfillment in following after God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, will you look at me with the same eyes with which you looked at Peter? Will you somehow find in me the willing follower? Will you strengthen my resolve, firm up my discipline, move in my heart? I want to follow hard after you. I want to be your instrument, ready to be used. Give me the courage to live the life you have planned. Use me to do your will, whatever you want.
Amen.
Thursday May 8, 2008 by Keith
Title: Swimming in God's love
Scripture:
Psalm32:10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Observation: Sometimes the most complex things in life are simple. This maps out life’s two options: 1. Experience woes if you are wicked 2. Experience God’s love when you trust Him
There really are only two options in life. Trust the Lord or NOT!
I would love to say that I fall in the camp of always trusting the Lord. My favorite verse that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5&6 which starts with, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
The result of trusting in God verse 10 of Psalm 32 tells us that the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds him. This is an awesome description… it’s like swimming in God’s love. An early verse in Psalm 32 described mighty waters that rise… this description was speaking of tumultuous times. However, with God on our side, we can be confident in His unfailing love and fully trust in Him despite our circumstances.
Application: As sit here in the morning, preparing to start my day, I can’t help but think, “Am I surrounded by God’s unfailing love?” I mean I can say it… but do I trust it?
Going back to Proverbs 3:5&6 do I trust in the Lord with all my heart and acknowledge Him in all my ways?
This is the goal today. Amongst my preparing, planning, meetings, and interruptions, how will I trust the Lord? Together with my brothers and sisters may we sense God’s unfailing love surrounding us. May the world around us get wet with God’s love because we trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in you. I admit that I often pretend to fully trust you… yet hide insecurity in my heart. Today, I lay my life down and ask that you would do, as you will. For Your glory and Your fame. So be it and amen
Scripture:
Psalm32:10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Observation: Sometimes the most complex things in life are simple. This maps out life’s two options: 1. Experience woes if you are wicked 2. Experience God’s love when you trust Him
There really are only two options in life. Trust the Lord or NOT!
I would love to say that I fall in the camp of always trusting the Lord. My favorite verse that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5&6 which starts with, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
The result of trusting in God verse 10 of Psalm 32 tells us that the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds him. This is an awesome description… it’s like swimming in God’s love. An early verse in Psalm 32 described mighty waters that rise… this description was speaking of tumultuous times. However, with God on our side, we can be confident in His unfailing love and fully trust in Him despite our circumstances.
Application: As sit here in the morning, preparing to start my day, I can’t help but think, “Am I surrounded by God’s unfailing love?” I mean I can say it… but do I trust it?
Going back to Proverbs 3:5&6 do I trust in the Lord with all my heart and acknowledge Him in all my ways?
This is the goal today. Amongst my preparing, planning, meetings, and interruptions, how will I trust the Lord? Together with my brothers and sisters may we sense God’s unfailing love surrounding us. May the world around us get wet with God’s love because we trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in you. I admit that I often pretend to fully trust you… yet hide insecurity in my heart. Today, I lay my life down and ask that you would do, as you will. For Your glory and Your fame. So be it and amen
Monday, May 5th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE: Wrong Assumptions
SCRIPTURE:
1 Chronicles 19:2 (KJV) And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
OBSERVATION:
Nahash, King of Ammon had died. To show sympathy to his grieving son, Hanun, David sent messengers to comfort him. However, Hanum was adviced that they had come to spy out the city. So rather than receive David's kindness, Hanum reacted and had these men forcibly shaven and stripped. These actions were extremely humiliating for the men and insulting for Israel. My notes say that “In Israelite culture, all men wore full beards. It was a sign of maturity and authority.”
What happened? Simple. Nanum misread David’s movtives. Worse yet,even when he realized that David was angry, Nanum would not back down. Rather than rethinking the advice he received or seek clarity, he got "ready to rumble!" The tensions escalated, ending in the Ammonites defeat in battle. Interestingly enough, David was the first Israelite ruler to conquer the Ammonites, even though he never intended to go to war with them. And it all started with a wrong assumption.
APPLICATION:
How often have I made wrong assumptions? Or wrong assumptions have been made about me? It is so easy for us to be overly suspicion of another’s actions. I should never “fill in the blanks” but rather seek clarification. The sad thing is that when I leave a situation unresolved, almost always, it escalates into something far worse. I need the courage and grace to have those crucial conversations, even when they are difficult.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me today about the importance of communicating clearly with others. Forgive me for the wrong assumptions I’ve made about others just as I forgive those who have made wrong assumptions about me. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to do what’s right. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE:
1 Chronicles 19:2 (KJV) And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
OBSERVATION:
Nahash, King of Ammon had died. To show sympathy to his grieving son, Hanun, David sent messengers to comfort him. However, Hanum was adviced that they had come to spy out the city. So rather than receive David's kindness, Hanum reacted and had these men forcibly shaven and stripped. These actions were extremely humiliating for the men and insulting for Israel. My notes say that “In Israelite culture, all men wore full beards. It was a sign of maturity and authority.”
What happened? Simple. Nanum misread David’s movtives. Worse yet,even when he realized that David was angry, Nanum would not back down. Rather than rethinking the advice he received or seek clarity, he got "ready to rumble!" The tensions escalated, ending in the Ammonites defeat in battle. Interestingly enough, David was the first Israelite ruler to conquer the Ammonites, even though he never intended to go to war with them. And it all started with a wrong assumption.
APPLICATION:
How often have I made wrong assumptions? Or wrong assumptions have been made about me? It is so easy for us to be overly suspicion of another’s actions. I should never “fill in the blanks” but rather seek clarification. The sad thing is that when I leave a situation unresolved, almost always, it escalates into something far worse. I need the courage and grace to have those crucial conversations, even when they are difficult.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me today about the importance of communicating clearly with others. Forgive me for the wrong assumptions I’ve made about others just as I forgive those who have made wrong assumptions about me. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to do what’s right. AMEN.
Friday, May 2, by Nancy
Scripture:
"He gave them exactly what they asked for,
but along with it they got an empty heart."
Psalm 106:15 (Msg.)
Observation:
The psalmist is describing the history of Israel. When he comes to the period in the wilderness he lists the demands of God's people. He remembers their whiny, wearisome grumbling and complaining and he explains that finally God gave them what they asked for. The downside was that along with it they got an empty heart.
Application:
There is nothing I can imagine that would be worth that trade off. God's presence in my life far exceeds the value of an earthly possession or position. It is my heart's desire to be filled more and more with God's grace so that I can live it out. I must guard against getting caught up in "keeping up with the Jones'" and trading God's presence for things that will pass away. What a tragic exchange!
Prayer:
God, I pray that your presence in my life would grow, that your grace in my life would increase, that your compassion and mercy would overflow. I pray that I would be so caught up in You that I cannot be distracted by the foolishness of the latest trend or possession. I want You to be the center of my life, my focus, my heart's desire.
Amen.
"He gave them exactly what they asked for,
but along with it they got an empty heart."
Psalm 106:15 (Msg.)
Observation:
The psalmist is describing the history of Israel. When he comes to the period in the wilderness he lists the demands of God's people. He remembers their whiny, wearisome grumbling and complaining and he explains that finally God gave them what they asked for. The downside was that along with it they got an empty heart.
Application:
There is nothing I can imagine that would be worth that trade off. God's presence in my life far exceeds the value of an earthly possession or position. It is my heart's desire to be filled more and more with God's grace so that I can live it out. I must guard against getting caught up in "keeping up with the Jones'" and trading God's presence for things that will pass away. What a tragic exchange!
Prayer:
God, I pray that your presence in my life would grow, that your grace in my life would increase, that your compassion and mercy would overflow. I pray that I would be so caught up in You that I cannot be distracted by the foolishness of the latest trend or possession. I want You to be the center of my life, my focus, my heart's desire.
Amen.
May 1, 2008 by Keith
Scripture:
Matthew 18:12-14
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Observation:
Jesus interrupts our reality shares a truth about God’s heart. God, our Father, the Shepherd of humanity is more concerned about the lost than he is about the “found.” There seems to be a great burden and concern for those who have wondered, lost their way, and are confused.
I wonder what this translates to in today’s terms. What would a modern day parable look like to share God’s deep concern for those who have wondered?
One thing is for sure, God hasn’t changed, he is still concerned about people being reached and saved by the Shepherd.
Application:
I can still remember the year that my life was changed by following Jesus. It was as if I had “come home.” Yet, I never knew about this home. Somehow in my 15 years of following Christ those feelings have settled and I know focus on the “sheep” around me.
Have I forgot what it was like to be confused and lost? Jesus reminds us that we need to remember what God’s heart longs for. He desires for the wonderers to come home, to find refuge, safety, and hope.
How can I be more like Christ? Do I have his heart? Am I spending my life, energy, and resources to reach those whom Christ Jesus would reach?
Prayer:
Help me Lord to see the world the way you see it. Help me to see children through your eyes. Father, give me compassion for your children that are wondering from you. Holy Spirit guide me as I seek to follow you. I rejoice that I have been saved by your grace. I also ask that I would reach out to others like you reached out to me. In Jesus wonderful name. so be it.
Matthew 18:12-14
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Observation:
Jesus interrupts our reality shares a truth about God’s heart. God, our Father, the Shepherd of humanity is more concerned about the lost than he is about the “found.” There seems to be a great burden and concern for those who have wondered, lost their way, and are confused.
I wonder what this translates to in today’s terms. What would a modern day parable look like to share God’s deep concern for those who have wondered?
One thing is for sure, God hasn’t changed, he is still concerned about people being reached and saved by the Shepherd.
Application:
I can still remember the year that my life was changed by following Jesus. It was as if I had “come home.” Yet, I never knew about this home. Somehow in my 15 years of following Christ those feelings have settled and I know focus on the “sheep” around me.
Have I forgot what it was like to be confused and lost? Jesus reminds us that we need to remember what God’s heart longs for. He desires for the wonderers to come home, to find refuge, safety, and hope.
How can I be more like Christ? Do I have his heart? Am I spending my life, energy, and resources to reach those whom Christ Jesus would reach?
Prayer:
Help me Lord to see the world the way you see it. Help me to see children through your eyes. Father, give me compassion for your children that are wondering from you. Holy Spirit guide me as I seek to follow you. I rejoice that I have been saved by your grace. I also ask that I would reach out to others like you reached out to me. In Jesus wonderful name. so be it.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Here I am Lord, use me!
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 5:12, “And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.”
OBSERVATION: David’s climb to the position of king over all the Israelites took over seven years to attain. But when Israel’s elders finally relented and anointed him King, followed by several successful military victories, we read, David knew that the Lord had established him as king and exalted his kingdom. After all the persecution and turmoil David had endured, he could have very easily interpreted his rise to power as a reward for his faithfulness and obedience to God. But David knew otherwise, which we find in his comment, “…for the sake of his people Israel.” David saw himself as a servant committed to serving God’s larger plan for his people. You could hear David say, “Here I am Lord, use me.”
APPLICATION: Have you ever been blessed and exalted by God in your family, school, or work and wondered why he would grace your life like he has? This passage helps us to understand that sometimes our blessings from God are intended to be the strength we need to complete his work around us. It requires us to be keenly aware of the work he is doing to those around us and to know how we can be a part of his work for his kingdom.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to alter my perspective toward my surroundings and to see less of me and more of your plan for those around me. Help me to ask you why; whenever I receive your graces, and to understand how I can be part of your work. Help me to have a heart like David that cries, “Here I am Lord, use me!”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 5:12, “And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.”
OBSERVATION: David’s climb to the position of king over all the Israelites took over seven years to attain. But when Israel’s elders finally relented and anointed him King, followed by several successful military victories, we read, David knew that the Lord had established him as king and exalted his kingdom. After all the persecution and turmoil David had endured, he could have very easily interpreted his rise to power as a reward for his faithfulness and obedience to God. But David knew otherwise, which we find in his comment, “…for the sake of his people Israel.” David saw himself as a servant committed to serving God’s larger plan for his people. You could hear David say, “Here I am Lord, use me.”
APPLICATION: Have you ever been blessed and exalted by God in your family, school, or work and wondered why he would grace your life like he has? This passage helps us to understand that sometimes our blessings from God are intended to be the strength we need to complete his work around us. It requires us to be keenly aware of the work he is doing to those around us and to know how we can be a part of his work for his kingdom.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to alter my perspective toward my surroundings and to see less of me and more of your plan for those around me. Help me to ask you why; whenever I receive your graces, and to understand how I can be part of your work. Help me to have a heart like David that cries, “Here I am Lord, use me!”
Monday, April 28, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
Heart Condition
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus said...But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ Matthew 15:18 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
The religious leaders of Christ’s day were so concerned about the food and formality of the law, they had forgotten the most important thing—the condition of heart! They were more concerned about “looking good” than truly “being good.” In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Jesus reiterated this when he taught that what goes into our mouths (the outside) isn’twhat makes us unclean, but what is in our hearts (the inside). God always changes lives from the inside out.
APPLICATION:
What is my heart condition? Where is my focus? As I get older, it is easy for me to become more conscious of what is happening on the “outside” of my life. I have to laugh at the 5 B’s of old age—“Baldness, bifocals, bulges, bunions and bridges!!” Yikes! I’m there! Someone said that we all come to the point in life where we look in the mirror and say “Mirror, mirror on the wall, you’ve got to be kidding!”
Seriously, God is constantly reminding me that what really counts in life is what He is doing internally and eternally! It is not about rules and rituals. It is about the heart! Nothing really compares with our walk with God and being willing to let him clean our lives from the inside out.
PRAYER
Father, help me to focus on what really matters– my heart condition! Cleanse of my sin. Please fill me with your Spirit. Use me for your honor and glory! AMEN!
Heart Condition
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus said...But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ Matthew 15:18 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
The religious leaders of Christ’s day were so concerned about the food and formality of the law, they had forgotten the most important thing—the condition of heart! They were more concerned about “looking good” than truly “being good.” In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Jesus reiterated this when he taught that what goes into our mouths (the outside) isn’twhat makes us unclean, but what is in our hearts (the inside). God always changes lives from the inside out.
APPLICATION:
What is my heart condition? Where is my focus? As I get older, it is easy for me to become more conscious of what is happening on the “outside” of my life. I have to laugh at the 5 B’s of old age—“Baldness, bifocals, bulges, bunions and bridges!!” Yikes! I’m there! Someone said that we all come to the point in life where we look in the mirror and say “Mirror, mirror on the wall, you’ve got to be kidding!”
Seriously, God is constantly reminding me that what really counts in life is what He is doing internally and eternally! It is not about rules and rituals. It is about the heart! Nothing really compares with our walk with God and being willing to let him clean our lives from the inside out.
PRAYER
Father, help me to focus on what really matters– my heart condition! Cleanse of my sin. Please fill me with your Spirit. Use me for your honor and glory! AMEN!
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