Thursday, March 31, 2011
Day Eighteen
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the
ROMANS King James Version, Bible.
Romans, Paul's greatest work, is placed first among his thirteen epistles in the New Testament. While the four Gospels present the words and works of Jesus Christ, Romans explores the significance of His sacrificial death. Using a question-and-answer format, Paul records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortation. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived--a life of righteousness befitting the person, "justified freely by [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (3:24).
Although some manuscripts omit "in Rome" in 1 :7, 15, the title Pros Romaious, "To the Romans," has been associated with the epistle almost from the beginning.
Day 18
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:5
I love the taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes. This hearty plant does best when its roots grow deep into the soil so it can tap subsoil moisture during the dry, hot days of summer. I've found that if I water my tomatoe plants in a normal fashion, the roots tend to grow near the top of the ground, rather than at a deeper, healthier depth.
To solve my "shallow root" problem, I use a rather unconventional method to water my tomatoes. Here's what I do: First, I throughly clean an empty 2-liter plastic bottle or milk jug. I polk several holes in the sides and bottom of the bottle and bury it (up to the neck of the bottle) beside my tomato plant. Everyday, when I water the garden, I fill the buried container with water. Droplets slowly seep through the holes all day long, keeping the roots deeply hydrated. The constant, steady watering seems to produce a much healthier tomato plant.
Constant, steady watering...hmm, maybe there's a lesson that all of us can learn. Could there be a way for the Holy Spirit to constantly refresh us all through our day? Consider:
--Reading our Bible during breakfast
--Hearing Christian stations programmed into your car's radio
--Glancing at an inspiritional calendar or notes on your desk at work
--Persuing a pocket-sized Bible in your purse
--Placing "sticly dots" on your computer and elsewhere as a reminder to invite the Holy Spirit's help and peace
--Listening to Christian music CDs as you commute/or exercise
--Meditating on the text of a Bible or prayer book on your nightstand
Prayer suggestion. What can you do to keep a continual, steady stream of God's Word working in your life through the Holy Spirit? Ask your Lord's help in adapting new "watering methods" in your life today. </145494> http:lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http://a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/Winning
ROMANS King James Version, Bible.
Romans, Paul's greatest work, is placed first among his thirteen epistles in the New Testament. While the four Gospels present the words and works of Jesus Christ, Romans explores the significance of His sacrificial death. Using a question-and-answer format, Paul records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortation. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived--a life of righteousness befitting the person, "justified freely by [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (3:24).
Although some manuscripts omit "in Rome" in 1 :7, 15, the title Pros Romaious, "To the Romans," has been associated with the epistle almost from the beginning.
Day 18
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:5
I love the taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes. This hearty plant does best when its roots grow deep into the soil so it can tap subsoil moisture during the dry, hot days of summer. I've found that if I water my tomatoe plants in a normal fashion, the roots tend to grow near the top of the ground, rather than at a deeper, healthier depth.
To solve my "shallow root" problem, I use a rather unconventional method to water my tomatoes. Here's what I do: First, I throughly clean an empty 2-liter plastic bottle or milk jug. I polk several holes in the sides and bottom of the bottle and bury it (up to the neck of the bottle) beside my tomato plant. Everyday, when I water the garden, I fill the buried container with water. Droplets slowly seep through the holes all day long, keeping the roots deeply hydrated. The constant, steady watering seems to produce a much healthier tomato plant.
Constant, steady watering...hmm, maybe there's a lesson that all of us can learn. Could there be a way for the Holy Spirit to constantly refresh us all through our day? Consider:
--Reading our Bible during breakfast
--Hearing Christian stations programmed into your car's radio
--Glancing at an inspiritional calendar or notes on your desk at work
--Persuing a pocket-sized Bible in your purse
--Placing "sticly dots" on your computer and elsewhere as a reminder to invite the Holy Spirit's help and peace
--Listening to Christian music CDs as you commute/or exercise
--Meditating on the text of a Bible or prayer book on your nightstand
Prayer suggestion. What can you do to keep a continual, steady stream of God's Word working in your life through the Holy Spirit? Ask your Lord's help in adapting new "watering methods" in your life today. </145494> http:lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http://a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/Winning
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Day Seventeen
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to
TITUS
TITUS, a young pastor, faces the unenviable assignment of setting in order the church of Crete. Paul writes advising him to appoint elders, men of proven spiritual character in their homes and businesses,to oversee the work of the church. But elders are not the only individuals in the church who are required to excel spiritually. Men and women, young and old each have their vital functions to fulfill in the church if they are to be living examples of the doctrine they profess. Throughout his letter to Titus, Paul stresses the necessary, practical working out of salvation in the daily lives of both the elders and the congregation. Good works are desirable and profitable for all believers.
This third Pastoral Epistle is simply titled Pros Titon. "To Titus." Ironically, this was also the name of the Roman general who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and succeeded his father Vespasian as emperor. King James Version, The Bible.
Day 17
According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out
on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 3: 5 - 6
It's a gardener's dream--a slow, steady, soaking rain. The kind of rain that sinks in, rather than runs off. Rain that gently, but thoroughly, washes off the dust and grime from eve and makes each plant's colors more vibrant and beautiful than before. Rain that hits the earthry leaf, every petal, and makes each plant's colors more vibrant and beautiful than before. Rain that hits the earth with purpose, steady streaming down--deep down--to the roots of every garden plant. Life--giving, life--sustaining rain.
A steady, soaking rain--that's the picture my mind paints as I consider today's Bible verse. I invite you to step into the picture, too.
Can you see yourself? Hesitantly removing your shoes. Your bare toes stepping out onto the grassy garden path. Catching the clear, cool water drops with your tongue. Laughing as streams of mercy wash across your nose and cheeks. Twirling, then dancing in the rain--rejoicing in God's forgivness and grace. Kicking up water drops with joy, knowing that you are clean--righteous because of your Savior, Jesus. Jumping and splashing in water puddles with wild abandonment.
God, your good Gardener, sees you. And as He watches your joyful dance, He smiles.
Prayer suggestion. Write a personal prayer of praise to your Lord today. Thank Him for His gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus. </145494>
TITUS
TITUS, a young pastor, faces the unenviable assignment of setting in order the church of Crete. Paul writes advising him to appoint elders, men of proven spiritual character in their homes and businesses,to oversee the work of the church. But elders are not the only individuals in the church who are required to excel spiritually. Men and women, young and old each have their vital functions to fulfill in the church if they are to be living examples of the doctrine they profess. Throughout his letter to Titus, Paul stresses the necessary, practical working out of salvation in the daily lives of both the elders and the congregation. Good works are desirable and profitable for all believers.
This third Pastoral Epistle is simply titled Pros Titon. "To Titus." Ironically, this was also the name of the Roman general who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and succeeded his father Vespasian as emperor. King James Version, The Bible.
Day 17
According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out
on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 3: 5 - 6
It's a gardener's dream--a slow, steady, soaking rain. The kind of rain that sinks in, rather than runs off. Rain that gently, but thoroughly, washes off the dust and grime from eve and makes each plant's colors more vibrant and beautiful than before. Rain that hits the earthry leaf, every petal, and makes each plant's colors more vibrant and beautiful than before. Rain that hits the earth with purpose, steady streaming down--deep down--to the roots of every garden plant. Life--giving, life--sustaining rain.
A steady, soaking rain--that's the picture my mind paints as I consider today's Bible verse. I invite you to step into the picture, too.
Can you see yourself? Hesitantly removing your shoes. Your bare toes stepping out onto the grassy garden path. Catching the clear, cool water drops with your tongue. Laughing as streams of mercy wash across your nose and cheeks. Twirling, then dancing in the rain--rejoicing in God's forgivness and grace. Kicking up water drops with joy, knowing that you are clean--righteous because of your Savior, Jesus. Jumping and splashing in water puddles with wild abandonment.
God, your good Gardener, sees you. And as He watches your joyful dance, He smiles.
Prayer suggestion. Write a personal prayer of praise to your Lord today. Thank Him for His gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus. </145494>
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day Sixteen
The Book of ISAIH
ISAIH is like a miniture Bible. The first thiry-nine chapters(like the like the thiry-nine books of the Old Testament) are filled with judgement upon immoral and idollatrous men. Judah has sinned: the surrounding nations have sinned: the whole earth has sinned. Judgement must come, for God cannot allow such blatant sin to go unpunished forever. But the final twenty-seven chapters (like the twenty-seven books of the New Testament) declare a message of hope. The Messiah is coming as a Savior and a Sovereign to bear a cross and to wear a crown.
Isaih's prophetic ministry, spanning the reigns of four kings of Judah, covers at least forty years.
Yesha 'yahu and its shortened form Yeshaiah means "Yahweh is Salvation." This name is an excellent summary of the contents of the book. The Greek form in the Septuagint is Hesalas, and the Latin form is Esaias or Isaias. King James Version Bible.
Day Sixteen
You shall be like a watered garden.
Isaiah 58:11
"Dry" didn't begin to describe the drought that plagued our part of the country for four--going on five--years. Car washing and lawn irrigation had long been banned in an attempt to keep drinking water supplies at an adequate level. Brush fires posed a constant threat. Weary weather forecasters seemed hopelessly apologetic as night after night they warned of continuing hot, dry conditions. And everyone hoped and prayed for rain.
Spiritual droughts can be even more devastating: times when gaping cracks appear in the garden of your soul, seasons when the scorching heat of disappointment makes your mouth go dry and your spirit shrive.
Perhaps you've survived a spiritual drought. Maybe you're in the middle of one now. In either case, this week's Scripture verse renews our hope. Just picture it! The Holy Spirit tends your soul like a good gardener--pouring out comfort, joy, and a veritable flood of promises that no matter what the situation, God's love and care will never fail.
Prayer suggestion. Name and the doubts that keep your soul in "drought condition." Then take a moment to picture the Holy Spirit pouring down the water of hope into your soul. Thank and praise God for His power and love as you meditate on Isaiah 44:1-8. Bible/Prayer </1454947>
ISAIH is like a miniture Bible. The first thiry-nine chapters(like the like the thiry-nine books of the Old Testament) are filled with judgement upon immoral and idollatrous men. Judah has sinned: the surrounding nations have sinned: the whole earth has sinned. Judgement must come, for God cannot allow such blatant sin to go unpunished forever. But the final twenty-seven chapters (like the twenty-seven books of the New Testament) declare a message of hope. The Messiah is coming as a Savior and a Sovereign to bear a cross and to wear a crown.
Isaih's prophetic ministry, spanning the reigns of four kings of Judah, covers at least forty years.
Yesha 'yahu and its shortened form Yeshaiah means "Yahweh is Salvation." This name is an excellent summary of the contents of the book. The Greek form in the Septuagint is Hesalas, and the Latin form is Esaias or Isaias. King James Version Bible.
Day Sixteen
You shall be like a watered garden.
Isaiah 58:11
"Dry" didn't begin to describe the drought that plagued our part of the country for four--going on five--years. Car washing and lawn irrigation had long been banned in an attempt to keep drinking water supplies at an adequate level. Brush fires posed a constant threat. Weary weather forecasters seemed hopelessly apologetic as night after night they warned of continuing hot, dry conditions. And everyone hoped and prayed for rain.
Spiritual droughts can be even more devastating: times when gaping cracks appear in the garden of your soul, seasons when the scorching heat of disappointment makes your mouth go dry and your spirit shrive.
Perhaps you've survived a spiritual drought. Maybe you're in the middle of one now. In either case, this week's Scripture verse renews our hope. Just picture it! The Holy Spirit tends your soul like a good gardener--pouring out comfort, joy, and a veritable flood of promises that no matter what the situation, God's love and care will never fail.
Prayer suggestion. Name and the doubts that keep your soul in "drought condition." Then take a moment to picture the Holy Spirit pouring down the water of hope into your soul. Thank and praise God for His power and love as you meditate on Isaiah 44:1-8. Bible/Prayer </1454947>
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day Fifteen
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the EPHESIANS King James Version the Holy Bible
EPHESIANS is addressed to a group of believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet living as beggers, and only because they are ignorant of their wealth. Paul begins by describing in chapters 1 - 3 the contents of the Christian's heavenly "bank account": adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace,citizenship--in short, every spiritual blessing. In chapters 4 - 6 the Christianlearns a spiritual walk rooted in his spiritual wealth. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus [1 - 3] unto good works,...that we should walk in them [4 - 6]" (2:10).
The traditional title of this epistle is Pros Ephesious, "To the Ephesians." Many ancient manuscripts, however, omit en Epheso, "at Ephesus," in 1:1. This has led a number of scholars to challenge the traditional view that this message was directed specifically to the Ephesians. The encyclical theory proposes that it was a circular letter sent by Paul to the churches of Asia. It is argued that Ephesians is really a Christian treatise designed for general use: it involves no controversy and deals with no specific problems in any particular church. Some scholars accept an ancient tradition that Ephesians is Paul's letter to the Laodiceans (Col. 4:16), but there is no way to be sure. If Ephesians began as a circular letter, it eventually became associated with Ephesus, the foremost of the Asian churches. Another plausible option is that this epistle was directly addressed to the Ephesians, but written in such a way as to make it helpful for all the churches in Asia. King James Version...the Holy Bible.
Day 15
You were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
My backyard garden shed houses many unsual items-- homemade contraptions and remedies--that are perhaps unconventional, yet essential to my success in gardening. The nail polish is a good example. Nail polish? Yes, clear nail polish sits on a small shelf right above my gardening gloves and pruning snips. And no, the polish isn't used on my fingernails. I use it when pruning to seal completely the snipped plant stem. Applying the polish to the wounded stem provides an effective barrier that holds out pests and disease spores. The seal protects the pruning site and ensures the plant's recovery.
Today's Scripture verse offers a similar snapshot, taken in the garden of God's grace. As we come through a time of pruning--work challenges, health concerns, monetary worries, grief--we can be sure of one thing: God is with us. He seals and protects us from Satan's taunts. He guards our wounded spirits with the comfort of His Holy Spirit. He stands as our shield and defender against everything that might prevent our hurts from healing.
Jesus never leaves us to hang--exposed and vulnerable--to the dangers of despair. Instead, when God has confronted us in His Word or through circumstances, He draws us to repentance. He welcomes us home, welcomes us with open, gracious arms. Our wounds are bound up by His forgiveness, grace, and love.
Prayer suggestion. What sins have broken your heart? Don't let the hurt continue. Don't hold onto the guilt in a misguided attempt to make amends with your Savior or even God's forgiveness. Instead, let God bind up your broken heart and seal you forever in His grace.
EPHESIANS is addressed to a group of believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet living as beggers, and only because they are ignorant of their wealth. Paul begins by describing in chapters 1 - 3 the contents of the Christian's heavenly "bank account": adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace,citizenship--in short, every spiritual blessing. In chapters 4 - 6 the Christianlearns a spiritual walk rooted in his spiritual wealth. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus [1 - 3] unto good works,...that we should walk in them [4 - 6]" (2:10).
The traditional title of this epistle is Pros Ephesious, "To the Ephesians." Many ancient manuscripts, however, omit en Epheso, "at Ephesus," in 1:1. This has led a number of scholars to challenge the traditional view that this message was directed specifically to the Ephesians. The encyclical theory proposes that it was a circular letter sent by Paul to the churches of Asia. It is argued that Ephesians is really a Christian treatise designed for general use: it involves no controversy and deals with no specific problems in any particular church. Some scholars accept an ancient tradition that Ephesians is Paul's letter to the Laodiceans (Col. 4:16), but there is no way to be sure. If Ephesians began as a circular letter, it eventually became associated with Ephesus, the foremost of the Asian churches. Another plausible option is that this epistle was directly addressed to the Ephesians, but written in such a way as to make it helpful for all the churches in Asia. King James Version...the Holy Bible.
Day 15
You were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
My backyard garden shed houses many unsual items-- homemade contraptions and remedies--that are perhaps unconventional, yet essential to my success in gardening. The nail polish is a good example. Nail polish? Yes, clear nail polish sits on a small shelf right above my gardening gloves and pruning snips. And no, the polish isn't used on my fingernails. I use it when pruning to seal completely the snipped plant stem. Applying the polish to the wounded stem provides an effective barrier that holds out pests and disease spores. The seal protects the pruning site and ensures the plant's recovery.
Today's Scripture verse offers a similar snapshot, taken in the garden of God's grace. As we come through a time of pruning--work challenges, health concerns, monetary worries, grief--we can be sure of one thing: God is with us. He seals and protects us from Satan's taunts. He guards our wounded spirits with the comfort of His Holy Spirit. He stands as our shield and defender against everything that might prevent our hurts from healing.
Jesus never leaves us to hang--exposed and vulnerable--to the dangers of despair. Instead, when God has confronted us in His Word or through circumstances, He draws us to repentance. He welcomes us home, welcomes us with open, gracious arms. Our wounds are bound up by His forgiveness, grace, and love.
Prayer suggestion. What sins have broken your heart? Don't let the hurt continue. Don't hold onto the guilt in a misguided attempt to make amends with your Savior or even God's forgiveness. Instead, let God bind up your broken heart and seal you forever in His grace.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day Fourteen
The Epistle of JAMES KJV. Bible.
Faith without works cannot be called faith. "Faith without works is dead" (2:26), and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must be there, but it must be more. It must be inspired action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that faith must manifest itself in works of faith.
Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance. Faith undertsands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin. Faith obeys the Word. It will not merely hear and not do. Faith produces doer's. Faith harbors no prejudice. For James, faith and favoritism cannot coexist. Faith displays itself in works. Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overly responds to the promises of God. Faith controls the tongue. This small but immensely powerful part of the body must be held in check. Faith can do it. Faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisedom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to God. It provides us with the ability to resist the Devil and humbly draw near to God. Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. Through trouble and trial it strifles complaining.
The name Iakobos (James) in 1:1 is the basis for the early title Iakobou Epistole, "Epistle of James." Iakobos is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob, a Jewish name common in the first century.
Day 14
No sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat
than it withers the grass; its flower falls,
and its beautiful appearance perishes.
James 1:11
I'd forgotten. I was accustomed to living in Virginia, where lawns stay green year-round. So when our grass began to fade from its brilliant emerald to dull, yellow-green and then to brown, I panicked. I panicked until I remembered that in the Midwest, grass goes dormant in the winter as well as in the heat of summer. Dormancy-that listless, inactive, nongrowing season when extreme cold or brutal heat rob the beauty of a lush, green landscape.
Have you ever been tempted toward dormancy in your spiritual life? I have. The temptation comes when the heat is on and troubles that have been smoldering suddenly burst into angry flames all around me.
Or when worry's icy fingers squeeze my confidence so tightly that it shatters into pieces. These are times when I, too, am tempted to dr up-go dormant. God seems so very far away.
What does dormancy look like for a Christian woman? She stops going to church or goes only out of habit and shields her sooul so nothing of consequence can touch her there. She avoids faith-filled friends. She cancels her devotion time with Jesus. She slips quietly into the silent, spiritual desert, the icy polar cap, where nothing grows.
Our Savior, Jesus, promises in Matthew 10:22, "He who endures to the end will be saved." What's more, Jesus makes enduring possible through the enabling strength of His Word. Christ enables us to focus on Him-- not on our circumstances. Jesus helps us focus on His power, instead of on our feelings. And while the world snickers at our faith, the Spirit assures us that the Lord is faithful. He will bring us through the toughest trails because He loves us with an everlasting love.
Prayer suggestion. When you are tempted to go to the desert or to go dormant, ask the Spirit in to remind you of the truth: God is faithful. He loved you to death in the cross of His Son, and He will not abandon you. Do you know someone who needs this kind of encouragement today? Ask your Lord to help you give it. KJV BIBLE
Faith without works cannot be called faith. "Faith without works is dead" (2:26), and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must be there, but it must be more. It must be inspired action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that faith must manifest itself in works of faith.
Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance. Faith undertsands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin. Faith obeys the Word. It will not merely hear and not do. Faith produces doer's. Faith harbors no prejudice. For James, faith and favoritism cannot coexist. Faith displays itself in works. Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overly responds to the promises of God. Faith controls the tongue. This small but immensely powerful part of the body must be held in check. Faith can do it. Faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisedom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to God. It provides us with the ability to resist the Devil and humbly draw near to God. Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. Through trouble and trial it strifles complaining.
The name Iakobos (James) in 1:1 is the basis for the early title Iakobou Epistole, "Epistle of James." Iakobos is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob, a Jewish name common in the first century.
Day 14
No sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat
than it withers the grass; its flower falls,
and its beautiful appearance perishes.
James 1:11
I'd forgotten. I was accustomed to living in Virginia, where lawns stay green year-round. So when our grass began to fade from its brilliant emerald to dull, yellow-green and then to brown, I panicked. I panicked until I remembered that in the Midwest, grass goes dormant in the winter as well as in the heat of summer. Dormancy-that listless, inactive, nongrowing season when extreme cold or brutal heat rob the beauty of a lush, green landscape.
Have you ever been tempted toward dormancy in your spiritual life? I have. The temptation comes when the heat is on and troubles that have been smoldering suddenly burst into angry flames all around me.
Or when worry's icy fingers squeeze my confidence so tightly that it shatters into pieces. These are times when I, too, am tempted to dr up-go dormant. God seems so very far away.
What does dormancy look like for a Christian woman? She stops going to church or goes only out of habit and shields her sooul so nothing of consequence can touch her there. She avoids faith-filled friends. She cancels her devotion time with Jesus. She slips quietly into the silent, spiritual desert, the icy polar cap, where nothing grows.
Our Savior, Jesus, promises in Matthew 10:22, "He who endures to the end will be saved." What's more, Jesus makes enduring possible through the enabling strength of His Word. Christ enables us to focus on Him-- not on our circumstances. Jesus helps us focus on His power, instead of on our feelings. And while the world snickers at our faith, the Spirit assures us that the Lord is faithful. He will bring us through the toughest trails because He loves us with an everlasting love.
Prayer suggestion. When you are tempted to go to the desert or to go dormant, ask the Spirit in to remind you of the truth: God is faithful. He loved you to death in the cross of His Son, and He will not abandon you. Do you know someone who needs this kind of encouragement today? Ask your Lord to help you give it. KJV BIBLE
Friday, March 25, 2011
Day Thirteen
The Second Epistle of PETER...KJV the BIBLE
First Peter deals with problems from the outside; Second Peter deals with problems fron the inside. Peter writes to warn the believers about the false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine. He begins by urging them to keep close watch on their personal lives. The Christian life demands diligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love. By contrast, the false teachers are sensual, arrogant, greedy, and covetous. They scoff at the thought of future judgement and live their lives as if the present would be the pattern for the future. Peter reminds them that although God may be longsuffering in sending judgement, ultimately it will come. In view of that fact, believers should live lives of godliness, blamelessness, and steadfastness.
The statement of authorship in 1:1 is very clear: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ." To distinguish this epistle from the first by Peter it was given the Greek title Petrou B, the "Second of Peter."
Day 13
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18
Fungus, Gophers, Persistent weeds. These are a few of the pests that drive me to my gardening books or horticultural Web sites. I admit, when my gardening goes smoothly, I seek the experts advice less frequently. When my efforts fail--then I look for help. I'd no doubt be a much better gardener if I studied my horticultural books more often.
It sometimes reminds me of my spiritual life. When my life pleasantly passes from one sunny day to the next, I seek my Lord less...read my Bible less frequently...attend Bible study with less enthusiam...and my prayer life diminishes. But if disaster strikes--sickness, loss of job, or other calamity--I'm driven to my Lord, often accompanied by a sense of deperation. I know this isn't the way my Savior wants our relationship to function.
It's important to understand that God doesn't zap people with diseases or disaster. It's against His loving nature. He loves us. Always. He's on our side. Forever. The reality is that we live in a world sick with sin and its consequences. We will inevitably face hardships in this life, but that doesn't mean God causes them. Instead, He intends to help us in them and bring us through them.
Our gracious Lord is powerful enough to deflect every trouble that heads our direction. Why doesn't He? Because He knows the challenges will lead us and sometimes even drive us to His Word--where God can show us our sin, assure us of His forgiveness, and empower us to change. God's Word also nourishes our relationship with Him so that we can truly grow in grace and a deeper understanding of His love.
God also "prunes" us with good times. His abundant blessings fill our hearts with incredible joy, and we seek Him with thankfulness and wonder at His love. The Spirit works through every circumstance--good or bad--to draw us ever closer to His heart of love.
Prayer suggestion. How might your life change if you truly believe that God is on your side no matter what your outward circumstances? Ask Jesus to plant that knowledge in your heart today and help you grow in His grace forever. </1454947> http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http//a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/winning
First Peter deals with problems from the outside; Second Peter deals with problems fron the inside. Peter writes to warn the believers about the false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine. He begins by urging them to keep close watch on their personal lives. The Christian life demands diligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love. By contrast, the false teachers are sensual, arrogant, greedy, and covetous. They scoff at the thought of future judgement and live their lives as if the present would be the pattern for the future. Peter reminds them that although God may be longsuffering in sending judgement, ultimately it will come. In view of that fact, believers should live lives of godliness, blamelessness, and steadfastness.
The statement of authorship in 1:1 is very clear: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ." To distinguish this epistle from the first by Peter it was given the Greek title Petrou B, the "Second of Peter."
Day 13
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18
Fungus, Gophers, Persistent weeds. These are a few of the pests that drive me to my gardening books or horticultural Web sites. I admit, when my gardening goes smoothly, I seek the experts advice less frequently. When my efforts fail--then I look for help. I'd no doubt be a much better gardener if I studied my horticultural books more often.
It sometimes reminds me of my spiritual life. When my life pleasantly passes from one sunny day to the next, I seek my Lord less...read my Bible less frequently...attend Bible study with less enthusiam...and my prayer life diminishes. But if disaster strikes--sickness, loss of job, or other calamity--I'm driven to my Lord, often accompanied by a sense of deperation. I know this isn't the way my Savior wants our relationship to function.
It's important to understand that God doesn't zap people with diseases or disaster. It's against His loving nature. He loves us. Always. He's on our side. Forever. The reality is that we live in a world sick with sin and its consequences. We will inevitably face hardships in this life, but that doesn't mean God causes them. Instead, He intends to help us in them and bring us through them.
Our gracious Lord is powerful enough to deflect every trouble that heads our direction. Why doesn't He? Because He knows the challenges will lead us and sometimes even drive us to His Word--where God can show us our sin, assure us of His forgiveness, and empower us to change. God's Word also nourishes our relationship with Him so that we can truly grow in grace and a deeper understanding of His love.
God also "prunes" us with good times. His abundant blessings fill our hearts with incredible joy, and we seek Him with thankfulness and wonder at His love. The Spirit works through every circumstance--good or bad--to draw us ever closer to His heart of love.
Prayer suggestion. How might your life change if you truly believe that God is on your side no matter what your outward circumstances? Ask Jesus to plant that knowledge in your heart today and help you grow in His grace forever. </1454947> http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http//a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/winning
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day Twelve
The Book of Proverbs...King James Version of the Bible.
The key word in Proverbs is wisdom, "the ability to live life skillfully." A godly life in an ungodly world, however, is no simple assignment. Proverbs provides God's detail instructions for His people to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life: how to relate to God, parents, children, neighbors, and government. Solomon, the principal author, uses a combination of poetry, parables, pithy questions, short stories, and wise maxims to give in strikingly memorable form the common sense and devine perspective necessary to handle life's issues.
Because Solomon, the prinnacle of Isreal's wise men, was the principal contributor, the Hebrew title of this book is Mishle Shelomoh, "Proverbs of Solomon" (1:1). The Greek title is Puroimial Salomontos. "Proverbs of Solomon." The Latin title Liber Proverbiorum, "Book of Proverbs," combines the word pro "for" and verba "words" to describe the way the proverbs concentratr many words into a few. The rabbinical writings called Proverbs Sepher Hokhmch, "Book of Wisdom." KJV. Bible.
Day Twelve
Do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3: 11-12
From all outward appearances the evergreen bushes looked fine. Healthy- looking green needles formed a dense, seamless hedge in front of our home. But looks can be deceiving. Under all that lush exterior, the inside of our hedge was a tangled, dying mass of overcrowded limbs and deadwood from broken branches.
Most landscape gardeners know that evergreen hedges and other shrubs need adequate light and air throughout all of the branches in order to grow and thrive. Without the necessary air and light, plants will literally die from the inside out. Careful pruning-thinning the interior branches- help to ensure the plant's health and vitality.
I have to admit that there are times when I resemble those dead-on-the-inside hedges. From all outward appearances, my life looks fine. But inside--down deeply in my soul- I feel suffocated, even dead. All my busy external service blocks the cool, refreshing breeze of the Spirit and the life-giving light of Christ. And that's when God, the good gardener, steps in with His pruning tools.
allows sickness, financial calamity, relationship challenges, and other hardships to carefully cut away our deadwood. It's important to remember that God allows these things because He loves us. He intends that hardships drive us to His Word, where He can comfort, refresh, and strengthen us, helping us to see more clearly His priorities for our lives.
Read today's Scripture verses once more. Read them again, out loud. Do you see it? hear it? really believe it/ God loves you. He delights in you. Most of all, He knows you-like a father knows his son-He knows what's best for you. And sometimes what's best is pruning.
Prayer suggestion. How has God "pruned" you in the past> How did that experience hack away at spiritual deadwood? How did the Holy Spirit refresh your soul in and after that experience? Do you know someone who faces difficult challenges today? Pray that the Holy Spirit's cool breeze will refresh and encourage that person to grow stronger in faith and closer to Jesus, our Savior. </145494> </listening4u> http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http//a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/winning, http://listening4u.blogspot.com/
The key word in Proverbs is wisdom, "the ability to live life skillfully." A godly life in an ungodly world, however, is no simple assignment. Proverbs provides God's detail instructions for His people to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life: how to relate to God, parents, children, neighbors, and government. Solomon, the principal author, uses a combination of poetry, parables, pithy questions, short stories, and wise maxims to give in strikingly memorable form the common sense and devine perspective necessary to handle life's issues.
Because Solomon, the prinnacle of Isreal's wise men, was the principal contributor, the Hebrew title of this book is Mishle Shelomoh, "Proverbs of Solomon" (1:1). The Greek title is Puroimial Salomontos. "Proverbs of Solomon." The Latin title Liber Proverbiorum, "Book of Proverbs," combines the word pro "for" and verba "words" to describe the way the proverbs concentratr many words into a few. The rabbinical writings called Proverbs Sepher Hokhmch, "Book of Wisdom." KJV. Bible.
Day Twelve
Do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3: 11-12
From all outward appearances the evergreen bushes looked fine. Healthy- looking green needles formed a dense, seamless hedge in front of our home. But looks can be deceiving. Under all that lush exterior, the inside of our hedge was a tangled, dying mass of overcrowded limbs and deadwood from broken branches.
Most landscape gardeners know that evergreen hedges and other shrubs need adequate light and air throughout all of the branches in order to grow and thrive. Without the necessary air and light, plants will literally die from the inside out. Careful pruning-thinning the interior branches- help to ensure the plant's health and vitality.
I have to admit that there are times when I resemble those dead-on-the-inside hedges. From all outward appearances, my life looks fine. But inside--down deeply in my soul- I feel suffocated, even dead. All my busy external service blocks the cool, refreshing breeze of the Spirit and the life-giving light of Christ. And that's when God, the good gardener, steps in with His pruning tools.
allows sickness, financial calamity, relationship challenges, and other hardships to carefully cut away our deadwood. It's important to remember that God allows these things because He loves us. He intends that hardships drive us to His Word, where He can comfort, refresh, and strengthen us, helping us to see more clearly His priorities for our lives.
Read today's Scripture verses once more. Read them again, out loud. Do you see it? hear it? really believe it/ God loves you. He delights in you. Most of all, He knows you-like a father knows his son-He knows what's best for you. And sometimes what's best is pruning.
Prayer suggestion. How has God "pruned" you in the past> How did that experience hack away at spiritual deadwood? How did the Holy Spirit refresh your soul in and after that experience? Do you know someone who faces difficult challenges today? Pray that the Holy Spirit's cool breeze will refresh and encourage that person to grow stronger in faith and closer to Jesus, our Savior. </145494> </listening4u> http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http//a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/winning, http://listening4u.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day Eleven
The Fifth Book of Moses Called DEUTERONOMY
DEUTERONOMY, Moses' "Upper Desert Discourse," consists of a series of farewell messages by Isreal's 120- year-old leader. It is addressed to the new generation of destined to possess the Lord of Promise--those who survived the forty years of wilderness wandering.
Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy contains a vast amount of legal detail, but its emphasis is on the laymen rather than the priests. Moses reminds the new generation of the importance of obedience if they are to learn from the sad example of their parents.
The Hebrew title Deuteronomy is Haddebharim, "The Words," taken from the opening phrase in 1:1, "These be the words." The parting words of Moses to the new generation are given in oral and written form so that they will endure to all generations. Deuteronomy has been called "five-fifths of the Law" since it completes the five books of Moses. The Jewish people have also called it Mishneh Hattorah, "Repetition of the Law" which is translated in the Septuagint as to Deuteronomy Touto, "This Second Law." Deuteronomy, however, is not a second law but an adaptation and expansion of much of the original law given on Mount Sinai. The English title comes from the Greek title Deuteronomion, "Second Law." Deuteronomy has also been appropriately called the "Book of Remembrance." King James Version--Bible.
Day Eleven
[God] fed you in the wilderness...
that He might test you, to do good in the end.
Deuteronomy 8: 16
My grandmother grew beautiful roses. They trailed up and over a white trellis that framed the view into her vegetable garden. I can still smell those wonderful old-fashioned roses in my memory. Just two steps out Grandma's back door, the heady rose fragrance rushed up to greet you. I sometimes liked to sit beneath the trellis and attempt to count all the blooms. It seemed impossible that so many flowers could grow in one place. It was glorious!
Given my feelings about the roses, you can imagine my suprise one day in early spring when I saw Grandma heading toward the roses with pruning clippers. I watched from a safe distance. I'd never seen this side of Grandma. She loved her flowers, didn't she? I mean, this is the woman who sang to her houseplants to make sure they stayed happy. What could she be thinking of doing with those clippers?
You probably know--especially if you grow roses. Grandma's pruning helped the roses stay healthy, helped them continue to grow the way she wanted them to--up over the trellis. I was very suprised to learn from Grandma that pruning was also what caused the plants to bloom so profusely! In the end, I learned that pruning was a good thing for roses.
And not just roses either. Pruning, or testing, is good for Christians, too, especially when a loving God holds the pruning tool in His gracious hand. Pruning doesn't always seem good--especially when you're going through a difficult time of testing. What matters is that in the end, God has promised to accomplish something productive in us--a stronger faith, a change of heart, a deeper walk in our love relationship with Jesus.
Prayer suggestion. If God has brought you to a difficult time of testing, thank Him for loving you enough to guide you closer to Him and helping you to bloom even more than before! </145494> </listen>
DEUTERONOMY, Moses' "Upper Desert Discourse," consists of a series of farewell messages by Isreal's 120- year-old leader. It is addressed to the new generation of destined to possess the Lord of Promise--those who survived the forty years of wilderness wandering.
Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy contains a vast amount of legal detail, but its emphasis is on the laymen rather than the priests. Moses reminds the new generation of the importance of obedience if they are to learn from the sad example of their parents.
The Hebrew title Deuteronomy is Haddebharim, "The Words," taken from the opening phrase in 1:1, "These be the words." The parting words of Moses to the new generation are given in oral and written form so that they will endure to all generations. Deuteronomy has been called "five-fifths of the Law" since it completes the five books of Moses. The Jewish people have also called it Mishneh Hattorah, "Repetition of the Law" which is translated in the Septuagint as to Deuteronomy Touto, "This Second Law." Deuteronomy, however, is not a second law but an adaptation and expansion of much of the original law given on Mount Sinai. The English title comes from the Greek title Deuteronomion, "Second Law." Deuteronomy has also been appropriately called the "Book of Remembrance." King James Version--Bible.
Day Eleven
[God] fed you in the wilderness...
that He might test you, to do good in the end.
Deuteronomy 8: 16
My grandmother grew beautiful roses. They trailed up and over a white trellis that framed the view into her vegetable garden. I can still smell those wonderful old-fashioned roses in my memory. Just two steps out Grandma's back door, the heady rose fragrance rushed up to greet you. I sometimes liked to sit beneath the trellis and attempt to count all the blooms. It seemed impossible that so many flowers could grow in one place. It was glorious!
Given my feelings about the roses, you can imagine my suprise one day in early spring when I saw Grandma heading toward the roses with pruning clippers. I watched from a safe distance. I'd never seen this side of Grandma. She loved her flowers, didn't she? I mean, this is the woman who sang to her houseplants to make sure they stayed happy. What could she be thinking of doing with those clippers?
You probably know--especially if you grow roses. Grandma's pruning helped the roses stay healthy, helped them continue to grow the way she wanted them to--up over the trellis. I was very suprised to learn from Grandma that pruning was also what caused the plants to bloom so profusely! In the end, I learned that pruning was a good thing for roses.
And not just roses either. Pruning, or testing, is good for Christians, too, especially when a loving God holds the pruning tool in His gracious hand. Pruning doesn't always seem good--especially when you're going through a difficult time of testing. What matters is that in the end, God has promised to accomplish something productive in us--a stronger faith, a change of heart, a deeper walk in our love relationship with Jesus.
Prayer suggestion. If God has brought you to a difficult time of testing, thank Him for loving you enough to guide you closer to Him and helping you to bloom even more than before! </145494> </listen>
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day Ten
The Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.
The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Praises"--because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Septuagint uses the Greek word Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."
Day Ten
One generation shall commend your works to another.
Psalm 145: 4
Some plants go in and out of style much like colors in home decor or clothing fashion. Take for instance, hens and chicks (Sempervivum). Thissucculent, very popular in early European times, came into vogue again during our country's "disco era." Hens and chicks , known for its hardiness and versatility, could be planted as groundcover. It could grow indoors as a houseplant. Now it has fallen out of favor again--perhaps because of its amazing ability to reproduce. And reproduce. And reproduce!
In a back corner of my gardening shed not long ago, I found the planter I used for hens and chicks when my children were young. Smilling with memories, I gently rubbed years of grime off the unique planter--a strawberry pot. Of medium size, the pot has five small pockets that protrude at equally spaced intervals all around the outside of the planter.
The hen, or mature plant, is usually planted in the middle of the pot. With a little care and good drainage, the hen soon sprouts little chicks--small replicas of herself. These chicks appear inside the pockets of the planter, and because of the unique design of the strawberry pot, when you water the hen, water runs down through the pockets to water the chicks, as well.
What a great illustration of God's continual grace the Sempervivum is! Semper means "always"; vivo means "i live." Jesus died for us and was raised from the dead, never to die again. He lives forever, and He continually gives the new life of faith to people, one generation after the next, pouring out the life--giving Word from mother to daughter, daughter to grandchild, grandchild to great grandchild, all the while nurturing faith through that same powerful Word.
As you complete this week's topic, "Nutured by Grace," take a moment to reflect:
--Can you name three people who have shared God's grace with you?
How might you thank them or honor their memory?
--Can you think of two or three people you yourself might encourage today with the Good News of God's grace, His undeserved love in the Crucified One? Find a way to do it!
Prayer suggestion. Pray Psalms 145 aloud as a prayer of praise to your Lord. </145494> </TruthinThinking>
One generation shall commend your works to another.
The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.
The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Praises"--because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Septuagint uses the Greek word Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."
Day Ten
One generation shall commend your works to another.
Psalm 145: 4
Some plants go in and out of style much like colors in home decor or clothing fashion. Take for instance, hens and chicks (Sempervivum). Thissucculent, very popular in early European times, came into vogue again during our country's "disco era." Hens and chicks , known for its hardiness and versatility, could be planted as groundcover. It could grow indoors as a houseplant. Now it has fallen out of favor again--perhaps because of its amazing ability to reproduce. And reproduce. And reproduce!
In a back corner of my gardening shed not long ago, I found the planter I used for hens and chicks when my children were young. Smilling with memories, I gently rubbed years of grime off the unique planter--a strawberry pot. Of medium size, the pot has five small pockets that protrude at equally spaced intervals all around the outside of the planter.
The hen, or mature plant, is usually planted in the middle of the pot. With a little care and good drainage, the hen soon sprouts little chicks--small replicas of herself. These chicks appear inside the pockets of the planter, and because of the unique design of the strawberry pot, when you water the hen, water runs down through the pockets to water the chicks, as well.
What a great illustration of God's continual grace the Sempervivum is! Semper means "always"; vivo means "i live." Jesus died for us and was raised from the dead, never to die again. He lives forever, and He continually gives the new life of faith to people, one generation after the next, pouring out the life--giving Word from mother to daughter, daughter to grandchild, grandchild to great grandchild, all the while nurturing faith through that same powerful Word.
As you complete this week's topic, "Nutured by Grace," take a moment to reflect:
--Can you name three people who have shared God's grace with you?
How might you thank them or honor their memory?
--Can you think of two or three people you yourself might encourage today with the Good News of God's grace, His undeserved love in the Crucified One? Find a way to do it!
Prayer suggestion. Pray Psalms 145 aloud as a prayer of praise to your Lord. </145494> </TruthinThinking>
One generation shall commend your works to another.
Day Nine
Lets go to the Bible-King James Version to see what's going on with John in The Second Epistle of John.
The Second Epistle of John
Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: 12). These words of the apostle Paul could well stand as a subtitle for John's little epistle. The recipients, a chosen lady and her children, were obvisiously standing. They were walking in truth, remaining faithful to the commandments they had received from the Father. John is deeply pleased to be able to commend them. But he takes nothing for granted. Realizing that standing is just one step removed from falling, he hesitates not at all to issue a reminder: "love one another" (v.5). The apostle admits that this is not new revelationn, but he views it sufficiently important to repeat. Loving one another, he stresses, is equivalent to walking according to God's commandments.
John indicates, however, that this love must be discerning. It is not a naive, unthinking, open to anything and anyone kind of love. Biblical love is a matter of choice; it is dangerous and foolish to float through life with undiscerning love. False teachers abound who do not acknowledge Christ as having come in the flesh. It is false charity to open the door to false teaching. We must have fellowship with God. We must have fellowship with Christians. But we must not have fellowship with false teachers.
The "elder" of verse 1 has been traditionally identified with the apostle John, resulting in the Greek title Ioannou B, the "Second of John."
Day 9
(Jesus said,) "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
John 15:4
With plants, positioning is critical. If a shrub requires partial shade, you dare not plant it in the full sunshine. If a certain flower variety needs full sun, that's where you must plant it -- not in a spot that's shady during most of the afyernoon.
I learned this important gardening rule the hard way. When I first began to garden, I ignored the planting instructions that came with the flower or shrubs from my local nursery. I put new houseplants wherver I felt they made my living room look best, rather than near the window where they could get the correct amount of sunlight. You can probably guess what happened--the plants suffered and sometimes even died.
An experienced gardener appreciates and respects the power of the sun. An experienced Christian appreciates the power of the Son, too. (Pardon the pun!) In our Scripture reading for today, Jesus reminds us to abide in Him, to remain close to Him in His Word, so that He can best nurture our souls. When we abide in Him, we set roots down deep and draw up the water and nutrients that nourish our spiritual lives.
Can you remember times in your faith walk when you didn't want to follow God's directions for "Son light"? I can. I distinctly remember times when what other people thought of me or my position on the social ladder mattered more than staying in the "Son shine." Praise Jesus that His mercy and grace never stop shining. The Bible says that His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we see our misplaced priorities, our rebellion, and our willfulness, and confess these sins, that same grace welcomes us back into the "Son shine" again.
Prayer suggestion. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more to you about the security that comes from His unconditional love. Then think of a way to share His grace with someone who needs special encouragement today.
The Second Epistle of John
Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: 12). These words of the apostle Paul could well stand as a subtitle for John's little epistle. The recipients, a chosen lady and her children, were obvisiously standing. They were walking in truth, remaining faithful to the commandments they had received from the Father. John is deeply pleased to be able to commend them. But he takes nothing for granted. Realizing that standing is just one step removed from falling, he hesitates not at all to issue a reminder: "love one another" (v.5). The apostle admits that this is not new revelationn, but he views it sufficiently important to repeat. Loving one another, he stresses, is equivalent to walking according to God's commandments.
John indicates, however, that this love must be discerning. It is not a naive, unthinking, open to anything and anyone kind of love. Biblical love is a matter of choice; it is dangerous and foolish to float through life with undiscerning love. False teachers abound who do not acknowledge Christ as having come in the flesh. It is false charity to open the door to false teaching. We must have fellowship with God. We must have fellowship with Christians. But we must not have fellowship with false teachers.
The "elder" of verse 1 has been traditionally identified with the apostle John, resulting in the Greek title Ioannou B, the "Second of John."
Day 9
(Jesus said,) "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
John 15:4
With plants, positioning is critical. If a shrub requires partial shade, you dare not plant it in the full sunshine. If a certain flower variety needs full sun, that's where you must plant it -- not in a spot that's shady during most of the afyernoon.
I learned this important gardening rule the hard way. When I first began to garden, I ignored the planting instructions that came with the flower or shrubs from my local nursery. I put new houseplants wherver I felt they made my living room look best, rather than near the window where they could get the correct amount of sunlight. You can probably guess what happened--the plants suffered and sometimes even died.
An experienced gardener appreciates and respects the power of the sun. An experienced Christian appreciates the power of the Son, too. (Pardon the pun!) In our Scripture reading for today, Jesus reminds us to abide in Him, to remain close to Him in His Word, so that He can best nurture our souls. When we abide in Him, we set roots down deep and draw up the water and nutrients that nourish our spiritual lives.
Can you remember times in your faith walk when you didn't want to follow God's directions for "Son light"? I can. I distinctly remember times when what other people thought of me or my position on the social ladder mattered more than staying in the "Son shine." Praise Jesus that His mercy and grace never stop shining. The Bible says that His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we see our misplaced priorities, our rebellion, and our willfulness, and confess these sins, that same grace welcomes us back into the "Son shine" again.
Prayer suggestion. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more to you about the security that comes from His unconditional love. Then think of a way to share His grace with someone who needs special encouragement today.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Listen: Day Eight
Listen: Day Eight: "Let's go to the King James Version of the Bible to see what was going on with John in the First Epistle of John. &n..."
Day Eight
Let's go to the King James Version of the Bible to see what was going on with John in the First Epistle of John.
The First Epistle of John
God is light; God is love; and God is life. John is enjoying a delightful fellowship with that God of light, love, and life. and he desperately desires that his spiritual children enjoy the same fellowship.
God is light. Therefore, to engage if fellowship with Him we must walk in light and not in darkness. As we walk in the light, we will regularly confess our sins, allowing the blood of Christ to continually cleanse us. Two major roadblocks to hinder this walk will be falling in love with the world and falling for the alluring lies of false teachers.
God is love. Since we are His children we must walk in love. In fact, John says that if we do not love, we do not know God. Love is more than just words; it is actions. Love is giving, not getting. Biblical love is unconditional in its nature. Christ's love fulfilled those qualities and when that brand of love characterizes us, we will be free of self-condemnation and experience confidence before God.
God is life. Those who fellowship with Him must possess His quality of life. Spiritual life begins with spiritual birth which occurs through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith the apostle John's name is not found in this book, it was given the title Ioannou A, the "First of John."
Day Eight
From [Christ's] fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16
For several years my family and I wew priviledged to live near the ocean. Not only did the beach serve as a favorite family relaxation spot, it also provided an endless supply of kelp for our garden. Kelp? Yes, kelp. With every ocean wave...after wave...after wave...God provided, free of charge, buckets and buckets of kelp. We used the seaweed as fertilizer and even planted seed potatoes in it for an ease, no-digging-required harvest! Kelp was organic, plentiful, and great for our garden.
In today's Bible reading, John mentions Christ's "grace upon grace." Can't you just picture the continuous ocean waves as a model of the way God lavishes His grace on us? Time and time again. He freely sends wave upon wave of grace our way. We do nothing to earn this grace and love. God simply loves us, daily watching over us and forgiving all our many sins because of Christ's death and resurrection.
Day by day, hour by hour, God's grace keeps coming... and coming...and coming! And we receive that grace hour after hour, day by day, challenge after challenge, time after time, with thankful hearts.
His grace is always more than enough to satisfy our needs.
Prayer suggestion. For what specific challenge do you need God's grace today? Pray about it now.
The First Epistle of John
God is light; God is love; and God is life. John is enjoying a delightful fellowship with that God of light, love, and life. and he desperately desires that his spiritual children enjoy the same fellowship.
God is light. Therefore, to engage if fellowship with Him we must walk in light and not in darkness. As we walk in the light, we will regularly confess our sins, allowing the blood of Christ to continually cleanse us. Two major roadblocks to hinder this walk will be falling in love with the world and falling for the alluring lies of false teachers.
God is love. Since we are His children we must walk in love. In fact, John says that if we do not love, we do not know God. Love is more than just words; it is actions. Love is giving, not getting. Biblical love is unconditional in its nature. Christ's love fulfilled those qualities and when that brand of love characterizes us, we will be free of self-condemnation and experience confidence before God.
God is life. Those who fellowship with Him must possess His quality of life. Spiritual life begins with spiritual birth which occurs through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith the apostle John's name is not found in this book, it was given the title Ioannou A, the "First of John."
Day Eight
From [Christ's] fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16
For several years my family and I wew priviledged to live near the ocean. Not only did the beach serve as a favorite family relaxation spot, it also provided an endless supply of kelp for our garden. Kelp? Yes, kelp. With every ocean wave...after wave...after wave...God provided, free of charge, buckets and buckets of kelp. We used the seaweed as fertilizer and even planted seed potatoes in it for an ease, no-digging-required harvest! Kelp was organic, plentiful, and great for our garden.
In today's Bible reading, John mentions Christ's "grace upon grace." Can't you just picture the continuous ocean waves as a model of the way God lavishes His grace on us? Time and time again. He freely sends wave upon wave of grace our way. We do nothing to earn this grace and love. God simply loves us, daily watching over us and forgiving all our many sins because of Christ's death and resurrection.
Day by day, hour by hour, God's grace keeps coming... and coming...and coming! And we receive that grace hour after hour, day by day, challenge after challenge, time after time, with thankful hearts.
His grace is always more than enough to satisfy our needs.
Prayer suggestion. For what specific challenge do you need God's grace today? Pray about it now.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Listen: Seventh Day
Listen: Seventh Day: "Last week I had to go to my dentist for gum surgery. Knowing that I would be hard pressed to eat anything for awhile afterward, I bought mys..."
Seventh Day
Last week I had to go to my dentist for gum surgery. Knowing that I would be hard pressed to eat anything for awhile afterward, I bought myself some Ensure for my muscles, and Benevia to keep up my strenght and to give me energy. Knowing that I neede something on mys tomach so I could take my vitamins as I always do. Talk about blessings, even small ones help a lot. Yesterday I recieved a sample of Mio liquid water enhancer through the mail. "It is just what the doctor ordered," sort a speak. I wanted to thank the good people at Kraft for remembering me.
The Second Epistle of
Peter
First Peter deals with problems from the outside; Second Peter deals with problems from the inside. Peter writes to warn the believers about the false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine. He begins by urging them to keep close watch on their personal lives. The Christian life demands dilligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love. By contrast, the false teachers are sensual, arrogant, greedy, and covetous. They scoff at the thought of future judgement and live their lives as if the present would be the pattern for the future. Peter reminds them that although God may be longsuffering in sending judgement, ultimately it will come. In view of that fact, believers should live lives of godliness, blamelessness, and steadfastness.
The statement of authorship in 1:1 is very clear: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ." To distinguish this epistle from the first by Peter it was given the Greek title Petrou B, the "Second of Peter."
Seventh Day
Grow in grace.... of our Lord.
2 Peter 3:18
I'm not a patient gardener. I begin to fidget when winter temperatures warm above freezing. I mark pages in gardening catalogs months before it's time to order seeds. And it doesn't get any better once the plantings sprout.
Several times each day I check to see if buds have set n, if aphids are active, or if plants need more water. I'm not a patient gardener.
So, you might wonder, why would I plant a Century Plant (Agave americana)? A Century Plant grows v-e-r-y-s-l-o-w-l-y-. Evenutally this succulent will form large, pointed leaves, but Century Plants bloom only once enery thirty or forty years! Given my current age and life expectancy, it's a good possibility that I will see my first plant flower! I'm not sure why I planted this unique species, but it serves as an object lesson for the apostle Peter's second letter--specifically, chapter 3. Peter reminds us that Jesus will return one day to judge the world. Will it be today? tomorrow? thirty or forty years from now, when my Century Plant is in full bloom? Only God, our Father, knows.
What should impatient people do as we wait for Christ's second coming? Verse 18 tells us: " Grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "How do we grow in grace? God has already given a full measure of His grace to us through Jesus. We have all we need! Perhaps growing in grace means appreciating God's grace in a deeper and deeper way. We can understand His grace by meditating on it, thinking thankfully about it. As we contemplate the abundance of grace God has shown to us, we gratefully share that saving grace with others. And we wait for His coming in expectant hope.
Prayer suggestion. To move fully appreciate God's grace (His undeserved love to us in Christ) make an acrostic. Print the word Grace vertically along the left side of a paper. Use each letter in the words or phrase to explain what God's grace personally means to you. Praise Him for His love!
The Second Epistle of
Peter
First Peter deals with problems from the outside; Second Peter deals with problems from the inside. Peter writes to warn the believers about the false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine. He begins by urging them to keep close watch on their personal lives. The Christian life demands dilligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love. By contrast, the false teachers are sensual, arrogant, greedy, and covetous. They scoff at the thought of future judgement and live their lives as if the present would be the pattern for the future. Peter reminds them that although God may be longsuffering in sending judgement, ultimately it will come. In view of that fact, believers should live lives of godliness, blamelessness, and steadfastness.
The statement of authorship in 1:1 is very clear: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ." To distinguish this epistle from the first by Peter it was given the Greek title Petrou B, the "Second of Peter."
Seventh Day
Grow in grace.... of our Lord.
2 Peter 3:18
I'm not a patient gardener. I begin to fidget when winter temperatures warm above freezing. I mark pages in gardening catalogs months before it's time to order seeds. And it doesn't get any better once the plantings sprout.
Several times each day I check to see if buds have set n, if aphids are active, or if plants need more water. I'm not a patient gardener.
So, you might wonder, why would I plant a Century Plant (Agave americana)? A Century Plant grows v-e-r-y-s-l-o-w-l-y-. Evenutally this succulent will form large, pointed leaves, but Century Plants bloom only once enery thirty or forty years! Given my current age and life expectancy, it's a good possibility that I will see my first plant flower! I'm not sure why I planted this unique species, but it serves as an object lesson for the apostle Peter's second letter--specifically, chapter 3. Peter reminds us that Jesus will return one day to judge the world. Will it be today? tomorrow? thirty or forty years from now, when my Century Plant is in full bloom? Only God, our Father, knows.
What should impatient people do as we wait for Christ's second coming? Verse 18 tells us: " Grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "How do we grow in grace? God has already given a full measure of His grace to us through Jesus. We have all we need! Perhaps growing in grace means appreciating God's grace in a deeper and deeper way. We can understand His grace by meditating on it, thinking thankfully about it. As we contemplate the abundance of grace God has shown to us, we gratefully share that saving grace with others. And we wait for His coming in expectant hope.
Prayer suggestion. To move fully appreciate God's grace (His undeserved love to us in Christ) make an acrostic. Print the word Grace vertically along the left side of a paper. Use each letter in the words or phrase to explain what God's grace personally means to you. Praise Him for His love!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sixth Day
By grace you have been saved...
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God prepared beforehand.
Ephesians 2: 8-10
Just imagine! Twenty-first century computer technolgy partnering with gardening, an activity as old as Eden! It's true. You can use your computer and relatively inexpensive software package to plan your entire landscape. With a click of a button, shorter varities of flowers are positioned virtually- in front of taller plants or climbers; shrubs requiring full sun or partial shade are virtually planted in exactly the right location in your yard- long before the frost is out of the ground. In minutes, you can see your virtual garden- in bloom!
Experienced gardeners know a computer isn't a necessity. It may take a bit longer to plan your landscape without one, but careful planning is important nontheless. Good planning can turn an ordinary garden into a work of art.
A work of art-that's one way to translate the word for workmanship found in today's Scripture. In classical Greek, the word was sometimes used to mean poem. Read the text again and substitute the words work of art for workmanship.
Just as a gardener carefully chooses individual plants for a garden, God has handpicked you to be His own, dear child. He created you as His very own work of art. Awesome, isn't it? Awesome grace. When we begin to understand grace-the undeserved love of God in Christ- we bloom!
And there's more! Having created each one of us with His loving hand. God "plants" us together with other believers. Why? So that through God's grace and in His strength, our good works, together with those of other believers, bloom in the landscape of God's glory.
Prayer suggestion. Thank the Lord for the fellowship of believers He's planted in your life, and ask Jesus how you can "bloom" in His grace today. </144719> </TruthinThinking>
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God prepared beforehand.
Ephesians 2: 8-10
Just imagine! Twenty-first century computer technolgy partnering with gardening, an activity as old as Eden! It's true. You can use your computer and relatively inexpensive software package to plan your entire landscape. With a click of a button, shorter varities of flowers are positioned virtually- in front of taller plants or climbers; shrubs requiring full sun or partial shade are virtually planted in exactly the right location in your yard- long before the frost is out of the ground. In minutes, you can see your virtual garden- in bloom!
Experienced gardeners know a computer isn't a necessity. It may take a bit longer to plan your landscape without one, but careful planning is important nontheless. Good planning can turn an ordinary garden into a work of art.
A work of art-that's one way to translate the word for workmanship found in today's Scripture. In classical Greek, the word was sometimes used to mean poem. Read the text again and substitute the words work of art for workmanship.
Just as a gardener carefully chooses individual plants for a garden, God has handpicked you to be His own, dear child. He created you as His very own work of art. Awesome, isn't it? Awesome grace. When we begin to understand grace-the undeserved love of God in Christ- we bloom!
And there's more! Having created each one of us with His loving hand. God "plants" us together with other believers. Why? So that through God's grace and in His strength, our good works, together with those of other believers, bloom in the landscape of God's glory.
Prayer suggestion. Thank the Lord for the fellowship of believers He's planted in your life, and ask Jesus how you can "bloom" in His grace today. </144719> </TruthinThinking>
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Fifth Day
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed...
when it is grown it...becomes a tree.
Matthew 13; 31-32
It wasn't a mustard seed, but it grew to a treelike height! i was hesitant, at
first, to plant sunflower seeds. I wasn't sure that their eventual size and
shape would complement my "perfect" flower garden. But my little girls
were so excited, I finally agreed.
The seeds lived up to their name: Happy Giant. Overnight, or so it
seemed, the seeds sprouted and began their ascent heavenward. The girls
watered, and weeded, and watched. We all watched, and we could hardly
believe our eyes. Our Happy Giant sunflowers seemed to grow inches in minutes, feet in days. by summer's end, the plants towered over our
neighbor's privacy fence.
and that's when our sunflowers first began to resemble the mustard plant
in today's Scripture reading. (You might want to read the entire parable
from Matthew 13: 31-32.) our neighbors noticed the sunflowers, of course,
How could they not notice? Our sunflowers became the initial topic of
converstaion between neighbors who would eventually become friends.
More than friends, actually. We became faith friends.
The little sunflower seeds- just like the mustard seed in Jesus' parable-
proved to be a picture of the kingdom of heaven. Planted in love, the seeds
grew to become a blessing to our family and our neighbors as we shared our
faith, encouraged one another to grow in Jesus' love, and supported and
comforted one another through life's challenges.
God's design for my flower garden was so much better than my own. He
knew that seeds planted in love would produce blessings upon blessings.
Prayer suggestion. Is Christ leading you to do some planting today?
Pray that your seeds of faith, planted in love, grow into towering
trees in God's kingdom. </144719> </TruthinThinking>
when it is grown it...becomes a tree.
Matthew 13; 31-32
It wasn't a mustard seed, but it grew to a treelike height! i was hesitant, at
first, to plant sunflower seeds. I wasn't sure that their eventual size and
shape would complement my "perfect" flower garden. But my little girls
were so excited, I finally agreed.
The seeds lived up to their name: Happy Giant. Overnight, or so it
seemed, the seeds sprouted and began their ascent heavenward. The girls
watered, and weeded, and watched. We all watched, and we could hardly
believe our eyes. Our Happy Giant sunflowers seemed to grow inches in minutes, feet in days. by summer's end, the plants towered over our
neighbor's privacy fence.
and that's when our sunflowers first began to resemble the mustard plant
in today's Scripture reading. (You might want to read the entire parable
from Matthew 13: 31-32.) our neighbors noticed the sunflowers, of course,
How could they not notice? Our sunflowers became the initial topic of
converstaion between neighbors who would eventually become friends.
More than friends, actually. We became faith friends.
The little sunflower seeds- just like the mustard seed in Jesus' parable-
proved to be a picture of the kingdom of heaven. Planted in love, the seeds
grew to become a blessing to our family and our neighbors as we shared our
faith, encouraged one another to grow in Jesus' love, and supported and
comforted one another through life's challenges.
God's design for my flower garden was so much better than my own. He
knew that seeds planted in love would produce blessings upon blessings.
Prayer suggestion. Is Christ leading you to do some planting today?
Pray that your seeds of faith, planted in love, grow into towering
trees in God's kingdom. </144719> </TruthinThinking>
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Quote
The talent of success is nothing more
than doing what you can do well
and doing well whatever you do.
--Longfellow
than doing what you can do well
and doing well whatever you do.
--Longfellow
Day 4
Let your roots grow down into him and draw up
nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith.
Colossians 2
Root-bound? i wondered as I inspected one of my favorite houseplants.
The leaves looked green and healthy. However, the stems seemed crowded
within the confines of the pot, and I honestly couldn't see any signs of new
growth. Root-bound? I wondered again. Sighing, I tamped the planter pot
on its side to loosen the soil. Sometimes the only way to discern the truth is
to get to the bottom of it all-- the roots.
The plant finally tipped out, roots and all, and my suspicions were
confirmed. Root-bound. Trapped inside the too-small pot, my plant's
roots were a tangled and highly compacted mess.
It's amazing to me that a plant can look healthy on the outside and all
the while be so miserablly root-bound. The solution of course, is to
transplant the plant into a much larger pot. Then, watch for amazing
new growth!
How about you? Are you root-bound?--stuck in your too-small planter/
Reread today's Bible text as you keep your own "faith roots" in mind.
It's sometimes difficult to go on growing in the Lord, isn't it?
Sometimes our daily routines and staid traditions confine our growth,
like a too-small flowerpot:
-The alarm is always set for 6 A.M. To set it earlier in order to have quiet
time with Jesus would disrupt the routine, wouldn't it?
-It's a struggle to get everyone up and ready on Sunday morning, but
to attend the Saturday night worship service might upset our family's
tradition, might it not?
-A women's home Bible study meets two evenings each month.
Can I spare the time?
-The prayer support group at church is looking for new members, but...
Feeling a little root-bound? Like a good gardener, Jesus wants to help you.
After all, He loves you, forgives you, and wants you to grow,
grow, grow--into a deeper relationship with Him.
Prayer suggestion. Ask the Holy Spirit to transplant you as He widens
your vision to include new ways of growing in the Lord.
nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith.
Colossians 2
Root-bound? i wondered as I inspected one of my favorite houseplants.
The leaves looked green and healthy. However, the stems seemed crowded
within the confines of the pot, and I honestly couldn't see any signs of new
growth. Root-bound? I wondered again. Sighing, I tamped the planter pot
on its side to loosen the soil. Sometimes the only way to discern the truth is
to get to the bottom of it all-- the roots.
The plant finally tipped out, roots and all, and my suspicions were
confirmed. Root-bound. Trapped inside the too-small pot, my plant's
roots were a tangled and highly compacted mess.
It's amazing to me that a plant can look healthy on the outside and all
the while be so miserablly root-bound. The solution of course, is to
transplant the plant into a much larger pot. Then, watch for amazing
new growth!
How about you? Are you root-bound?--stuck in your too-small planter/
Reread today's Bible text as you keep your own "faith roots" in mind.
It's sometimes difficult to go on growing in the Lord, isn't it?
Sometimes our daily routines and staid traditions confine our growth,
like a too-small flowerpot:
-The alarm is always set for 6 A.M. To set it earlier in order to have quiet
time with Jesus would disrupt the routine, wouldn't it?
-It's a struggle to get everyone up and ready on Sunday morning, but
to attend the Saturday night worship service might upset our family's
tradition, might it not?
-A women's home Bible study meets two evenings each month.
Can I spare the time?
-The prayer support group at church is looking for new members, but...
Feeling a little root-bound? Like a good gardener, Jesus wants to help you.
After all, He loves you, forgives you, and wants you to grow,
grow, grow--into a deeper relationship with Him.
Prayer suggestion. Ask the Holy Spirit to transplant you as He widens
your vision to include new ways of growing in the Lord.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Third Day
A sower went out to sow.
Matthew 13:3
It felt so heavy at first--that apron filled with seeds. The sower caught up both ends of the fabric into his work-worn hands. He stood, arm muscles hunched with determination. Purposeful steps led the sower-gardener to his feild, grab seeds, scatter. Reach, grab seeds, scatter.
The repetitive motion took on a rhythm and became almost a song. The sun shone hot, but the sower smiled. Reach, grab seed, scatter. Reach, grab seed, scatter.
Today's garderners and farmers use far more sophisticated methods of planting grain. But in Jesus' time, planting or sowing was a hands-on experience. Read Matthew 13: 1-23, and you'll discover the eternal significance of the seeds planted in Jesus' parable. Now particularly verse 23, where Jesus explains how good ground receives the seed that is God's Word: "He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it."
Did you catch it? Jesus is talking about much more than our simply hearing or even knowing God's Word. Basic memorization has merit, but your heavenly Father wants so much more for you! He wants a relationship. Your loving Lord wants you to know Him--not just know about Him.
There's a difference. A big difference. Just look at the results in the parable!
Ask yourself: I know about God, but how well do I know Him? How can I get to know my Savior better? What tools can I use to dig deeper into God's Word? How can the soil of my heart be better prepared to receive God's Word so that I really understand His love for me in a fuller way?
prayer suggestion: Ask the Holy Spirit to become your personal tutor as you read God's word and grow in your relationship with Him.
Then thank him for His love.
Matthew 13:3
It felt so heavy at first--that apron filled with seeds. The sower caught up both ends of the fabric into his work-worn hands. He stood, arm muscles hunched with determination. Purposeful steps led the sower-gardener to his feild, grab seeds, scatter. Reach, grab seeds, scatter.
The repetitive motion took on a rhythm and became almost a song. The sun shone hot, but the sower smiled. Reach, grab seed, scatter. Reach, grab seed, scatter.
Today's garderners and farmers use far more sophisticated methods of planting grain. But in Jesus' time, planting or sowing was a hands-on experience. Read Matthew 13: 1-23, and you'll discover the eternal significance of the seeds planted in Jesus' parable. Now particularly verse 23, where Jesus explains how good ground receives the seed that is God's Word: "He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it."
Did you catch it? Jesus is talking about much more than our simply hearing or even knowing God's Word. Basic memorization has merit, but your heavenly Father wants so much more for you! He wants a relationship. Your loving Lord wants you to know Him--not just know about Him.
There's a difference. A big difference. Just look at the results in the parable!
Ask yourself: I know about God, but how well do I know Him? How can I get to know my Savior better? What tools can I use to dig deeper into God's Word? How can the soil of my heart be better prepared to receive God's Word so that I really understand His love for me in a fuller way?
prayer suggestion: Ask the Holy Spirit to become your personal tutor as you read God's word and grow in your relationship with Him.
Then thank him for His love.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Second Day
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me...
You have covered me in my mother's womb.
Psalm 139:5-13
Do you remember your first gardening experience? I remember. Even now, the memory is so vivid that I can almost smell the early spring lilacs in bloom. I was a small child as I followed my mother into the freshly tilled garden. Mom was planting seeds--lettuce, radishes, peas--the first planting of the early spring vegetables. My job was to follow Mom along the newly formed rows to pat, pat, pat a bit of soil over the seeds she gently placed into the straight, shallow line formed by the garden hoe.
Pat, pat, pat I followed along, gently and carefully covering up the seeds as to prtect them from harm. I took my job very seriously, and I enjoyed it immensly.
God takes joy in His garden, too. When He decided to "plant" you--created you-- He began His task with joy. Read today's text once more. Can you picture God at work/ Can you see Him gentle, loving hands protecting and cradeling you? Pat, pat, pat. God covered you with His hand while you grew inside your mother's womb. The Lord of life gave you life. And all the while, He delighted in you--His wonderful creation.
Read Psalm 139 in it's entirety, and you'll note how important you are to your Creator, how significant and loved you've always been--from before you breathed your first breath until now, and on into forever. See, too, how your holy Father Good stooped down to protect, lead, and forgive you in Jesus. Plant this image in your heart today: God the Gardener of all that has lived and is living, loved you before your beginning and loves you still.
Prayer suggestion. Try writing your own song (psalm) of praise to your Lord. Then humbly thank Him for His everlasting love. Pray that you understand and accept His love in a deeper and more meaningful way today.
And laid Your hand upon me...
You have covered me in my mother's womb.
Psalm 139:5-13
Do you remember your first gardening experience? I remember. Even now, the memory is so vivid that I can almost smell the early spring lilacs in bloom. I was a small child as I followed my mother into the freshly tilled garden. Mom was planting seeds--lettuce, radishes, peas--the first planting of the early spring vegetables. My job was to follow Mom along the newly formed rows to pat, pat, pat a bit of soil over the seeds she gently placed into the straight, shallow line formed by the garden hoe.
Pat, pat, pat I followed along, gently and carefully covering up the seeds as to prtect them from harm. I took my job very seriously, and I enjoyed it immensly.
God takes joy in His garden, too. When He decided to "plant" you--created you-- He began His task with joy. Read today's text once more. Can you picture God at work/ Can you see Him gentle, loving hands protecting and cradeling you? Pat, pat, pat. God covered you with His hand while you grew inside your mother's womb. The Lord of life gave you life. And all the while, He delighted in you--His wonderful creation.
Read Psalm 139 in it's entirety, and you'll note how important you are to your Creator, how significant and loved you've always been--from before you breathed your first breath until now, and on into forever. See, too, how your holy Father Good stooped down to protect, lead, and forgive you in Jesus. Plant this image in your heart today: God the Gardener of all that has lived and is living, loved you before your beginning and loves you still.
Prayer suggestion. Try writing your own song (psalm) of praise to your Lord. Then humbly thank Him for His everlasting love. Pray that you understand and accept His love in a deeper and more meaningful way today.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
First Day
The Lord God planted a garden in Eden...
The Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant
to the sight and good for food.
Genesis 2 : 8-9
People plant gardens for a variety of reasons. Some plant because they depend on the produce a garden provides. Other people garden because they enjoy the beauty of flowers and shrubs in bloom. Exercise, Relaxation. Reasons for gardening might fill a wheelbarrow. But always, there's a reason why the garden is planted. And the reason often gives us insight into the gardener's character.
Why did God plant the first garden? Read today's Bible text again. In fact, you might want step further into Eden's garden as you read the entire story in Genesis 2 : 25.
God the very first gardener, plants His garden with love. See how He kneels to create flowers that will delight His people with wonderful colors and intricate designs. Watch as He sows seeds that provide plants for His people's nourishment.
Now fast-forward to a different garden. This garden is dark with sorrow, yet filled with love and purpose. It is the Garden of Gethsemane. In this garden, God in love continues to provide for His people through His Son, Jesus. It is in this garden that Jesus willingly submits to His Father's will and sets His eyes purposefully on the cross.
God plants both gardens with love. Peek into the paradise that is Eden and see a beautiful first home. Look into the garden named Gethsemane, and you'll see God's love personified in Jesus, His Son.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to more clearly see your Gardener-Father's heart-- a heart that is full of love for you! </TruthinThinking>
The Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant
to the sight and good for food.
Genesis 2 : 8-9
People plant gardens for a variety of reasons. Some plant because they depend on the produce a garden provides. Other people garden because they enjoy the beauty of flowers and shrubs in bloom. Exercise, Relaxation. Reasons for gardening might fill a wheelbarrow. But always, there's a reason why the garden is planted. And the reason often gives us insight into the gardener's character.
Why did God plant the first garden? Read today's Bible text again. In fact, you might want step further into Eden's garden as you read the entire story in Genesis 2 : 25.
God the very first gardener, plants His garden with love. See how He kneels to create flowers that will delight His people with wonderful colors and intricate designs. Watch as He sows seeds that provide plants for His people's nourishment.
Now fast-forward to a different garden. This garden is dark with sorrow, yet filled with love and purpose. It is the Garden of Gethsemane. In this garden, God in love continues to provide for His people through His Son, Jesus. It is in this garden that Jesus willingly submits to His Father's will and sets His eyes purposefully on the cross.
God plants both gardens with love. Peek into the paradise that is Eden and see a beautiful first home. Look into the garden named Gethsemane, and you'll see God's love personified in Jesus, His Son.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to more clearly see your Gardener-Father's heart-- a heart that is full of love for you! </TruthinThinking>
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Listen: Life is full of Miracles
Listen: Life is full of Miracles: " Life is full of miracles. The Bible is full of miracles. 'Wait thou only upon God; for my expecta..."
Life is full of Miracles
Life is full of miracles. The Bible is full of miracles. "Wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." Expect a miracle-make miracles happen by believing in God, by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, by believing in your country and by believing in yourself.
Always remember you are packed full of potential miracles put there by One who knows you better than anyone-the good God, the Creator who made you. God bless you, everyone.
Always remember you are packed full of potential miracles put there by One who knows you better than anyone-the good God, the Creator who made you. God bless you, everyone.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Do You Create Miracles in Your Life?
Wonderful things can happen in your life if you will expect miracles to happen and to anybody else who will really try for it. As a matter of fact, I really believe that a miracle is built into every human being. When Almighty God created you, He built into you the miracle principle.The question is, have you ecouraged this miracle principle to emerge in action, to make you the great person you have the potential to be?
One of the great facts about all of us is that a human being is far greater than he/she thinks. Recently I read an article about American cow. It seems that a century ago, a cow that produced 600 pounds of mik a tear was condidered quite a cow. In 1972 there was an American cow named Hattie that actually produced 44,019 pounds of milk in one year-more than 70 times the national average of 100 years ago. What a cow-44,019 pounds of milk!
Another interestion statistic is that experts have developed a hen that can lay 365 eggs a year- one egg for every day-whereas wild birds lay only six eggs a year. Farmers are now experimenting with a new lighting system to increase the hens' "days" up to 400 or 500, so that hens will begin to lay 400 to 500 eggs a year.That is really something! A hen is God's creature. A cow is God's creature. But listen to this: If this capacity to expand is built into a cow and into a hen, do you mean to tell me it isn't built into you also? Not to lay an egg- I don't say that-but to produce out of yourself wonderful things. Almighty God has crowded miracles into you. Why not let them come forth, and live? people have done just that. Tell me about the miracles that you have created in you life, with the help of Almighty God.
One of the great facts about all of us is that a human being is far greater than he/she thinks. Recently I read an article about American cow. It seems that a century ago, a cow that produced 600 pounds of mik a tear was condidered quite a cow. In 1972 there was an American cow named Hattie that actually produced 44,019 pounds of milk in one year-more than 70 times the national average of 100 years ago. What a cow-44,019 pounds of milk!
Another interestion statistic is that experts have developed a hen that can lay 365 eggs a year- one egg for every day-whereas wild birds lay only six eggs a year. Farmers are now experimenting with a new lighting system to increase the hens' "days" up to 400 or 500, so that hens will begin to lay 400 to 500 eggs a year.That is really something! A hen is God's creature. A cow is God's creature. But listen to this: If this capacity to expand is built into a cow and into a hen, do you mean to tell me it isn't built into you also? Not to lay an egg- I don't say that-but to produce out of yourself wonderful things. Almighty God has crowded miracles into you. Why not let them come forth, and live? people have done just that. Tell me about the miracles that you have created in you life, with the help of Almighty God.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Listen: Another Factor in Expecting Miracles
Listen: Another Factor in Expecting Miracles: " There is another factor in expecting miracles. You must get off the wrongness beam and on to the rightness beam. Of..."
Another Factor in Expecting Miracles
There is another factor in expecting miracles. You must get off the wrongness beam and on to the rightness beam. Often the reasons everything goes wrong with people is simply because they are wrong themselves. We cannot expect miracles or wonderful things to happen when we ourselves are wrong-when we are acting wrong, thinking wrong and when we are motivated by a wrong psychology.
There is one sure fact that requires emphasis and that is, wrongness can never produce rightness- it can only produce wrongness. Rightness produces rightness. It does not produce wrongness. So when you become right within yourself, you will find yourself turning on miracles. They will begin to happen, one after another. Norman Vincent Peale. </144719>
There is one sure fact that requires emphasis and that is, wrongness can never produce rightness- it can only produce wrongness. Rightness produces rightness. It does not produce wrongness. So when you become right within yourself, you will find yourself turning on miracles. They will begin to happen, one after another. Norman Vincent Peale. </144719>
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Listen: Alicia, Roy and their miracle
Listen: Alicia, Roy and their miracle: " How then, can one go about expecting miracles and causing miracles to happen? The No. 1 thing is to have faith..."
Alicia, Roy and their miracle
How then, can one go about expecting miracles and causing miracles to happen? The No. 1 thing is to have faith, a deep faith, a faith that is so positively strong that it rises above doubt. Doubt is always getting in the way of faith. But if you train yourself to have faith in depth, it will release an astonishing power in your life to produce miracles. There ia a certain type of person in this world known as the believer. He/she sweeps everything before him. He seems to take hold of life with a profound authority.
The question is, how deep is your faith? Get it deep and you can face any difficulty and conqure it.
One of my favorite stories is about a tremendous personality, a woman from Va. Beach named Alicia. She and her husband Roy and their three children lived near the water front. One hot, sultry day a hurricane swept up. It slashed into the water front area with destructive force and proceeded inward, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Alicia watched the wind as it whipped up sand around her little house. She looked at the sky with appraising eyes. Then suddenly a nine-foot dam gave way and water swept up to the house. The family was in imminent peril of death.
Alicia grabbed her daughter, not quite two years old, while Roy reached for their two sons, five and three years old, and they looked around for a place of refuge. All they could see in that instant of mounting waters was an old, gnarled, bent tree which had lived out many a storm. But the question was, would it live out this storm?
They ran to the tree, but in the slippery mud the five-year-old dropped from Roy's arms and disappeared for a moment. Balancing the other boy in one arm. Roy finally pulled his son from the watery muck. They reached the tree and, carrying the children, Alicia and Roy climbed into the high branches. The waters continued to mount until they were at Alicia's neck. She held her little girl, Kim, higher than her head to assure that she would be out of reach of the waters.
The wind was whistling, the rain beating down with great force upon them, the sky dark. Roy shouted through the storm, "Alicia, we're all going to die! The end is near!"
She shouted back, "I tell you we are not going to die! The end is not here! God is with us, the God of miracles!"
"Alicia, it'll be a miracle if we ever get through this." Okay, Roy, expect a miracle-let's make miracles happen!'
They clung despartly to the swaying branches. The storm more in intensity. Then Alicia began to sing, sending her confident voice out against that hurricane:
"Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll
While the tempest still is high!,
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of my life is past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, O leave me not alone'
Still support and comfort me."
The song ended. Three distinct flashes of lighting pierced the sky. Alicia, a believer-in-depth, said, "Oh, thank you, Lord! You're working a miracle!" She had no doubt. She believed. And I wonder, sometimes, what the good God thinks in His heart when He sees a human being in dire trouble believing in a miracle. Linda G..
The question is, how deep is your faith? Get it deep and you can face any difficulty and conqure it.
One of my favorite stories is about a tremendous personality, a woman from Va. Beach named Alicia. She and her husband Roy and their three children lived near the water front. One hot, sultry day a hurricane swept up. It slashed into the water front area with destructive force and proceeded inward, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Alicia watched the wind as it whipped up sand around her little house. She looked at the sky with appraising eyes. Then suddenly a nine-foot dam gave way and water swept up to the house. The family was in imminent peril of death.
Alicia grabbed her daughter, not quite two years old, while Roy reached for their two sons, five and three years old, and they looked around for a place of refuge. All they could see in that instant of mounting waters was an old, gnarled, bent tree which had lived out many a storm. But the question was, would it live out this storm?
They ran to the tree, but in the slippery mud the five-year-old dropped from Roy's arms and disappeared for a moment. Balancing the other boy in one arm. Roy finally pulled his son from the watery muck. They reached the tree and, carrying the children, Alicia and Roy climbed into the high branches. The waters continued to mount until they were at Alicia's neck. She held her little girl, Kim, higher than her head to assure that she would be out of reach of the waters.
The wind was whistling, the rain beating down with great force upon them, the sky dark. Roy shouted through the storm, "Alicia, we're all going to die! The end is near!"
She shouted back, "I tell you we are not going to die! The end is not here! God is with us, the God of miracles!"
"Alicia, it'll be a miracle if we ever get through this." Okay, Roy, expect a miracle-let's make miracles happen!'
They clung despartly to the swaying branches. The storm more in intensity. Then Alicia began to sing, sending her confident voice out against that hurricane:
"Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll
While the tempest still is high!,
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of my life is past;
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, O leave me not alone'
Still support and comfort me."
The song ended. Three distinct flashes of lighting pierced the sky. Alicia, a believer-in-depth, said, "Oh, thank you, Lord! You're working a miracle!" She had no doubt. She believed. And I wonder, sometimes, what the good God thinks in His heart when He sees a human being in dire trouble believing in a miracle. Linda G..
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Daily Miracles
By a miracle we do not mean some atrange happening unknown to scientific procedure. Read the dictionary and you will find that a miracle is defined as some great and wonderful quality that can be brought to pass.
The great people of the world are miracle-makers. When I flew from California one time, the president of the airline was aboard my plane and I had a very interesting talk with him. He's an engineer and I asked hime to define an engineer.
He replied, "Well, I"ll do that on this basis: The difficult we do immediately. miracles take just a little longer!'
The miracle is a cast of mind, which is well described, I think, in a statement from the 62nd Psalm: Wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Expect great things from God and you will receive great things from God . This is the basic principle known as the miracle principle. And those who live on the miracle principle have miracles popping up in their lives constantly.
I have said this time in time again, it feels so good to share it with you. Linda G..
The great people of the world are miracle-makers. When I flew from California one time, the president of the airline was aboard my plane and I had a very interesting talk with him. He's an engineer and I asked hime to define an engineer.
He replied, "Well, I"ll do that on this basis: The difficult we do immediately. miracles take just a little longer!'
The miracle is a cast of mind, which is well described, I think, in a statement from the 62nd Psalm: Wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Expect great things from God and you will receive great things from God . This is the basic principle known as the miracle principle. And those who live on the miracle principle have miracles popping up in their lives constantly.
I have said this time in time again, it feels so good to share it with you. Linda G..
Listen: Expect a Miracle
Listen: Expect a Miracle: " One of the most wonderful principals known to man is called the miracle principal. It has revolutionized the lives ..."
Expect a Miracle
One of the most wonderful principals known to man is called the miracle principal. It has revolutionized the lives of many people who have learned its secret and how to put it into practice. Six words describe the principal: Expect a miracle-make miracles happen.
If you keep your eyes open expectantly every day for great and wonderful things to happen, it is astonishing that great and wonderful things will tend to happen to you. Always think of the best.
Never think of the worst. And if the worst invades your consciousness, think of it in terms of how to make it the best. What you think habitually will tend to happen. The naturalist, Johm Burroughs,once said "My own shall come to me." What we send out mentally and spiritually will return to us. We become what we are in our thoughts.
A man came forward and started telling me all his troubles. "I am in a sea of trouble," he said.
My next engagement required that I leave the auditorium quickly and therefore I had only a minute or two to say something to him. Why I said what I said I don't know, but afterwards I thought it was probably inspiration. Quickly I commented, "Okay, I get the picture. Expect a miracle."
"What do you mean," he asked in suprise, "expect a miracle?"
"I don't know, I replied. "Guess you must figure it out for yourself."
Later he told me that he went away from that place muttering to himself, "What did he mean by that crazy statement, Expect a miracle?" Then he began to realize that he had been expecting anything but a miracle. Accordingly he was getting everything but miracles. As he started expecting miracles, lo and behold, miracles began to flood into his life. </144719> </Truth in Thinking>
If you keep your eyes open expectantly every day for great and wonderful things to happen, it is astonishing that great and wonderful things will tend to happen to you. Always think of the best.
Never think of the worst. And if the worst invades your consciousness, think of it in terms of how to make it the best. What you think habitually will tend to happen. The naturalist, Johm Burroughs,once said "My own shall come to me." What we send out mentally and spiritually will return to us. We become what we are in our thoughts.
A man came forward and started telling me all his troubles. "I am in a sea of trouble," he said.
My next engagement required that I leave the auditorium quickly and therefore I had only a minute or two to say something to him. Why I said what I said I don't know, but afterwards I thought it was probably inspiration. Quickly I commented, "Okay, I get the picture. Expect a miracle."
"What do you mean," he asked in suprise, "expect a miracle?"
"I don't know, I replied. "Guess you must figure it out for yourself."
Later he told me that he went away from that place muttering to himself, "What did he mean by that crazy statement, Expect a miracle?" Then he began to realize that he had been expecting anything but a miracle. Accordingly he was getting everything but miracles. As he started expecting miracles, lo and behold, miracles began to flood into his life. </144719> </Truth in Thinking>
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