Scripture: Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things, and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God? Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:3-4
Observation: Paul expresses a new twist on judgment. He juxtaposes God's patience and tolerance with sinful people against our judgment, and declares that our judgment is a form of anger and hatred toward God's goodness and love. It is that same love by which Jesus gave his life for our redemption. Therefore, judgment of non-believers who commit sins is actually an action directly against our own salvation.
Application: I SOAP about judgment a lot because it is the thing I probably struggle with most in my life. I am quick to judge, quick to anger. Paul speaks harshly to me here ... my judgment of others is an act of hatred toward God himself.
I certainly do not hate God! However, I obviously reject his creation and created people as flawed and ignorant. And of course they are ... just like me!! In my flawed ignorance, God loves me, and I am so quick to judge others and thus remove the possibility of that same salvation from their lives, even as I claim to want to reach others in the name of Jesus. Again, this all starts with a need for me to completely change my daily activities, my daily thoughts, my overall behavior and character. I need to reject judgment in my thought life, not for the sake of others, but to correct my life with God.
Prayer: Lord, I bow convicted before you. I can only say that I am clay in your hands, willing to be molded and transformed as you will. Please change my ways, my mind, my heart, and my life, especially as it pertains to my judgment of others. Amen.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
The Mystery of Lawlessness
Scripture: Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7
Observation: Paul talks about the man of lawlessness, commonly (though not biblically) called the antichrist. He discusses two elements of this future time of deception. First, there will be a "falling away", and second the deceiver will set himself up in a place of authority as if he were God. Both of these seem pretty clear - there will be a time when people start to withdraw from faith, and in that time a person will establish themselves as a leader of that departure.
However, Paul uses a specific word for all of this: lawlessness. He further calls this lawlessness a mystery, and states is it already beginning even in the first century church. This means the departure away from faith is the move to lawlessness, and its roots were already arising in the church. So what is "lawlessness" in the context of these future times?
My best guess is based on other letters of Paul, where he addresses a topic that is actually not discussed with the Thessalonians because he praises their faith. That topic is repentance - specifically, the misunderstanding of forgiveness by some believers who use forgiveness as a license to continue to sin without repentance. This has been an issue for the church ... forever. It was even at the heart of the reformation, with the issue of indulgences. However, Paul calls lawlessness a "mystery", which begs the further question of why this principle of lawlessness is so difficult to understand, and if it is much deeper than this.
Application: I shutter at the idea of this mystery, as I fear the true mystery may have something to do with specific behavior. For example, if the true nature of "lawlessness" were embodied in a specific sin, and the way some parts of the church have progressed from denouncing that sin, to ignoring that sin, to passively or even actively embracing that sin as acceptable behavior in modern culture ... and in parallel with that, culture has in fact shifted to the point that any position in opposition to the sin is then considered morally wrong.
It is clear we are to love people, but reject sin. We cannot reject sin without repentance of sin. I need to take this more serious in my personal life. I need to fully reject thoughts and behavior - not just avoid them, or think poorly of them, while dismissing any backsliding as forgiven acts. Swearing, lustful thoughts, anger, judgment ... I need to be serious about turning away from these and fully rejecting them from my life. Only then can I properly be prepared to engage in discussions about lawlessness.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please do forgive me of my sins, and even more please help me to repent. Show me the changes I must make in my life - my thoughts and my daily behaviors - to fully turn from all forms and sin and rightly walk with you daily. Amen.
Observation: Paul talks about the man of lawlessness, commonly (though not biblically) called the antichrist. He discusses two elements of this future time of deception. First, there will be a "falling away", and second the deceiver will set himself up in a place of authority as if he were God. Both of these seem pretty clear - there will be a time when people start to withdraw from faith, and in that time a person will establish themselves as a leader of that departure.
However, Paul uses a specific word for all of this: lawlessness. He further calls this lawlessness a mystery, and states is it already beginning even in the first century church. This means the departure away from faith is the move to lawlessness, and its roots were already arising in the church. So what is "lawlessness" in the context of these future times?
My best guess is based on other letters of Paul, where he addresses a topic that is actually not discussed with the Thessalonians because he praises their faith. That topic is repentance - specifically, the misunderstanding of forgiveness by some believers who use forgiveness as a license to continue to sin without repentance. This has been an issue for the church ... forever. It was even at the heart of the reformation, with the issue of indulgences. However, Paul calls lawlessness a "mystery", which begs the further question of why this principle of lawlessness is so difficult to understand, and if it is much deeper than this.
Application: I shutter at the idea of this mystery, as I fear the true mystery may have something to do with specific behavior. For example, if the true nature of "lawlessness" were embodied in a specific sin, and the way some parts of the church have progressed from denouncing that sin, to ignoring that sin, to passively or even actively embracing that sin as acceptable behavior in modern culture ... and in parallel with that, culture has in fact shifted to the point that any position in opposition to the sin is then considered morally wrong.
It is clear we are to love people, but reject sin. We cannot reject sin without repentance of sin. I need to take this more serious in my personal life. I need to fully reject thoughts and behavior - not just avoid them, or think poorly of them, while dismissing any backsliding as forgiven acts. Swearing, lustful thoughts, anger, judgment ... I need to be serious about turning away from these and fully rejecting them from my life. Only then can I properly be prepared to engage in discussions about lawlessness.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please do forgive me of my sins, and even more please help me to repent. Show me the changes I must make in my life - my thoughts and my daily behaviors - to fully turn from all forms and sin and rightly walk with you daily. Amen.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Finding Faith in Faith
Scripture: Therefore, brothers, during all our afflictions and distress, we have been encouraged about you through your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:7
Observation: Paul, who had previously been in Thessalonica, has now received word from Timothy that the church there is strong and doing well, and as a result Paul expresses his happiness upon this news. He has worried about them, worrying that they might be struggling with either faith or actions as he had seen in other churches. The report from Timothy encourages Paul in his current state, which is struggling and persecuted elsewhere in Greece.
Paul's language is the most interesting in this one verse - that he is "encouraged ... through your faith". Paul is uplifted by the good report about the church. They were not behaving faithfully for the aim of pleasing Paul, they are doing so simply as faithful believers in Jesus. However, the report of their faith has the effect of encouraging Paul, even more than money, aid, or assistance would have done, and perhaps even more than their faithful response to his arrival and further teaching would have done.
Application: Often, the faithful life of a believer can encourage the life of another simply through faith. We can serve each other in direct action, word, and deed, but we can also serve one another by faithfully loving God. Our belief in Jesus encourages other believers, especially when they might be struggling a little in their lives.
I know I see people at church who's faith inspires me. I hope I can be that inspiration to someone else.
Prayer: Lord, may I serve you this week, and in that service may I be your light to others. That light might be a message of hope to non-believers, or it may be a message of strength to another believer. Please use me. Amen.
Observation: Paul, who had previously been in Thessalonica, has now received word from Timothy that the church there is strong and doing well, and as a result Paul expresses his happiness upon this news. He has worried about them, worrying that they might be struggling with either faith or actions as he had seen in other churches. The report from Timothy encourages Paul in his current state, which is struggling and persecuted elsewhere in Greece.
Paul's language is the most interesting in this one verse - that he is "encouraged ... through your faith". Paul is uplifted by the good report about the church. They were not behaving faithfully for the aim of pleasing Paul, they are doing so simply as faithful believers in Jesus. However, the report of their faith has the effect of encouraging Paul, even more than money, aid, or assistance would have done, and perhaps even more than their faithful response to his arrival and further teaching would have done.
Application: Often, the faithful life of a believer can encourage the life of another simply through faith. We can serve each other in direct action, word, and deed, but we can also serve one another by faithfully loving God. Our belief in Jesus encourages other believers, especially when they might be struggling a little in their lives.
I know I see people at church who's faith inspires me. I hope I can be that inspiration to someone else.
Prayer: Lord, may I serve you this week, and in that service may I be your light to others. That light might be a message of hope to non-believers, or it may be a message of strength to another believer. Please use me. Amen.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Rejecting the Easy Path
Scripture: Therefore I speak to them in parables:
Observation: In this large passage of parables, Jesus himself calls out the reason for parables being part of the prophesy of Isaiah. However, in quoting that prophesy, the footnotes refer this all back to ... Isaiah, Deuteronomy (Moses), Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and the Psalms. That is quite the "A" list of prophets!!
The prophesy itself is about the failure of the people to listen and understand the message of the Messiah. If they would see, hear, and understand, God could heal their hearts. However, it is known that they will not. In fact, the majority of the time, people do not believe the word of Jesus, both in his time, and today, and in all the passing time in between.
Application: The irony to all this is what I almost chose to write about today - Matthew 11:30 - "For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Faith in Jesus is the easy path of life. However, not only do so many reject it, but the prophets knew they would.
That said, rejecting the easy life of Jesus is daily and moment-by-moment decision, and often I too reject it. I reject it through my thoughts and deeds. I reject it by clinging to issues and solving my problems without prayer. I reject it by getting angry and acting in that anger instead of turning over the issue to God and seeking peace within and with others. I reject it any time my first thought of others isn't a thought of love, compassion, peace, and appreciation.
I have ears, I have eyes, and my heart understands. I seek the healing of Jesus. I need to seek it every moment.
Prayer: Abba, father, please forgive my sins. I am too quick to anger, far too quick to judge, and too proud to surrender. Please forgive me of this, soften my heart, and turn my thoughts to you. I seek your light and easy way in my life. Help me to humbly walk with you today. Amen.
‘Because they look, but do not see.
And they listen, but they do not hear, neither do they understand.’
And they listen, but they do not hear, neither do they understand.’
In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says:
‘By hearing, you will hear and shall not understand,
and seeing, you will see and shall not perceive;
for this people’s heart has grown dull.
Their ears have become hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I should heal them.’
Matthew 13:13-15and seeing, you will see and shall not perceive;
for this people’s heart has grown dull.
Their ears have become hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I should heal them.’
Observation: In this large passage of parables, Jesus himself calls out the reason for parables being part of the prophesy of Isaiah. However, in quoting that prophesy, the footnotes refer this all back to ... Isaiah, Deuteronomy (Moses), Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and the Psalms. That is quite the "A" list of prophets!!
The prophesy itself is about the failure of the people to listen and understand the message of the Messiah. If they would see, hear, and understand, God could heal their hearts. However, it is known that they will not. In fact, the majority of the time, people do not believe the word of Jesus, both in his time, and today, and in all the passing time in between.
Application: The irony to all this is what I almost chose to write about today - Matthew 11:30 - "For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Faith in Jesus is the easy path of life. However, not only do so many reject it, but the prophets knew they would.
That said, rejecting the easy life of Jesus is daily and moment-by-moment decision, and often I too reject it. I reject it through my thoughts and deeds. I reject it by clinging to issues and solving my problems without prayer. I reject it by getting angry and acting in that anger instead of turning over the issue to God and seeking peace within and with others. I reject it any time my first thought of others isn't a thought of love, compassion, peace, and appreciation.
I have ears, I have eyes, and my heart understands. I seek the healing of Jesus. I need to seek it every moment.
Prayer: Abba, father, please forgive my sins. I am too quick to anger, far too quick to judge, and too proud to surrender. Please forgive me of this, soften my heart, and turn my thoughts to you. I seek your light and easy way in my life. Help me to humbly walk with you today. Amen.
Monday, November 21, 2016
It Might Be a Trap
Scripture: And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, entreating Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home, sick with paralysis, terribly tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But speak the word only, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this man, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. And as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment. Matthew 8:5-9,13
Observation: The centurion's decision to not have Jesus come to his home had two possible reasons. Jesus interprets it as faith - and of course, Jesus knows that it is. However, given how regularly Jesus is tested by the Pharisees, this could have easily been a trap. The trap would have been ... 'you claim to heal people, but it must be a trick, so let's see if you can do it at a distance with a stranger you've never met.'
Of course this wasn't a trap, a trick or a test. Jesus' response indicates both his understanding of the great faith the centurion had in making this request, but also ties the healing to that faith, stating it will occur "as you have believed."
Application: There is an interesting parallel here, in that doubt and faith in Jesus can sometime appear similar. They can both involve asking or wondering if Jesus can do something amazing in our lives. The difference is that faith believes he can, while doubt is challenging him because it think he won't.
In my personal experience, though, there is one other scenario, and that involves ... hope. Hope from a non-believer takes the form out doubting in God, but asking for the miracle anyway in the hope that maybe they are wrong - God exists, Jesus is the Messiah - and their request may be answered. That was my experience.
This isn't a trap. This IS a situation where a non-believers is testing God, but not in a self-fulfilling manner where no faith is involved. There is hope, and God loves hope.
At Christmas lights this year, I want to look for non-believers who have hope. I want to seek people who don't believe in Jesus, however ... just maybe ... they have hope for something better ... and might be willing to ask for it. The 'something better' may be huge, like healing for our country, but it is more likely personal. Most real hopes are. I will look for that.
Prayer: Lord, in less than a week, they will start to come. Please bring 'em! May everyone at our church be ready in their bodies, their minds, but mostly in their hearts and souls. May be receive the crowds as you would receive them. May our leaders and staff stay strong. May volunteers speak your words. And may we all kindle and foster those with a mustard seed of hope as they seek a life I know only you can truly provide. Amen, and amen.
Observation: The centurion's decision to not have Jesus come to his home had two possible reasons. Jesus interprets it as faith - and of course, Jesus knows that it is. However, given how regularly Jesus is tested by the Pharisees, this could have easily been a trap. The trap would have been ... 'you claim to heal people, but it must be a trick, so let's see if you can do it at a distance with a stranger you've never met.'
Of course this wasn't a trap, a trick or a test. Jesus' response indicates both his understanding of the great faith the centurion had in making this request, but also ties the healing to that faith, stating it will occur "as you have believed."
Application: There is an interesting parallel here, in that doubt and faith in Jesus can sometime appear similar. They can both involve asking or wondering if Jesus can do something amazing in our lives. The difference is that faith believes he can, while doubt is challenging him because it think he won't.
In my personal experience, though, there is one other scenario, and that involves ... hope. Hope from a non-believer takes the form out doubting in God, but asking for the miracle anyway in the hope that maybe they are wrong - God exists, Jesus is the Messiah - and their request may be answered. That was my experience.
This isn't a trap. This IS a situation where a non-believers is testing God, but not in a self-fulfilling manner where no faith is involved. There is hope, and God loves hope.
At Christmas lights this year, I want to look for non-believers who have hope. I want to seek people who don't believe in Jesus, however ... just maybe ... they have hope for something better ... and might be willing to ask for it. The 'something better' may be huge, like healing for our country, but it is more likely personal. Most real hopes are. I will look for that.
Prayer: Lord, in less than a week, they will start to come. Please bring 'em! May everyone at our church be ready in their bodies, their minds, but mostly in their hearts and souls. May be receive the crowds as you would receive them. May our leaders and staff stay strong. May volunteers speak your words. And may we all kindle and foster those with a mustard seed of hope as they seek a life I know only you can truly provide. Amen, and amen.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
A Terrible Mis-Application
Scripture: Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. Instead, I say that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. So whether present or absent, we labor that we may be accepted by Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according to what he has done, whether it was good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Observation: In Paul's discussion about life and death ... flesh and the spirit ... living for earthly or heavenly goals ... he compares the body to an earthly home, but one which believers must not come so attached to that they are unwilling to travel. In this metaphor, leaving the earthly home to pursue heavenly work is very noble, and thus potentially dying and thus leaving their earthly body is also not to be worried about. He therefore concludes that our earthly work will be judged in heaven, and our earthly home replaced by an eternal home according to our lives.
Application: I am physically jarred by this verse, not because of what it means, but because of the fall of our friend. She chose an earthly path ... the engaged in multiple affairs, divorced her husband, abandoned her kids, used drugs, and systematically tore apart her earthly life. In the midst of all this, she had verse 7 tattooed on her foot - 'walk by faith, not by sight'. It is SO ironic that she had no idea the context and application of this verse.
In context, this verse is not saying that we are to wander on earth blindly trusting. It is actually saying that we are to walk with the Lord, in the midst of him, through our faith in Jesus, instead of walking on earthly paths and caring about earthly comforts, activities, and things. She chose this tattoo while actively pursuing earthly pleasures, personal life-goals, debased sin, and while also aggressively abandoning God.
She caused so many so much pain. Her immediate family was devastated and her extended family torn apart. Her friends fought each other, other homes and families were wrecked. The destruction - rooted in everyone's love for her - was deep and wide. Years later, she seems remorseless.
I wish she would understand her own tattoo. I wish she would see that 'walk by faith not by sight' does not mean to 'do whatever and trust,' but rather it means to walk in the ways of heaven not of earth.
Prayer: Lord, you know how lost our friend is, and you know her heart. I have no idea what or how to pray for her, but you know what she needs and how she may be reached. She will never, ever return to the earthly home she once had. I pray that you continue to work in her life so that she may walk back to her heavenly home. Amen.
Observation: In Paul's discussion about life and death ... flesh and the spirit ... living for earthly or heavenly goals ... he compares the body to an earthly home, but one which believers must not come so attached to that they are unwilling to travel. In this metaphor, leaving the earthly home to pursue heavenly work is very noble, and thus potentially dying and thus leaving their earthly body is also not to be worried about. He therefore concludes that our earthly work will be judged in heaven, and our earthly home replaced by an eternal home according to our lives.
Application: I am physically jarred by this verse, not because of what it means, but because of the fall of our friend. She chose an earthly path ... the engaged in multiple affairs, divorced her husband, abandoned her kids, used drugs, and systematically tore apart her earthly life. In the midst of all this, she had verse 7 tattooed on her foot - 'walk by faith, not by sight'. It is SO ironic that she had no idea the context and application of this verse.
In context, this verse is not saying that we are to wander on earth blindly trusting. It is actually saying that we are to walk with the Lord, in the midst of him, through our faith in Jesus, instead of walking on earthly paths and caring about earthly comforts, activities, and things. She chose this tattoo while actively pursuing earthly pleasures, personal life-goals, debased sin, and while also aggressively abandoning God.
She caused so many so much pain. Her immediate family was devastated and her extended family torn apart. Her friends fought each other, other homes and families were wrecked. The destruction - rooted in everyone's love for her - was deep and wide. Years later, she seems remorseless.
I wish she would understand her own tattoo. I wish she would see that 'walk by faith not by sight' does not mean to 'do whatever and trust,' but rather it means to walk in the ways of heaven not of earth.
Prayer: Lord, you know how lost our friend is, and you know her heart. I have no idea what or how to pray for her, but you know what she needs and how she may be reached. She will never, ever return to the earthly home she once had. I pray that you continue to work in her life so that she may walk back to her heavenly home. Amen.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Praying for Others
Scripture: And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10
Observation: There are many things throughout Job that are completely unexplained, the restoration of Job one of them. While Job was brought low through no fault of his, he of course was also not innocent as he is a human with sin in his life. In working through his issues, God has in fact lectured him on his lack of humility and ignorance of God's ways. Then, without real resolution of the situation, God restores Job. However, this line provides some insight into that. Job prayed for his friends, and then the Lord restored Job's prior life.
Throughout the book, Job and his friends argue about many things related to the will of God. However, his act of praying for those other friends is what triggers God to action. It may be that this was an act of obedience, as God had said he would accept only Job's prayers for the wrong behavior of the friends and thus Job was complying. It is at least as likely that Job's restoration is dependent on right relationships ... that a God of love responds not only to Job's humility in God's presence, but in his willingness - in his misery - to pray for others.
Application: Almost all Christians are quick to pray for themselves. We ask for good days, we thank God for our days and blessings, we request health and wisdom and strength. We pray these things for others as an afterthought, or at least secondarily. It is important that my prayers for others take primacy - that I pray for my family, friends, staff, and strangers first. As I put others first, both in my words and in my heart, I know I will continue to improve my character related to my love and patience for others.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I do pray for my staff this day. We have challenges and stress, and while I may feel aspects of that I know they do also. Give them joy this day - joy in their work, in their lives, and in community with each other. May I find ways to bless them. Amen.
Observation: There are many things throughout Job that are completely unexplained, the restoration of Job one of them. While Job was brought low through no fault of his, he of course was also not innocent as he is a human with sin in his life. In working through his issues, God has in fact lectured him on his lack of humility and ignorance of God's ways. Then, without real resolution of the situation, God restores Job. However, this line provides some insight into that. Job prayed for his friends, and then the Lord restored Job's prior life.
Throughout the book, Job and his friends argue about many things related to the will of God. However, his act of praying for those other friends is what triggers God to action. It may be that this was an act of obedience, as God had said he would accept only Job's prayers for the wrong behavior of the friends and thus Job was complying. It is at least as likely that Job's restoration is dependent on right relationships ... that a God of love responds not only to Job's humility in God's presence, but in his willingness - in his misery - to pray for others.
Application: Almost all Christians are quick to pray for themselves. We ask for good days, we thank God for our days and blessings, we request health and wisdom and strength. We pray these things for others as an afterthought, or at least secondarily. It is important that my prayers for others take primacy - that I pray for my family, friends, staff, and strangers first. As I put others first, both in my words and in my heart, I know I will continue to improve my character related to my love and patience for others.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I do pray for my staff this day. We have challenges and stress, and while I may feel aspects of that I know they do also. Give them joy this day - joy in their work, in their lives, and in community with each other. May I find ways to bless them. Amen.
Monday, November 14, 2016
I Have a Story to Tell
Scripture: For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: how Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and was seen by Cephas, and then by the twelve. Then He was seen by over five hundred brothers at once, of whom the greater part remain to this present time, though some have passed away. Then He was seen by James and then by all the apostles. Last of all, He was seen by me also, as by one born at the wrong time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Observation: In running through whom saw Jesus after his resurrection, there are two interesting statements provided by Paul - one a fact, and one a personal opinion.
The fact is that Jesus appears to Peter and the 12 disciples, then to 500, then to James and the other apostles. (Assuming this is James his brother, not James the Lesser or James the brother of John, as they are both part of the 12.) This fact is enlightening in the number of 500 whom Jesus appeared to. This was way beyond the ~70 or so in the upper room ... this is a significant gathering. It is further evidence that Jesus was not secretive or in hiding after his resurrection.
The opinion is that Paul feels unfortunate that he did not see Jesus until ~3 years later. His observation that this was as if he was "born at the wrong time" is interesting. Paul was not born in his faith during the ministry of Jesus, but was born into his faith afterwards. It is a great metaphor, and a great insight into Paul's mindset about his conversion experience.
Application: I have personally struggled with my "born again" experience. I was raised Christian, turned away from God, finally accepted God and Jesus when I was 27, but not baptized until my late 40s. So I always believed in Jesus from a young age until about 17, then needed to believe as an adult. This has left me confused about my conversion story. Paul's is clear - the story of his persecution of the church and then conversion on the road to Damascus is fully documented. Mine is less clear, even to myself.
However, I have a story to tell, and my story is likely similar to others. I was raised by Christian parents, turned away, and needed to believe in Jesus through my own faith and through Jesus' own actions of grace and mercy toward me. Paul is able to use his conversion story with the Corinthians ... none of them saw the resurrected Jesus, and Paul himself was not honored as one who initially saw Jesus. He was "born" only after fighting against the faith. Likewise, I fought against the faith in my heart, and then was convinced on the evidence and action of Jesus ... his appearance in my life.
I will continue to tell my story to others who may be in similar situations, so that perhaps they can relate and seek Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I am here to do your work today. Please place whatever situations you like in my path today, and fill my heart with your words. Amen.
Observation: In running through whom saw Jesus after his resurrection, there are two interesting statements provided by Paul - one a fact, and one a personal opinion.
The fact is that Jesus appears to Peter and the 12 disciples, then to 500, then to James and the other apostles. (Assuming this is James his brother, not James the Lesser or James the brother of John, as they are both part of the 12.) This fact is enlightening in the number of 500 whom Jesus appeared to. This was way beyond the ~70 or so in the upper room ... this is a significant gathering. It is further evidence that Jesus was not secretive or in hiding after his resurrection.
The opinion is that Paul feels unfortunate that he did not see Jesus until ~3 years later. His observation that this was as if he was "born at the wrong time" is interesting. Paul was not born in his faith during the ministry of Jesus, but was born into his faith afterwards. It is a great metaphor, and a great insight into Paul's mindset about his conversion experience.
Application: I have personally struggled with my "born again" experience. I was raised Christian, turned away from God, finally accepted God and Jesus when I was 27, but not baptized until my late 40s. So I always believed in Jesus from a young age until about 17, then needed to believe as an adult. This has left me confused about my conversion story. Paul's is clear - the story of his persecution of the church and then conversion on the road to Damascus is fully documented. Mine is less clear, even to myself.
However, I have a story to tell, and my story is likely similar to others. I was raised by Christian parents, turned away, and needed to believe in Jesus through my own faith and through Jesus' own actions of grace and mercy toward me. Paul is able to use his conversion story with the Corinthians ... none of them saw the resurrected Jesus, and Paul himself was not honored as one who initially saw Jesus. He was "born" only after fighting against the faith. Likewise, I fought against the faith in my heart, and then was convinced on the evidence and action of Jesus ... his appearance in my life.
I will continue to tell my story to others who may be in similar situations, so that perhaps they can relate and seek Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, I am here to do your work today. Please place whatever situations you like in my path today, and fill my heart with your words. Amen.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Earthly vs. Heavenly Harm
Scripture: Elihu spoke again and said:
Observation: In his lecture of Job, Elihu proceeds down an interesting path with regards to the question of Job's righteousness. Over and over, Job's other friends have declared Job must have sinned to receive punishment, Job has responded that he is righteous, and the debate devolved into guesswork about sin. Elihu presents a new tact, effectively stating ... Job better quit being defensive, because the only person he is hurting is himself.
Elihu argues that Job's sin is effectively meaningless to God's wellbeing. God cares about sin, but God is so grand, so powerful, so mighty, that Job's actions are effectively meaningless to him. God cannot receive riches from Job's righteousness, and he cannot be harmed by Job's wickedness. Therefore, to answer the question about if/how Job can be harmed by his sins or rewarded for his righteousness, Elihu basically says ... since there is no harm or reward for God in Job's actions, and since God clearly cares about Job's actions enough to act in Job's life, therefore it must be Job who is impacted by his actions. It doesn't matter that Job doesn't understand the cause-and-effect of righteous living versus judgement and reward. However, that cause-and-effect clearly exists, because God isn't doing any of this for his own satisfaction.
Application: There is a version of truth in Elihu's argument. God is so great and so powerful, that nothing I do can really harm him. And yet he loves me so much that he weeps when I do things wrong, actively influences my life, has provided instructions to live by, and sacrificed his son as a placeholder for my failings and death.
In other words, from an bodily perspective, it is true that my sins cannot harm God, and my righteousness does not reward God. However, from the perspective of God's great love, the opposite is true.
When I sin, I bring harm upon my earthly life, and also wound God's heart. When I observe God's advice, I may not always directly benefit on earth, but I please my heavenly dad. These two statements better start being incentives in my daily walk.
Prayer: Lord, I am perplexed by the book of Job, as billions of people over thousands of years have been as well. I am unsure of many of the lessons. However, I am sure of your love, and that your law is meant for good in my life. I seek to please you, and while I know I fail many times every day, I hope I can make you smile occasionally. Thank you for your love. Amen.
"Do you think this is right,
that you say, ‘My righteousness is before God’?
that you say, ‘My righteousness is before God’?
For you said, ‘What advantage will it be to me?
What profit will I have if I am cleansed from my sin?’
What profit will I have if I am cleansed from my sin?’
I will answer you,
and your companions with you.
Look unto the heavens and see,
and behold the clouds that are higher than you.
If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?
Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what does it do to Him?
If you are righteous, what does it give Him?
Or what does He receive from your hand?
Your wickedness may hurt a man like you,
and your righteousness may profit a son of man.
Job 35:1-8and your companions with you.
Look unto the heavens and see,
and behold the clouds that are higher than you.
If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?
Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what does it do to Him?
If you are righteous, what does it give Him?
Or what does He receive from your hand?
Your wickedness may hurt a man like you,
and your righteousness may profit a son of man.
Observation: In his lecture of Job, Elihu proceeds down an interesting path with regards to the question of Job's righteousness. Over and over, Job's other friends have declared Job must have sinned to receive punishment, Job has responded that he is righteous, and the debate devolved into guesswork about sin. Elihu presents a new tact, effectively stating ... Job better quit being defensive, because the only person he is hurting is himself.
Elihu argues that Job's sin is effectively meaningless to God's wellbeing. God cares about sin, but God is so grand, so powerful, so mighty, that Job's actions are effectively meaningless to him. God cannot receive riches from Job's righteousness, and he cannot be harmed by Job's wickedness. Therefore, to answer the question about if/how Job can be harmed by his sins or rewarded for his righteousness, Elihu basically says ... since there is no harm or reward for God in Job's actions, and since God clearly cares about Job's actions enough to act in Job's life, therefore it must be Job who is impacted by his actions. It doesn't matter that Job doesn't understand the cause-and-effect of righteous living versus judgement and reward. However, that cause-and-effect clearly exists, because God isn't doing any of this for his own satisfaction.
Application: There is a version of truth in Elihu's argument. God is so great and so powerful, that nothing I do can really harm him. And yet he loves me so much that he weeps when I do things wrong, actively influences my life, has provided instructions to live by, and sacrificed his son as a placeholder for my failings and death.
In other words, from an bodily perspective, it is true that my sins cannot harm God, and my righteousness does not reward God. However, from the perspective of God's great love, the opposite is true.
When I sin, I bring harm upon my earthly life, and also wound God's heart. When I observe God's advice, I may not always directly benefit on earth, but I please my heavenly dad. These two statements better start being incentives in my daily walk.
Prayer: Lord, I am perplexed by the book of Job, as billions of people over thousands of years have been as well. I am unsure of many of the lessons. However, I am sure of your love, and that your law is meant for good in my life. I seek to please you, and while I know I fail many times every day, I hope I can make you smile occasionally. Thank you for your love. Amen.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
You Are My Refuge Reprise
Though the earth should change
And the mountains slip away,
You will keep me safe.
Who you are will still remain ...
My soul, it sings to you!
Oh God, you are my refuge!
I will cling to you.
My shelter through the storm,
My peace when waves of trouble roll,
I will cling to you.
You are my refuge!
And the mountains slip away,
You will keep me safe.
Who you are will still remain ...
My soul, it sings to you!
Oh God, you are my refuge!
I will cling to you.
My shelter through the storm,
My peace when waves of trouble roll,
I will cling to you.
You are my refuge!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Wisdom on Election Day
Scripture: Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness." 1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Observation: Paul has spent some time distinguishing between wisdom of the world vs. the wisdom of God. At the heart of the matter is the greatness in the wisdom of Jesus Christ as the crucified sacrifice for our salvation. This is a set of facts - a man claiming to be Messiah but then crucified and killed - that is utter folly to wise and educated Greeks, but is the ultimate wisdom of God for redeeming all mankind.
Repeatedly in the first three verses, Paul discusses the wisdom of the world as foolish, and the foolish perception of faith as wisdom. His message has two parts, however, and only one is about encouraging the church to understand the wisdom of their faith and the foolishness of doubt. The other part is about any and all value to earthly wisdom of any kind. By relying on earthly wisdom - a form of wisdom that our faith by definition should find suspect - divisions and arguments are arising in the church. Worldly wisdom is hurting the church, and needs to be addressed.
Application: Today is election day in the U.S., and our nation is radically divided in a way that hasn't existing since the 1860s. This division is clearly driven by earthly wisdom ... two different ideologies that cannot and will not find common ground or compromises, to the point that their understanding of each other is no longer that they are 'wrong' but that they are now 'evil' or 'dangerous' or 'repulsive'. There will be no winner today, as the result will only strengthen and divide. We are in a bad and dangerous place.
And this is all about the wisdom of the world, a wisdom that is pure foolishness. All the machinations of this world are meaningless without faith in Jesus, and thus all the debates about worldly issues are folly in the context of an ever-increasing departure from faith in our country.
As the church, we cannot be part of the debate. We must do what Paul says in 1 Corinthians: We must preach Christ crucified ... total foolishness to the wise Republicans and Democrats of this world, but the source of all wisdom for those who believe and understand.
Prayer: Lord, I join with millions of others today and pray for the United States. I honestly don't care who becomes presidents, as I cannot see a positive way forward with either candidate. It says more about our nation that our choice came down to this in the first place. We are a lost people, living in a dark time. Please give your church the light, and keep us strong in the midst of scoffing and scorn. Shape the person who enters the office, and shape our hearts to preach Christ crucified. Amen, and amen.
Observation: Paul has spent some time distinguishing between wisdom of the world vs. the wisdom of God. At the heart of the matter is the greatness in the wisdom of Jesus Christ as the crucified sacrifice for our salvation. This is a set of facts - a man claiming to be Messiah but then crucified and killed - that is utter folly to wise and educated Greeks, but is the ultimate wisdom of God for redeeming all mankind.
Repeatedly in the first three verses, Paul discusses the wisdom of the world as foolish, and the foolish perception of faith as wisdom. His message has two parts, however, and only one is about encouraging the church to understand the wisdom of their faith and the foolishness of doubt. The other part is about any and all value to earthly wisdom of any kind. By relying on earthly wisdom - a form of wisdom that our faith by definition should find suspect - divisions and arguments are arising in the church. Worldly wisdom is hurting the church, and needs to be addressed.
Application: Today is election day in the U.S., and our nation is radically divided in a way that hasn't existing since the 1860s. This division is clearly driven by earthly wisdom ... two different ideologies that cannot and will not find common ground or compromises, to the point that their understanding of each other is no longer that they are 'wrong' but that they are now 'evil' or 'dangerous' or 'repulsive'. There will be no winner today, as the result will only strengthen and divide. We are in a bad and dangerous place.
And this is all about the wisdom of the world, a wisdom that is pure foolishness. All the machinations of this world are meaningless without faith in Jesus, and thus all the debates about worldly issues are folly in the context of an ever-increasing departure from faith in our country.
As the church, we cannot be part of the debate. We must do what Paul says in 1 Corinthians: We must preach Christ crucified ... total foolishness to the wise Republicans and Democrats of this world, but the source of all wisdom for those who believe and understand.
Prayer: Lord, I join with millions of others today and pray for the United States. I honestly don't care who becomes presidents, as I cannot see a positive way forward with either candidate. It says more about our nation that our choice came down to this in the first place. We are a lost people, living in a dark time. Please give your church the light, and keep us strong in the midst of scoffing and scorn. Shape the person who enters the office, and shape our hearts to preach Christ crucified. Amen, and amen.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Not Under the Law
Scripture: I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18
Observation: Paul begins to outline his "flesh vs. spirit" conversation, which will include the fruits of the spirit, with the initial explanation of the conflict between spirit and flesh. The conflict, interestingly, echoes back to his prior teaching on "law vs. faith" when he says that, if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. In this, he is making a direct connection:
-- The law aligns to the flesh, and thus when one attempts to comply with the law through the strength and efforts of their own flesh, they will fail and commit acts of sin.
-- Faith aligns to the spirit, and thus when one expresses faith and belief in Jesus through the spirit, they will be served by the spirit and thus not sin.
Most interesting is the phrase "if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law". This is explicit ... faith in God, belief in Jesus, and thus receipt of the Holy Spirit, means you will not be burdened by the laws of God. However, this is tricky. This does NOT mean you can do what you please (as Paul points out in Galatians 5:19-21), but rather Paul means this: When you have the spirit, you will not be personally fighting against the lust of the flesh and desires of this world, and thus are relieved from that unwinnable battle, because the Holy Spirit will relieve you of those earthly desires.
Application: I am starting to be able to tell more and more when I am personally aligned with the Holy Spirit, and the evidence is in my actions. There are times where I am a wreck - I am mad, I curse, I am envious, lustful, angry, selfish, spiteful. I hate these times! I feel them, and I fail to pray my way out of them, and they occupy wasted time in my life. Then there are other times where I am at peace even when in the center of chaos and other angry people. In these times, I will communicate with God right through the situation, and realize I am easily guided through it.
So when being 'in the spirit' is clearly so much easier than giving into the earthly flesh, why do I do the latter? I don't want to. This continues to be my path to maturity. I need to continue to seek the Holy Spirit in my life daily, and get my actions, thoughts, and heart aligned to God every moment, not just from time to time.
Prayer: Dear Lord, my father, I seek your spirit in my life today. Not just for a time to I seek this, but all the time, every moment. Please help me remember your love, and desire your presence, in a way that relieves me from the law and the battles of this earth. Amen.
Observation: Paul begins to outline his "flesh vs. spirit" conversation, which will include the fruits of the spirit, with the initial explanation of the conflict between spirit and flesh. The conflict, interestingly, echoes back to his prior teaching on "law vs. faith" when he says that, if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law. In this, he is making a direct connection:
-- The law aligns to the flesh, and thus when one attempts to comply with the law through the strength and efforts of their own flesh, they will fail and commit acts of sin.
-- Faith aligns to the spirit, and thus when one expresses faith and belief in Jesus through the spirit, they will be served by the spirit and thus not sin.
Most interesting is the phrase "if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law". This is explicit ... faith in God, belief in Jesus, and thus receipt of the Holy Spirit, means you will not be burdened by the laws of God. However, this is tricky. This does NOT mean you can do what you please (as Paul points out in Galatians 5:19-21), but rather Paul means this: When you have the spirit, you will not be personally fighting against the lust of the flesh and desires of this world, and thus are relieved from that unwinnable battle, because the Holy Spirit will relieve you of those earthly desires.
Application: I am starting to be able to tell more and more when I am personally aligned with the Holy Spirit, and the evidence is in my actions. There are times where I am a wreck - I am mad, I curse, I am envious, lustful, angry, selfish, spiteful. I hate these times! I feel them, and I fail to pray my way out of them, and they occupy wasted time in my life. Then there are other times where I am at peace even when in the center of chaos and other angry people. In these times, I will communicate with God right through the situation, and realize I am easily guided through it.
So when being 'in the spirit' is clearly so much easier than giving into the earthly flesh, why do I do the latter? I don't want to. This continues to be my path to maturity. I need to continue to seek the Holy Spirit in my life daily, and get my actions, thoughts, and heart aligned to God every moment, not just from time to time.
Prayer: Dear Lord, my father, I seek your spirit in my life today. Not just for a time to I seek this, but all the time, every moment. Please help me remember your love, and desire your presence, in a way that relieves me from the law and the battles of this earth. Amen.
Friday, November 4, 2016
No Explanation Required
Scripture: But Job answered:
Observation: As part of his final words, Job returns questions to his friends effectively asking this - By telling me everything I might have done wrong, how have you helped the situation?
To paraphrase a different way ... can explaining the situation, without taking actual action to remedy the situation, ever make things better? If Job is a man without the strength to act properly, which would help more - to describe his weaknesses, or to aid him in action? If Job is a ignorant, can explaining his ignorance be of any benefit, or wouldn't it be better to work out the problems on his behalf?
Application: In our desire to help others, how easy is it for Christians to simply "explain the problem" and expect others catch on? We don't do enough actual service. We don't engage in the person's problem, we discuss it. As Job would point out, there are two types of people ... those who can't really yet understand the nature of God, and those who already do ... and explaining the situation helps neither.
Prayer: Lord, as our church enters a very busy time of actual engagement and activity with the lost community, may we be reminded of why we do this. We work hard not to explain you to others, but to show your love to others. This isn't about teaching, it's about serving. Please, Lord, give you people the strength in our bodies and minds to serve you, by serving others, all for your glory. Amen.
"How have you helped him who is without power?
How have you saved the arm that has no strength?
How have you counseled him who has no wisdom?
And how have you plentifully declared sound knowledge?"
Job 26:1-3How have you saved the arm that has no strength?
How have you counseled him who has no wisdom?
And how have you plentifully declared sound knowledge?"
Observation: As part of his final words, Job returns questions to his friends effectively asking this - By telling me everything I might have done wrong, how have you helped the situation?
To paraphrase a different way ... can explaining the situation, without taking actual action to remedy the situation, ever make things better? If Job is a man without the strength to act properly, which would help more - to describe his weaknesses, or to aid him in action? If Job is a ignorant, can explaining his ignorance be of any benefit, or wouldn't it be better to work out the problems on his behalf?
Application: In our desire to help others, how easy is it for Christians to simply "explain the problem" and expect others catch on? We don't do enough actual service. We don't engage in the person's problem, we discuss it. As Job would point out, there are two types of people ... those who can't really yet understand the nature of God, and those who already do ... and explaining the situation helps neither.
Prayer: Lord, as our church enters a very busy time of actual engagement and activity with the lost community, may we be reminded of why we do this. We work hard not to explain you to others, but to show your love to others. This isn't about teaching, it's about serving. Please, Lord, give you people the strength in our bodies and minds to serve you, by serving others, all for your glory. Amen.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
The Place of Authority
Scripture: He went a little farther and fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." Mark 14:35-36
Observation: Jesus asks for the crucifixion to be passed from him. However, his request is prefaced by another fact. Jesus doesn't just simply ask "please remove this cup, but if not thy will be done". He first says "father, all tings are possible for you." In other words, before making any request, Jesus acknowledges the fact that God the Father is in supreme power, with absolute authority, and total control. He does not, therefore, make his request as a part of the trinity, nor does he make the request out of fear or selfishness. Instead, he makes the request from the very center of God's plan.
Even in asking God for the largest request in history - that the crucifixion not take place - his very first word is to acknowledge that God is in total control.
Application: Once again, I have been listening to "Stars" by Skillet. They came out with an acoustic version, and it's as good at the original. The song really speaks to me because it is about this same theme ... I can trust God, because I know that he is the ultimate authority of the entire universe.
This is something to be taken to heart over and over again. Jesus, in his greatest time of need, did not just ask for relief or favor or wisdom or salvation. Jesus acknowledged God's sovereign authority, and then asked that God's own will be done from the place of that authority.
So when I want to care for my family, or figure out how to guide people at work, I need to be less specific about my request, and more specific about God's nature. When I pray into God's will, I don't need to instruct him, or ask him for direction. His will is all-powerful, I just need to figure out how to join him in his work.
Prayer: My sovereign Lord, you are the one who holds the stars. You put all time and space in motion, and you formed me before I was even born. Therefore, you know what I can do today, and you control what can be done. I ask only that your will be done, and may I serve within your will today. Amen.
Observation: Jesus asks for the crucifixion to be passed from him. However, his request is prefaced by another fact. Jesus doesn't just simply ask "please remove this cup, but if not thy will be done". He first says "father, all tings are possible for you." In other words, before making any request, Jesus acknowledges the fact that God the Father is in supreme power, with absolute authority, and total control. He does not, therefore, make his request as a part of the trinity, nor does he make the request out of fear or selfishness. Instead, he makes the request from the very center of God's plan.
Even in asking God for the largest request in history - that the crucifixion not take place - his very first word is to acknowledge that God is in total control.
Application: Once again, I have been listening to "Stars" by Skillet. They came out with an acoustic version, and it's as good at the original. The song really speaks to me because it is about this same theme ... I can trust God, because I know that he is the ultimate authority of the entire universe.
This is something to be taken to heart over and over again. Jesus, in his greatest time of need, did not just ask for relief or favor or wisdom or salvation. Jesus acknowledged God's sovereign authority, and then asked that God's own will be done from the place of that authority.
So when I want to care for my family, or figure out how to guide people at work, I need to be less specific about my request, and more specific about God's nature. When I pray into God's will, I don't need to instruct him, or ask him for direction. His will is all-powerful, I just need to figure out how to join him in his work.
Prayer: My sovereign Lord, you are the one who holds the stars. You put all time and space in motion, and you formed me before I was even born. Therefore, you know what I can do today, and you control what can be done. I ask only that your will be done, and may I serve within your will today. Amen.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Look for God's Help
Scripture:
I will lift up my eyes to the hills,
from where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth
Psalms 121:1-2
Observation: At the most basic level of faith, the psalmist knows that the Lord God is his aid. When in need of help, one needs only to look to the Lord, as evidenced by his amazing and mighty creation. The God who made the universe is certainly sufficient enough to help us.
Application: I spent two hours laying awake last night, alternately worried and angry about one specific issue. I twice rose from bed to take action, and twice decided to wait until morning. I now see the real mistake I have made. I do not trust God.
I believe that the actions of man - specifically, my actions - are needed to produce a result. That just isn't the case. My faith is needed, and that is all. If I will only trust in the Lord, and look to him, he is absolutely sufficient. He has his hand on this situation - he holds me, my family, and everyone in his hands. My worry at night only served two purposes ... it made me tired, and it demonstrated to God that my lack of faith is so extreme I am more likely to harm my wellbeing than to pray.
I do look to the mountains, and seek the help of the Lord, the maker of universe. He is my strong tower, my refuge, and my hope. I place my faith in him alone - not in myself, and not in this world - and will not be afraid.
Prayer: Lord, you know my prayer this morning. Please guide the lives of my family and my children. Especially my children - Garrett and Kayla are two amazing souls you only granted into our care for a short time. I know that our job was simply to ensure they returned to you. Please make that so, and guide them in their lives in a manner whereby they will walk in your ways and on your path for all the lives, and all eternity. Amen.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills,
from where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth
Psalms 121:1-2
Observation: At the most basic level of faith, the psalmist knows that the Lord God is his aid. When in need of help, one needs only to look to the Lord, as evidenced by his amazing and mighty creation. The God who made the universe is certainly sufficient enough to help us.
Application: I spent two hours laying awake last night, alternately worried and angry about one specific issue. I twice rose from bed to take action, and twice decided to wait until morning. I now see the real mistake I have made. I do not trust God.
I believe that the actions of man - specifically, my actions - are needed to produce a result. That just isn't the case. My faith is needed, and that is all. If I will only trust in the Lord, and look to him, he is absolutely sufficient. He has his hand on this situation - he holds me, my family, and everyone in his hands. My worry at night only served two purposes ... it made me tired, and it demonstrated to God that my lack of faith is so extreme I am more likely to harm my wellbeing than to pray.
I do look to the mountains, and seek the help of the Lord, the maker of universe. He is my strong tower, my refuge, and my hope. I place my faith in him alone - not in myself, and not in this world - and will not be afraid.
Prayer: Lord, you know my prayer this morning. Please guide the lives of my family and my children. Especially my children - Garrett and Kayla are two amazing souls you only granted into our care for a short time. I know that our job was simply to ensure they returned to you. Please make that so, and guide them in their lives in a manner whereby they will walk in your ways and on your path for all the lives, and all eternity. Amen.
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