“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Not long ago a friend who is in the midst of a major life storm shared how they woke early to the sound of a gentle rain falling. The sound made them sink deeper into the comfort of their bed and fall back to sleep. It was what I call an “ahhhh peace” moment.
What causes you to have an “ahhh peace” moment even in the midst of life’s struggles? Is it the sound of waves crashing on the shore? Is it the clean smell after a good rain? What about the majesty of the mountains? Have you ever been hoping for peace and found it in something unexpected? Peace came for me recently while driving on a back road from my town to my mom’s town when I was blessed to see a herd of Tulle Elk… beautiful creatures that while common to the area are not often seen.
Jesus makes clear two things – we will have trouble in this life and He has given us peace that can break through the clouds and just for a moment we stop and say “ahhh peace”. It is just enough to remind us that we serve an amazing God who loves us so much – that he does not mind sending a reminder that He is near and working in our lives.
This week may you get the “ahhh peace” moment you need to walk confidently in whatever you are facing. Oh and just in case you are wondering if you are sailing in smooth waters right now… God may use you to bring “ahhh peace” to someone else – so listen for Him.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for those “ahhh peace” moments You give us, that remind us you are near and that you know what we need. In those moments may we stop and give thanks for your amazing love and peace. In the name of Jesus, our peace giver Amen.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
And One... And Two... And Stretch
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24
How is your exercise plan going? Are you feeling strong and confident? How about your faith -are you exercising it? Are you feeling the strength and confidence of the LORD? Are you allowing Him to stretch you? Ok, I can hear the groans from here and mumbling about “having been stretched enough” - but have we really been stretched enough? Do we attempt to exercise kindness or justice or righteousness or generosity or understanding and love the way the Lord does?
When it comes to physical exercise stretching is important – it gets the muscles ready for work and helps to prevent injury as you do your workout. Our faith needs to be stretched too. We can choose to stretch it ourselves by studying God’s word, praying, loving and caring for one another and being obedient to His call. Sometimes though – like a good personal trainer God may decide we need some help with our faith stretches. His stretches may not be as comfortable as the ones we normally do – but the flexibility we gain will make us stronger in the long run.
Ok - so are you ready? And one… and two… and stretch…and stretch a little more – ok good. Now get out there and practice being Jesus to those around you – do the things that He would do. Show the world that you know and understand Him and what kinds of things delight him.
A prayer
Father – You know that most of us don’t exercise our bodies or our faith enough. Thank you for those times when you stretch us – we might not always like it, but we are better for it when You are done. This week help us to stretch ourselves by reflecting Your Son to the world around us and it is in His name we pray, Amen.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
How is your exercise plan going? Are you feeling strong and confident? How about your faith -are you exercising it? Are you feeling the strength and confidence of the LORD? Are you allowing Him to stretch you? Ok, I can hear the groans from here and mumbling about “having been stretched enough” - but have we really been stretched enough? Do we attempt to exercise kindness or justice or righteousness or generosity or understanding and love the way the Lord does?
When it comes to physical exercise stretching is important – it gets the muscles ready for work and helps to prevent injury as you do your workout. Our faith needs to be stretched too. We can choose to stretch it ourselves by studying God’s word, praying, loving and caring for one another and being obedient to His call. Sometimes though – like a good personal trainer God may decide we need some help with our faith stretches. His stretches may not be as comfortable as the ones we normally do – but the flexibility we gain will make us stronger in the long run.
Ok - so are you ready? And one… and two… and stretch…and stretch a little more – ok good. Now get out there and practice being Jesus to those around you – do the things that He would do. Show the world that you know and understand Him and what kinds of things delight him.
A prayer
Father – You know that most of us don’t exercise our bodies or our faith enough. Thank you for those times when you stretch us – we might not always like it, but we are better for it when You are done. This week help us to stretch ourselves by reflecting Your Son to the world around us and it is in His name we pray, Amen.
Monday, October 3, 2011
When You've Had A Hard Week
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:2-4
It had been a hard week – it was only Monday and it had already been filled with disappointment and struggle. That’s when I sat down to do some reading for school, that’s when I came across today’s passage in a book about pastoral counseling. I have to admit it was just what I needed to hear – I could feel the tension level lower as I was reminded that we serve a God of comfort and compassion.
As the week continued – my spirit seemed a bit lighter not because things got easier, but because I could feel the grace and peace of God along with his comfort flowing into my heart and mind. Then the words of encouragement started coming from people who care about me – what a difference a few words can make.
What kind of week did you have? What kind of week will we have? I can’t see beyond the moment that I am writing this – at least not clearly. But it doesn’t really matter does it – Jesus will be present with us, walking each step with us bringing us comfort and encouragement when we need it.
We can comfort one another because we have received comfort from our amazing God. Consider yourself reminded that you are not alone – we have God and each other.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the peace, grace and comfort you give us. You already know what kind of week we will each have, grant us what we need to celebrate the victories and recover from the struggles. Bring us words of encouragement and help us to encourage others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
2 Corinthians 1:2-4
It had been a hard week – it was only Monday and it had already been filled with disappointment and struggle. That’s when I sat down to do some reading for school, that’s when I came across today’s passage in a book about pastoral counseling. I have to admit it was just what I needed to hear – I could feel the tension level lower as I was reminded that we serve a God of comfort and compassion.
As the week continued – my spirit seemed a bit lighter not because things got easier, but because I could feel the grace and peace of God along with his comfort flowing into my heart and mind. Then the words of encouragement started coming from people who care about me – what a difference a few words can make.
What kind of week did you have? What kind of week will we have? I can’t see beyond the moment that I am writing this – at least not clearly. But it doesn’t really matter does it – Jesus will be present with us, walking each step with us bringing us comfort and encouragement when we need it.
We can comfort one another because we have received comfort from our amazing God. Consider yourself reminded that you are not alone – we have God and each other.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the peace, grace and comfort you give us. You already know what kind of week we will each have, grant us what we need to celebrate the victories and recover from the struggles. Bring us words of encouragement and help us to encourage others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Hidden Object Game
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3
I love hidden object games! I play them for the art, for the story and for their ability to focus my mind and sharpen my observation skills. Life can sometimes be like a hidden object game – God has hidden surprises and small miracles all around us. A flower blooming in an unexpected place, a rainbow appears when the conditions don’t seem to be right, a simple act of kindness changes your day. These are just some of the things we can find if we seek what God has for us.
His Word can also be like a hidden object game. It is filled with, as Paul says all the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. If we seek them, we will find them – if we seek Him we will find Him. Look carefully as you read His word, seek with your heart and your mind, go slowly because that bit of wisdom you need for the circumstance you face may be in an unexpected place. Tune your ears, for the encouragement you need may come from an unexpected source.
This week, search for the surprises God has for you, in the world around you and in His word. Seeking Him you will surely find Him and in so doing you will be encouraged by Him.
A prayer
Father – today and throughout this week focus our minds and sharpen our skills of observation so that we might be blessed by the wonders You have hidden for us and when we find them may we be encouraged and rejoice in for all the goodness you supply even in the midst of life’s trials. In the name of Jesus the source of all our hidden treasure, Amen.
Colossians 2:2-3
I love hidden object games! I play them for the art, for the story and for their ability to focus my mind and sharpen my observation skills. Life can sometimes be like a hidden object game – God has hidden surprises and small miracles all around us. A flower blooming in an unexpected place, a rainbow appears when the conditions don’t seem to be right, a simple act of kindness changes your day. These are just some of the things we can find if we seek what God has for us.
His Word can also be like a hidden object game. It is filled with, as Paul says all the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. If we seek them, we will find them – if we seek Him we will find Him. Look carefully as you read His word, seek with your heart and your mind, go slowly because that bit of wisdom you need for the circumstance you face may be in an unexpected place. Tune your ears, for the encouragement you need may come from an unexpected source.
This week, search for the surprises God has for you, in the world around you and in His word. Seeking Him you will surely find Him and in so doing you will be encouraged by Him.
A prayer
Father – today and throughout this week focus our minds and sharpen our skills of observation so that we might be blessed by the wonders You have hidden for us and when we find them may we be encouraged and rejoice in for all the goodness you supply even in the midst of life’s trials. In the name of Jesus the source of all our hidden treasure, Amen.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Lessons From The Redwoods
“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
1 Corinthians 1:8
A couple hours drive in just about any direction from where I live in California and you can find yourself in the midst of a redwood forest. Richard Katz has this to say about these beautiful trees “with its ability to lift water to the heights of its crown, and support not only its own abundant life, but the life of many other species. With its ability to lift matter from the dark density of the earth into the uplifted light-filled heights, the Redwood is a celebration of the stature and majesty of physical incarnation and creation.” Isn’t that a great picture of God. Who through Jesus He lifts us out of the darkness and into His glorious light. But this is not the only lesson to be learned from these amazing trees.
Redwood trees appear to be as old as the planet; these masters of the forest can withstand fire, draught, flood, and just about any other trial that life on this planet can throw at them. Did you know, however, that they actually have very shallow roots, roots so shallow in fact that if they were another kind of tree the slightest wind might cause them to fall, so how does it stand for generations? The roots of redwood trees grow intertwined with one another – in essence they hold each other up. These trees teach us an important lesson in fellowship. We need to allow our lives to grow intertwined with one another and with Jesus. We need to be able to hold one another up when life gets tough, we need to celebrate together when life is good, we need to abide in the vine that is Jesus so we can become more like him each day.
If you have “redwoods” intertwined in your life – this week let them know how much you appreciate their fellowship and if you are a “redwood” to someone, let them know you are praying for them and that you are there no matter what. Scripture tells us that because of the creation around us we have no excuse not to know God… Redwoods are just a part of the amazing, teaching creation around us.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the majestic redwood tree that teaches us about Jesus and about fellowship. Today may be show those are intertwined in our lives how much we appreciate them and may we stand ready to support them in times of trial or celebrate in times of blessing. Thank you also that we are called into fellowship with your Son and it is in His name we pray. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:8
A couple hours drive in just about any direction from where I live in California and you can find yourself in the midst of a redwood forest. Richard Katz has this to say about these beautiful trees “with its ability to lift water to the heights of its crown, and support not only its own abundant life, but the life of many other species. With its ability to lift matter from the dark density of the earth into the uplifted light-filled heights, the Redwood is a celebration of the stature and majesty of physical incarnation and creation.” Isn’t that a great picture of God. Who through Jesus He lifts us out of the darkness and into His glorious light. But this is not the only lesson to be learned from these amazing trees.
Redwood trees appear to be as old as the planet; these masters of the forest can withstand fire, draught, flood, and just about any other trial that life on this planet can throw at them. Did you know, however, that they actually have very shallow roots, roots so shallow in fact that if they were another kind of tree the slightest wind might cause them to fall, so how does it stand for generations? The roots of redwood trees grow intertwined with one another – in essence they hold each other up. These trees teach us an important lesson in fellowship. We need to allow our lives to grow intertwined with one another and with Jesus. We need to be able to hold one another up when life gets tough, we need to celebrate together when life is good, we need to abide in the vine that is Jesus so we can become more like him each day.
If you have “redwoods” intertwined in your life – this week let them know how much you appreciate their fellowship and if you are a “redwood” to someone, let them know you are praying for them and that you are there no matter what. Scripture tells us that because of the creation around us we have no excuse not to know God… Redwoods are just a part of the amazing, teaching creation around us.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for the majestic redwood tree that teaches us about Jesus and about fellowship. Today may be show those are intertwined in our lives how much we appreciate them and may we stand ready to support them in times of trial or celebrate in times of blessing. Thank you also that we are called into fellowship with your Son and it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2011
It Will Be Worth The Wait
“Then Naomi said, ‘wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today’”
Ruth 3:18
Life at times seems to be more difficult than is should be and waiting for things to get better can be hard – but the wait will be worth it. Naomi and Ruth had been through a lot together – they had lost their husbands, made a long road trip on foot, and now through Ruth they had made it known that they would very much like Boaz to redeem them… but they needed to wait just a little longer.
I know a number of you have been traveling a difficult road over these last days, months maybe longer and you are waiting for the change that is coming that will smooth the road and make traveling through life easier – at least for a while. I don’t know when that change will come but I know it will be worth the wait. God is working on His plan for you even if you cannot tell He is working. Hang on – you need to wait a little longer.
But what should we do while we wait? We should pray, praise and present ourselves available to serve others in some way. We should ask for eyes to see those around us who are traveling the or perhaps a more difficult road and then we should travel together for a while. It will make the waiting easier.
At the end of the story of Ruth, Boaz does indeed redeem her and Naomi and blesses Ruth with a son… a son who will grow up to have a son, whose family line will bring to the Hebrew people David and the world Jesus. None of us want to have difficult times, but if we wait – if we wait on the Lord…it will be worth the wait.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for redeeming us day by day. Help us to wait as You work on our behalf to bring us to the new place you have for us. We know it will be worth the wait, in the mean time draw us near to You through prayer and praise and help us to see those around us who are traveling the same road of waiting. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Ruth 3:18
Life at times seems to be more difficult than is should be and waiting for things to get better can be hard – but the wait will be worth it. Naomi and Ruth had been through a lot together – they had lost their husbands, made a long road trip on foot, and now through Ruth they had made it known that they would very much like Boaz to redeem them… but they needed to wait just a little longer.
I know a number of you have been traveling a difficult road over these last days, months maybe longer and you are waiting for the change that is coming that will smooth the road and make traveling through life easier – at least for a while. I don’t know when that change will come but I know it will be worth the wait. God is working on His plan for you even if you cannot tell He is working. Hang on – you need to wait a little longer.
But what should we do while we wait? We should pray, praise and present ourselves available to serve others in some way. We should ask for eyes to see those around us who are traveling the or perhaps a more difficult road and then we should travel together for a while. It will make the waiting easier.
At the end of the story of Ruth, Boaz does indeed redeem her and Naomi and blesses Ruth with a son… a son who will grow up to have a son, whose family line will bring to the Hebrew people David and the world Jesus. None of us want to have difficult times, but if we wait – if we wait on the Lord…it will be worth the wait.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for redeeming us day by day. Help us to wait as You work on our behalf to bring us to the new place you have for us. We know it will be worth the wait, in the mean time draw us near to You through prayer and praise and help us to see those around us who are traveling the same road of waiting. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Take Time To Rest
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:9-11
Labor Day is a day when we celebrate the contributions of the American worker to our society. We get the day off work, but do we rest? Do we even know what rest is anymore? Throughout the Bible God instructs his people to rest on a regular basis. In the Old Testament every seven years even the fields got to rest – this was done to keep the soil healthy, so crops would be good. We need to rest to we will be healthy, so we can do the things we are being called to and do them well.
We are made to reflect the image of Jesus Christ and to do that we must do the things He did – and He rested. In Mark we read that Jesus said to his disciples “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). In today’s passage the writer tells us we need to set an example for others by resting. How are you doing at setting an example of rest?
Take time this week to really rest and to allow God to restore you so you can really accomplish the things He has for you to do. Be an example to those around you. Have a simple meal, be still and quiet before the Lord, take a nap – whatever you do rest. Your health will thank you for it and God will bless you because of it.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for building into Your plan for living well, the need to rest. Show us what it really means to rest and be restored under your yoke. Help us to follow the example set by Your Son and may we in so doing be still and know You are God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Hebrews 4:9-11
Labor Day is a day when we celebrate the contributions of the American worker to our society. We get the day off work, but do we rest? Do we even know what rest is anymore? Throughout the Bible God instructs his people to rest on a regular basis. In the Old Testament every seven years even the fields got to rest – this was done to keep the soil healthy, so crops would be good. We need to rest to we will be healthy, so we can do the things we are being called to and do them well.
We are made to reflect the image of Jesus Christ and to do that we must do the things He did – and He rested. In Mark we read that Jesus said to his disciples “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). In today’s passage the writer tells us we need to set an example for others by resting. How are you doing at setting an example of rest?
Take time this week to really rest and to allow God to restore you so you can really accomplish the things He has for you to do. Be an example to those around you. Have a simple meal, be still and quiet before the Lord, take a nap – whatever you do rest. Your health will thank you for it and God will bless you because of it.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for building into Your plan for living well, the need to rest. Show us what it really means to rest and be restored under your yoke. Help us to follow the example set by Your Son and may we in so doing be still and know You are God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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