“…But this one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward that which is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14
There are times in this life when it is appropriate to take a moment; just a moment to reflect on where the journey has taken us. Some of these times are: milestone birthdays, the end of a big project, coming through a life crisis or a faith crisis, those inevitable forks in the road and at the change of the year.
Paul in this week’s passage is encouraging the Philippian church not to get bogged down in the past, to not dwell excessively on past failures but to keep following after Christ who is making them and us new by His mercy and grace, by His love and compassion. I think though that stopping for a moment to see how far Jesus has brought us as we have walked by faith is important.
Look back and celebrate the many victories you have seen. Look back and learn from those times when it appeared as though you had failed. Look back and be thankful for those who have and are sharing the journey with you. Then, when you are done looking back, turn your face and your heart fully to the road that lies ahead and press on into the future.
There is no way that we can know what the new year will hold and I can tell you that it is probably better that we can’t. What we can know is that the year will have its high points and its low points. We can know that we will have to face obstacles along the way. We can know that we are loved by the people in our lives and by God. We can rest in the knowledge that the One who made us has an incredible plan for each of us. We can know that we can overcome because Christ is able to do more for us and with us than our minds can comprehend if we’ll let him.
Paul prays an incredible prayer for the Ephesians and it seems an appropriate prayer for us as we turn to face the New Year.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).
Take just a moment and look back and then turn and step boldly into the future.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for allowing us to look back, to see how far we have come, how far You have brought us. Thank you for walking with us into the future. Help us to trust you with all that the New Year will bring, knowing that we are never alone and that You have amazing plans for us. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Incredible Peace
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
4:30 a.m. Christmas morning and the house is still, the only sounds - the occasional hum of the furnace and the gentle click of the keys as I type this devotion. Outside it is clear and cool; the half moon still seems so bright. It is calm and peaceful. I like early mornings for just that reason, they are peaceful. Early mornings are good for thinking, and this Christmas morning it’s a good time for thinking about why we celebrate Christmas.
What was it like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago when God stepped into time and the history of mankind as a baby born in a stable? This child, this son - who the prophet Isaiah said would be called among other things the Prince of Peace. It would be hard to say whether or not the city filled to capacity because of the census was calm and peaceful. But stables can be peaceful places and I suspect that this particular one was very peaceful following the birth of God’s Son.
Before Jesus went to the cross he told his disciples “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you…” (John 14:27). A special kind of peace is a gift given by the One called the Prince of Peace. Paul tells the Philippian church: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
This peace that transcends our understanding is the kind of peace experienced on battlefields where Christmas truces stand. This kind of peace can be experienced in the midst cancer battles and the other storms of life. This kind of peace filled a lowly Bethlehem stable as a child lay sleeping in a manger. This kind of peace was given to us from a Roman cross and made permanent by an empty tomb.
As you celebrate Christmas may you experience - awe inspiring joy, the light of God’s love, the incredible hope He brings and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Merry Christmas!
A Prayer
Father, what an incredible gift Christmas is. Thank you for your Son and the joy, love, hope and peace He gives us. May we be filled to overflowing today and every day so that we can share your gifts with those around us. In the name of Jesus who is the best gift giver and the greatest gift, Amen.
Isaiah 9:6
4:30 a.m. Christmas morning and the house is still, the only sounds - the occasional hum of the furnace and the gentle click of the keys as I type this devotion. Outside it is clear and cool; the half moon still seems so bright. It is calm and peaceful. I like early mornings for just that reason, they are peaceful. Early mornings are good for thinking, and this Christmas morning it’s a good time for thinking about why we celebrate Christmas.
What was it like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago when God stepped into time and the history of mankind as a baby born in a stable? This child, this son - who the prophet Isaiah said would be called among other things the Prince of Peace. It would be hard to say whether or not the city filled to capacity because of the census was calm and peaceful. But stables can be peaceful places and I suspect that this particular one was very peaceful following the birth of God’s Son.
Before Jesus went to the cross he told his disciples “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you…” (John 14:27). A special kind of peace is a gift given by the One called the Prince of Peace. Paul tells the Philippian church: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
This peace that transcends our understanding is the kind of peace experienced on battlefields where Christmas truces stand. This kind of peace can be experienced in the midst cancer battles and the other storms of life. This kind of peace filled a lowly Bethlehem stable as a child lay sleeping in a manger. This kind of peace was given to us from a Roman cross and made permanent by an empty tomb.
As you celebrate Christmas may you experience - awe inspiring joy, the light of God’s love, the incredible hope He brings and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Merry Christmas!
A Prayer
Father, what an incredible gift Christmas is. Thank you for your Son and the joy, love, hope and peace He gives us. May we be filled to overflowing today and every day so that we can share your gifts with those around us. In the name of Jesus who is the best gift giver and the greatest gift, Amen.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Love's Light
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
We had gone to see a great holiday movie called The Christmas Candle, based on the novel by Max Lucado. It is a movie of hope and inspiration, a movie that shows what kind of miracles happen when we let our light shine.
The movie is set in an English village where every 25 years an angel appears at the candle maker’s shop and blesses one candle. The candle is then given to someone who has been identified as having a great need with the instruction to light it and pray. Into this village tradition walks the new reverend, who is struggling with a faith crisis of his own.
A mishap the night the angel appears to bless the candle throws a wrench into the whole thing. The new reverend, who does not believe in the miracles of the candle, asks to see the requests that have been made and starts to meet the stated needs himself. The loss of the Christmas candle results in 29 families being given a candle with the instruction to light it and pray. The reverend uses this week’s passage for one of his advent messages, encouraging his congregation to show their light to one another. The miracles start happening, prayer is increased and neighbors are helping neighbors - hearts are changing, glowing with love’s light.
The real Christmas candle finds its way into the reverend’s hands and provides the supernatural miracle needed to completely restore his faith. In the end the village that had been fading under the weight of hopelessness is restored by love’s light.
Jesus is the light of the world; He came to show us how to love God and one another. He came to pay the price of forgiveness and restoration. He left His light burning in the hearts of each one who believe, so that we can share it with the world around us.
For God so loved, that He sent His Son, the light of the world into the world to push back the darkness with love’s light. So let love’s light shine through your life, you can be the miracle someone needs.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the light of your love. Help us to be aware of the darkness and hopelessness that surrounds us, so that we can let love’s light show and may that light shine brightly. Thank you for the miracles you work through your people. In the name of Jesus who is the light of the world, Amen.
Matthew 5:14-16
We had gone to see a great holiday movie called The Christmas Candle, based on the novel by Max Lucado. It is a movie of hope and inspiration, a movie that shows what kind of miracles happen when we let our light shine.
The movie is set in an English village where every 25 years an angel appears at the candle maker’s shop and blesses one candle. The candle is then given to someone who has been identified as having a great need with the instruction to light it and pray. Into this village tradition walks the new reverend, who is struggling with a faith crisis of his own.
A mishap the night the angel appears to bless the candle throws a wrench into the whole thing. The new reverend, who does not believe in the miracles of the candle, asks to see the requests that have been made and starts to meet the stated needs himself. The loss of the Christmas candle results in 29 families being given a candle with the instruction to light it and pray. The reverend uses this week’s passage for one of his advent messages, encouraging his congregation to show their light to one another. The miracles start happening, prayer is increased and neighbors are helping neighbors - hearts are changing, glowing with love’s light.
The real Christmas candle finds its way into the reverend’s hands and provides the supernatural miracle needed to completely restore his faith. In the end the village that had been fading under the weight of hopelessness is restored by love’s light.
Jesus is the light of the world; He came to show us how to love God and one another. He came to pay the price of forgiveness and restoration. He left His light burning in the hearts of each one who believe, so that we can share it with the world around us.
For God so loved, that He sent His Son, the light of the world into the world to push back the darkness with love’s light. So let love’s light shine through your life, you can be the miracle someone needs.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the light of your love. Help us to be aware of the darkness and hopelessness that surrounds us, so that we can let love’s light show and may that light shine brightly. Thank you for the miracles you work through your people. In the name of Jesus who is the light of the world, Amen.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Hope is Born
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”
Psalm 33:20-22
Winter where I live at times means freezing temperatures, and it always means bare trees, some rain, some fog and clouds. In other places winter means long and very dark nights, below zero temperatures and snow, lots of snow. The bleakness of winter can for many make life seem hopeless.
Then one day as we venture outside, there is a bud on a tree or some grass peaking through the snow and the hope of spring is restored. We know that winter will come to an end and the renewal that spring signals helps to get us through the rest of winter.
Life on this fallen and broken planet, with its loss, its illnesses that are no respecter of persons, the destructive power of creation itself and the unimaginable violence committed by mankind can also feel hopeless at times.
King David, a man of faith, who looked forward with great joy to the day the Lord would make good on all His promises and sang about it even when things seemed bleak to him. Then it happened, an angel visited a peasant girl and told her she was favored and part of God’s Plan. A carpenter had a dream letting him know it was ok to take that same girl for his wife and then in a Bethlehem stable hope was born.
Life is tough, there are no doubts about that, but Jesus was born to bring us salvation and with that salvation comes, hope. We no longer have to wait for it, we just have to reach out with our hearts and grab hold of it.
Hope is born and it is an everlasting hope so grab hold and let your heart rejoice even in the midst of life’s winter storm.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the hope that was born with your Son. Thank you that you are our help and our shield. Thank you for your unfailing love. For those who are feeling hopeless, restore them. For those filled with hope help them to share it with others. In the name of Jesus who brought hope with His birth we pray, Amen.
Psalm 33:20-22
Winter where I live at times means freezing temperatures, and it always means bare trees, some rain, some fog and clouds. In other places winter means long and very dark nights, below zero temperatures and snow, lots of snow. The bleakness of winter can for many make life seem hopeless.
Then one day as we venture outside, there is a bud on a tree or some grass peaking through the snow and the hope of spring is restored. We know that winter will come to an end and the renewal that spring signals helps to get us through the rest of winter.
Life on this fallen and broken planet, with its loss, its illnesses that are no respecter of persons, the destructive power of creation itself and the unimaginable violence committed by mankind can also feel hopeless at times.
King David, a man of faith, who looked forward with great joy to the day the Lord would make good on all His promises and sang about it even when things seemed bleak to him. Then it happened, an angel visited a peasant girl and told her she was favored and part of God’s Plan. A carpenter had a dream letting him know it was ok to take that same girl for his wife and then in a Bethlehem stable hope was born.
Life is tough, there are no doubts about that, but Jesus was born to bring us salvation and with that salvation comes, hope. We no longer have to wait for it, we just have to reach out with our hearts and grab hold of it.
Hope is born and it is an everlasting hope so grab hold and let your heart rejoice even in the midst of life’s winter storm.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the hope that was born with your Son. Thank you that you are our help and our shield. Thank you for your unfailing love. For those who are feeling hopeless, restore them. For those filled with hope help them to share it with others. In the name of Jesus who brought hope with His birth we pray, Amen.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Awestruck and Filled With Joy
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
Sometimes the night sky over California is more spectacular than other times. I love it when it is so clear and bright that you can tell the sky is still blue even late at night. Get away from the city lights and the sky becomes even more awe inspiring, the multitude of stars, constellations, a planet or two and an occasional satellite do truly declare the glory of God and the work of His hands.
As we enter into the season of advent, preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, I was thinking back to that night and wondering about the shepherds that were out that night. Had they spent so many nights under the Middle Eastern sky that it ceased to cause a sense of awe? Had they noticed anything different about the sky that night? Was there anything to suggest that something truly spectacular was about to happen?
Then it happened. “An angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:9). That they were terrified in all likelihood meant that they were both afraid and totally awestruck. Then the angel spoke saying “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. A savior is born, he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). As the fear melted away I can imagine how those lowly and despised shepherds must have felt as their souls were flooded with the joy of Lord. Then, as if what they had witnessed wasn’t enough “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appear and together with the angel praised God” (Luke 2:13).
Wherever you are in the world, this advent season take some time to ponder the night sky to see the glory of the God who loved us so much that He came to be with us.
This advent season may you be awestruck and filled with joy.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for surrounding us with such incredible beauty, that we might know you even without words. Help us to be awestruck and filled with joy in the midst of the rush that comes with the season these days. Show us anew your glory as we celebrate the birth of your Son, our Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm 19:1
Sometimes the night sky over California is more spectacular than other times. I love it when it is so clear and bright that you can tell the sky is still blue even late at night. Get away from the city lights and the sky becomes even more awe inspiring, the multitude of stars, constellations, a planet or two and an occasional satellite do truly declare the glory of God and the work of His hands.
As we enter into the season of advent, preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, I was thinking back to that night and wondering about the shepherds that were out that night. Had they spent so many nights under the Middle Eastern sky that it ceased to cause a sense of awe? Had they noticed anything different about the sky that night? Was there anything to suggest that something truly spectacular was about to happen?
Then it happened. “An angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:9). That they were terrified in all likelihood meant that they were both afraid and totally awestruck. Then the angel spoke saying “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. A savior is born, he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). As the fear melted away I can imagine how those lowly and despised shepherds must have felt as their souls were flooded with the joy of Lord. Then, as if what they had witnessed wasn’t enough “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appear and together with the angel praised God” (Luke 2:13).
Wherever you are in the world, this advent season take some time to ponder the night sky to see the glory of the God who loved us so much that He came to be with us.
This advent season may you be awestruck and filled with joy.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for surrounding us with such incredible beauty, that we might know you even without words. Help us to be awestruck and filled with joy in the midst of the rush that comes with the season these days. Show us anew your glory as we celebrate the birth of your Son, our Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Lessons of Life and Faith
“Teach us to number our days, that we main gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
We all have moments in our lives when we take a break and look back over our lives to see how far we have come on this journey called life. A time to reflect on the lessons we have learned and the wisdom we have gained. I reckon turning 50 is one of those times. So I thought I would share just a few of the lessons I have learned.
A few gray hairs aren’t so bad. In fact the Scriptures tell us “Gray hair is a crown of splendor, it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).
Mountain top experiences are important; we need those joyous and exhilarating moments to encourage us through the more difficult times in life.
Real growth and wisdom are to be gained in the wilderness experiences of life, embrace the hard times.
We all have an eternal destiny, and it is our choice whether we spend it the presence of God or separated from Him. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26).
In those times when you feel like you are alone, remember that you are not. Hold on to the promise that God will never leave you or forsake you.
Having friends who will walk with you no matter what you are facing is a great blessing.
It is ok to be real with God, He knows us better than anyone anyway so He can handle the rawness of our human emotion.
That calm you sometimes feel in the midst of life’s storms - that is God’s presence with you. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Thankfulness is the best attitude adjuster.
A Prayer
Father, there is so much to be learned as we travel life’s journey. Thank you that we do not travel alone, you are there and the others you place in our lives are there too. Thank you for your peace and your presence. Thank you for desiring an authentic relationship with us, so it is ok for us to be real with you. Thank you most of all for loving us so much. In the name of Jesus, who laid down His life for us, we pray. Amen.
Psalm 90:12
We all have moments in our lives when we take a break and look back over our lives to see how far we have come on this journey called life. A time to reflect on the lessons we have learned and the wisdom we have gained. I reckon turning 50 is one of those times. So I thought I would share just a few of the lessons I have learned.
A few gray hairs aren’t so bad. In fact the Scriptures tell us “Gray hair is a crown of splendor, it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).
Mountain top experiences are important; we need those joyous and exhilarating moments to encourage us through the more difficult times in life.
Real growth and wisdom are to be gained in the wilderness experiences of life, embrace the hard times.
We all have an eternal destiny, and it is our choice whether we spend it the presence of God or separated from Him. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26).
In those times when you feel like you are alone, remember that you are not. Hold on to the promise that God will never leave you or forsake you.
Having friends who will walk with you no matter what you are facing is a great blessing.
It is ok to be real with God, He knows us better than anyone anyway so He can handle the rawness of our human emotion.
That calm you sometimes feel in the midst of life’s storms - that is God’s presence with you. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Thankfulness is the best attitude adjuster.
A Prayer
Father, there is so much to be learned as we travel life’s journey. Thank you that we do not travel alone, you are there and the others you place in our lives are there too. Thank you for your peace and your presence. Thank you for desiring an authentic relationship with us, so it is ok for us to be real with you. Thank you most of all for loving us so much. In the name of Jesus, who laid down His life for us, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
He Will...Cause That's Just How HE Is
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:5, 17
A friend and I had been communicating via text. Knowing that I was having a bit of senioritis as I neared the completion of my Master’s degree she let me know that she was “praying that God would continue to give me what I needed to finish.” To which I replied “He will…cause that’s just how He is.” The list of things we can ask for is long and each is intended to strengthen the relationship we have with Him and to help us care for one another.
So what’s available to us beside wisdom? Here’s a short list: strength, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, comfort, peace, provision, kindness, righteousness, discernment and so many more. What have you prayed for recently? Maybe you have prayed for strength to accomplish some difficult task or to walk through one of life’s many trials. Maybe you have prayed for comfort and peace during a time of pain and loss. The Father is pleased to give us these gifts and delights in us when we trust Him to provide.
Every good gift that we receive from the Lord can be shared with those around us when they have need. We can be the strength for a friend who needs some extra to face their life circumstances. If we have been comforted then we can comfort one another. What have you received recently?
It is so awesome that we can go to the Father for all that we need. He will be faithful to give to us according to his will every good gift because that’s just how He is and for this, out of hearts filled with gratitude we should praise Him giving Him an offering of thanksgiving from our hearts to His.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the many gifts you give us. Every day we receive what we need. Some days the gifts come through a friend or maybe a stranger and some days we know they come straight from you. May we share the gifts you have given and may we always, with hearts filled with gratitude for who you are, give you thanks. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
James 1:5, 17
A friend and I had been communicating via text. Knowing that I was having a bit of senioritis as I neared the completion of my Master’s degree she let me know that she was “praying that God would continue to give me what I needed to finish.” To which I replied “He will…cause that’s just how He is.” The list of things we can ask for is long and each is intended to strengthen the relationship we have with Him and to help us care for one another.
So what’s available to us beside wisdom? Here’s a short list: strength, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, comfort, peace, provision, kindness, righteousness, discernment and so many more. What have you prayed for recently? Maybe you have prayed for strength to accomplish some difficult task or to walk through one of life’s many trials. Maybe you have prayed for comfort and peace during a time of pain and loss. The Father is pleased to give us these gifts and delights in us when we trust Him to provide.
Every good gift that we receive from the Lord can be shared with those around us when they have need. We can be the strength for a friend who needs some extra to face their life circumstances. If we have been comforted then we can comfort one another. What have you received recently?
It is so awesome that we can go to the Father for all that we need. He will be faithful to give to us according to his will every good gift because that’s just how He is and for this, out of hearts filled with gratitude we should praise Him giving Him an offering of thanksgiving from our hearts to His.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for the many gifts you give us. Every day we receive what we need. Some days the gifts come through a friend or maybe a stranger and some days we know they come straight from you. May we share the gifts you have given and may we always, with hearts filled with gratitude for who you are, give you thanks. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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