the missing miracle
24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Matthew 17:24-27
Jesus is in retreat once more, gathering strength for the final confrontation in Jerusalem. He has come to Peter's house in Capernaum, which almost certainly was the only home he ever knew outside of Nazareth. They've been on the road engaged in ministry and have returned home exhausted again.
Oddly enough, Matthew is the only Gospel writer to record the story of the tax collectors confronting Peter, inquiring as to whether or not his master pays the temple tax. Rabbis were supposed to be exempt from this tax. The very fact that they have come asking Jesus to pay indicates that his position in the community has almost completely eroded.
It is Jesus who speaks first when Peter comes in the door to inquire about the tax. Given Jesus' statement “the sons are free,” it would appear that they will not pay. Jesus is the Son, and not subject to any tax.
But then he concludes with something remarkable, something so unlike him. “[We do not want] to give offense to them.” Since when does Jesus not want to offend these people? From the beginning, he has gone out of his way to confront them. But now it appears that things are different. There's not much time left for them to simply be together as friends. So Jesus enacts one of his most un-miraculous miracles, a miracle so un-miraculous that Matthew doesn't even bother to record the fulfillment of it.
Look as closely as you like, it simply isn't there. We are left to assume that everything happened just as Jesus said it would.
Matthew chose for some unknown reason to leave out the real reason for the strange story of the coin in the fish's mouth. I think it's this: Knowing that the least indiscretion would only mean more conflict for the both of them, Jesus chose to exercise his awesome and unlimited power to make a coin appear out of nowhere to pay the fee that was required. All this, so that he and his friend might share an uninterrupted evening of fellowship, for in a few days one of them would be leaving that place—never to return. —Michael Card michaelcard.com
seeking: Jesus, how have you encouraged my heart during these quiet moments? What fellowship have we shared?
responding: Can I understand now how miraculous it was that Jesus wanted simply to spend time with his friend Peter? • Do I see any parallels in the story to my own life?
Master, I come to you now in tiredness. You know what being exhausted feels like. All I ask is that you take my weariness and turn it into peace. Perhaps no one will ever record the miracle of it, Lord, but nonetheless I ask this of you so that we might spend a few moments together in blessed, refreshing silence.
following: Sometimes peace and quiet is a miracle from Jesus.
our journey
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Fear is Not an Option
Byron Bohnert
Driving down the highway recently I passed an 18-wheeler with the words “Fear Is Not An Option” on the back of the truck cab. This was an unusual statement you don’t see posted everywhere. It evoked me to think over those words with intense observation. If fear is not an option, than what choice do we have?
We could allow fear to control our will and emotions or, instead, let the peace of God rule our hearts and minds. Colossians 3:15 explains,
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. (AMP)
Throughout the Bible the Lord told His people over and over again “Don’t be afraid or discouraged.” With Christ on our side we have no reason to fear anything in this world.
There is a certainty we will not live our entire life without facing any troubles. No one including you and I are invincible. However, Jesus said, “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world (John 16:33 MSG).”
The real problem starts when you allow your mind to get off track and your hearts to fill up with fear. It is so easy for fear to slip up on you with no warning. In the midst of being confronted with a major difficulty in your life you can be overcome with fear. The enemy is right there to help you analyze every possible detail of the situation.
If you stop and listen to all the lies you will almost begin to agree with him and believe the Lord is powerless to intervene on your behalf. The fact is there is nothing too big for God. Even that ominous rock standing in your way looks minute through His eyes. The size of the mountain is not important to Him.
Just read what happened to the unfruitful fig tree Jesus encountered one day. Matthew 21:18-22 says,
In the early dawn the next morning, as He was coming back to the city, He was hungry. And as He saw one single leafy fig tree above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once? And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive. (AMP)
Faith is the key to overcoming the fear of defeat in any area. Though you may still find yourself consumed with fear, begin confessing God’s Word everyday. This, in return, will build your confidence to believe Him in faith. In Jeremiah 23:29, God told Jeremiah the prophet,
Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]? (AMP)
There is a Scripture for that specific thing you and I fear. One area in particular I have battled with is fear of the night and having someone break into my house while I sleep. So, I pray, “when I lie down, I will not be afraid; yes, I will lie down and my sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24 NKJV).
I think this puts it best, “faith is believing what God says. Fear is believing what the devil says.”
Remember, fear is not an option!
cbn
Byron Bohnert
Driving down the highway recently I passed an 18-wheeler with the words “Fear Is Not An Option” on the back of the truck cab. This was an unusual statement you don’t see posted everywhere. It evoked me to think over those words with intense observation. If fear is not an option, than what choice do we have?
We could allow fear to control our will and emotions or, instead, let the peace of God rule our hearts and minds. Colossians 3:15 explains,
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. (AMP)
Throughout the Bible the Lord told His people over and over again “Don’t be afraid or discouraged.” With Christ on our side we have no reason to fear anything in this world.
There is a certainty we will not live our entire life without facing any troubles. No one including you and I are invincible. However, Jesus said, “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world (John 16:33 MSG).”
The real problem starts when you allow your mind to get off track and your hearts to fill up with fear. It is so easy for fear to slip up on you with no warning. In the midst of being confronted with a major difficulty in your life you can be overcome with fear. The enemy is right there to help you analyze every possible detail of the situation.
If you stop and listen to all the lies you will almost begin to agree with him and believe the Lord is powerless to intervene on your behalf. The fact is there is nothing too big for God. Even that ominous rock standing in your way looks minute through His eyes. The size of the mountain is not important to Him.
Just read what happened to the unfruitful fig tree Jesus encountered one day. Matthew 21:18-22 says,
In the early dawn the next morning, as He was coming back to the city, He was hungry. And as He saw one single leafy fig tree above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once? And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive. (AMP)
Faith is the key to overcoming the fear of defeat in any area. Though you may still find yourself consumed with fear, begin confessing God’s Word everyday. This, in return, will build your confidence to believe Him in faith. In Jeremiah 23:29, God told Jeremiah the prophet,
Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]? (AMP)
There is a Scripture for that specific thing you and I fear. One area in particular I have battled with is fear of the night and having someone break into my house while I sleep. So, I pray, “when I lie down, I will not be afraid; yes, I will lie down and my sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24 NKJV).
I think this puts it best, “faith is believing what God says. Fear is believing what the devil says.”
Remember, fear is not an option!
cbn
Monday, January 22, 2007
Today's scripture is John 15:6
"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered." If I were to ask you to make a list of a hundred things you need to do to please the Lord today, you could do it, couldn't you? In fact, you probably have so many spiritual "do's" and "don'ts" cluttering up your mind that you'd hardly know where to start.
But you can relax. I'm not going to suggest you make a list of them. Instead, I'm going to help you simplify things by giving you only one: Abide in Jesus.
The one thing you're truly responsible for is your union with Him. If you keep your union and fellowship with Him intact, everything else will be taken care of.
Don't fall into the devil's trap. Instead, keep your thoughts and affections trained on the Lord. As you do that, the force of faith will begin to flow out of you. And that flow will repel every form of darkness. It will bring you in triumph through every storm.Fellowship with Jesus today.
bible shack
"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered." If I were to ask you to make a list of a hundred things you need to do to please the Lord today, you could do it, couldn't you? In fact, you probably have so many spiritual "do's" and "don'ts" cluttering up your mind that you'd hardly know where to start.
But you can relax. I'm not going to suggest you make a list of them. Instead, I'm going to help you simplify things by giving you only one: Abide in Jesus.
The one thing you're truly responsible for is your union with Him. If you keep your union and fellowship with Him intact, everything else will be taken care of.
Don't fall into the devil's trap. Instead, keep your thoughts and affections trained on the Lord. As you do that, the force of faith will begin to flow out of you. And that flow will repel every form of darkness. It will bring you in triumph through every storm.Fellowship with Jesus today.
bible shack
Friday, January 19, 2007
eat it up!
15 O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance take me not away; know that for your sake I bear reproach. 16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. 17 I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? Jeremiah 15:15-18
When I was growing up, I loved to watch game shows. My favorite was the one where the winner went on a one-minute shopping spree in a grocery store and filled as many carts as possible with food.
Since then, I've learned this truth: What food is to our bodies, Scripture is to our souls. If we understood what the Bible is and what it does for us, we would be just as fired up as a game show contestant with the grocery cart in front of her—waiting excitedly for the bell to sound. One of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 15:16, says it best: “Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.”
So, how can you feed your soul on God's Word? Here are three ways:
READ IT: As for where to start, go to the gospel of John. Read it slowly. Every time you see the word believe, underline it and ask yourself: Believe what? Be interactive with every book you read. And don't read it casually like a magazine or a novel. Give God's Word the respect it deserves.
QUESTION IT: Here are some prompts I use. (You might already have your own.) What verses stand out to me? Why? Is there an example for me to follow? Is there an error for me to avoid? Is there a duty for me to perform? Is there any promise for me to claim? Is there a sin for me to confess?
PLAN IT: Keep your commitment to God's Word going by planning how to apply what you're learning. Take notes. When the Spirit convicts you of a sin, confess it and forsake it. Then develop a plan to avoid falling into that temptation the next time it shows up. The results will amaze you.
So, picture this—your shopping cart is empty, you're at the line, the starting bell is about to ring. Ready? All the joy and delight found in filling your life with God's Word is waiting for you. Set? Go! —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, how has my mindset about your Word just been altered? How is my passion to know you being challenged?
responding: What needs to change in my life to make reading and studying God's Word a priority? • What's my plan? • What books of the Bible will I read first? • What verses have I recently read that I can pray back to God?
I want to have your view of your Word, Lord. If I understand that, I will apply it in a way that pleases you. You have provided in its pages all that is sufficient for godly living. Help me, Lord, to meet you there every day.
following: Hungry? Satisfy yourself with God's Word.
our journey
15 O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance take me not away; know that for your sake I bear reproach. 16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. 17 I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? Jeremiah 15:15-18
When I was growing up, I loved to watch game shows. My favorite was the one where the winner went on a one-minute shopping spree in a grocery store and filled as many carts as possible with food.
Since then, I've learned this truth: What food is to our bodies, Scripture is to our souls. If we understood what the Bible is and what it does for us, we would be just as fired up as a game show contestant with the grocery cart in front of her—waiting excitedly for the bell to sound. One of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 15:16, says it best: “Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.”
So, how can you feed your soul on God's Word? Here are three ways:
READ IT: As for where to start, go to the gospel of John. Read it slowly. Every time you see the word believe, underline it and ask yourself: Believe what? Be interactive with every book you read. And don't read it casually like a magazine or a novel. Give God's Word the respect it deserves.
QUESTION IT: Here are some prompts I use. (You might already have your own.) What verses stand out to me? Why? Is there an example for me to follow? Is there an error for me to avoid? Is there a duty for me to perform? Is there any promise for me to claim? Is there a sin for me to confess?
PLAN IT: Keep your commitment to God's Word going by planning how to apply what you're learning. Take notes. When the Spirit convicts you of a sin, confess it and forsake it. Then develop a plan to avoid falling into that temptation the next time it shows up. The results will amaze you.
So, picture this—your shopping cart is empty, you're at the line, the starting bell is about to ring. Ready? All the joy and delight found in filling your life with God's Word is waiting for you. Set? Go! —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, how has my mindset about your Word just been altered? How is my passion to know you being challenged?
responding: What needs to change in my life to make reading and studying God's Word a priority? • What's my plan? • What books of the Bible will I read first? • What verses have I recently read that I can pray back to God?
I want to have your view of your Word, Lord. If I understand that, I will apply it in a way that pleases you. You have provided in its pages all that is sufficient for godly living. Help me, Lord, to meet you there every day.
following: Hungry? Satisfy yourself with God's Word.
our journey
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Aging Outside the Box
Shirley W. Mitchell
The popular phrase “think outside the box” gave me the idea to “age outside the box,” living with power, style and vitality.
Satisfy us in our earliest youth with your loving-kindness, giving us constant joy to the end of our lives. (Psalms 90:14 – TLB)
Many people over 50, with their toes barely inside the new millennium, are discovering ageless living and endless energy. They are neither imprisoned in the past, nor refusing to embrace the present. People who are aging outside the box do not fear the future, but rather capture each moment as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become increasingly all that they were designed to be.
Power
Think of the people in your life who are aging with power. There is power in living through the Word of God, The Holy Bible. Rev. Rick Warren has taken me and millions of people deeper into the understanding of having power through the bible with his book The Purpose Driven Life. Hopefully, as we age, we enjoy spiritual maturity as we live in God’s abundance.
There is power in the blood of Jesus. My stuttering Paw Paw (Grandfather), who is now walking the street of gold, sang with gusto, “There’s Power In The Blood,” directing our church choir. He loved to sing, because he did not stutter while singing. As a ten-year-old girl, my Paw Paw put me in his church choir. I vividly recall him turning red in the face as he belted out his song, “THERE’S POWER IN THE BLOOD, POWER IN THE BLOOD!” That song and my Paw Paw implanted forever in my heart and head that the power of the blood of Jesus IS above all powers.
There is also power as many aspects of aging become positive. It is possible older people may have more financial flexibility to glorify God. With an empty nest, many are experiencing more self-time and time to enjoy one’s passions. It’s a good time to start a new career, enjoy a hobby, or live and travel to a geographical area of one’s choice.
Style
What style of life has God planted inside your DNA? Many times, as we age, we flow into the life God has planned for us. My passions are God, family, Country, writing, speaking and traveling. I feel I have lived many years to get into my flow of life that feels good in my spirit. I am enthusiastic about my style of aging. Your style of life will certainly be personalized.
Life in Christ is unfading,
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:3 KJV)
Vitality
(1) The power to live and develop.
(2) Power of continuing in force of effect.
(3) Physical or mental energy. (Webster’s Contemporary Dictionary)
And Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. (Deuteronomy 34:7 KJV)
Wow! Moses enjoyed vitality in his later years.
The 76 million baby boomers are focusing on aging with vitality! In their quest for the fountain of youth, they are changing the way we age. They have learned that exercise is the golden egg of aging. It slows down aging by positively effecting your cardiovascular system, your immune system, your musculoskeletal system, and your emotional well-being. Exercise rekindles and re-sparks our fire for live.
Fighting aging is all about high self-esteem and self-confidence, feeling good about yourself, and living a happy balanced life.
By the end of this century, more people will be over 50 than under in thiscountry. It’s important that we age outside the box, with power, style, and vitality.
cbn
Shirley W. Mitchell
The popular phrase “think outside the box” gave me the idea to “age outside the box,” living with power, style and vitality.
Satisfy us in our earliest youth with your loving-kindness, giving us constant joy to the end of our lives. (Psalms 90:14 – TLB)
Many people over 50, with their toes barely inside the new millennium, are discovering ageless living and endless energy. They are neither imprisoned in the past, nor refusing to embrace the present. People who are aging outside the box do not fear the future, but rather capture each moment as an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become increasingly all that they were designed to be.
Power
Think of the people in your life who are aging with power. There is power in living through the Word of God, The Holy Bible. Rev. Rick Warren has taken me and millions of people deeper into the understanding of having power through the bible with his book The Purpose Driven Life. Hopefully, as we age, we enjoy spiritual maturity as we live in God’s abundance.
There is power in the blood of Jesus. My stuttering Paw Paw (Grandfather), who is now walking the street of gold, sang with gusto, “There’s Power In The Blood,” directing our church choir. He loved to sing, because he did not stutter while singing. As a ten-year-old girl, my Paw Paw put me in his church choir. I vividly recall him turning red in the face as he belted out his song, “THERE’S POWER IN THE BLOOD, POWER IN THE BLOOD!” That song and my Paw Paw implanted forever in my heart and head that the power of the blood of Jesus IS above all powers.
There is also power as many aspects of aging become positive. It is possible older people may have more financial flexibility to glorify God. With an empty nest, many are experiencing more self-time and time to enjoy one’s passions. It’s a good time to start a new career, enjoy a hobby, or live and travel to a geographical area of one’s choice.
Style
What style of life has God planted inside your DNA? Many times, as we age, we flow into the life God has planned for us. My passions are God, family, Country, writing, speaking and traveling. I feel I have lived many years to get into my flow of life that feels good in my spirit. I am enthusiastic about my style of aging. Your style of life will certainly be personalized.
Life in Christ is unfading,
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:3 KJV)
Vitality
(1) The power to live and develop.
(2) Power of continuing in force of effect.
(3) Physical or mental energy. (Webster’s Contemporary Dictionary)
And Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. (Deuteronomy 34:7 KJV)
Wow! Moses enjoyed vitality in his later years.
The 76 million baby boomers are focusing on aging with vitality! In their quest for the fountain of youth, they are changing the way we age. They have learned that exercise is the golden egg of aging. It slows down aging by positively effecting your cardiovascular system, your immune system, your musculoskeletal system, and your emotional well-being. Exercise rekindles and re-sparks our fire for live.
Fighting aging is all about high self-esteem and self-confidence, feeling good about yourself, and living a happy balanced life.
By the end of this century, more people will be over 50 than under in thiscountry. It’s important that we age outside the box, with power, style, and vitality.
cbn
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Salt in the Ashes
Sally Buckner
Being a connoisseur of fine foods, and nicknamed "Sally Cuisine", I learned the art of rubbing coarse Kosher salt on my baking potatoes to enhance the flavor of these delectable goodies. Well this practice left quite a mess in my lower oven, and it was time to incinerate the debris. So yesterday, being rather cool outside, I programmed the cleaning feature and left the oven to do its work.
Much to my surprise, after a 3 hour cycle of intense heat that left all the other "gook" in ashes, the salt was still there - chunky and untouched. That's when the Lord reminded me that He wants us to be so salty and full of His word and grace that not only will others want to taste and see, but that we can withstand the heat - the heat that comes from the trials and intense situations of life.
Leviticus 2:13: . . . Salt is a reminder of God's covenant.
What situation could have been more intense than that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as told in Daniel Chapter 3? King Nebuchadnezzar heated the fiery furnace 7 times hotter than usual so as to toss the three lads in for not bowing to his statue. They knew their God was able and would deliver them - what great faith! Just as the salt survived, so did these three.
Daniel 3:27: The fire hadn't touched them - not a hair of their heads was singed; their coats were unscorched, and they didn't even smell of smoke!
Even at the end of our cycle of life, it will be our salt that remains from the ashes. Fill up your shaker today - sprinkle as needed, and be prepared if your dish will be baked, broiled or fried!
Mark 9:50: Good salt is worthless if it loses its saltiness; it can't season anything. So don't lose your flavor!
So go out today and enjoy all that God wants to share with you. God reveals his truths to everyone - even me through baking potatoes! If the world turns up the heat, you'll be ready! Be salty and survive virtually anything!
Luke 14:34: What good is salt that has lost its saltiness? Flavorless salt is fit for nothing - not even fertilizer. It is worthless and must be thrown out. Listen well if you would understand my meaning.*
* I understand his meaning, and that's another whole story about pruning that useless branch. I'll look forward to sharing that with you sometime soon.
Bible verses quoted from The Living Bible.
cbn
Sally Buckner
Being a connoisseur of fine foods, and nicknamed "Sally Cuisine", I learned the art of rubbing coarse Kosher salt on my baking potatoes to enhance the flavor of these delectable goodies. Well this practice left quite a mess in my lower oven, and it was time to incinerate the debris. So yesterday, being rather cool outside, I programmed the cleaning feature and left the oven to do its work.
Much to my surprise, after a 3 hour cycle of intense heat that left all the other "gook" in ashes, the salt was still there - chunky and untouched. That's when the Lord reminded me that He wants us to be so salty and full of His word and grace that not only will others want to taste and see, but that we can withstand the heat - the heat that comes from the trials and intense situations of life.
Leviticus 2:13: . . . Salt is a reminder of God's covenant.
What situation could have been more intense than that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as told in Daniel Chapter 3? King Nebuchadnezzar heated the fiery furnace 7 times hotter than usual so as to toss the three lads in for not bowing to his statue. They knew their God was able and would deliver them - what great faith! Just as the salt survived, so did these three.
Daniel 3:27: The fire hadn't touched them - not a hair of their heads was singed; their coats were unscorched, and they didn't even smell of smoke!
Even at the end of our cycle of life, it will be our salt that remains from the ashes. Fill up your shaker today - sprinkle as needed, and be prepared if your dish will be baked, broiled or fried!
Mark 9:50: Good salt is worthless if it loses its saltiness; it can't season anything. So don't lose your flavor!
So go out today and enjoy all that God wants to share with you. God reveals his truths to everyone - even me through baking potatoes! If the world turns up the heat, you'll be ready! Be salty and survive virtually anything!
Luke 14:34: What good is salt that has lost its saltiness? Flavorless salt is fit for nothing - not even fertilizer. It is worthless and must be thrown out. Listen well if you would understand my meaning.*
* I understand his meaning, and that's another whole story about pruning that useless branch. I'll look forward to sharing that with you sometime soon.
Bible verses quoted from The Living Bible.
cbn
Monday, January 08, 2007
what a man desires
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; 4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-9
The Word of God says this about the emotional needs of all human beings: “What is desired in a man is steadfast love” (Proverbs 19:22). This verse encapsulates what we long for most. Lavish love. Focused love. Radical love. Love we can count on. The taxicab driver, the plumber, the stockbroker, the runway model, the prostitute, the drug pusher, the school teacher, the computer programmer, and the president all yearn for the same thing—unfailing love.
Proverbs 20:6 says, “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” Paul described agape love as a supernatural love that only God fully possesses and only God can give. It's the New Testament word for God-love just as chesed is the Old Testament word for God-love. The only way we can love with agape is to pour out everything else from our hearts and ask God to make them pitchers of his agape. Before we can begin to give God-love away, we need to accept it. God loves you with a perfect love, and “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).
Have you ever feared that someone would stop loving you? Not only have I feared it, I've experienced it! God has carefully and graciously allowed some of my fears to come true so that I would discover that I would not disintegrate. God taught me to survive on his unfailing love. It wasn't fun, but it was transforming.
The only thing I absolutely could not survive is the loss of God's love, and that is a loss I will never have to endure. His love “endures forever.” (See Psalm 136.) That's what he meant by “perfect love” driving out fear. The Word of God uses the phrase “steadfast love” numerous times, and not once is it attributed to humans. Every single use of the phrase refers to God and God alone.
Though the love that others extend may be lavish—only God's love is unfailing. —Beth Moore bethmoore.org
seeking: Lord, how has your agape love touched me today? What words of love will I express to you?
responding: Do I truly believe that my innermost desire is steadfast love? What other things have I tried to satisfy that need? • How has God shown me that only his love is unfailing?
Lord, thank you for your unfailing love. I pray to fully accept it and allow it to drive out fear. Teach me that your everlasting love is all I really need. In Jesus' name, amen.
following: What a man desires is the steadfast love of God.
our journey
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; 4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-9
The Word of God says this about the emotional needs of all human beings: “What is desired in a man is steadfast love” (Proverbs 19:22). This verse encapsulates what we long for most. Lavish love. Focused love. Radical love. Love we can count on. The taxicab driver, the plumber, the stockbroker, the runway model, the prostitute, the drug pusher, the school teacher, the computer programmer, and the president all yearn for the same thing—unfailing love.
Proverbs 20:6 says, “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” Paul described agape love as a supernatural love that only God fully possesses and only God can give. It's the New Testament word for God-love just as chesed is the Old Testament word for God-love. The only way we can love with agape is to pour out everything else from our hearts and ask God to make them pitchers of his agape. Before we can begin to give God-love away, we need to accept it. God loves you with a perfect love, and “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).
Have you ever feared that someone would stop loving you? Not only have I feared it, I've experienced it! God has carefully and graciously allowed some of my fears to come true so that I would discover that I would not disintegrate. God taught me to survive on his unfailing love. It wasn't fun, but it was transforming.
The only thing I absolutely could not survive is the loss of God's love, and that is a loss I will never have to endure. His love “endures forever.” (See Psalm 136.) That's what he meant by “perfect love” driving out fear. The Word of God uses the phrase “steadfast love” numerous times, and not once is it attributed to humans. Every single use of the phrase refers to God and God alone.
Though the love that others extend may be lavish—only God's love is unfailing. —Beth Moore bethmoore.org
seeking: Lord, how has your agape love touched me today? What words of love will I express to you?
responding: Do I truly believe that my innermost desire is steadfast love? What other things have I tried to satisfy that need? • How has God shown me that only his love is unfailing?
Lord, thank you for your unfailing love. I pray to fully accept it and allow it to drive out fear. Teach me that your everlasting love is all I really need. In Jesus' name, amen.
following: What a man desires is the steadfast love of God.
our journey
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
right thing, wrong time
1 Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. . . . 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. . . . 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:1-15
Back in the 1950s, Bill Bright, the former president of Campus Crusade, had a vision and a burden to produce a film on the life of Jesus. For various reasons, the timing wasn't right.
But 20 years later, things came together. The Jesus Film was produced and the timing was perfect. It has been called the most effective evangelistic tool in the history of the church. At this moment, there are people someplace who are viewing the film on the life of Jesus, and it's likely some of them are giving their lives to him. The project was God's idea and it was produced in God's timing.
Delays shouldn't be viewed as disappointments but as preparation times. Just because we can't do something when we want to do it doesn't necessarily mean God doesn't ultimately want us to do it. Sometimes a vision is bigger than the opportunity. Sometimes other things need to happen before the vision can be realized. Sometimes we have to sit back and wait patiently—trusting God to line things up.
There's a tremendous illustration of this whole principle in John 6. Jesus had just performed an incredible miracle. He fed 5,000 men, women, and children with a few loaves and some fish. The people said that anybody who can do this deserves to be king. John 6:15 tells Jesus' response to the people's intention—he withdrew “to the mountain by himself.”
Jesus will someday be king. What the people wanted to do was right—but it was at the wrong time and probably for the wrong reason. Jesus will rule and reign in this world, but the large crowd of people that Jesus spoke to were premature in their plans. Other things had to take place. The position did not match God's perfect timing.
Perhaps the desires you have right now are from God, but the circumstances aren't right. Don't try to make God's will happen. Wait for his timing. Allow him to set everything up just for the right, God-ordained moment. —Crawford W. Loritts livingalegacy.org
seeking: Father, how have I just been encouraged to wait for you? Help me, this moment, to reflect on your faithfulness.
responding: What am I trying to make happen that might not be from God? • If it is from God, am I trying to make it happen when it may not be his timing?
Heavenly Father, I want to do the right thing and wait for your timing. Give me the patience I need to do just that.
following: God's timing is always perfect.
our journey