Today’s Reading: Proverbs 8-9; John 21
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, ‘ It is the Lord,’ he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards” (John 21: 7-8 NIV)
I love zealous love Peter shows in this section. In his excitement to be close to Jesus, he jumps right out of the boat and rushes toward the shore. The other disciples take a much more leisurely pace to greet their Savior, but Peter holds nothing back. He gets to the feet of his Master as fast as possible.
There are so many times when I, too, need to greet my Savior this way. As I look at all the pain and uncertainty in the world around me, I can’t help but come to the feet of my Savior and pray for help. As I come to the end of my own rope physically, and I can’t help but kneel before my Savior and ask Him for help.
Oh that I’ll always have a love like Peters. No, Peter wasn’t perfect, but he was always willing to come back and try once again. He was always willing to submit to his Savior and go from there.
Oh that I’ll always run, not walk, to the feet of my Savior.
Lord, thank you for being more than enough today and everyday.
Showing posts with label John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Doubting Thomas
Today's Reading Proverbs 5-7; John 20
"Then Jesus told [Thomas], "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20: 29 NIV).
I admire Thomas. He doubted that Jesus rose from the dead, and was honest about that doubt. He didn't pretend to believe, just to be a part of the crowd. Instead he was real, honest, and himself.
At times, it is hard to believe without seeing. As Christians in the 21st century, we live our lives believing in a God that we cannot physically see or touch. Instead, we look to the Word of God, historical evidence, and personal experience, to substantiate our beliefs. And boy is there a lot of proof! I've heard some amazing lectures, and read some amazing books that show how real our Savior Jesus Christ truly is.
But even at that, I find myself doubting from time to time. For me, it's not that I doubt the existence of Jesus Christ, no, I know He's real. Instead, a part of me doubts that He'll truly provide. A part of me thinks that I need to handle all of life's worries on my own. A part of me struggles to believe in miracles.
That is when, like Thomas, I have to be honest about my doubts, and ask God to help me believe. I have to ask Him to fill in the crevices where I fall short in this life, and to help me to believe in the seemingly impossible from time to time. I have to admit that I am truly nothing without Him.
And then, I believe.
Lord, help me in my moments of unbelief to turn and trust in you.
"Then Jesus told [Thomas], "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20: 29 NIV).
I admire Thomas. He doubted that Jesus rose from the dead, and was honest about that doubt. He didn't pretend to believe, just to be a part of the crowd. Instead he was real, honest, and himself.
At times, it is hard to believe without seeing. As Christians in the 21st century, we live our lives believing in a God that we cannot physically see or touch. Instead, we look to the Word of God, historical evidence, and personal experience, to substantiate our beliefs. And boy is there a lot of proof! I've heard some amazing lectures, and read some amazing books that show how real our Savior Jesus Christ truly is.
But even at that, I find myself doubting from time to time. For me, it's not that I doubt the existence of Jesus Christ, no, I know He's real. Instead, a part of me doubts that He'll truly provide. A part of me thinks that I need to handle all of life's worries on my own. A part of me struggles to believe in miracles.
That is when, like Thomas, I have to be honest about my doubts, and ask God to help me believe. I have to ask Him to fill in the crevices where I fall short in this life, and to help me to believe in the seemingly impossible from time to time. I have to admit that I am truly nothing without Him.
And then, I believe.
Lord, help me in my moments of unbelief to turn and trust in you.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Gift of Peace
Today’s Reading: Psalm 68, 72, 86; John 14
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
Do you have peace in your life? One of the great things Jesus Christ gives us is peace, if only we ask. I know I live a large part of my life jumping from one thing to the next, and worrying about the outcome of every little thing, big and small. I allow my heart to be “troubled” by these things, instead of resting in the amazing peace of God.
About a month ago, I was at the Ladies Bible Study at my church. We were watching a video series, and the speaker gave a great suggestion for gaining peace in our lives. She suggested that we not only give our issue over to God, but then replace it with scripture. This way, whenever Satan tries to attack us over the issue again, we can combat the attack with the word of God. What a great suggestion.
For me, worry is something I deal with on a daily basis. Everyday Satan seems to bring up something for me to worry about. Whether it’s a family member’s job, my relationship with a friend, or if I’ll carry my baby full term, I’m hounded on a daily basis with worry, instead of resting in peace.
In the past few years, I’ve learned to immediately bring these worries before the throne of God and lay them at his feet. I’ve asked him to replace these worries with peace. And he does, every time I ask.
But now I can take it one step further. After laying my worries at the foot of the cross, I can claim the words of John 14:27 as a reminder of God’s gift of peace to each of us as believers. What a wonderful gift that is!
What do you struggle with, and what verse could you claim to combat this struggle?
Lord, thank you for giving us your peace each and everyday. Help me to lay my burdens at your feet, and walk each day in your peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
Do you have peace in your life? One of the great things Jesus Christ gives us is peace, if only we ask. I know I live a large part of my life jumping from one thing to the next, and worrying about the outcome of every little thing, big and small. I allow my heart to be “troubled” by these things, instead of resting in the amazing peace of God.
About a month ago, I was at the Ladies Bible Study at my church. We were watching a video series, and the speaker gave a great suggestion for gaining peace in our lives. She suggested that we not only give our issue over to God, but then replace it with scripture. This way, whenever Satan tries to attack us over the issue again, we can combat the attack with the word of God. What a great suggestion.
For me, worry is something I deal with on a daily basis. Everyday Satan seems to bring up something for me to worry about. Whether it’s a family member’s job, my relationship with a friend, or if I’ll carry my baby full term, I’m hounded on a daily basis with worry, instead of resting in peace.
In the past few years, I’ve learned to immediately bring these worries before the throne of God and lay them at his feet. I’ve asked him to replace these worries with peace. And he does, every time I ask.
But now I can take it one step further. After laying my worries at the foot of the cross, I can claim the words of John 14:27 as a reminder of God’s gift of peace to each of us as believers. What a wonderful gift that is!
What do you struggle with, and what verse could you claim to combat this struggle?
Lord, thank you for giving us your peace each and everyday. Help me to lay my burdens at your feet, and walk each day in your peace.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Make Me A Servant
Today’s Reading: Psalm 53, 55, 58; John 13:1-20
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 NIV).
I often wonder what it means to be a true servant. Growing up, the world around me taught me to look out for number one. I was told that, as a woman, I should aspire to be independent, successful and thin. The world values such things, but Jesus seems to value something entirely different. In John 13, the Savior of the world takes on one of the most humbling roles possible. He takes off His outer clothes, and washes the dirty, grimy, smelly feet of His disciples. He didn’t have do this, but He did this to set an example for His disciples, and for all of us as well, to follow. He was showing us what true humility looks like.
What does humility look like in my life? It means helping out with less appealing tasks from time to time, working behind the scenes and parties and events, and offering to do the tasks no one else wants to accomplish. It means sacrificing my own free time to help out a friend in need. It means doing things without expecting and recognition. It means getting outside of myself, and truly ministering to the needs of others.
No, its not always fun. But it may just be one of the best ways to lead those I care about to the Lord. Because by being a servant, I’m letting Jesus shine through me and fill in the gaps. I’m letting Him take control, instead of me.
What does being a servant look like in your life?
Lord, please help me to have the heart of a servant today and everyday. Please reveal practical ways for me to serve.
Check out this link to one of my favorite songs, "Make Me A Servant" by the Maranatha Singers.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 NIV).
I often wonder what it means to be a true servant. Growing up, the world around me taught me to look out for number one. I was told that, as a woman, I should aspire to be independent, successful and thin. The world values such things, but Jesus seems to value something entirely different. In John 13, the Savior of the world takes on one of the most humbling roles possible. He takes off His outer clothes, and washes the dirty, grimy, smelly feet of His disciples. He didn’t have do this, but He did this to set an example for His disciples, and for all of us as well, to follow. He was showing us what true humility looks like.
What does humility look like in my life? It means helping out with less appealing tasks from time to time, working behind the scenes and parties and events, and offering to do the tasks no one else wants to accomplish. It means sacrificing my own free time to help out a friend in need. It means doing things without expecting and recognition. It means getting outside of myself, and truly ministering to the needs of others.
No, its not always fun. But it may just be one of the best ways to lead those I care about to the Lord. Because by being a servant, I’m letting Jesus shine through me and fill in the gaps. I’m letting Him take control, instead of me.
What does being a servant look like in your life?
Lord, please help me to have the heart of a servant today and everyday. Please reveal practical ways for me to serve.
Check out this link to one of my favorite songs, "Make Me A Servant" by the Maranatha Singers.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I’m Thankful for Today
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 23-24; John 6:41-71
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life” (John 6:47 NIV).
Today the sun was shining, the air was warm, and life was good. I couldn’t help but be thankful for the life God has given me. I have a wonderful, hardworking husband, a beautiful home, and a growing baby inside of me. Instead of worrying about all the “what-ifs” I found myself simply thankful. And then God tested me. I won’t go into details here, but something happened that forced me to rely on faith and faith alone. I was scared and alone, but I looked to God and once again He provided. Once again He was on the other side, ready and waiting to hold me and point out the beautiful aspects of the day. Today’s test was a test of faith, and for once, I think I passed, because I couldn’t help but see through the sun shining through.
Reading these verses tonight, I was reminded of the greatest gift of all: the gift of eternal life, given to each of us. It’s so simple, really. But often we make it so difficult. As the verse above says, all we have to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross and rose from the grave. If we believe this we are guaranteed eternal life with him. What a thing to be thankful for! The amazing love of God is something I’ll never fully grasp. It’s so all encompassing. To think that he would chose to love me enough to die for me. How amazing that is. And how amazing that he gives each of us the opportunity to spend eternity with him, if only we believe.
What are you thankful for today?
Lord, thank you for all of the wonderful things you’ve given me. Help me to be thankful for them, even on the tough days. Keep my focus on you, where it belongs.
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life” (John 6:47 NIV).
Today the sun was shining, the air was warm, and life was good. I couldn’t help but be thankful for the life God has given me. I have a wonderful, hardworking husband, a beautiful home, and a growing baby inside of me. Instead of worrying about all the “what-ifs” I found myself simply thankful. And then God tested me. I won’t go into details here, but something happened that forced me to rely on faith and faith alone. I was scared and alone, but I looked to God and once again He provided. Once again He was on the other side, ready and waiting to hold me and point out the beautiful aspects of the day. Today’s test was a test of faith, and for once, I think I passed, because I couldn’t help but see through the sun shining through.
Reading these verses tonight, I was reminded of the greatest gift of all: the gift of eternal life, given to each of us. It’s so simple, really. But often we make it so difficult. As the verse above says, all we have to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross and rose from the grave. If we believe this we are guaranteed eternal life with him. What a thing to be thankful for! The amazing love of God is something I’ll never fully grasp. It’s so all encompassing. To think that he would chose to love me enough to die for me. How amazing that is. And how amazing that he gives each of us the opportunity to spend eternity with him, if only we believe.
What are you thankful for today?
Lord, thank you for all of the wonderful things you’ve given me. Help me to be thankful for them, even on the tough days. Keep my focus on you, where it belongs.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Battle Has Been Conquered
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 13-14; John 4:1-26
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Today I have a heavy heart. I have to make a call I’ve been dreading. I’ve been dreading this call because I’m not sure what the response will be. They could be helpful and gracious. Or they could attack me and tell me I owe all sorts of money. And so I’ve been living in fear. Fear over what might happen. Fear over not having the right words to say over the phone.
Yet I know this isn’t the way God wants me to live. As Christians we’ve been filled with living water, water that “well[s] up to eternal life” (John 4:14 NIV). We have the wonderful promise of life eternal in heaven with Jesus. Therefore, we really have nothing to fear here on this earth. Christ has already overcome the enemy. We are Jesus’ eternally. My only job is to worship Him in “spirit and in truth.” Today, for me, it means that I give every little fear and worry over to Him, and focus on what really matters, eternity. In the long run, I’ll be all right, no matter how this phone conversation goes. God will still be God, and I will still be living my life serving Him, and telling everyone of His beautiful gift of living water. All Jesus is asking of me is to have a heart always worshiping and serving Him, above all other things. And so, I’ll turn my worship music on low, say a prayer, and make that call I’ve been dreading. For I know that ultimately, Christ has already conquered the ultimate battle. My battle is small in comparison, and something Christ is more than able to handle.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Today I have a heavy heart. I have to make a call I’ve been dreading. I’ve been dreading this call because I’m not sure what the response will be. They could be helpful and gracious. Or they could attack me and tell me I owe all sorts of money. And so I’ve been living in fear. Fear over what might happen. Fear over not having the right words to say over the phone.
Yet I know this isn’t the way God wants me to live. As Christians we’ve been filled with living water, water that “well[s] up to eternal life” (John 4:14 NIV). We have the wonderful promise of life eternal in heaven with Jesus. Therefore, we really have nothing to fear here on this earth. Christ has already overcome the enemy. We are Jesus’ eternally. My only job is to worship Him in “spirit and in truth.” Today, for me, it means that I give every little fear and worry over to Him, and focus on what really matters, eternity. In the long run, I’ll be all right, no matter how this phone conversation goes. God will still be God, and I will still be living my life serving Him, and telling everyone of His beautiful gift of living water. All Jesus is asking of me is to have a heart always worshiping and serving Him, above all other things. And so, I’ll turn my worship music on low, say a prayer, and make that call I’ve been dreading. For I know that ultimately, Christ has already conquered the ultimate battle. My battle is small in comparison, and something Christ is more than able to handle.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Righteous Anger
Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; Psalms 60; John 2
You know it, I know it—in this world anger usually isn’t righteous. Instead it’s a sinful response. It’s a way we act when we’re consumed with our selves and get impatient with a situation. It’s often a wrong response, one the Holy Spirit has been encouraging us to not make. Yet we all do it. We all say and do things in anger that we later regret. But did you know that there is a type of anger that is justified? This anger is not bred out of sin, but out of righteousness. I don’t think it’s really an anger that we experience very often as Christians, but just the same, Jesus, the perfect Son of God, displayed this anger in John 2:12-25. In this portion of scripture, Jesus goes to the Temple and sees the buying and selling of goods in the very place that the Gentiles could have been worshiping. This misuse of His Father’s Temple leads Jesus to an act of Righteous Anger. He storms through the court yard, turning over tables and telling all the merchants to get out. He was not sinning in this angry act, for as the Son of God He had every right to feel this way. These people were misusing His Father’s house.
I’ve talked to some Christians who have issues with this passage. They can’t view gentle, loving, perfect Jesus as getting angry. To them, the passion of anger can only be viewed in a sinful sense. But I argue that Jesus is God. I could pull out all kinds of scriptures exemplifying the righteous anger of God. But instead I’ll leave you to contemplate this different side of our Savior. Did you view Jesus as angry in today’s reading? Do you believe it was a righteous anger? Do you believe we as Christians can ever display a righteous anger? How? In what type of circumstances?
You know it, I know it—in this world anger usually isn’t righteous. Instead it’s a sinful response. It’s a way we act when we’re consumed with our selves and get impatient with a situation. It’s often a wrong response, one the Holy Spirit has been encouraging us to not make. Yet we all do it. We all say and do things in anger that we later regret. But did you know that there is a type of anger that is justified? This anger is not bred out of sin, but out of righteousness. I don’t think it’s really an anger that we experience very often as Christians, but just the same, Jesus, the perfect Son of God, displayed this anger in John 2:12-25. In this portion of scripture, Jesus goes to the Temple and sees the buying and selling of goods in the very place that the Gentiles could have been worshiping. This misuse of His Father’s Temple leads Jesus to an act of Righteous Anger. He storms through the court yard, turning over tables and telling all the merchants to get out. He was not sinning in this angry act, for as the Son of God He had every right to feel this way. These people were misusing His Father’s house.
I’ve talked to some Christians who have issues with this passage. They can’t view gentle, loving, perfect Jesus as getting angry. To them, the passion of anger can only be viewed in a sinful sense. But I argue that Jesus is God. I could pull out all kinds of scriptures exemplifying the righteous anger of God. But instead I’ll leave you to contemplate this different side of our Savior. Did you view Jesus as angry in today’s reading? Do you believe it was a righteous anger? Do you believe we as Christians can ever display a righteous anger? How? In what type of circumstances?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Numbers 17-19; Mark 15:1-25
I’m in need of some cleansing today. In fact, I’m in need of cleansing everyday. Everyday I do things I wish I wouldn’t do. I say things I don’t want to say, I act a way I shouldn’t act, I am once again tempted by the same old sin. Everyday I need to be washed anew.
I love the picture of the cleansing water in Numbers 19. When the Israelites sinned, a sacrifice had to be made. The ashes from that sacrifice, mixed with water, were something the Israelites could visually pour over themselves in an act of cleansing. This was a physical act of a spiritual change in their hearts. Through the sacrificial cleansing they were forgiven. For them this was a process they had to go through time after time. It wasn’t until Christ’s death on the cross that all of the sins of the world were forgiven. Christ became the ultimate living water for each of us. Jesus revealed this living water to the Samaritan woman in John 4:13-14: "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Through his death on the cross Christ gave us everlasting living water. This water cleanses us more completely than any act of sacrifice we could ever do. This water is complete. It covers every sin we’ve ever committed and ever will. Daily I’m in need of this reminder that his living water covers me and purifies me day by day. Daily I’m in need of the reminder that this earth and all of its woes will one day pass away.: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17). Until then, I pray for cleansing as I face each day.
I love the picture of the cleansing water in Numbers 19. When the Israelites sinned, a sacrifice had to be made. The ashes from that sacrifice, mixed with water, were something the Israelites could visually pour over themselves in an act of cleansing. This was a physical act of a spiritual change in their hearts. Through the sacrificial cleansing they were forgiven. For them this was a process they had to go through time after time. It wasn’t until Christ’s death on the cross that all of the sins of the world were forgiven. Christ became the ultimate living water for each of us. Jesus revealed this living water to the Samaritan woman in John 4:13-14: "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Through his death on the cross Christ gave us everlasting living water. This water cleanses us more completely than any act of sacrifice we could ever do. This water is complete. It covers every sin we’ve ever committed and ever will. Daily I’m in need of this reminder that his living water covers me and purifies me day by day. Daily I’m in need of the reminder that this earth and all of its woes will one day pass away.: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17). Until then, I pray for cleansing as I face each day.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Love... does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
It was unintentional, but it still hurt. The words spoken weren’t meant to be spiteful, but they still struck a cord inside of me. Now the decision point comes. Do I tell this dear one that they hurt me, or do I hold it inside? As a peacemaker, my first choice would be to internalize and never tell this person how their words wounded me. But 1 Corinthians 13:6 says that love “rejoices with the truth.” If I internalized this hurt, I wouldn’t be doing myself, or this loved one any good. I would only be building a wall between me and this person, and causing more trouble in the future.
At times, it’s hard to be truthful with those we love, isn't it? Consider Psalm 15:1-4: “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts.”
Speaking the truth from the heart can be difficult. It can be painful. It can cause strife. But it can also cause healing.
What do you need to be truthful about today? What has God been saying to you? How can God bring healing to your relationships through love and truthfulness?
I’ll leave you with John 3:20-21: “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
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