Thursday, April 23, 2015

I stand corrected

If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. - 1 John 5:16

He should pray ... and GOD will ...

What ?!!! If I see someone sinning, I should point it out and let them know how to do it right. I mean, there are plenty of times when the wrong seems so obvious, I can't believe they can't see it themselves - and the correct thing is equally obvious to me. Why, it would be wrong to not say anything, right?

He should pray ... and GOD will ...

If I do hold my tongue, am I prone to talking about that sin with others who believe like me? You know, let's all get in on the finger pointing and let's all agree - not only on the sin but on the obvious correction that person needs.

He should pray ... and GOD will ...

These are some difficult words to swallow. Because it sounds like even with all my experience and intellect, I am not supposed to confront this person who is sinning. Sounds more like God wants to do the convicting of heart and spirit and lead that person to the way everlasting in His own wisdom and strength. Me? I am called to "just" pray.

... and GOD will ...

Will. Sounds like it's going to happen.

He should pray ... and ... GOD will ...

Do your part. Your 1 John 5:16 part. Pray.

Fixing other people - I stand corrected, Lord.




Monday, April 13, 2015

Puttin my feet up


“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31)

 There is something extraordinarily wonderful about a companionable silence between two people. Can you picture it? All laid back with your feet on the coffee table. Talking, or not talking … doesn’t matter. There is just this sweet communion of the two. Reclining in that manner, you just can’t have a care in the world.

I desire to have a relationship like that with Jesus. Kind of like a “Big Brother” – which in a sense, He really is. Relaxed with Him. Comfortable with Him. No pressures or anxieties. Sharing a common thread. There is a bond. Leaning back with our feet on the coffee table.

Feet on the coffee table, with a roaring fire before us to warm us even though the snows and winds are blowing fierce around us.

Moving the coffee table to the enclosed side porch, where we watch the thunderstorm roll in and pelt the world around us. But not us.

Moving again to the deck, where it is sunny and bright, waves gently lapping at the shoreline.

Goodness, seems like all I need is Jesus and a coffee table to get me through the good and stormy times of life. Peace seems to reign when we are together with our feet on a coffee table. It’s hard to be anxious in such a relaxing pose – and with Jesus present.

So put your feet up and stay awhile with Me … let the world around us go on its own merry way.

 

 

Monday, April 6, 2015

Who is this Jesus? Do you know?


“Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” (John 14:9)

 

Who am I now that You are developing in me greater stability in trusting You? There is much to do and I’d still rather sit and do “nothing” “productive”. Housework, filing, writings, organizing, creating …Lord, I feel like I need to get moving, get engaged. What is holding me back, and will You release me, untangle me from needless restraints? What weight is oppressing me? Do I need to go on some kind of other diet? What a bizarre concept. What am I feeding my heart, mind, soul as well as my bodily strength? Is there garbage going in other places besides my stomach, draining me, limiting my effectiveness as Your servant? “I can’t” and “I don’t feel like it,” are powerful words. Are they more powerful than You, God?

I guess I would have to let the word of God have a chance. If I say, “I can’t,” and don’t allow God a rebuttal, well, then, I guess “I can’t” becomes the final word. (Didn’t I just pray about not letting the devil have a final word with me?) But when I remember all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26) and I can do all things through Christ Who give me strength (Philippians 4:13), do I realize the power in those words or have I heard them so often that I say, “I can do all things ya-da, ya-da, ya-da?” God’s words need to mean something and I need to build my hope on them. Ponder and let them and their full impact sink in. Circle back to trust and belief because you know Him. You know what He’s done for you, for others – for generations.  Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room enough for the books that would  be written (John 21:25). Miracles, wonders, signs. Good Shepherd, indeed! Lord of all, yes! All wise, all powerful is He. Faithful. Steadfast. Trustworthy. True. You can bet your bottom dollar He’ll see you through. All the woes He’s seen you through. All those woes He’s seen family and friends through – should not bring thoughts of despair but of thanks and praise for the victories and for confidence in the victories to come.

“Don’t you know Me …?

And therein lies our peace. What the Lord has done, He will continue to do. He will overcome the world with us one step at a time and get us safely Home. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

 

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Wholly Thine

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name, the Name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one. (John 17:11)


"Thank You, Lord, that I know enough to trust You with all the trials and worries of this life. Thank You, that I know You are Peace. Thank You for this morning time together. Thank You for every time I pause and think on You. May I reflect on Your beauty as much as I ask for help. Thank You for washing away all my sins and fitting me for this eternal life that has already begun with You. Thank You for rescuing me; delivering me from the horrid path I once was on. Thank You for another day and Your loving presence in every moment of it.

I lay at Your feet this desire to be liked and admired by everyone. I know it leads to worry and pridefulness. May Your Spirit so work in me ... I invite You in now to do so - and continue to do so, that I might live in such a way as to bring love and admiration to You. O God, this is not something I can do on my own. But I do desire for You to increasingly live through me. I open my hands and lift them up to You. Holy Father, in most solemn and humble prayer, Father, pick me up and take me where You want me to go this day. I am wholly Yours."