Sunday, March 21, 2010
No message today...
So I have to be honest, Paul and I forgot to do our Life Journals yesterday. So I read yesterday's chapters, but nothing is speaking to me. Am I just not quite "in the moment"? What's going on here?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Be Helpful
Scripture: "If you see your brother's ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to him." (Deuteronomy 22:1)
Observation: It seems so simple. Help others, be concerned for others.
Application: It should be easy to help friends and family in need. But how about helping strangers? Just today, an old lady had dropped her compact on the floor and didn't realize it. I pointed to it and Paul picked it up and handed it to her. It was a very small gesture, but she seemed to really appreciate it. Simple acts of kindness to strangers should be a part of every day life. Because even strangers can be brothers.
Prayer: Lord, I think I'm pretty good at helping others. I don't think I turn my back on those in need. However, please help me not to judge others that are not this way. I can only control what I do, not what others do. Amen.
Observation: It seems so simple. Help others, be concerned for others.
Application: It should be easy to help friends and family in need. But how about helping strangers? Just today, an old lady had dropped her compact on the floor and didn't realize it. I pointed to it and Paul picked it up and handed it to her. It was a very small gesture, but she seemed to really appreciate it. Simple acts of kindness to strangers should be a part of every day life. Because even strangers can be brothers.
Prayer: Lord, I think I'm pretty good at helping others. I don't think I turn my back on those in need. However, please help me not to judge others that are not this way. I can only control what I do, not what others do. Amen.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Next Generation
Scripture: "Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time." Deuteronomy 4:40
Observation: I worry about raising my son well. But as long as he is a Christ-centered man and I instill that in him, the rest should fall into place. God will be with me, helping me raise him.
Application: I need to "keep his decrees and commands" so that I may pass that along to my child. I need to set a good example for him. How can I expect him to be Christ-centered if I'm not? My grandma is my inspiration in this regard and I should strive to love Christ the way she did. Her focus and drive to be nearer to God was exceptional.
Prayer: Lord, Grandma was, to me, the ultimate Christian. She was such a good role model for me and I can only strive to be like her; to be as close to You as she was. I pray that I may be that kind of person for my son. That he may look to me and want to be close to You because I draw close to You. I still have a long way to go, but I know that I will be a successful mother as long as he loves You.
Observation: I worry about raising my son well. But as long as he is a Christ-centered man and I instill that in him, the rest should fall into place. God will be with me, helping me raise him.
Application: I need to "keep his decrees and commands" so that I may pass that along to my child. I need to set a good example for him. How can I expect him to be Christ-centered if I'm not? My grandma is my inspiration in this regard and I should strive to love Christ the way she did. Her focus and drive to be nearer to God was exceptional.
Prayer: Lord, Grandma was, to me, the ultimate Christian. She was such a good role model for me and I can only strive to be like her; to be as close to You as she was. I pray that I may be that kind of person for my son. That he may look to me and want to be close to You because I draw close to You. I still have a long way to go, but I know that I will be a successful mother as long as he loves You.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Unclean
Scripture: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.'" Mark 7:20
Observation: Obviously, no one is perfect and there is so much evil in this world. It is what is in my hearts that make me unclean.
Application: Jesus lists a few evil thoughts: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. I certainly have had a few of these! I am very much unclean. And I'm also human. But I should strive to be more like Christ.
Prayer: Lord, I am so unclean, but I know that You can make me clean. Just like I was baptized in your Word, You can shower me with Your love and forgiveness and make me clean again. I know this happens on a daily occurrence so I end up dirty again at the end of each day! Thank you for giving me a clean body, heart and mind when I need a shower. Amen.
Observation: Obviously, no one is perfect and there is so much evil in this world. It is what is in my hearts that make me unclean.
Application: Jesus lists a few evil thoughts: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. I certainly have had a few of these! I am very much unclean. And I'm also human. But I should strive to be more like Christ.
Prayer: Lord, I am so unclean, but I know that You can make me clean. Just like I was baptized in your Word, You can shower me with Your love and forgiveness and make me clean again. I know this happens on a daily occurrence so I end up dirty again at the end of each day! Thank you for giving me a clean body, heart and mind when I need a shower. Amen.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Goodness and Love
Scripture: "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)
Observation: David had so much faith in God and trusted Him completely.
Application: I need to have that kind of faith, knowing that goodness and love will follow me because the Lord loves me that much. If I dwell in the house of the Lord forever, what is there but goodness and love?
Prayer: Even through the hard times, Lord, I know You are with me. Like David, I have Your goodness and unfailing love with me. Please help me remember that on a daily basis. Amen.
Observation: David had so much faith in God and trusted Him completely.
Application: I need to have that kind of faith, knowing that goodness and love will follow me because the Lord loves me that much. If I dwell in the house of the Lord forever, what is there but goodness and love?
Prayer: Even through the hard times, Lord, I know You are with me. Like David, I have Your goodness and unfailing love with me. Please help me remember that on a daily basis. Amen.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Giving
Scripture: "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
Observation: Although receiving does feel great, giving feels even better. It sounds pretty cheesy, but I think it's true.
Application: I do tend to give quite a bit in different ways: I donate money to various charities, I like to give thoughtful gifts, I really make an effort to maintain relationships. But I probably need to give more of myself to God and do more of His good works.
Prayer: Lord, I think I'm a pretty good "giver", but please reveal to me how I can be a better giver for Your glory. I know now is not exactly the best time, being pregnant and all, but maybe there are little things that I can do? Just let me know! Amen.
Observation: Although receiving does feel great, giving feels even better. It sounds pretty cheesy, but I think it's true.
Application: I do tend to give quite a bit in different ways: I donate money to various charities, I like to give thoughtful gifts, I really make an effort to maintain relationships. But I probably need to give more of myself to God and do more of His good works.
Prayer: Lord, I think I'm a pretty good "giver", but please reveal to me how I can be a better giver for Your glory. I know now is not exactly the best time, being pregnant and all, but maybe there are little things that I can do? Just let me know! Amen.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Forgiveness
Scripture: "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." (Acts 13:38)
Observation: Only through Jesus's sacrifice am I forgiven from my sins.
Application: Just because I'm a "good person" doesn't mean my sins are forgiven or that I'm going to Heaven. I can't do good deeds or butter my way into God's heart. Only through Jesus's death and resurrection am I forgiven.
Prayer: Lord, I know I am forgiven because of You. Jesus paid my all of my debts in full-- past, present and future-- so that I may be nearer to You. I am eternally grateful and humbled that You love me that much. Amen.
Observation: Only through Jesus's sacrifice am I forgiven from my sins.
Application: Just because I'm a "good person" doesn't mean my sins are forgiven or that I'm going to Heaven. I can't do good deeds or butter my way into God's heart. Only through Jesus's death and resurrection am I forgiven.
Prayer: Lord, I know I am forgiven because of You. Jesus paid my all of my debts in full-- past, present and future-- so that I may be nearer to You. I am eternally grateful and humbled that You love me that much. Amen.
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