May 10, 2010- Equal in God’s Eyes

Scripture to read today:
2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27

Scripture that spoke to me:
2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Observation:
We hear of these great men that lived so long ago that sometimes, we forget that they were real people with real, human feelings. David loved his son so much he would have died for him… much like we feel about our children.

Application:
Realizing this makes me feel better. These weren’t great people- they were people, just like us. Flaws, feelings, insecurities… they had them all. Gives me hope for myself!

Prayer:
Lord, we are all equal in your eyes- kings, paupers, peasants- all Your children whom You love. We love You for Your grace and Your love. Amen.

May 5, 2010- In One Word- LOVE

Scripture to read today:
2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22

Scripture that spoke to me:
Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Observation:
It is all about love. Pretty simple when you put it the way Jesus did. Love God. Love each other. All the rest is taken care of in those two simple things.

Application:
Except it isn’t that simple sometimes. I find I constantly compare myself to others- am I better than she is? Oh, he’s better at that than I am. It is hard to love others who we find irritating- or wrong in our minds- or annoying- or different. Love doesn’t come easy, especially when it isn’t reciprocated.

Prayer:
Lord of Love, love us. Help us to love You and love each other. Amen.

March 8, 2010- You Love Me Why?

Scripture to read today:
Deuteronomy 7; Deuteronomy 8; Deuteronomy 9; Mark 15

Scripture that spoke to me:
Deuteronomy 7:7-8a
“The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you.

Observation:
Moses is reminding the people of the one truth you can count on- God loves you. Not because they were a mighty nation, but because they were HIS nation.

Application:
That applies to us, too. God doesn’t love us for what we do, what we look like, how nice we are… He loves us because we are His. And He’ll never leave us, no matter what!

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for choosing me to be Your child and for loving me no matter what. Amen.

February 26, 2010- WWJD?

Scripture to read today:
Numbers 19; Numbers 20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

Scripture that spoke to me:
Mark 5:18-19; 43
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”

Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened,

Observation:
This chapter is full of miracles. The first, the healing of a man possessed by many demons. Jesus’ orders him to go home and tell everyone about what has happened to him. The other, a little girl raised from the dead. Jesus’ instructions to the family are to tell no one.

Application:
Why the difference? Why did he tell one to spread the word and the other to be quiet? Honestly, I don’t know. Sometimes I see WWJD and wonder what WOULD Jesus do? Do we really know? I do know he would heal, and he would love. And he would pray and worship God. Other than that, I don’t know. So how am I going to be like Jesus if I don’t know what He would do? Simple. I’m going to love, and pray, and worship God, and maybe not heal, but try to make people feel better. That’s what Jesus would do.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for maybe being way off the mark here. Some things that Jesus did surprise me. Help me to know Him so that I can be more like Him. Amen.

February 14, 2010- Point of View

Scripture to read today:
Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Scripture that spoke to me:
Acts 21:27-28
When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place.

Observation:
The Jews are having a hard time accepting that their God could be God to the Gentiles, too. They are angry at Paul for spreading the word and attempt to kill him.

Application:
This sounds horrible when I read it, but then I realize this still goes on today. One denomination thinks they’re better than another. Yes, there are differences, but we are all God’s children. Until we understand how that includes everyone, there will be religious persecution among Christians. And this is really sad to witness. I had a so-called Christian get mad at me today because I watched a video she posted but I didn’t comment. This is someone who doesn’t comment on most of my posts. I commented back to her that I didn’t like leaving trite comments. If I didn’t have something meaningful to say I’d rather not say something silly. Apparently, that would have satisfied her. I see her as a sister in Christ and am sad that she feels this way. But I have to remember that we all don’t see things the same way and allow for her opinion.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be inclusive among Your children and not always think that my way is best. Help me try to see things from others’ points of view and grant that they may have merit. Amen.

February 1, 2010- Money Can’t Buy Me Love

Scripture to read today:
Exodus 30; Exodus 31; Exodus 32; Acts 8

Scripture that spoke to me:
Acts 8:18-19
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Observation:
Simon is a magician and is enthralled with all that Philip can do in the name of the Lord. When he sees Peter and John laying hands on the people so that they may receive the Holy Spirit, he wants to be able to do that and offers money in exchange for that gift.

Application:
How many times do we think we can buy something that isn’t really for sale? Do we buy love or bribe people to like us? Do we give money to an organization so they will do what we want- build a building or put our name on a door? Or are we genuine and help without thought of gain? It is hard to live in this world, where if you want something you have to earn it, when God doesn’t work that way. His gifts are offered freely as long as you just believe.

Prayer:
Lord, help us not to make Your gifts into money-makers. Let us receive what You offer with pure hearts and use it for the good of Your people. Amen.

January 6, 2010- Do What I Do, Not What I Say

Scripture to read today:
Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6

Scripture that spoke to me:
Luke 6: 43-45
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

Observation:
How many times have you heard a parent say (or maybe you as a parent have said it) – DO WHAT I SAY, NOT WHAT I DO. What you do is the most important thing. It tells what kind of person you are. We all sin, and we are all flawed, but if you want to know if you’re a generally good or generally bad person, look at the things you do.

Application:
Actions are hard. I know some people that are horrible procrastinators. Some things never get done! But it is through our actions that other people know us. If we are kind and generous it will show in what we do. Likewise if we are mean and stingy. So let your life be an example of goodness, showing Christ by the things you do, not what you say.

Prayer:
Lord, let my actions allow others to see You each day. Amen.

12 Days of Grace- Day 10- Discipleship

Mark 1:16-18- As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Discipleship is demonstrated by:
1- Giving your heart to Jesus in piety- it is shaped by your relationship with God.
2- Giving your mind to God in study (remember, Jesus taught his disciples)
3- Giving hands and feet to God in Christian action. Partnering with Jesus in minister is “on the job training.” Discipleship is a response to action- gathering in the harvest.

Discipleship is the process of becoming the whole person God calls each of us to be through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Discipleship embraces God’s highest purpose- to call all people back to Him.
A Disciple is:
1- Growing person lives fully by faith in Christ- loves God in all circumstances
2- Ministers to others to find the kind of person they can be
3- Is a full-time Christian- 24/7- lives every day for Jesus.
4- Witnesses to Christ and shows evidence of grace and resurrection.
5- Is a Christian leader- reaches out to lead others to God’s grace.
6- Is a servant to others.

Natural Qualities of a Disciple:
1- Knows priorities and constantly assesses them.
2- Discipline- accepts the call to follow Christ hourly.
3- Knows reality- is aware of people and circumstances. Has a warm heart, clear head, and two feet planted firmly on the ground.
4- Shows empathy- identifies with others in sorrow and in joy- appreciates the experiences of others.
5- Takes initiative- is a self starter who sees the opportunity for witness.
6- Is Generous- lives and acts out of gratitude- is blessed to be a blessing.
7- Does not withhold the living bread from a starving world.

Spiritual Qualities of Disciples:
1- Faith- dynamic faith- is convicted that the way of Christ is worth it! Has a joyful trust in God.
2- Humility- disciples know that there is room to mature, that there is no need for attentions, and they are born of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
3- Hope- sustained by hope in God- remembers the open tomb! With God, all things are possible. This is not a Pollyanna optimism, but a knowledge that things can be better.
4- Love- Every person matters. Is willing to sacrifice for the well-being of another. Wants to be there in times of need.

The greatest blessings come when we give to others. Jesus called us to feel His sheep and to follow Him. There were two types of people who followed him- His disciples, and the crowds. Crowds are inactive- wanted things from him like healing and blessing. The disciples wanted to reach out.

12 Days of Grace- Day 4- Justifying Grace

Robert Munsch wrote a book called “Love you Forever” based on this verse:
I”ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”

There has never been a time that God has not loved us.

In the Old Testament, God invited people into a covenant relationship with Him. He used the prophets to call the people back to Him.

In the New Testament, God sent Jesus. He was a gift- a servant to the people, who fed the hungry, raised the dead, healed the sick. He said “Come, follow me.” And He died for us- why? Because that was God’s way of saying “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as you can imagine, my child you’ll be.”

God pursues us, loves us, woos us, and waits for us to say yes.

GOD LOVES JANEEN! (And you can put your name in there, too!)

Justifying grace allows us to say “yes” to God and accept the loving relationship He offers.

In legal terms, justification means “to be made right.” We receive God’s justifying grace the moment we accept the relationship God offers.

We need to be made right- sin has made us a mess!

Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We can’t fix it alone, but with God, we are not alone.

Remember the phrase “but God”-
We have ….. but God loves us.
We have …. but God wants us.

Justification is all about God. He cleans up the mess we have made of our lives.

Justifying grace grants us pardon for all our sins; past, present, and future. (That’s why it’s so amazing!) It is all about what God does for us in our lives, that we are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is an act of God, not of men. It isn’t our action- our action is faith. Justification comes by grace alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9: Saving is all God’s idea, all His work- all we do is trust Him enough to do it. (The Message)

Justification is like a conversion. It is when we accept the free gift of grace that God has been offering our entire lives. But get this- conversion doesn’t happen at any one moment or at any one stage of life. It is almost a daily choice, one we make in prayer, in study, in fellowship. All of these things help us to choose God every day. They help us stay grounded in God’s grace.

God offers us His agape love. He reached out to you before birth and He reaches out to you now- unconditionally. If you want more proof of His love, think about this- Christ died for us while we were still sinners. That proved that we can’t earn it, don’t deserve it, but He loves us enough to offer it anyway.

December 14, 2009- A Sacrifice of Praise

Scripture to read today:
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1

Scripture that spoke to me:
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Observation:
Continually offering praise to God- how many people can really do that. That is, praise God in all circumstances. The writer calls it a “sacrifice of praise.” But what are we sacrificing? Maybe it is different for each of us- maybe some have a hard time giving up control to God and by praising continually, we acknowledge the power and might of God. Or we may be sacrificing something to put God first.

Application:
I think of how hard we cheer for our favorite teams. I see the New Orleans fans all over Facebook as they put “Geaux Saints” on their banners. We spend time and energy cheering our favorite team, race car driver, golfer, boxer… but do we spend that much time on praising God? Do we spend that much money. I want to challenge everyone over Christmas to say a cheer or praise to God every time you offer a cheer for your favorite team. I will try to remember to do the same. Because God deserves praise more than any of these.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to put You first. We like to think we do, but when we look around, we realize that so much of our time and energy, thought and action is put into other things. Let us remember and praise You always. Amen.