God’s Miracles
Will it be: “Listen, I’ll bark, rant, and rave all I want. You people need to make this right!” Or: “There’s no need for me to blow up. I know this will pass. Trials always do. “
Every day between sun rises and sunsets are God’s miracles waiting for us to receive them. Lord, with a softened heart and attentive ears I will seek your goodness. The trials of the world have no chance of winning over your graces.
Inspired by Psalm 95:6-9
O come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice! Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your ancestors tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
Brothers & Sisters In Christ
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
You Never Give Up
You Never Give Up
Will it be: “Why should I forgive him again? He does the same thing over and over again.” Or: “God forgives me over and over again. I can surely find it in my heart to forgive him.”
Jesus taught us that forgiveness is inexhaustible. Thank you Lord for never giving up on me!
Inspired by Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
Will it be: “Why should I forgive him again? He does the same thing over and over again.” Or: “God forgives me over and over again. I can surely find it in my heart to forgive him.”
Jesus taught us that forgiveness is inexhaustible. Thank you Lord for never giving up on me!
Inspired by Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
Monday, March 28, 2011
Do As I Do
Do As I Do
Will it be: “That’s my friend. Find one of your own.” Or: “Why would I mind you joining us. He’s your friend too.”
God loves and welcomes all in His midst. Lord you give me so much all the while caring for the rest of the world. I will live today doing as you do.
Inspired by Luke 4:24-30
And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the profit Elisha, and none of them was cleaned except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Will it be: “That’s my friend. Find one of your own.” Or: “Why would I mind you joining us. He’s your friend too.”
God loves and welcomes all in His midst. Lord you give me so much all the while caring for the rest of the world. I will live today doing as you do.
Inspired by Luke 4:24-30
And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the profit Elisha, and none of them was cleaned except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Friday, March 25, 2011
With Love Lend Your Best Work
With Love Lend Your Best Work
What will it be: “What kind of work do I do? Well it’s not my dream job.” Or: “I happily work every day to bring love in to the world. Then I flip burgers to pay the bills.”
Seek favor with God first. Connect to Him so His love is heard from your mouth, seen in your attitude and observed in your posture toward life. With love lend your best work to one situation, one conversation and task at a time.
Inspired by Luke 1:26-33
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
What will it be: “What kind of work do I do? Well it’s not my dream job.” Or: “I happily work every day to bring love in to the world. Then I flip burgers to pay the bills.”
Seek favor with God first. Connect to Him so His love is heard from your mouth, seen in your attitude and observed in your posture toward life. With love lend your best work to one situation, one conversation and task at a time.
Inspired by Luke 1:26-33
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Written Words of Love
Written words of love are incredible gifts. The pictures they paint tenderly touch our hearts and the feelings they convey impart wonderful connections that bond us. We should all take time to leave a permanent record in this world of the love within and between us.
It's In The Genes!
It's in the genes!
“Ugggh, can you believe she’s wearing that. It must be hand me downs.” “She is so stuck up. She doesn’t talk to anyone. “I could do it if I wanted to. But I don’t want to.”
Our bodies, the way we cloth them, our faces and less than sunny dispositions are only what’s on the surface. Come on world! Get to their hearts. It’s in your genes! For God’s sake, you’re a part of Jesus’ family. Let it show, let it show, let it show!
Inspired by Matthew 11:16-19
Jesus spoke to the crowds, “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
“Ugggh, can you believe she’s wearing that. It must be hand me downs.” “She is so stuck up. She doesn’t talk to anyone. “I could do it if I wanted to. But I don’t want to.”
Our bodies, the way we cloth them, our faces and less than sunny dispositions are only what’s on the surface. Come on world! Get to their hearts. It’s in your genes! For God’s sake, you’re a part of Jesus’ family. Let it show, let it show, let it show!
Inspired by Matthew 11:16-19
Jesus spoke to the crowds, “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
For Good Measure Give More
For Good Measure Give More
What will it be: “Why would you expect anything, you didn’t help.” Or: “I gave because I wanted to. I never expected anything in return. This is amazing!”
Be merciful when angered, tolerant when pushed, and forgive when offended. For good measure, give more than anyone would ever expect. It’s God’s way and it is sooooo good!
Inspired by Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.
What will it be: “Why would you expect anything, you didn’t help.” Or: “I gave because I wanted to. I never expected anything in return. This is amazing!”
Be merciful when angered, tolerant when pushed, and forgive when offended. For good measure, give more than anyone would ever expect. It’s God’s way and it is sooooo good!
Inspired by Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.
We Know What To Do
We Know What To Do
Will it be: “I avoid making eye contact, that way I don’t have to help.” Or: “I thank God for the gift of mobility and I raise my able hand and say, “I am here, what can I do to help?”
Through many parables Jesus taught us that “helping, sharing, & caring” is love in God’s eyes. If we care to know God and live in His divine presence now or after this lifetime we know what to do.
Inspired by Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees, “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house –for I have five brothers –that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment,’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Will it be: “I avoid making eye contact, that way I don’t have to help.” Or: “I thank God for the gift of mobility and I raise my able hand and say, “I am here, what can I do to help?”
Through many parables Jesus taught us that “helping, sharing, & caring” is love in God’s eyes. If we care to know God and live in His divine presence now or after this lifetime we know what to do.
Inspired by Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees, “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house –for I have five brothers –that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment,’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Reward To Self
Reward To Self
Will it be: “Volunteering or not, I wouldn’t be caught dead doing a job like that.” Or: “I’d be glad to help you if you will just show me how.”
Jesus came to show us life isn’t about us. Life is about serving others. When you invest your time and focus on another its reward to self is priceless.
Inspired by Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Will it be: “Volunteering or not, I wouldn’t be caught dead doing a job like that.” Or: “I’d be glad to help you if you will just show me how.”
Jesus came to show us life isn’t about us. Life is about serving others. When you invest your time and focus on another its reward to self is priceless.
Inspired by Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
An Eager Student
An Eager Student
Will it be: “You don’t have to teach me. I know all there is to know.” Or: “Thank you for the compliment. But I am just a student of life and always learning.”
Learn from the best! God is your teacher and he will give you the eager student all you need to grow.
Inspired by Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best sets in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have on Father – the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Will it be: “You don’t have to teach me. I know all there is to know.” Or: “Thank you for the compliment. But I am just a student of life and always learning.”
Learn from the best! God is your teacher and he will give you the eager student all you need to grow.
Inspired by Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best sets in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have on Father – the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Verdict Is In
The Verdict Is In
What will it be: “I can’t stand her. She’s greedy.” Or: Faults or not, I will still love her.”
Judge and we will be judged. Harsh huh? Stay neutral and love in the face of hurt and disappointment. God hasn’t died and put us in charge. Take care of your own life record. God sees all.
Inspired by Matthew 5:20-24
Jesus said to his disciples, “For I tell you, unless y our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come offer your gift.”
What will it be: “I can’t stand her. She’s greedy.” Or: Faults or not, I will still love her.”
Judge and we will be judged. Harsh huh? Stay neutral and love in the face of hurt and disappointment. God hasn’t died and put us in charge. Take care of your own life record. God sees all.
Inspired by Matthew 5:20-24
Jesus said to his disciples, “For I tell you, unless y our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come offer your gift.”
Thursday, March 17, 2011
My Strength Is In You
My Strength Is In You
That sucks! I lost everything in that deal.” “I invested my time and look where it got me!” “The rain made the weeds grow tall. I wish they were flowers instead.”
Invest in the wisdom of God. It will guide your thoughts, direct your actions and boot your spirit. Win or lose the power of God will strengthen you.
Inspired by Matthew 13:31-33
Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and become a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
That sucks! I lost everything in that deal.” “I invested my time and look where it got me!” “The rain made the weeds grow tall. I wish they were flowers instead.”
Invest in the wisdom of God. It will guide your thoughts, direct your actions and boot your spirit. Win or lose the power of God will strengthen you.
Inspired by Matthew 13:31-33
Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and become a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
Enjoy The Ride
Enjoy The Ride
“I know you didn’t see the sign. You were busy talking on the phone.” “We’ve been here for 8 years. You really never noticed us?” “How did I miss it? I must have a lot on my mind.”
With a clear mind notice God’s signs that are there to direct you. Knowing the road and driving mindfully through it makes for a fruitful journey in the now and in the hereafter. Enjoy the ride.
Luke 11:29-32
When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!”
“I know you didn’t see the sign. You were busy talking on the phone.” “We’ve been here for 8 years. You really never noticed us?” “How did I miss it? I must have a lot on my mind.”
With a clear mind notice God’s signs that are there to direct you. Knowing the road and driving mindfully through it makes for a fruitful journey in the now and in the hereafter. Enjoy the ride.
Luke 11:29-32
When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!”
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
He Knows What I Need
He Knows What I Need
“Thank you. How did you know what I needed?” “You are amazing. Always one positive step ahead.”
God knows what you need before you ask him. Give God all the glory of your blessings today. With a genuine desire to do God’s will --love, listen, forgive and praise others.
Inspired by Matthew 6:7-8
Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
“Thank you. How did you know what I needed?” “You are amazing. Always one positive step ahead.”
God knows what you need before you ask him. Give God all the glory of your blessings today. With a genuine desire to do God’s will --love, listen, forgive and praise others.
Inspired by Matthew 6:7-8
Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Help Your Neighbor
Help Your Neighbor
“He can suffer. He has to work for his food.” “Why should I visit her in jail? She got what she deserved.” “She needs a jacket. You have 3. Why can’t you give her one?”
Reach across an ocean or across the table to help others who need food, company, shelter and clothes. God doesn’t abandon us because of our circumstances or self-inflicted situations. Help your neighbor.
Inspired by Matthew 25:31-40
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”
“He can suffer. He has to work for his food.” “Why should I visit her in jail? She got what she deserved.” “She needs a jacket. You have 3. Why can’t you give her one?”
Reach across an ocean or across the table to help others who need food, company, shelter and clothes. God doesn’t abandon us because of our circumstances or self-inflicted situations. Help your neighbor.
Inspired by Matthew 25:31-40
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Emulate The Lord's Love
Emulate The Lord's Love
“Why are you so sad? I am still with you.” “I already feel the loss. What if they let me go today?” “I know I’m going to fail. I can feel it in my bones.”
Do your best to stay upbeat, love the one your with and have confidence in who you are. Emulate the love that Jesus gave the world. The rest will work itself out.
Inspired by Matthew 9:14-15
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus aid to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
“Why are you so sad? I am still with you.” “I already feel the loss. What if they let me go today?” “I know I’m going to fail. I can feel it in my bones.”
Do your best to stay upbeat, love the one your with and have confidence in who you are. Emulate the love that Jesus gave the world. The rest will work itself out.
Inspired by Matthew 9:14-15
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus aid to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Change Is In The Air
Change Is In The Air
“Why should I change?”
Don’t allow your spirit to be deflated. Ash Wednesday is a poignant day to begin to pump up your spirit to where it was mean to be – full! The world doesn’t have to know how you do it. The world simply needs to be a better place because you are in it.
Inspired by Matthew 6:1-6
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truth I tell you, they have received t heir reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“Why should I change?”
Don’t allow your spirit to be deflated. Ash Wednesday is a poignant day to begin to pump up your spirit to where it was mean to be – full! The world doesn’t have to know how you do it. The world simply needs to be a better place because you are in it.
Inspired by Matthew 6:1-6
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truth I tell you, they have received t heir reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
This Belongs To You
This Belongs To You
“Why should I give him back the money? Error or not, it would have been mine if I still had a job.” “I don’t have to give it back to you. It’s mine now, you dropped it.”
Give to each other what rightfully belongs to another. God reminds us of our human temptations. Know God’s word well and be wise in your daily decisions.
Inspired by Mark 12:13-17
Then they sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. It is lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
“Why should I give him back the money? Error or not, it would have been mine if I still had a job.” “I don’t have to give it back to you. It’s mine now, you dropped it.”
Give to each other what rightfully belongs to another. God reminds us of our human temptations. Know God’s word well and be wise in your daily decisions.
Inspired by Mark 12:13-17
Then they sent to Jesus some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. It is lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
God Can Move Mountains
God Can Move Mountains
This illness is temporary. I will treat my body with care and I will be healed.” “I lost my job, but a better one will come.” “No experience, conversation or past efforts are wasted. From these times I have grown into who I am.”
Pray and believe in the words that you speak. Act like you’ve already received God’s healing and blessings. God can move mountains.
Inspired by Mark 11:22-26
Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
This illness is temporary. I will treat my body with care and I will be healed.” “I lost my job, but a better one will come.” “No experience, conversation or past efforts are wasted. From these times I have grown into who I am.”
Pray and believe in the words that you speak. Act like you’ve already received God’s healing and blessings. God can move mountains.
Inspired by Mark 11:22-26
Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
It's Best Coming From You
It's Best Coming From You
“You should know by now what I want.” “What am I a mind reader?” “I want the pain to go away, but I feel it will never leave me.”
There are things we feel that should seem obvious to others. Say them out loud, set them free, so that anyone listening will know how to help. God knows what you want. But he wants to hear it from you.
Inspired by Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the bind man, saying to him, Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
“You should know by now what I want.” “What am I a mind reader?” “I want the pain to go away, but I feel it will never leave me.”
There are things we feel that should seem obvious to others. Say them out loud, set them free, so that anyone listening will know how to help. God knows what you want. But he wants to hear it from you.
Inspired by Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the bind man, saying to him, Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I Believe In You
I Believe in You
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” “Stop blowing smoke up my %#*@!” “How can I trust you, when all you’ve done is lied?”
Everybody makes mistakes. Some small, some grave. But what if a person only heard negative all his life and you were the first person to believe in the new him. Give people a chance to prove themselves. Offer encouraging words and stick with them until you r-e-a-l-l-y believe your support is useless. Even then, don’t close the door to the possibility of change. You may be that light of hope that allows them to turn their lives around. God never gives up on you!
Inspired by Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said, “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” “Stop blowing smoke up my %#*@!” “How can I trust you, when all you’ve done is lied?”
Everybody makes mistakes. Some small, some grave. But what if a person only heard negative all his life and you were the first person to believe in the new him. Give people a chance to prove themselves. Offer encouraging words and stick with them until you r-e-a-l-l-y believe your support is useless. Even then, don’t close the door to the possibility of change. You may be that light of hope that allows them to turn their lives around. God never gives up on you!
Inspired by Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said, “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
Set Your Sight High
Set Your Sight High
I didn’t disappoint you. I stood up for righteousness.” “I worked my behind off and I didn’t get the job. But I met you.” “I had the grades, but didn’t make it into the school. I know now this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Life will disappoint us. God will never. Your life will know the magnificence of God when you look higher than your own aspirations.
Inspired by Mark 10:28-30
Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.”
I didn’t disappoint you. I stood up for righteousness.” “I worked my behind off and I didn’t get the job. But I met you.” “I had the grades, but didn’t make it into the school. I know now this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Life will disappoint us. God will never. Your life will know the magnificence of God when you look higher than your own aspirations.
Inspired by Mark 10:28-30
Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.”
Work In Progress
Work in Progress
“Look I know what’s best for me. And you people are standing in my way.” “I don’t need your help. I can do this alone.”
Welcome help and take note when you keep bumping your head against walls or people. Insightful messages and wondrous signs of God are revealed at every turn. God is good. And you are a good work in progress.
Inspired by Ecclesiasticus 36:1, 15-17
Take pity on us, Master, Lord of the universe, look at us, spread fear of yourself throughout all other nations. Give those who wait for you their reward, let your prophets be proved true. Grant, Lord, the prayer of your servants, in the terms of Aaron’s blessing on your people, so that all the earth’s inhabitants may acknowledge that you are the Lord, the everlasting God.
“Look I know what’s best for me. And you people are standing in my way.” “I don’t need your help. I can do this alone.”
Welcome help and take note when you keep bumping your head against walls or people. Insightful messages and wondrous signs of God are revealed at every turn. God is good. And you are a good work in progress.
Inspired by Ecclesiasticus 36:1, 15-17
Take pity on us, Master, Lord of the universe, look at us, spread fear of yourself throughout all other nations. Give those who wait for you their reward, let your prophets be proved true. Grant, Lord, the prayer of your servants, in the terms of Aaron’s blessing on your people, so that all the earth’s inhabitants may acknowledge that you are the Lord, the everlasting God.
Step It Up
Step It Up
“Why did you give it away? I could have used it.” “I didn’t drive anymore, so I gave my car to the neighbor.” “I know I could have charged them, but it felt good just to give.”
Go beyond your safe walls. Dare your typical response and get to know selflessness. Step into a life that drizzles kindnesses and sprinkles generosity everywhere you go.
Inspired by Mark 10:17-23.
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
“Why did you give it away? I could have used it.” “I didn’t drive anymore, so I gave my car to the neighbor.” “I know I could have charged them, but it felt good just to give.”
Go beyond your safe walls. Dare your typical response and get to know selflessness. Step into a life that drizzles kindnesses and sprinkles generosity everywhere you go.
Inspired by Mark 10:17-23.
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
A Priceless Friend
A Priceless Friend
“Who needs enemies when you have friends like that.” “Why do you let them take advantage of you?” “They' re not your friends, they are leeches.”
God loving people are faithful friends. Nurture your true friends for they are necessary to promoting the wellness of life and increasing God’s message of love. Be a priceless friend!
Inspired by Ecclesiasticus 6:5-6, 14-17
Pleasant speech multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiples courtesies. Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them. Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so as their neighbors also.
“Who needs enemies when you have friends like that.” “Why do you let them take advantage of you?” “They' re not your friends, they are leeches.”
God loving people are faithful friends. Nurture your true friends for they are necessary to promoting the wellness of life and increasing God’s message of love. Be a priceless friend!
Inspired by Ecclesiasticus 6:5-6, 14-17
Pleasant speech multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiples courtesies. Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them. Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so as their neighbors also.
The Optimist
The Optimist
“Throw it out! You don’t need to eat the whole box of candy.” “Do you think you will succeed with a sucky attitude?” “I have terrible study habits. I can’t change.”
Beneath the destructive exterior is the optimist in you. Remove roadblocks and temptations and embrace the most positive attitude you can muster.
Look out world I’m coming!
Inspired by Mark 9:45-50
Jesus said to his disciples, “If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
“Throw it out! You don’t need to eat the whole box of candy.” “Do you think you will succeed with a sucky attitude?” “I have terrible study habits. I can’t change.”
Beneath the destructive exterior is the optimist in you. Remove roadblocks and temptations and embrace the most positive attitude you can muster.
Look out world I’m coming!
Inspired by Mark 9:45-50
Jesus said to his disciples, “If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
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