Despite the Tugging
Good morning, Father. The weekend has been full of strenuous labor and graduation celebration and this morning we will come together to worship and to sit at Your feet. I am grateful that You have been with me and will continue to be with me. My life is secure in Your hands.
Jude 1:24-25 (<<click green)
Jude concludes his letter by giving credit where credit it truly due – to You, Lord. In one sentence he gives us two incredible reasons to bring You glory, that is to praise Your name.
The first one is that You are “able to keep [us] from falling away.” I know who I am. I know what I have done and what I am capable of doing. The incredible pull of this world will all of its enticements is real. They are empty and ultimately unfulfilling but they are real nonetheless. Despite the relentless tugging, You are “able to keep [us] from falling away.” All glory to You, Lord.
Secondly, “with great joy” You will bring us into Your “glorious presence” – and this is truly incredible! – “without a single fault”! With all the stumbling and bumbling and tripping and falling – even with all of that – I will someday stand before You face to face “without a single fault”! It seems unbelievable. And it would be but it comes from Your mouth… and from Your heart.
On so many fronts the world is against us, but You, Lord, are for us! The Apostle Paul affirms this in Romans 8:31,
“If God is for us, who ever can be against us?”
Lord, how true it is,
“All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.” v25a
Amen and amen!
June 4th, Sun, 6:25 am
More Flies with Honey than with Vinegar
Yesterday was a physically intense day, Father, and my body is paying for it. But regardless of how I feel physically may I be spiritually ready to receive what You have for me this morning. Amen.
Jude 1:22-23 (<<click green)
Mercy. It should be a common trait amongst believers for You, Lord, have surely extended it to each one of us. But quite often we withhold it. We land on the side of judgment instead. Too often we readily condemn and it is easy to leave compassion and kindness out of the equation altogether.
Lord, in Matthew 26:16-20 You gave us the Great Commission. We were told,
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words] vs.19 Amplified Bible
Lord, if we are to tell people about You and what we must do as followers of You, how are we going to accomplish that task by being judgmental?
An old adage comes to mind that is very appropriate, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Though it is not from the Bible it is sure not anti-biblical. You have given us the wonderful gifts of salvation from our sins and eternal life to boot. Not a one of us is perfect. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 But our very nature makes us want to push ourselves forward by shoving others behind and beneath us.
Yes, our world is full of sinners (I am one of many!) Many are in direct opposition to You and Your standards, Lord. Many thumb their noses at You and do as they please. But how can I possibly impact the world for You by setting out bowls of vinegar? Who would be drawn to You by that? …no one.
Lord, May I, and all Your children who desire to align themselves with You, be eager to spread the honey all around. May we be merciful. Amen.
June 2nd, Fri, 5:09 am
You Scratch My Back and I’ll Scratch Yours
There have been too many things clamoring for my attention this morning, Father. I should have been here sooner. Enable me to focus on what is important and to truly hear what you have to say to me. Amen.
Jude 1:17-21 (<<click green)
In my house, a wonderful gift exchange is “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” This may occur in other circumstance but we both love having our backs scratched! 🙂
Another mutually beneficial act – and one of much greater importance is keeping ourselves safe in God’s love and Jude encourages us to do this by building each other up in our “most holy faith” by praying in the “power of the Holy Spirit.” as we “await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ…” “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” We are a family and we should have each other’s back- and not just for scratching! Every opportunity we get we should encourage each other. Our world is way too full of negativity and put downs. Lift each other up!
We must pray for each other, regularly! Absolutely nothing can accomplish what prayer can, especially when we “pray in the power of the Holy Spirit” and not our own. Pray for each other!
Lord, You are coming and we should be doing everything we possibly can to help each other as we ready ourselves for Your imminent return. Help us, Lord, I pray. Amen.
May 31st, Wed, 9:12 am
The Real Deal
Father, may I watch You closely
as I walk the narrow way.
May Your hand be ever guiding
as I strive to never stray.
Each day has its set of struggles
may I ever faithful be
I’m grateful that my heart You’re keeping
and that someday Your face I’ll see.
Jude 1-16 (c<<click green)
I remember going on a family vacation as a child. Someone had given us the use of a cabin in the middle of nowhere. The road there was one lane in the hills of West Virginia. If you met anyone along the way, one of you would have to back up to a space wide enough to let the other pass! To say the least, it was remote.
Well, our stay was short-lived, not because of its remoteness but because of unwanted guests. As we opened the door to go in, what should fall to the floor but a snake! It wasn’t very big but it along with another we found on a bed, if I remember correctly, did us in. We were out of there!
It was a nice cabin, solidly built. There were no obvious entry points for our unwanted, slithery “guests” but they had “wormed their way” in. vs.4
As Christians, it is important to be on our guard against falsehoods – and their deliverers – from worming their way into [our] churches and hearts and minds as well. We would do well to take to heart the warning of Jude as he describes these ne’er-do-wells who would seek to infiltrate the ranks of the saints.
“These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.” vs.16
Lord, help me to first keep my eyes firmly fixed on you. If I know You – the perfect example of who I am to emulate – then I will never be fooled by counterfeit reproductions. Then second, may I always be authentic and never fake when it comes to living out my life for You. Help me to be the real deal. Amen.
May 30th, Tues, 6:35 am
Hospitality
I humbly come before You this morning, Father. This day will be full and I need Your guiding hand from start to finish. I pray for Your touch as Your front man for two worship services, may I be sensitive to Your Spirit. Then we will head out to celebrate a graduate’s accomplishments out of town with family. I pray for traveling mercies to and from. Thank you for Your love and watch care over us all. Amen.
3 John 1-8 (<<click green)
Hospitality. Googling the word got me this definition: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.
Lord, as I read this passage and ponder on this concept, it brings many fond memories. Growing up in a pastor’s home I remember many instances of receiving and extending hospitality. I remember food and laughter, interacting with evangelists and missionaries on furlough. I remember being the guests of the loving members of our congregations. The give and take, the shared communion with fellow believers surely benefits one and all.
One of Karen and my favorite times is when we host our annual Open House prior to Christmas. In my 15 years of ministry here I have seen many faces in my home, many of whom now sit at Your banquet table. Cherished memories come to mind, as in my mind’s eye, I have walked from room to room intermingling with the different clusters of people of all ages. There has been much love and laughter, lots of smiles and joy, as we have enjoyed a meal and heartfelt interaction.
Lord, opening our homes, our lives…ourselves…to each other is vital to our growth and development. May I be a part of blessing the “ties that bind our hearts in Christian love.” May I pursue doing so more frequently. Enable me to open up my home and my heart to support and encourage those you send my way. Amen.
May 28th, Sun, 6:25 am