Pray for One Another
This is not a regular post but I wanted to ask for your prayers, please.
My father-in-law, Bill, recently took a spill and as a result broke his hip. He has been in the hospital for the last few days where they have been working at thickening his blood – he has been on coumadin (a blood thinning medication) for almost 50 years. They are pretty much where they need to be with it so they are planning on a full hip replacement early Thursday morning. If you would, please keep Bill, his wife Betty, and the rest of the family in your prayers. Thank you.
Do We Need a Go-Between?
Father, I’m sorry that it’s been so long. With last week’s schedule being so crazy I just didn’t make it. I ask for Your forgiveness for transgressions along the way and ask for Your strength and fortitude in the days ahead. Thank You for a wonderful day of worship yesterday. May Your hand be upon me as we prepare for this Sunday and the weeks ahead. Amen.
“… you are a chosen people… royal priests…”
It’s easy to think that the person behind the pulpit each Sunday has some kind of special link to God and, Lord, that is true. But there is one big misconception that must be set aright. The person behind the pulpit does have a special connection to You, Lord, but no more so than any other believer! All who choose to follow You, we are all chosen people.
Once again one of my favorite verses comes to mind. Ephesians 1:4 says,
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
Every single one of us is chosen! We are all dearly loved by God. His desire is to have an intimately close and personal relationship with each and every one of us!
We have this mindset that we can’t come directly into Your presence but that we must have a mediator. We think a pastor or a priest must be our “go-between” to You, Lord. But that is most assuredly not the case! Your word tells us clearly that we are “royal priests”, a “royal priesthood”, and we can come directly to You anytime and anywhere – no “go-between” necessary.
Lord, may we all come boldly (and reverently) into Your presence! Draw us to You. Give us a deep yearning to be with You. Teach us. Help us. Strengthen us. Correct us. Love us. And help us to fully realize that love. Amen
Nov 28th, Mon, 5:16 am
No Cakewalk
Father, as I bowed my head at the beginning of our time together this morning, I have pondered aspects of our relationship. And in doing so You have brought an old hymn to mind. This hymn, as many do, gives much food for thought. Written in 1906 by Howard A. Walter it is entitled, “I Would Be True.”
I would be true,
For there are those who trust me;
I would be pure,
for there are those who care;
I would be strong,
For there is much to suffer;
I would be brave,
For there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all –
The foe, the friendless;
I would be giving,
And forget the gift;
I would be humble,
For I know my weakness;
I would look up,
And laugh, and love, and lift.
I would be faithful
Through each passing moment;
I would be constantly
In touch with God;
I would be strong
To follow where he leads me;
I would have faith
To keep the path Christ trod.
Lord, living out our relationship is not easy. It was never intended to be a cake walk. The life You lead, the example You set while living amongst us shows this all to be true. Following You, being Your disciple, calls for diligent, consistent dedication. By Your Spirit, we are enabled to do so but we cannot take our eyes off of You – as an inspiration to not give up – for our destination, eternity with You, is more than worth it! Amen.
Nov 22nd, Tues, 4:40 am
Living Stones
I am truly blessed to be able to call You, Father. You love me in a multitude of ways. You are patient and understanding, merciful and gracious. Help me to always be grateful and may I always strive to be like You. Amen.
1 Peter 2:4-5a (<<click here)
“…you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.”
Lord, we have You as the cornerstone of God’s spiritual temple. But is a building made of one stone? No. If I, alone, place myself in conjunction with You, is that a building? No. A building is made up of a great number of stones. Lord, You and I can accomplish great things together but with all of Your children serving as stones together with You as the cornerstone, there is nothing we cannot do – the possibilities are endless!
I love people. I love working with people. There are many people at work, at church and, especially in my family, that make even menial tasks enjoyable when we go at it together. Sometimes working alone is extremely monotonous and time just drags. Working together can bring focus to get the job done – it brings motivation and direction.
Lord, help me to make the most of the opportunities I am given to build Your kingdom. And help me to never lose sight of the fact that everything I do at work, church or home, it all is a part of building Your kingdom. If I’m putting out jewelry, or splitting firewood or sitting in a meeting at church, I am working to build Your kingdom. Lord, bless our efforts. Multiply them for Your glory. Amen.
Nov 19th, Sat, 7:27 am
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
