Do Overs
A red button with word Re-Do to illustrate a need to revise, change or improve to adapt to changing conditions or requirements
Father, thank You for all Your blessing during this past holiday season. I am so grateful for the time we got to spend with Massey as a family. I would pray that each of us would actively seek to deepen our relationship with You each day and that Your hand would be evident in all we say and do.
2 Timothy 4:11-12 (<<click here)
“Bring Mark…for he will be helpful to me…”
Lord, we don’t know don’t know all that has transpired but this is a turning point statement for Paul and a learning point for us. Early in Paul’s ministry, Mark had joined Paul and Barnabas in their journey and for whatever reason Mark quit. Later on Barnabas tried to bring Mark along once more but Paul said “no” which caused Paul and Barnabas to part ways. And then out of the blue, at the end of Paul’s life he says, “Bring Mark…”
Somewhere along the line Mark had had opportunity to prove himself and Paul hadn’t shut him out. All of us can change. And regardless we must be open to that change, either changing ourselves or accepting change in others. Both are tough to do.
The big point here is that life in You, Lord, is all about new beginnings. Every day brings with it opportunities to move forward. Help me Lord to be pliable in Your hands to change where I need to change and then help me to see others with eyes of discernment so I may accept and encourage positive changes in them as well.
Jan 7th, Thurs, 9:35 am
Pursuit of Emptiness
I want to give You credit, Father, for making it possible to get today off so as to be able to spend it with Massey and Karen before he heads back to school. May Your hand be upon us this day – bless our time together and help us cherish every moment and each other. Thank You for my family!
2 Timothy 4:10 (<<click here)
Reading this verse, Lord, shows that humanity is still humanity. Demas left Paul (and You) for the world. 2000 years later we are drawn to this world’s enticements. King Solomon, almost a 1000 years before Paul, used words translated “meaningless,” “vanity,” “futility“, and “pointless” to describe those enticements. And, Lord, that is not a good trade – not at all. Empty for full? Shallow for deep? Poor for rich? Fantasy for reality? Death for life? You offer us everything and instead we run after nothing! Eternal total satisfaction is swapped out for fleeting unsatisfying emptiness!
Sin, when it comes right down to it, is a promise of anything we could ever want and initially there may be a very short lived fulfillment…but it’s never enough. We selfishly pursue what we want – wealth, power, pleasure, etc., etc. – and realize, too late, that it all leads to emptiness.
Jesus, You are the real deal. You give life. You fulfill our innermost desires. You are truth. The world pulls at me, too, Lord, but what I need is You! Anything less than You is meaningless – fill my life with meaningful!
Jan 5th, Tues, 7:29 am
We Need Each Other
Father, Your love for me is more than my finite mind grasp! Thinking of the love between a parent and a child, which in many cases is one of the strongest loves on earth, hardly compares. Of course, familial love is a reflection of Your love for us, but Your love is so much deeper and far wider. Over and over again, we let You down, but You never fail to forgive. We hurt You in our disobedience but Your love is a constant! “Amazing Love! How can it be…?” Praise Your Holy Name!
2 Timothy 4:9 (<<click here)
Lord, we always seem to see Paul as one of Your most stalwart followers – strong in his convictions, an individual that we could count on, one we could go to for encouragement and support. He may have consistently emulated You to the world but he was not You – he was only human as am I.
The phrase, “Timothy, please come as soon as you can,” reflects very clearly his humanity. He is weary. He is lonely…and he yearns for Timothy’s companionship – his love, his encouragement, his presence.
Lord, You have created us first of all to need You. You fill the hole in our lives that absolutely nothing else will fill. No matter how hard we work at shoving other things in… But, Jesus, you have also created us to need each other. You are not inhibited by space or time but we surely are. Help me to be the encouragement that I need to be to my family, my friends, my congregants, my fellow workers, any customers and even total stranger who come across my path. I cannot be in all places at all times, as You, but use me to do what I can with Your help and directions. Amen.
Jan 4th, Mon, 6:25 am
Take My Hand
Father, this hymn seems appropriate this morning.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
It makes no sense to feel regret for my frailty for that is a big part of who we are. I know that. You know that. I cannot do anything to make that go away. But what I do, and should regret, is not taking Your hand. Where I am weak, You are strong. When I am tired and worn, You, Lord, are continuously refreshed and ready for battle. Storms may come, darkness abounds but You are not hindered, You are not thwarted. You, the Light, lead me on. Forgive me, Lord, help me to grab hold of Your hand and to not let go. You are my salvation.
Jan 3rd, Sun, 7:51 am
It’s Not an Easy Road
Father, it’s a new day and a new year! As many have said, once again we have a clean slate with which to work. Our calendars are one thing but life with You and because of Your “great love we are not consumed” for Your “compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” Lamentations 3:22-23
May I be mindful of Your love – may it be a driving motivator for me every day.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (<<click here)
On this day it is easy to think of looking back and looking forward. I have made good headway in my relationship with You, though it has not been without its bumps and potholes – many of my own making. I would pray, Lord, that I would be more attentive to Your guidance and more diligent in my following of You.
I am very aware that “It’s not an easy road we are traveling to heaven, for many are the thorns on the way; It’s not an easy road, but the Savior is with us, His presence gives us joy every day.” (It’s Not An Easy Road by J. W. Peterson)
Lord, help me to spread that joy that you so freely give. Help me to live my life to the fullest – in You! So that I, too, might wear the victors crown!
Jan 1st, Fri, 8:32 am