I was young and now I’m old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. (Psalm 37:25 NIV)
In the mid 50’s my sixteen year old cousin David, worked on a farm all summer so that he could buy an old car. I was thirteen, and thrilled when David asked me to go on an adventure with him. What he had in mind was more of an experiment than an adventure. He wanted to see how far we could go in his new/old car on just 25 cents worth of gas.
Surprisingly, we traveled the four mile perimeter around the little town of Worthington, Indiana, for more than an hour before we drifted to a stop.
I think of David and that “adventure” when I pump gas into my tank at $2, $3, and $4 a gallon. Before I work myself into a funk, I remind myself that back in those days David only made a few dollars an hour working on the farm.
More importantly, I remember that although times change, God never changes and always provides for his children.
My heavenly father laid the foundations of the earth. He gives orders to the morning and gives the dawn its place. He will never leave me nor forsake me. All that I’ve needed His hand has provided.
How silly it is for me to let the price of gas rattle me.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you that you are Jehovah Jireh, my provider. Help me to remember that I need not be afraid of economic turmoil. You have promised to supply all of my needs according to Your riches in glory.
© Christy Struben 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
I LIft My Eyes
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm121:1-2 (NIV)
This weekend the United States is celebrating the day we declared our independence from England. As I lift my eyes towards heaven to watch the fireworks, I need to remember why I have the freedom to worship God. The Bible is the basis of the United States government and laws, “One nation under God”. Yet I find that Americans have lost their way, in part because they do not know our Christian heritage. It seems that some of the freedoms we celebrate are slowly being taken away. But I do know from where my, and our, help comes.
In all of his troubles, King David knew to turn to God. His hope was not in his nation but in the One who created the nations. Whether he was on the throne or a fugitive on the run, he turned to the One who could and did deliver him from all his afflictions. His freedom was his dependence on God. So is ours.
As we spend time with family and friends, we need to spend time thanking God for freedom. And, like David we need to pray for our nation's leaders, and those close to us.
This weekend, when all the activities end and we reflect on our lives, I hope we have a better appreciation of what God sacrificed for us. Like David, may we always have our eyes looking toward the Author of Liberty.
Prayer: Thank you God for keeping us free to worship you. May we always remember that through you we can take comfort in the knowledge that help comes from you.
© 2009 Dawn Sexton
This weekend the United States is celebrating the day we declared our independence from England. As I lift my eyes towards heaven to watch the fireworks, I need to remember why I have the freedom to worship God. The Bible is the basis of the United States government and laws, “One nation under God”. Yet I find that Americans have lost their way, in part because they do not know our Christian heritage. It seems that some of the freedoms we celebrate are slowly being taken away. But I do know from where my, and our, help comes.
In all of his troubles, King David knew to turn to God. His hope was not in his nation but in the One who created the nations. Whether he was on the throne or a fugitive on the run, he turned to the One who could and did deliver him from all his afflictions. His freedom was his dependence on God. So is ours.
As we spend time with family and friends, we need to spend time thanking God for freedom. And, like David we need to pray for our nation's leaders, and those close to us.
This weekend, when all the activities end and we reflect on our lives, I hope we have a better appreciation of what God sacrificed for us. Like David, may we always have our eyes looking toward the Author of Liberty.
Prayer: Thank you God for keeping us free to worship you. May we always remember that through you we can take comfort in the knowledge that help comes from you.
© 2009 Dawn Sexton
Friday, June 26, 2009
Random Acts of Prayer
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4 NIV)
Performing random acts of kindness is a wonderful practice, doing something nice for someone for no other reason than to brighten their day. Anonymous deeds are the most gratifying. Paying the toll for the person in the car behind you or leaving flowers at a neighbor’s doorstep. But, what if we took this practice even further? What if we committed random acts of prayer by going about our days eagerly seeking out people to pray for? On the way to work, we can pray that each person on the bus has a good day and gets home safely. Walking down the street, we can look into people’s faces and see the need for prayer in their eyes or by their demeanor. We can pray that they find relief from whatever is troubling them. Passing an accident on the highway, we can pray that there are no serious injuries.
What do we get by performing these radical, random acts of wishing peace and goodwill towards others? We get to share the love of God within us, which was not meant to be hoarded and kept to ourselves, but to be offered freely and gladly to everyone. There are few things in life that provide more satisfaction.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the will and desire to pray for others. May we continue to love others as you have loved us and to share that love freely, without expectation of recognition or reward, knowing that it is your will for us.
© Copyright 2009 G. Francis Johnson
Performing random acts of kindness is a wonderful practice, doing something nice for someone for no other reason than to brighten their day. Anonymous deeds are the most gratifying. Paying the toll for the person in the car behind you or leaving flowers at a neighbor’s doorstep. But, what if we took this practice even further? What if we committed random acts of prayer by going about our days eagerly seeking out people to pray for? On the way to work, we can pray that each person on the bus has a good day and gets home safely. Walking down the street, we can look into people’s faces and see the need for prayer in their eyes or by their demeanor. We can pray that they find relief from whatever is troubling them. Passing an accident on the highway, we can pray that there are no serious injuries.
What do we get by performing these radical, random acts of wishing peace and goodwill towards others? We get to share the love of God within us, which was not meant to be hoarded and kept to ourselves, but to be offered freely and gladly to everyone. There are few things in life that provide more satisfaction.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the will and desire to pray for others. May we continue to love others as you have loved us and to share that love freely, without expectation of recognition or reward, knowing that it is your will for us.
© Copyright 2009 G. Francis Johnson
Friday, June 19, 2009
Lest Any Be Hardened by Sin
Exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 (ASV)
Disease sickens the body in the same way that sin sickens the soul, but Lyme disease has the greatest one-on-one parallel that I know. When first entering a victim’s bloodstream, Lyme bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotics. As the microorganisms remain undetected, though, they develop a drill-like appendage which allows them to move into other body cells. Each bacterium also develops the ability to detect the presence of antibiotics and protect itself by becoming an impenetrable, hard-walled cyst. Treatment makes the patient feel better, but the bacilli are still present, ready to reactivate.
Sometimes Lyme disease appears with a bull’s eye rash. Sometimes not. Early recognition ensures eradication. At the same time, delayed recognition makes medical complications inevitable. It is the same with spiritual sin. Sometimes we immediately know the state of our hearts and sometimes not. The longer sin goes undetected, cysts of sin harden so that opening up to God’s love through confession and repentance becomes almost impossible. In parallel to those with chronic Lyme disease, chronic sin evades the antibiotics of God’s cleansing word, the admonition and forgiveness of friends, or the muted voice of our own consciences.
God calls us to avoid spiritual sickness or, when necessary, to recover quickly, but more importantly, He calls us to exhort others and even ourselves. He does not want his followers to be “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Our job is to help others and ourselves move quickly into the light of His love.
Prayer: Lord, help us recognize the infection of sin and the hardening of our hearts. Help us do our job of exhortation. Amen.
Disease sickens the body in the same way that sin sickens the soul, but Lyme disease has the greatest one-on-one parallel that I know. When first entering a victim’s bloodstream, Lyme bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotics. As the microorganisms remain undetected, though, they develop a drill-like appendage which allows them to move into other body cells. Each bacterium also develops the ability to detect the presence of antibiotics and protect itself by becoming an impenetrable, hard-walled cyst. Treatment makes the patient feel better, but the bacilli are still present, ready to reactivate.
Sometimes Lyme disease appears with a bull’s eye rash. Sometimes not. Early recognition ensures eradication. At the same time, delayed recognition makes medical complications inevitable. It is the same with spiritual sin. Sometimes we immediately know the state of our hearts and sometimes not. The longer sin goes undetected, cysts of sin harden so that opening up to God’s love through confession and repentance becomes almost impossible. In parallel to those with chronic Lyme disease, chronic sin evades the antibiotics of God’s cleansing word, the admonition and forgiveness of friends, or the muted voice of our own consciences.
God calls us to avoid spiritual sickness or, when necessary, to recover quickly, but more importantly, He calls us to exhort others and even ourselves. He does not want his followers to be “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Our job is to help others and ourselves move quickly into the light of His love.
Prayer: Lord, help us recognize the infection of sin and the hardening of our hearts. Help us do our job of exhortation. Amen.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Train
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Psalm 27:11 (NIV)
The bright moon fills the bedroom with light. A train whistle interrupts the quiet night along with a roaring engine and clicking wheels on the track. It's a freight train; passenger trains are quieter. The clatter gets louder and louder until it sounds as though the train is outside my door. I wonder where it's going. It doesn't take long for the train to pass and the night is silent again.
Life is a fast moving train. God laid out a track for me to follow. The years I spent raising children roared by quickly. Before I knew what happened, I found myself sitting in an empty house. There were many stops along the way. Listening to others caused me to make some bad choices, and I derailed. God was always there to put me back together and set me going in the right direction. Keeping in the Word, shows me which route He wants me to pursue. Living the Word helps me to stay on course.I look back and wonder where did my life go? I want the time I have left to be valuable. As I travel, God will continue to be the conductor, I am the train taking His Word to everyone.
At the end of the line, I want to stand before God and have him say to me. "Well done my good and faithful servant.
"Lord, show me how to make a difference in this world. Help me to become a better disciple for you.
© Marcella Panowicz 2009
The bright moon fills the bedroom with light. A train whistle interrupts the quiet night along with a roaring engine and clicking wheels on the track. It's a freight train; passenger trains are quieter. The clatter gets louder and louder until it sounds as though the train is outside my door. I wonder where it's going. It doesn't take long for the train to pass and the night is silent again.
Life is a fast moving train. God laid out a track for me to follow. The years I spent raising children roared by quickly. Before I knew what happened, I found myself sitting in an empty house. There were many stops along the way. Listening to others caused me to make some bad choices, and I derailed. God was always there to put me back together and set me going in the right direction. Keeping in the Word, shows me which route He wants me to pursue. Living the Word helps me to stay on course.I look back and wonder where did my life go? I want the time I have left to be valuable. As I travel, God will continue to be the conductor, I am the train taking His Word to everyone.
At the end of the line, I want to stand before God and have him say to me. "Well done my good and faithful servant.
"Lord, show me how to make a difference in this world. Help me to become a better disciple for you.
© Marcella Panowicz 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
He Will Give You Rest
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1Peter 5:7 (NIV)
In America, we face so many enormous upheavals in our economic and financial systems that our level of fear is increasing. Some have had their investment portfolios and retirement accounts decimated in recent months. Others will postpone retirement plans for a few more years. Home foreclosures are skyrocketing; the value of many homes has plummeted. Our money is no longer as valuable as it once was, while inflation is setting in with higher prices for essential needs. More and more of us are losing our jobs. When will it end? How should we handle our anxiety and fear?
When we consider the enormity of the challenges facing our families, it seems overwhelming at times. In my anxious moments, I remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 11. He tells us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, and He will give us rest. Jesus continues in verses 29 and 30: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Those verses speak to us of the Source of peace in anxious times. Jesus will give us rest from the weary burdens of this life. When we are fearful, we can trust Our Savior to gently care for us.
In Genesis 22:14, I find that Jehovah-Jireh is our provider. God’s provision is always adequate.
Dear Father: Thank You that I can trust You with my fears and know that You will always take care of me. Thank You for giving me rest when life seems overwhelming. In Jesus name, Amen
© 2009 Diane E. Hussey
In America, we face so many enormous upheavals in our economic and financial systems that our level of fear is increasing. Some have had their investment portfolios and retirement accounts decimated in recent months. Others will postpone retirement plans for a few more years. Home foreclosures are skyrocketing; the value of many homes has plummeted. Our money is no longer as valuable as it once was, while inflation is setting in with higher prices for essential needs. More and more of us are losing our jobs. When will it end? How should we handle our anxiety and fear?
When we consider the enormity of the challenges facing our families, it seems overwhelming at times. In my anxious moments, I remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 11. He tells us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, and He will give us rest. Jesus continues in verses 29 and 30: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Those verses speak to us of the Source of peace in anxious times. Jesus will give us rest from the weary burdens of this life. When we are fearful, we can trust Our Savior to gently care for us.
In Genesis 22:14, I find that Jehovah-Jireh is our provider. God’s provision is always adequate.
Dear Father: Thank You that I can trust You with my fears and know that You will always take care of me. Thank You for giving me rest when life seems overwhelming. In Jesus name, Amen
© 2009 Diane E. Hussey
Friday, May 29, 2009
Little Miss No Name
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matt. 25:35, 40 (RSV)
She wears a burlap dress with two patches and she has no shoes. Her eyes, huge and sad, drip a tear on her cheek. Her hand is outstretched asking for something. “Little Miss No Name” was a doll made by Hasbro in 1965. Most parents didn’t want to buy her and few children wanted her as a gift. The line was discontinued, but then the magic started.
A vintage ‘No Name’ doll was in a bag given to a charity organization in 1986. They auctioned her off. The bidder returned her the next year and said, “Auction her again.” The largest donation to date is $84,111 in 1996.
A miserly man in one church received a ‘No Name’ doll in the Christmas grab bag. The tear in her eye brought a tear to his eye. He isn’t a miser anymore.
Past owners blog about how much they did or didn’t like ‘Little Miss No Name.’ Their stories teach us a truth about the real ‘no names’ of this world. We see them, but we react differently. They compel us and repel us.
Jesus called us to look with the eyes and see with the heart regardless of appearance, gender, or age. When we do, the magic begins. ‘No names’ are renamed to ‘brother or sister.’ We are “blessed by the father” and “inherit the kingdom prepared for us.” (vrs. 34)
Lord, when we see with our eyes, open our hearts.
© 2009 Jonita D. Shoaff
She wears a burlap dress with two patches and she has no shoes. Her eyes, huge and sad, drip a tear on her cheek. Her hand is outstretched asking for something. “Little Miss No Name” was a doll made by Hasbro in 1965. Most parents didn’t want to buy her and few children wanted her as a gift. The line was discontinued, but then the magic started.
A vintage ‘No Name’ doll was in a bag given to a charity organization in 1986. They auctioned her off. The bidder returned her the next year and said, “Auction her again.” The largest donation to date is $84,111 in 1996.
A miserly man in one church received a ‘No Name’ doll in the Christmas grab bag. The tear in her eye brought a tear to his eye. He isn’t a miser anymore.
Past owners blog about how much they did or didn’t like ‘Little Miss No Name.’ Their stories teach us a truth about the real ‘no names’ of this world. We see them, but we react differently. They compel us and repel us.
Jesus called us to look with the eyes and see with the heart regardless of appearance, gender, or age. When we do, the magic begins. ‘No names’ are renamed to ‘brother or sister.’ We are “blessed by the father” and “inherit the kingdom prepared for us.” (vrs. 34)
Lord, when we see with our eyes, open our hearts.
© 2009 Jonita D. Shoaff
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