A WORD for the Week | Archives 3
51. TROPHY FRIEND by Christine Wentzel
Social media brought the term "trophy friend" into the newest pop culture lingo. Urban Dictionary explains what it means-"A celebrity or random hot girl/guy that you have on your Facebook friends list as proof that they acknowledge your existence."
Perhaps one could also describe a trophy friend as anyone who has (or had) their 15-minutes of fame (world- or community-wide) either through business, politics, academia or religion. One can score points of admiration or jealously just by getting them to "friend" you.
I'm not against friending such people on social media sites. I admire many and would enjoy befriending them, but what is my intent behind the desire to do so? Am I doing it to make myself look better in the eyes of my friends or myself?
"Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;" Jeremiah 9:23 AMP
This does make me examine my priorities. I and all the rest of my community of believers already have the greatest trophy friend in the entire universe. Do I boast of His majesty? Boast of His ultimate sacrifice to save my life? Boast of the daily sustenance, encouragement and love He lavishes on me every single day, in good times or bad?
I remember the example set by David when he joyfully leapt and danced down Main Street Jerusalem when his trophy Friend came back to town. Okay he was king so wouldn't get arrested for being a public nuisance, but can I act any less thankful for my King acknowledging my existence by making me His trophy friend for eternity? Can I boast in love to prove to those who yearn for the perfect trophy friend that they already have one too?
"But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord." Jeremiah 9:24 AMP
What a friend we have in Jesus!
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Video
19. Are We Imitators of Christ?
Devotions
70. The Gift that Keeps on Giving
136. Road Blocks are Mere Pebbles
Super Girl
19. You know the song “I've Got Peace Like a River”? To me...
Prayers
1. Jesus, forgive us when our pride starts boasting...
37. Dear Lord in Heaven, there are so many times I feel like...
53. Dear Father in Heaven who guides, protects and sustains me...
Scripture References: Philippians 3:8; Galatians 6:14
52. A True Witness by Julie Luetke
In order to sit on the witness stand in a court of law you must have been a witness to an event. You must have been there and seen it with your own eyes. The court needs to find the truth and eye witnesses are key.
We've just concluded those days between Easter and Jesus' Ascension. Jesus spent those 40 days showing himself alive to his followers. Paul tells us that at one time over 500 people saw Jesus alive. Jesus had to rise in order to be the victor over sin. We have to believe Jesus did rise!
Jesus did many things to help His disciples believe. He showed them the nail prints in His hands and feet and the mark of the spear in His side. He ate with them, left footprints in the sand. Jesus breathed on them; they could feel the movement of the air. When He touched them they felt bone and muscle. Jesus was preparing His disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth ...eye witnesses that would stand up in the courts of people's hearts.
As I taught Sunday school two weeks ago, our lesson was on Jesus appearing to His disciples on Easter night. Jesus appeared in a locked room to disciples still gripped with fear. Jesus appeared to them to show He was alive. I turned to one of my students (a 9 year old) and told him, "I sprained my ankle this week and it is all purple. Do you believe me?" His answer came slowly, "Well, yes, but I'd like to see it." I took off my shoe and sock and revealed a badly bruised and swollen foot. All six of the students quickly said, "I believe, I believe!" That is what Jesus did. He made them eye witnesses.
The work Jesus did on earth to live a perfect life for us, take our punishment for sin and rise to win over death and hell has to be told by witnesses to the ends of the earth. The disciples are gone but the words they wrote are not. The Bible is the account of the eye witnesses to an ALIVE Jesus. The disciples witnessed the miracles, the acts of love and kindness, the suffering, the death on the cross and the many visits from an ALIVE Jesus after the resurrection.
We all tend to believe a story told by an eye witness. God went one step farther. He put the thoughts and the words into the hearts and minds of the writers of the Bible so there would be no mistakes.
2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is God-breathed.
2 Peter 1:21, Prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Numbers 23:19, God is not a man, that He should lie.
John 17:17, Your Word is truth.
1 Thessalonians 2:13, When you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God.
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Video
5. What is Your Personal Ministry?
Devotions
Super Girl
112. Harped on. Berated. Made to feel less than. Criticized. Put down. Made...
Prayers
13. Heavenly Father, thank you for providing us with faithful pastors...
14. Almighty God, our Fortress in times of trouble...
Scripture References: Romans 15:4; Acts 1:16; Hebrews 6:18; 2 Samuel 7:28; Romans 10:17
53. We Have Seen a Great Light by Sandra Grussing
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder." Isaiah 9:2-3
Sometimes Christians think of the season of Lent as a six-week long funeral. It depresses us to examine our sinfulness and recognize it as the cause of Christ's suffering and death.
It is true that Lent is a time we have set aside for self-examination and repentance, but Isaiah reminds us that the great light we have seen should "increase our joy." As we reflect on the great sacrifice Christ made in order to make each of us right with God, we should celebrate. We've already seen the great light. We already know that Jesus willingly went to the cross in order that you and I need never experience that separation from God that we so deserve.
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Yes, the same light we celebrated at Christmas can be celebrated right now. Easter Sunday is the day we Christians rejoice over the resurrection of our Savior and rightly so. Christ's victory over death is our own. It was won for us by the suffering and death we are meditating upon during this Lenten season.
We know that because we, unlike those who followed him before his crucifixion, have seen the great light of his resurrection. Our hearts have already been enlightened by the warmth of the Holy Spirit. We can rejoice in the Lord always; even during Lent, even at the death of a Christian loved one, even at our own death.
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Video
5. What is Your Personal Ministry?
Devotions
96. For Lent, I’m Giving up...Giving Up Something
136. Road Blocks are Mere Pebbles
Super Girl
21. Christians tend to build ourselves nice little prison cells...
Prayer
7. Dear God of Justice and Mercy, I want to thank you for sending...
Scripture References: Matthew 4:16; Isaiah 35:10; John 12:36
54. TEMPTATION by Christine Wentzel
During the season of Lent as I am reminded of the price Jesus paid to make me right with my Father, my thoughts immediately drift to the trials of temptation. For me, they can be as pesky as gnats or as impossible to conquer as going against a Goliath without faith.
When a particularly strong temptation comes my way, I'm also up against the temptation to doubt, "Surely Jesus didn't have to face this one! It's too ugly to contemplate my holy Lord being exposed to this." Ha, if only I really understood.
Think about the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert being bombarded by the temptations of the father of lies. In Hebrews we're told He was "tempted in every way". God mentions three of them, but with so many days for the devil to play with every temptation, the evil one had a field day. God didn't need to list them all. His grace is sufficient for what He did reveal. We are so-called authorities on the topic of temptation for all the times we've been confronted and succumbed so we can well imagine the rest.
In a nutshell we're told...
The devil tempted the Bread of Life with food.
The devil tempted the God of all gods to worship him.
The devil tempted the WORD made flesh to break His word.
Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? But consider how easy the devil won over angels in heaven to follow him to hell. Look how easy it was for Eve and Adam to doubt God while living in the midst of Paradise. Beware! By the time Jesus arrived on the scene, the devil's false sense of security made him believe he could take on His creator despite the Promise that Jesus will destroy him (Genesis 3:15). Have to hand it to our Grace Giver for He allowed the devil a 40-day shot at Him then HALLELUIAH He had him fleeing with a short, but sweet command.
The Sacrificial Lamb once again proved His qualifications to be our substitute in the face of the Law Giver's wrath and judgment. He also proved His qualifications to understand our weaknesses. There is nothing He can't empathize. There is nothing He will allow to overtake us. If you're in the middle of temptation, look up in His eyes of love-His standing right in front of you shielding you from harm.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
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Video
Devotions
136. Road Blocks are Mere Pebbles
Super Girl
127. I was told yesterday that when I’m feeling overwhelmed I need...
Prayers
4. Dear Victorious Lamb of God, I woke up to this new day...
33. Dear Jesus, my Good Shepherd, thank you for searching...
55. Finding God's Plan by Carolyn Webb
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
This Bible verse provides great comfort to many people. Sometimes it can be difficult to see God's plans, other times it can appear very clear that a path is where God wants you to go. Such was the case for our daughter, Amy. Amy had considered going to Martin Luther College (MLC) to prepare as a teacher, but since it wasn't accredited for secondary education at the time and Amy felt her place was in the public school system, she decided against MLC. The one thing that she missed out on by not going to MLC was the call process. She really wanted God to tell her where He wanted her to be.
The job market for new teachers in Wisconsin looked bleak. After graduation, Amy had found a full-time job in Milwaukee as a Title One teacher. Her job was to work with students who were more than two grade levels behind in math. While it was a great starting point, the position offered little in the way of school involvement and was a year to year position. As the school year came to a close, there was no guarantee that she would be called back for next year. Out of the blue Amy got a call from a public high school in Arizona. They saw her resume on a national teacher website and thought she would be a perfect fit for their school. After a few phone interviews she was offered the job. After some soul-searching, Amy decided that this was God's call to her and she accepted the job. She didn't know why, but it felt like that was where she was meant to be. The job has turned out to be everything that Amy had hoped for except that it is more than 2000 miles from family.
Making a move from Wisconsin to Arizona is no easy task, especially when the job in Wisconsin ended on July 27 and Amy had to report for work in Arizona on July 31. God provided answers every step of the way from getting Amy to her new job on time to finding a way to move her belongings to providing the funds to pay for it all. All obstacles were removed. As of this writing we don't know yet how God will use Amy in her new home, but being a public high school teacher certainly puts her in a position to touch many lives.
Heavenly Father, I cannot see the future and what your grand plan is for me. Help me to trust your plan and go where you lead. Amen
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Video
14. Don't Worry, be Happy...in the Lord!
Devotions
75. Plan to Reflect God’s Glory
129. I Want to Listen to Jesus' Voice
152. This Year I'm Going To...
Super Girl
53. I’m lazy today. Got up this morning, took my husband to work, and went back to bed...
Prayer
28. Dearest Jesus, my Redeemer and Friend, I just wanted to say...
56. Rubies by Leigh S.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. " Matthew 11:28-29
The words "gentle and humble" are the only two words in the entire Bible that Christ uses to describe Himself. In using the adjective gentle, Jesus tells us a great deal about how He behaves in every situation. He is considerate, kind and tender toward others. Christ's manner is mild, methodical and, as the Sixties generation would say, "He's mellow man!" Christ is a "man" of good breeding, refined and polite in His interactions with other.
What does Jesus tell us when describing His character as being humble in heart? We learn that Christ modestly assesses His human attributes; respectfully places Himself among the lowly ranks of society's social circles; is obediently subservient to Our Heavenly Father's commands; and willingly lives and reigns as a courteous, conscientious Servant Leader for all mankind - for all times.
I don't know about others; but, the enormity of my ego could never be constrained by true humility or gentleness. In fact, the self-gratification of our Twenty-First Century make it difficult to find few people willing to describe themselves by either of these somewhat demeaning or demoralizing adjectives. Recently, with the news of a star winter Olympian athlete's injury, the media has informed us that preparations are well underway for the next winter Olympics, 2014. Visions of victory already dance in many athletes' heads. All that matters to every participant is to Go-for-the-Gold and Katie bar the door! True, these athletes have trained relentlessly and made enormous sacrifices just to be counted among the world's most talented competitors. Before the battle, they are jubilant, courageous, arrogant and aggressive. But, when the triumphant hero stands on the medal podium, sees her country's flag raised and hears her national anthem played, the tears of humility stream down her face, soaking the colors of the homeland she so willingly serves and humbly represents.
To get ahead in this world you've got to be anything and everything but gentle! To achieve the goal, to cross the finish line first, you display the fangs, the manicured claws come out and you become the determined, devoted attack dog mentally and physically trained - to WIN! Growling your way to the top and leaving your mark on the field left behind. We see this same untamed, intensity among the world's sports competitor. The Olympian struggles, scraps and scrounges for every second, meter and point in order to achieve victory for herself, her teammates and her nation. But when the competitive scrapping is over, win-lose-or-draw, she and her teammates will face their opponents as good sportsmen for the congratulatory, ceremonial handshake of gentle, admirable athletic role models.
Prayer: Lord in Heaven, Gird me with all the spiritual armor needed to be victorious in Heaven's Olympiad. May all of my earthly battles be fought for You and Your Glory. I pray that I never lose my natural competitiveness and that I display true humility and gentleness in all my interaction with others. By doing so, let this be my ministry to bring others closer to You, Your gentle and humble spirit. Amen
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Video
Devotions
Super Girl
51. ‘Twas the day after Christmas...
Prayer
39. Lord, every time I’m sick or things don't go as planned you...
57. CHANGE by Carolyn Webb
I started last year with a post on my Facebook page: "2012 is going to be a year of change." I was referring to the fact that my employer was moving and my job duties were likely to change, as well. I had no idea how much change was actually headed my way! We started the year with my husband being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. As we were getting the medical condition under control, my job moved as expected. Then my son announced his engagement to a young lady with a 3 year old son and I was suddenly being called "Grandma" for the first time. Then my daughter's big news came. She accepted a teaching position in Arizona so we began preparing for her big move from Wisconsin. My husband and I now transition to the next phase of our lives as empty-nesters. All that change in just 6 months.
Change is an inevitable part of life. Sometimes it is exciting and happy; sometimes it is scary or sad. I find when change is swirling all around me it is very comforting to know that God never changes. In the Old Testament God says in Malachi 3:6 "I the Lord do not change." We are reminded again in the New Testament in James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." No matter what change may come our way, we can be certain that one thing will never change - our Heavenly Father.
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Video
3. Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
Devotions
72. He Changed the World Forever
Super Girl
98. “Change” is a four letter word to many Christians...
Prayer
58. A Fresh Start, A Pure Heart by Karen Spiegelberg
I didn't plan on writing the devotion for this week. Really. We had a perfectly wonderful devotion all ready to be e-mailed to you. That was until I woke up this morning and saw a beautiful fresh white layer of snow covering the entire ground outside of my Wisconsin home. It was such a surprise because, believe it or not, for those of you who think that Wisconsin is a constant winter wonderland, this past week was our first traceable snow of the season! Then, shortly after viewing the bright freshness of the outdoors, I chanced upon this Bible passage in 2 Corinthians 5:17--Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Whoa, I thought. A fresh snowfall, a new year, and that Bible passage--there's a devotional message in this combo of thoughts!
Whenever a fresh coating of snow covers the formerly dreary-looking and muddied ground, it always reminds me of how our sins are washed clean through the blood of our Savior and we are made new in his righteousness. Add a new year into that thought process and it just gives us a beautiful picture of a clean and fresh start... any and all times we fall short of the glory of God. The old has gone; the new is here! As we begin a new year with new plans and perhaps resolutions to improve our life in a variety of ways, may we all be mindful that when we are "in Christ", we are a new creation in all we do! We are fresh and white and clean as the driven snow. Oh, sure, we'll muddy up our lives during the year at various times, but that wonderful snowfall of love and forgiveness will be ours when we need it. Thanks be to God!
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me... Psalm 51:7, 10
Dear Lord, as a new year begins, help me to start anew in my thoughts and plans of living my life for you and through you. Be my ever-present strength in all times and when I fail or fall short, wash me clean and continue to create in me a clean heart!
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Video
Devotion
152. This Year I'm Going To...
Super Girl
87. My daughter turned 15 yesterday. I’m running out of time...
Prayer
59. Countdown to Christmas by Diana Kerr
Only 10 days 'til Christmas. How do you feel when you hear that?
On my way to work earlier this month, a radio DJ announced the precise number of days, hours, and even minutes remaining until December 25th's arrival. My thoughts instantly flooded with dread, and my head started swirling thinking about gift shopping.
Of course, I realized a few moments later how pathetic I was. When and how did the coming of my Savior turn into a stressful, looming deadline? I felt ashamed. I challenged myself to make this Advent season different.
The words of Isaiah, chapter 40 come to my mind. "In the desert prepare a way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God." Here Isaiah prophesies regarding John the Baptist and the message he would impart about preparing for the Savior.
Yikes, gut check. Have I made a straight path for my God? If I'm honest with myself, God probably has more obstacles along the path to my heart at this time of the year than at any other. He has to run loops through the parking lot of the mall where I spend far too much time obsessing over every gift, bypass the fog of Christmas parties occupying my mind, and detour around all my embarrassing sinful thoughts and actions that come so naturally when holiday stress takes over.
And yet God wants to be there, in my heart, so badly. I imagine that even God in his perfection and power yearns so dearly for me to anticipate the gift of his Son the way I giddily anticipated that special doll I wanted as a little girl.
Some of the busyness of the Advent season is inevitable, yet some of it can be avoided. If we give our LORD even a fraction of the time and energy that we give to the rest of Christmas, just think what a blessing that would be to him and to us. Join me in the days ahead in reinventing your Advent heart.
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Video
Devotions
Super Girl
8. Our Christmas celebration was fairly laid back. Like many people...
132. Yesterday I took the last of my finals. One part on this...
Prayers
16. Heavenly Father, at the birth of your Son you used lowly...
60. Worry, Worry, Worry by Janet Gehlhar
I'm frustrated because worries keep popping up and are distracting me. I know the key to not giving in to my worries is to recognize life isn't about me. It isn't about what I need to do, but rather, what God has already done for me. When I stand at the foot of the cross and realize that Jesus is hanging there because of my sin and He is paying the price for me, I'm overcome with the depth of His love for me. How do I lose sight of that? I want some tools to keep my focus on God's grace.
Worry replaced by The Word equals Trust...
Every time a worry pops up, I am going to counter with a Bible passage. Let's check the arsenal God provides and pick out some favorites
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Make a list of times when God provided for me in the past. He watched out for me then, and I can be assured He will provide for me now.
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Get out my hymnal and sing a hymn or listen to an uplifting CD and sing along.
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
(Christian Worship #411)
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Call a Christian friend to ask for encouragement and prayer.
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Walk around my home or my neighborhood and count my blessings.
Ahhh, my focus is back on the cross and God's love for me. God is handling everything.
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Video
Devotion
Super Girl
6. Pierce was the most beautiful baby I ever laid eyes on...
Prayer
61. Thank You God for Windshield Wipers! by Julie Luetke
How often do you think of your baptism? I am afraid I do not think of mine often or at least I did not use to. I was an infant at the time of my baptism so do not remember it. Baptism is important but often hard to explain. I hope this illustration is helpful.
There are a few things we know from the Bible.
* I sin...all of the time. Some sins I am aware of and some I am not. Psalm 51:5-- Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
* Baptism washes my sin away...at the time it washed me clean and continues to wash away my sin every day of my life. Acts 22:16-- Be baptized and wash your sins away.
* Baptism saves because it cleanses us from the sin that separates us from God. 1 Peter 3: 21 [Baptism]...now saves you also-not the removal of dirt form the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As I was trying to teach a few special needs friends about baptism, I thought of windshield wipers. The rain is our sin. The rain keeps coming and coming. The wipers keep clearing the window so God can see me without the sin. That is my baptism at work always wiping away my sin.
The next time you're in the car and you turn on the windshield wipers, remember your baptism and praise God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who made you His child through your baptism.
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Videos
5. What is Your Personal Ministry?
Devotion
Super Girl
123. After my last class of the day yesterday I managed to end up in the...
Prayer
25. Dearest Comforter of my spirit and Builder of my faith, forgive me...
62. What's Your Mission? By Carolyn Webb
Most organizations have a mission statement that explains why they exist. Have you ever tried to write such a statement for yourself?
I attended a conference where one of the exercises was writing a personal mission statement. To help us get started, we were instructed to write nouns that apply to our relationships, adjectives that describe us and actions we perform. Then we were to select a word from each group of adjectives, verbs, and nouns and put them together to write a mission statement. What I came up with was "To patiently instruct coworkers in efficient, knowledgeable performance of laboratory testing." While that statement may have been a reasonable representation of the work I did, it felt very hollow as a life mission statement. Surely, there had to be a better way to determine my life's mission. I went to the book of Ephesians to find answers.
In Ephesians 3:8-9 Paul writes his own mission statement: "To preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery which for ages past was kept hidden in God who created all things."
Paul recognized though that his mission was not everyone's mission. He wrote in Ephesians 4:11-13 "It was He (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." We all have different roles. I am not one of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers, but I am one of God's people being prepared for works of service.
Putting together some pieces of Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" and Ephesians 6:7 "Serve whole-heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." I put together my new mission statement: "To do works of service which God prepared in advance for me to do, and to serve whole-heartedly as if I was serving God, not men." What's your mission statement?
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Video
16. Wrapped in the Love of the Comforter
Devotion
Super Girl
25. Have you ever heard of “Demotivators”? They're like motivational...
Prayer
10. Dear Holy Physician, There are so many examples in your word...
63. Brain Hiccups by Christine Wentzel
Your Strength is stronger than my weakness. Well "duh" you say? Me too, except one day in prayer I blurted out the opposite without any thought. "Lord, my weakness is stronger than your strength." Followed by an "oops!" thought bubble. In attempting to blow it off as a brain hiccup, I realized how many times I walk through the deep valleys with a cloud of helplessness hanging over me. Even though, through the gift of faith, my Teacher revealed this Truth to me many, many times over...
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Can you identify with this hiccup? Then let's throw back our slumped shoulders, straighten our burdened backs and say out loud with clarity and conviction, "Your Strength is stronger IN my weakness. Amen!"
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Videos
3. Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
11. Cancer. The dreaded "C" word.
Devotions
Super Girl
5. For the Lord God is a sun and shield...
Prayers
32. Dearest Resurrected Lord, when I think of joy I immediately...
48. Oh Father, my friend has just lost a loved one and I do...
64. The Precious Pine Car by Sarah Hahm
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,'" Matthew 19:14.
A pine car in the shape of a wild horse galloping across the desert sits on my dryer. Every time I run a load of laundry or do any other work in my mud room, I am keenly aware of this horse on wheels, which, at any moment, could ride right off my dryer and plummet to the floor, destroying months of my daughter's work. This horse won third place in design at this year's Girl Pioneer district pine car derby. Now, with some more details and a little gloss, it will go on to the national derby. With the right tweaking, my daughter and I are convinced, this horse could be a real contender. And, I am determined to do absolutely nothing to harm that possibility. So, it sits in my mud room, under my watchful eye, in one of the safest areas of the house.
That precious horse makes me wonder. Do I treat my children in the same way? Do I always see how valuable they are? Do I always see what they could someday be? Do I appreciate their gifts, their beauty? Do I worry about how they could get damaged, they could get broken? Certainly, as a mother, I have worried about my children getting scrapes and falls and running in front of cars, etc. But, have I been as concerned about their souls as I have been of their bodies? What's more, have I been aware of things I might be doing that are potentially damaging their souls?
Do I lose my temper often, raising my voice and yelling at them? While almost endlessly on the computer or the phone, do I ignore them? To get them out of my hair, do I plop them in front of the TV or computer for hours? When in church, am I too lazy to help them through the liturgy and help them sing hymns? Yes, I have done all of these.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." The Kingdom of heaven belongs to them. The children truly are our future. They will carry on after we have passed on. They will be the pastors, teachers, lay leaders, parents, and grandparents of tomorrow. And who knows how God may use them? A future CEO may be a living in my household. A future prize-wining inventor, a future nurse, a future Brigadier General may be living in my house. Imagine in what amazing ways God could use a Christian CEO, a Christian prize-wining inventor, a Christian nurse, and a Christian Brigadier General!
"Do not hinder them," Jesus says. I pray, that the Lord will curb my yelling, my ignoring, my neglect, and my laziness. I pray, that nothing I do will hinder my children's faith in Jesus as their Savior. I pray, that the Lord will fill me with love for my children. And when I fail, I pray that the Lord will forgive me and that I will ask my children to forgive me, sharing with them how Jesus has already forgiven me and my children for all their sins. Like Jesus, I want to take my children gently in my arms and bless them. I always want to remember how very precious my children are, whom God has graciously given me.
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Super Girl
74. Being the mother of teenagers is a unique challenge...
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21. Father, whether 9 days old in utero or 90 years old in a nursing home...
65. Spiritually Single by Christine Wentzel
And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified [set apart] through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband...How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 1 Corinthians 7:13-14a, 16
Sitting alone in the pew for the ninth year in a row, I felt spiritually single glancing at the couples filling the church. Then these spoken verses offered the renewed hope it wouldn't always be this way. They also had me pondering on how my unbelieving husband viewed my Christian walk. He kissed me goodbye when I went off to worship my God. He hugged me on my way out the door to volunteer for the umpteenth church event. He respected my quiet time in the Holy Word.
Then he was there when I yelled at his intentional interruption of my devotional time. He witnessed my grumbling about congregational decisions, and how difficult it was to sit still during an unusually long worship service. Oh girl, how's that for reflecting the sure hope of my salvation?
Well it's times like these that I am thankful the Lord uses the word "therefore" which is another way of saying "here's the answer" Because we have the tendency to fill the room with our single Selves, He tells us...
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Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
So we can...
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...be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 1 Peter 3:1-2
Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God, shows us the perfect example of being submissive to our spouses (especially the unbelieving spouse)-to be intentionally humble, gentle and patient by the power of His Spirit. Because of His good work, we can confidently follow our Shepherd and excitedly wave them on to "Come along and see-the Lord is good!"
Just as laughter is a contagion so is a joyful spirit! It's hard to resist tears of joy in the laughter, but tears of joy in the pain? Well that's a sight for your other half to see to believe. If you are experiencing shallow or deep, dark valleys then your sure visible hope can be the moment that helps make the "blind see."
Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. Isaiah 32:3
Oh, did I mention that I have a pew mate now-two years after my pondering? Three guesses who that might be and the first two don't count. Thank you, Jesus for infectious joy!
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Videos
11. Cancer. The dreaded "C" word.
Devotions
95. What a Friend We have in Jesus!
Super Girl
100. How many people do you that just annoy the living snot out of you...
Prayer
66. The Strength of an Arm by Julie Luetke
Do you have something big looming ahead of you? Perhaps you wonder how you will ever pay off a debt, finish a degree, complete a large project at work, raise a child, lose weight, or train to run a marathon.
In the Bible over half a million people complained to Moses for meat to eat in the middle of the desert. When Moses rightfully took the problem to God, the Lord answered with a question. "Is the Lord's arm too short?" Numbers 11:23
An arm is a symbol of strength when flexed to show a muscle. Arms are a symbol of compassion when stretched out to embrace. Arms are also a symbol of power and authority when folded across the chest.
Our heavenly Father wants us to remember the length, strength and authority in His arms. Not only was God able to provide more than enough meat for His children in the desert but we can't come up with a problem God cannot handle. God's arms are long enough to reach down to lift us out of debt, compassionate enough to embrace us through a severe illness or heartache and God's arms show His authority over an addiction.
Jesus did many miracles proving the power of himself as God. We hear in Mark 7:37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. He hath done all things well, they said, "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
Why would God want to bother using His arms to help you? He answered that question Himself in Isaiah 43: 1b-3a Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your god, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
May you feel the strength of the Father's arms as you rest in His embrace.
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Videos
11. Cancer. The dreaded "C" word.
14. Don't Worry, be Happy...in the Lord!
Devotions
136. Road Blocks are Mere Pebbles
Super Girl
46. There have been times in my life where I felt completely helpless...
90. What I’m about to say causes some to gasp and others to shrug and say, “Me too. Wanna see...
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67. To Know is to Live! by Christine Wentzel
Death of the body (and soul) is a consequence of sin, but that is not the end of the story. We have Easter to give us a happy beginning with no end in sight.
For God...made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 ...to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:79 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Those references might not be as familiar to you as the ones from the 23rd Psalm so consider the 4th verse, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Notice the words walk through and shadow. I learned from a wise sister in Christ that you can't have a shadow without light. That Light is Christ and we walk through the valleys, not hanging around them, not stuck in them and not alone in them.
Now how did my sister in Christ know this fact? He told her so in those bold Words you just read. Those Words are the only Truth of life available to us on earth. Not only is His Word THE Truth, it is alive and full of power! For the word of God is living and active. Hebrews 4:12 Can any books of man live up to that claim? Can you trust finite man more than the infinite Creator of him?
Look around your world today. New life is bursting open everywhere-in the valleys too. God the Father, the creator of heaven and earth makes that happen. God the Son, through His blood and resurrection makes that happen. God the Holy Spirit, the sustainer of our faith, makes that happen. Get deeper into His Word and know!
See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling [He means You!];
my beautiful one, come with me.
~Song of Solomon 2:1
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19. Are We Imitators of Christ?
Devotion
Super Girl
33. As I listened to the episode of "Repo Games" playing in the other room, I went...
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44. Dear Maker and Preserver of Life, in the daily Scripture postings...
68. Need Directions? By Gloria M.
In our day to day world of expanding technology, we have ample resources on how to get from any location to our desired destination. We use our handy devices to type in key words and numbers, and we instantly have step- by- step instructions on how to get where we are going and exactly how long it will take to get there! Sometimes technology isn't all that great, though; there may be unexpected road construction going on, and many detours along the way that were not expected. Or, because we are human, we may have missed a step along the way and we end up taking the "scenic route!"
Jesus tells us, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6
When I am lost in my daily life, God leads the way because he loves me and is "the way". When I am surrounded by lies, he is the truth that sets me free, and leads me to the rock that is higher than me! When I am feeling hopeless because of sin in my life, I look to Jesus who was born into this world as a babe and became my Savior, gave his life over to death on a cross, and then rose again to give me eternal life. I am now a redeemed child who has found her way, been blessed by his truth, and by grace alone have been given life everlasting! I come to the Father to receive all that Jesus gives me, because the Father and Jesus are one. The Father lives in Jesus and Jesus lives in the Father. By his Holy Spirit, I come by faith and am trusting in God's Word and learning to follow his directions for my life. I believe Jesus is my way, my truth, and my life. I cannot come to the Father on my own, only through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit is this possible.
Christ, my Savior, my Lord and my God...keep me protected by your truth and let not my heart be troubled, because you have overcome the world. By your power and your strength, I am safe in your everlasting arms as I trust in you each moment, and forever!!!
Directions are necessary in our everyday world; but our spiritual directions are vital for our eternal destination! Jesus is our "GPS" to our Father! He is truly "God's Plan for Salvation!" Let us listen and follow his directions. Let us carefully let him write them on the tablet of our hearts, and share the love of Jesus and his eternal directions with everyone we meet! Then we, and others will never be lost!!!
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Videos
9. How can a Christian Choose a Good Movie?
21. Halloween: What's a Christian to Do?
Devotions
129. I Want to Listen to Jesus' Voice
Super Girl
150. “In the absence of a moral compass, we are left with nothing more...
Prayer
69. Why Do We Exist? by Carolyn Webb
I watched in amazement as a man who was almost completely paralyzed communicated with a reporter. This man had only one muscle that he could control in his entire body. He used that muscle in his cheek to spell out words on a computer so others knew what he wanted to say. He could not move his mouth or vocal cords, but he was able to speak through the computer. His determination not to be completely consumed by the disease that ravaged his body was inspiring yet I felt very sad for him. This sadness was not caused by the physical difficulties he endured but by the question that remained unanswered for him. As a scientist his goal in life was to determine why the world exists; why there is something instead of nothing. He had rejected all religious explanations for the existence of the world. He was looking for a logical, scientific explanation of why the universe exists at all. In his current condition with his brilliant mind the only part of him that was still fully functional, he had plenty of opportunity to find the answer, but he had not succeeded.
We know that this scientist had rejected the only answer there is to the world's existence: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). God created our world and our universe. God didn't just create a gooey cosmic soup from which everything emerged. He created bodies of water, land, plants, fish, birds, animals and as the crown jewel of his creation, "God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). Unlike the other parts of creation, man was given a specific purpose. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:15)
Those who reject the Bible's explanation for our existence will continue to search in vain for the reason we exist. But we know that we have a God who loves us and who created us for a purpose. No further explanation is needed. We live to love and serve the God who created us to live in His universe.
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Super Girl
54. Recently, as in the last few years, I’ve been trying to figure out why...
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11. Dear Author of all that is, was and yet to come, your masterful work...
70. The Gift that Keeps on Giving by Karen Spiegelberg
Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving”? It seems to be thrown around a lot lately, sometimes referring to something in a positive way; sometimes referring to something or someone in a sarcastic way. It might surprise you to know that the phrase was first coined in the 1920s when RCA used it in an advertising campaign to promote their new Victrola, a phonograph that played musical records. The whole slogan read, “Everybody’s happy with… ‘the gift that keeps on giving’.”
Fast forward almost a hundred years and I doubt whether those old phonographs are still a gift that continues to give today. No matter what we invent, or no matter what we try to do, there is nothing earthly possible that can truly be a gift that keeps on giving forever. Although we are grateful for any and all gifts, they will eventually wear out, become obsolete, be used up, or are just plain forgotten about. Thankfully, with each Christmas we celebrate, we are reminded of the one and only gift that keeps on giving—the ongoing, unconditional, undeserved love from a God who sent his Son to earth as a gift to us—a gift that keeps on giving, and giving, and giving. But, what do we give him as a gift in return? After all, isn’t most gift giving at Christmas a two-way exchange? As we sang, “To Thee My Heart I Offer” recently in church, I pondered a line that says, “Take thou my heart and give me thine, and let it be forever mine.” Hmmm… I thought. If I give my heart to God, it would certainly be a gift that keeps on giving, but what it gives him is my imperfections, unclean thoughts, envy of others, pride, selfishness, and many other daily sins. Now, there’s a gift I bet none of you had on your wish list this year! That very gift is on God’s wish list, however and he wants us to continue giving it to him. When we do, we receive his gift that keeps on giving—forgiveness, grace, and salvation through the ultimate sacrifice of his son, whose birth as a baby we celebrate each Christmas!
As this Christmas season is winding down, I can tell you that I already have some of my gift “shopping” done for next year—my heart, imperfect as it is and certainly not beautifully wrapped. But, I know that a gift is ready for me, too… and it’s always there, and it’s beautifully wrapped in the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ— the gift that keeps on giving!
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10
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Super Girl
8. Our Christmas celebration was fairly laid...
61. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Somebody pays...
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6. Dear Giver of Life, we come to you in thankfulness for allowing...
71. Drop that Stone! by Karen Spiegelberg
When I was a young kid, it was fun to collect stones from the nearby riverbed or the quarry down the road. Some were smooth and round; some were irregular, but shiny. I have long since given up my stone collection and yet, for some reason, a collection of stones seems to gather around me without my efforts. These, however, are stones I tend to cast in judgment of others, especially those involved more publicly in “yuck” sins—you know, the sins that are really hard to imagine or fathom, like sexual assault on a child or child pornography.
Stories have surfaced recently about a college coach involved in sexual assault of several young boys, and a church leader charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. For most of us, our first response to these kinds of stories is, “Yuck!” We may then puff ourselves up and think, “I would never do something like that!” Our next response is to pick up a proverbial stone and throw it—in quick and sure judgment of that person. But, stop! Drop that stone! Now, take a journey with me to the Mount of Olives. Jesus was in the temple courts with many people gathered around him. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in adultery, no doubt a “yuck” sin in their minds. They wanted permission from Jesus to stone her and yet, Jesus calmly replied, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Upon hearing this, the people started to go away. They knew. They knew that they were no better than the adulteress; they knew that they were sinful and sin-filled, as well.
I so appreciate the reminder from that story, that in my daily sin, no matter how small or insignificant I may think it is, I am just as guilty as the college coach in the news or the adulteress of Jesus’ day. Although some sins are more public and will have earthly or criminal consequences, sin is sin. My daily sins condemn me just as surely as any “yuck” sins. But, thanks be to God! (1 Corinthians 15:57) He gives me (and you) the victory over sin, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ whose blood washes every single last sin away!
Hmmm… I think I’ll drop all my stones now. Then, I will bury myself deep in prayer for the sinners in the news and I’ll make sure that the sinner in the mirror is in my prayers, as well…
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged…” Matthew 7:1-2a
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Super Girl
112. Harped on. Berated. Made to feel less than. Criticized. Put down...
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1. Jesus, forgive us when our pride starts boasting of our lack...
72. He Changed the World Forever by Karen Spiegelberg
“He changed the world forever.” This is one of the comments frequently made this week as the world recognizes the death of Steve Jobs, the founder and genius of Apple Computers. Suffice it to say that, in some way Steve Jobs has affected your life whether it is an iPod that you own, an iPad, an Apple computer, an iPhone, etc. or that you have been a beneficiary of his mind’s gift through technology used in other ways. His ingenuity will definitely affect the current generation and generations to come.
“He changed the world forever.” That was most likely a thought about Jesus that ran through Paul’s mind as he sat imprisoned in Rome and penned his letters to the early Christian church about the full and free salvation they had in their Lord and Savior. But, Paul didn’t have a computer to e-mail the young believers, he didn’t have a cell phone to call them, and he didn’t have access to the internet to catch up on the latest news in Ephesus or Corinth, or anywhere. He had the power of the Word, given to him through the Holy Spirit, to communicate the most important information that anyone could receive. He did it so effectively, by the means of the day, that we are still able to benefit from his writings and share them through the Bible with the current generation and generations to come. God’s Word is all-powerful and has the ability through the Holy Spirit to change hearts and bring people to the knowledge of what Jesus did for us- died on the cross in our stead assuring us of eternal life. That is not only world changing, that is eternity changing and that is news worth noting!
Steve Jobs created and invented helpful “gadgets” the likes and complexity of which most of us cannot even fathom in our human brains, but in his prayer in Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul sums up credit and glory to God for the more far-reaching importance of what Jesus did:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Jesus Christ—He changed the world forever… for eternity.
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3. Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
Devotions
Super Girl
44. Politicians, pundits, and reporters keep talking about...
98. “Change” is a four letter word to many Christians...
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73. Where’s Your Hiding Place? By Gloria Marcouiller
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Lately, it seems we’ve had a lot of heavy duty thunderstorms. It can be bright and sunny one minute; and watch out, because before you know it…all that can change in an instant! The sky turns a deep gray, almost like a heavy dark drape overshadowing you. The thunder booms loud enough to make your heart flutter, while bright flashes of lightning light up the sky! The rain pours down so fast, and so hard…you can’t even see in front of you; because the windshield wipers don’t work that fast in a relentless downpour! The streets are filling up with water fast; and you hope your car doesn’t stall. The winds increase, and you feel helpless; but somehow you attempt to stay focused and in control. This is easier said than done!
When these earthly storms come; whether they come as a summer shower, a severe thunderstorm, or a turbulent tornado, we want to be safe! We may be afraid of being harmed, so we need to seek shelter. By faith, we remember that God is our very present help in trouble. We know He is still in control, and He will protect and deliver us. By God’s grace, we may be safe and sound and totally enjoying the storm outside. We are in our comfy chair with our favorite book and a hot beverage to keep us warm and comfortable. We know the storm is going on, but we are sheltered and secure. We are confident it will pass, and that the sun will come out again…we feel safe!
What about the spiritual storm you are going through right now, and your emotions are all over the place! Where is your hiding place now? Like an earthly storm that comes out of nowhere, a spiritual storm can literally rip the righteous rug right out from under your feet, and it’s hard to not fall flat on your face! Our emotions can play havoc with our soul. We know only the sadness and hurt we are feeling at the moment; it surrounds us like a dark heavy cloud and paralyzes our very being. The devil seems to enjoy holding our heart hostage. We give him an inch and he takes a mile! We know the right thing to do, but we play the victim and the struggle begins. Jesus gently reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Again-this is easier said than done! Jesus promised He would be with us in trouble. We need to bring out God’s first aid kit…His precious and unchanging Word that will bandage and heal all the emotional and spiritual storms we will encounter! Know that the storms of life will come, but we have a safe place to hide-- in the everlasting arms of Jesus, our protector and deliverer!
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Video
19. Are We Imitators of Christ?
Devotions
135. Parenting - God's Way Part 2 of 2
Super Girl
44. Politicians, pundits, and reporters keep talking about...
143. Is it Christian? We’ve been going through a series...
Prayer
44. Dear Maker and Preserver of Life, in the daily Scripture postings...
74. Don’t Forget the Second Half by Julie Luetke
A few weeks ago, I watched the wages of sin first hand. My father was dying of cancer. Every day he showed another sign that death was drawing nearer. My Dad had a very aggressive form of lymphoma. Many of his organs were failing.
When I arrived to help care for him, he asked me why this was happening to him. He had done many good things in his life, yet he was not escaping a terrible end. We remembered Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death.” The sickness my dad was forced to endure was not due to any one thing my father did or failed to do. He was born with enough sin to warrant death. Every day of his life he sinned. The wages of sin is death. We were not created to die but we are sentenced to die because it is the wages or consequences of sin.
I witnessed every detail of death. As my father’s strength escaped, his discomfort increased. His dignity vanished as control over his body failed. I could clearly see that death is not just the moment our soul leaves our body but all of the events that lead to it. Organs failing to remove fluid and toxins from his body caused much discomfort. Food was no longer a joy and eventually swallowing even water was a chore. The aches of sitting in a chair or lying in bed all day became a dreaded yet normal part of the misery. The death by this disease shows me how terrible sin is to cause us to die.
Romans 6:23 does not stop with a bleak declaration of certain death. The second half of the verse is: “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” When my father and I first talked of the wages of sin we did not stop with the first half of Romans 6:23. We reminded each other of the second half: “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus is our Savior from sin because He took our punishment for it on the cross and rose again to conquer death once and for all.
Between my father and me, Romans 6:23 became our constant reminder. I said it to him many times a day. “The wages of sin is death, but don’t forget the second half, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Eventually we did not speak the second half but just the reminder to not forget it. After a few days all we said was, “Don’t forget the second half.”
So dear friends, “The wages of sin is death, but don’t forget the second half, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23
My father entered eternal life in heaven on April 16, 2011 holding the hand of his wife and gazing at a picture of Jesus behind her.
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Devotions
Super Girl
55. The arrogant cannot stand...
Prayers
17. Dearest Jesus, Christmas Day will soon be...
26. Heavenly Father, There are some who deny the presence...
75. Plan to Reflect God’s Glory by Christine Wentzel
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
What type of planner are you? A long-ranger with Post-It notes all over the house, car or work? Or are you a fly-by-the-hem-of-your-skirts type who thinks time is a magazine?
Planning is a good and necessary thing. Better yet, God-dependent planning is a responsible, thankful and a God-pleasing part of Christian stewardship.
Our King is so awesome that we tend to keep Him reserved for the big plans in our life: medical procedures, selling or buying high value items, employment, vacations…etc. Here our total dependence on His providence reflects His glory all around us.
But how about reflecting His glory through the seemingly insignificant plans in our life? Stand in front of mirror and see what He sees of your wardrobe planning. As you plan your next meal, will the food choices harm or keep the body He gave you healthy? As you plan to head out for the next social gathering, will your words float on the wings of virtue, or sink with the weight of dishonor? As you plan your next shopping trip, will it fit within your means? Is His glory reflecting so brightly here that you’re glowing like you just walked away from His burning bush? I know-- me neither.
So, there’s no time like present to reconfigure our plans and get out those sunglasses!
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11
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Video
19. Are We Imitators of Christ?
Devotions
Super Girl
122. This morning I woke up with To God Be the Glory on an eternal...
Prayer