Luke 8:52-55 / New International Version - "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
Do you know whose you are? Your father and mother rightly claim you as their child, but do you recognize Jesus as the one who restores you as his son or daughter? He knows your coming and going, your every inner working: You are his.
How difficult it is to put our needs into the hands of the Father! Do we dare hope? Imagine watching your child die and feeling the despair of her absence, only to have Jesus claim that she is asleep. Both the girl's father and Jesus loved the child; both claimed her as their daughter. But only Jesus commanded her spirit and her life. His child hears his voice and obeys his command; she gets up and is restored!
God is faithful to the deepest needs of your heart; he knows you full well! Where is he directing you today? Are you a son or daughter in need of healing? Of hope? Hear his voice and let your spirit be renewed!
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Saturday, May 14, 2016
He Makes All Things New
Psalm 103:2-5 / English Standard Version - "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy; who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's"
We know that humans have limits. We need to eat and drink regularly to stay healthy. We get tired and cranky if we don't have enough sleep. We learn patience and self-control as we get older, and our emotions can be overwhelmed by life's great upheavals. The shepherd king, David, knew this and understood God's gracious and loving path of renewal.
Whether you are at peak performance or running on empty, needing renewal now or in the future, God alone can give you what you need for renewal of your mind, body, spirit and strength because he knows your limits and capabilities. He knows that you need time to refuel and space to recover your strength.
Be renewed today. Don't believe that you are weak because you need to rest; you aren't meant to be strong forever. You are designed to lean on the one whose strength can renew you. Tell him how much you need him today!
We know that humans have limits. We need to eat and drink regularly to stay healthy. We get tired and cranky if we don't have enough sleep. We learn patience and self-control as we get older, and our emotions can be overwhelmed by life's great upheavals. The shepherd king, David, knew this and understood God's gracious and loving path of renewal.
Whether you are at peak performance or running on empty, needing renewal now or in the future, God alone can give you what you need for renewal of your mind, body, spirit and strength because he knows your limits and capabilities. He knows that you need time to refuel and space to recover your strength.
Be renewed today. Don't believe that you are weak because you need to rest; you aren't meant to be strong forever. You are designed to lean on the one whose strength can renew you. Tell him how much you need him today!
Friday, May 13, 2016
He Heals My Broken Relationships
James 4:8,11 / New Living Translation - "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Don't speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God's law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you"
We were created for relationship. Since Adam expressed the need for a companion, people have sought fellowship together. But no matter how strong our desire to have healthy, loving relationships, it can be hard to move past the pain of a broken one. It may be a divorce, a breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend, or a longtime friend who has somehow become a bitter rival. In order for reconciliation to take place, we must look to God for direction.
First, pray. Submit yourself to God and refuse to allow the enemy any further destruction. Next, ask him what sin, if any, you have committed to contribute to the dissent. Confess it, repent, and let it go. Now comes the hard part: don't speak out against them. Don't slander or gossip or share your grievance; it won't make things better. In fact, it only makes things worse.
Can you extend forgiveness instead of judgment? Let the love of God flow through you and onto those you are at odds with. Begin to pray daily that you can forgive them for any pain or hurt they may have caused you. God is your great and mighty healer, depend on him for help.
We were created for relationship. Since Adam expressed the need for a companion, people have sought fellowship together. But no matter how strong our desire to have healthy, loving relationships, it can be hard to move past the pain of a broken one. It may be a divorce, a breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend, or a longtime friend who has somehow become a bitter rival. In order for reconciliation to take place, we must look to God for direction.
First, pray. Submit yourself to God and refuse to allow the enemy any further destruction. Next, ask him what sin, if any, you have committed to contribute to the dissent. Confess it, repent, and let it go. Now comes the hard part: don't speak out against them. Don't slander or gossip or share your grievance; it won't make things better. In fact, it only makes things worse.
Can you extend forgiveness instead of judgment? Let the love of God flow through you and onto those you are at odds with. Begin to pray daily that you can forgive them for any pain or hurt they may have caused you. God is your great and mighty healer, depend on him for help.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
He Is My Peace
John 14:26-27 / New International Version - "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"
Peace is much-desired but often elusive. Just when we seem to be getting life under control, a new disaster strikes. Just when we find enough calm to settle our minds, a bigger calamity arises. Or worse, the waves of difficulty come one after another with no end in sight.
Those in the armed forces know what it's like to feel one barrage after another and then experience a silence that cannot be trusted. It leads to another onslaught, persistent fighting, and ongoing upheaval. Will there ever be an end to our conflicts? Why does peace elude us?
We find everything we need when we look to God's Word. The peace of Jesus Christ is the only lasting peace, the only true peace that we can attain while walking this earth. Because he knew our weak flesh, Jesus promised us a path to his peace even in this world of struggle, our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.
Do you trust in the peace of God? Is your heart troubled or afraid? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the peace Jesus promised, and believe that he will accomplish what this conflicted world cannot.
Peace is much-desired but often elusive. Just when we seem to be getting life under control, a new disaster strikes. Just when we find enough calm to settle our minds, a bigger calamity arises. Or worse, the waves of difficulty come one after another with no end in sight.
Those in the armed forces know what it's like to feel one barrage after another and then experience a silence that cannot be trusted. It leads to another onslaught, persistent fighting, and ongoing upheaval. Will there ever be an end to our conflicts? Why does peace elude us?
We find everything we need when we look to God's Word. The peace of Jesus Christ is the only lasting peace, the only true peace that we can attain while walking this earth. Because he knew our weak flesh, Jesus promised us a path to his peace even in this world of struggle, our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.
Do you trust in the peace of God? Is your heart troubled or afraid? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the peace Jesus promised, and believe that he will accomplish what this conflicted world cannot.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
He Gives Me Courage
Philippians 1:20 / New International Version - "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have a sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death"
That's a pretty strong declaration: one exemplified in the life of Vibia Perpetua, a married noblewoman and Christian martyr who died at twenty-two years of age in Third Century Rome. There is a record of her diary entries detailing her life in prison and final hours. Perpetua was arrested for her profession of faith in Christ and threatened with a harrowing execution if she did not renounce her faith.
Early martyrdom wasn't only about dying for the profession of faith. It was about humiliation and torture carried out in a kind of sporting area - with fans celebrating the demise of the victims. Yet, Perpetua displayed incredible fortitude in her final hour. Read her account and you would have to agree that her courage could not possibly have been attributed to a human characteristic. Her courage came from God.
Having courage, being brave, remaining firm - we can only hold on for so long. Sometimes we need to recognize that it's time to call on the supernatural strength of our Father. He gives us enough courage to walk through any trying circumstance.
When you find yourself at the end of your courage supply, boldly ask God to replenish the stock. What are you going through today that needs a touch of supernatural courage to get you through? Can you be honest with God about your need for him?
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Perpetua-Christian-martyr - Biography
http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/perpetua.asp - The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity
That's a pretty strong declaration: one exemplified in the life of Vibia Perpetua, a married noblewoman and Christian martyr who died at twenty-two years of age in Third Century Rome. There is a record of her diary entries detailing her life in prison and final hours. Perpetua was arrested for her profession of faith in Christ and threatened with a harrowing execution if she did not renounce her faith.
Early martyrdom wasn't only about dying for the profession of faith. It was about humiliation and torture carried out in a kind of sporting area - with fans celebrating the demise of the victims. Yet, Perpetua displayed incredible fortitude in her final hour. Read her account and you would have to agree that her courage could not possibly have been attributed to a human characteristic. Her courage came from God.
Having courage, being brave, remaining firm - we can only hold on for so long. Sometimes we need to recognize that it's time to call on the supernatural strength of our Father. He gives us enough courage to walk through any trying circumstance.
When you find yourself at the end of your courage supply, boldly ask God to replenish the stock. What are you going through today that needs a touch of supernatural courage to get you through? Can you be honest with God about your need for him?
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Perpetua-Christian-martyr - Biography
http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/perpetua.asp - The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
He Is All I Need
Philippians 4:12-13 / New International Version - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength"
It happens on occasion, when the heavy spring rains come, that some homeowners find themselves on hands and knees trying to staunch the flow of water into their basement. The water rushes in, not down from the walls or windows, but up from the rising water table and through the foundation. And they bow low, soaking up all that they can.
It's a trying time, to be sure, as patience wears thins and towels pile high. But remember the living water, which springs up and gives life to the full! We can remind ourselves that it is only on our knees as servants that we draw abundantly from these waters, because they rush quickly to the lowest places - places that only a humble servant can access.
It's painful at times, hard on the back and knees, to be brought so low. But the heart soars, and all your thirsts are satisfied. You are in the company of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Can you think of any better place to be?
What areas of your life do you struggle to be content in? Let his living water fill you up to overflowing with gratitude and praise.
It happens on occasion, when the heavy spring rains come, that some homeowners find themselves on hands and knees trying to staunch the flow of water into their basement. The water rushes in, not down from the walls or windows, but up from the rising water table and through the foundation. And they bow low, soaking up all that they can.
It's a trying time, to be sure, as patience wears thins and towels pile high. But remember the living water, which springs up and gives life to the full! We can remind ourselves that it is only on our knees as servants that we draw abundantly from these waters, because they rush quickly to the lowest places - places that only a humble servant can access.
It's painful at times, hard on the back and knees, to be brought so low. But the heart soars, and all your thirsts are satisfied. You are in the company of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Can you think of any better place to be?
What areas of your life do you struggle to be content in? Let his living water fill you up to overflowing with gratitude and praise.
Monday, May 9, 2016
He Is Just
1 Peter 2:23 / New Living Translation - "He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly"
Our parents were right: life is not fair. We probably learned that early on when we were just kids - we didn't get the larger half of the cookie, or when one of our siblings got to go somewhere special while we were at school. As we got older, we might have learned about the lack of fairness a little more harshly: perhaps through wrongful accusations, denied promotions, or unmet expectations.
We hear about big trials, read about complicated court cases, and watch movies dedicated to the theme of justice. But many times even after a verdict is reached, the truth is uncertain. It's all about how the case was fought - who had the best lawyers and the most money. Has justice truly been served?
It's easy to be disappointed with the unfairness of life. When wrongfully accused or misunderstood, it's hard to take it to heart. We either want to defend our reputation until the bitter end, or disappear. When faced with these situations, we can rest in the knowledge God is just. He will judge everyone fairly - not by appearance, false evidence or hearsay.
We don't have to worry about our accusers fighting their case more convincingly. We don't leave our judgment in the hands of a jury. Even the most expensive defense attorney can't make a case against us that will last into eternity. God knows what happened, and, more importantly, he knows our hearts.
How does knowing that God is a fair judge help you let go of your need to defend yourself?
Our parents were right: life is not fair. We probably learned that early on when we were just kids - we didn't get the larger half of the cookie, or when one of our siblings got to go somewhere special while we were at school. As we got older, we might have learned about the lack of fairness a little more harshly: perhaps through wrongful accusations, denied promotions, or unmet expectations.
We hear about big trials, read about complicated court cases, and watch movies dedicated to the theme of justice. But many times even after a verdict is reached, the truth is uncertain. It's all about how the case was fought - who had the best lawyers and the most money. Has justice truly been served?
It's easy to be disappointed with the unfairness of life. When wrongfully accused or misunderstood, it's hard to take it to heart. We either want to defend our reputation until the bitter end, or disappear. When faced with these situations, we can rest in the knowledge God is just. He will judge everyone fairly - not by appearance, false evidence or hearsay.
We don't have to worry about our accusers fighting their case more convincingly. We don't leave our judgment in the hands of a jury. Even the most expensive defense attorney can't make a case against us that will last into eternity. God knows what happened, and, more importantly, he knows our hearts.
How does knowing that God is a fair judge help you let go of your need to defend yourself?
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