This was taken when I stopped on my way in to do errands and shop at king soopers. This is one of God's gift to me and to you.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Slow down and see God's beautiful creation
Do we even take time to slow down and appreciate the Majesty and Beauty around us of God's creation.
This was taken when I stopped on my way in to do errands and shop at king soopers. This is one of God's gift to me and to you.
This was taken when I stopped on my way in to do errands and shop at king soopers. This is one of God's gift to me and to you.
Meditation Psalm 21 Joy in your presence Lord
Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
(Psalm 21:5-7 NIV)
The Lord blessed David abundantly with the kingdom, with wealth, with power, with wives. But the greatest blessing of all was the Lords presence with David. David rejoiced not in the gifts and blessings of God but in the psalm David writes he is glad because of the joy of your presence Lord.
Lord I want to rejoice in your presence as your Spirit dwells in me and brings me into deep relationship with you the Father and the Son. Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life. But I have joy and purpose because you revealed yourself and walked with me on this journey to faith and now ministry.
Amen
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
(Psalm 21:5-7 NIV)
The Lord blessed David abundantly with the kingdom, with wealth, with power, with wives. But the greatest blessing of all was the Lords presence with David. David rejoiced not in the gifts and blessings of God but in the psalm David writes he is glad because of the joy of your presence Lord.
Lord I want to rejoice in your presence as your Spirit dwells in me and brings me into deep relationship with you the Father and the Son. Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life. But I have joy and purpose because you revealed yourself and walked with me on this journey to faith and now ministry.
Amen
Monday, July 30, 2012
2 Kings 6: The Lords Army with Elisha
This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, "Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?" "None of us, my lord the king," said one of his officers, "but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom." "Go, find out where he is," the king ordered, "so I can send men and capture him." The report came back: "He is in Dothan." Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, "Strike this army with blindness." So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, "This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for." And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, "Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see." Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?" "Do not kill them," he answered. "Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master." So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel's territory.
(2 Kings 6:11-23 NIV)
I love this passage. From the eyes of the world Elisha seems to have lost and God abandoned him to the mighty army of the King of Aram. But Elisha sees what the world does not see. He is surrounded by an army of the Lord that is greater than the army that opposes him. And Elisha opens his servants eyes to see. How beautiful that vision must have been of a real and powerful God protecting and saving them. I imagine the grandeur and light shining from heaven upon the army of the Lord.
God I am like the servant. I am blind to your spiritual and physical forces. I see the surrounding army and all that fight against me and you. I despair and fear. Please open my eyes to see your power and presence. For where you call you provide. You promise us persecution and you also promise us eternal life and protection.
But the story of Elisha does not en the way we might expect. The Lords army does not destroy the human army opposing Israel. Instead Elisha prays and the whole enemy army is blinded and he guides them to Samaria where the army of Israel surrounds them. And still the story gets stranger. They don't capture the army of Aram. They throw a feast and treat their enemies well. Through all of this the lord gave Israel protection and victory while teaching them to trust him and love their enemies. For the text says that as a result of this power and love instead of violence the army from Aram stops raiding Israel.
Thank you Lord for your love and protection! I want to trust in you more everyday Lord. I want to call upon your name as I seek and find you more.
Amen
(2 Kings 6:11-23 NIV)
I love this passage. From the eyes of the world Elisha seems to have lost and God abandoned him to the mighty army of the King of Aram. But Elisha sees what the world does not see. He is surrounded by an army of the Lord that is greater than the army that opposes him. And Elisha opens his servants eyes to see. How beautiful that vision must have been of a real and powerful God protecting and saving them. I imagine the grandeur and light shining from heaven upon the army of the Lord.
God I am like the servant. I am blind to your spiritual and physical forces. I see the surrounding army and all that fight against me and you. I despair and fear. Please open my eyes to see your power and presence. For where you call you provide. You promise us persecution and you also promise us eternal life and protection.
But the story of Elisha does not en the way we might expect. The Lords army does not destroy the human army opposing Israel. Instead Elisha prays and the whole enemy army is blinded and he guides them to Samaria where the army of Israel surrounds them. And still the story gets stranger. They don't capture the army of Aram. They throw a feast and treat their enemies well. Through all of this the lord gave Israel protection and victory while teaching them to trust him and love their enemies. For the text says that as a result of this power and love instead of violence the army from Aram stops raiding Israel.
Thank you Lord for your love and protection! I want to trust in you more everyday Lord. I want to call upon your name as I seek and find you more.
Amen
Meditation: psalm 20 Trust in the Lord who saves us
Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
(Psalm 20:6-8 NIV)
Too often I trust in things that fail. I trust in my own abilities, technology, plans and they fail. Even in ministry far too often I try to do things from my own gifts and strength and wisdom. But Lord I am sorry and I want to trust in you alone. For you alone do not fail. It is hard to feel out of control and trust you Lord. But you have been faithful. Please help us to trust in you. For we know that you save those you love and those you have called.
Who is it that you love?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Thank you Lord for your Love, for your Son and for your faithfulness!
Amen
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
(Psalm 20:6-8 NIV)
Too often I trust in things that fail. I trust in my own abilities, technology, plans and they fail. Even in ministry far too often I try to do things from my own gifts and strength and wisdom. But Lord I am sorry and I want to trust in you alone. For you alone do not fail. It is hard to feel out of control and trust you Lord. But you have been faithful. Please help us to trust in you. For we know that you save those you love and those you have called.
Who is it that you love?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Thank you Lord for your Love, for your Son and for your faithfulness!
Amen
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Meditation: Psalm 19 Follow the Lords Commands with joy
Let this be my prayer also:
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:7-14 NIV)
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:7-14 NIV)
Friday, July 27, 2012
Meditation: Psalm 18
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry. He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet. The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded. (Psalm 18:1-4, 6, 7, 9, 13 NIV)
When we cry out to the Lord not only does he listen but he answers with power. When David called to God whom he loved God came down with thunder and earthquakes and saved David from his enemies. God cares for each of us enough to send his Son an to save us when we cry out to him. God I am sorry I really on my own strength far too often. Please soften my heart and help me to call upon you and cry out to you my Father asking boldly at your throne of grace for you help.
Amen
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry. He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet. The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded. (Psalm 18:1-4, 6, 7, 9, 13 NIV)
When we cry out to the Lord not only does he listen but he answers with power. When David called to God whom he loved God came down with thunder and earthquakes and saved David from his enemies. God cares for each of us enough to send his Son an to save us when we cry out to him. God I am sorry I really on my own strength far too often. Please soften my heart and help me to call upon you and cry out to you my Father asking boldly at your throne of grace for you help.
Amen
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Meditation on Proverbs 9: Wisdom and Righteousness
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:9, 10 NIV)
God I ask you teach us your wisdom and righteousness by your living Word and guide us in that truth by your Holy Spirit. Reveal yourself to us as we seek your wisdom that leads to righteousness and a deeper relationship with you. Father I long to know you more.
Amen
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:9, 10 NIV)
God I ask you teach us your wisdom and righteousness by your living Word and guide us in that truth by your Holy Spirit. Reveal yourself to us as we seek your wisdom that leads to righteousness and a deeper relationship with you. Father I long to know you more.
Amen
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Psalm 16: In God Alone
I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing." Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure. (Psalm 16:2, 5 NIV)
I often put my hope and my trust in things apart from God. I trust in the gifts of God, my own abilities or even the ministry of InterVarsity. But truly God is our only hope. For all things will pass, they are only temporary except God. All people, organizations, and even the world will pas away but God alone is eternal. Our only hope Is God himself. Our only hope is in the goodness and sovereignty of Our heavenly Father I want to trust in you alone God. For you have proven yourself loving and gracious in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Please God forgive me for my pride and foolishness. Help me to trust you with my whole life and heart. Help me to trust in you and not in your worldly provision of gifts.
Amen
apart from you I have no good thing." Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure. (Psalm 16:2, 5 NIV)
I often put my hope and my trust in things apart from God. I trust in the gifts of God, my own abilities or even the ministry of InterVarsity. But truly God is our only hope. For all things will pass, they are only temporary except God. All people, organizations, and even the world will pas away but God alone is eternal. Our only hope Is God himself. Our only hope is in the goodness and sovereignty of Our heavenly Father I want to trust in you alone God. For you have proven yourself loving and gracious in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Please God forgive me for my pride and foolishness. Help me to trust you with my whole life and heart. Help me to trust in you and not in your worldly provision of gifts.
Amen
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Be Thankful instead of Complaining. Shine like the Stars!
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16 NIV)
Wow, that is hard. I have been trying to remember this even the last few days. It is hard. Jesus I am sorry. I want to shine as your light to the world. But, I can only trust in you and your strength not my own self control. God please change my heart; I want to be thankful, not complaining or arguing. You are our light, shine through me!
Wow, that is hard. I have been trying to remember this even the last few days. It is hard. Jesus I am sorry. I want to shine as your light to the world. But, I can only trust in you and your strength not my own self control. God please change my heart; I want to be thankful, not complaining or arguing. You are our light, shine through me!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Trust in the Lord: even in doubt
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me.
(Psalm 13:1-6 NIV)
David had times of doubt and he felt abandoned by God. Yet he continues to trust our Lord and remember that God has been good to him before. In the end David knows he is hopeless and would not have true and eternal life unless God is with him.
And his heart rejoices in God's salvation. He rejoices now in life not later!
God I doubt but I want to trust you more. Lord you have given me so many good things. But I want to trust you and rejoice in you because you love me and have saved me! Lord use me for your glory. I pray others would come to know you and the joy of your salvation through me.
Amen
How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me.
(Psalm 13:1-6 NIV)
David had times of doubt and he felt abandoned by God. Yet he continues to trust our Lord and remember that God has been good to him before. In the end David knows he is hopeless and would not have true and eternal life unless God is with him.
And his heart rejoices in God's salvation. He rejoices now in life not later!
God I doubt but I want to trust you more. Lord you have given me so many good things. But I want to trust you and rejoice in you because you love me and have saved me! Lord use me for your glory. I pray others would come to know you and the joy of your salvation through me.
Amen
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Meditation: Being productive and humble
Proverbs 6: 1-19
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV)
My natural desire is to be lazy and not plan ahead. But God made us to be productive and provide for ourselves and our family. Like the ant we need to live with wisdom and motivation to do what God calls us to with all things in balance and in their season. Father God you worked for 6 days and made this beautiful world and life. But on the seventh day you rested. Lord I want to be productive and take sabbath rest, help me to live both for your glory.
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
(Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)
I have haughty meaning prideful eyes. I confess that to you Lord, and I want to humble myself as your son did to take on human form and die for us sinners. Lord let me see others with the love, understanding and forgiveness you see me and other with.
Amen
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8 NIV)
My natural desire is to be lazy and not plan ahead. But God made us to be productive and provide for ourselves and our family. Like the ant we need to live with wisdom and motivation to do what God calls us to with all things in balance and in their season. Father God you worked for 6 days and made this beautiful world and life. But on the seventh day you rested. Lord I want to be productive and take sabbath rest, help me to live both for your glory.
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
(Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)
I have haughty meaning prideful eyes. I confess that to you Lord, and I want to humble myself as your son did to take on human form and die for us sinners. Lord let me see others with the love, understanding and forgiveness you see me and other with.
Amen
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