Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Freedom Over Bondage

     Sin brought death into the world. Sin holds us in bondage. And yet, while we were in sin, Christ died for us, and bore the pain and suffering we deserve.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

     Sin no longer has power over you. Be free in the Spirit of God today. You are forgiven and loved forever.  You are free!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

     We all know what it feels like to be held in bondage to sin. Worry and anxiety hold us in prison. Addiction holds us in chains. Fear and the inability to forgive eat away at our souls. We carry the weight as a heavy burden. Remove the chains! Give the burden to the One on the cross. He set you free; free from the yoke of slavery to sin.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Lord,
Help our unbelief. You set us free. Let us live in freedom. We are free indeed!
In Jesus name,
Amen


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Mercy Over Judgment

     Grace gives us what we do not deserve. Mercy does not give us what we do deserve. We deserve judgment and death. We were born sinners and yet God, through His grace, gives us forgiveness and resurrection. He took the judgment for us. His mercy reigns!

...Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13b                                     

     What a powerful statement! “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” I need to be reminded of that as I sit in judgment toward others. Jesus forgave me. He gave mercy rather than eternal punishment. And His mercy is new every single day.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

     We can show mercy to the undeserving. We don’t know their story. We don’t know their hurt. They may not know Jesus. His grace found us. Mercy triumphs judgment.

Lord,
How easy it is to sit in judgment over others, and yet you tell us to be merciful and filled with grace. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit and Your living Word that we can become more like You. Be patient with us. Your mercies are new each morning.

Amen

Monday, September 28, 2015

Grace Over Guilt

Abundant grace is God’s greatest gift. He gives us what we most certainly do not deserve. Christ became the Son of man and equally the Son of God. His grace overflows as we believe. That’s it! The Jews were given the law. And it was impossible to keep.
                                                                                                      
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

     We know how it is. We want to be perfectly obedient, holy and pure. We feel guilty at the slightest mistake, the little white lie, the thoughts about other s, the gossip, the addiction, and on and on it goes. We feel guilty for not serving the Lord, for missing church, for holding a grudge. And He continues to give us grace upon grace.

     He is there when we fall. He is there when we slip. He is there cheering us on when we are obedient through our fear. He is cheering when we defend His name. Let His grace wash over you again and again. He is our living water and the bread of life. Let your spirit fill up with Him and relax in the freedom to follow Him.

Father,
It is only through Your gift of grace we can be saved. It is through Jesus. He died on the cross for us and rose again. We can’t earn it or work hard enough to gain it. We just accept it. Thank you.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Friday, September 25, 2015

Aging in the Lord

     To review the week, our beauty in age comes from within. The love of Christ gives us the countenance of peace and joy. Jesus is sufficient in our greatest weakness. As we pour our hearts out to Him in all of our needs, He will give us the peace that passes understanding.

     Our gray hair is considered a crown of splendor. Know that Christ will meet your needs, carry you into old age and on to eternity. We may suffer for awhile. Our bodies will wear out. But our heavenly home is waiting! Don’t look at it as leaving something better behind. Look at it as yearning for something more wonderful to come. Each step of this crazy life brings us closer to pure perfection and joy.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day, for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

     Don’t lose heart beloved children of God! Most days it is difficult to remember that our troubles are momentary. But in the scheme of things our lives are like a wisp or a vapor, gone in a flash. Our spirits can be renewed day by day with Jesus. And what is unseen is eternal.

Fix your eyes on Christ. Fix your eyes on the unseen. Fix your eyes on heaven. Fix them on home.

Jesus,
Give us eternal perspective today. Remind us of our earthly blessings, even in the midst of great pain and loss. You can fill us with Your love until we see you face-to-face.

Amen

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Aging in the Lord

     Do you believe Jesus is sufficient to meet your every need? Some days that kind of trust is difficult, if not impossible. Physical pain and the loss of physical ability is draining. It zaps our energy and affects our emotions. Three truths in Scripture may assist us in getting rhrough. Jesus promises us peace of mind and heart when we give Him all of our needs. He promises that the Holy Spirit will be praying with us with deep groans of intercession and He promises to be our strength when we are weak.
I pray these Scriptures may help you today.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.  Romans 8;26

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

     Let His power rest on you. Rely on His strength in your greatest weakness. He is praying for you with understanding. Give Him all of your needs and He will give you peace.  This is His promise to you.

Jesus,
We trade our weakness for Your power, strength and peace. We don’t understand it, but we believe it. Let those suffering receive this peace that passes understanding as they read Your powerful Word.

Amen

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Aging in the Lord

     As we age, let’s gain our strength from the Lord. He changes our countenance. He changes our attitude. He affects the way we react to our circumstances, including physical changes. Live in awe of Him, with a willingness to serve and you can be like the Proverbs 31 woman.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Proverbs 31:30

    Aging can bring out the inner beauty, the type of beauty that is pleasing to God.  That type of beauty never fades. I know women like that and I hope you do, too. Watch and learn from the wisdom of older women of faith. Follow their lead.

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

Lord,
It is beautiful to see the inner beauty of the aging, the gentle and quiet spirit oozing with Your love. Guide us to age with grace and confidence, in knowing we are just getting a little closer to home.
Amen


Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Aging in the Lord

     I color my hair. I feel washed out and bland with my own natural hue. Blonde lightens the mood, lightens my appearance, makes me feel young. If you have gray hair? Count it a blessing! You are crowned! Listen to this:

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

     Wear it with confidence. It is your crown of splendor! And God will sustain us as we age.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  Isaiah 46:4

Father,
We are grateful for those around us with gray hair and wrinkles. Help us to see them as You do, as beloved children. We will remind them of Your ability to sustain them, to carry them and to rescue them. You are with us from birth until death.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Monday, September 21, 2015

Aging in the Lord

     The number transformed into a brand-new decade yesterday. And it’s a big number: 60! Many have not arrived at this age, once thought by me, to be ancient. Of course, Jesus changed my life almost thirty years now and I view others and life through His eyes. Or at least I attempt, with all of my human frailties, to see the world through Biblical eyes.

     Relationships are a gift from God. Treasure them. Say “I love you” even if it is awkward. Don’t take one breath of life for granted. Thank God for the blessings in your life. Take time to focus on God and what He desires for you. And focus on the needs of others more than on your own comfort or needs. That “other” focus will bless you as well.

     How do others recognize Christ in us? He tells us clearly.

“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

“This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8.

     Show love to one another and bear much fruit. What is the fruit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

     Jesus will grow the fruit of love from within. He loved us first. Now go and be His disciple!  Life is short and precious and it’s all about love.

Lord,
Thank you for the blessings in my life. Thank you for each reader today. Please bless them with an outpouring of love to share.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Friday, September 18, 2015

Heavenly Power

     The heavenly power of God is available to you today. In fact, the Bible goes so far as to say we have the same strength and power that was used to raise Christ from the dead! Now that is spiritual strength. Allow the inner strength of the Holy Spirit to rule and reign over you as you navigate the people, places and things ahead of you today.

     Believe Jesus is within, ready to give an answer, to provide a way out, to give you the right direction, to take away your fear, to battle the demons realm, to ease a broken heart. His power is above all things. Look for a miracle of the Spirit.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age, but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1: 18-21

Father,
We count on Your great power and strength from today until we reach our heavenly home. Enlighten our hearts to count on You above all things. You have authority, power and dominion over everything under heaven and earth. And you give it all to us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus.
In His name we pray,

Amen

Thursday, September 17, 2015

His Glorious Riches

     Jesus loves you. He desires to have a deep and abiding relationship with you. Your faith is pleasing to Him. When you turn to Him in prayer, He understands your heart. You are His child. If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are blessed. Here are some of the blessings taken from the 1st chapter of the book of Ephesians.

You have His grace and peace (v.2)
You have every spiritual blessing in Christ (v.3)
You were chosen (v.4)
You are adopted as His child (v.5)
You are forgiven and redeemed (v.7)
You were sealed with the Holy Spirit (v.13)

     Take in these blessings today and hear this prayer from the Word of God.


I keep asking that the God of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. Ephesians 1:17

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Praise and Trust

     What is clamoring for your attention this morning? Details? Drudgery? Dreams? Whatever is on your busy plate, take some time to pray. Sit, even if it is just for a minute or two, and pray. Give God your worries. Give Him thanks for your blessings. Give Him control of your day. Throughout the day, thank Him for the little things. Thank Him for the food you eat. Thank Him for the roof over your head. Praise Him for the sunshine. Thank Him in advance for any patience you will need to deal with your co-workersJ

     God loves our praise. And our praise places Him above our circumstances. It places our trust in something beyond this world. We can count on Him throughout the day to be enough for us. He is sufficient for this day, no matter what the day may bring. He will walk you through it. And He will be there in advance with the answers.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20

Lord,
We want to exalt you above our circumstances, to show Your love to others, to be courageous whether we live or die, let it is for You.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Listen and Trust

     The voice of God thunders. It whispers. It melts hearts. It convicts. It corrects. It blesses. It disciplines. It loves. Listen. What is He telling you? Do you need to change your life to walk in His ways? Is there something you need to give up or let go? Is there a new path He is leading you to take?  
                                                                              
     God never condemns. But He wants the best for you. Listen for His voice from deep within. Sit still and ask Him to give your heart His wisdom. And change your ways to meet His best. It will be the wisest decision you have ever made. Our lives are short. Live yours for Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

    Trust His understanding over your own. Submit to Him in all things and He will direct your path. Count on it.

Jesus,
We listen for Your voice in our lives, to guide, to correct and to bless us. Your ways are higher than our ways and your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We place our trust in You today.

Amen

Monday, September 14, 2015

The Voice of Love

     Are there voices that soothe you…irritate you? Some may reverberate in a tone too loud or too soft to hear. Can you bring back the sound of voices from your past? I can still hear the voices of my grandparents and my parents even though they have been gone for many years.

     My grandpa, Ole, laughed as he spoke, upbeat, a bit goofy. My grandma, Pella, often scolded him, always in a loving way, and she spoke lovingly about Jesus, in her heavy Swedish accent. His name was pronounced as “Yesus” and mine, “Yudy”. I still miss them.

     My dad’s voice was a bit gruff from smoking. He was logical and loving. He tried to be a stern disciplinarian but never quite pulled it off.  My mom’s voice was sweet and kind and encouraging. I don’t remember seeing her angry. I long to be just like her.

     God’s voice is speaking to you each day. He loves you unconditionally and forever. He speaks through others. He speaks in His Word. He speaks to our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Tune out the voices around you and listen for His. If you grew up without those loving voices, let Him teach you how to be loved.

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him and His righteousness with their children’s children.  Psalm 103:17

Father,
Your voice echoes with love from everlasting to everlasting. We need your love above all else. You have drawn us with unfailing kindness. Speak to us so that we have the confidence of being truly loved. You care for us and our lives.
In Jesus name,
Amen


Friday, September 11, 2015

Be Alert

     There are times in life when our firm foundation in Christ becomes cracked. Satan’s lies cause us distress and our mind obsesses and worries. Doubt and fear raise their ugly heads and Satan is more than ready to roam like a lion waiting to strike. Begin, right now, to cast all your cares onto Jesus.

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

    After you cast your anxiety and fear onto Christ, stay alert to the wiles of our enemy.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  1 Peter 5:8-9

     This week we have studied the firm foundation of Jesus. He is the cornerstone on which every part of the church is built. When you find yourself floundering, stay firm in the faith. As the family of believers, we are in this together. Stand firm, hold steady and reach out your hand to the hands of other Christians around you. Persevere in the faith and the blessed assurance of Christ.

Jesus,
Keep us alert and faith-filled. Let the body of Christ remain steadfast and bold, persevering against the persecution of the world. Satan’s hold is strengthening on the world around us. Help us to bring others to You.
Amen



Thursday, September 10, 2015

Never Shaken

     The kingdom of God is forever. Our bodies will be renewed. The earth and the heavens will be made new. As we view the events of the world shaking around us, let us fix our eyes on the everlasting.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

     When anxiety creeps in, cast your cares on Him. He is steady. He will sustain you. He will not let you be shaken. It is His promise to you.

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

     Because of our Lord, we can never be shaken. Our foundation is sure on the Rock of our salvation. Live in thankfulness and deep joy. He is coming soon. Live in worship and praise, in reverence and awe.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Jesus,
Your Word is filled with Your promises for us. We raise our voices in praise to You, our Rock, the cornerstone of our faith. We cast our cares on the forever One, the First and the Last. Give us Your steady right hand when we feel the world shaking around us.
Amen



Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Cornerstone

     The Israelites awaited their Rock, the Rock of their salvation.

“For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” 2 Samuel 22;32

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4
                                                                                                   
     And Jesus, Himself was cut from the Rock as the cornerstone. This was prophesied in the Psalms.

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Psalm 118:22

     Jesus would be rejected by His own. Jesus is the cornerstone on which everything is built. The Rock of salvation, our firm foundation. Jesus Himself quoted the Scripture above. (Matthew 21, Mark 12, Luke 20) See also Acts 4.

     Do not reject the cornerstone laid down for us. It is Jesus. Place Your life on the firm foundation of the Rock, our salvation.

For in Scripture it say, “See I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. 1 Peter 2;6

Lord,
We praise You for this precious and chosen cornerstone. We place our trust in Jesus, the Rock of our salvation. He will hold us firmly. He is our refuge.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

On The Rock

     Where do you place your faith? …In yourself? …In your spouse? …In your ability to complete the tasks of the day? …In the doctor? …In the pilot? Even if we have enough faith to get through our days, trusting in the people and the circumstances around us, there remains a nagging uncertainty, along with the “what if’s.”

     We know we don’t have complete control. A storm hits. The wind blows in a new direction. The seasons change. We age. A loved one dies. There is an accident. A diagnosis. A loss. A hurt. Put Jesus in control. Listen to His Word and put it into practice. Place all of your faith in Him.

“Therefore everyone who hears these Words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these Words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

      Don’t allow the storms of life to crush you. Jesus will walk with you. He protects and strengthens. Place your faith in the Rock. He is steadfast, immovable, firm and protective. All other ground is sinking sand.

Jesus,

You are our firm foundation through life. When the storms hit, you are there. Through the raging waters You are there. Through the devastation and loss, You are there. You are there eternally. We place our faith in You.
Amen